Quilted

Here's a sneak peek into a recent phone conversation between my 93-year-old mother and me:
Me: “Hey mom, what should I write my next song about?”
Mom: “How about Guardian Angels?”
Me: “Hmmm....ok, what about guardian angels? What do you know about them?”
Mom: “Well. I use to assign one to each of you (8 of us in total) when you were born.” 
Me: “OK. Now, how exactly does that work?” “What would you say to these angels?”
Mom: “Oh nothing much…just, ‘I can’t do this on my own. I am going to need you to help me raise this child’”
(‘Always good to admit when you need a little help!)
This was the conversation that sparked the song, "Guardian Dear". 
Whether or not you believe in guardian angels, I hope that you will enjoy this song and feel a little peace from it. 

"Guardian Dear" is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “God’s Eye Quilt” hope chest. *

The sound recording was made via remote collaboration between my home studio (ReisUpStudio) and that of Wernaldo Productions in Lakeland, FL. during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020. Werner Alsanger created the dreamy and beautiful musical arrangement, so fitting for a bedtime prayer. 

LYRICS: Guardian Dear
Verse 1:
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God’s love commits me here
Ever this day, be at my side
(to light, to rule, to guide)

Mother can’t do this alone
She’s asking you
To bring me home
Safe and sound
With your boots on the ground
Angel, boots on the ground

Verse 2:
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God’s love commits me here
Ever this night, my path to light
(Togaed, to rule, to guide)

The Devil has something for me
An apple from the Knowledge Tree
So guard my mind
With your sword held high
Angel, sword held high

Chorus:
Angels, they never sleep
Angels, our souls to keep
Guardians of us all
Guarding us from the fall, my guardian, dear
Be near, be near, be near
Be near, be near, be near

The lyrics to "Guardian Dear" were adapted from the “Angel of God” Prayer, by Reginald of Canterbury, 11th Century
I wrote the song for my mother, who “assigned” angels to all of her children at birth. I am grateful for that!

*What is a "God's Eye Quilt"?
God’s Eye Quilt: https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
America was founded on the principle of religious freedom, so quilts that reminded the homesteaders of their devotion to God were especially meaningful. The trip to new land was filled with danger and daily challenges which tested even the strongest men and women. It was a rare person who did not lose a family member, often a child, along the trail.
The practice of using quilts as burial shrouds was fairly common among westward travelers. Wood was often scarce for coffins, so families used what was available and appropriate. Wrapping a loved one in a quilt was a way of not only preparing the body for burial, but of giving reassurance to the living that the decreased person was still linked to his or her family. A quilt that carried a Biblical name was a source of comfort, and with their enduring faith, kept the family going.
Other popular quilt patterns were Jacob's Ladder, Cross and Crown, Bethlehem Star, Crown of Thorns, David and Goli-ath, Eastern Star and Star of Eden.

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and have a youtube channel @dotreiser. 
Please view and share my "Guardian Dear" video here:
https://youtu.be/dd06XPTuSKU
Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA

Guardian Dear

“Brother’s Keeper” was born out of tragedy: the death of a 19-year-old college freshman following a fraternity hazing ritual. I pondered the meaning of “brotherhood” in the college Greek system. I worried for my sons, rapidly approaching college age, and interested in Greek life. 

During our daughter's Freshman Orientation, Fordham University President, Fr. McShane spoke firmly to the incoming class about being their “Brother's Keeper”. "If you see your friend leave the party alone, then YOU leave the party too, and get him/her back home safely. Be your Brother’s Keeper.” 

Most of us, if we dwell among humans long enough, will serve as both the “keeper” and  "kept” from one time to another. 
May we humbly rejoice in our moments as “keeper”.
May we be grateful in our moments as “kept”.

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “Friendship Quilt” hope chest. *

LYRICS: Brother’s Keeper
Verse 1:
Well, I had a plan, but I lost my instructions
and I’m diving deep into this cup of destruction
Watch over me, brother,
Won’t you keep me?

Verse 2:
‘Cause my spirit is broken, I know you can mend it
like a guardian sent to my life, you defend it
more than a friend, brother
you keep me

Prechorus:
But you know it’s crossed my mind
that you’ve done your time
I should let you off the hook,
then you shoot that look, saying

Chorus:
You’re gonna be
your brother’s keeper
and stand right there beside me now
and you’re gonna lead
me home to safety
you say I matter
anyhow

Verse 3:
When the darkness comes calling, I’m too quick to answer
I just let despair grow in my should like a cancer
Don’t let it grow, brother
don’t let it take me
don’t let it take me

Prechorus:
But it’s then you cross my mind
with your words so kind
and for all the bad I see
you find such good in me
so you’re gonna be

Chorus:
You’re gonna be
your brother’s keeper
and stand right there beside me now
and you’re gonna lead
me home to safety
you say I matter
anyhow

Verse 4:
Well I swear someday I will return you the favor
on that day you’re the one crying out for a savior
I don’t wish it on you, brother
to need me
But in case you do, I’d better get through 
so I can be 

Chorus:
My brother’s keeper
and stand right there beside you now
oh and lead
I will lead you home to safety
‘cause you matter
anyhow

*What is a "Friendship" quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
The quilts the homesteaders brought with them were a comfort to these women who traded their home, family and friends in the East, for the uncertainty of traveling through vast prairies in the West. A quilt that held special value to the pioneer women was the Friendship Quilt.

Often it was done is secret, and then given to the woman as a going away gift. It usually was a group effort, with each block being sewn by a friend or relative with their name embroidered in the center.

Putting a Friendship quilt on the bed, gave a woman a sense of connection with her former way of life. It kept alive the memory of family and friends, providing comfort and company during the difficult days of homesteading.

One woman homesteader said, "When I get lonely, I read the names on my quilt. "It was like putting her arms around someone and giving them a hug.

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and have a youtube channel @dotreiser. Please view and share my "Brother's Keeper" video here:
https://youtu.be/mFai2KUieiI
Please subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA

Special thanks to Quinn Music for a male voice, featured in this song. We pushed the harmonies to a new level as the story called for. Everything was assembled through remote means during the lockdowns of 2020, a time of "keeping".

Brother's Keeper

Here's a grateful day: I am walking around a beautiful lake, taking it slow, allowing the presence of God through stillness and nature to accompany me. Remaining in that very “un-alone" feeling, I morph into a bride walking toward a bridegroom. I am happy. I know where I am going because I've been here before. Faith. It's a good thing and I'm BACK.

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “God’s Eye Quilt” hope chest. *


LYRICS: Sweet Return
Verse 1: 
Let this walk be slow
I can see the bridegroom
Let this walk be slow
I can see His smile
I know He’s been waiting for a long long while
Let this walk be slow
To Sweet Return.

Verse 2:
Have I been here before?
Did I almost reach You?
Did You lift the veil?
Did I turn away?
Did the voices on my left and right hold sway?
Well now I’ve found my way
To Sweet Return

Bridge:
Meet me on the dance floor
You lead, I’ll follow
You can set the tempo Lord
I’ll keep pace today, tomorrow

Verse 3:
I just want You to know
That I’ll never leave You
Every step is steady on this pathway straight to You
But if I could take one moment 
Just to savor the view
Well, I would run to You
And Sweet Return
I would run, run, run to You
And Sweet Return

*What is a "God's Eye Quilt"?
God’s Eye Quilt: https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
America was founded on the principle of religious freedom, so quilts that reminded the homesteaders of their devotion to God were especially meaningful. The trip to new land was filled with danger and daily challenges which tested even the strongest men and women. It was a rare person who did not lose a family member, often a child, along the trail.
The practice of using quilts as burial shrouds was fairly common among westward travelers. Wood was often scarce for coffins, so families used what was available and appropriate. Wrapping a loved one in a quilt was a way of not only preparing the body for burial, but of giving reassurance to the living that the decreased person was still linked to his or her family. A quilt that carried a Biblical name was a source of comfort, and with their enduring faith, kept the family going.
Other popular quilt patterns were Jacob's Ladder, Cross and Crown, Bethlehem Star, Crown of Thorns, David and Goli-ath, Eastern Star and Star of Eden.

The meditative arrangement of this song was created by Werner Alsanger at Wernaldo Productions in Lakeland Florida. Through remote technology, Jon Quinn of Quinn Music performed the lush, nylon-string guitar part. I recorded my own vocals in a small home studio that I call, ReisUpStudio. The pandemic provided an unwanted but ultimately helpful opportunity to force the skills of home recording and DAW production upon my weary brow. Thankfully, the restful nature of the song kept my heart warmed throughout the tedious, and ongoing learning curve. 

I hope this journey-song beckons you into a return to faith of your own nature, willing and filled with peace.

Sweet Return

I love going to Nashville. The minute I head into airport baggage claim, I see guitars strapped to everybody's backs. Here comes MUSIC.
As a songwriter who, having written my first song at age 47, feels a little late to the party, I have some dreams that are surely within reach, and some that will take a dad-gum miracle to live out. Still, I am delighted to be a part of the club of writers, producers, and performers of original music. This song, "Tennessee Flannel", celebrates my dream to one day sing at the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, most likely at Open Mic Night, (as encouraged by my husband in Verse 3).

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song with its dreams and aspirations (or perspirations) folds nicely into my “Wild Goose Chase” hope chest. *

LYRICS: Tennessee Flannel
Chorus:
Put on your Tennessee flannel
and work out that southern style
There’s no need to hurry 
when you got a while, to make it
to the Bluebird Cafe
oh the Bluebird Cafe

Verse 1:
I met a boy of fourteen at the airport
and I asked him what is his brand of guitar?
'Little did  he know that his Epiphone 
is going the same place that me and my Breedlove are
and we’ll be

Chorus:
Puttin on our Tennessee flannel
and working out our southern style
We’re not in any hurry 
‘cause we got a while, to make it
to the Bluebird Cafe
oh the Bluebird Cafe

Verse 2:
My baby says, “We’re going to the Bluebird” 
He’s gonna make me stand in a line
He says’ “It’s Open Mic Night and it’s your right
to shine like a star in the Tennessee sky” and I say,
“I’m not good enough! I’m not good enough!
What do you know about music these days?”
(and he says)

Chorus:
"Put on your Tennessee flannel
and work out that southern style
Old woman, you better hurry
‘Said old woman you better hurry
‘cause you ain’t got a while
to make it
to that Bluebird Cafe, no
no no no no no no no”

Verse 3:
So here I am on the stage of the Bluebird
I’m gonna sing you my special song
and I’m feeling as naked as a newborn child 
'cause it took a while,
a long long while,
said a long long long while, oh

Outro:
blue blue blue
mmm mmm ooh oooh
I made it to the Blue
Do you see me now Blue yeah yeah
There’s no need to hurry
There’s no need to hurry
I said there’s no need to hurry
off this stage
OK?
Bluebird 
Bluebird 
blue blue blue blue blue
yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah 
yeah
Oh I made it to the Bluebird

*What is a "Wild Goose Chase" quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htmNature was an obvious and rich source for quilt patterns. There are numerous patterns named for trees, flowers, animals and birds.

The homesteaders watched the migration of flocks of geese and created quilts with that in mind. Although the triangle shape is used in hundreds of other quilt designs, in this quilt block, triangles represent the geese. Pioneer women expressed their artistic abilities and creativity in the way they arranged the triangles or geese, and in the colors they used. That may be one reason why the Wild Goose Chase pattern has at least 14 variations.

Other patterns that reflect nature include Bear Paw, Dove in the Window, Hen and Chickens, Dogwood and Sunflower.

Quilting was not just a woman's activity. Over the years, men have also been quilters. In fact, when they were boys, at least two presidents, Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower, helped their mothers piece quilts.
Special thanks to Jon Quinn of Quinn Music for a bang up arrangement of brassy instrumentals, attitude, Blues meistering, and just having so much fun with this.

Tennessee Flannel

I blush to say it, but my faith oftentimes leans towards the romantic. I guess it's all about relationships. Some of us express love by giving gifts, others by touch, companionship, and so on. God gives ...rainbows, cricket-songs.  He just keeps showing up. I almost have to wonder…is He flirting with me? Well, it’s working. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “God’s Eye Quilt” hope chest. *

Special thanks to Wernaldo Productions, Lakeland, FL for such flirtatious Blues instrumentation and for allowing me the space to try my hand at home vocal recording, audio mixing, and mastering--all very creative yet tedious parts of the music making process. 

LYRICS: Flirtatious God
Verse 1:
He sets a rainbow in the sky
Just to tell me that He loves me
What a flirtatious God is He
And he puts a fragrance in a flower
Just to draw me close and whisper
“He is there”
What a flirtatious God is He

Won’t let me stay away for very long
When His little lamb is straying too far
He sends me a song
From a little bird, or a waterfall, 
or a breeze thru the bamboo trees
Like the pitter-pat of little feet

Chorus:
He flirts with me
Oh He flirts with me
Oh how He flirts with me
Til He gets me
Right where He wants me
Oh right where He wants me

Verse 2:
He sends a melody to be heard
And He tells me every word
What a gracious God is He
And He puts the joy into my heart
And it flows through every part
Of this song
What a gracious God is He

Won’t let me stay away for very long
When His little lamb is straying too far
He sends me a song
Of praise, of glory of calling out
Crying “Please Lord, 

Chorus:
Flirt with me
Oh flirt with me
Oh won’t You flirt with me
Til you get me
Right where You want me
Oh right where You want me

Interlude:
Flirt. flirt. Flirt
What a gracious God is He
Flirt. Oh flirt. Mmmm flirt
And oh, He won’t let me get away
He won’t let me get away
When His little lamb will stray
Much too far
He sends me a song
Oh, He sends me

And it goes:
**For the beauty, for the glory, for the love 
Which over, around us lies
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This hymn of grateful praise 

For the beauty, for the glory, for the love 
Which over, around us lies
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This hymn of grateful praise 

*What is a "God's Eye Quilt"?
God’s Eye Quilt: https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
America was founded on the principle of religious freedom, so quilts that reminded the homesteaders of their devotion to God were especially meaningful. The trip to new land was filled with danger and daily challenges which tested even the strongest men and women. It was a rare person who did not lose a family member, often a child, along the trail.
The practice of using quilts as burial shrouds was fairly common among westward travelers. Wood was often scarce for coffins, so families used what was available and appropriate. Wrapping a loved one in a quilt was a way of not only preparing the body for burial, but of giving reassurance to the living that the decreased person was still linked to his or her family. A quilt that carried a Biblical name was a source of comfort, and with their enduring faith, kept the family going.
Other popular quilt patterns were Jacob's Ladder, Cross and Crown, Bethlehem Star, Crown of Thorns, David and Goli-ath, Eastern Star and Star of Eden.

Music Video:
I like to make videos to go with my songs. The beautiful photography in this video is credited to my cousin, Jim Magruder, a very talented photographer with a lens for God’s gifts in the mountainscapes of North Carolina.  view and share the video for "Flirtatious God," please go to: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52wn13xIY0

*inspired by the hymn,
 “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, 1864

Flirtatious God

"My Dream" illuminates a daydream about a "unicorn sighting"-- kind of like storm-chasing, only less likely to be actualized. The unicorn's name is "My Dream", which serves as a metaphor for my personal aspiration of making a hit as a songwriter. In the song you will hear the voice of “an agent” advising me to let go of  “My Dream” for a better life. But the truth is, to chase a dream is what makes life meaningful, and “My Dream” needs a lot of time and hard work for her horn (skills, networking) to grow. “Let it grow!”

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song, being outlandishly difficult to achieve, folds nicely into my “Wild Goose Chase Quilt” hope chest. *

LYRICS: My Dream
Verse 1:
I wander through life with the hope of a unicorn sighting
I picture her glittered and glowing
a pony with horn barely showing
She's playful and prance, so proud of her fancy
appendage
She calls out my name and invites me to call her, "My Dream". 

Verse 2:
Well, My Dream and I gallop into a neon-bright city
We stop in to speak with an agent
'cause My Dream is losing her patience
He listens intently, then lets us down gently
Ah, what does he know?
And he tells me I'm much better off letting go of My Dream

Chorus:
Well dreams are known for 
the glitter and the glow
and My Dream needs time for 
her horn to grow
Let it grow!

Instrumental

Chorus:
Well dreams are known for 
the glitter and the glow
and My Dream needs time for 
her horn to grow
Let it grow!
Let it grow!
Let it grow!
Let it grow!

I took “My Dream” to Quinn Music to develop the sound recording. Jon Quinn produced this moving arrangement of instrumentation and sonic sweetness for my melody, lyrics, and vocals to prance within. As an added bonus, Jon Quinn invited his friend Bill Henry to share his guitar prowess, like in that beautiful flourish of strings you hear at the beginning of the song. 

*What is a "Wild Goose Chase" quilt?
Nature was an obvious and rich source for quilt patterns. There are numerous patterns named for trees, flowers, animals and birds.

The homesteaders watched the migration of flocks of geese and created quilts with that in mind. Although the triangle shape is used in hundreds of other quilt designs, in this quilt block, triangles represent the geese. Pioneer women expressed their artistic abilities and creativity in the way they arranged the triangles or geese, and in the colors they used. That may be one reason why the Wild Goose Chase pattern has at least 14 variations.

Other patterns that reflect nature include Bear Paw, Dove in the Window, Hen and Chickens, Dogwood and Sunflower.

Quilting was not just a woman's activity. Over the years, men have also been quilters. In fact, when they were boys, at least two presidents, Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower, helped their mothers piece quilts.

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and the magical, pixellated video for "My Dream" was crafted by the young creative, R A M M Y who provided a captivating backdrop for our heroes, sure to make you smile.
To view and share this video, press or copy/paste here:
https://youtu.be/_uldv0JFK3g
To subscribe to my YouTube channel, press or copy/paste here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA

My Dream

In a "Songwriting for the Pros" mini course offered by Songtown.com, I along with 100 others, was commissioned to interview an up-and-coming singer/songwriter, and write a "hook" for his/her new song. It was a contest and the winning songwriter would continue on to co-write the rest of the song with this artist. The young female artist whom we interviewed seemed to be a bit of an old soul. She wanted someone to bring her out of her shell, make her feel young and alive, and to live in the moment rather than always thinking of the future. In my mind I mused, "Hey kid, act your age!" which inspired my song entry. Although my "hook" was ultimately not the winning selection in the contest, I decided to develop the song to completion. It was fun to live inside someone else's mind for a while and long for a more adventurous life!

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song, being about friendship folds nicely into my “Friendship Quilt” hope chest.*

I brought this song without a bridge or second, third verses to Quinn Music Studio and my producer and I set to the creative task of tracking. As the arrangement started to take shape, the rest of the song's story teased it's way out. May you always act a little beneath your age and remain young at heart. 

LYRICS: Act My Age
Intro:
Old soul, young heart 
Old soul, young heart

Verse 1:
I’m just an old soul seeking a young heart beating
Won’t you tell me how to act my age?
I’m so wise beyond my years, release me, dear
from a sage cage, from the cage of a sage

Interlude:
Old soul, young heart
Old soul, young heart

Verse 2:
In the depths of my learning, theres a childlike yearning
Can you tell me how to - act my age
I’m so stuck- in my head, so interior-fed
Can you gauge, the lonely heart of a sage

and tell me how to

Chorus:
Act my age
Pull me out on the dance floor
(how to act my age)
Push me on a swing
(how to act my age)
Take a ride on a carousel 
I'd do anything to feel 
Spring

Bridge:
Spring time of my life
No more striving for answers before their time
You show me the way
to hold the questions in tension and feel the day

you keep it light
you keep it light
you keep it light
you keep it light

Interlude:
Instrumental

Verse 3:
You with the life unexamined, intellectual famine
Do they tell you how to - act your age
Get a job, get a life, settle down, find a wife
Turn the page, turn the proverbial page

Is that the way to

chorus:
Act your age
How to act your age
Do you act your age now?
You'd do anything to feel
Spring

Bridge 2:
The sun on my face
The beauty thats all surrounding
You melt away my Winter to Spring

Chorus:
Spring time of my life
No more striving for answers before their time
You show me the way
to hold question in tension and feel the day

Spring time of my life 
no more striving for answers before their time
You show me the way
to hold a question in tension....

*What is a "Friendship" Quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htmThe quilts the homesteaders brought with them were a comfort to these women who traded their home, family and friends in the East, for the uncertainty of traveling through vast prairies in the West. A quilt that held special value to the pioneer women was the Friendship Quilt.

Often it was done is secret, and then given to the woman as a going away gift. It usually was a group effort, with each block being sewn by a friend or relative with their name embroidered in the center.

Putting a Friendship quilt on the bed, gave a woman a sense of connection with her former way of life. It kept alive the memory of family and friends, providing comfort and company during the difficult days of homesteading.

One woman homesteader said, "When I get lonely, I read the names on my quilt. "It was like putting her arms around someone and giving them a hug.

Act My Age

WE CAN DO HARD THINGS:
I like to read a blog called, "The Daily Stoic". The author, Ryan Holliday's words are inspired by Marcus Aurelius and for me, fill in the lessons I have learned from a religious upbringing with some more worldly, practical advice: how to deal with difficult people, how to pep up the drops in my own motivation, how to stay honest, how to forgive. One day, the line "We can do hard things" popped out at me from Mr. Holliday's blog page, and as I went to a golf clinic later that day to learn how to get out of the bunker, I started to sing the line to the hacking of balls in the sand. By days end, a song about perseverance with enough of a groove to change my weary attitude about hard work, was born. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song, stocked with a message as strong as home, folds nicely into my “Log Cabin Quilt” hope chest. *

I took the song to Jon Quinn at Quinn Music who worked quietly on the arrangement behind the scenes. When he sent me such a fresh, funky take on the song, at first I wasn't so sure. But then I "did a hard thing"...I trusted him. I got over myself...and together we developed this gem of a song into a finished sound recording. With this tune l will never again accomplish hard things without a spring in my step, a chop in my golf swing, and a melody fit for an ear worm. Go work hard. You got this. 

LYRICS: We Can Do Hard Things
Verse 1:
Life is hard, but it's a gift
and it seems the whole world is complaining
and fighting
while the orange blossoms bloom

Verse 2:
Now I don't wanna think
that I got everything 
figured out
I just wanna find what joy I can
and spread it around

Chorus:
(don't you know) We can do hard things
We're strong and we're brave, we can handle much more than we think
Some we win, some we lose
Some door's gonna close while another swings open for you
for you

Verse 3:
So what are these hard things?
Can you name one for me?
Like say you wanna go out there and climb that tall tree
And what if somebody sees you fall
they might laugh at you and call you a fake
but the truth is nobody's really watching
so that's a chance you can take

Chorus:
We can do hard things
We're strong and we're brave we can handle much more than we think
So stop your thinking now
and move along, move along
and take a breath
between the hard things
You got this
Yeah baby you got this, steady now

*What is a "Log Cabin" Quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
The Log Cabin block is one of the most well-known and popular of all patchwork patterns. To pioneers traveling West, it symbolized home, warmth, love and security. The center square of the block was done in red to represent the hearth, the focal point of life in a cabin or home.

The name, Log Cabin, comes from the narrow strips of fabric, or logs arranged around the center square. Each fabric strip or log was added to the pattern in much the same way logs were stacked to build a cabin; and because the straight lines and small pieces of the pattern could utilize almost any fabric scrap available, it often became the final step in the recycling of fabric.

Many Log Cabin patterns were worked in two color schemes, lights and darks, divided diagonally in the middle. This represented the sun's east to west movement in the sky. As the sun rose, its light shown on the cabin, creating the light side of the block. As the sun traveled west, part of the cabin was left in the shadow, creating the dark side of the block. This is often called the Sunshine and Shadow pattern.

We Can Do Hard Things

PUT ON CHRIST:
What's in YOUR closet? I was given a writing prompt that said, "Write a song about an article of clothing, thinking: 'Raspberry Beret' by Prince, or 'These Boots Were Made for Walking', by Nancy Sinatra". I looked into my closet and saw golf clothes...nothing at all song-worthy...but then remembered a Bible passage about "putting on Christ”, as if you are being clothed in Him.  After a quick search online, I found the passage in Galatians 3:27, then sat down to write this simple song, "Put On Christ". I hope it helps you with your wardrobe choices. :)

I love to sing this song with any age, but especially children. Put out a box of dress-up clothes, hats, gloves and watch them pretend to put on the goodness of God. It is a great way to start the day. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “God’s Eye Quilt” hope chest. *

The playful reggae arrangement of this song was created by Werner Alsanger at Wernaldo Productions in Lakeland Florida. I recorded my own vocals in a small home studio that I call, "ReisUpStudio". The pandemic provided an unwanted but ultimately helpful opportunity to force the skills of home recording and DAW production upon me. Thankfully, the joyful nature of the song kept my spirit buoyed throughout the tedious, and ongoing learning curve. 

I hope your own spirits are uplifted too when you listen to, “Put On Christ”. If you’d like to play a little “dress up” along with it, please be my guest.  

LYRICS: Put On Christ
Verse 1:
When you wake up in the morning, put on Christ
with love as your clothing, love as your garment
greet the world 
just a little changed, a little new
See how love covers you

Verse 2:
When you set your dreams into motion, put on Christ
with love as your talent, love as your fortune
greet the world
make a little change, make something new
and see how love covers you

Bridge:
These old clothes of anger, toss em out
garments of fear, toss em out
you've got a brand new look to wear, and you wear it well
to hear what needs hearing
to see the unseen 
because of who, covers you

Verse 3:
And when you have all the power, put on Christ
with love as your vision, lead the people
to a better world
you can be the change, you can make things new
in a place where love covers you
a place where love covers you

What is a "God's Eye" Quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
America was founded on the principle of religious freedom, so quilts that reminded the homesteaders of their devotion to God were especially meaningful. The trip to new land was filled with danger and daily challenges which tested even the strongest men and women. It was a rare person who did not lose a family member, often a child, along the trail.
The practice of using quilts as burial shrouds was fairly common among westward travelers. Wood was often scarce for coffins, so families used what was available and appropriate. Wrapping a loved one in a quilt was a way of not only preparing the body for burial, but of giving reassurance to the living that the decreased person was still linked to his or her family. A quilt that carried a Biblical name was a source of comfort, and with their enduring faith, kept the family going.
Other popular quilt patterns were Jacob's Ladder, Cross and Crown, Bethlehem Star, Crown of Thorns, David and Goli-ath, Eastern Star and Star of Eden.

Put On Christ

Artists have very busy minds, that push us to create, as a sort of emptying out.
To quiet my mind quickly, I employ a practice called, “deep listening”.
One morning I woke up with a mindful of thoughts and worries. I took a slow breath and began to deep listen while lying in my bed. 
First, I heard a bird singing very loudly outside my window, then listened deeper…
…another bird, and beyond there were more, each with their own unique call, until every pocket of noiselessness was filled.
For fun, I began to phoneticize each bird sound, assigning to them human words. And then I set the words to poetry, and finally to a melody. See, how the practice of deep listening can shift thoughts away from worry and clutter? 

My neighbor, Mike Rodgers was out in the street, demonstrating his bird calls to my husband. 
I asked him if I could record his calls for the song, which you can hear by listening in the pockets of this recording. The beautiful guitar is performed by Bill Henry, and the rest of the instruments and production by Jon Quinn. I am the bird singing throughout, and enjoying the flight. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The subject of this song folds nicely into my “Wild Goose Chase” hope chest.
Stay cozy!

Birds of a Feather

My Dad was part of "the greatest generation". He was happy because he served. He served his country, served his family, served his church, because this is how they rolled back then. I was inspired to know him and blessed to be raised by him. I wrote this song after my last visit with him. As I walked toward the door to leave, he grabbed my hand and squeezed it hard. I felt as if he was asking permission to leave, and honestly, I couldn't quite handle the question. So I wrote about it. It was an honor to sing “I Served You Well” at his memorial service reception, resulting in one of my few standing ovations, and probably the most special. 
Thank you to Wernaldo Productions, Quinn Music, and Sterling Skye sound for the roles you played in bringing this recording to fruition. This one "took a village", as it should, for such a special man. 
Since this song harkens back to home and hearth, I am folding it into my "Log Cabin Quilt" hope chest, as part of my “Quilted” series. Stay cozy!

I Served You Well

"All For My Delight" started out as a song celebrating the beauty of creation. It was a song about gratitude from the start. I left the song unfinished for several years until my neighbor, Delight, celebrated her 94th birthday, and invited me to sing at her party. I wondered if I could get this song finished for her in time for the party, and at 1:00 am the morning of, the song woke me up and demanded that I do. This is a story of two neighbors, mother, then daughter, who embodied positivity, self-sufficiency, and friendliness. I am grateful to these neighbors who greeted me and my family, nearly every day, if only from the bay window seat at times. 
Thank you to Sterling Skye Sound for organizing my home studio, teaching me how to make a DEMO recording, and mixing this song for me while I took copious notes. I am so excited to learn these skills and free up my creative process.
Since this song celebrates home and hearth, I am folding it into my "Log Cabin Quilt" hope chest, as part of my "Quilted" series. Stay cozy!

All For My Delight_DEMO

Blue Moon meets an Orange Colored Sky

We raised a family in Mystic, CT across the street from a woman named Edith. Edith lived for 103 years. She was cheerful, industrious, and grateful. I wondered sometimes, “What was key to Edith’s longevity?” 
I didn’t get my answer until her funeral when her family read from her diary. 
Edith wrote in her diary every day and began every entry with these same three words:
A wonderful day. 
WW1, WW2, the great depression, no matter what was happening, Edith began her report with, “A wonderful day”.
I believe it was this attitude of gratitude that explained her long and happy life. 

Ediths daughter’s name was Delight. 
Delight moved in to help Edith in her later years, 
and just like her mother, Delight was always, cheerful, industrious, and grateful.

Our four kids grew up next to these two ladies who wore gratitude every day like a quilt, 
and I believe we were all made better for it.

I wrote this song for Delight’s birthday party last year, she was 96 years old. She passed soon after, and sharing my gratitude to her for her gratitude exposed goes down as one of the finest moments in my songwriting experience. 
This song is called, “Edith Writes”. 

Edith Writes

In March of 2020, I was inspired to write a song by the Scripture verse: "Draw Near. Hold Fast. Take Care," from the Book of Hebrews. At that time, I was hosting a chamber music group from Juilliard School for a performance, and we were sharing lunch together. Suddenly the cellphones of these young musicians were buzzing "off the hook", informing them that their music school was closing and all of their important performances were cancelled because of the "Corona Virus”. New York City was going into a lockdown. We would not know for how long.

Greece locked down too. I saw an image in the newspaper of a violinist there, playing a song in an empty public square. Every window of every apartment building surrounding the square was flung open, with listeners waving and cheering their gratitude for the musician's precious gift.

Back in the US, A friend who is a nurse told me she was bracing herself for the impending flood of Covid patients in the hospital. 
"Draw Near, Hold Fast" became an expression of honor for all of our healthcare workers. They draw near, they hold fast, and they take care, when no one else can. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The song's subject, providing direction and purpose in troubled times, folds nicely into my “Eight Point Star Quilt” hope chest. *

LYRICS: Draw Near Hold Fast
Verse 1:
In these uncertain times
when the curtains close, and streets are empty
Rhythm falls out of rhyme
but the Maestro’s wand is at the ready

Chorus:
Hand me the rosin for my bow
the sweetest sound to float the feather
I have a song to dash the foe
Draw near, hold fast and help one another
Draw near, hold fast and help one another

Verse 2:
On this unsettled day
when a wish you well is not forsaken
Connection is held at bay
and a breath is not for granted taken

Chorus:
Draw me into the public square
and open wide the windows shuttered
I have a tune to beat despair
Draw near hold fast and help one another
Draw near, hold fast and help one another

Bridge:
We have to draw in now
We have to begin a walk in the dark unknowing
Fear not, each step of the journey within 
It is vast, it is rich and ever growing
Don’t worry, don’t fear
The Maestro will lead us there

Verse 3:
solfege

*What is an "Eight Point Star" quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
Stars are probably the most common motif used on quilts. Homesteaders traveling West used the stars for guidance; and they looked upon stars as religious symbols of their faith in God.

There are hundreds of star patterns. Some quilts have just one large radiating star, often called the Star of Bethlehem or Blazing Star, while in other quilts, dozens of smaller stars are used. The simplest and most popular star pattern is an eight-pointed star.

A star pattern is not an easy design to cut or sew. Precision is extremely important as any inaccuracy in cutting or piec-ing is multiplied as pieces are added. If poorly pieced, the quilt will not lie flat when finished. An intricate star pattern was one way for a woman to show her needlework skills.

Many times the quilt maker deliberately sewed a mistake somewhere in the quilt. It is thought, by some, that this reflected the maker's faith in God; for only God can make a perfect thing.

This song features violinist Lucas Stratmann, who recorded his part remotely from his home in New York City and shared it with me via email. The rest was recorded in my home "ReisUpStudio" and mixed and mastered by Quinn Music. 

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and have a YouTube channel @dotreiser. 
Please view and share my "Draw Near Hold fast" video here:
https://youtu.be/pn5GnKpgVuE
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA

Draw Near Hold Fast

In December 2019, I held a contest to write a one-verse-one-chorus song for the person whose name was drawn out of my virtual hat on Facebook. Mary Dillon was the winner and she shared this story with me for inspiration:
"I was raised in Montana. Dad died in a plane crash when I was two. I had three sisters and two brothers (one had Muscular Dystrophy). Mom raised us with my favorite saying (whenever we got cuts, bruises, burns, or fractures): "IT IS A LONG WAY FROM YOUR HEART", so basically 'buck up' and get over it. It will be gone soon enough."

This is a song about resilience, home and hearth, and as part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”, the song folds nicely into my “Log Cabin Quilt" hope chest. * 

I recorded "Long Way From Your Heart" in my ReisUpStudio home workstation, with guitar performance remotely contributed by Jon Quinn at Quinn Music. Jon had just taught me how to play those beautiful chord inversions on the guitar, which teased out the melody as I practiced them, but my hands were not strong enough to play them well. 

LYRICS: Long Way From Your Heart
Verse 1:
‘Wish I were made of rubber
‘Wish I were made of steel
I’d find myself another way to feel.

Verse 2:
Well, I lost my father fast
And I lost my brother slow
And mother’s got the answer to the question
I already know
Oh

Verse 3: That scrape upon your knee
Well it’s a long way from your heart
Don’t let that wound fester
Don’t you ket it get that far

Chorus:
Why do you fall apart?
Why do you fall apart?
Don’t you let your trouble get that far, 
it’s a long way from your heart

Why do you fall apart?
Why do you fall apart?
Don’t you let your trouble get that far, 
it’s a long way, long way, from your heart
Ooh

*What is a “Log Cabin” quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htmThe Log Cabin block is one of the most well-known and popular of all patchwork patterns. To pioneers traveling West, it symbolized home, warmth, love and security. The center square of the block was done in red to represent the hearth, the focal point of life in a cabin or home.
The name, Log Cabin, comes from the narrow strips of fabric, or logs arranged around the center square. Each fabric strip or log was added to the pattern in much the same way logs were stacked to build a cabin; and because the straight lines and small pieces of the pattern could utilize almost any fabric scrap available, it often became the final step in the recycling of fabric.
Many Log Cabin patterns were worked in two color schemes, lights and darks, divided diagonally in the middle. This represented the sun's east to west movement in the sky. As the sun rose, its light shown on the cabin, creating the light side of the block. As the sun traveled west, part of the cabin was left in the shadow, creating the dark side of the block. This is often called the Sunshine and Shadow quilt. 

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and have a youtube channel @dotreiser. Please view and share my "Long Way From Your Heart" video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erFTWcnAV6E
Please subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA

Long Way From Your Heart (in progress)

BOOGIE WOOGIE PEOPLE:
A writing prompt invited me to create a song inspired by a work of art. Artwork by the late Keith Haring, a mural artist whose subjects often include colorful outlines of dancing figures, fit the bill, and then begged the question:
Q: Are you too shy to dance?
A: Well, all you need is a little help from your friends: the Boogie Woogie People.

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The chummy subject of this song folds nicely into my “Friendship Quilt” hope chest. *

LYRICS: Boogie Woogie People
Verse 1:
Boogie Woogie People, theyre always jumpin and jivin
Oh Boogie Woogie People, they know the way to be alivin
And I ask em about it, how they’re dumpin the doubt 
and just jam, and how I can

Verse 2:
Be a Boogie Woogie People, I wanna jump in and jive yeah
Yeah Boogie Woogie People, I wanna be the one alive-in
Can you show me the way, to jump and sway 
startin ‘ to- day, and they say

Bridge:
“You put your hands over your head, 
you put your flat feet on the ground,
take a deep bend over and shake it all over 
’til your hound dog drops and rolls on the ground
with your heart in the sky, and a friend at your side
you’ll start to fly iiiiii”

Verse 3:
And be a Boogie Woogie People, 
Yeah Boogie Woogie People
Well there aint no denying, 
the way I’m jumpin and jivin, yeah
and if you need a boost, well I got the juice
to turn you loose 
No No no No turnin back, gonna flap that jack
until you ….splat

*What is a "Friendship" quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
The quilts the homesteaders brought with them were a comfort to these women who traded their home, family and friends in the East, for the uncertainty of traveling through vast prairies in the West. A quilt that held special value to the pioneer women was the Friendship Quilt.

Often it was done is secret, and then given to the woman as a going away gift. It usually was a group effort, with each block being sewn by a friend or relative with their name embroidered in the center.

Putting a Friendship quilt on the bed, gave a woman a sense of connection with her former way of life. It kept alive the memory of family and friends, providing comfort and company during the difficult days of homesteading.

One woman homesteader said, "When I get lonely, I read the names on my quilt. "It was like putting her arms around someone and giving them a hug.

Thank you to Jon Quinn of Quinn Music, for producing this song, coordinating remote musicians, and performing bass, guitar, drums and horns. Thanks also to Joe Grieco, for slaying the piano, as I would expect nothing less from this magnificent musician.

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and have a youtube channel @dotreiser.  Please view and share my "Boogie Woogie People" video here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-n9GTXQFXY&list=PLakzpb84rB47QdKSV3yuldNa68rheBwne&index=6
Please subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA
Thank you to creative animation artist, R A M M Y, for another delightful video, filled with sweet surprises.

Boogie Woogie People

When the Covid lockdowns of March 2020 began, my mood was relatively upbeat. Calendars cleared, our family of six reunited under the same roof, and we all had nowhere to go for what we expected to be a very short time. It was really kind of fun, well, til it wasn't.
'Can't go to the store but we gotta eat? "Let's use what we got!" One day, while rummaging through the pantry to create new concoctions to feed the family, I started to chant "usin’ what we got, what we got, usin’ what we got..." and a silly ear worm of a song was born. 

This song is a part of my 2023 compilation called, “Quilted: a colorful patchwork of original songs and the stories that stitched them”. The domestic subject of this song folds nicely into my “Log Cabin Quilt” hope chest. *

LYRICS: The Pantry Song
Usin what we got, what we got, using what we got
we're using what we got, what we got, using what we got
we're using what we got, what we got, using what we got
we're using what we got, what we got, using what we got

Usin what we got, what we got, using what we got
we're using what we got, what we got, using what we got
we're using what we got, what we got, using what we got
we're using what we got, what we got, using what we got

Hasty, tasty, no tasty!

*What is a "Log Cabin" quilt?
https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/quilt-discovery-experience.htm
The Log Cabin block is one of the most well-known and popular of all patchwork patterns. To pioneers traveling West, it symbolized home, warmth, love and security. The center square of the block was done in red to represent the hearth, the focal point of life in a cabin or home.

The name, Log Cabin, comes from the narrow strips of fabric, or logs arranged around the center square. Each fabric strip or log was added to the pattern in much the same way logs were stacked to build a cabin; and because the straight lines and small pieces of the pattern could utilize almost any fabric scrap available, it often became the final step in the recycling of fabric.

Many Log Cabin patterns were worked in two color schemes, lights and darks, divided diagonally in the middle. This represented the sun's east to west movement in the sky. As the sun rose, its light shown on the cabin, creating the light side of the block. As the sun traveled west, part of the cabin was left in the shadow, creating the dark side of the block. This is often called the Sunshine and Shadow quilt.

Music Video:
I like to make videos for my songs and have a youtube channel @dotreiser.  view and share this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmt6pOM0HhM&t=118s
Please subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRmSss7xTumfXvdQvLKfMA

About the video: Our kitchen pantry had some old expired odd items inside of it dating back to my dad's fishing trips from years past. With these "novelties", I was inspired to concoct a "unique" cookie and serve it to my family. Needless to say, we were happy to return to the grocery store once more, and move on from "what we got" to "what we can get"!

In keeping with the message of “usin’ what we got”, this song was recorded in my simple home studio, ReisUpStudio, with percussion instruments straight out of the kitchen drawer.

The Pantry Song

For more songs, stories and links to my newsletter, please visit my website at www.ReisUpStudio.com. Thank you!

Quilted

Dot Reiser