http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html Landmark: Blog Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Sun, 06 May 2012 09:36:14 -0700 http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/clouds_of_glory And then I knew a lifetime of hopes, like stars in the skies, all danced in your eyes

You sang my song, all along, a voice calling in tune, Where was I, wasting time? Never waking too soon
Suddenly, like the shimmering rainbow breaks: You, and only you, ring my bell

You waltzed through that door but you would not see we’d been there before
And then I knew the promise we made did flicker and fade - Will it kindle once more?

You sang my song, all along, a voice calling in tune, Where was I, wasting time? Never waking too soon
Suddenly, like the shimmering rainbow breaks: You, and only you, ring my bell

You ring my bell, that crystal clear tone, It floats on a wing and sings of it’s own
You ring my bell, a feathery chime, It lingers beyond, A treasure alone


You waltzed through that door and you stole my heart like you did before
You sang my song, all along, a voice calling in tune, Where was I, wasting time? Never waking too soon
Suddenly, like the shimmering rainbow breaks: You, and only you, ring my bell

Yes, you, and only you, ring my bell, You - my traveling Bell

Kristy Landgren C 2012



Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

William Wordsworth]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/clouds_of_glory Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:36:14 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/well_you_cant_plan_everything
I guess one has to keep a sense of humor and a positive outlook, even in the face of disaster. So, we "children" are all contributing in our own ways. My sister and her husband are the ones in town so they bear the biggest burden. Mine is to head back to O'Hare twice a month, instead of the usual once, to give a reprieve. Thanks to wonderful friends, neighbors and supportive co-workers, I have been able to arrange things to accommodate this change. With gas prices and (consequently) airfares on the rise, times are even tougher and budgeting has become ever more critical. Sadly, all music projects are taking a backseat to late-breaking developments and there's no sign of them climbing into the front seat any time soon. But, life is good and family is great. Spring is on the horizon and often times a rainbow follows the black cloud. I find the key to happiness is to keep smiling, sing a song along the way, (http://www.openupyourheart.net/music.html), and never stop working towards good goals. Always try to see the silver lining in the current "ride" because, as a wise man once said, "You can't plan everything." Just when you think you can, well, look out for that inbound surprise aiming to smack you in the face! It seems that there is always one coming - just right around the corner.]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/well_you_cant_plan_everything Sun, 11 Mar 2012 11:36:04 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/wild_ride But as the saying goes (although not completely accurate), all good things must come to an end. And I had a surprisingly abrupt end on January 13, when my father slipped on the winter ice and broke his hip. The contrast of youthful invincibility with elderly fragility has been a painful reminder of nature’s inevitable cycles. It has been a week, complete with one wild ride after another, from the ambulance run to the hospital, the worrisome wait of a surgery, the exhaustive ordeal of post-operative effects and complications, and finally the emotional and physical brace for the long haul of rehabilitation. Fortunately for me, there is strength in numbers, and I am very grateful for the family support we provide each other. I don’t know how “only children” cope with crisis. I suppose they import “family” from their relationships, which gives them much needed aid.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on attitude, it is a fact that without experiencing the “bad” in life, it would be impossible to appreciate the “good”. Without the bitter, there would be no recognition of the sweet. The tendency is to wish to forego the bitter and just “enjoy” a life of sweet. Although some would suggest such a ride were possible, it is really only a mirage. Monotony would rule and life would waste. It is a tough lesson to learn but it is critical, indeed.
Yes, life relentlessly bombards us with lessons to learn so that in the end we can complete and pass the course with flying colors! And with the proper outlook, the human spirit is a resilient one. I still hope this episode has a happy ending. Nevertheless, I’ll continue to seek comfort in the universal medicine of the soul - a good song! I hope you are able to benefit from such medicine http://www.openupyourheart.net/music.html and that your ride is a successful one.]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/wild_ride Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:33:20 -0800 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/rest_in_peace_aunt_bev She was an outstanding student, an avid tennis player, and a dedicated musician. She devoted her life to her family, her community, and to her Church. She and her husband presided over the missionary work in Paris, France, Ivory Coast, West Africa, Lausanne, Switzerland, Brussels, Belgium, and Metz, France. They also served in temples in Switzerland, Chicago, and Utah. She was an avid geneologist, having prepared thousands of names of her Swedish ancestors. Her musical talents as singer and pianist blessed many choirs, chorales, quartets, duets and ensemebles. While in Ivory Coast, she taught Ivorians to sing, conduct music, and play the piano. She was a consummate performer and a beloved teacher. She will be remembered for the joy and optimism she inspired. Mostly, I will miss her laughter and her song. Until we meet again, rest in peace, Aunt Bev.]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/rest_in_peace_aunt_bev Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:25:15 -0800 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/the_end_of_the_line www.GBTV.com. There is concern, as of late, that bad policy is contributing to the instability of the US and the world. We would hope that good policy could effect their stabilization but sadly, the opposite seems to be occurring. It is a legitimate concern, when government agencies run around targeting private companies, invading and criminalizing them. One has to wonder and begin to question whether such harassment is for political reasons or merely the result of certain agencies becoming too big, bloated, and run amuck with unrestrained power. Sometimes thoughts of the more nefarious kind come to mind, even though those thoughts are quickly exiled, in hopes of convincing ourselves that the unimaginable could never be happening. Why would anyone intentionally want to harm the country? http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/07/does-white-house-want-to-ship-jobs-overseas/

Yes, all this talk of creating jobs and avoiding a depression/collapse falls on hollow ears when the actions seem to contradict the stated goals. While "the duck talks the talk, he does not walk the walk". Jobs are not rebounding and scared citizens don't promote an increase in public confidence. In fact, the economy continues to suffer, with ongoing declines in the medium income data, job growth and other leading economic indicators (ie. the depressed housing market), as well as, global credit ratings. Disenfranchised youth create chaos and display a dismal outlook as the leaders of the future. World markets keep reflecting the uncertainty and skepticism that inhibit recovery, a recovery that seems doomed without a massive reversal of policy.

“America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”
Alexis de Tocqueville

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
Ronald Reagan

It feels like a black cloud is hanging over the country (and the world). Of course, storms do pass and sunny days can lie ahead. However, there is a necessity for active participation in the process, not merely a change in the current weather patterns. Thank you to all who use their position of influence to inform and advocate for a better tomorrow. I see a dawn on the horizon. It's really not the end of the line! http://www.openupyourheart.net/music-34.html]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/the_end_of_the_line Sat, 05 Nov 2011 18:57:58 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/happy_birthday_october_babies Hence, this is my fascination with October and October birthdays. Since then, I have inherited a niece, a nephew-in-law, a brother-in-law, a friend, an icon, and a boss, all in October. Indeed, life is for celebrating, and there is no occasion more worthy of celebration than the all-around-good-time of a birthday! So, please accept my gift, "On Your Side", http://www.openupyourheart.net/music.html, and one more time, “Happy Birthday, to all you October babies!”]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/happy_birthday_october_babies Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:24:40 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/london_on_the_mend http://www.lds.org.uk/news/article-view/archive/2011/september/article/mormon-helping-hands-launches-the-london-mayors-clean-up-appeal-1/

Actually, I always wish I were in London - ever since I went to Europe, after my first year of college. My sister and I, along with our two cousins, Randy and Tom, bought EuroRail Passes and we road practically everywhere that train would take us. We would plan our sights by day and then plan our trains by night so that we could sleep eight hours before arriving at our intended destination. As you can imagine, this rendered a lot of dirty, cranky teenagers. Then every two-three nights we would break down and buy a hotel room so that we could bathe and get a proper night's sleep. It was a disgusting way to see Eroupe but, hey, we were kids, and kids do a lot of dumb things, right?
Anyway, for obvious reasons, the train didn't go to London. It was our plan to go on our way home, but, alas, we ran out of money and never made it. It was the heartbreak of my young life and ever since, I keep wishing I were in London.

I have in my head all the wonderful sights I would see and, most definitely, among them would be the London Temple in the wintertime. This is one of my most favorite scenes - a picture perfect postcard of the Temple: http://lds.org/church/temples/london-england?lang=eng#gallery=image-4.
Of course, I would hit the traditional tourist sites: The River Cruise, the Bridge, Westminster Abby, Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare Tour, and on and on... Naturally, I would have to fit Abbey road in there somewhere. (What good American child who grew up in the Beatles era could leave without seeing that iconic street?) I don't know if I would ever make it to Diana's resting grounds - I might have to save that for another trip. http://www.openupyourheart.net/music.html "Echo of a Princess"
And, finally, I would hop an English train to Canterbury to see the famous Cathedral (which is the focus of a marvelous benefit concert on 12/10/11, "Canterbury Rocks at Christmas": www.thecanterburygift.com)
There is just so much history, architecture, beauty, educational opportunities, and enjoyment! Yes, I always wish I were there. In fact, one day will be a London day!]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/london_on_the_mend Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:57:58 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/schools_back However, now that I am an adult, it’s ok. After all, life would be boring without seasons and, in fact, life is one big classroom, anyway, isn’t it? We never stop learning and half the fun is accomplishing goals for which we have been working. At the moment, I am trying to figure out the editing tricks of the music program. I wish I could learn how to edit pitch; it would save me a lot of time redoing a vocal (like, TEN TIMES) to eliminate the flat notes! Most of the time, when I redo a vocal, I am successful but sometimes - not so much. I still cringe every time I hear a note or sound I wish I had corrected but just didn’t have anymore patience or $ to spend. (These are the times when it would have been good to have someone around to hit me over the head and tell me how terrible I sound!) Anyway, live and learn, and back to an easier lesson.
I have improved on the volume edits of the sound wave, which are most helpful in tempering my uneven levels. This is a good accomplishment because anything I can learn myself will save expenses when I send the final mix to the engineer. I have three songs on the table right now but I am struggling with variety. I am beginning to bore myself with songs that all sound alike to me. So, I figure, with improved creating, performing, arranging and editing, combined with the talents of a real drummer (not my lame attempts at MIDI), I should be able to offer up, in the next little while, some successes of my “classroom” endeavors. Hopefully, I will be able to pass and advance to the next level. I surely do not want to further embarrass myself with failing grades, so I had better end this blog and get back to work.
But, in celebration of the final days of summer, please visit the music page for your own personal download of “Ride,” which will be available through Labor Day. Hope your days are happy and your lessons are well learned!]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/schools_back Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:27:16 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/happy_fourth_of_july
To quote GlennBeck.com:
"When those 56 men gathered to declare our Independence on July 4th, 1776, they weren't just saying no to British rule. –They were saying no to all rulers. They were declaring the beginning of the great American experiment, which sought to answer the question: Can man rule himself?”
Even with all the hardships and troubles facing America, I still believe the answer is YES! And I say that as emphatically and enthusiastically as I possibly can. Man CAN rule himself and we are going to prove it together!
If you're reading this then you probably know a lot about what I am working on but ultimately my goal is to prove that we have not failed in the goals set forth by our Founders so many years ago on July 4th. Everything I've been working on has been done with the intention on giving you the tools, the history, and the information you need to be self-reliant."

Every year we celebrate our unique freedoms and those who defend them. We remember the incredible wisdom of the Founding Fathers and the bravery of those who serve America in uniform. We love to share our traditions with our friends. We enjoy our roots, history, culture, language, and enduring relationship with the U.K.
We embrace the positive additions to our American experience, which have come to us through foreign influences from around the world. We continually strive to better ourselves, our surroundings, and the opportunties we provide for all.

As the festivities come to a close, the work of maintaining freedom and American resiliency carries on. Despite all our social, political, and economic dfficulties, our optimistic attitude and constant persistance motivates us to keep the July 4th flame alive in our hearts and well into the promising horizon.]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/happy_fourth_of_july Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:59:32 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/the_happy_wanderer Actually, it’s not quite as exciting as those last two sentences imply. It’s really a lot more practical than all that. I always wanted a little house but, when I settled in Los Angeles, the exorbitant market is just not conducive to the novice home buyer. So I had to skip county in order to find a small, cute, affordable one. Since my job remained in L.A., I then began my wandering commute into the city, staying some weekdays in a cozy rental room, and returning weekends to my beautiful little house.
The fact that I chose to live in California (which is so far from Illinois) also contributes to my vagabond lifestyle. I head back once a month to give my sister a break from caring for elderly parents so that she and her husband can go visit kids and grandkids. I have one brother who pops into town a couple times a month for comic relief (he’s the character of the family) and another who uses his wife’s airline employee spousal privileges to standby for any flight, any time. He shows up frequently to assist with whatever is needed. It’s always fun to try to arrange simultaneous visits so that we can break out guitars and keyboards - just give us a microphone and we can easily entertain ourselves for hours with music, fun, and folly.
So, as it turns out, I do a lot of wandering. I wish I could spend more time at home but c’est la vie. My house is a great place to base out of and I know it is always anxiously waiting my return. I am reminded of the song we use to sing in A Cappella, “The Happy Wanderer”. I love the chorus, “”¦Valderie, valderah, valderie, valderah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, Valderie, valderah, my knapsack on my back!” That’s how I feel: Like the happy wanderer with my knapsack on my back. So, off I go again to Oceanside this weekend and in celebration of the upcoming summer season, please visit the music page for your own personal download of "Ride". And in the words of Roy Roger’s theme song, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again!”]]> http://openupyourheart.net/blog.html/the_happy_wanderer Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:26:41 -0700 Heal Your Broken Heart - Landmark - Blog