tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28523151500716645942024-03-05T05:18:41.522-08:00View From Inside"I, I believe...we are all just passin' by. In the blink of an eye, it could all go away, all we've got is this moment to live for this day..." (lyrics from 'Live This Dream')Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-74886863196981866222020-11-12T22:45:00.002-08:002020-11-13T00:05:00.910-08:00Good Day to Be Alive<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif">November 13, 2020</span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvB3kcXhdWkrxeM1823Mfjqz-GsSkX46sCUIUmDCAp18FmQWvOJKGGN24fkd9xpHlmFLNPHx0_IS5vx34GZtYd98Rw7nlb5XEKlADnljYYUwPuXlfvWRjt5vJn8I6vP9qKrATmdN_vaN7/s1080/Good+Day+to+Be+Alive+Meme2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvB3kcXhdWkrxeM1823Mfjqz-GsSkX46sCUIUmDCAp18FmQWvOJKGGN24fkd9xpHlmFLNPHx0_IS5vx34GZtYd98Rw7nlb5XEKlADnljYYUwPuXlfvWRjt5vJn8I6vP9qKrATmdN_vaN7/s320/Good+Day+to+Be+Alive+Meme2.png" /></a></i></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Years ago when I moved to Tucson, I walked my dogs at sunrise. Some mornings, I’d cross paths with an elderly gentleman wearing a Korea Veteran cap, a cane in one hand and his dog’s leash in the other. One morning, I asked him how he was doing. He replied, <i>“I’m still walking’, the birds are singing’ and those clouds are clearin’. Ain’t it a good day to be alive?”</i> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">That one interaction shifted my perspective - quieting my woes and planting</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> seeds for what would become a studio recording over a decade later. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">I went home and began writing “<b>Good Day to Be Alive</b>.” </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The unfinished lyrics, melody and chords lay dormant in the archives of my journal and mind until 2020 when my band and I began recording “<b>Roots Run Deep</b>”. I knew this album would be the perfect home for the song. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">I finished it, and we recorded it. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Such a <i>small</i> conversation left a deep imprint on my being, and became part of the “roots” that shape me. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Thank you to my band and musical co-inspirers – Doug Floyd (electric guitar), Jay Trapp (bass) Ralph Gilmore (drums) and Seth Murzyn (violin) – for rockin’ the tune, and to Steven Lee Tracy at <a href="https://www.saintceciliastudios.com" target="_blank">Saint Cecilia Studios </a>for his stellar production and engineering work. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Here's the studio recording:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="302" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6S7_fCPFUI" width="444" youtube-src-id="I6S7_fCPFUI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>And here's a debut live performance of it:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="289" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jLGyz6OIvGk" width="456" youtube-src-id="jLGyz6OIvGk"></iframe></div></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>May gratitude fertilize our soil and love shift our ground, allowing our roots to grow deeper and more interconnected. </i></b></div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-45973467476063417312020-06-01T23:04:00.002-07:002020-06-01T23:04:52.868-07:00"Communion" - Reflections on the evening of 6/1/2020<div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">A cloud hovers over my city. </span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Heaven touching earth, </span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">displaying the beauty of dark and light, </span><br />
soft hues of hope in between. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDKFwkXavWH_zqRySwWWBptjbEoc-gV6PishWIV-LCKsIjBzQNjFi-zYp7SKXBsPeg4zyFjILrMEvsjgmFeqfLLmWTa-nZB8Ksb0MG33L7aUnR7kgJB9Do3Jgp5mmy9FBbo6-NpnOg3qb/s1600/IMG_8866.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDKFwkXavWH_zqRySwWWBptjbEoc-gV6PishWIV-LCKsIjBzQNjFi-zYp7SKXBsPeg4zyFjILrMEvsjgmFeqfLLmWTa-nZB8Ksb0MG33L7aUnR7kgJB9Do3Jgp5mmy9FBbo6-NpnOg3qb/s320/IMG_8866.HEIC" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><br />
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The people gathered in my town tonight,<br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">peacefully, respectfully. </span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">A sense of communion, communal grieving, empowerment. </span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Wanting a better way, to create a better story. </span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0">As the evening came to a close, all it took was one. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0">A some-one, broken deep in the heart </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0">to ignite the brokenness of the other-ones </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0">until the factions began. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0">And communion was over. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="cqjm0-0-0">And the old story of “us vs them” began again. </span></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="ds1ii-0-0"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="ds1ii-0-0">Meanwhile, a cloud hovers over my city. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="ds1ii-0-0">Nature’s communion. Heaven touching earth. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span data-offset-key="ds1ii-0-0">An endless offering to humanity – in the air we breathe to the earth that sustains us. Everything we need to thrive - but only when we are in communion.</span></span><br />
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Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-42399328196726729072019-12-23T23:13:00.001-08:002019-12-23T23:13:24.380-08:00Light to the World<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
It was winter solstice, the longest night of 2010. I felt that familiar energy palpable in my veins, like an intense vibration, of a song wanting to emerge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary. </div>
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The story. </div>
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The archetype of every human...being completely vulnerable and outcasted while carrying the spark of divinity within. Terrified by that spark, yet going forth on faith to fulfill the quest to bring that spark into the world. </div>
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It was this story, the longest night of year, sirens outside of my house, and headlines of our war-torn world that inspired my writing “Light to the World.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Three weeks after writing this song, the tragic shootings of January 8<sup>th</sup>, 2011 occurred in my town of Tucson, Arizona. Three days later, I played “Light to the World” outside of Gabrielle Giffords’ office at our community vigil. There were many people, many stories, many faiths and many differences. Yet we had one mission. To grieve in Unity, and in Unity, heal. That night, this song took on a much deeper meaning as we gathered, lighting candles and invoking light into an extremely dark situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We wander through the valleys and the hills <o:p></o:p></div>
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On this dark, dark winter’s night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I reach for your hand and walk beside you,</div>
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my lantern grows bright.</div>
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The star in the heavens, beckons us to light divine,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Where there is no fear, no separation, no suffering, only One.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And the angels sing, “Glory, come lay your head.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Glory, and you are fed, as you bring forth <o:p></o:p></div>
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Light to the World, </div>
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As we bring forth Light to the World, </div>
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As we bring forth Light to the World </div>
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on this dark night.” "</div>
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<i>~Amber Norgaard lyrics from “Light to the World”</i></div>
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Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-75845538654813264862019-12-02T18:17:00.000-08:002019-12-02T18:17:02.289-08:00Middle-of-the-Night Words and Melodies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oftentimes, lyrics and melodies awaken me in the middle of the night, and then play over and over in my mind until I let them out. This past week, a distinct vocal riff of C-D-E-E with the words "May I be love" was haunting me. And this is what it became - my Thanksgiving week mantra set to music. Actually, it may pertinent for any day. Or better yet, maybe every day...as a reminder to live mindfully in gratitude, acting from that place of Love. </div>
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<b>SONG OF THANKS - by Amber Norgaard</b></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I be love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May my soul shine its light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Even in the hardest days, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The darkest nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I know peace <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">As my own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">On this journey home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I feel grace,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I know that I am One<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">In this corner of creation,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">We are greater than our sum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May we live each day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">With a song of thanks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">For this journey home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I see through the brokenness -</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Be part of the blessing just beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I reach through fear,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">And offer a refuge from the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I be love,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May my soul shine its light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Even in the darkest days,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The hardest nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">May I speak Truth -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The Truth that sets us free<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">To be the best of what we came here to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 10.5pt;">May we live each day</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">With a song of thanks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">For this journey home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 10.5pt;">May we live each day</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">With a song of thanks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">For this journey home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-67340516734267152222019-08-08T23:29:00.002-07:002019-08-09T02:34:34.259-07:00A New Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I remember when I worked as a young nurse in Alaska. My brilliant colleague had recently arrived to work with us. She grew up in India. One evening, we were walking on the tundra (probably berry picking, but I don’t exactly recall). She looked at me and said in her thick British/Indian accent, <i>“Amber, I do not understand why kids here go to school and shoot each other. In India, it is a </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>privilege</b> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">to go to school.” </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was 20 years ago. I lived in Bethel, Alaska, and the tiny town was still reeling from a school shooting in the mid-90’s. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The societal illness underlying this story continues to spread and plague my beloved “United” States of America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently watched the documentary <a href="https://youtu.be/A8sUwXTWb4M" target="_blank"><b>Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am</b></a>. Amazing life. Phenomenal woman. Nobel prize winner and much more. Her writing opens people to connect to their feelings and witness through story that love can transcend the most trying, painful times. She literally lived her words, <i>“<b>If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it</b>.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a <i>new story </i>that wants to be written. It reflects Martin Luther King, Jr’s words, <i>“In spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace. We adopt the means of nonviolence because our end is a community at peace with itself. We will try to persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts.” </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This <i>new story</i> is a reckoning of minds, hearts, words and deeds. It doesn’t come through blaming and finger-pointing, but rather through a deep accountability in every human conscience - being aware of each thought that turns into word and then into action, and how this projects into the world. <i>Does it heal or does it destroy? </i></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCZFORcwcZwRP9M18bNaBEnniM7YZUUZooSIv_bI3ugFqByypY_BdLOFAcAFmfBMmIzzpYt35cLrlbIvOlE2KbOLwufA-ryijyUzHmubn-FOSIu-CFW7gr-oBultW21ozUgVFW84dIg0C/s1600/Alchemy+Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCZFORcwcZwRP9M18bNaBEnniM7YZUUZooSIv_bI3ugFqByypY_BdLOFAcAFmfBMmIzzpYt35cLrlbIvOlE2KbOLwufA-ryijyUzHmubn-FOSIu-CFW7gr-oBultW21ozUgVFW84dIg0C/s320/Alchemy+Quote.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listen to <a href="https://ambernorgaard.com/track/1282307/alchemy" target="_blank">Alchemy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a story of <i>union</i>, starting from within oneself and moving out into the community. It’s a story where my country lives up to its name <b><i>UNITED </i>States of America</b>, where we can fly our flags at full mast because we love our neighbors as ourselves, and hence, do not destroy one another. It’s a story that welcomes diversity to the table for its gift of perspective. In this <i>new</i> story - respect, diplomacy and consideration are valued more than money and fame. It’s a story where we strive to heal each other, build healing systems and as my former boss in Alaska once said to me, <i>“leave this world a little better than when we got here.” </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s a simple story; and it’s <i>not</i> a matter of <b><i>if</i></b> we can do it, but <i><b>when</b></i> will we <b><i>choose</i></b> to do it? </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-13472606117807049002017-09-11T22:19:00.000-07:002017-09-12T09:28:46.366-07:00Light Remains<div style="text-align: left;">
Slowly...over space and time, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the details of the darkness begin to fade,</div>
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and the trauma ebbs a bit further<br />
into the archives of the heart.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb_rATm91CsGW_Yh2MybtpugDJynkkXvZduC4Msg2_RxoT_C6q9tyCU4IB4oEhYV6kY9XUP8BpNk0LZHRPt9Yer_q2fvUM6grBkofBtqGo9-LHG7pLKvexIw4sBV4equMMxzMDhZ1ut4h/s1600/Tribute_in_Light_in_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb_rATm91CsGW_Yh2MybtpugDJynkkXvZduC4Msg2_RxoT_C6q9tyCU4IB4oEhYV6kY9XUP8BpNk0LZHRPt9Yer_q2fvUM6grBkofBtqGo9-LHG7pLKvexIw4sBV4equMMxzMDhZ1ut4h/s320/Tribute_in_Light_in_2010.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<br />
<h4>
Yet the Light remains...</h4>
Strong, subtle, soft, silent --<br />
Growing and expanding into infinity,<br />
Waxing in completion --<br />
Through the stories we tell<br />
of heroism, connection<br />
and feats of love.<br />
Fully alive --<br />
in the candles we light,<br />
and in the sparks of inspiration<br />
that we act upon<br />
and make manifest while still in this "earth" realm... <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sparks of light </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
existing only</div>
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Because once upon a time </div>
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in a sacred space,</div>
</div>
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we walked upon Earth together</div>
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and now are forever </div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
embedded</div>
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with the Light</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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that we witnessed.</div>
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,Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-77547271148659893772015-10-12T20:58:00.000-07:002015-10-12T21:01:56.178-07:00Orchestra of PigeonsDuring my sunset walk, I passed a group of pigeons, who suddenly lifted off the ground upon my approach. They were in perfect orchestration on lift-off, and the rush of wind under their wings bathed my senses. Circling above, they innately knew how to move together as one unit. And then as if the great conductor of the sky gestured them to land, they lit in unison, each in place upon the telephone wires.<br />
<br />
When I play music, I feel that amazing conductor of Life at work extending through all of us - through me, my bandmates, the listeners - and for that moment, we are together in vibration and rhythm, each playing a role that contributes to the unique experience of that moment. It is a sense of profound communion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgfs0op12puKgtBPSfGJscitwL_qeFlcbcQ5Aoc4ZfGjMK4cLzAdO4Mw49NkWiU9Sa8Ht8Ie4qCROB_Sz1-Rbcr6drMbEuzamQZI6C97RqEbdYjwv_Xs2dQlCrPUFgQMD7XpnavuKC3Z3/s1600/Pigeons+and+Orchestras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgfs0op12puKgtBPSfGJscitwL_qeFlcbcQ5Aoc4ZfGjMK4cLzAdO4Mw49NkWiU9Sa8Ht8Ie4qCROB_Sz1-Rbcr6drMbEuzamQZI6C97RqEbdYjwv_Xs2dQlCrPUFgQMD7XpnavuKC3Z3/s400/Pigeons+and+Orchestras.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I think about how powerful we are in this place. This place of Oneness...where we share a common mission - where we choose to play a part in the song of connection, love and healing...<br />
<br />
Or not...<br />
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For it's always a choice, and we always share in a mission - be it constructive or destructive. We can choose to make breezes or hurricanes, peace or war...ultimately heaven or hell as we walk together upon this planet.<br />
<br />
Either way, when the dust finally settles, what's left is the Oneness that continues to exist...the amazing life force that brought us here and continues to shape shift our beings...that continues to spin the earth just right for the sun to rise and for humanity to awaken to new beginnings...if we choose.<br />
<br />
To the orchestra of pigeons...job well done. Thank you for a fabulous performance on my walk this evening.<br />
<br />
Nature has a way of reminding me that it's my choice of how I fly...scattered and separate, or together and in grace.<br />
<br />Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-28596680120151477082015-07-14T21:51:00.001-07:002019-08-09T02:52:41.606-07:00Support POSSIBILITY!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As an independent artist, YOU are my record label. <b>THANK YOU SO MUCH</b> to everyone who has sponsored songs and pre-ordered. AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU who follow my music, come to shows, and invest in my recordings. Because of you, I continue to create music and share it within the world. From the depths of my soul, I am infinitely grateful.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Possibility</i></b> has been a huge communal effort. I am deeply grateful to work with producer Steven Lee Tracy at <a href="http://saintceciliastudios.com/" target="_blank">Saint Cecilia Studios</a>. Many phenomenal musicians contributed their time and creativity to make the songs much bigger than I ever imagined.<br />
<br />
The album will be officially released August 28, 2015. Pre-orders will be shipped out in early August.<br />
<br />
Thank YOU for being part of my music.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>We're in the last week of studio work. If you'd like to support this creation, here's a special "support the new album" deal through Friday, July 17th:</b></div>
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB4sJ3enqfZMw3mO1wZ9WtCX9akMPnhSNGXIrn3XaFCg7Y_iqxC14qRznr0mT7y-9YwZvYg4aP8HXORW5fQNTGatzNsDhC3riW3HWt9UnUKO5EtV0lpDFw27wL7sbAfMOuu9JapFHdh-h/s1600/Cover_crowdsource.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB4sJ3enqfZMw3mO1wZ9WtCX9akMPnhSNGXIrn3XaFCg7Y_iqxC14qRznr0mT7y-9YwZvYg4aP8HXORW5fQNTGatzNsDhC3riW3HWt9UnUKO5EtV0lpDFw27wL7sbAfMOuu9JapFHdh-h/s200/Cover_crowdsource.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>$50 - ONE SIGNED POSSIBILITY CD + SPECIAL THANK YOU IN THE CD LINER NOTES</b><br />
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<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="X9AG7BJ8CRM96" />
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<table>
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<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Name(s) for liner notes:" />Name(s) for liner notes:</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> <i> - SUBMISSION CLOSED - THANK YOU, EVERYONE! - </i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</form>
<br />
<br />
<b>ALSO THROUGH FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH, THERE ARE STILL SONGS AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR (see below). </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>If you're more comfortable paying in check or cash, call 520-444-7831 or email fireweedmusic@earthlink.net, and we can arrange that!</b><br />
<br />
<b>POSSIBILITY will be officially released August 26, 2015. Pre-orders will be shipped in early August.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><u>SPONSOR A SONG!! </u></b><b>- <i>SUBMISSION CLOSED - THANK YOU, EVERYONE!</i></b></h3>
<b><i>Be part of bringing a song into the world. For each person or group that sponsors a song on the new album, you will get your name(s) in the liner notes, hand written lyrics of your song, one Possibility CD for every one hundred dollars spent, AND a digital MP3 of the song e-mailed to you on or before July 29, 2015. </i></b><br />
<br />
<i>--- Only one sponsorship opportunity available per song ---</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>___________________________________________________</b><i><br /></i><br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;">---- SPONSORED!! <i>Thank you, Redflower & Zelda!!!</i> ----</span></b><b> "Made of Light"</b><br />
This is the final track on the album. An intimate, solo acoustic guitar/vocal performance. I want listeners to feel like I'm sitting next to them, singing a lullaby to their soul.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">---- SPONSORED!! <i>Thank you!!!</i> ----</span></b><b> "Let My Soul In"</b><br />
This might be the "prettiest" song on the album. Extremely intimate piano/vocal performance with beautiful cello, violin, viola and acoustic guitar woven throughout. Healing.<br />
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<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
<br />
<b>$400 - "Wide Open"</b><br />
A dark night of the soul mixed with a hint of morning light. Joe Ferguson's acoustic fingerpicking laced with Doug "Hurricane" Floyd's mesmerizing electric guitar licks, layered with piano, strings, bass, drums, vocals. A journey of depth and resurrection.<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="paypal">
<b>- SUBMISSION CLOSED - </b></form>
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;"> ---- SPONSORED!! <i>Thank you, Diann & Mersadies</i> ----</span></b><b> "Follow the Light"</b><br />
Showing up amidst the ever-changing, unexpected journeys of life. <i>"I surrender to this Life, to the dark I do not hide, I walk strong in stride, I live from inside...I follow the light."</i><br />
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<b>$500 - "Alchemy"</b><br />
My Midwestern roots. Planting seeds and growing love. Blue collar rock 'n roll. Doug "Hurricane" Floyd diggin' into the guitar, Jay Trapp (bass) and Ralph Gilmore (drums) layin' down a solid toe-tappin' groove, Steven Lee Tracy on organ and Ms. Sabra Faulk on harmony vocals. I'm in heaven playin' acoustic guitar and singin' my heart out.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;"> ---- SPONSORED!! <i>Thank you, Melinda, Ryan and Zeus!!!</i> ---- </span></b><b>"Morning Has Broken"</b><br />
Based on lyrics written by Eleanor Farjeon...a whole new song. I'm SO EXCITED about this one! We've got a John Lennon-esque instrumental vibe that builds into a soulful groove, with a full choir finale singing, clapping and stomping. Definitely a celebration of the new day!<br />
<br />
<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;">---- SPONSORED!! <i>Thank you, Quail Creek Friends - Glenn & Mary, Pam & Carlo, Jim & Jane, and Bob & Connie!!!</i> ----</span></b><b> "Possibility"</b><br />
The album theme song. Nick Coventry's swooping violin and viola sound like hummingbirds singing to Michael G. Ronstadt's soothing cello. A big blues break-down in the middle with the choir echoing, "Hold my hand, help me understand, how to heal, heal this land. Walk with me through our country-side, walk with me in our city, walk with me down to our precious sea...let us set the Garden free."<br />
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<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: purple;">---- SPONSORED!! <i>Thank you, Sharon Irene!!!</i> ---- </span></b><b> "Back to the Sea"</b><br />
Eight years of writing and rewriting this one. Life. Relationship. A sonic journey through waterfalls and rivers "winding...all the way...back to the sea."<br />
<br />
<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
<b><u>PRE-ORDERS (through 7/31/2015):</u></b></h3>
<i><b>You can order online through the PayPal buttons below; or send a check or money order to Fireweed Music Productions, P.O. Box 32455, Tucson, AZ 85751-2455. </b></i><i style="text-align: center;"><b>Please contact me at 520-444-7831 or fireweedmusic@earthlink.net with any questions.</b></i><br />
<br />
___________________________________________________<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>$20 - ONE (1) SIGNED <i>POSSIBILITY</i> CD</b><br />
Shipped to you as soon as I get it into my hands (early August).<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="paypal">
<b><i> - SUBMISSION CLOSED - THANK YOU, EVERYONE! - </i></b></form>
<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>$60 - FOUR (4) <i>POSSIBILITY</i> CDs</b><br />
Shipped to you as soon as I get it into my hands (early August).<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="paypal">
<b><i> - SUBMISSION CLOSED - THANK YOU, EVERYONE! - </i></b></form>
<b>___________________________________________________</b><b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>$100 - EIGHT (8) <i>POSSIBILITY</i> CDs</b><br />
Shipped to you as soon as I get it into my hands (early August).<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="paypal">
<b><i> - SUBMISSION CLOSED - THANK YOU, EVERYONE! - </i></b></form>
<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
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<h3>
<b><u>EXTRA'S & HOUSE CONCERTS:</u></b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>$50 - ONE (1) SIGNED <i>POSSIBILITY</i> CD + ONE (1) HANDWRITTEN LYRIC SHEET </b><br />
Choose any one of my songs, and I will write out the lyrics on special paper. Make sure you specify in the little box below which song you want me to write out. It can be any of my songs. Shipped early August.<br />
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<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="KJ2EAHJFW66PU" />
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<table>
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<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="What song?" />What song?</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>___________________________________________________</b></td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>$500 - 5 SIGNED <i>POSSIBILITY</i> CDs + SOLO HOUSE CONCERT IN SOUTHERN AZ</b><br />
I will come to your house and perform for two hours. You are welcome to help me make the set list. Please call or email me to arrange time and date during late summer, fall or early winter. Tel: 520-444-7831 / E-mail: fireweedmusic@earthlink.net.<br />
<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>$1000 - 10 SIGNED <i>POSSIBILITY</i> CDs + SOLO HOUSE CONCERT</b><br />
I will come to your house and perform for two hours. You are welcome to help me make the set list. Please call or email me to arrange a date that works into my 2015-2016 tour schedule, otherwise you can help me with travel and accommodation expenses. Tel: 520-444-7831 / E-mail: fireweedmusic@earthlink.net.<br />
<b>___________________________________________________</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Now I sing a song to you</i></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Now I sing a song to me</i></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Of release, of our release</i></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>All the stones are rolled away</i></b></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>And we rise to a beautiful day of possibility..."</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY MAKING MUSIC IN THIS WORLD.</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-83232141499427041512014-11-11T12:42:00.002-08:002014-11-11T13:00:54.662-08:00Soldier SongYears ago, I wrote "Soldier Song" in honor of my loved ones coming home from war. This "war" continues today. Since it is Veterans Day, I wanted to share this song.<br />
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<br /></div>
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In gratitude for your bravery and service...and in love and light for the healing of humanity.</div>
<div>
<br />
Amber<br />
<br />
<b>SOLDIER SONG</b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lay your weary head down</i><br />
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<i>Upon my chest<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Can you hear my heart beat<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I can feel your heart bleed<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>As I hold all the pieces<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Of your war torn Soul<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>As I sift through the pieces<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Of my soldier come home<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Lay your guns in the light<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>It will cleanse them of the fight<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Oh…my love, it’s been a long year<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>It’s been a long year<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Now you are here<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i>My, my, my, my soldier come home</i><br />
<i>My soldier come home</i><br />
<i>My soldier come home</i></div>
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Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-88111197978345117912014-10-13T23:14:00.001-07:002014-10-14T10:07:02.495-07:00Dust and Water<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I watch a little one’s fascination with soft skin. </div>
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<br /></div>
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“Old and
baggy," the jaded call it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But to the innocent’s eyes, </div>
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it's soft and magic. </div>
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I
remember staring at my grandmother’s hands, feeling her blue veins and soft
skin. </div>
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I thought she was beautiful.</div>
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Now, as I close in on the age that she was then, I find myself
staring at my own “softening” skin, loosening around the edges that I use most. </div>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKqE-f2ZMB6kG87lmRBbqhDASVEuSIFah_MOAaSXFVDARAagOcRDjJxxh4Gtx7NZegyD_B7_PxBV9HfECScMBN3eCsHMaHQB1tqgtPVw-LxxA0NX4n6uwMLOiu0WCkhw4Ysg4fbS0EGrj/s1600/dust+and+water+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKqE-f2ZMB6kG87lmRBbqhDASVEuSIFah_MOAaSXFVDARAagOcRDjJxxh4Gtx7NZegyD_B7_PxBV9HfECScMBN3eCsHMaHQB1tqgtPVw-LxxA0NX4n6uwMLOiu0WCkhw4Ysg4fbS0EGrj/s1600/dust+and+water+2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> My mind momentarily has thoughts of dread and judgment of "better days."<br />
<br />
But to a child, no such thing. </div>
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This dust and water that covers us... </div>
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To an open mind, it remains as beautiful as a snowflake, </div>
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<br />
holding the entire miracle of life in its mere being. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-46788868687561954552014-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:002014-01-13T18:15:38.331-08:00Birth of Light<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQJcOxkX7DRfmySGDk27WXVv9Eqk0XW0lkZSbkhaGCnbuTWRyGEZ75LiWm9N-dF1031vzd7UQ7rFxyXh-VKZi3KkrMtg2odIYPl2u_WMEcA-0f8sS-5nQLZa4AHkJc6d7ZLR8JSGrGRz3/s1600/farm+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQJcOxkX7DRfmySGDk27WXVv9Eqk0XW0lkZSbkhaGCnbuTWRyGEZ75LiWm9N-dF1031vzd7UQ7rFxyXh-VKZi3KkrMtg2odIYPl2u_WMEcA-0f8sS-5nQLZa4AHkJc6d7ZLR8JSGrGRz3/s1600/farm+sunset.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>NW Iowa Sunset, December 26, 2013</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's winter in the northern hemisphere. We've passed beyond the "darkest" day of the year. The sun has begun it's slow ascent, reaching a little higher in the sky every day. The ground lays idle...preparing, readying for the coming seasons, many of its inhabitants in hibernation. Stars shine brightly at night. Strings of light outline fences and trees and houses. Candles are aglow in windows. There is an air of mystery, reflection and regathering in the darkness...a sense of birth and possibility in the specks of light glimmering around us.<br />
<br />
It is time to ready for the coming of another journey around the sun.<br />
<br />
No matter the past, we can make change now. Welcome, 2014.<br />
<br />
<br />Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-38125635125782068402013-10-31T02:38:00.002-07:002014-09-19T12:26:14.835-07:00The Gift of Surrender<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgWyLPYWOS9PTtRJQH8FKq2SuO2_OBv7X6X0wCL9i-xnGcIvAEO0qoMOrm0n5KDnpwWiNci3RRSYqc1e6LwlxWrbOpbgkPQbPrNyaiDateyJEcXCp6j5V5P8gRcSG1KqAq7xP7ZzQGxWy/s1600/Raise+Me+Up+still+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgWyLPYWOS9PTtRJQH8FKq2SuO2_OBv7X6X0wCL9i-xnGcIvAEO0qoMOrm0n5KDnpwWiNci3RRSYqc1e6LwlxWrbOpbgkPQbPrNyaiDateyJEcXCp6j5V5P8gRcSG1KqAq7xP7ZzQGxWy/s1600/Raise+Me+Up+still+2.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"They knew" </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image courtesy of De Leon Moving Pictures.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Amber pictured with Deuce at <a href="http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/" target="_blank">Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary</a>. </i></span></div>
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<i><b>"To the ego mind, surrender means giving up. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>To the spiritual mind, surrender means giving in and receiving." </b></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~ <a href="http://www.marianne.com/" target="_blank">Marianne Williamson</a>, from her book <b><a href="http://www.marianne.com/books.htm" target="_blank">The Law of Divine Compensation</a></b></span></div>
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On Sunday, June 30th, 2013, I received a gift. </div>
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I had done everything I could to avoid doing the <b><i>Raise Me Up</i></b> video shoot that day. We had the hottest month of June on record in southern Arizona. And that specific weekend was projected to be the hottest weekend of the entire summer. I had no idea how I was going to pull off a weekend of sleep deprivation, four back-to-back gigs, 50+ miles of travel in between them, 100 more miles for the Sunday morning gig, a visit to my stylist and then another 50 mile trek to <a href="http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/" target="_blank">Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary</a> for a Sunday afternoon video shoot. </div>
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<i> It's a good thing my woe-is-me mind is not in charge. </i></div>
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I had called director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0209667/" target="_blank">Marcus De Leon</a> several nights before, more or less begging him to reschedule the shoot until September. I had it all figured out...it'd be cooler, less stressful and the monsoons would add a beautiful backdrop. When he explained to me that he had an entire cast and crew with heavy equipment lined up and that rescheduling was not an option, I realized that my only option left was...</div>
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Well...<i>to surrender</i>...</div>
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And pray that I would maintain grace and music-video-composure amidst the sweltering heat of the desert.</div>
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I arrived on scene that afternoon relieved and grateful. Everything had gone smoothly, I was still awake, no travel issues, weekend gigs / hair / make-up schedule successfully accomplished, and I had remembered my boots.</div>
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Soon after arrival, clouds to the west began to build and grow dark and looming among the Santa Rita Mountains. </div>
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I kept thinking, "This is strange...monsoon season hasn't started yet, and only a 'hottest weekend of the summer' was in the forecast." </div>
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Then the wind picked up, the temperature dropped, and a very recognizable scent of moist creosote wafted our way. Sheets of rain engulfed the mountains. Lightening came, thunder followed. </div>
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Everyone commented about how magnificent our unexpected "free" special effects were...</div>
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<i> And that we better expedite the shoot. </i></div>
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So we grabbed one camera and rushed over to the open space where the horses roam in the sanctuary. </div>
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As I began to sing, two horses gathered around me. They were two of the original foals that were rescued when the sanctuary was started. They had been offspring of mares who were used in the <a href="http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/issues/premarin/#premarin" target="_blank">Premarin industry</a> and were headed to slaughter when the sanctuary intervened to rescue them. </div>
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They stared at me intently. I felt like they saw into my soul and that we had some kind of agreement...to be right here, right now, making this song and video together...to share this deep sense of compassion, peace and healing with the world. </div>
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<i> The connection didn't end.</i></div>
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As I let the last chord and word ring out, one of the horses put his head towards mine. We both leaned in and rested our foreheads upon each other...for what appeared as only a moment on the outside, but from within, <i>it felt like eternity. </i> </div>
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I could hear Marcus repeating, "Don't cut, don't cut, keep it rolling." </div>
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When we finally did "cut," the staff and crew said, "<i>It's like they knew...</i>" and almost as if in agreement, a big gust of wind blew through casting dust and rain upon us. </div>
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The encore of the season's first monsoon had arrived - despite the forecast, despite my worry. And in its grandiose production, <i>all that was required of me was to show up and play my role. </i></div>
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Indeed, these four-legged sentient beings, my brothers, with whom I walk upon the earth, <i>did know</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDwG84kqahg0ASWxmKvZkijihvUGYNbRPIPzB94d_VEa9da6f39kuYCHBdXmzt9clemzES7QM5p0gLGcmB_BCJLxuMbzdFASNIKsL93Y649ucG2PRCgwp3MTE6NYSk0RGwV3EaIzNhAPw/s1600/Raise+Me+Up+still+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDwG84kqahg0ASWxmKvZkijihvUGYNbRPIPzB94d_VEa9da6f39kuYCHBdXmzt9clemzES7QM5p0gLGcmB_BCJLxuMbzdFASNIKsL93Y649ucG2PRCgwp3MTE6NYSk0RGwV3EaIzNhAPw/s1600/Raise+Me+Up+still+1.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b>"Sharing soul"</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image courtesy of De Leon Moving Pictures</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>taken at <a href="http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/" target="_blank">Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary</a>.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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That day, they taught me the gift of surrender. All I have to do is be present, and a power much greater than me takes care of the details.</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Oh, and one last thing...</i></div>
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I had never sung to horses before, but I highly recommend it if you ever get the opportunity. </div>
Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-79621784002497214012013-05-31T22:27:00.000-07:002013-05-31T22:27:31.101-07:00Dear Mom...
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<!--StartFragment-->
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
May 28, 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Mom,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoMzQ0FowXv8zhKt2OPllTsH0TIKo4ci68I7kbNbhHpyu5tuR3lCu1YCgByvfYgpNBylnoVRgS8swPD3TF1gi5YcNXpZmxh36CU8UekVkV1hvZjLx5gczss10Q8QMFyW7YczF3YN0uB7c/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoMzQ0FowXv8zhKt2OPllTsH0TIKo4ci68I7kbNbhHpyu5tuR3lCu1YCgByvfYgpNBylnoVRgS8swPD3TF1gi5YcNXpZmxh36CU8UekVkV1hvZjLx5gczss10Q8QMFyW7YczF3YN0uB7c/s320/photo-15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for the birthday pot that you bought me last
month! Please tell Dad that I nurtured my inner farm-girl and planted some
basil. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think it likes being by the piano window. I’ve been writing a lot of
new songs this Spring, and my basil and roses and all the plant-clan near that
window have really flourished.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With that in mind, I've had some thoughts I wanted to share...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe Dad can start piping music out into the
corn and bean fields. It seems to work work for my plants. He might have to refrain from playing
rock music though. I’ve read some articles that plants flourish better with
softer, more classical types of music. My plants have done well with piano,
acoustic guitar and singing. I think his crops might like the guitar playing
that he does every morning. So...instead of playing in the house by himself,
he could go into the fields and play. Besides, playing to the plants and morning
sun seems like a better option than being alone in the house - and if it does have a
positive impact on crop yields, it’s a win-win situation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just an idea I wanted to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWe3j8bUsrGh4tLlmpxWVyWgt8VCO3A9xIVCOC8f6cEQRVjFmLREg-l0QmUvgR6KU9TDjv3-_e-lMAwNJyF7m2ia8z12Gufp_C8ELrrwDDC0WVfi6gPA9JFOhw-bHclGrwYJ91nZVGnfE/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWe3j8bUsrGh4tLlmpxWVyWgt8VCO3A9xIVCOC8f6cEQRVjFmLREg-l0QmUvgR6KU9TDjv3-_e-lMAwNJyF7m2ia8z12Gufp_C8ELrrwDDC0WVfi6gPA9JFOhw-bHclGrwYJ91nZVGnfE/s200/photo-16.JPG" width="150" /></a>Since my basil is so robust this year, I might start giving
it away at my shows. I mean, it’s high in vitamin K, pretty good in vitamin A,
with a little bit of folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I figure…healthy
fans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>= a sustainable music career. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you think? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess you can’t get the farmer and the nurse out of the
musician, can you? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some things just are the way they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for loving me the way I am :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you and miss you lots!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-3711137080625725142013-05-27T14:16:00.000-07:002013-05-27T15:24:35.030-07:00The story of this day...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I originally wrote this "reflection" for my newsletter on May 28, 2012. In honor of this day a year later, I would like to share it again...</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Today is <strong>Memorial Day</strong> in the U.S. It is a day symbolized by flags and flowers – honoring the lives lost in war and celebrating hope of life re-emerging. As historian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_W._Blight" target="_blank">David Blight</a> so eloquently writes, <em>"War kills people and destroys human creation; but as though mocking war's devastation, flowers inevitably bloom through its ruins." </em></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">I like to know “the story” behind tradition. Here is what I found out about this day:</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Originally this day was called </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><em>Decoration Day</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">. The first account of this type of celebration was in May 1865 at the close of the Civil War. Over 600,000 soldiers died in the Civil War, and our war-torn country was left trying to heal, reunite and make sense of devastation. In Charleston, South Carolina, a city left in ruins from the war, thousands of freed slaves, black people and white people gathered in a procession. Led by children, the parade marched through what had been a slave-owners’ horse-racing course. During the war, the race course was turned into an outdoor prison camp to hold the Union soldiers fighting for emancipation. The procession ended at the gravesites of the soldiers who had died in the prison camp. The celebration marked a “first” in our history: "a procession of friends and mourners as South Carolina and the United States never saw before" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><em>(New York Tribune)</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">. It was a coming together of people – to heal, to mourn, to sing, to celebrate life. It was beginning of the ending of slavery and the reunification of our country.</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">One hundred forty-seven years later, we are still affected by war. I wish peace to all who suffer loss and brokenness related to war. I am grateful for our coming together. As we walk compassionately with each other through grieving and honoring, we become strong and heal. I have faith in the victory of truth and goodness of this world - where there is no more oppression, bondage, walls to love or hindering of spirits.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">“We have it in our power to begin the world over.” ~<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine" target="_blank">Thomas Paine</a></span></span></em></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I am grateful to all who give of themselves for the betterment of humanity...</b></span></div>
Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-36801053259657150702012-09-13T02:38:00.001-07:002012-09-13T13:43:30.253-07:00Voice Lessons: Getting Out Of My Own Way<i>This past January, I made a personal commitment to take monthly voice lessons. I came home from a lesson in April, and journaled the following experience:</i><br />
<br />
I can hear it. The anxiety mounts. My brain kicks into full-banter mode, "Ugh! I'm pitchy. It's those high notes. Why can't I match them and be on pitch? I need to <i>make</i> time to practice. After years of doing this, you'd think I'd have it down by now."<br />
<br />
It goes on and on. My voice strains harder. I completely lose focus and the pitch gets worse.<br />
<br />
My instructor says with conviction, "Open." I snap out of the relentless brain chatter and watch her make a facial gesture of surprise, dropping her mouth down, opening it wide. There it is - her voice crystal clear, like that of an angel. Perfectly on pitch and purely expressive in flow.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, my focus returns and I plug back into the energy that we are exchanging. I relax. I open.<br />
<br />
And there it is...the pitch! I am one with it! I <i>become</i> the air that vibrates from me into all that is around me. I match her voice. We sing the melody with the piano. The "ahhh" moment happens - the sound dances, vibrating in synch with vocal chords and piano strings. And there is <i>music</i>.<br />
<br />
She remarks, "Stop worrying about the pitch. At least you let it out now. That's progress from when I first met you."<br />
<br />
Yeah, well, I guess I just need to let it out...step beyond the pre-recorded loop of "past woes and insecurities" rattling my brain hemispheres and settle into the simple, quiet present...and get out of my own way.<br />
<br />
When I do this, I get out of <i>our</i> way. And thus, we can move the air <i>together</i> and make music.<br />
<br />
Hmmm..maybe if we all plugged into the present moment of energy exchange with one another, the vibration of air <i>would</i> move mountains...or at least perceived obstacles.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________________</div>
<br />
When I shed worry, fear and insecurity, I awaken to the <i>present</i>, the only place where I am free and unlimited in my commune-ication with <i>all that is.</i><br />
<br />
"Two voices raised together call to the hearts of everyone, to let them beat as one. And in that single heartbeat is the unity of love proclaimed and given welcome...<b><i>for what is Heaven but the union direct and perfect, and without the veil of fear upon it.</i></b>" ~ A Course In Miracles<br />
<br />
<br />Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-7678595854907378922012-06-03T15:13:00.000-07:002012-06-03T15:14:46.187-07:00B E - i n g<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkChL7YQdmnV0EA8h1RLHuvCOdL9XejiipDZxRSzamtJv97YN7D4e1JGXRhlHmwfeH-IeTaE33af8R8lbf89t_xZOGvbQUTvpC9-W_c0lO5WfEqJ98xQNEOx_lM8HYp4grQoel44Ac58CT/s1600/580613_3438130765514_2074362003_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkChL7YQdmnV0EA8h1RLHuvCOdL9XejiipDZxRSzamtJv97YN7D4e1JGXRhlHmwfeH-IeTaE33af8R8lbf89t_xZOGvbQUTvpC9-W_c0lO5WfEqJ98xQNEOx_lM8HYp4grQoel44Ac58CT/s320/580613_3438130765514_2074362003_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>B E - i n g . . .</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>that's what she taught me </i><br />
<br />
in the 162 months that we spent together.<br />
<br />
Always IN the moment.<br />
Never holding grudges.<br />
Unconditionally welcoming.<br />
<br />
<i>Even in the end...</i><br />
<br />
The last night, I laid on the floor with her. She was very sick, yet calmed by my touch. As a final communication of grace, she lifted her head, laid her warm, furry cheek on mine. She rested there...letting her cheek BE upon mine for what was maybe a minute. Maybe more. Maybe less. It didn't matter. Time had stopped. We were in <i>the</i> moment, the NOW, the only place where I believe we sense eternity. <br />
<br />
<i>Simply <b>B E - i n g</b> .</i><br />
<br />
Then putting her nose to mine, breathing in my breath, she laid her head back down on the pillow.<br />
<br />
<i>I knew it was time. </i><br />
<br />
She communicated peace. The tension in her body momentarily released, and my heavy heart filled with love and gratitude.<br />
<br />
It was time for her to go.<br />
<br />
<i>Happy trails, gentle soul. </i>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-33238231234864579572011-03-12T22:35:00.000-08:002011-03-17T03:48:40.984-07:00Fortune Cookies, Luck and Perspective<div><i>Adapted from a journal entry on December 30, 2010</i></div><div><br /></div>I'm delayed in the Denver airport due to weather...not a surprising occurrence in the mile high city during winter. <div><br /></div><div>I stand in line to order a meal at Panda Express. Balancing the computer bag on my shoulder, a guitar case in one hand and the styrofoam container in the other, I make my way to a seat and sit down to eat. The man next to me looks over and asks, “Is your flight delayed?” I reply that it is. He says, “Mine too.” </div><div><br /></div><div>I smile and suggest, “Well, I guess maybe it’s time for us to take a little break in the Denver airport and eat.” </div><div><br /></div><div>He turns to me and says, “Yes, I thought I’d take advantage of half-way healthy food...Where are you heading?” </div><div><br /></div><div>“Tucson,” I replied. </div><div><br /></div><div>“Wow, that’s where I’m headed too.” </div><div><br /></div><div>We make small talk, sharing our knowledge about Tucson and eventually chatting about where we come from and what we do now. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we finish eating, I notice I have two fortune cookies with my meal. I offer him the extra cookie. He accepts and jokes that I am now "responsible" for his "future luck."</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We laugh and open our cookies. He asks me what mine says. I read aloud, “You often have more influence on people than you think.” I smile and ask him what his reads.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He looks surprised, glances down and recites “Wednesday is your lucky day.” Then, he hesitantly says, “Well, I guess it’s a day late since yesterday was Wednesday.” </p><p class="MsoNormal">I perk up and suggest, “Or, maybe <i>next</i> Wednesday is your lucky day. And if not that one, then the next one.” </p><p class="MsoNormal">A reflective grin falls across his face. “Oh...you’re an optimist! Well, this is actually quite interesting that I got this fortune. I used to believe that Wednesday was my <b><i>unlucky</i></b><span style="font-weight:normal;font-style:normal"> day..." </span>His voice trails off for a minute, and then he finishes."It’s the day that I broke my neck in a high school wrestling match.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">His eyes momentarily look far away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I was sitting on the right side of him. I had noticed that as he talked to me, he would stiffly turn his whole upper body to look at me as we were conversing. Yet, I knew from his history that he was an athletic mountain bike racer. I finally had the full picture.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He looks at me again, but this time, very seriously. “I don’t believe that anymore. Actually, I’m very lucky. I’m lucky to have had the people who were there for me when it happened...I'm lucky that they took care of me the way they did. If they hadn't been there, or if something had changed about what happened...well...I would have been a quadriplegic.” </p><p class="MsoNormal">He went on to tell me about the time between that day that he broke his neck until now. He told me about his kids, his very full life in Arizona and Colorado, his adventures mountain biking, and his dream to live in a sailboat one day and sail up and down the West Coast.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As he spoke, I knew that he was very aware of his good fortune. </p><p class="MsoNormal">A decisive grin spreads across his face. He finishes the conversation in conviction, “I’m going to carry this fortune in my pocket to remind me.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">In hearing his words and feeling his presence, I am moved. I reflect about my "luck." My full life. The beautiful people that surround me. And my warm meal. </p><p class="MsoNormal">My heart fills with gratitude for my good fortune. And I am fully content - delayed in the mile high city airport, on December 30th, 2011, next to a man who shared his story of luck with me.</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-89776608195452107462010-11-11T02:26:00.000-08:002010-11-11T10:50:08.647-08:00Camouflage Backpack, Crew Cut & Blue Eyes<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">He said his name was Todd and that he felt at home in the Dallas Airport. We were wandering among a sea of men and women dressed in BDU’s. It was the middle of October, and I was loaded down with my guitar and a backpack full of music gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">We had crossed paths in the terminal when he asked</span>, "<i>What do you do</i> to carry one of <i>those</i> around<span style="font-style:normal">?" He was referring to my guitar.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I replied, “I play music for a living. What do <i>you</i> do to carry one of <i>those</i> around?” I pointed to his camouflage backpack. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"I blow things up."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wasn't sure exactly what to say to that. And as I looked at him in a loss for words, he offered to carry my guitar. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"You want to walk with me and carry my guitar <i>all the way to my gate??</i>" </p><p class="MsoNormal">He said, “<i>Well, of course</i>, we don’t just kill people.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My heart fell. That's not why I had asked that.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I stumbled on my words, “I know…I <i>know</i> that’s not why you do what you do. What you do is <i>really</i>…hard.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He shrugged apathetically. “It’s not that hard anymore.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My words left me. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket of light and take the walled-up angst out of those blue eyes...those blue eyes that had their “coming of age” in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was younger than me in years, yet, with the toll of war, his eyes were older.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We talked about music and how we both play Tom Petty on the guitar. We talked about where he was stationed, his two deployments to the Middle East and his nicotine habit. I told him about my journey from nursing to music, about playing a very heartfelt show at Ft. Hood in '07, and about my childhood memory of catching a snake while visiting my Uncle at Ft. Riley.</p><p class="MsoNormal">When I gave him my card, I apprehensively said, “You can check out my tunes online, I don’t know if you’ll like them. They might not be your style of music.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He replied, “You’d be surprised by what I like and what I listen to.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My mind stopped. “You’re right. I don’t know.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He walked with me to Starbucks, waited for me to feed my caffeine habit, and accompanied me back to the gate with my guitar in his hand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the space between our words, we walked side by side in silence and respect, honoring each other’s stories. I imagined that my carrying a guitar and backpack on tour must be much lighter than what he carries on his tours.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But <i>really</i>, what <i>do</i> I know?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I know that I’m grateful to have carried my guitar off the plane that day. It was a doorway for the guy with the camouflage backpack, crew cut and blue eyes to share his story with me, and for me to do the same with him. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On this Veteran’s Day, and in the trail of days before and after, I honor the stories of those who serve and have served in our military.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>It is in the sharing of our stories that <b>we come home</b>.</i><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lXbEQ_JPrmE?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></object>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-76572873520583551112010-10-20T20:52:00.000-07:002010-10-28T05:18:10.343-07:00Six Feet of Clay: Reflections from a Cemetery in Missouri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLubLjrW88rmAa-H6V829lvLP2cZQfMZRSOVqdX0noH-4wO3uqyDkdxEUIVSVZklz786Z4heVxKzgKGWorEuqZ2ujQRzwt40VdVrRmBhpyRL1VY1X-nH9Ya5xsFR0YfGtFrv0Po17K8woL/s1600/IMAG0309.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppekgb9KBlm7WKRyVaHwHbHXjFxJOFmyMACXajUAnzgcU6UaviYUfs_f4FyIM-m53moIcMiP1dXFZp4HAsperGH97GdKVDZk6sv5f08oo1fU-KdUa3yhyphenhypheng_7u7OGwtXhRww2PP8Gr1frl/s1600/tree.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOvxu1nbB9p97FpXlv3bO4DmlQwSxthlkUbXdsV9-4idMpbehc7674T6gbMtWWL64ow0eXuQi6cI1yO5-8asYau41C50cNSlt4V9cEhkejg9xExM7cYjLcNh-XZ2Q3v4AdF4T7AcDCQZt/s1600/6+feet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOvxu1nbB9p97FpXlv3bO4DmlQwSxthlkUbXdsV9-4idMpbehc7674T6gbMtWWL64ow0eXuQi6cI1yO5-8asYau41C50cNSlt4V9cEhkejg9xExM7cYjLcNh-XZ2Q3v4AdF4T7AcDCQZt/s320/6+feet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530342578801183794" /></a><i><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>"</i><i>Six feet of clay makes every man equal</i><i>," </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">the epitaph reads.</span></div></i></span></div></i></span></div></i><div><br /></div><div>I stop in my tracks. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's quite a final statement to leave to the living.</div><div><br /></div><div>My mind spins. What would inspire this?</div><div><br /></div><div>A lifetime of events epitomizing human "inequality"? A country freshly emancipated from slavery with Jim Crow laws "regulating" racial discrimination; a Women's Suffrage Movement; World War I with its genocide and ethnic cleansing; the Great Depression and its economic fall-out drastically devastating minority groups; World War II and the annihilation of millions of Jews and those deemed "unfit for society" by a dominating class; Rosa Parks' big stand; and Martin Luther King Jr.'s early work in the Civil Rights Movement?</div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw7lc1_RFxVwjkuWIhzwtt9yIRGTInNF7y1jTIiQW2NhqvZAqqe_ILYn9n9RB3XogJ9fV5eb7oKAHnIdn6EYaDsUgxcJgA1JMNvRriwE1jawq02Psud0zE-BeplRh2ibmsypINnETm_T_/s400/cinder+graves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530364159960663458" />Yes, Mr. Warren's time on Earth had plenty of fodder for such a statement.<div><br /></div><div><i></i>It's a beautiful Fall day in Springfield, Missouri. I wander through Hazelwood Cemetery to the once segregated south-side where "people of color" were buried. I find graves marked by cinder-block-like stones with no epitaphs, some with faint letters scratched into them.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a timeless quality to the words <i>"six feet of clay makes every man equal".</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Fifty-three years later, I am bombarded by headlines of hate-crimes, bullying, suicide, war, genocides and more.</div><div><br /></div><div>It all seems ridiculous and insane. Because when all is said and done and lives are gone, what's left? </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLubLjrW88rmAa-H6V829lvLP2cZQfMZRSOVqdX0noH-4wO3uqyDkdxEUIVSVZklz786Z4heVxKzgKGWorEuqZ2ujQRzwt40VdVrRmBhpyRL1VY1X-nH9Ya5xsFR0YfGtFrv0Po17K8woL/s400/IMAG0309.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533020894664035666" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>A gravestone maybe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Often a family. </div><div><br /></div><div>Always a lesson. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the web of energy woven by a life-thread. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fifty-three years later, Mr. Warren's life-thread weaves from a stone inscription </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>into my thoughts </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>into this blog </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>and now into you.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Hazelwood Cemetery is no longer segregated.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>I find peace here.</i> In the lessons of <i>transformation</i>.<i> </i>In<i> being part </i>of the transformation.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> And i</span>n the poetry of epitaphs and gravestone art...Symbols of human love and connection. Threads of energy that emanate <i>timelessly</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can only change forms."</i> ~First Law of Thermodynamics</div><div><br /></div><div>Every step is a <i>choice</i> in how I transform my energy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-52044572231765133002009-09-21T15:15:00.000-07:002009-09-22T00:57:32.081-07:00Singing with Vern<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tPmS5RXsU2_28YLsqPv9no0eEa85elMawsH0jMhJL0LxQH39206dcW5c-adUrymc-oBAWJMHIs8nA-RWHMcbszlky0OXHyI3SkPNhd4TtBBvYje3MxKtTKCemsxailwZ6-AhBu-JfmCV/s1600-h/cricket.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tPmS5RXsU2_28YLsqPv9no0eEa85elMawsH0jMhJL0LxQH39206dcW5c-adUrymc-oBAWJMHIs8nA-RWHMcbszlky0OXHyI3SkPNhd4TtBBvYje3MxKtTKCemsxailwZ6-AhBu-JfmCV/s320/cricket.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384071000118852994" /></a>So...I've gotten a bit attached to a cricket in my house. <div><br /></div><div>It's the singing thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>We both do it, and his chirping from sunset until early morning sounds like a lullaby to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it's because it reminds me of growing up on the farm and the intense connection that I felt as a child to nature. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's different in the city--much more subtle...</div><div>But Nature makes her way through the concrete and human boundaries:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>from the ants who dare to venture through my kitchen,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>to the grasshopper on my rose bush, </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span>the hummingbirds and butterflies outside my picture window, </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>the bats flying overhead in the Fall during my evening dog-walks, </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>and </span>the coyote that taunts the neighborhood dogs...</div><div>To the cricket that chirps in my bathroom at night.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's something calming about his song... especially amidst the incessant sirens and occasional domestic disputes of neighbors nearby. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure if it was the creative side of my brain, or the crazy side (besides, I think the two are connected)--but my brain decided to name this cricket Vern. </div><div><br /></div><div>He reminded me of one of my favorite childhood books <b>The Mouse and the Motorcycle</b> by Beverly Cleary--about a mouse named Ralph who had many adventures with human encounters living in a run-down inn.</div><div><br /></div><div>All this came about the morning that Vern decided to crawl on my toe while I was taking a shower. It was one of those moments for me, where I was startled to feel something on my foot, and then wondered if it might be the gecko that occasionally sneaks into my shower. </div><div><br /></div><div>But sure enough, I looked down, and it was Vern. </div><div><br /></div><div>And he was NOT in good shape. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hoisted him onto the tile outside my shower. He wasn't moving. By the time I got out, he was on his back, and I thought that he had bit cricket dust. </div><div><br /></div><div>I flipped him over, but I admit--I didn't have much hope for the poor little guy.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I made coffee afterwards, I hummed away in honor of Vern...thinking about how I would miss his evening chirping and how his exodus into the shower must have been very tragic. </div><div><br /></div><div>An hour later, I went back into the bathroom. Vern's legs were responding to touch, and his antennas were no longer waterlogged and stuck to the tile. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was amazed...a cricket resurrection!</div><div><br /></div><div>The last couple nights as he's chirping from different corners of my house, I just smile knowing that Life has an uncanny way of transcending my expectations. </div><div><br /></div><div>AND...I've started to make music with him. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>He's got a great sense of rhythm and sings in the key of D. </div>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-70175659417331151122009-05-22T00:40:00.000-07:002009-05-22T01:31:10.598-07:00Two Springs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUtpwS8ylRq7DW598oTRqROcTNU86qoAYoKpyr0M2405ggD0ku9_QQ1_LMGzKauEiwcqmQZS4hs7neNlSsR1DAMtyRZzhwcctWhiw9gGSTgTm-yPadIen4MwmMn872ZP9ONz5nYZOKiql/s1600-h/Apple+Blossoms.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUtpwS8ylRq7DW598oTRqROcTNU86qoAYoKpyr0M2405ggD0ku9_QQ1_LMGzKauEiwcqmQZS4hs7neNlSsR1DAMtyRZzhwcctWhiw9gGSTgTm-yPadIen4MwmMn872ZP9ONz5nYZOKiql/s400/Apple+Blossoms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338552957647010802" /></a><br />I just returned from the Midwest. It is May, and the Spring season is in full bloom there.<div><br /></div><div>In Arizona, we had our "Spring" season over a month ago, and now, the temperatures have already climbed into the triple digits. </div><div><br /></div><div>In Iowa, however, the season is definitely "Spring". The apple blossoms are in full bloom. The violet lilac flowers have opened and are spreading their sweet fragrance. Fresh (and freshly picked) rhubarb pie and asparagus casserole are the dishes of the season. The little green rows of baby corn have emerged through the black soil. And my family just finished planting the last bean fields (Yay! It's always a relief when the crops are in). </div><div><br /></div><div>I am reminded of the "Spring" season in Arizona a month and a half ago. I love the Spring, and this year, I was fortunate enough to experience two of them. I want to share my reflections that I wrote in late March about this time in my desert home... </div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">New Moons & New Beginnings: Spring in Arizona</span></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">March 26, 2009</span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I sink into reverie as I awake amidst the morning song of the birds outside of my window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> It's the </span>breaking of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The awakening. The cheerful birds celebrating the dawn and return of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">This is the time when </span>I feel most open...to the world, to my senses, to possibility. It's the "in between" time...when the peace of what's passed is laid to rest, the opportunity of the day that lays ahead is waiting, and all that's left is the present moment of being...completely open.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is Spring now. The first new moon was two days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I feel my instincts resonate with the season...urging me to plant seeds and grow roots in the wide openness, and watch in awe as the green sprouts emerge and flowers open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's the season of possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Of planting seeds and growing roots in the "in between".</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Every moment there is the chance for birth and for re-birth...to create again or to start anew. To take every part of what was, fully integrate in to what is, and transform into what will be.</p><p class="MsoNormal">It's the dawn of possibility. No wonder I hear the birds celebrate each morning in song.</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-11226210419726502602009-05-07T22:13:00.000-07:002009-05-08T23:53:00.199-07:00Pressing "Send"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ip-r56igJK-qKGzJHuK9GUXGgT_V7KSsP_AkLakyHlZyoqhafWVqozY2vAU7wp2i2jFWngBns4grVSI_wmoM0iUZQbe6TrfOLmY5YsRB0yzVGRP0j-lylnZwzRwDPXjmC_G7rYdLQ4GQ/s1600-h/Path.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ip-r56igJK-qKGzJHuK9GUXGgT_V7KSsP_AkLakyHlZyoqhafWVqozY2vAU7wp2i2jFWngBns4grVSI_wmoM0iUZQbe6TrfOLmY5YsRB0yzVGRP0j-lylnZwzRwDPXjmC_G7rYdLQ4GQ/s320/Path.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333340338755965522" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">"Once I press <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">send</span>, I cannot take it back." The fearful thought runs through my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">A simple click of the mouse or a brush with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">send</span> button on the cell phone stirs a bit of that internal anxiety of committing to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the choice.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">And it's so symbolic of life.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Standing on the crossroads...the inner turmoil between what the heart wants to do and what the mind fears doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> The anxious struggle on the inside, the internal chatter that gets louder amidst the unknown. "What path do I take? Will I regret taking this path</span>? Will I miss out? Will I always wonder what lies down the other?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">And then I remember...</p><p class="MsoNormal">I remember to let go and breathe. One breath at a time. </p><p class="MsoNormal">And I remember to open my eyes and step. One step at a time. </p><p class="MsoNormal">How is it that I am here, in this body, walking upon this little blue planet? This little blue planet that has just the right concoction of 21% Oxygen, 78% Nitrogen and miniscule amounts of other gases that resonate perfectly with my body? My body that takes it all in and lets go of what it doesn't need? </p><p class="MsoNormal">We've come a long way since the days of flight or fight, running from tigers and chasing down our dinner. Yet, not so far. The human stress response is still the same. We just have more time to think about the choice. And oftentimes, there is much less gratification in making the choice, since the release of clicking a button does far less for relieving the physical stress response than running from a predator. And so, the anxiety lingers. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Until I step back and remember. I remember to breathe. I remember to go inside, and then to step with courage, honesty, passion and commitment to the path. Because every path is worthy. And every path entails lessons and a perfect concoction for what I need at the present. I cannot control the weather along the way, but I can control who I am and what I do when I come face to face with it and my belief and trust in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">greater concoction</span>.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Because in the end, somehow, it all works out. Or, if it hasn't, then maybe it's not the end...if there really is an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">end</span>. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The journey can be amazingly breathtaking and beautiful, incredibly messy and tragic, blissful and frustrating. Yet through it all, in a grace so often beyond comprehension, evolves the human spirit...and the journey, and the story, and the song and the dance. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-50309023979312890802008-06-25T22:24:00.000-07:002009-01-29T23:44:41.181-08:00Walking the Labyrinth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvg7iYyqms9rdDxasOcPU0c3sJ6gbXI0iLB5yXIwSGC_xrIBtH9oWmiv9DunSDnp8QpWRtALQypHVFc4zEnje12lYBt-JDms8cWBU0lJPq30OQPjVavUntvlUcyA2cpYfj7L7FuF42pUm/s1600-h/labyrdraw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvg7iYyqms9rdDxasOcPU0c3sJ6gbXI0iLB5yXIwSGC_xrIBtH9oWmiv9DunSDnp8QpWRtALQypHVFc4zEnje12lYBt-JDms8cWBU0lJPq30OQPjVavUntvlUcyA2cpYfj7L7FuF42pUm/s200/labyrdraw.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216061014627182290" /></a><br /><br /><br />Passing through downtown Santa Fe, I walked my first labyrinth at St. Francis Cathedral Basilica. The tradition of walking labyrinths dates back farther than 20,000 years, and I've always been curious about the experience. <div><br /></div><div>As I made my way through the repetitious twists and turns, I lost all sense of time and was consumed by an overwhelming sense of presence. It was all I could do to focus on each step. Looking forward or behind made me dizzy. And with every intention being on my next step, there was no room for my mind to wander in thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>The walkers were of all ages. We kept time and step with each other, all walking one path, to the heart of the labyrinth and back out again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Looking from the outside, it seems a bit daunting--the circles encircled by circles connected by passageways. I had mistakenly thought it was like a "maze." But that is not true. There is one lone path. And on it, you are never lost--for it all leads to the same place and back out again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Very symbolic of life. It is no wonder people have walked labyrinths for centuries both in grief and celebration...a communal portal to "being." I would've thought that in the last 20,000 years, we would have some how evolved to have that "being" down by now...but in our multi-tasking, cyber-searching and cell phone talking, it's so easy to walk along dazed in the buzzing and beeping and ringing and clicking. It seems we still need a tool to help transport us into the moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>And thus, the medicine of the labyrinth...walking the twists and turns, passing through the ebb and flow, a sense of togetherness, each step in presence...a sacred ritual and human-made passageway, mimicking the patterns of nature, leading us "home."<br /><div><br /></div></div>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-59837295154829748282008-05-06T00:33:00.001-07:002008-05-06T02:19:56.951-07:00Communing in the Muse-ic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73d9-JH3GFgPoSxvFgg3QyD8Q40FayMKbFb4S3EBLY9yzNQ-i5Q1FtkZtinWFgacNThkwX5xGZD0piO-eO65_yahri3hAYKCFk4HNnHXnC_tjyAX9a5GVTLMYQm13ENt090zthknyEQnt/s1600-h/weststock+ps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73d9-JH3GFgPoSxvFgg3QyD8Q40FayMKbFb4S3EBLY9yzNQ-i5Q1FtkZtinWFgacNThkwX5xGZD0piO-eO65_yahri3hAYKCFk4HNnHXnC_tjyAX9a5GVTLMYQm13ENt090zthknyEQnt/s400/weststock+ps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197169044403749330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">It takes a village to build a music career. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(L to R: Mary, DD, Amber, Michelle, & Nancy)</span> </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><p></p></div><div>Here's the Tucson-gang post our (or my) performance at Weststock (Woodstock re-hashed at the Westward Look Resort in the desert, as opposed to Yasgur's Farm). I got the privilege of being the "folk-singer" for the evening, which seemed to be quite the appropriate title since I got to sing and share music with a bunch of "folks". </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Speaking of "folks", the picture above is of the "folks" who travel with me from the West to the East, coming to my shows, hauling my gear, air-brushing t-shirts, selling tickets, hanging posters, and memorializing the musical journey through their time and talent creating art, photography and videography. <div> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I am continually amazed at the community that muse-ic brings together. </span></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Is it the common vision? Is it a metaphysical phenomenon--everyone connecting through the vibration of melody, harmony and rhythm? Music transcends time, distance and language. A good song survives through decades, and ancient drumming seems to course through our most primal vein. Tones and rhythmic vibrations can inspire deep meditation and healing. We use music, song and chanting in our diverse spiritual practices. Sound waves have the potential to travel into infinity. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">What type of butterfly effect(s) do we create through our sound, through our music? </span></span> </div><div><div><br /></div><div>We, as a human species, seem to be drawn to it (the music, that is); and in cases like me, I crave it. I used to think it was an obsession. But now I realize that it's my way of commune-icating, sharing my soul and making a path in this world. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>As I learned folk songs from the 60's, I realized that a lot of them incorporated minor keys such as Em and Am. Communing with songs of the past allowed me to feel a connection to the artists who created them, almost like a sacred communion through time and space. The messages are Universal - struggle, hope, war, release, and faith that one day "we shall overcome." </div><div><div><br /></div><div>I find it very interesting that the Native American flutes are also created in minor keys. It seems that this type of "sound" resonates very deeply on a soul level. This "sound" seems to symbolize all those Universal feelings and messages that the folk-singers of the 60's commune-icated, the same themes that still run through our society today.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">For thousands of years, humans (folks) have been brought together by creating muse-ic through drumming, tones, melodies and chanting in cadence. </span></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it was our first language...before the spoken word. And maybe it still is the primary language of creatures like whales, birds, wolves and crickets.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, we crave that sense of community and communion--Commune-icating through tones, rhythm, and messages in cadence. Through this, we open to each other. And somehow, the music connects us ("folks") in a way that transcends the illusion of separation - whether it be differing viewpoints, cultures or lifestyles. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>That was the magic of the original Woodstock. 500,000 people. Not enough water, food or bathroom facilities. Everyone had to work together for a common purpose. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">And amidst the weekend of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">communing in hardship</span>, there was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">music</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">...and there was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">peace</span>. </span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I am honored to be on this path. </span></span> And I am honored to be part of this community--as we strive to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">open</span></span> our hearts, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">connect</span></span> with each other and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">build </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">commune-ity</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> through the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">muse-ic</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2852315150071664594.post-74699840678831509862008-04-03T21:26:00.000-07:002008-05-06T00:29:01.786-07:00Emerging<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrEk4p467drkh6zpVFtoAgNT1PahEE0YpkC7ULN2vkthjxy-aH_FlBsI_j1d1He3-JzeNT8GqenD_p1EB4XIi2L2cDA08jy6wTudgtdLmT-NGM9XkHhkRQKKsx1wVi7HaVvZmVV4hk7h7/s1600-h/flowers-emerge.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrEk4p467drkh6zpVFtoAgNT1PahEE0YpkC7ULN2vkthjxy-aH_FlBsI_j1d1He3-JzeNT8GqenD_p1EB4XIi2L2cDA08jy6wTudgtdLmT-NGM9XkHhkRQKKsx1wVi7HaVvZmVV4hk7h7/s200/flowers-emerge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185243715581444066" /></a><br />I love Spring...The return of sun. Days growing longer. Bright yellow sage flowers and the brilliant orange of Ocotillo blooms emerging. The chatter of birds growing louder. Doves flirting with each other upon brick walls; and the quail preparing their low-bush spring hide-outs awaiting new family members. The turkey vultures are back, the hawks are pairing up, and the lizards have crawled out of their holes. There is enough warmth to stir the movement of cold-blooded creatures and coax Spring out of her winter slumber. Amber Norgaardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222315758568758502noreply@blogger.com0