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by Seattle Jon (bio)
My taste in music is mixed. For example, I have Lord of the Rings, Yo-Yo Ma, 80's Radio and Hip-Hop channels on Pandora that all get regular rotation. That being said, I am not a seeker of music outside the mainstream, so tracks that get radio play are usually more interesting to me.
Danielle Vaughn is an exception. I knew her personally - through the ward - before she caught my attention by singing Deep Voices at my wife's birthday party. Give it a listen (and/or listen to other tracks) then check out my interview with Danielle below. Finally, if you purchase her CD be sure to leave a comment on this post and Danielle will generously choose two of you to receive another CD to share with family and friends at no cost. The giveaway will close Sunday, September 16th at midnight.
album artwork by Frida Clements Design
Q: Can you tell us about your background in music?
I studied piano and sang in choirs while growing up. My auntie put me in lessons real young because I was constantly playing her organ and sounding out tunes. I mostly played by ear and faked it. I have some dyslexia, so note reading was super tricky for me. (I wasn't aware I had dyslexia until later in college)
I went on to study piano performance with a performing scholarship in college. I had to work really hard at note reading. I'm still not a fabulous sight reader, Chopin about killed me, but I've since found ways to navigate around reading. That's where the guitar comes in handy. Guitar and songwriting came later when I needed something more accessible for folk and bluegrass tunes. I was getting asked to sing with country and bluegrass bands, so I learned the guitar to help fill in the sound.
Q: How are you bringing music into your children's lives?
We listen to all sorts of music/genres/artists. From Americana and Folk to Pop and Techno, lots of Jazz and Classical, as well as some old school country. Good music transcends classifications, so I try to keep the kids open-minded and expose them to all kinds of artists and styles.
One of my favorite things to do is analyze a song lyric with them. We'll listen through and get a feel for it, then go back, listen again, and try to figure out what the song is saying through the lyrics. It's important to me that the kids know what the music is saying. Plus, it opens their ears to the language of poetry.
Q: How has music influenced your testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Music is quite possibly the most powerful influence as far as how I've felt the spirit, especially when I was younger. The hymns are amazing! I have many favorites for different times and experiences in my life. For instance, "How Firm a Foundation" really comforted me when I found out my son was diagnosed with a life threatening heart condition. We weren't sure he was going to make it, he was hospitalized for five months, went through three major surgeries, and the prognosis was touch and go through most of his hospital stay. My testimony went through a series of faith/doubt/questioning/pondering/comfort/and reassurance - the words to that hymn would pop into my mind regularly, and I'd feel peace again. It was both simple and profound at the time. Whenever we sing that song as a congregation, it reminds me of the Lord's mindfulness and love for me and how He helps us get through difficult times.
Q: Did you write the lyrics and music for your album?
Yes, I wrote the lyrics to every song but La Vie En Rose, the last track on the album (someone else wrote it, I paid the royalty fees to the songwriters guild to have the song on my album because it's a classic and I've always loved it). I don't write every note down for recording. For jazz and rock and blues, it's more fun to work with awesome players - musicians who are super accomplished at their instrument - and let them do what they do on the fly based on what they're hearing in their own heads. That's the beauty of it, the creative charge that keeps musicians hooked on songwriting and forming bands. It's pure magic when you find players who resonate with what you're hearing in your own head, which is what happened for me with this album. In the studio, I showed up with lyric/melody/chord charts, I played my songs for the core unit of my band, we jammed for about 15 minutes, worked out intros/endings, then started recording. We were all together in the same room during the recording process and I sang the whole album live, no overdubbing. (Yeah!) It was pretty magical.
Q: If you formed a band to tour with, would you consider putting Seattle Jon on keyboards? What about a band mascot?
So funny! For sure! I'm in the process of finding some awesome players to gig with right now - if you're interested, most definitely audition!
(off the record conversation)
Seattle Jon: The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Danielle: Not good.
Seattle Jon: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Danielle: I'd say more like one out of a million.
[pause] Seattle Jon: So you're telling me there's a chance.
I can always use more cowbell too (Seattle Jon: I could do cowbell), if keyboards don't work out. As far as mascot goes, I'm thinking along the lines of Sasquatch ... yeah.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Miracles of Missionary Work (Well, Just Five of Them)
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by Bradly Baird (bio)
I walked away from the Provo Missionary Training Center on June 30th and felt a deep sense of loss, because this day was my last as an MTC service missionary. During my nearly eighteen months of service, I taught some eight thousand missionaries who are now preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in missions all over the world. My service included about five hundred hours working with companionships on their gospel teaching skills and instructing large groups (usually three hundred or more) on how to work with church members. During these many hours, I personally witnessed miracles numbering in the hundreds; and, while I cannot describe them individually, I will share five miracles that settled into my mind on the day I closed the MTC security gate for the last time.
1 - When you set your life aside in service to the Master, the blessings of Heaven rain down in abundance.
2 - Heavenly Father loves His children deeply and we can feel that love any time.
3 - The Holy Ghost profoundly conveys truth.
4 - Heavenly Father answers the prayers of His children.
5 - The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, tangible, and available to all mankind.
What more can I say?
by Bradly Baird (bio)
1 - When you set your life aside in service to the Master, the blessings of Heaven rain down in abundance.
2 - Heavenly Father loves His children deeply and we can feel that love any time.
3 - The Holy Ghost profoundly conveys truth.
4 - Heavenly Father answers the prayers of His children.
5 - The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, tangible, and available to all mankind.
What more can I say?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
How Instagram Saved My Marriage
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by Scott Heffernan (bio)
Here’s the thing. I have hoarder tendencies. I’m not a hoarder, but I do lean towards collecting things and saving items that have sentimental value. My wife, Aimee, has the opposite problem. (And yes, I do say problem.) She is the anti-hoarder. Have you ever sent her a thank you card? Do you know how long she kept that card? She didn’t. It did not go on the mantle, it did not go in a keepsake box, it went in the trash. Immediately. Don’t take it personally — she doesn’t. (Bam!)
This personality difference has made for an interesting dynamic in our marriage. Here’s how it plays out. I love to shop at thrift stores. I buy lots of old toys and lots of shoes. I have a somewhat twisted sense of humor so I also look for things that are just plain weird. The problem is that these things that I buy occupy space — space in our home — and we don’t have an unlimited amount of space in our home. While I do “plan to sell” many of the items I buy, it can be frustrating to Aimee to have a house full of (what she sees as) useless junk. And it can be frustrating to me to seek out (what I see as) great hidden treasures of priceless value, only to feel too guilty to buy them and bring them home.
by Scott Heffernan (bio)
Here’s the thing. I have hoarder tendencies. I’m not a hoarder, but I do lean towards collecting things and saving items that have sentimental value. My wife, Aimee, has the opposite problem. (And yes, I do say problem.) She is the anti-hoarder. Have you ever sent her a thank you card? Do you know how long she kept that card? She didn’t. It did not go on the mantle, it did not go in a keepsake box, it went in the trash. Immediately. Don’t take it personally — she doesn’t. (Bam!)
This personality difference has made for an interesting dynamic in our marriage. Here’s how it plays out. I love to shop at thrift stores. I buy lots of old toys and lots of shoes. I have a somewhat twisted sense of humor so I also look for things that are just plain weird. The problem is that these things that I buy occupy space — space in our home — and we don’t have an unlimited amount of space in our home. While I do “plan to sell” many of the items I buy, it can be frustrating to Aimee to have a house full of (what she sees as) useless junk. And it can be frustrating to me to seek out (what I see as) great hidden treasures of priceless value, only to feel too guilty to buy them and bring them home.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Pros and Cons of Marriage
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by Seattle Jon (bio)
This list of pros and cons regarding marriage, written by Charles Darwin and available online in the Darwin Correspondence Project, speaks to the timeless cultural tension between family and career, love and work, heart and head.
Marry: Children – (if it Please God) – Constant companion, (& friend in old age) who will feel interested in one, – object to be beloved & played with. – better than a dog anyhow. – Home, & someone to take care of house – Charms of music & female chit-chat. – These things good for one's health. – but terrible loss of time. My God, it is intolerable to think of spending ones whole life, like a neuter bee, working, working, & nothing after all. – No, no won't do. – Imagine living all one's day solitarily in smoky dirty London House. – Only picture to yourself a nice soft wife on a sofa with good fire, & books & music perhaps – Compare this vision with the dingy reality of Grt. Marlbro' St.
Not Marry: Freedom to go where one liked – choice of Society & little of it. – Conversation of clever men at clubs – Not forced to visit relatives, & to bend in every trifle. – to have the expense & anxiety of children – perhaps quarelling – Loss of time. – cannot read in the Evenings – fatness & idleness – Anxiety & responsibility – less money for books &c – if many children forced to gain one's bread. – (But then it is very bad for ones health to work too much) Perhaps my wife wont like London; then the sentence is banishment & degradation into indolent, idle fool –
He then produces his conclusion: Marry. I think the nice soft wife who is better than a dog must have swayed him.
by Seattle Jon (bio)
Marry: Children – (if it Please God) – Constant companion, (& friend in old age) who will feel interested in one, – object to be beloved & played with. – better than a dog anyhow. – Home, & someone to take care of house – Charms of music & female chit-chat. – These things good for one's health. – but terrible loss of time. My God, it is intolerable to think of spending ones whole life, like a neuter bee, working, working, & nothing after all. – No, no won't do. – Imagine living all one's day solitarily in smoky dirty London House. – Only picture to yourself a nice soft wife on a sofa with good fire, & books & music perhaps – Compare this vision with the dingy reality of Grt. Marlbro' St.
Not Marry: Freedom to go where one liked – choice of Society & little of it. – Conversation of clever men at clubs – Not forced to visit relatives, & to bend in every trifle. – to have the expense & anxiety of children – perhaps quarelling – Loss of time. – cannot read in the Evenings – fatness & idleness – Anxiety & responsibility – less money for books &c – if many children forced to gain one's bread. – (But then it is very bad for ones health to work too much) Perhaps my wife wont like London; then the sentence is banishment & degradation into indolent, idle fool –
He then produces his conclusion: Marry. I think the nice soft wife who is better than a dog must have swayed him.
Being Enough
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by Pete Codella (bio)
I vividly remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Scales, telling me daily that I wasn't quiet enough. And since I tested into her class for all the subjects that year, I also felt like I wasn't smart enough to be with some of my friends in other teacher's classes.
Have you ever felt like you weren't skinny enough? Strong enough? Bold enough? Good enough? Anything enough?
Well, enough already!
Those two words — enough already — have been swimming around in my head for a good while now. I'm just over half-way through a demanding executive MBA program at the University of Utah, and true to my upbringing, it has been way too easy to be negative and pessimistic and basically feel like I'm not bright enough or in general up to the task of completing the MBA program.
Sure there are plenty of uber-intelligent people in my cohort of 68 classmates. And I admittedly do not (ever) receive top academic placement in our coursework. But seriously, how hard should I be on myself when I'm back in school in addition to trying to be a good husband, father, family member, employee, friend, church-goer, neighbor ... and the list goes on and on ... ?
I think being content is very similar to being happy. Being content is a choice; an attitude of gratitude, so to speak. I do think being content is based on living correct principles, but you still choose to be content.
So here's my paradigm for the next eight months of my MBA program, and hopefully for hereon out: I AM ENOUGH.
Although — news flash — I'm not perfect, I can be happy in my own skin. I can choose to be optimistic instead of following an all too easy pattern of pessimism and negativity.
From now on, when I find myself thinking or saying, "I'm not fill-in-the-blank enough," I'm going to stop and say to myself, "I AM ENOUGH!"
And I invite you to join me!
by Pete Codella (bio)
 |
| Image by Libby Williams. |
I vividly remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Scales, telling me daily that I wasn't quiet enough. And since I tested into her class for all the subjects that year, I also felt like I wasn't smart enough to be with some of my friends in other teacher's classes.
Have you ever felt like you weren't skinny enough? Strong enough? Bold enough? Good enough? Anything enough?
Well, enough already!
Those two words — enough already — have been swimming around in my head for a good while now. I'm just over half-way through a demanding executive MBA program at the University of Utah, and true to my upbringing, it has been way too easy to be negative and pessimistic and basically feel like I'm not bright enough or in general up to the task of completing the MBA program.
Sure there are plenty of uber-intelligent people in my cohort of 68 classmates. And I admittedly do not (ever) receive top academic placement in our coursework. But seriously, how hard should I be on myself when I'm back in school in addition to trying to be a good husband, father, family member, employee, friend, church-goer, neighbor ... and the list goes on and on ... ?
I think being content is very similar to being happy. Being content is a choice; an attitude of gratitude, so to speak. I do think being content is based on living correct principles, but you still choose to be content.
So here's my paradigm for the next eight months of my MBA program, and hopefully for hereon out: I AM ENOUGH.
Although — news flash — I'm not perfect, I can be happy in my own skin. I can choose to be optimistic instead of following an all too easy pattern of pessimism and negativity.
From now on, when I find myself thinking or saying, "I'm not fill-in-the-blank enough," I'm going to stop and say to myself, "I AM ENOUGH!"
And I invite you to join me!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
School Role Call
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by Casey Peterson (bio)
As another school year is approaching, and a summer of class reunions is concluding, I recently reflected on the important "roles" filled year after year by brave students. There are widely known group roles that I'll avoid addressing. These include the athlete group, the cheerleader group, the academic group, the band group, etc. Inclusion and conformity make it comfortable and cool to be part of a group, and insane amounts of time, energy, and money are spent trying to "fit in" one of them. However, at schools across the country, a few "niche" roles are filled that add color and culture to every campus.
The following are my six favorites:
6 The Old Car Troll. Each school parking lot is incomplete without a young male trolling the parking lot in a fixed-up old car. Models are usually from the 1970's, painted a bright color, have big tires and loud music blaring, and 99.9% of the time are captained by a mullet-sporting, muscle-shirt wearing champion. These charismatic cruisers favor wraparound sunglasses, and make their presence known by loud revving of engines and frequent "peel outs" in the parking lot. Energy drinks (preferably in a 64-ounce mug size) and multiple amplifiers are a must to fill this role.
5 The Martial Arts Master. Swiftness, skill, and stealth define this sneaky warrior. You may catch a glimpse of a Chinese star, a pair of nun-chucks, or a butterfly knife comb as you walk past the locker of the class sensei. Beware of standing too close, as at spontaneous times he will break out with kicks, chops, or crouches. Don't pick on the martial arts master, you can tell he's dying to demonstrate his "moves." His notebooks are most likely filled with Asian characters or sketches of hand-to-hand combatants.
4 The Break Dancer. This is the keeper of the timeless art and tradition of break dancing. This double-jointed jammer is jiving and jerking wherever he goes. Whether in the lunchroom, the library, or in his personal performance pedestal of school dances, the beat is alive and well as he moonwalks, waves, and spins through life.
3 The Thespian. This is a role that can be filled by either gender, and well may be filling parts of both genders in the next school production. Emotions run high for these climatic characters who feverishly hone the art of drama to fanatical levels. If other students threaten or offend these fabled fellows, expect a diatribe of exquisite diction unmatched in other areas of school, for they are easily provoked and aroused to anger.
2 Mr. Muscle. Every school has a ripped rebel whose days basically alternate between chugging protein shakes and weight lifting. If allowed, the majority of this brute's classes would be weightlifting, weight training, sports performance, and sports psychology. Coaches work hard at getting this brawny beefcake onto their team, but he makes it very clear that cardio and strength training are his only game in town. If you want to connect with Mr. Muscle, he's always open to supplement suggestions or tutoring.
1 The Cowboy. Tight wranglers, Justin boots, a Copenhagen ring on his back pocket, and a big truck adorned with bumper stickers with such gems of wisdom like: "Wrangler butts drive me nuts," "Save a horse, ride a cowboy" and political views expressed in various vorms of peeing Calvins. It is likely cowboy boy isn't actively involved in agrarian life or has no bovine association outside of FFA judging contests, but he loves the cowboy look and aspires to be the next Marlboro man. A daily challenge in the parking lot is to avoid crashing into Old Car Troll boy and/or out-blast Troll's car music with Clint Black, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks. Don't look for the cowboy wannabe from October - December, as he will be involved in pheasant, duck, deer, and any other special draw hunts.
by Casey Peterson (bio)
 |
| Image by Anthony Easton. |
As another school year is approaching, and a summer of class reunions is concluding, I recently reflected on the important "roles" filled year after year by brave students. There are widely known group roles that I'll avoid addressing. These include the athlete group, the cheerleader group, the academic group, the band group, etc. Inclusion and conformity make it comfortable and cool to be part of a group, and insane amounts of time, energy, and money are spent trying to "fit in" one of them. However, at schools across the country, a few "niche" roles are filled that add color and culture to every campus.
The following are my six favorites:
6 The Old Car Troll. Each school parking lot is incomplete without a young male trolling the parking lot in a fixed-up old car. Models are usually from the 1970's, painted a bright color, have big tires and loud music blaring, and 99.9% of the time are captained by a mullet-sporting, muscle-shirt wearing champion. These charismatic cruisers favor wraparound sunglasses, and make their presence known by loud revving of engines and frequent "peel outs" in the parking lot. Energy drinks (preferably in a 64-ounce mug size) and multiple amplifiers are a must to fill this role.
5 The Martial Arts Master. Swiftness, skill, and stealth define this sneaky warrior. You may catch a glimpse of a Chinese star, a pair of nun-chucks, or a butterfly knife comb as you walk past the locker of the class sensei. Beware of standing too close, as at spontaneous times he will break out with kicks, chops, or crouches. Don't pick on the martial arts master, you can tell he's dying to demonstrate his "moves." His notebooks are most likely filled with Asian characters or sketches of hand-to-hand combatants.
4 The Break Dancer. This is the keeper of the timeless art and tradition of break dancing. This double-jointed jammer is jiving and jerking wherever he goes. Whether in the lunchroom, the library, or in his personal performance pedestal of school dances, the beat is alive and well as he moonwalks, waves, and spins through life.
3 The Thespian. This is a role that can be filled by either gender, and well may be filling parts of both genders in the next school production. Emotions run high for these climatic characters who feverishly hone the art of drama to fanatical levels. If other students threaten or offend these fabled fellows, expect a diatribe of exquisite diction unmatched in other areas of school, for they are easily provoked and aroused to anger.
2 Mr. Muscle. Every school has a ripped rebel whose days basically alternate between chugging protein shakes and weight lifting. If allowed, the majority of this brute's classes would be weightlifting, weight training, sports performance, and sports psychology. Coaches work hard at getting this brawny beefcake onto their team, but he makes it very clear that cardio and strength training are his only game in town. If you want to connect with Mr. Muscle, he's always open to supplement suggestions or tutoring.
1 The Cowboy. Tight wranglers, Justin boots, a Copenhagen ring on his back pocket, and a big truck adorned with bumper stickers with such gems of wisdom like: "Wrangler butts drive me nuts," "Save a horse, ride a cowboy" and political views expressed in various vorms of peeing Calvins. It is likely cowboy boy isn't actively involved in agrarian life or has no bovine association outside of FFA judging contests, but he loves the cowboy look and aspires to be the next Marlboro man. A daily challenge in the parking lot is to avoid crashing into Old Car Troll boy and/or out-blast Troll's car music with Clint Black, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks. Don't look for the cowboy wannabe from October - December, as he will be involved in pheasant, duck, deer, and any other special draw hunts.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Giveaway 14: Winner
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Congratulations to kristine (link to comment), winner of The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith. Respond via email with your address by Thursday, September 6th to claim the book. Thanks everyone for participating and look for another giveaway in the near future!
Didn't win? Buy the book!
To see more of Joanna Brooks, check out the links below:
• Ask Mormon Girl
• JoannaBrooks.org
• Buy The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith
Didn't win? Buy the book!
To see more of Joanna Brooks, check out the links below:
• Ask Mormon Girl
• JoannaBrooks.org
• Buy The Book of Mormon Girl: A Memoir of an American Faith
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