The Latest Scoop - a personal note from Mary Beth
It is pure joy to create music! Sharing it with you and receiving your gracious appreciation is more inspiring than you will ever know. Thank you!
There's a wide variety of ways to communicate thoughts and emotions, and sometimes I find it's most effectively expressed through a song. I'm so grateful for your response to particular songs that touch your heart in a meaningful way. It's also intriguing to hear about how the music is used. Most recently, a gentleman from Schenectady, NY, wrote to tell me that my CDs were background music for his extensive spring planting. Another gentleman from Plano, TX, programs his iPod with specific songs from the CDs to coincide with his exercise routine. We've heard from people who pop in A Brand New Day to "stimulate endorphins" as they do their housework! Several others have shared that the CDs serve as both comforting and inspiring background music during a variety of experiences from driving across the country (literally) ... to enjoying a peaceful evening on the porch; from gathering with family and friends in a hospice setting ... to preparing for childbirth; from playing the music at a memorial service ... to using a more upbeat collection during a wedding reception. I'm honored to "join you" through the music! Thank you, Friends, for encouraging me to not underestimate the value of background music. I've learned that this can serve as a calm amidst the chaos, or simply provide pleasant company during your day-to-day activities. A young man affected by disability recently remarked, "The trouble with life is that there's no 'background music'."
I'm working on a new piano orchestral CD of sentimental favorites, currently arranging the song, "Smile". What a tender message with a heart-stirring melody. Sometimes our smile is the sweetest "background music" we can offer. A Facebook friend posted, "Be kinder than necessary. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." It was an important reminder that we just never know; even the simple gift of a smile can be a welcome source of encouragement to someone hiding in a heap of sorrow. So... all of us can be "background music" for someone, somewhere, as life goes by day after day. Let's recognize the beauty in the essence of the "music" we provide, and be a sweet song for someone each day.
One of our daughters made a "Facebook Fan Page" for me. She must have thought Mom needed to be a little more "techie" and communicate more frequently with those who appreciate the music from my CDs. If you're interested, search Mary Beth Carlson on "Facebook". I'd love to have you become a "fan" on this site. Never really liked the term "fan", much prefer "supportive listener", but it is what it is. Thanks for being a "supportive listener"!
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at places I perform in the months ahead. I greatly appreciate receiving calls and e-mails from those who invite me to speak and play the piano at venues in their community. We're booking a variety of events for 2010 and into 2011 concerts, women's events, fund raisers, church worship services, and Christmas events. Please visit our bookings page which provides information about what to expect during a concert, contact info and endorsements from previous event hosts. I'd greatly enjoy coming to your area for a special occasion!
Several inquire if we could ship CDs to friends and relatives for holiday gifts, birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Include a note if you'd like me to personalize your gifts with autographed CDs and a special greeting. Please be sure to include the recipients' names and addresses along with titles of recordings you wish for them to have. If requested, we will ship your gift anywhere within the continental United States. Your product will be sent within 48 hours of receiving your order.
Thanks for sharing the music, and enjoy this beautiful, refreshing season!
With blessings and gratitude for your continued encouragement,
