The following original drawings were created for the Musical Stories which were published as our eleventh collection in 2009 under the title of “By Invitation.”  We’ve included a brief description of  what each drawing means to us related to that part of our journey. Just one glance and the memories come flooding back. Simply click on the drawing to go directly to the original story and lyrics along with other related links.

Back to Introduction                                                                                     Forward to Moment of Truth

This drawing is about collaboration. After 10 years of quiet reflective time and much soul-searching, we decided we were ready to venture out—open to accepting invitations and perhaps penning a few of our own. Looking back now, we would call it a period of selective collaboration.

 

This drawing is about long term relationships. The spark that ignites a steamy romance may not last. But what if by chance, it does continue burning brightly for years or decades? What would that possibly feel like? Maybe way too much togetherness? Maybe incredible? At least it’s a possibility and worth a try.

 

This drawing is about remaining open without expectations. Could you do that? Really? With all of our biases and preconceived notions, staying open is a tough proposition. If things go great that’s one thing, but if it turns south, what then? As for us, we decided to at least give it a try, so off we went. Just for the record, much of it went south, but we love what is with no regrets.

 

This drawing is of the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland and is about a radical shift in position. We all know what change is since it happens every day. What about a transformation? Well, not as common, but certainly a child transforming into a responsible adult? Ok, but that’s a much longer complex process. A sea change on the other hand can happen in a relatively short time, and the result is dramatically different—no comparison. We’re hoping for a sea change.  

 

This drawing is about caring for those around us. Horses hooves and wagon wheels muffled by the snow-covered clearing, is the sound heard every winter day as they take hay to the wild Elk. What a beautiful story of care and concern for our fellow creatures.

 

This drawing is about finding heaven on earth. Outrageous fun or piling your hair higher are just two ways to get closer to heaven. As they say, heaven is just a hair away. In the end, paradise is simply found in the joy of sweet friends and family.

 

This drawing is about a heartfelt connection. When you call someone you love, not to talk about anything in particular, but just to hear their voice. It’s just that simple, yet deeply important.

 

This drawing is about sibling rivalry. Issues between kids is a common occurrence—it can be momentary, for long periods or for a lifetime. It can also resolve when you least expect it, making room for a true friendship to develop.

—

This drawing is about regret. It can be a result of things we say or do that we wish we could change, but find that to be very difficult yet not impossible. It can also be about the things we didn’t do, or didn’t say when we had the opportunity. Those are often more difficult because those moments are gone, never to return.

 

This drawing is about reflections. Looking back on periods of our lives we see more clearly than when we were actually in those moments. As with a lottery, we may want to try just one more time. However, life is not a lottery and there aren’t any second chances. However there is always another new and exciting opportunity just waiting around the next corner—now that could be a jackpot.

Back to Introduction                                                                                     Forward to Moment of Truth