Sometimes I just have to find a mountain. I tremble and I'm thankful as I say my mountain prayers.
Over the years I have formed a number of small Song Circles with friends and family. It has been, and remains, a way for me - for us in those circles - to feel connected and in some way part of each other's lives.
At this time in my life and career the idea of feeling connected - of being part of something bigger than myself - ourselves - seems as universal as it does personal. So, on the road to my last concert I will be creating a Song Circle available on YouTube - that folks can sign up for and receive weekly via email.
It will be a Song Circle inspired by a quote from the German writer, poet, and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:
"We should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of our lives, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
Every week there will be a new song, a photograph or photographs taken by my wife, Pat, and an original poem written by my friend, James Nystrom, or occasionally other fine poets.
At its core the idea is that we are all in this together - more or less the same - and we can find each other in our stories and our songs, as well as fine pictures and heartfelt poems.
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"Youthful Joy" by James Nystrom
Age is relentless;
Yet, youthful joy
Is ageless
In celebration.
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Lyrics - "Sometimes I Just Have to Find a Mountain"
Sometimes I just have to find a mountain
Takes some time to walk there along a mountain stream
Its twists and turns are too many for counting
As the stream becomes a river and the river finds the sea
Life is changing and as constant as the seasons
It holds tears and laughter, it knows joy and despair
As things happen, I don't always know the reasons
I tremble and I'm thankful as I say my mountain prayers
Some things appear clearer at a distance
Each sunrise is different while every one's the same
Life is timeless and it's over in an instant
There are things I understand that I cannot explain
Life is changing and as constant as the seasons
It holds tears and laughter, it knows joy and despair
As things happen, I don't always know the reasons
I tremble and I'm thankful as I say my mountain prayers
Sometimes it feels we've come so far
But we've still so far to go
Sometimes it seems we know so much
There are things we'll never know
Once upon a mountaintop
Where everything is clear
I don't know all the reasons why
But I'm so glad I'm here
Life is changing and as constant as the seasons
It holds tears and laughter, it knows joy and despair
As things happen, I don't always know the reasons
I tremble and I'm thankful as I say my mountain prayers
I tremble and I'm thankful as I say my mountain prayers
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Photography by Pat Pearson
Poem by James Nystrom
