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. 

The field of education is in turmoil these days, for a variety of reasons. Countless families are searching for additional ways to provide the best education possible for their kids.

But where to start?

How do you know what to look for, whom to trust, and educational outcomes that prioritize your kid and their educational journey?

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? 

A man at the front desk of a hotel we were checking in at was making light conversation. I don't remember what my mother asked, but I remember he responded with, “traveling to the place you live will change your view of your home.”

He then told his story of how he gets to know his new hometown, to get a hotel and look up the sights to see. 

Shifting times seem to be the usual state of things these days. Thinking about and working through the changes such situations bring is something musicians face and consider in their work, too.

Here are aspects of shifting times and living in them through music.

A new month, a new year, a new chance to write your story. 

How do you greet the new year? 

December is a time which invites reflection. That is true wherever you might be, and whatever else may be going on.

December can also be a time of many things to get done, holidays to celebrate, gatherings to attend, travel plans, resolutions for the coming year...

Each of those activities will benefit from a bit of space, a bit of time for reflection. That may come before, during, after you take part, of course—and music is a fine way to invite reflection and a fine companion alongside quiet consideration, as well.

Recipe for Viennese Vanilla Crescents at the end!

I’m natively from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but for five years, my husband and I lived in southwest Michigan. My husband has family that live in the area, and Fernando and I were newly engaged when we first settled in the Kalamazoo area in 2009. I started attending Western Michigan University in 2011 for my master’s degree, and we got married that same year in the fall. As a graduate student, you’re limited with time off because of academic commitments, but we didn’t mind delaying our honeymoon at all.