The following original drawings were created for the Musical Stories which were published as our ninth collection in 2008 under the title of “After All” 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.

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This drawing is simply about love. Older couples who have been together their entire adult lives, speak of countless blessings and times of immense joy. However, the story is about hardships endured and how those tough times tested and redefined their love for one another—nothing short of a heroes journey.

 

This drawing is about walling in and walling out. How important it is to build strong walls that define, protect, and last. But it’s also important to know when walls have outlived their usefulness and need to come down, stone by sturdy stone.

 

This drawing is about sharing. A grandfather builds a cabinet with a secret space where surprises are hidden to delight his granddaughter. Sharing secrets and little details of life across generations creates a special closeness and memories to last a lifetime.

 

This drawing is about seven generations. We asked ourselves the question—what if someone making speeches held a child? Every proposal, each response and all decisions would be first and foremost about the future that we create for the children. What could matter more?

 

This drawing is about co-creation and influence. Every time we interact with someone or some thing, we are changed in some way. Just one word can shift our perspective and change our course—take another path instead.

 

This drawing is about time.  At an Eckhart Tolle workshop in San Rafael, California, he said that Time is an abstract construction and doesn’t really exist. In fact, he went on to compare Time to a phantom criminal who is never seen, yet we have remaining evidence that something has happened.

 

This drawing is about longing. Whether missing a loved one while away for an extended time, or aching to change your life in some significant way we all know what a deeply felt word “longing” is. In any case there’s no quick fix. A long time is required to come through that period in a life—stronger.

This drawing is about depression. Watching a loved one’s life force dissipate right before your  eyes is a terrible and disturbing experience. Apathy is an ugly companion. Depression affects everyone involved. One must be helped down from that narrow ledge because you can’t get there by yourself.

 

This drawing is about self-reliance. Imagine a child coming home to an empty house. This happens all of the time. It can be devastating and traumatic, but also inspiring. Making the best out of what could be considered a sad and lonely time develops skills to cope and thrive: imagination and creativity! Even a Big Green Chair can provide companionship and comfort—fond memories and self-reliance.

 

This drawing is about playfulness at any age. Just beneath the skin is a child who wants to come out and play. The fact is, most all of us can suddenly become very childlike, taking on a different voice and posture. The child within can be seen peeking out through that gleam in your eye.

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