(not necessarily in that order)
With plans proceeding full speed ahead for the launch of a new Christmas album with the Joy Singers, it was time to get serious about a photo shoot.
So, today was the day, with Barbara Bingham, our photographer extraordinaire, guiding us every step of the way.
It was grueling, at slightly over three hours, but also great fun. And — for once — I even remembered to take some pics to document the process.
I had a very enjoyable lunch with Dad and two of my siblings on Saturday.
I’m not the greatest selfie-taker, but (for once!) I actually like how this turned out.
We had hoped to finish up the Christmas album today, but — as is often the case when recording — it all took longer than anticipated.
So, we’ve got one more session scheduled for later this week, and that really should do it.
Of course, we always manage to have quite a bit of fun in the process. Prashad might look innocent, but he’s the one who had everyone cracking up!
For the first time in months…
…all our music team members were back from our various travels and present at tonight’s rehearsal.
…the full choir was back at it, with everybody ready to dive into preparations for Spiritual Renewal Week.
The ensemble has actually been meeting and holding down the fort throughout the weeks when Ramesha and I (and also Dambara) were off traveling, but it was great to be back with them again.
And to make things extra fun, Pavani led us in dancing the Horah, in order to get the right unified feel for Swami’s song, “A New Tomorrow.”
It was a great rehearsal. 😊
A definition of satsang that I like is: “the act of gathering with like-minded, uplifting people, especially those on a spiritual path.”
So, today was most definitely a day filled with satsang — from start to finish.
First off was the monthly staff meeting of our Ananda Worldwide outreach ministries. Led by Jyotish and Devi, it’s always deeply inspiring to hear the reports from the various departments.
Next was our weekly music team meeting — always fun, but today was particularly interesting as we explored new directions for our YouTube presence.
There was time in the afternoon to actually get some of my own work done, but the evening was spent at the Ananda Meditation Retreat — sharing about Ananda Music with the current Living Discipleship group.
A satisfying day filled to the brim with one joyous satsang after another.
That’s how I’m feeling about our ensemble rehearsals!
We’re listening more to one another. We’re maintaining the energy and holding our pitch. We’re consistently conveying the meaning of the lyrics. We’re going deeper into the consciousness of every song.
Sometimes it feels like hard work, but at the same time, we’re having so much FUN!
This is one of the moments that I really, really love my job.
Today I made the delightful discovery that Voctave has recorded “The Trolley Song” — one of my absolute most favorite songs of all time!
My first introduction to this song was on my Dad’s recording of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, featuring Paul Desmond on alto saxophone. I was in high school and saxophone was my main instrument at the time. So, Paul Desmond was basically my hero, but more than that was simply how the song made me feel. It’s just so buoyant and happy.
It wasn’t until many years later that I saw the movie, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and finally heard the original version of the song, sung by Judy Garland. I found it to be just as buoyant and happy as ever.
Which brings me back to Voctave. In addition to the buoyant and happy song itself, I love the over-the-top fun and creativity they brought to their version.
Tonight was our final choir rehearsal for this Saturday’s event celebrating Nayaswami Jyotish’s 80th birthday.
Two of the musical offerings we’ve prepared for Jyotish felt rather daunting to pull together in the limited time we had available after the conclusion of Spiritual Renewal Week. But tonight it was clear that both projects were absolutely the right thing to do, and they’re coming together beautifully.
In fact, thinking over the entire rehearsal, I’m feeling a whole lot of gratitude for the harmonious, team-oriented, collaborative way that our music ministry and the entire choir works together.
Sure, there are chaotic moments, but the overall feeling is one of uplifted and uplifting FUN.
What a joy it is to serve in this way.
Today’s photo is of Ramesha and his brother, Fulvio, whose birthday was today.
For the first time in seventeen years we’re actually in Switzerland and able to celebrate Fulvio’s birthday in person. We all went out to dinner as a family, eating great food and having a whole lot of fun.
In fact, I haven’t laughed so much in a long time.
It’s been a week of high peaks and low valleys. Big challenges and bigger blessings. Joyous fun and deep discouragement.
I’m grateful for all of it…and also grateful the week is over.