“Stay the course. When thwarted try again: harder: smarter. Persevere relentlessly.” - John Wooden

In the season of spring, nature reminds us of change, of resilience, of hope.

Spring months see at least two other times which include elements of change, resilience, and hope in their stories: international celebrations of women, and celebrations of Ireland connected with the time of Saint Patrick’s day in mid-March.

All of those come in to the creativity of the musicians whose work you will find below.

In whichever season you may be reading this, may the work of these artists be a good companion to you.

If you could only read one book in your lifetime, THIS is the one. After Everything, written by global educator, poet, writer, and coach Monna McDiarmid, is a gift. 

This book is EVERYTHING. 

McDiarmid has given us a novel that is beautiful, important, and life-changing. 

I went to university in Boston. Driving from New York meant going over at least one giant bridge. Each time I hit that bridge, I’d notice something shift. My fingers clenched, my shoulders tightened, I hugged the divider, and focused hard on following those in front of me in order to make it to the other side. A few minutes after crossing, the color returned to my fingers and my whole body exhaled. Regardless of the season, state of the roads, or precipitation from the sky, crossing that bridge was often the most nerve-wracking part of that drive. 

Many things in the world seem unsettled these days. Events in the news may make circumstances in day to day life seem more challenging, too.

There is wisdom, hope, community, rest, and fresh perspective to be found in music, in many ways and through music of many sorts.

Have a listen to the creativity of these musicians. Seek out their wisdom and ideas through these ever-changing times.

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A shooting star, the first snowflake, a rainbow after a storm, a child’s laughter, an act of kindness, the innocent check-in of a furry red muppet—inspiration is everywhere if only we pause a moment to look. 

It’s in that awe when we witness a magical moment, the wonder experienced through curious questioning, the joy of a quokka’s quizzical smile, and so much more. When we open our eyes, it’s everywhere…can you see it?