Connection.

That’s an idea and a theme that has been part of this series from the first days of Music for Shifting Times. Connection to ideas, to places, to friends, to strangers, to memories: all are good ways to find and renew stability as times continue to shift.

Consider the creative ways these musicians find connection in shifting times.

Plump and misshapen, with a soft, chewy texture that’s reminiscent of pasta or gnocchi, Spätzle belongs in its own culinary category altogether.

Pervasive in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, and stretching into Switzerland and other neighboring European countries, the popular pasta comes in several varieties. But the miniature dumplings usually share a few common threads – a simple dough, heavy with egg and flour, and a cooking method that involves dangling the dough over simmering water so that it cooks on contact.

It’s that time of year again. In the northern hemisphere, we’re in the sprung part of spring and students across the board can see the end in sight. University students are on their home stretch to finals, educators who’ve taught forever are preparing their retirement parties, and the ‘what will I do after graduation’ decision is upon us. 

For those with Mexican heritage, Cinco de Mayo is a day to commemorate a strong and vibrant culture—and for all of us, it’s a great excuse to cook up some amazing food.

I've got the CUTEST book to share with you and your small ones today, apropos as it is Earth Day. It will inspire and educate kids and their grownups about how to compost, garden, and reap the rewards of gardening. The Soil in Jackie's Garden, written by Peggy Thomas with art by Neely Daggett, is fun, beautiful, and inspiring. 

Music for Shifting Times: that is what we decided to all this series when we began it back almost eight years ago at this writing.

It seemed that things were shifting then; little did anyone know how many ways things would shift across the world.

Need for connection and community have remained constant across these years; so has the role of music in making these connections possible.

You may want to reflect on those ideas as you consider the work of these musicians.

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

Visits to coffee houses were a frequent indulgence when I live in Vienna in my early twenties – my drink of choice was velvety hot chocolate slathered with just-whipped heavy cream, dusted with cocoa powder.

My other indulgence? Pastries.

Eclairs, steamed cakes, moussed slices, meringues, puff pastries – the coffee house cases always seemed stocked with some new-to-me delicacy just waiting to be sampled.

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.