Making strides

 I finally uploaded an actual new composition to my website. I've spent a good amount of time on it. Actually, I can't really say that. It actually flowed better and quicker than anything else I've ever done. And it floored me. You see, I have this list of old hymn tunes I want to rewrite. But I had this melody for the hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" going through my head. And I thought, there's NO WAY I can do anything with that. It's like taking Amazing Grace and writing a new melody. SACRILEGIOUS!!! But, I couldn't get this thing out of my head. So I wrote it. I sang it for people. I even uploaded it to Noisetrade. And I got positive feedback. So, we sang it for worship. Again, positive feedback. So then my brain started spinning about how to write it as a choral piece. This is taking on multiple fears at once. Writing 4 part music, AND piano accompaniments. But, as I sat down to write it, it all came together. As I sat down to write the accompaniment, something beautiful came out. This is something I'm quite proud of. A huge stride.

 I am working on trying to promote my website and get people interested in having me write music for them. I did a contest for my birthday to give away a composition, and the winner wants a piece written for a handbell quartet and piano. I've also had an inquiry about a composition for a 3 octave choir and bell tree. So, I've got lots of challenges on the way. I've still got my list of ideas to work on, so there's no shortage of things to do and ideas floating in my head. And now I am finally getting into a routine, so I feel like I'm starting to make headway into what I want to do. I just seem to be stuck on how to get the word out.

 Finally, health-wise, I'm down 9 pounds in 2 and a half weeks. I haven't been walking as much as I should, but I think it's supposed to be cooling down, so I think that desire will be taking off. I also now have a mountain bike, so that should help. It's something I've been wanting for a few years.

 I have to say that I'm amazed at the changes I've made in my life since July. Many times, it doesn't feel like major accomplishments that I should be patting myself on the back for, but going from minimal effort, to something is really a lot. I'm trying to not get discouraged, get frustrated and give up as I have so often in the past. And it feels different this time. I don't know if it's because I've tried so often and failed, and finally have realized that to make a lasting and impactful change and to do the things I WANT to be doing musically, I need to get some gumption, roll up my sleeves, get to work, and not give up. Or maybe it's maturity. At age 36, I sure hope so!!