Hi Everyone,

I'm just back from a couple of days in Seattle and I am happy to report that the state of Street Music there is fine and dandy. 

Seattle area is home to Waverly Park, a centerpiece of community gathering.  A wide two lane path (one lane for feet, one for wheeled devices) borders a beautiful lake - and on this sunny Saturday afternoon it seemed like all of Seattle was there... Moms, Dads, kids, lovers, old folks, teens in groups, Ipoded and oblvious-to-everyone-else music listeners, runners, walkers, skaters, bike riders, scooterers, strollers, and dog walkers ... all rejoicing in the bright and temperate winter day. 

What truly captivated me, however, were the street musicians ... every couple of hundred feet, some guitar player, or singer, or saxaphone player, or folk duet, was set up on the grass, performing their hearts out.  Open instrument cases, with small stacks of dollars, testified to the crowd's appreciation.  One musician, however, was particularly delightful.  He played a drum, came equipped with an array of percussive instruments and was willing to share them with anyone.  His takers were mostly children.  I guess us adults are just a little inhibited, huh?  I heard one cowbell playing child call out to his parents, "Look! I'm playing real music."  Over at the swing set, a little girl and her mother were chanting in unison "Swinging, Swinging...." in perfect time to the drum beat.

On the plane ride home I had time to think about it.  Music really is all around us, and in us, and it is so easy to set it free.  A little encouragement goes a long way.  I guess this thought will manifest itself in a song - and I will let you when it does. 

Musically yours,

Madeline

Happy New Year Everyone,

I went to the Winter Park Public Library to drop off a cd.  While I was there I had a chat with Evelyn, the Director of the Children's Department.  The outcome is that I will be giving some programs there in June and July.  Of course I will sing and play, but also I will be giving the kids a mini songwriting workshop. 

Children are inherently musical.  A little bit of encouragemnt goes a long way and musical knowledge gleaned at an early age seems to last a lifetime. 

But more about the library.... I was so impressed with the quality of musical programs that were already in place.  Of course, all of this is free - and how rare that is these days!  So, although there is still snow on the ground (O.K., not here in Florida) and the elegant Forsythia has yet to herald the coming of Spring, Summer really is just around the corner.  Libraries all over the country will be offering outstanding programs ... music, storytelling, workshops, movies, lectures ... a quality array of activities for your family.

Check out what your library is up to.  You will probably be just as impressed as I was.  And oh yes, if you would like me to donate a cd to your library, drop me a note on my contact page with the address.

Love and good wishes,

Madeline

Hi Everyone,

Mail is very exciting this time of year.  So many people are sending things to each other. 

Do you like going to the mailbox and getting the mail?  I do.  I peek into the mailbox to see what's there, then I grab the whole stack and bring it into the house.  I like to take my time looking through the mail...and when I spot something special, like a letter from a friend, I feel great!   I also like getting email.  I check my email every day.  It's like playing a game - waiting to see what's in the Inbox.  I like writing back, too.

Whenever I go to a school to sing and teach children about writing songs, I wind up getting mail.  I have two big scrapbooks filled with cards and letters from kids.

I thought you might like to see some of the wonderful mail I get, so I started a gallery I call Madeline's Mail Bag (click here).   I would love to hear from you too. 

Your friend in music,  

Madeline