The following original drawings were created for the Musical Stories which were published as our third collection in 2004 under the title of “Reason to Stay.” 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 about persistent memories (companion to “Roses from the Garden.”) After the tragic loss of a loved one, the reminders are everywhere, scattered about in each room, closet and drawer. In many ways it’s like they’re still present, yet we know they are not. We search for one good reason to stay.

 

This drawing is about curated memories (companion to “Reason to Stay). These are the dried flowers from a special occasion or the pictures carefully selected to represent those most precious moments. Memories like these are the intentional reflections that evoke longing smiles and a long sigh—the joy of looking at your roses from the garden.

 

This drawing is about our relentless bad habits. They creep, crawl and linger even as we long to be released from their tiresome grip. These are the behavioral ruts that keep us up at night, tossing and turning in restless desperation.

 

This drawing is about our illusions of the way things should be. We create extremely detailed images complete with an accompanying narrative stored in our minds. Those precious stories are the source of life-long disappointment when reality falls short of expectations. Understanding evades us and consolation feels hollow.

 

This drawing is about truthfulness. How often do we slip below the line on the truth and fudge the accuracy of what we say—just a little? Sometimes we call them white lies, but no matter what we call them, they are always somehow justified by circumstances as if we’re no longer accountable. In differing degrees we are skulking by and sneaking through a labrynth trying to evade ourselves.

 

This drawing is about release. We remember how hard it was to take our hand from the back of the bicycle seat as the kids learned to balance. That simple act of letting go becomes one of our most difficult life lessons. It’s an art form requiring practice, practice, practice and is so much harder than learning to ride a bike.

 

This drawing is about evasion. Life is unbelievably complex and it’s so easy to get tangled-up in the justification, responsibility, fear and shame. We can easily end up with destructive outcomes that serve no one—not even ourselves. Our life can become jumbled and offensive rather that clear and pure.

 

This drawing is about passing from this life. The rocking chair becomes a metaphor for the slow process of transition that creaks and groans as one dismantles their physicality on that momentous return to spirit. For us, this simple image coupled with the lyrics of the song evokes the emotional power of that significant turning point on the soul’s journey.

 

This drawing is about the fragility of life.  The lyrics of the song by the same name refers to the “table kingdoms” that we tirelessly build higher and higher. Even with the most carefully planned placement, any part of our life can slip away at any time. This is one of life’s harshest realities—time and gravity never release their grip.

 

This story is about hope. In the midst of our darkest hours, there remains an ever-present possibility, a glimmer—the hope for another day, another chance. Even when we can’t sense its presence, it silently waits for acknowlegement . Iour heart of hearts, hope remains as an eternal offer.

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