Dear readers, for seven years you have greatly encouraged and inspired me — as well as one another. I want to thank you with a gift.
This past year God has gently redeemed my insomnia. Over time, a series of linked reveries emerged. My genius friend, Sally Mowbray, graphics designer extraordinaire, has beautifully formatted the words with vibrant images captured by Unsplash photographers.
My cherished Writer’s Group urged me to make a recording. To that end, Dreamer and I have worked separately as well as together in his studio, interspersing words with music, most of it composed by my beloved, aka Bill Klein, some of it arranged by our brilliant friend, Chris Lobdell.
Today, with great joy, we’re releasing “Reveries: Matins — a soundscape for respite.”
With three clicks you can download the text with visuals as well as listen to the narrated version with original music —either separately, or simultaneously. (If you choose to experience both at one time, you’ll notice the song “Calvary” replaces the “Trinity-wick Breath Prayer” in the audio version.)
An introductory letter (text version only) suggests several ways you might use the material, if so in-kleined (couldn’t resist).
To view and/or listen, please scroll to the menu bar above and click on “Reveries.” From there you can choose your experience via “Soundcloud” (red arrow) and “view text and photo here” (download PDF).
Dear ones, and you truly are, we hope you enjoy them!
I’m also grateful to have a new poem about insomnia and prayer appear today on a website created by my stellar editor, D. S. Martin. You can read it here.
Photo of gift in pink paper by Ekaterina Shevchenko on Unsplash
Gate photo, Laurie Klein (Filoli, Woodside, CA)
From the archives: You might also enjoy Soul Mimosa — Photos & Music or perhaps this post featuring haikus and photos, Hai*Pho — No, it’s not a new entree . . .
Thank you so much for these gifts, Laurie! I’m purposely making my way through them slowly. Might listen/read one a day. I have to say, I just love, “God of the cosmos, God of the cell.” I’ll be savoring that thought today.
Dear Bethany, what a wonderful plan! I like imagining each one unfolding, over time . . .
p. s. I am woefully behind in my correspondence after a week at the coast to celebrate our anniversary. I will answer your other messages soon!
You are sweet to mention this, Laurie. No rush at all! I hope you had a fabulous anniversary!
It was sweet and deeply restful, and what a good thing as right before leaving I sprained the same foot that had finally been okayed for P.T. after the fracture last January. Crazy. Nothing like the sound of the surf and someone you adore waiting on you . . . : >)
Noooooo! Your poor feet! I’m so sorry!
SO lovely, Laurie. With your soothing voice speaking gentle words, accompanied by reposeful music, these reveries might coax others into sleep! Then again, each line is so rich with delectable language, the temptation is to keep listening enrapt, wondering, “What will she say next?!” Thank you for this gracious gift, worthy of savoring again and again. I know I will.
Dear Nancy, thank you for this encouraging feedback. It means so much to us. And we definitely hope it can be listened to more than once so your comment is an answer to prayer. Thank you, friend❤️
“Inscribe my frailty with words that breathe.”
And, ALL of In a Red-hot Minute.
Thank you sharing these works of art.
Souls art.
Rick, I read that line you quoted and thought, did I write that?
It surprised me all over again. Thank you for laying it out a-fresh for these eyes, somewhat weary at day’s end.
Blessings on you and yours, my friend!
To be moved, “ move “
I love it and I trust the Lord with everything as well.
Mike, thanks for lifting out that line. I must bear it in mind so often and am always glad for the reminder. Blessings on you!
What a gift. What rich somethings to create out of the potential nothing of insomnia and its terrors. Thank you for this, friend. Hugs to you. I’ll remember those climbing tools of psalms and hymns.
Laura, my friend, so so lovely to hear from you today. That’s my gift.
Love this: “rich somethings out of the potential nothing”
(gentle) hugs back!