I love recording at Sandy Stone’s studio. My new CD containing three of my original inspirational songs is done, and I’m happy with it. You probably wouldn’t know what a miracle that is, so let me explain that like so many artists, I am my own worst critic. But, Sandy has a way of capturing the truth. I feel like for the first time, the recording reflects who I truly am. It’s honest. Maybe her quiet and calm demeanor just allows me to be me. Certainly the comfy atmosphere, and the light through the large window with a view of a gorgeous old tree makes me feel glad to be there. More than in any studio that has gone before, I am able to relax and sing from my soul. When I sang and played my newest original, Heaven Is in The Heart, I felt the overwhelming bliss that we can all find when we reach down into our deepest selves. During my quirky tune, Invisible Glasses, I experienced the amazing wonder of realizing we can actually create our own reality. And, Welcome to The Party practically made me bounce off the walls with the wild abandon of knowing that life is meant to be joyous. So, when I listened to some takes in the control room, I realized more fully than ever, that what matters most is the emotional content, not how “perfect” each note is, or perhaps is not. The inner critic all but disappeared, and I am incredibly grateful. I just want to share what makes me happy… (If you’d like to hear these songs, go to the inspirational music page on this website and click on “Listen to Tracks”. You can hear them, and get a download for free if you want.)

I’ve been asked to tell my story at the Unity Castro Valley 10:30 church service this coming Sunday 9/9.  Yes, I was brave enough to write and post it on my website’s Inspirational Page and Face Book timeline, but sharing it live?  Scary!!!  Actually, I’m sure it will be fine if I ask Spirit to speak through me, and remember that this is about trying to help others, not about my desire for everyone to think I’m a good speaker…   Also, Beloved Master Teacher of the Awakened Arts, Dr. Khaleghl Quinn, has included me in two of her events this month.  The first one is called Heart Joy: The Magic of Music & Meditation, and 100% of the profits will be donated to The American Heart Association.  I am truly honored to debut my newest inspirational song, Heaven Is in The Heart, at the grand piano.  This mini-retreat takes place at the beautiful Swedenborgian Sanctuary in El Cerrito on Sunday 9/23 from 4:30  to 5:45…    The second happening is a Personal Professional Self Care event.  I’m excited to be singing to newly recorded tracks, and planning to give everyone attending a complimentary CD of 3  inspirational originals.  Included will be my previously unreleased Invisible Glasses, the recently recorded Heaven Is in The Heart, and a soundtrack of Welcome to The Party performed live at the historic Washington Inn.  This Seasonal Retreat: Emerging Through Falling Leaves of Gold will be on Sunday 9/30 from 1:00 to 4:00 in Richmond Heights at the Gyuto Foundation.  This monastery has been blessed by the Dalai Lama, so I’m expecting good energy to abound!            Tickets for both of these events can be purchased at the door, or in advance at a discounted rate through PayPal using Dr. Quinn’s email address: khaleghl18@gmail.com   

When I was in my twenties, a friend informed me that I was the most driven person she had ever met.  Certainly knocking on doors until one opened, was a specialty of mine. It worked.  But many times when better opportunities appeared seemingly out of nowhere, I wasn’t able to make use of them.  I was too busy following through with responsibilities resulting from the determination to make things happen. At some point, another friend told me that when things just come to you, you know it is the will of divine energy.  Now, I try to stay in conscious contact with Spirit.  Often, I sit quietly and listen to hear if I need to take any action.  Being an “action kind of gal”, it requires great patience on my part to remain still until I’m told to do something.  However, “cooling my tools” is resulting in improved progress with much greater joy and ease.  My mission to share the inspirational songs that have come to me, is laced with gifts like a website in trade, free professional photos/studio time/videos shoots, plus gigs that seem to drop from nowhere.  Currently, I have been invited to record my latest song, “Heaven Is in The Heart”, with the one and only Sandy Stone.  I will also be doing a live debut  performance of “Heaven Is in The Heart” at a mini-retreat presented by beloved teacher and healer, Master Khaleghl Quinn, on Sept. 23 at the beautiful Hillside Swedenborgian Sanctuary in Albany.  An informal video of my new song will then be released on YouTube, and the audio recording will follow soon after.  Ahh-h-h-h… It’s amazingly good on the other side of the door.  I don’t have to knock.  I just listen, and answer.

Music heals the heart like nothing else, and I am so grateful for the inspirational songs I’ve been given to share. I will be singing 3 of these originals at the Unity Church in Santa Rosa on Sunday July 15. The service is at 10:30, and all are invited. Unity is truly a loving place where all paths are welcome. (4857 Redwood Road, Santa Rosa, 707-542-7729) It would be wonderful to see you there. Meantime, back at the Berkeley bungalow, people have been telling me that I have a “good” story worth sharing, so I have attempted to put it in writing. Shocking how easy it was to condense it into a page and a half, and re-reading the synopsis of my life was truly an eye-opening experience! If you’d like to read Cynthia’s Story, you can find it on the inspirational page of this website. Humm-m-m-m… Actually, if you count each song as 1 that equals 4 chances to share.