Once Upon a Time in My Oceania

For as long as I can remember music has always been a big part of my life. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by it and as a little girl I remember the first time I played a piano. Barely able to peek pass the keys, I fell in love with that instrument. Even picking up a guitar was fun if for only myself and not the ears of those around me. Whether it were a piano or guitar, mandolins, violins, banjos or even occasionally dulcimers—pretty much any instrument, string or otherwise, that could produce a decent tune—I was surrounded by them. Growing up IFB did restrict the genres, however, to hymns, gospel and fortunately, in my case, classical was included. Still to this day, I like that last one and it can crack a sentimental smile out of this girl. By my early teens, I started to get my hands on old rock-n-roll and Doo Wop, and often recorded Elvis and the Beach Boys onto cassette tapes from the radio, commercials and all. By eighteen, I really found myself in dangerous territo...

Spring is starting to show up all around me it seems. Every time I turn around, I'm finding myself outside, soaking up the much warmer sunshine, spying flowers of blue, purple, and yellow dotting the lush green grass. The birds are merrily chirping before the sun rises, greeting a brand new day. And, with springtime comes a special time for this blog... ONE WHOLE YEAR   of posts, poems, and stories! I have to confess, I originally decided upon starting this endeavor, to only commit to three months. Then, three turned into six, and six into an entire year. Although I would have loved to have shared even more posts, I'm incredibly proud of how many I did write, edit and post for all of you, my readers, to read. Your feedback has been incredible! It has moved me, it has encouraged me and your words have inspired me.  I don't know how far I will continue to take this blog. I admit, I have thought much about that question and still don't have a solid answer. I gu...