Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman, sung by Shawna Ray

Video above in memory of Dr. Maya Angelou, where I am singing her poem Phenomenal Women into my phone, with words listed. I found this photo by Adria Richards with a quote through ASCF.org online, so I hope that's okay. Now I wish I had done more with this sooner.

But here's the story...I wake up and sing song ideas into my phone all the time, but I never intend for anyone to hear them publicly. In April I woke up and sang this rough a capella version of the poem for some reason. (Can I possibly give any more disclaimers?? Like if I was 11 wouldn't you think this was okay? And do you realize that most of what you hear in music has been highly processed and recorded with high tech microphones? And most people sound awful singing into a phone. Ahhhh Let it go already). All I know is, I have to share. 

Rest in peace. You will be missed. And we will forever be grateful for the legacy you left behind and your Heartsong that lives on through your writing and those you have inspired.

 – Shawna Ray   

Website: www.shawnaray.com
Direct link to videos on youtube: http://youtube.com/imshawnaray 

See previous blog entry for another song collection of Maya Angelou poems posted yesterday, a Timeless Face of Grace with Poetry that Penetrates...

http://shawnaray.blogspot.com/2014/05/timeless-maya-angelou.html

Heartsong

February 20^th is the day my Dad died. Some might say he passed away or moved on to the next life. I was 17 years old when we found out he had cancer and 22 when he died. I love this amazing man so much and struggled to make sense of it all for a long time. I still miss him. 

In the Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume II he wrote to the widow of his friend, “My friendship is not ended. His death has had the very unexpected effect of making death itself look quite different. I believe in the next life ten times more strongly than I did. At moments it seems almost tangible. Mr. Dyson, on the day of the funeral, summed up what many of us felt, ‘It is not blasphemous’, he said ‘To believe that what was true of Our Lord is, in its less degree, true of all who are in Him. They go away in order to be with us in a new way, even closer than before.’ A month ago I would have called this silly sentiment. Now I know better. He seems, in some indefinable way, to be all around us now. I do not doubt he is doing and will do for us all sorts of things he could not have done while in the body.”

I wrote Heartsong after the funeral of my Grandmother, in memory of her, my Father and other loved ones who have passed on. They gave me the support and encouragement to finally record my first album. 



It sucks to lose people you love. That's real. But when we are open, we can still feel their touch in our lives and hear their voices that continue to guide. I have faced a series of life and health challenges since I recorded the album and was never able to tour. I am in the process of writing a novel that tells the story and have two new albums of songs in the waiting. I will not give up on this dream.

The Heartsong lives on in each of us who hold the memories we cherish as we chose to live, give, forgive, love, laugh and learn.

-          Shawna Ray

Talkin' Guitar

Arm around body

Neck is inviting
Input the jack please
Bridge keeps it guarded
Vibrating whammy
Inlay surrounding

Music is the movement of soul ...

I'm talkin' guitar
'Cuz you get me like that
Bend into my heart
Moving down my frets
You know who you are
The head is at high pitch
So factor in firmness
Just talkin' guitar

Fingers are walking
Pick up the action
Chords are singing
Making sweet lovin
Smack it down, groov'n
Tear it up shredding

Music  is the rock and the roll ...

I'm talkin' guitar

'Cuz you get me like that

Bend into my heart

Moving down my frets

You know who you are

The head is at high pitch

So factor in firmness

Just talkin' guitar
   

I wanna hear that.....(bluesy guitar solo)

Well if you want to bend it skinny there's electric
Peddle to distort pitch, rock it then you drop it

And if you want to feell it, strum it on acoustic
Hear it in the lyric anytime you choose it

Music with a full body tone
Unplugged sing a la la la la la la la looooooooong
Come on and sing a la la la la la la la looooong... 

I'm talkin' guitar

'Cuz you get me like that

Bend into my heart

Moving down my frets

You know who you are

The head is at high pitch

So factor in firmness

Just talkin' guitar
I'm just talkin' guitar

- shawna ray, song lyrics, © Dec 25, 2011, Inspired by John Mayer

Live, Give, Love, Laugh and Learn, 

- Shawna Ray sharing again today, 9/22/13

Birthday

So I had another BIRTHDAY on April 30th. My Mom planned a dinner party with some of my lifelong friends and surprised me by flying my sister Amy in from New York. It was a fun weekend, even though I have been dreading this particular mile marker on the journey that is life. 

Birthdays are moments in time when I was meant to arrive into this life experience. If I had been born at any other time, I would be a completely different person. And yet it seems that looking back, I spent much of my time and energy wishing I looked like someone else or had a different life. Why do we do that? Let’s ENJOY this time by accepting who we are, as is, and be HAPPY on this BIRTHDAY! Of course this makes me think (MMT) and write a SONG about it…

Turning of an age
I see the candles on a cake
And wonder where am I suppose to be by now?
On a no back track
I picture what lies up ahead
And make myself get out of the bed to take next steps...

Moving into 
chapter two
On to thirty
Forty, fifty
Birthdays
Celebrate
Life is good
When we're living 
Presently
OoooOH, presently

Friends and family call
To wish me well, posts on the wall
Bring out a smile, inside I still feel like a child
Do I blow a wish?
Or is it more about the breath?
That I take in to capture moments of alive

Moving into 
Chapter two
On to thirty
Forty, fifty
Birthdays
Celebrate
Life is good
When we're living
Presently
OoooOH, presently

Learning to be healthy is happy
Loving and feeling it all
Now choosing the things I want to receive
Throwing the other trash out

Writing a new 
Chapter two
On to thirty
Forty, fifty
Unafraid!
Celebrate
Life is good
Loving and living
Presently
OooooOH, presently

-shawna ray, today 4/30/13

#birthday,#presents,#living,#presently, #friends,#family,#20,#30,#40,#50

Everything

Note: Read the quotes at the bottom that inspired this song I've been singing in the morning shower to help me through the full time work day in an office. I do hope to record more soon because lyrics are sometimes hard to grasp without hearing them with music. It's coming! I'm just broke and trying to raise two kids as a single Mom. Someday...

Everything
-shawna ray, today 4/25/13
I can feel the stress hormones releasing in my blood
I need to find a way
To let go of weight and peacefully engage
By riding out the raging wave

It's all good
When you're looking for the good
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right

Happiness is not about having everything
It's about doing my best in everything
Loving me may never be that easy
But I will love you well; hope you love me back

Silently I'm drawn and answering the call Of what I love so naturally
Lifting up my voice its time I made a choice
The only one to live my life is free

It's all good
When you're looking for the good
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right

Happiness is not about having everything
It's about doing my best in everything
Loving me may never be that easy
But I will love you well; hope you love me back

Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow
It takes the strength out of today
You can think that nothing in life is a miracle
Or live as there are miracles in everything!

It's all good
When you're looking for the good
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right

Don't shrink, don't settle
Don't fade away
Your light is needed
There are no mistakes
Don't shrink, don't settle
Don't fade away
Your light is needed
There are no mistakes!
-----------
Based on quotes on my fridge and bedroom mirror:

The happiest people don't necessarily have everything; they just make the best of everything!
- Unknown source

I know that's right
When I'm doing things right
(based on quote by Peter Drucker "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.)

"It's all good when you're looking for the good"
(Shawna Ray quote...It use to irritate my former boss when I would say, "Its all good!" He would point out that it's not ALL good. And I would say, "If you're looking for the good, you can find it." He would then make that face and walks away thinking he's right and I'm crazy. Happy to now have a new boss. It's all good.

Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow
It takes the strength out of today
(quote by Corrie ten Boom "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength")

You can think that nothing in life is a miracle
Or live as there are miracles in everything
(Albert Einstein quote-"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle")

Don't shrink Don't settle
Don't fade away
Your light is needed There's no mistakes
("There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you" -Gregg LaVoy, from the book, Callings)

And some fortune cookie quotes:
"The minute that you settle for less than you deserve, you get less than you settled for"
"He who never makes mistakes never did anything that's worthy"

"Make it a great day!"
(I say this to my kids as they get on the bus every morning and we made it into a fridge magnet. After watching the movie, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" my daughter now jokes with a quote from the movie"That's too much pressure", which makes us laugh.)

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Palm Sunday Sermon Song

Sermon notes that turned into a song during the service. I got up and sang this Acappella last night at Life Church, Pastor Matt Rice 3/23/13

Make Your House a Home
-inspired during Pastor Matt's mssg 3/23/13

Jesus I want to know you
Light my heart on fire
Alter every part of my life before

I can feel your revival
Fresh wind and revelation
I am ready to see you break through the doors

Jesus is coming
Will you be open?
Will he be welcome
To make your house a home?
(Sing) Abide in me
Lord abide in me
Abide in me Lord
Make this house your home

Church and body the temple
Hear him knocking to enter
This is soul renovation from within

Grace is justification
Holiness is a cleansing
Break the power of past sin -never again

Jesus is with us
God I am open
Spirit is welcome
To make this house a home
(Sing) Abide in me
Lord abide in me
Abide in me Lord
Make this house your home
Work in me
Do your work in me
Lord work through me
Lord make this house your home
Love on me
Lord love on me
Lord love through me
Please make this house your home
Abide in me
Lord abide in me
Abide in me Lord
Make this house your home

-through shawna ray, today 3/23/13

Sermon Notes:
All Heaven breaks loose
An entry fitting for the king of Heaven
He comes in prophetic way, deeply theological (grounded in scripture)
Zachariah 9- he comes on a donkey as in the old testament
With power clothed in humility

Lowly-on a donkey
Elicits a highly passionate response
The first palm Sunday was spontaneous active worship in response - welcoming Jesus, laying down the path
When Jesus comes, there is a shift and movement ready to take place
Son of David - a King that God would raise up!
Procession concludes at the temple- God's home. Jesus drives out the money changers. Not about buying and selling. Make this a house of prayer and welcoming.
1 Corinthians 3:16- you are God's temple. Your body is a temple of the holy spirit
Revival is about the supernatural but true revival is about hearts turned toward Jesus (repentance) with a fresh revelation and affirming love
God wants to renovate your soul and decorate your house
He wants every part of you - hearts on fire not trying to please everyone. True to the word and messages in Spirit and truth
Might not be "seeker friendly" but we will be sensitive seekers, surrendered to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us and meet people as they are with love and acceptance, pure and real. This is God's house. All are welcome. God will set you free and wants to use you to welcome more souls into the Kingdom.

Romans 12

#palm sunday; #Jesus; #easter; #welcome; #House of God; #temple; #Spirit #abide; #make this house your home; #home; #renovation; #Grace; #holiness; #worship; #prayer
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Fancy Free

Please don't tell me that God has made this happen
I don't want to believe he'd do this to me
But I can believe all things happen for a reason
I'll keep looking for lessons that can teach

And I will own it
Learn from it
And ask for forgiveness
Anytime I make a mistake
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Fancy free

Please don't feed me a line that feels self righteous
I could never be tied to your right way
But I can respect you and ask you to also respect me
We'll find love and commonality

Yes I will own it
Learn from it
And ask for forgiveness
Anytime I make a mistake
And keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Fancy free

So get your fancy free feet on the dance floor!
Come get down and don't mind them at all
I gave my fancy free heart to the savior
I keep walking through those open doors

And I have owned it
Learned from it
And asked for forgiveness
Anytime I've made a mistake
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Fancy free
Live fancy FREE!!!
Fancy free...
Live fancy free!

-shawna ray

"Don't let pride hold you outside"
-Pastor Gary Keesee
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Miraculous

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein

Where is this road leading?
What do you have for me?
Find myself on my knees asking why?
So many variables
Juggling too many balls
Will this work for the good? Seek and find...

Everyday miracles
Nothing is impossible
When I watch one door close
I believe there's something more
Miraculous
Miraculous

Lead me into your will
I'll follow and be still
Even as storms will come I see your hand
Calming the raging sea
Arms open beckoning
Walk on the water with me, you can stand...

Everyday miracles
Nothing is impossible
When I watch one door close
I believe there's something more
Miraculous
Miraculous

Look for the rainbows in the rain
Come expecting healing through pain
Being rich has nothing to do with money
I can say that I have seen...

Everyday miracles
Nothing is impossible
When I watch one door close
I believe there's something more
Miraculous
Miraculous

Let God blow your mind
Seek and you will find...
Miraculous
Miraculous

shawna ray 8-9-12


Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Song Inspired by 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies- In the Now, Shawna Ray

Watching the #Olympic opening ceremonies tonight I could feel this sentiment in the diverse faces of so many uniquely beautiful, hopeful athletes. It was interesting to see them holding cameras up to capture the moment while they too were being filmed.

I have been writing and sharing song lyrics in the moment for a few years now. Someday I will have the means to also record more music. For all of us who keep pushing through barriers to move one step further to realizing our dreams, day by day...Don't give up! Breathe...

IN THE NOW

Capture frames of what the eye sees
Energy that rises quickly
Walking steady, friends surrounding
Etching memories for reminding

This is the opportunity of a lifetime
Breathe it all in now
A new beginning to seize the moment
Breathe it all in the now, in the now

Every day that you've been moving
Every dream that you've been dreaming
Adding up and finally leading
Through the open door, revealing

This is the opportunity of a lifetime
Breathe it all in now
A new beginning to seize the moment
Breathe it all in the now, in the now

Feel the presence of your purpose
Move the will and make a way
There is more beyond the surface
Pushing past with all your strength

This is the opportunity of a lifetime
Breathe it all in now
A new awareness to seize the moment
Breathe it all in the now, in the now

by shawna ray, today 7/27/12 11:11pm

All are winners, 2012 Olympics 

After the Storm, Simplicity is Sacred

"Patience is the kind of character trait everyone wants to possess but no one wants to develop" from Simple Words of Wisdom, by Penelope J. Stokes
I was writing the final paragraphs of my book yesterday afternoon (still in need of some serious editing) when a hot sunny day brewed quickly into a #thunderstorm that has left hundreds of thousands of people without power in #Columbus, #Ohio and surrounding areas this weekend. I had been writing all day so my creative mind was in a daze and startled by this sudden shift in the energy, as if it was somehow related or fighting against me. It was a crazy turn of events that will simply become part of the story, but it was scary for a moment as the winds whipped and twisted quickly through this little town bringing huge trees crashing into power lines and exploding generators with a bright burst of light that then darkened the block. Those of us without generators are SOL this weekend. They are saying it could be 5 to 7 days before power is restored and only a few business' are open in nearby areas.
Something I have noticed is having conversations with neighbors who rarely come out of their homes and some that I met for the first time after the storm. My teenage (sometimes couch potato) son was full of energy and went into town to help clear the trees that were blocking the road. He was out there directing traffic and talking with everyone. Members of the community pitched in to help those with damage to their houses clear the trees and cover up holes. I was thankful that I have a gas stove instead of complaining about the smell and took the time to make a big home cooked dinner last night and breakfast today before food might spoil. We enjoyed family conversation and a game of Jenga and Monopoly at the table without the threat of TV, computers, and video games luring us away from these scared moments. My kids and I have spent the day reading books and having conversations about how thankful we are that our house was not damaged in the storm. We recognized that many families in Colorado and Arizona are being evacuated from major fires that have destroyed hundreds of homes. We talked about how people survived different Tsunami and flooding tragedies and what that must have been like to find ways to endure and rebuild.
Sudden shifts in perspective can be pure reminders of what matters most and can bring communities together in a powerful way. I have other short term means of charging my cell phone thankfully, but this has shown me how dependent we have become on electricity for quick cooking, laundry, electronics, and so many other things. It makes me wonder what we would do without electricity in the event of a major catastrophe? One thing it does require is patience and a willingness to go with the flow rather than get stuck in frustration that we have been inconvenienced.
I choose to deal with what I can control and say, "It is what it is" with acceptance. I will appreciate all that we do have while absorbing this forced down time and lesson in patience. I will keep writing and recognize what comes natural to me with renewed determination in pursuing my passion. And I will enjoy more face to face time with the friends and family that are sometimes missed when we are otherwise distracted by electronics.

Vicarious

Vicarious, I wish I was
Walking in shoes I don't lace up
Notorious, not showing up
Detoured from what I say I want

Casting for a big fish
with a little hook
Somehow got the bait and switch
It's a chance I took
Dreaming of a someday
Man it could be good
If I could get out of my own way

Oblivious, to what it takes
I wish on stars and hesitate
Unanimous, we all have days
When go is stopped and we are late

Jumping through a big hoop with no clue
How to get to Oz when
Stuck inside a zoo
Dreaming of a someday
Man it could be good
If I could get out of my own way

Get out of my own head
Get out of the fear that
Only hurts me when I let it
Walking right on through this
Saying you can do this!
Come on little scaredy cat!
Do you really want to live...

Various?
Though conscious of...

Casting for a big fish
With a little hook
Finally I am baited with a long heavy thread
Holding tight and looking out not in
Man this will be really good
Reeling in reeling in...
Reaching for the good is when you catch it!
Now release it if you can...

Casting for a big fish

with a little hook

Somehow got the bait and switch

It's a chance I took

Dreaming of a someday

Man it could be good

If I could get out of my own way

Doing things my own way, my own way

Shawna Ray yesterday, 5/25/12
The idea for video to this song is very cool. Yes I know I am a fool with limited outlets ...

www.shawnaray.com

Picture of Love (Mom) song Chords and soundtrack by Shawna Ray

Picture of Love (Mom)

Singer/Songwriter, Shawna Ray, Open album, ASCAP

Download song on itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/open/id364506056 

Download instrumental soundtrack to sing it yourself:http://shawnaray.bandcamp.com/track/mom-instrumental

Make your own picture video: 

                 Bb                          Eb                         Bb                   Eb

Picture of love, you are my mother.  We have a special kind of bond.

                   Bb                                     Eb                   Gm                  Cm

You have a heart that cares no matter, so that I can feel at home.

                 Eb                           D                     Cm                  Am

You are the one who’ll sit and listen, with a helping hand to lend

        Eb                        D                           Ab                         F

And now, as we are growing, you’ve become one of my best friends.

                     Bb  F                  C         Eb

A picture of love, a pillar of strength,

Eb                       Bb     F                    Cm         Eb

With comforting warmth and beautiful grace;

                    Cm

Thank you Mom,

                F                       Ab

You have been there for me.

                 Bb                          Eb                         Bb                   Eb

Picture a smile, a lifelong teacher, cheering me to always try

              Bb                           Eb                      Gm                  Cm

You give hugs and won’t let go when you know I need to be held

                 Eb               D                     Cm                  Am

You don’t claim to be perfect, but you love your family.

             Eb                   D                                 Ab                          F

What a gift when you admitted you’ve been learning along with me.

                      Bb                     C    Eb

A picture of love, pillar of strength,

Eb                       Bb     F                    Cm         Eb

With comforting warmth and grace;

       Cm

Thank you Mom,

    F                       Ab

You have been there…

            G/C                 Bb                   Cm                 F/D

For time together with lots of laughter, over meals we talk, (and talk and talk)

            Eb                    Bb                   Cm                              F

Those memories I will always treasure even after you pass on...

            Gm                  F/A                       Ab                          Bb

Picture respect and gratitude; picture my arms wrapped around you;

             Gm                 F/A                  Eb                           Bb                                   

Picture a child saying, “I love you.  Thank you for being there”…

      Gm F

A picture of love,

                        Cm Eb

Pillar of strength,

Eb                       Bb     F                    Cm         Eb

With comforting warmth and beautiful grace;

                        Gm                  Am

I picture your wise, forgiving face,

                        Ab       Bb

Waiting and praying; full of faith.

                   G/C                      Am

Thank you Mom, you have been there

                        G/C                       Am

Thank you Mom, you’ve always been there

                        G/C                 Ab                       Bb

Thank you Mom, you have been my picture of love

There is a Difference

I am reading Catching Fire at the urging of my tweenage daughter Kaiya, who is completely into the Hunger Games trilogy and has seen the first movie three times now, (FYI- I only paid for one). Josh Hutcherson is her first crush, but as an actress she is even more into and inspired by Jennifer Lawrence. It is what it is.

There are some who have warned against young teens watching this movie and reading the books because the premise is so violent. I guess that all depends upon the maturity of the youth and the conversation you have with them as they read through the books and see the bigger picture and story, while also keeping perspective of it all as fiction with life parallels. My daughter's grandfather was a Sergeant Major in the Army and we have other family currently serving in the US military. I have had many interesting conversations with my kids on the subject of war and peace; prejudice and poverty; compassion and humility. I do not shelter my kids from life. I work as a community advocate and they have been with me serving at soup kitchens and played with the children who were homeless; they have been to Goodwill Industries where I worked with individuals who live with disabilities; to the inner city as I now work in outreach at the local university to empower health, wellness, social entrepreneurism, with violence prevention initiatives in the city. My kids have also grown up attending various churches where they questioned why "Christians" seem to be so judgmental and clique.

We read and know of so much violence in the Bible and throughout history. No one seems to flinch at kids watching passion plays that nail a bloody Jesus to the cross. I am moved by those scenes because of the relationship and understanding that I have there spiritually. I see situation which  force us to fight against the violence to defend and survive. I see men and women with the courage and determination to defend what is right and the honor that should always be awarded to those who fight for our freedom. I also see how power has been abused many times as the enemy sometimes lies within and war has become big business and corruption is a virus.

Ultimately I do believe that peace of heart and mind will be the only force that will win for good. I seek to understand the other's culture and viewpoint to hopefully bring forth new understanding that is not at war. Even in moments when I have to remind myself to live and forgive my ex husband who sometimes acts as an enemy to my family. I am open and will continue to seek peace. As Kaiya says, "Haters are gonna hate and potatoes are gonna potate." So when I see that there is a fierce and hateful force in the universe that is not in its right heart and mind and is determined to fight, I write...

"There is a difference between violence and resistance; defending verses being defeated
There is a difference between wrong and right; where courageous souls may sacrifice
There is a difference between night and day; a dawn that breaks and penetrates
There is a difference between interrupting hate with the intention of lives to save
There is a difference between what you say and how you choose to live today
There is a difference between violence and resistance; defending verses being defeated"

By shawna ray, today 4/12/2012
(And please forgive me if I write typos. I am so not an editor and usually write this stuff in the moment and send it out as it is written with my thumbs from my phone. Hashtags still seem odd to me too, but they work. I welcome edits and do go and back and make changes as they are needed. I am always surprised to find that someone has actually read and responded to something that I have written and released. So it's all good. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. If I had the means and money to record and release the songs that come with these thoughts and moments, and connections to those who are more experienced and talented at producing and making music, I would love to share those too. I have yet to be able to fully create the music that I hear in my head as I write along. There is a difference between ready and reality too. Someday soon...)
www.shawnaray.com

Day One

DAY ONE

shawna ray

Yesterday went from bad to worse
The toilet clogged and the squad was called
Talked to my family, we played a game
Of touched you last with hurtful words

Am I hard to love or is it just
Enough is enough?
Do I self destruct? Or is it just
Some things need cooled off?
I'm sending out a dove to find new love

Starting from - day one
Day one

Seeing things more clearly now
The rain is gone, rainbow appears
On my own and steering clear of
People always speaking fears

Am I push and shove or is it just
that I'm not going down?
Do I suck at love? Or is it just
that I have learned the difference
I'm sending out a song to move along 

Starting from - day one
Day one

Where do I want to go from here?
What footprints do I leave and follow?
What if I have to part with
Friends and family I knew before?

Am I hard to like or is it just
that I want more in life?
Do I think I'm smart? Or is it just
that I've been playing stupid
Sending out the dove to find new love

Starting from - day one
Day one

Doing my best to overcome
Looking out at a great big ocean
Finding a way to build back up
All it takes is a mustard seed to move a mountain, move the mountain,

"Move that bus!"lol
Starting from - day one

Day one

Keep it Open

Funny story that gave me the laugh I so desperately needed this past week...

So the chorus of the song to my children's book, "Take a Trip to Diverse City" goes, "Diverse City is a free state of heart and mind where all are welcome. Diverse City is a free state, so let's build a bridge and keep it open." In short, whenever I sign my book for kids I write, "Keep it open."

Last week I had a doctor's appointment with the gynecologist/urologist and somehow we got to talking about COSI, the local children's science museum in Columbus, Ohio. I said that I was just there reading and signing my book for opening day of the RACE exhibit. He said he goes there all the time with his kids and indicated that he'd like to see the book.

Being an "author" and "singer/songwriter" is new to me and I still work full time as a Public Relations coordinator of community engagement and empowerment programs through a local university. I am trying to get used to sharing the creative part of myself, but it is awkward at times. Another doctor asked for a book and had me sign it to his kids. It still feels strange that anyone would want my autograph. So as I was leaving this doctor's office, I grabbed a book out of my trunk, signed it and left it at the front desk for him to give to his kids.

This week, I was back to see the physical therapist at the same doctor's office and after our session she suggested I try these exercises to see if it helps my post childbirth lady part issues. I was trying to make light of the situation and said, "I will try to be open since that's my motto." She laughed and said, "Someone signed a letter to Dr. "Anonymous" saying "Keep it open" and he was baffled, asking staff, "How am I supposed to take this?"

I started laughing hysterically because I hadn't even thought of how "Keep it open" would come across to a gynecologist who had not read the book yet. "That was me!" I tried to explain the book through my laughter and how, "I sign it that way to help kids (and adults) remember to keep an open heart and mind to embrace and celebrate diversity. My first album is titled "Open" and I have a song titled "Open" that talks about being open to change. Maybe I should stop signing it that way because I don't want kids to keep it open in THAT way!" She said, "No, that's all good. I'm sorry if I mortified you." I thought it was hilarious.

The moral of the story is...Know your audience. "Keep it open" means something completely different to a gynecologist! The subject matter can have that effect on others for a variety of reasons. It comes down to your perspective and experience. We sometimes speak different languages, which can restrict understanding and connection. I hope that you will, "keep it (in this case your heart and mind) open." The "it" in another context might require careful consideration.

shawna ray, today 2/18/12

Healing

Healing
I am healing
Mind, body, spirit
Strengthening from within
As I am healing
Release worry
It's in your hands God
Take it from me
I am healing
Healing
Some are meant to plant the seed
Some work hard, they're watering
Some are light that's nourishing
The gardener prunes while redirecting
Healing
I am healing
Mind, body, spirit
Strengthening from within
As I am healing
Release worry
It's in your hands God
Take it from me
I am healing
Healing
As the sun brings in the day
Balancing our rest and play
Love is joy with pings of pain
Feeling life and energy
In healing
I am healing
Mind, body, spirit
Strengthening from within
As I am healing
Release worry
It's in your hands God
Take it from me
I am healing
Healing
Breathing in peace
Reviving dreams
I am healing

shawna ray, today 2/13/12
www.shawnaray.com

Shining a light on RACE

Interesting how the light spot went to the eye on the poster in this picture from my camera. Last Saturday, I shared my children's book at COSI for the opening of the exhibit RACE- Are We So Different? The information is powerful, geared mostly to older kids and adults.
It was a low key reading of "Take a Trip to Diverse City" with younger kids all around me in an area that COSI had added with puppets and books. I loved seeing all the beautiful children's faces and hearing touching stories in conversation with insightful parents. My vision is still to someday have a video camera with me to capture all of these stories and experiences around America and the world. The exhibit will be up at COSI until May 6th. Check it out!
It's been a journey. And each one of us has a footprint we leave behind. Open eyes allow light to shine through and guide our steps as we see things in perspective and continue to move forward.
Let's build a bridge and keep it open,
shawna ray

Bigger

"God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" Romans 11:29
We are all...
Just a little bitty piece of the bigger picture
Colorful indeed, welcome jagged edges
Forming like a mural or a stained glass window
Every little thing
is a part of something BIGGER
Icy rain tapping on my ceiling
Cannot sleep there's a call I'm hearing
What? Who me? Oh you must be joking
I am nothing and this is bad timing
Why would you use the weakness link?
Single mother with two kids to raise
Do my part is all you ask of me
So...How, why, and what exactly?
Just a little bitty piece of the bigger picture
Colorful indeed, welcome jagged edges
Forming like a mural or a stained glass window
Every little thing
is a part of something BIGGER
So OK...Have you seen me lately?
Out of shape and I cringe while aging
I was running at that pretty twenty
Dad was dying felt like you just left me
You say you were there waiting
Through the storm and through the rain
Faith grew strong while I was learning
Perseverance while becoming
Just a little bitty piece of the bigger picture
Colorful indeed, welcome jagged edges
Forming like a mural or a stained glass window
Every little thing
is a part of something BIGGER
Get this is bigger than me!
The other day my daddy came to me
In a dream and said baby just sing!
There's an audience you cannot see and God loves to hear you sing
All you need to be is...
Just a little bitty piece
of the bigger picture
Colorful indeed
welcome jagged edges
Forming like a mural or a
stained glass window
Every little thing
is a part of something BIGGER
God is so much bigger than me
You are bigger!
So much bigger than you think
God is bigger, so much bigger through every little thing...
Giving just a little bitty piece
shawna ray, today 1/21/12
www.shawnaray.com

Trying

I was running on pure emotion
Jump then look for a place to land
I was living on borrowed time then
So reactive, a nuclear plant
Now here I am
A portion of the problem
Here I am
Willing to find a solution
Empty and I'm broken
The inheritance is spent
Here I am
Still trying
I wake up in a state of wonder
What I should've done different?
Every time I come back to lessons
Life is learning you can't go back
So here I am
A portion of the problem
Here I am
Willing to find a solution
Empty and I'm broken
The inheritance is spent
Here I am
Still trying
People are fragile
So handle with care
Life is so fragile
So handle with prayer
To the here I Am
Owning my part in the problem
Here I am
Willing to find a solution
Awakened and I'm healing
The inheritance is present
Here I am
Still trying
And growing and loving and laughing
Here I am still trying
shawna ray, today 1/3/12
www.shawnaray.com

Humble Pie for the Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving! Listen and enjoy some Humble Pie this holiday season. Any flavor you like, but you GIVE a slice or DO something nice FOR someone else before you serve yourself.

Humble Pie
By singer/songwriter Shawna Ray, Open 2010, Rhythm Ray Records, ASCAP
Produced by Ahmande “Mondo” Grimes and Aaron Rice, Nashville, TN

Lyrics...
At life’s restaurant I thought I’d get whatever I wanted
Ordered up a nice cool one And said keep‘em coming, coming…
Until my bill came due The day that I met you
I was way too full of myself Didn’t leave room for…
Humble pie, it’s an acquired taste
One that I have come to appreciate
For the growth it produces as change takes place
I learned to be grateful the more that I ate
Humble pie at life’s little restaurant
(ladedade ladedadedadedum ladedade ladedadedadedum)

Browse the menu for awhile
Everything comes with a price
Spending time with those I love
Always fill me up
Spice of life is beautiful
Every color every culture
Gives us friendship for dessert
It’s a revolving display of...

Humble pie, it’s an acquired taste…
Repeat Chorus

You get what you need, not always what you want
You give and receive at life’s restaurant
Everybody gets some - All you can eat of
Everybody gets some, all you can eat of…

Humble pie, it’s an acquired taste
One that I have come to appreciate
For the growth it produces as change takes place
I learned to be grateful the more that I ate
Humble pie at life’s little restaurant
(ladedade ladedadedadedum ladedade ladedadedadedum)

You can buy music at CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ShawnaRay
Or Buy music on itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/open/id364506056