"Above all birds, the hummingbird gives me the feeling of the mystery and the wonder of life." - Gladys Taber

A short improvisation inspired by our first visiting hummingbird of the season. ☺️

The Hummingbird

Over the weekend, a tiny creature showed up at our home, in need of a little help.  After a day of some care, it scurried away to continue on with life, no worse for the wear.  The experience brought to mind a hymn I used to sing as a child, “All Things Bright & Beautiful." The refrain is probably the most well-known part of the hymn:

“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.”

The hymn speaks of the wonder of creation as well as the inherent value of life and served as the inspiration for this piano improvisation. The words (but not the original melody) from the refrain are integrated into the composition beginning at the section from :58 – 1:17 and repeating several times thereafter.

Bright and Beautiful

"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl

“He does not despise real woods because he has read of enchanted woods; the reading makes all real woods a little enchanted.” - C.S. Lewis, On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature

The Enchanted Hour

"Oh, I've had such a curious dream!' said Alice."  
  - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

A companion piece to "Through the Looking Glass" and "Down the Rabbit Hole."

A Curious Dream

"Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased. Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever." - Rumi

A piano improvisation for Mr. Harris. 😊 Loved you then...Love you now...Always will. ❤️

Always Will

“The morning star reminds us that even in darkness, light is on its way.” - Author Unknown

Morning Star

Without a doubt, my most meaningful performance was playing the piano for my mother at the end of her life. Over nine months, she fought an aggressive cancer that stole her speech, leaving us with a great struggle to communicate. At that point in time, music became our language. As I played her favorite songs during my visits, we would share memories woven into the melodies without saying a word. The music brought her peace and it was a balm for our hearts.

This story, however, isn't about sadness; it's about the profound power of music. While music may not solve every problem, it can offer comfort, lift spirits, relieve stress, and help us shift our focus on difficult days. The joy of music is felt by both the listener and the musician sharing their gift. It is the unique power of music that inspired this composition. While lyrics are not yet finished, the opening line defines the central theme: "Grey skies loom, and storms are on the way.  But for now, I think, I'm gonna sing myself a better day."*

To everyone who shares their music here, thank you! Your music truly makes a difference.
_____________________________________________________

*Excerpt from lyrics by Francess Harris. All rights reserved.

A Better Day

monet

"The moon came down to watch, and all the creatures of the wood began to spin and sway, each to their own secret music." - Terri Windling

An improv composition inspired by fairy tales...Because you're never too old for a little magic!

Enchanted Forest Dance

"I hope you walk through the world knowing your value..." - Rebecca Searle

I occasionally write lyrics for my compositions, though I don't always post them. The full lyrics for this piece are included below. Please note that the piano arrangement includes some embellishments that don't follow the complete lyrical melody.

I Hope You Know 
Music & Lyrics by Francess Harris

Another night gazing at the stars, while you are on my mind;
So close to me and yet so far away.
And like the stars, memories shine bright and joy is what I find;
I smile and say a prayer for your next day.
So, when you see the stars, remember my love follows where you go.
I hope you know.

You’re a treasure, I cherish you; don’t let that slip your mind.
You have a dream, a purpose to fulfill.
The world needs the gifts you have, your heart is always kind;
So, make a difference, I am sure you will.
And when you see the stars, remember my love follows where you go.
I hope you know.

Bridge:
There are times that the storms will come; don't let them get you down.
Just keep moving on to higher ground.
Life is hard, but beautiful, and you will make it through.
Chase your dreams and know, I believe in you.
So, when you see the stars, remember my love follows where you go.
I hope you know. I hope you know.

Ending:
Another night gazing at the stars while you are on my mind;
I smile and say a prayer for your next day.

Words and Music by Francess Harris © 2025 - All right Reserved

I Hope You Know

“It weaves its way to summer's end and gathers with each leaf that falls.
A whisper carried on the wind, a quiet longing – autumn calls.”
 – Laura Jaworski

We are in our final days of summer, and I must admit, I am glad, since most of the season was especially hot and humid.  Suddenly, we have cooler temperatures with blue skies, and the air is crisp with a hint of mystery…Autumn is whispering that it will be here soon.  Thinking about autumn this morning seemed like a great reason to create an improv piece. I hope you enjoy it, even if you’re sad to see the end of summer. ☺️

monet

Michael Hanrahan