It irks me… to hear so many people bemoaning the terrible year of 2016…  and how 2016 “killed” so many people and did SO many bad things…  HEY People!!!  2016’s  just – A YEAR.   It does not hold the power to kill anyone, strike anyone down, or cast evil spells… yet 2016 is talked about – like it’s some kind of sinister monster… but hey… if the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse show up… then I’ll start paying attention.  Till then… let’s count some blessings!

Looking back at 2016… I don’t seem to recall a more busy, feverishly noisy year EVER…  and certainly not a year where I accomplished MORE things than ever – in less time.

I got my cd “Shadow of a Crow” finished… and the sales are going amazingly well, and I’m surprised at how great the digital sales are!   I finished 1 video – Low Willow – from my cd –   and have 2 more in the works with Tom, at The Production House.

So with all this positive flow going on… I am finding, that I’m writing… but not just writing… I’m brimming to overflowing with wild inspirations – and seeing things – everywhere I look… and I’ve already got 12 new songs written – on top of the 40 or 50 songs, already in the file… that just need music…  so I”m hoping soon, for the time to sit and come up with the music.  But all in good time!

My lyrical muse – has been doing double-overtime, in inspiration and thoughts… so I’m just going along with that wave – right now.

But one, very unexpected thing came out of all my music this year…  because I ended up landing a wonderful, new job – doing ‘voice overs’  for advertisements – which came as a bit of a pleasant surprise.   The awesome thing is,  I am able to work from my studio, at home…  and then transfer the projects – using the marvels of technology & internet.   I’ve found I really love doing the voice overs, as it’s interesting and a lot of fun, not to mention I’ve met some wonderful folks in the process!   I’m hoping eventually… to do audio books…. (hopefully children’s books)  but that’s my hopeful goal – for 2017!

On the harder side of 2016… I struggled my way through 2 rather frightening heart surgeries… both within the span of less than 6 weeks…  and no matter how healthy I’ve eaten over the course of my life, or how much I’ve stayed fit & exercised… nothing over rides hereditary issues…  but thank God I’m ok now.  I did learn that my Mio Go – Fuse – heart rate monitor, that I’d originally gotten for keeping track of calories & heart rate while cycling & other work outs… does actually match  ‘beat to beat’  with the  EKG machines & monitors at the hospital!  So between some pretty awesome Cardiac surgeons… and my Mio-go… they kinda saved my life… which is pretty cool…   So… I’d give an  A+   and a  5 star rating to MioGo.

I got back into growing an organic, veggie garden this year… and with the amazing help and support – of 2 strong Phils… I had the pleasure of growing a garden I enjoyed planning,  planting and tending…  And the many beautiful nights, when we built a bonfire out by the garden… was wonderful…

The fact that this lovely garden was devoured – one night, by a herd of ravenous deer… is a whole other story…  but they must have been REALLY REALLY hungry…     All that said & done…  I did enjoy planting it, and watching it grow.  My perennial flower & herb beds were never better though… and I did get a full 2 seasons of using the fresh herbs in my cooking each night…  and I really enjoyed the flowers for pretty bouquets!   And now, in winter… I’m enjoying the dried herb branches… I tied & bundled into fragrant bunches… and use as kindling – for the wood stove.   Benefits of my garden… still lingers beautifully in the air with the starting of each fire!  <3

I’ve also had – what I can only call…  an amazing gift of rediscovering a very dear friend… who I’ve known for a long time… but it was this year, that I’ve had the gift – of spending a lot of time with…  and I feel truly grateful for being given the opportunity to find a deeper level of friendship – that comes with sharing, talking and lots of wonderful times together…   We were camping, hiking, cooking, cycling, lunching & kayaking…

I’ve also ridden through some troubles together,  with a dearest heart & bff… and though we use to ride our horses and talk for endless hours… now we hold on through the temporarily storms in the troubled sea of things that have abounded… that are – we acknowledge – beyond our control… and remind ourselves… that it’s ALL fixable… and will undoubtedly – seem a bit more approachable… if we get to talk, and laugh… over a salad & a nice glass of wine!  She’s always there for me… and I’m always there for her… xoxoxo

And in 2016,  I’ve watched one of my fiddlers – recover almost fully – from a devastating stroke… and I’ve stayed by her side… and now – we once again,  have a joyful time playing fiddle tunes together!

In 2016, I have gotten to do more traveling than I’ve ever done in 1 year – before…  and I’m loving the vast & interesting adventures that have come my way!   I ran into an old friend from Illinois, and went to a Rutgers vs Illini football game… which was really fun!  Though I know absolutely nothing about football…  I had fun sitting in the stadium, watching the cheer leaders, drinking pepsi and eating a hot dog and wearing my Illinois hat and jumping up and yelling… when ever Illinois got a home run.

and as I look back, realize I attended MORE sports events – than I’ve EVER dreamed I would do – in one year… and still – have NO idea what the games were about!  haha!   But it was fun!

I also went on an amazing cruise with my Mom to Bermuda for 7 glorious days… where we just relaxed, sat in the shade, listened to music and had tall, dark, handsome men – bring us pretty fruity drinks with umbrellas in!  It was wonderful to just rest & be pampered!  Momma took me away… after the 2 heart surgeries…  and it was an absolutely glorious way to recuperate.

Cruise to Bermuda with Momma

With not feeling so well… I found taking long walks was a pleasant exercise… so I did probably hundreds of miles of hikes -with my darling Border Collie – “Boone”…    And wow –  he sure loved that!   He’s such an awesome pup…  and I love him soooooo much…

So it’s been a beautiful – though – slightly rough year… and I’m deeply thankful for all that I’ve been blessed with… and despite the bumps in the road this year…  my blessings have been many.  The experiences have been vastly interesting, exquisite, fascinating, and many times… deeply thought provoking, which I believe – is what gives me the fodder to write my music.  And as is in my nature in approaching everything I do…  I do it all – with passion – and a good dose of gratitude…  & I keep a curious eye – towards everything.   I appreciate the simple things, and never forget to give thanks…  One thing I can say is… it’s never boring!   so, I approach things with passion, or I don’t bother doing them at all…   heck…  it’s lots more fun that way!

Well… anyway…. happy new year, and wishes for a beautiful, new year ahead!  xoxo Jennifer!

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Just FYI!

It’s with a lot of excitement… and – admittedly… a touch of nerves…  that I’m gearing up to head out to the location for the filming of my 2nd music video – for my new CD!

We’re going to video the title track for – “Shadow of a Crow” – which is…  (dun dun dun)  “Shadow of a Crow”.   I was so happy working with Tom & his crew – from “The Production House, LLC”  during the first video – “Low Willow“…  so – tomorrow, we’ll be heading out, at the crack of dawn… & hitting great weather, at the height of the colorful, Autumn leaves to record.

Amazing – to learn how all this falls into place under the skillful direction of Tom’s keen eye & insight… Looking forward to a full, long, fun and creative day tomorrow!

But HEY!   Here’s a link for a clip of that song – available for digital download, or CD purchase through CD Baby, Amazon & all those music-y  online stores…  & here’s a Youtube – link… to the title track to “Shadow of a Crow”...     🙂

Here’s the FULL CD…  if you’d like to listen to the whole thing:

Play the entire CD! Shadow of a Crow!

Ok friends!  here’s the first of the videos to surface from my new release “Shadow of a Crow”…  featuring the 2nd track of the album – entitled…  “Low Willow”

Mark your calendars!!  October 8, 2016 – we’ll be performing at the main barn – for Medford’s annual,  Fall Apple Festival!    Don’t miss this great, FREE – fun family day brimming with wonderful apple items… activities and attractions!   A great day all the way around!

We’ll be playing music in the main barn – from 11 am – to – 3pm

Here’s a link for more information!  Medford’s 38th Annual Apple Festival

and I’ll have my newest CD for sale at the merchandise table, by the front of the barn!  Hope to see you there!   This is a FREE event!  Come enjoy the beautiful, scenic area of Kirby’s Mill!

Got word today, that my cd -“Shadow of a Crow”  is totally finished!  The replication process is complete, and it was ready to be picked up!!!   So I took a drive out to the factory to pick up the cd cases…  and I am so thrilled!  FINALLY!

I can’t help but think about the fact that this is quite a mile post… and I suddenly feel like that little girl again…  and I hear the echo of my small voice… rising up from the back seat of my Mom’s car… hopeful, questioning, asking at least 400 times…   “Are we there yet?”

And this time, I hear:   “Yes Jennifer…  We’re here.”

I’ve been pouring over – all the computer forms for CD Baby,  and nicking away – slowly at updating the artist (me) profiles,  bios and album notes.   I want to say everything – just right…   but this totally has my head spinning…  and it’s leaving me exhausted at the end of the day.  Even in my sleep – I’m contemplating all the words I chose,  and re-composing this or that… and – needless to say, it’s not a very fitful night’s sleep…  zzzz…

Then throw into this mix…  that I’ve got 8 new songs that were ‘just born’….  and they’re churning – in the swirling eddy of my mental river of inspiration…  so… all this stuff is swirling about in my head – and add  the possible melodies & music that goes along with each song…  and wellllllll…  I’m just a tad bit MORE than overwhelmed.    But I’m not complaining… and I joyfully accept each and all bits of inspiration & insight that’s given to me…  and view it as a beautiful, cherished gift – from my Guardian Angel / Muse.

I would venture to guess… that what’s going on in my head – is similar to the brewing works of a “mad scientist”  – and would be lying if I said, I’ve never fleetingly felt the urge to yell… from my studio loft on the 3rd floor…   “ITS ALIVE!!!!!!”  as I’m being flooded with thoughts typing as FAST as my fingers will move… as I’m concocting zillions of combinations of words that reflect the images and thoughts I try to portrait…

Ok!  So… short blog for now… thrilled with the new cover – (Artwork, photography & graphics – by Original Abbie:  https://www.facebook.com/originalabbie/

And here’s an idea…  Contact me through my website here,  or email me at WinterCastSnow@gmail.com – and mention the offer from this blog – and I’ll waive the shipping & handling costs – if you order the new cd “Shadow of a Crow” – which is only $15…  But I can only do this IF you purchase it directly through me.       If you go through CD baby – you can hear the 30 second samples for each song… but you’ll pay $15 + shipping & handling.   So if you’d like to save the shipping… order it here through me…  Just a thought!

I also – now have Paypal buttons!

Jennifer