This project is part of our Vision Board to retire to living part time in the Islands by 2027.    This song is basically the theme song.   It lists some of our favorite places and invites you to spend time in the islands.  

Wake up to the waves in Grand Cayman light 
Coffee on the porch, everything feels right 
Barefoot stroll through Turks and Caicos sand 
No rush, no fuss, just time in my hand

From Roatán’s green hills to South Caicos blue 
Every island’s got a story, every sunset’s got a view 
Ambergris dives, Las Terrenas nights 
Living slow, living bold, living life just right

We’re on island time, where the days unwind 
Sun-kissed dreams and peace of mind 
From St. Kitts luxe to Barbados soul 
We’ve got rhythm, we’ve got roll 
No need to chase, no need to climb 
We’re living free on island time

Isla Mujeres dancing in the square Spices in the air, love everywhere St. Thomas lights when the stars come out 
History in Antigua, no room for doubt,  
Sailing through the blue sea, just you and me.  

We’re on island time, where the heart beats slow 
Clear blue waters and calypso flow 
From Grand Bahama’s peace to Belize’s thrill 
We’ve got time to dream, and space to feel 
No need to rush, no mountain to climb 
We’re living free on island time

 So come find your rhythm, come find your rhyme 
In the Caribbean sun on island time.

Island Time

This was another idea I had about "secret islands".   What are the islands that most tourist don't go to?    I hope we can visit many of these in the future.   


Sailed past the crowds and the cruise ship lines, 
Found a peak in the sea where Saba climbs. 
No beaches there, just clouds and stone, 
But the diving’s deep and the peace is home.

Statia sleeps with her stories told, 
Wrecks below and forts grown old. 
Marie-Galante spins sugar slow, 
Windmills turning where few folks go.

These are the whispers, the islands unseen, 
Where the waves write songs and the skies stay clean. 
No postcards sold, no resorts in sight, 
Just secret shores bathed in golden light. 
Come find the places the maps forgot— 
The soul of the sea in a quiet spot.

Culebra’s coral, Flamenco’s grace, 
Turtles glide in a turquoise space. 
Barbuda blushes in pink sand dreams, 
Where pelicans dive and silence gleams.

Nevis hums with Hamilton’s name, 
A mountain mist, a gentle flame. 
Montserrat rose from ash and fire, 
Now sings with strength and quiet choir.

Hog Island’s hammock swings with ease, 
Grenada’s breeze through mangrove trees. 
Dominica’s rivers rush and roar, 
Hot springs bubbling from jungle floor.

These are the whispers, the islands unseen, 
Where the waves write songs and the skies stay clean.
 No postcards sold, no resorts in sight, 
Just secret shores bathed in golden light. 
Come find the places the maps forgot— 
The soul of the sea in a quiet spot.

So pack your heart, not just your gear, 
The secret islands are always near. 
In every breeze, a story calls— 
To wander where the quiet falls.

Secret Islands

Island Flow - Reggae Music

Island Vibes - Reggae Music

The 2004 Story Update....
With digital cameras, I was storing more photos in the cloud, so i was able to come up with a song to describe some of the events of that year.   
I wanted to  "jazz" it up a little so i think it came out pretty good.  


(Verse 1)  
Back in 2004, the days were wild and free 
Kaley sparkled with a smile, a twinkle in her eye 
Cody and Tyler, badges on their sleeves  
Carving dreams in pinewood, racing to the finish line

(Chorus)  
We were chasing stars in our little town  
Gymnast flips and pageant gowns  
Melissa smiled through dental days  
While Mike was planting future grapes  
From Dollywood rides to city lights  
We held on tight through every flight  
Oh, love was loud and life was more  
Back in 2004  

(Verse 2)  
Kaley tumbled through the air, fearless as the breeze  
Tyler carved his pinewood car, Cody sailed with ease  
Statue of Liberty, shining in our eyes  
New York City lit us up like fireworks in July  

(Bridge)  
Melissa’s hands were healing smiles  
Mike’s vines grew strong across the miles  
We laughed, we learned, we made our way  
In every ordinary day  

(Chorus)  
We were chasing stars in our little town  
Gymnast flips and pageant gowns  
Melissa smiled through dental days  
While Mike was planting future grapes  
From Dollywood rides to city lights  
We held on tight through every flight  
Oh, love was loud and life was more  
Back in 2004  

(Outro)  
So here’s to the roots we laid before  
To the joy we found , who could ask for more
We were young, we were bold, we were family  
And that’s the best we’ll ever be

11 - Back in 2004

10 years in the making. Lyrics written by my father David. I had figured out the chorus and some of the verse melody, but I struggled with actually putting it together. Finally, technology has caught up to what I wanted to do.
while it is technically a gospel tune, the feel of the song and music to me was a combination of country, gospel and bluegrass.

[Verse 1]
In times past, a young woman was chosen,
In times past, a young carpenter was asked to decide,
The young woman, to birth our dear savior,
The young man, to stand by her side.
With whispers of hope 'neath the stars in the night,
They both carried promises, shining so bright.

[Chorus]
Oh, my shanty town shanty, where dreams find their grace,
With faith as my anchor, in this sacred place.
For in every heartache, in every song sung,
I find love and redemption, as I stand strong.

[Verse 2]
In times past, my young savior went traveling,
In times past, to find their son, they both had to try,
In the temple, they found my dear savior,
About my father's business, was his reply.
With wisdom beyond what the world could contain,
He spread joy like the sun after rain.

[Chorus]
Oh, my shanty town shanty, where dreams find their grace,
With faith as my anchor, in this sacred place.
For in every heartache, in every song sung,
I find love and redemption, as I stand strong.

[Verse 3]
In times past, a prophet and teacher,
In times past, my savior an example did set,
With his life, the payment was completed,
With his blood, he paid all my debt.
Through valleys of shadows, in trials I’ve faced,
His love lifted me up in every embrace.

[Chorus]
Oh, my shanty town shanty, where dreams find their grace,
With faith as my anchor, in this sacred place.
For in every heartache, in every song sung,
I find love and redemption, as I stand strong.

[Verse 4]
Now my savior abides with the father,
He's my redeemer, savior and always a friend.
He is preparing my new home as he promised,
My abode, for all eternity.
With hope in the distance, I'm never alone,
His love is my shelter, my heart is his home.

[Chorus]
He's now building a mansion for me up in heaven,
A promise to me, a wonderful place.
He's now building a mansion, for me up in heaven,
When a shantytown shanty is all I deserve.

My Shanty Town Shanty

Psalm 91. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He will be your shelter through the fire.
Psalm 91 is a poetic expression of trust in God's protection and care for those who seek refuge in Him. It emphasizes divine safety, deliverance from danger, and the assurance of God's presence in times of trouble.

Lyric
In the shadow of Your grace I rest,
Safe in Your arms, I'm truly blessed.
Though arrows fly and darkness falls,
You're my refuge through it all.

No fear by night, no plague by day,
Your angels keep my foes away.
Ten thousand fall, but I still stand,
Held together by Your hand.

So I’ll sing hallelujah!
You're my strong tower, my guide.
You lift me higher,
Under Your wings I’ll fly!
Shelter through the fire,
With salvation in my soul—
I’m dancing in Your glory, Lord,
You’ve made this broken heart whole.

Trouble comes, (But You are near!)
I call Your name, (And You appear!)
You rescue me (from storm and flame),
You know my heart, You know my name.

Long life, sweet promise,
Mercy rains like summertime.
I’ll walk through valleys,
But never leave Your love behind.

Hallelujah!
My refuge, my light!
I’ll dance forever
In Your saving might.
Shelter through the fire,
No enemy can hold—
I’m living proof of heaven’s grace,
Your shelter is my soul!

Clothed in Light

Shelter Through the Fire

Shelter through the fire

This song was a combination of a prayer for Oliver and a prayer for all of us.  When you feel overwhelmed, Just remember that God Breathed life into us when we were born, so Just Breathe. 

**Verse 1 **
Each breath I take feels heavy with the fight
Winds of sorrow blowing through the night
But still I rise, though weary and worn
The breath of God keeps my spirit reborn

**Chorus**
Just breathe — feel the Spirit move inside
The breath of God, the spark of life divine
Every voice that lives, let it rise and sing
Just breathe — and let your soul take wing
Just breathe -

**Verse 2 **
In broken moments, when I’m laid low
I breathe in grace, let the mercy flow
Each breath a Psalm, each sigh a prayer
The healing wind whispers, “I’m still there”

**Bridge **
When the silence falls and I can’t find the way
I breathe in hope, let the fear drift away
Each rise and fall, a sacred sign
That even in the dark, this breath is still mine

**Chorus**
Just breathe — feel the Spirit move inside
The breath of God, the spark of life divine
Every voice that lives, let it rise and sing
Just breathe — and let your soul take wing

** Chorus (Reprise)**
Just breathe — feel the Spirit move inside
The breath of God, the spark of life divine
Every voice that lives, let it rise and sing
Just breathe — and let your soul take wing

**Chorus**
Just breathe — feel the Spirit move inside
The breath of God, the spark of life divine
Every voice that lives, let it rise and sing
Just breathe — and let your soul take wing
Just breathe -

Just Breathe

For our first granddaughter!!  

Verse 1
C        Am
Walking through the park, hand in hand
Dm        G
Hazel’s eyes like golden sand
C        Am
She laughs and paints the sky so blue
Dm        G        C
Every smile feels brand new

Pre-Chorus
F        G
She hugs her folks, she hugs us tight
Em        Am
Turns a cloudy day to light
Dm        G        C
And joy just dances in her eyes

Chorus
C        Am
Hazel’s eyes, they sparkle and shine
Dm        G
Like a melody that’s sweet and kind
F        G
She’s an artist with a heart so wide
Em        Am
Love just flows from deep inside
Dm        G        C
Oh, I feel so fine in Hazel’s eyes

Verse 2
C        Am
She’s racing down the drive, wind in her hair
Dm        G
Climbs a tree like she’s not even there
C        Am
Skinned-up knees and a fearless grin
Dm        G        C
She’ll try it once, then try again

Bridge
F        G
One day she’ll paint the ocean wide
Em        Am
With dolphins dancing by her side
Dm        G
Sketching dreams beneath the moon
Em        Am
With puppies curled up in her room
Dm        G        C
She’ll find her way with brush and hue

Final Chorus
C        Am
Hazel’s eyes, they sparkle and shine
Dm        G
Golden hair in the morning light
F        G
She paints the world in colors bright
Em        Am
Love just flows from deep inside
---
C        Am
Hazel’s eyes, they sparkle and shine
Dm        G
Golden hair in the morning light
F        G
She paints the world in colors bright
Em        Am
Love just flows from deep inside
Dm        G        C
Oh, I feel so fine in Hazel’s eyes

Outro
F        G        C
She smiles so wide… with her eyes

Hazel's Eyes

For over 40 years, I have been a songwriter and producer, though only as a hobby. I spent much of that time waiting for "one of these days," but now I simply enjoy the creative process of making music. My love for a wide variety of musical genres has made my albums and playlists uniquely eclectic, reflecting my passion for diverse sounds and styles. 
Check out my Christian music on the album: Clothed in Light
Check out my Caribbean music on the album: The Island Project
Check out my family albums:  Archer, The Grands, or Memories of Us.  
Then check out my oldest songs - including my first original song on the album:  For the Record.

Secret Islands

MikelMar

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