HELEN JANE LONG Live at St James’s London is a beautiful concert (BLE Records, United Kingdom). The music was composed and arranged by Helen Jane Long, and performed by Helen Jane Long and The London Players in 2015. I had not listened for a time, so the music is both familiar and new.
Tag: Helen Jane Long
once unknown to me
once unknown to me
now memories
of comfort and rest
and new today
quiet songs
George Winston, Helen Jane Long, and many other wonderful artists – when someone’s work stays new, what a gift. And the miracle of learning something new.
The rose is from AntiqueClipart.
Music Notes
In the past, I’ve written “Creative Notes.” I thought I’d write short posts here and there about artists I’ve heard on Pandora, and then bought a few of their CDs. I don’t read music or sing or play an instrument. These are simply artists whose work is blessing me these days.
A few of the CDs I am listening to are: Perspective by Helen Jane Long, Piano and Night by Brian Crain, and It’s About the Rose by Karen Marie Garrett. I ponder some of the choices of titles for compositions. They seem so right for the pieces. And I like looking at the CD art and how it is designed.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Rest and Renewal
snow rests
on birch tree branches
that will grow new leaves
and also
on evergreen branches
the yard asks little now
some light seems to rest
with the clouds
I listen to music without
words and then practice
new poems
last year I read many books
mystery of rest and renewal
I am working with some of the ideas I shared in the view has changed.
Today I am listening to music by Helen Jane Long.
And I remember a haiku:
January thaw . . .
letting go
of old heartaches
“January thaw” was published in A Splash of Water: Haiku Society of America 2015 Members’ Anthology, edited by Catherine J.S. Lee.
Ellen Grace Olinger
Music and other thoughts
Music is a part of our daily lives. What a gift.
I grew up in a Lutheran church and remember singing in church – words I could not truly understand as a child. “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (from Psalm 51). The poetry inspired me always.
I began Quiet Christmas Poetry with “In the beginning was the Word . . .” from John 1: 1.
More recently, I discovered Helen Jane Long and her beautiful compositions without words. Yet her titles of CDs and songs seem so right, and I hope to learn more. For example, “Porcelain.” Perfect for a CD and the song.
Working with visual art more, with blog posts, I also look anew at the album and CD covers. For example, I remember seeing Joni Mitchell’s paintings all those years ago. I begin to see different languages of expression, and how artists put their work together for others to enjoy. Sustain others in difficult times.
And I continue to enjoy Wendy Brightbill’s art. Her site is a girl and her brush, gathering beauty in the every day. I buy her calendars, and certain paintings are associated with certain times. Her style is varied, and includes mixed-media art. I think, “I could do that too!” She is a teacher.
Life changes, and it is good to have our sources of inspiration that can travel with us as we learn new times. One song can recall a lifetime of work. One painting can fill a room. I have my Bible with the Psalms taped together now, as they have held me together. When I was not well enough to read, my heart was full.
Blessings,
Ellen
mid-November
time of year
when small things
bring even more joy
scented soaps
and a cup of coffee
simple meals
carnations in a blue vase
quiet music and
always poetry
Ellen Grace Olinger
I’m reading Eye of the Beholder: Poems by Luci Shaw (2018, Paraclete Press); and listening to Perspective by Helen Jane Long (2018, BLE Records).
Creative Notes
New lesson plan: Sharing Haiku Lesson 2 – The Haiku Foundation Digital Library.
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I am enjoying Live at St James’s, London, a CD by Helen Jane Long and The London Players.
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Ellen Grace Olinger
Poems From Oostburg, Wisconsin 