How did it get to be November?! I feel like this year has just flown by.. so much has happened that I haven't written a blog since February!! This year has been a huge life changing year. 

My teaching has grown exponentially. I am loving working with all of my students from ages 10 - 75! it really is a beautiful thing to mentor so many wonderful young girls and to help adults get back to their love of singing and performing. Teaching one on one is great as is teaching my adult class at Blue Bear School of Music in SF - which is celebrating 40 years next month! 


I met some wonderful new friends this year. One of them being Don Aters, a world class photographer and wonderful writer who has photographed some of the greatest musicians in the world. I had a wonderful visit with Don in San Francisco this year visiting the historical sites and homes of Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix in the Haight Ashbury... looking forward to another visit in 2012, Don is full of great stories and is a phenomenal human being.

I also had the great pleasure of meeting Danny Click, one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters I have ever met and one of the nicest too. Danny is a great talent and has made his mark here in the Bay Area after a long leave while living in Austin, TX. We are so blessed to have him here and I am so blessed to call him my friend and have a chance every once in a while to sit in with him and his killer band!! His new CD Life is a Good Place is testament to his ability to touch our hearts and keep us all in touch with what is important. Thanks Danny. 

The other thing that has been occupying my time and energy is Facebook. I often wonder where the time goes and if I spent that time doing something more productive where I might be by now.. perhaps a good new year's resolution would be to spend less time on FB. It's a great way to stay in touch with folks, but it is a serious time sucker!!


There's a feeling of something left undone this year although really with everything that did happen it seems there would be no room for anything else! 

Tonight is a full moon, time to let the universe know what it is I want to manifest next. 

More to come.. time to teach 2 students

Love and gratitude
Lynn 

Dear Friends

I had the most amazing experience last week recording with the legendary Narada Michael Walden at his hit making studio Tarpan which has been in business for 25 years and has turned out hits by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Smokey Robinson and many, many more! It was a dream come true for not only is Narada an award winning producer and world class drummer, he is a dear friend and mentor to me. I am very excited about my new single Forever Girl and will be sharing it with you in early spring of this year so stay tuned!!

"Always Stay in the Sunshine of Your Heart" - Guru Sri Chinmoy

My love and appreciation,
Forever

Feeling strong, positive and full of love, light and energy. Last year was very good to me. I had a wonderful year. The theme was LOVE, NURTURING AND MENTORING. I am blessed to teach such great singers and to have people in my life who show me the way through our hearts and our love.. our struggles and our triumphs. This year I hope to write songs that speak to all the beauty in life, my life and life in general. I am also hoping to make my solo cd.. it is time. It will take a lot of work, focus and the help of a great team of friends and musician's. I will need your help. I know we can make it happen!! 

Love your life. Do what you love. Tell the people you love how you feel about them, hold nothing back. Be creative, give back, eat healthy, exercise, meditate, do for others. 

I am sending out a prayer that you are energized and excited about your life.. and that this year you will step into your dreams and make them real!!

Happy New Year.. 

With love!
Lynn 

 Dear Friends

Can it be possible that the last time I wrote a blog was May 24? I've been busy as a bee, running here, there and everywhere, sipping the nectar of life and suddenly Summer is over and we are "back to school" - Work is plentiful, friends are close and what else? Change, change and more change.. constant change, constant craving.. I am really getting that nothing is forever. I continue to try to be grateful for what is instead of what isn't. So the what is is that I have my health, my dear friends, my music, family, my teaching, and a desire to get back to writing songs. I want to write, produce and record my solo cd. It's been a couple of years now that I have been in transition musically and am ready to take the next step. My live gigs have been very exciting this year!  I wish I had videotaped a few of them to put up on youtube. I also had the good fortune of recording vocals on several records and loved being in the studio. I think 2011 is going to be my year to make my record. Maybe that will be the title Forever Girl 2011!!

As we come into the last few months of the year, I am deeply grateful for all of the abundance in my life and for the opportunities that come my way. I take it in and hold each and every experience close to my heart. Whatever happens, I still believe that LOVE is the way. 

I have to get ready now to go into the city to teach one of my favorite students and to teach my class at Blue Bear. I hope to get back to my blogs on a more regular basis.. it feels good to sit and write. 

My love and appreciation
Lynn 

Fall, a time to plant seeds, meditate and pray. Winter, a time to rest, restore, be quiet, letting go of all that is no longer useful. Emptiness, space. Spring, dreams and prayers manifest, seeds sprout, flowers blossom.

Our hopes, dreams and deepest desires for our life, if we are awake and ready becomes real at this beautiful time of year.


What I know for sure is that the Universe wants us to have everything we need, hope for, dream about and desire. For me it meant putting my order in and being clear about what I want my life to look like.  I am at peace, excited, creating, loving, being me... ALL OF ME.. and when we are truly living our lives with that kind of presence something happens.....

LOVE! LOVE walked in... wrapped it's arms around me, kissed my lips and opened my heart wider than before.

I sit here grateful, heartful, joyful, blissful and bountiful! Thank you universe, angels, masters, guides, beloved Mother... I thank you. Thank you for showering me with your love and support and  belief in me. I am ready, awake and excited about this next chapter in my life.

LOVE. Seek it, embrace it, live it!

My love and appreciation always,
Lynn

Owen Kelly - my dear friend since the 5th grade. Always one to push the limits, question authority, go deep, charming, determined... I recall first meeting Owen in 5th grade in Maine, I was the new kid in school and he decided I was an easy target and was relentless when it came to teasing me. He told me I'm Irish and you're English! As the years passed we became closer and had a very special connection and friendship. He and I grew up just one street away from one another and when I first tried to move to California, many years ago,  he and Michael put me up in their Haight Street flat. I returned to Maine after a short visit. Another 8 years would pass before I would move here for good.

Owen passed away Sunday night, April 11th, 2010,  after a long battle with Cancer. Owen was a  real life hero. He took care of our childhood friend, Michael Keenan, when Michael who was also a hero, suffered severe burns on his entire body after rescuing a dog he was caring for from a burning building in the wee hours of the morning. in San Francisco.

Owen who had long since moved back to Maine, packed up and returned to San Francisco and remained by Michael's side while Michael lay in a coma induced by Doctors so they could work on Michael's burns. When Michael woke, Owen was there tending to his every need. It was remarkable and truly a testiment to their Brotherly bond since childhood.


When I went to visit Michael in the hospital for the first time, I was shocked at the extent of his burns. I had never witnessed such a thing in my life and although I handled it extremely well, it changed me forever. Owen was remarkable in his ability and I mean his adeptness at caring for Michael. The nurses and doctors were blown away and grateful for his help. He seemed to know just what to do and what not to do and was Michael's protector through and through.

Michael and Owen were quite a team, they worked so effortlessly together that it touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Michael's head was itching him and so Owen put on gloves and would hold his hand lightly on top of Michael's head and Michael would gently move his head back and forth over Owen's hand! These two had it down and it was like that with every aspect of Michael's care.

Despite the situation, we had some good laughs that day and Owen said it was a highlight for Michael to be with Owen and me, two people with whom he shared a long history with, he could relax and be himself and not worry about the needs and the pain in others eyes when they came to see him.  I fed Michael and we talked about old times. Time hadn't missed a beat and as I fondly remembered them, Michael and Owen were absolute charmers.  As in childhood, and now all these years later,  they both teased and flirted with me in the hospital that day and it felt like old times.  Some things never change said Owen.. we all smiled. Michael in his bed, his body complelely burned and his jaw wired open with a big smile in his eyes, so brave these men. That day I saw their souls and they were magnificent.

While Michael was in the hospital Owen learned that he had contracted Cancer in his leg. A soft tissue sarcoma. Not good. He put it on the back burner and continued his round the clock care of Michael. I felt blessed to have such friends, men who showed me through their courage and fierce love, that nothing is too great to bear for the ones we love.

Michael succumed to his wounds and passed after 5 months of the original accident. It devastated Owen. It devastated us all.

I wrote a song with a my co-writing partner at the time, Michael LaMacchia, who woke one morning saying that Michael had been on his mind and he had a beautiful start of a song.. that song is Undone and it was and always will be Michael Keenan's song. It states "The beauty of your soul shines through, and when I look up at the sky, I'll think of you."

Owen began his long journey of treating his Cancer, and with the same focus and determination, went after that Cancer and sought out the best Doctors educating  himself on all facets of his disease and options. He was brilliant and truly could have been a Doctor if he had wanted to. I visited him in the hospital and he was strong and clear and vital. He was going to beat this and was not letting anyone think any different. He was incredibly brave and did not want to be a burden on anyone. He stood tall and strong and faced each new challenge head on.

Warm, generous, educated, wise, loving, funny, sexy, kind, intelligent, well-read, worldly, selfless, Owen possessed all of these qualities and more. He was without a doubt one of the most remarkable men I have ever known.

Owen - the beauty of your soul shines through and when I look at the sky I will think of you and Michael together again.

I love you both so much. Thank you for being beacons of light and for raising the bar for me and for us all. I will see you again one day.

My love and admiration,
Lynze

WELCOME 2010!

I am delighted to be where I am on this journey as we enter into this new year. I am grateful for the incredible lessons and people I have encountered over the past year and for the amazing opportunitites that make up this wonderful life. There is no doubt in my mind that I am one blessed woman!

I will be brief tonight and simply say, thank you. Thank you for everything, this is the first day of the new year and I feel healthy, happy, awake and alive.. appreciative, loved, hopeful and rejeuvenated. I have been living my life in the present moment for a while now and have found this to be a tremedous way to BE. I am excited about my life and look forward to what each new day brings.

I wish you all peace in your hearts and the desire to require more of yourself and of everyone to rise up and take charge of your life and your happiness and to find a way to be of service to others.

Happy New Year! Let's make it great!!

My love and respect,
Lynn

Dear Friends

It's November 3 and as 2010 rapidly approaches, it's time to reflect on 2009.

This year has been about me living in the present moment. I have been a human BEING this year, and less of a human DOING. I still do plenty, but this year I have taken more time to go with the flow, not trying to force anything. It feels good to simply and completely trust that all is in divine order. I am still teaching and performing, and collaborating with a wonderful producer on my dream project of recording a record; Something I have wanted to do for a long, long time. I have 2 cd's that I am very proud of, and that I enjoyed making, but this new record is my "real record" I am excited!

I have had a great year. So many wonderful experiences both in my personal and professional life. I have grown leaps and bounds.  I am a blessed woman. At the end of each year, I take time to reflect and acknowledge all of these experiences. It gives me time to pause and give thanks for all I have in my life and how much I accomplish in a years time. Imagine if I worked harder what I could manifest! lol! I need balance in my life so I play, rest, work, read,  create, sleep, exercise, travel, and sometimes just take time to do nothing at all. I am much happier when I have balance. Although I have to admit I can tip the scales in one direction pretty easily especially if it is something or someone that gives me great pleasure :) but in the end, I always end up recalibrating and getting back to balance.

I continue to be grateful for my family and friends, my health, my work, the blessing of doing what I love which includes singing, writing and teaching, and making my own schedule.. freedom is a big part of my life and without it I feel dead. I am spontaneous, If it's a beautiful day, you can find me on the beach or on a long drive to Point Reyes.. recharging my batteries.

I had a great Summer and this Fall has been reallly nice as well. Been getting some much needed rest and time with friends. I know that this year has been preparation for all the new and wonderful things to come, but for now, I am very content in this moment, and this one, and this one. No future tripping!

It's late, time for bed. I have a free day tomorrow and am having lunch with an old friend. Then working on some new songs and who knows what other wonderful surprises await me.

In closing I would like to acknowledge the passing of my friend Norton Buffalo; a great man and musician who lived his life loving his life, music, friend, family and wife Lisa. And to Michael Jackson who is the greatest artist of all time. May you both rest in peace.

I am full of thanks for every breath I take and every moment. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey. My special thanks to My Beloved Mother and Father, Shirley and Jim Asher, Michaela and Randall Wung, Amy Carr, Louise Glasgow, Bettina Clifton, Mary Sherman, Elizabeth Nebot, Mila Givens, James Moseley, Jeff Nuss, David Ervin, Ray Cooper, Lisa Star, Sasha Goldberg, Sofia Lococo, Jen Graff, Narada Michael Walden, Huey, Don Bassey, Allyson Paige, Mari Mack, Shelley Champine, Becky Steere, Kate Bednarski, Jen Ryan, Renee Harcourt, JoAn & Dana Street, Gianna Powell, Yvonne Dotson, Gabe, Dr. Michelle Bourgault, Dr. Tong, Neal Powers, Annie Rosenthal Parr, Barry Toranto, Sidney Erthal, My Sisters,  Lisa Asher & Laurie Asher, Stefano Scali, Chris Pimentel, My Nieces and Nephews, Crystal Asher, Anthony Asher, Ben Faulkner, Mackenzie and Vaughn, Joni Hanson, Carlyne Goodwin Hanson, Jeff, Mary and Suzy Harris, Cally Scullin, Jesse Seaver, Ruthie Noble, BBHC, James Henry, Kurt Huget, Bread & Roses, Steve Bajor, Anne & Chris Elkington, Gary Armor, Stefan Lambert, Heather Lauren, Rich Fettke, Stacey Barros, Alison Strahan, Pamela Williams, Amy Hoffman, Nancy MacCarthy, Chris Manning, Joe Koenig, Trish Woods, Michael Moseley, Lane Murchison, James Nash, Michael Nash, Jennifer O'Neil, Ney Borges, Kamiran, Jack Prendergast, Rob Rhodes, Ellen Seeling, Jean Fineburg, Marina Garza, Andy Wallace, Zoe Robinette, Terry Rochester, Donna D'Acuti, Wael Kabbani, Warren Hellman, Rusty Sabella, Erin Ross, George & Mia Ryan, Jimmy Sage, Dave Jenkins, Calvin Tillery, Max Guiterrez, Roswitha Wooley and Chuck Miller, Andrea Prichett, Eve Decker, Levon Mitchell, Leslie Ann Jones, Linadria Porter, , Bob Minkin, Lauren Murphy, Sarah Butler, Kani Terry, Carolyn Sanders, Judy Edghill, Lisa Frisch and Raquel Barrios. Thank you so much for being in my life and for bringing me so much joy, love and support. I am deeply grateful to you all.

Mary Oliver says

"Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to post your comments.

My appreciation.
Love,
Lynn 

It's September and I am feeling motivated to create. Create music, new opportunities, new classes, and whatever else strikes my fancy.

I was blown away when I found out via my website that I had 86 visits on Sept 11, 2009 from around the world. Thank you China, India, Brazil, Russia! Russia is very interested!  but seriously, it's wild to see how many different countries are viewing my site and many of you are reading my ruminations so please forgive me for being so long in between posts.. I keep a pretty hectic pace... life is full. I am performing with a lot of great musician's and having a wonderful time teaching voice to some great vocalists.

I am seriously considering a trip to Brazil in the Spring of 2010 to explore music opportunities there.. seems you have a vibrant music scene!! Of course we know that!

I am writing new songs for my solo cd and looking into how I am going to finance the project. There are some great websites where fans and friends can invest in a project and be an integral part of the process... that's appealing to me so I am going to explore that first.

I have been enjoying the incredible weather here in Marin and even though it's September, I am not ready to say goodbye to Summer...

I am thinking about upgrading my website and also implementing a fan page on Facebook... I would love to hear from people that read my blogs here so drop me a line!!

I appreciate everyone who supports me and follow my career... it's a crazy life, but I love it.. at the end of the day, I can't imagine doing anything else..

Thank you for visiting and stop by again and let me know what you would like to hear about or see on my website.

My appreciation,
Lynn

July 2009

I had the pleasure of being surrounded by my friends for an entire week of birthday celebrations. I am just now able to take a moment to reflect on the incredible beauty and joy had by all.

I love birthday's because they are a complete and total celebration of each of our lives. The joy of being alive and of sharing our lives with the ones we love. I am blessed beyond measure with my family and friends love.

The celebrations started a week early. I had a special visit with a dear, dear friend  enjoying a lovely dinner on the water in Sausalito to kick things off and then a big, warm wonderful gig on Tuesday night at Caffe DiVino in Sausalito with my friend and pianist Max Gutierrez. I felt completely alive with all of my dear friends showering me with their smiles and beautifiul singing voices! (I know a few singers!!) James Moseley, Mila Givens and I sang "Night time is the Right time and Max & James accompanied me on a favorite blues tune "Love Me Like A Man" - HOT!! Donna D and I sang a hilarious blues tune called One Good Man! That got some laughs, we had a blast and definitely need to work that one up - Thanks D for finding that little gem! Narada came by and James Henry and I sang together with the entire place joining us. Amy Carr, and Jen Graff sang beautiful harmonies and the entire place sang Happy Birthday with Amy leading with a beautiful coconut cake made by Elena at DiVino! It was out of sight. I just LOVE my friends. LOVE THEM!! And a special thank you Elizabeth, Sidney, Carlos and Elena at Caffe DiVino for a wonderful birthday and  to all my Facebook family for all their love and well wishes.

This year is flying by! I have been performing less so that I can begin working on writing songs for my solo cd project. New collaborations with people who I have tremendous respect for has been a joyful experience! I am in awe and am delighted to be creating music with such talented, generous, beautiful people. Seems like the universe is sending me angels to help me create my dream project! Thank you! I am very excited about my solo cd - so far, the journey has been effortless. My longtime friend and mentor, Narada and I are writing together and Lauren Murphy of Landsdale Station and I  found that we too have a special magic together and arewriting. I have a few ideas for the cd's title, but will wait to share those with you another time.

I also had a great time recording background vocals for Ray Cooper & Lisa Star at Skywalker Ranch in July and continue to marvel at their talent and beautiful spirits! 2009 has been a phenomenal year and it just keeps getting better.

My private voice teaching and vocal performance coaching is going well and I am looking forward to showcasing my private voice students later this year. I am blessed to work with singers from age 9 - 60+ in all styles of music except classical. It is some of the most rewarding work I do and I am thrilled to help people fulfill their dreams of singing and performing at their best.

Looks like this birthday year is going to be creative, abundant and filled with love and adventure!

Just close your eyes and make a wish. My dreams are coming true and yours can too!

My love and appreciation,
Lynn