Sparks from the Fire

I like to think that this blog is about all things Inspirational.  That being so, we take yet another turn from Inspirational music to the fascinating world of vision.

I’m not exactly a frequenter of doctors.  I think I remember visiting all of two in my lifetime.  As a practicing Christian Scientist, I handle my physical problems through prayer and it works, so I’ve simply not had to go that route in life.  Nothing against doctors, in fact I think most of them do wondrous work helping people survive the trials of the body. (more…)

Making it. Here is probably the most misunderstood term of the entertainment industry – and probably, for many, the most important.  As creative director of an Inspirational music company, I encounter this confusion on one level or another nearly every day.

Many artists are obsessed with the idea of “making it”, but if you were to ask many of them what they meant by this, you would receive a myriad of divergent answers.  It is a term that is pretty much an entertainment industry concept only.  We rarely hear of a chemical engineer, a doctor or a school teacher making it.  (more…)

Watchfire Music, working to find new and innovative ways to bring Inspirational music to the world, will launch its beta of a Lifestyle and Music App for iPad, iPhone and Computer this coming fall.

Now, for the first time online, get Help!, the Musical Handbook for Life, in a new and revolutionary delivery system. You’ll be able to download musical solutions to some of life’s most challenging moments.

Each chapter of the handbook is an Inspirational superabundance of solutions to some of the age-old problems of life.  Filled with inspiring lyrics, new and classic songs, quotes, tips from the masters and in-depth advice, Help!, the Musical Handbook for Life, is a necessity for anyone battling through the 21^st century. (more…)

A Rant In Reverse

In a departure from the usual post on Inspirational music, today I’d like to tell you about a kid I just met.

Kids!
I don’t know what’s wrong with these kids today!
Kids!
Who can understand anything they say?
Kids!
They are disobedient, disrespectful oafs! (more…)

“For it is in giving that we receive.” St. Francis of Assisi

What is it that we don’t get about this concept?  I definitely include myself in the previous “we”.  Why is it that we don’t give more?  The greatest minds in history agree on the simple principle.

“For true love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have. And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow.” Antoine De Saint-Exupery

I, personally, have proven this over and over in my life, but still don’t do it enough.  Often, walking the streets of New York, I stop and hand a beggar a twenty.  I like to give twenties because I know it can really make an impact on a life.

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I’m excited to announce the beta of a new series of house concerts for Inspirational music right here in little ol’ NYC.

We’re calling it the Watchfire Music Listening Room. WFM artist, Julia Wade, will do 3 nights in the next 3 months celebrating and developing her new CD at Jenkins House Concerts just off of Central Park West.

Thursday, August 19th @ 7:30
Thursday, September 16th @ 7:30
Thursday, October 7th @ 7:30

Opening for her will be singer/songwriters Rebecca Minor in August, Megan Neale in September, and WFM artist and composer, Margaret Dorn, in October.

The purpose of the Watchfire Music Listening Room house concerts is to allow WFM artists to develop their music in front of a live audience. (more…)

As a teacher, a parent, and inspirational music composer, I am conscious of this subtle line of demarcation between the undesirable and the desired.  It moves and waves from case to case, from situation to situation.  It requires complete consciousness to keep it in control.

I want to be feared by no one – not even my worst enemy.  If I am feared then I truly am an enemy.  If I am respected then the enmity disappears and the relationship between constituents is in balance.  Cross the line and welcome in the beginnings of war.

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“No man is a failure who is enjoying life. – William Faulkner

Now here’s an Inspirational thought for the day.  At first glance it’s a simple truth, but upon deeper consideration might be considered in this day and age revolutionary – even un-American.

I have long been a proponent of this philosophy.  Having grown up and lived my life in show business, I have seen far too many good people crash and burn who missed the simple truth of this great lesson.

Ultimately, we’re here and then we’re gone.  Once we’re gone, what does it really matter how ‘successful’ we were while we were here?  How much money did you make?  How many awards did you win?  How high on the ladder were you able to climb?

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