Yesterday the Oshkosh Chamber Singers had two concerts. Unlike other groups I have sung with during Christmas, this was more of a religious service than one with a variety of songs ranging from traditional carols to Christmas hymns to newer secular songs. Nine Lessons and Carols is an annual event and is a mix of readings about the Christmas story and songs intertwined with the same message. There's something almost mystical that happens when voices and instruments unite in a church packed with people of all ages eager to hear the music and contemplate all that the scriptures mean. When you sing in a choir there are often songs you don't like to sing. Maybe they are too fast or the pitch is too high. It could be a matter of taste because not everyone enjoys every song. Yesterday there was that one song that was new to me that [...]

As writers we wonder if our words matter. Most of us will never earn a living wage from our books or articles. Sure, there are exceptions and I am happy for them. But it hasn't happened for me. But that doesn't mean my words aren't making a difference. Years ago I was at a writers conference in Florida and an editor for Decision Magazine was there. After a brief conversation he asked me to write a piece on grief. At the time I had just started writing, but grief was an all too familiar subject in my life. He asked for "around three-hundred words," a ridiculously tiny amount. I sat down to write what became some of the hardest words I'd ever written. I can't remember what I spent that $100.00 payment on, nothing fun I'm sure, and then I moved on to the next project. About two years later [...]

Favorite Christmas movie? Well, besides Die Hard which is a legit Christmas movie I just saw again. If you listen to the soundtrack there's no doubt. There are so many Christmas references, come on, his wife is named Holly. But you'll have to decide on your own. Another of my must-see movies this season is all about Christmas. White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen is filled with great songs including one that was written for the 1954 classic. Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep) by Irving Berlin is often performed around the holiday even though it makes no reference to Christmas. The song was nominated for an Oscar for best original song, and while it didn't win, it has a great message and a wonderful backstory. The lyric was inspired by Berlin’s visit with a psychiatrist after complaining about having sleepless nights, feelings of [...]