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Hello, again...
I am writing you from Salt Lake City, UT after another long hiatus in my musical travelogues. I know that you understand. As the seasons have changed and the dry, crisp fall air of Utah has started to make it's way into our bones, life has also changed a lot, again. It's relentless, you know, life. What an interesting and difficult and amazing ride it is.
I want to share a story with you:
Cyrus, my two-year old son, loves dragons. On the way to his daycare everyday we pass a strange, year-round haunted house in downtown Salt Lake City with a large, winged, green-eyed dragon perched above the door. From his car seat, he says in a slow, deliberate voice full of wonderment "Dragon!" He asks for the song "Puff the Magic Dragon" often and has it memorized. When I sing a line he finishes it for me... I sing "Puff the magic dragon, lives by the --" And he says "Sea!" I sing "And frolics in the autumn mist in a land called--" And he says "Honalee!" And so on... We did this in the middle the night last night when he couldn't sleep for awhile.
I love dragons, too. And I love this Rainer Maria Rilke quote:
"Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love."
Becoming a mother is the best dragon I have ever tamed. Being Cy's Mom is the best thing I ever could have done for my career. My little supernova has given me power, presence and perspective. I can't wait to share more stories about the balance (and frustration, aggravation, joys) of being an artist and a mother. Yes, it's true people don't always understand. Mothers are treated unfairly in the world in general, and especially as artists. It is hard but IT IS worth it. ♡
New developments:
♠ I've accepted a new position with the Utah-based music non-profit The Mundi Project as their Assistant Director & Teaching Artist. We have designed and piloted a new Intergenerational Music program at Neighborhood House. Check out the video from our first day. I helped write our new mission statement: "Mundi Project actively breaks down socio-economic and generational barriers by providing quality music experiences for all." I love this! I've got many ideas that I'm excited to implement as part of Mundi, including a concert series for local and regional artists and a regular family jam. Stay tuned.
♠ I also teach clawhammer banjo, guitar, ukulele and voice lessons privately in Salt Lake City. I'm currently looking for new studio space close to downtown SLC, let me know if you have any ideas. I'm open to non-traditional spaces and trades.
♠ "Little Supernova Live Recording Concert" on Sunday, October 20th at The Art Factory in Salt Lake City! Buy tickets and get more details here. I've wanted to record in front of a live audience for a long time. I am looking forward to this experiment. Big thanks to my dear friends at The Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living for making it a reality. Ticket price is $20 and includes a digital download the finished product, refreshments and childcare (email or txt me with name and age of your kiddo to reserve their spot). I'll be presenting songs around becoming a mother. I hope you can join us.
I want to thank my supporters for everything. I am grateful for your continued support of my family, as well as my music. I can't wait to share more about my little singing dragon and everything else with you in songs and stories.
PS: Have you seen my website? It's brand new... www.mindydillard.com It's still a work-in-progress, but is on it's way.
PPS: Speaking of that, my upcoming events are best viewed there. Visit my "Events" page to see everything I've got coming up.
