I am reminded this week that songwriting requires my 'songwriting muscles' to be in shape. I need a good 2 hours to practice, run through old songs, then start the pieces of the new songs. I have been writing 2 new songs (in true Rachel fashion) that could mesh together. But the more I add to each the more they take on a life of their own. One is a song I started a year or so ago that never really went anywhere. The other is newer, based on similar chord structure, but a very different subject and ultimately a different sound.

My more recent songs are an attempt at creating something that sounds deceptively simple, but has depth or detail that keeps you hanging on. Something that is smooth and easy to listen to, but has unexpected turns that keep you on edge. It is a fine line. Simplicity can be beautiful, but it can also be boring (redundant, bland, trite, etc. etc.) But look at Ode to Joy. Everyone knows that melody. Think of the scene in Immortal Beloved when Ode to Joy is playing at the end. I cry every time! So simple, yet so deep. That comes from a deeper place.

Lyrics are hard to come by these days, but I am hopeful. They always seem to drop out the air when I least expect them. Usually when I have been playing a song and getting into what I think of as the "runner's high". That place where endorphins kick in and your are just floating in that creative place. Hard to do with children, housework, part time work....but I'm trying to make time.

You can now be my fan on facebook. How self indulgent is that? My husband says it's just marketing, but I feel bad about it....I forget that no one values humility anymore. So in an attempt to be more confident - be my facebook fan!

Was doing some songwriting today. Was reminded of this blog.

I'll write here again soon.