The first song I ever wrote was about my mother and my experience of her quiet grace after she passed away when I was 26. It was a deeply troubled time and the writing of that song truly helped me in my healing process. I put the song away for many years thinking it was too personal to sing in public. Plus I didn't think it was very good. As time went on and I continued my music studies and I realized I that was a songwriter, it occurred to me that the event of my mothers passing had helped me open the door for spirit to come and write through me.

Now I know the tunes that I can't get down fast enough are the ones coming from omni presence. When I'm writing through tears, awe, a colorful magnificent movie going on in my head, an amazing feeling that I am connected to the source and truth of it all, then I know, "well this one is going to work". I don't know the kinds of process other songwriters go through.

We just had a jazz festival here in Denton, and I am always awed and inspired at the level of skill and artistry that even some of the students have. I don't know if any of the headliners think like I think about writing or whether they just do it. Interesting topic to research.

I just thank my soul everytime I write a song, that something so beautiful could come through me.