Read what Tessa was thinking when she composed each song.
Angel
Angels are everywhere one just has to take a look around. The next time your pet is
napping take a peek and see how peaceful they look. So relaxed without a worry to be had,
you can't help but put a smile on your face and think what an angel.
Spiritual Awakening
I have lived in Santa Barbara for over 10 years. When I first came here I came across this
wonderful little music store in downtown Santa Barbara, called Folk Mote Music. When you
enter the store you are greeted by an assortment of instruments, some of which I never had
seen before. It’s like being a child in a candy store. But ultimately I was drawn to the harp.
Soon after that I started taking harp lessons, but it wouldn't be until 8 years later that I
purchased my first harp. When I took the harp home I played and I played, and eventually
started composing. In a sense the harp was my spiritual awakening.
Dreaming by the Pond
For this next composition I wanted to create a mood of tranquility & restfulness that one
would feel while at the Pond.
Sit...Relax...Exhale... Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the pond. Feel the warmth of
the sun as it touches your face. Listen to the sounds of nature. In the distance a bird
softly sings, the wind gently dances through the leaves and a Koi glides effortlessly in the
pond. Take a deep breath and exhale. Smell the air that is full of fresh flowers. Breathe, savor
the moment of calm...
Illumination
The journey of life takes many paths. Why we take one path over another is unknown to us. But
one day we all come across a light (Illumination) which changes our lives for ever. This is where
we learn and find the meaning in our lives. So find your light and follow your path of life.
Lady Bug
I can remember as a child laying on the grass and having a Lady bug land on me and then making a
wish. I imagined that as they flew away they were on their way to ensure that my wish came true
for they were natures fairies. Now that I am older I realize that these little beneficial insects are
some of our gardens best friends. Not only are they beautiful but they are hard workers managing
aphid populations in our gardens so that we don't have to use pesticides. So this summer release
some lady bugs in your backyard. Watch your garden grow and your heart fill with joy. And when
a Lady bug lands on you make a wish who knows, it may come true.
Lazy Days
Lazy days, don’t you just love lazy days. When you can sleep in and have a wonderful
breakfast, then curl up and read a book or take a walk along the beach barefoot letting the sand
run through your toes. Throw away that schedule and spend the day pampering yourself. Once
and awhile take a lazy day and wonder around, you’ll be amazed at what you'll discover.
Norfolk
When I wrote this next song the name that came to mind was Norfolk. So I looked up
Norfolk in the dictionary to see what it meant and it said “A historical county of eastern
England bordering on the North Sea. It’s name means “Northern People”. As I researched some
more I came across this lovely place called Norfolk Lavender. This is a place of fragrant
meadow gardens filled with tranquility, color and scents through out the year. When I play this
song I imagine I am in the meadow surrounded by the wonderful color in bloom of Lavender.
Ocean Waves
As you watch a wave move back and forth from shore you will experience a rhythmic dance of
nature. When the waves go out they can come back large and crash or small and trickle in. The
sound that is created from waves is familiar and calming to us, one with which we never tire of. In
this next song I try to capture the sounds of waves. Listen and see if you can hear the ocean
within the music.
Reflection
We at various times in our lives reflect on the past, present or future. I enjoy reflecting on my
childhood, when times were simple. I remember good times with family and friends. The things I
remember the most are ones that have a mood connected to them. For example, I can
remember when I was about 6 years old having a metal swing set in my back yard. I
remember if I swung too high the set would attempt to tip and sometimes the looped chain that held
the swing up would pinch the skin on my hands. I remember also trying to see how high I could
swing before the set would tip (I never did tip the set). Once I felt one side lift up a bit I would stop
swinging and ride it out seeing how long I could swing without having to pump my legs. Beside
the swing was this funny two seater contraption that had two seats facing each other with
foot rests . A friend and I would face each other as we swung back and forth, again
always almost tipping the swing set. It’s amazing how we remember the simple things that
usually put a smile on our face. As you listen to this song reflect on something that puts a smile
on your face.
Glissade
Some of us glide through life as if we were on a pair of ice skates. Along the way we
encounter many turns and jumps. Some times we fall but we get backup and continue on.
Sit and Listen
Sometimes when you just sit and listen you can really enjoy the energy around you. The next time
you go to a park, just sit and listen to the sounds around you. At first you will hear people talking
or children playing but as you listen deeper you will hear the sounds of animals, birds rustling in the
ground for insects, a squirrel signaling your presence, and the wind rustling leaves. But if you keep
listening and listen even deeper you will hear yourself breathing. It is then that you will hear the
most.
Peaceful Retreat
Where is your peaceful retreat? Everyone should have one. It does not have to be large.
Today life is non stop jam packed with things to do, so when things get to be too much go to
your peaceful retreat. It can be a place in your home, at the beach, a park etc.. Anywhere you
can easily go to retreat and relax. A place where time stops allowing you to restore
energy back into your body.
Sidereal Times
Can you image what it was like when we kept time by the stars? A time when people looked to
the blue sky for the hours as opposed to a clock on the wall. The surrounding planet held many
answers but also posed many questions which lead people to venture to find the answers
off in the light of the sky.
Exhale
Breathe out and rid your body of unwanted energy. Feel the weight on your shoulders
disappear and a partial smile from the corner of your mouth start to appear. You begin to feel
like you are floating away, keep floating where do you go? Is it a warm sunny day at a white
sandy beach with clear glistening blue water, with palm tree for shade and a faint light breeze. Go
there, stay a while and when you choose, come back refreshed.
Turning back Time
If you could turn back time where would you go? Let your mind wonder, is it the past, present or
the future? While I play this song go to that place in your mind.
Tranquility
A state free of stress. Can we add this State to the USA? When I think of tranquility I can’t help
but close my eyes and smile. Nothing matters, for everything is wonderful. I could rest but I am
not tired, I am calm within, my energy and the world around is balanced.
Home
Ah back home, a place known to all. Where comfort resides, memories live and laughter is
heard. It isn’t a physical structure but instead a place in our hearts. One that seems to grow
with all of our experiences in life. Rest assured the door is always open at home.