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Medford’s 38th Annual Apple Festival

October 1, 2016 - Author: Jennifer Mylod

Mark your calendars!!  October 8, 2016 – we’ll be performing at the main barn – for Medford’s annual,  Fall Apple Festival!    Don’t miss this great, FREE – fun family day brimming with wonderful apple items… activities and attractions!   A great day all the way around!

We’ll be playing music in the main barn – from 11 am – to – 3pm

Here’s a link for more information!  Medford’s 38th Annual Apple Festival

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and I’ll have my newest CD for sale at the merchandise table, by the front of the barn!  Hope to see you there!   This is a FREE event!  Come enjoy the beautiful, scenic area of Kirby’s Mill!

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Shadow of a Crow

September 9, 2016 - Author: Jennifer Mylod

Got word today, that my cd -“Shadow of a Crow”  is totally finished!  The replication process is complete, and it was ready to be picked up!!!   So I took a drive out to the factory to pick up the cd cases…  and I am so thrilled!  FINALLY!

I can’t help but think about the fact that this is quite a mile post… and I suddenly feel like that little girl again…  and I hear the echo of my small voice… rising up from the back seat of my Mom’s car… hopeful, questioning, asking at least 400 times…   “Are we there yet?”

And this time, I hear:   “Yes Jennifer…  We’re here.”

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I’ve been pouring over – all the computer forms for CD Baby,  and nicking away – slowly at updating the artist (me) profiles,  bios and album notes.   I want to say everything – just right…   but this totally has my head spinning…  and it’s leaving me exhausted at the end of the day.  Even in my sleep – I’m contemplating all the words I chose,  and re-composing this or that… and – needless to say, it’s not a very fitful night’s sleep…  zzzz…

Then throw into this mix…  that I’ve got 8 new songs that were ‘just born’….  and they’re churning – in the swirling eddy of my mental river of inspiration…  so… all this stuff is swirling about in my head – and add  the possible melodies & music that goes along with each song…  and wellllllll…  I’m just a tad bit MORE than overwhelmed.    But I’m not complaining… and I joyfully accept each and all bits of inspiration & insight that’s given to me…  and view it as a beautiful, cherished gift – from my Guardian Angel / Muse.

I would venture to guess… that what’s going on in my head – is similar to the brewing works of a “mad scientist”  – and would be lying if I said, I’ve never fleetingly felt the urge to yell… from my studio loft on the 3rd floor…   “ITS ALIVE!!!!!!”  as I’m being flooded with thoughts typing as FAST as my fingers will move… as I’m concocting zillions of combinations of words that reflect the images and thoughts I try to portrait…

Ok!  So… short blog for now… thrilled with the new cover – (Artwork, photography & graphics – by Original Abbie:  https://www.facebook.com/originalabbie/

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And here’s an idea…  Contact me through my website here,  or email me at WinterCastSnow@gmail.com – and mention the offer from this blog – and I’ll waive the shipping & handling costs – if you order the new cd “Shadow of a Crow” – which is only $15…  But I can only do this IF you purchase it directly through me.       If you go through CD baby – you can hear the 30 second samples for each song… but you’ll pay $15 + shipping & handling.   So if you’d like to save the shipping… order it here through me…  Just a thought!

I also – now have Paypal buttons!

Jennifer

 

 

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Inspirations… and gifts…

July 10, 2016 - Author: Jennifer Mylod

My newest project – “Shadow of a Crow”  is nearly, officially done – and I”m just shy of sending off the final mixes and graphics to the replication company…  this is a huge milestone for me…  It’s been one heck of a long haul…   getting this crow – off the ground.

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But despite the overload of all that… I’ve continued to be besieged with creative thoughts, insights and interests.  My life boat’s been getting swamped… yet I’ve still found the time to nurture family & care for my home, flower & veggie gardens… ride my bike – and hike with the dog…  Screen Shot 2016-07-10 at 1.26.50 PM

but I guess it’s all these things – that are an endless spring of inspiration for me… like candy for my mind.   I have been sent running – to write down and capture… the slide show of images and impressions that flash through my mind…  things that – if they’re not grasped right then and there…  will dissolve into heedlessness…  and be left behind in heaps of forgotten diversions… at the close of unremembered days… in never to recall again memories.

So, in simpler terms:   I write this stuff down – fast.

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I view these images of inspiration that I’m shown… as Divine rewards from above.   I believe that there are favors like this -given to everyone…  but it’s only those who open their eyes, open their hearts, soul & minds and embrace these ethereal gifts… that will be able to recognize / acknowledge them.

So… not to change the subject… but with the confirmation of the autumn “Apple Festival” at Kirby’s Mill – looming in the -not so distant future – again, for me and the band…  I will be unveiling a lot of my new songs from the new cd…  (wow… I almost said ‘album’…  how retro).   I will be bringing these new songs out… which… even as I write this, it makes my heart pound… with what?  Anticipation?  Fear?  Butterflies?

A lot of you ‘know’ me… from all the posts I put up on Facebook… but it’s not really anything ‘personal’…  not really what I hold deep within…  maybe just images of beauty,  or things I observe and choose to share…  but  my songs and how I express them – is like baring my soul.   It’s like being exposed – in a way,  that I’m just not totally comfortable with.   I rarely let people in…  and can honestly say, there’s not many who truly know me.   Some THINK they know me… but they don’t.     Just because I dance to the beat of my own drum…  some people think they have me ALL figured out.  I long ago realized, that others – more often than not – just don’t get it… or me…  and that’s fine.

“Life’s been good… and life’s been not so good at times… but I can’t say it hasn’t been interesting.”  That’s what my Mom always says.    (Here’s me & my Momma)…

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Momma taught me a lot…  but mostly to hold onto faith as best I can, and search for the silver linings in all things.  I have learned to hunt determinedly for silver linings…  and a lot of times, I’ve had trouble even finding the stars shining in the blackness of the nights…   At times I’ve wondered – why the heck I even bother… because sometimes it just gets to be too much, but I am not a quitter… never have been…  and I’ve made it to the other side of the obstacles… of what ever the mountain was at the time… whether from my own determination, or loved ones aid…  and I’ve looked back and been grateful that I found the strength to do what I needed to do.   So I keep gratitude within me…  and look for the goodness around me.  That’s what I dwell on…  not the bad stuff.   I forgive the bad stuff… but I don’t forget it.  I just keep my focus on the beautiful things… and let those beautiful things – define my life.   Maybe that’s why I’m a little nervous about my songs coming out… because  this is what’s on the cd…

Well… that’s all for now.  I’ll be posting the date for the cd release party – as well as liner notes and such… Tuesday…  exactly WHAT Tuesday,  I don’t know yet…  TBA  🙂          xoxo  Jennifer

 

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Fixed a broken heart – in February

February 27, 2016 - Author: Jennifer Mylod

The cold depths of these late February days… have become unbearably drab… and the winter has completely & wholly lost any appeal that it once held for me.   Although I’ve always loved winter – I can honestly say – I am MORE than ready – to move away from this coldness.

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I guess my heart’s just not into Winter… this year.   But I have an odd heart…  I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve… with the ability to hear, feel, see, and sense things said  (or not said);  done (or not done)  very deeply…  and it goes straight – like an arrow, into my heart.   So perhaps a life time of absorbing the incessant impacts,  is what broke it?    So 4 hours of cardiac surgery – has hopefully repaired, what all these  ‘head & heart”  experiences – have done…   Is this the cost of thinking too much?  Of being a writer? A poet? Artist?  Creator of songs? Melodies?  Prose?  Who knows… All I know is I take everything to heart… literally and figuratively.

So, I had to take a big, step back…  and began re-evaluating my life.  And in this mental, mining excavation, discovered that there are things I once believed to be true and real…  but upon closer, quiet, inspection and careful dissection… found these things were actually – counterfeit.  Things that I believed – melted away like morning frost, that rests on a field…   Yes, it was real… until the sun came up… and then… it doesn’t hold up to the test.

There were things, once important to me… that fell away… bit by bit, one by one… like Autumn leaves… until I came to the realization that they held no value… and were merely poor imitations of the truths I sought.   For I unearthed things that I had overlooked – and upon more careful attention… discovered  ‘diamonds in the rough’  that hold a lot more meaning and worth – than I had been lead to believe…  Thus, I stand corrected, older, and wiser.

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And on this path, I’ve learned to pick my battles… and when to be silent.   My feelings don’t always need to be expressed…  nor understood – except by me.   And taking the path of least drama… is always tons easier….  but I can never overlook – that the “hard right… over the easy wrong” – (though not always easy)… is always the best choice.

I’ve come to realize,  that there are things that deserve a greater degree of patience – than I had given.  So, all in all… there’s a lot of changes… but  I am content with cleaning the rubbish… and I’m growing accustomed – to this new outlook – and so very glad I can move onward & upward.

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So… with my broken heart – well on the mend…   I’ve put the cold winter behind, & set my sights on Spring.  I’m gathering the seeds for the gardens I am going to cultivate…  and I’m ok with the realization that I’ve accumulated a LOT of compost… both from my kitchen – and from my life.   Instead of wallowing, regretting or being remiss…  I’m taking all the “useful” refuse…  and tilling it…  changing it into better, useful, cultivated compost… to grow upon.   Think about it…  <3

 

 

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Mid-Winter’s… dream… or… reality?

January 24, 2016 - Author: Jennifer Mylod

I may be jumping the gun a little here… but I think it might be safe to say… that the last bit of recording I need to do – on this latest cd “Shadow of a Crow”…   IS… DONE …  F I N A L L Y!!!!!    Had a few (always fun) days with Tom at Wizmak this week…  and we got the last tracks down.

Now, the rest of this project is in the capable, masterful, very skilled hands of Tom… who’s a creative,  intuitive artist…  and he has my unfailing, total trust.  I just have to wait for him to make the magic happen.

Despite the impending projections of a winter storm…  I called Mom… and she was ready to head north in a blink.   I roared the diesel down her long driveway, where  she was packed & waiting at the door.   We stuffed in some sleeping bags, a big bag of good munchies… and lots of warm clothes – and hit the road – North.    Mom rode shot-gun on the long drive… and it was – as always – lots of fun!

The miles flew by – as we listened to music,  talked, laughed and explored new roads.  Even with a mountain of work ahead of me,  it was easy to enjoy the scenic views on the way up into the NY Adirondack mountains.   Weaving, climbing and rambling along those narrow, back roads…    I stole quick glimpses of the houses and barns along the way… but mostly watched the road… hahah…   But we had fun chatting about random stuff…  and just enjoyed the journey.   I’ve got the best Mom in the world.

I always feel safe with Momma… and her whopping –  5’4” – mighty-woman-self.   She’s an awesome co-pilot, and always brings God along on our adventures…  who unfailingly keeps us safe on our trips…  And as much as I grumble… I’m glad…

The roads were clear, with only a smattering of snow here and there…   Hit a few snow showers,  but it was just enough to really make the red barns and green, tin roof buildings look bright and cheerful against the blue skies.

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We did get a bit nervous on the steep, somewhat frozen road to the place we stayed for a few days…  I was very glad to be able to shift that old diesel into 4WD and get it up that icy, snowy road.  Made me a little nervous… (maybe it was the huge drop off on both sides of the road?)  but the truck handled it all perfectly.

Being greeted upon our arrival – by big, barking,  more than intimidating dogs… who fiercely approached the truck when we pulled up to what I like to call,  “the Man cave”.  The dogs kinda rattled me a little… as I’m a little bit more than afraid of big, angry, barking, bristling dogs.    But we walked calmly to the door… (despite the fact that I wanted to run… I know you don’t run).  But once we got inside – we SLAMMED that door tight!  Was really glad to find a nice stack of dried fire wood & kindling set by the woodstove… so we got a big fire blazing in no time…  got our things set up… then… popped open a bottle of wine,  and ripped open the bag of gummy bears…  Gosh, does it get any better than this?

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So… that was totally off track, (but why stop now?)   The next day we set off for Wizmak for a productive day.  I was happy to get to listen to all the tracks Tom added to the recording.  Some new bass tracks,  and even some BANJO… (yup!!!! Banjo – go figure!)  but I loved it.

We brain stormed over various ideas…  added some final harmonies and just had to wait for the final – (not scratch) – Native Flute tune – that Phil was gonna put down the next day.  Phil came in on Friday and he put the track down beautifully…   we were really happy with it.   Boone, the devoted, ever present, ever watchful – Border Collie… came along – as always… my ever inspiring… studio pup!  🙂

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So the last tune, with Tom on Guitar… and moi -on Mt. Dulcimer… came to life…  the name of this tune is still to be determined…  but as of now… it’s being called… “the Weeping Radish”…  it’s a long story.

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So…  now begins the work of figuring out the cd cover & graphics… which will be in the capable hands of “Original Abbie”  http://www.originalabbie.com/about/

So we’ve still got lots of creating ahead.  Abbie did the graphics for my 2nd cd… “Melodic Isle”…   and I’m excited to see what she comes up with for  “Shadow of a Crow”.

So… in the closing of my chapter – on this project… musically… feels like I’ve reached, a huge mile post.  It’s been a long… long journey… with a LOT of stumbling blocks & obstacles along the way.  But suddenly there’s a light at the end of this tunnel, and I’m optimistic that this will be the best cd yet…  and I can’t help but smile.

So… with tired elation… Mom & I set off for home a bit earlier than we initially planned,  in hopes of beating the snow storm that was bearing down on us at home… the Jersey shore was gonna get slammed… so we wanted to get home.   We did… just in enough time to get a few groceries, get 4 or 5 loads of fire wood in,  and have oil lamps and prep incase we lost power.   I was very happy to just hunker down for the long, winter’s nap.  Big pots of hot, strong coffee, and lots of quiet time to calm my thoughts is exactly what i was looking forward to.

The storm “Jonas”… did hit us hard, leaving us with about 2 1/2 feet of snow…  and deeper drifts are laying here and there.

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But, I can’t lie.  I love it…  and really don’t  feel too inclined to dig out yet… but you can BET your boots… I dug a path ASAP – to the hot tub!  🙂   I’m a Nordic, snow girl at heart!  <3    Get me in that 101* water… so I can make snow angels?   YOU BET!

I’ve been a snow – loving – bunny… since the beginning of my time, outside with my German Shepard, “Riffi”    I could never get enough time, outside in the snow.

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Even last March… a friend calls me – and she has a time share in Ottawa… it’s -19* below zero, with a windchill of -28*…  She says.. “Do ya want to go?”  HECK yeah!!!!!  Give me an hour to get my stuff together, and I’m there!   We snow shoe’d across the lake,  and cross country skied… it was AWESOME!   All my other friends were headed to tropical lands… cruises to warm, sunny islands… me?  I’m headed north!  🙂

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So here I am… snowed in and thrilled about it.   The project… is pretty much wrapped up… and strangely enough… my sights have already begun turning to new song ideas, new melodies, new creations of all sorts of natures… Idk if it’s the snow, or the crystal blue sky… or the frozen, ice laced branches, or the near purple-blue hue cast on the snow outside…  but I’m near bursting with new ideas that are banging so hard around inside my mind already….  and I just have to smile.  I am so happy…   there’s just not enough hours in the day – to do everything I want to do…  I am so filled with gratefulness.

I am glad to be home… by the warm fire, with bread dough rising to have with dinner tonight… a nice bottle of hearty, red Merlot -in the wine rack… my fiddle & mandolin… a piper who’s (without my help… shoveling outside right now) and I’m just SO enjoying the quietness…  Nothing but the crackling of the fire… and I totally enjoy being still…

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Below… a link here for Original Abbie… who’ll be doing the graphics & dealing with the disk company… on this next project…   She’s an awesome Graphic Aritist… amongst her other many, art classes & talents.  Love my Abbie girl.  <3

So… happy snow days everyone!  Schools already called…  and the words “No school!”  is echoing happily!  🙂   Enjoy the quiet days!   xoxo  Jennifer

 

http://www.originalabbie.com/about/

 

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