Every Tuesday evening I have the honor of directing a great group of women and creating some beautiful music. The fact that we discover more about ourselves, the music and the possibilities each week, creates a unique bond filled with love, laughter, memories…and more.

Additionally, I have the joy of singing with three wonderfully passionate ladies in Playlist! When we come together to rehearse or perform it’s always a new experience.

Then there are the times when I have the privilege of sharing the intimate details of clients lives when I’m asked to write a song for a loved one. Their appreciation when I connect their hearts in such a unique way is a blessing beyond mere words.

Finally, watching my kids perform everything from Opera to Hard Rock or singing along with the radio – just the fact that they have each found ways to share music with the world is something that every mom and performer can appreciate.

I’m thankful that I grew up amongst a family whose faith and joy of singing created a foundation that has lasted over 50 years…but who’s counting !

To my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, classmates, fellow thespians, and Sweet Adelines…thank you all from the bottom of my heart. And to my husband who supports and encourages my endeavors in performing and teaching music – I love you.

May the music fill your days!

Love,
Kira

I don’t spend as much time reading books as I used too. Now more time is given to articles and stories while researching information on the internet.

The truth is I can get lost in books, and days would go by with little more than a vague awareness of the passage of time if I were totally left alone. In fact, I spent one summer working at the local library while I was in elementary school  just to have the opportunity to be around the wealth of knowledge, information and adventure that graced those shelves.

I will admit that while I have the opportunity to read books on the computer – it isn’t as satisfying as sitting down in a comfortable chair and feeling that book in my hands, smelling the paper and listening to the pages as they turn providing a tangible feedback loop of my progress through the story or text.

The worlds that open up when I read – no matter the source – keep me connected with myself and others…so today…I’m grateful for the ability to read. And I’m thankful that my parents and teachers passed on their love of reading helping me believe in the possibilities that surrounded this new and exciting undertaking.

The saying is true. Who know what we could accomplish if we would release the negative self-talk, that committee that sits on the shoulder and says, who are you to imagine that?

There is a reason that you can’t turn around without seeing some kind of motivational saying about never giving up, always believing, having faith.

Last night a part of me was wondering what was the point of this self-imposed idea of 50+ days writing and sharing about something to be grateful for. Isn’t it just one more voice that keeps saying “the same thing”? And then I heard that little voice repeating “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

And suddenly I understood in my mind what my heart had told me long before – these ARE the thoughts that will serve us, they are profitable for the body, mind and spirit.

Our thoughts do create our reality so…today I am most grateful for the simple suggestion of doing this gratitude “excercise”.

Who knows what will happen by the New Year!

Join me, won’t you, in seeing what you can accomplish with just a little faith!

In Harmony,
Kira

Today is Veteran’s Day so we remember those that have served our country in times of peace and war. As a former Marine I was blessed to have never been in any conflict…but many of my friends were not so fortunate.

Now the flip-side is that it’s “Day 3″ which reminded me of the freedom as a gift of personal sacrifice by one man and on the third day He returned and confirmed the fact that death had no power over Him. Christ came and set an example of peace. He preached a gospel of peace and love for our fellow man. The “law” that advocated a time for war was prior to his birth. I wonder what it will take for mankind to embrace the grace that has been imparted.

I am most grateful for the grace. It is because of that love, the mercy of a God who knows that I have one heck of an ego and sometimes get very full of myself – and still loves me while helping me to see the truth that I can close my eyes and night and rest. I would have a hard time sleeping at night otherwise.

There’s an incredible freedom in that knowledge – and I’m grateful for that too!

What is it that you’re grateful for today?

Kira

Here are just a few of the simple things that I tend to take for granted each day – I can see the beauty around me with my eyes, I can hear the music of life and laughter, I can feel the love of a friend or loved one with a simple touch of the hand, I can  think for myself and make my own choices / decisions, I can speak my mind and my heart without fear of recrimination, I can use my hands to create and my feet to take me to new destinations…and the list goes on.

So as you log on to your computer and read this message – just stop for a moment and think about all of the gifts that you have – spiritually, physically and financially that made all of this possible…then smile and share that freedom with a friend!

Make it a great day and I will see you tomorrow!

In harmony,
Kira

For the remaining days in 2009 I will affirm reasons for gratitude starting with three great kids. Ben, Triss and Daniel are three of the most wonderful humans I’ve had the pleasure to know.

Each is unique in their philosophical outlook on life as well as their interests. They have their similarities including music, sports and the well being of humanity yet you might find one listening or performing heavy rock, another opera or another country. I am grateful for their kindness, their caring and their honesty.

I’m blessed to have three of the best kids in the world…thanks guys.

Love,
     Mom

PS If you’d like to join me in this feel free to add your reasons for gratitude in the comments section!

Last night my husband and I entered into a discussion over the Presidential Determination stating that the US will “…furnish assistance …in an amount not to exceed $20.3 million from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund…to humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza.” (You can read the complete text here http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/relief_for_gaza/) A question had been posed, “Are we supporting terrorists?” in providing this assistance.

I found myself thinking about competition, taking a stand, being “right”, war, protection, and the list goes on. These ideas remained on my mind and my heart until I fell asleep working on updating my Blackberry software. When I woke the idea of “going first” came to mind and I share this with you…

You can listen to the poem here -

Going First

I can’t possibly go first I’ve been taught so well you see
If I drop my guard, you’ll take advantage of me

I can’t go first for that tiny spark of fear
Will ignite a blaze so strong, the hate will be all they hear

I can’t go first – what a silly, senseless thought
I’ve seen how it’s done and in your web I’ll soon be caught

If I go first in the name love and open up my heart
Will you share your heart with me – or will yet another battle start

If I go first and upon the ground, I lay down my arms
Will it all be in vain and the world still come to harm

If I go first and to my home invite you to enter in
Will you see to my demise and with my death declare you win

I must go first and starting now, relinquish all control
For I had none to begin with, you see love’s the only goal

I must go first and free of fear, open up my heart
For on that road to peace and love – I’m only doing a small part.

I must go first – for truth be told I’m not really the first you see
The foundation has long been laid – long before you and me…

I’ll go first and light the way for my heart has made its choice
I know you’ll walk beside me and we’ll hear each other’s voice

So first or last it matters not when the goal is clear for all
That peace and love may reign supreme as we hearken to the call

Kira Wagner 2/16/09

Well tomorrow IS my birthday and I love sharing cool ideas and opportunities, and Christmas is just around the corner. So…

…we all know that life is about choices and balance. That is how you came to be here in the first place. Sometimes we become so caught up in the work or the “doing” that we tend to neglect the fun or creative side of our “being”. That is why I am excited about this birthday special!

As many of you know, my husband Paul is a wonderful artist. He is also a very good teacher. I’ve had visions of him helping aspiring artists ever since I first saw his work (you can see some of it here http://www.kirawagner.com/2008/12/18/paul_art/ ) What you may not know is that several months ago he began to combine his technical expertise with his art and created a wonderful drawing course – How To Draw Online. Simple and straight forward isn’t it? Just like the course. You can read ALL about it here at How To Draw Online.

Now, I know all of the hundreds of hours he has put into this program to make sure that anyone who has ANY desire to become an artist CAN! I also know that he provides individual attention to students when they have specific questions (he is very diligent about checking their artwork when they send him pictures).

I also know that this course is worth far more than he is asking. All because he really believes that anyone can draw and he wants to make sure that if there is a desire they have the opportunity.

Therefore, it may not make much sense pricewise but I’ve gotten him to give me a birthday present in the way of allowing me to offer this to you and anyone you know (just because I know you can forward this link:) for even less than his current price of $47.

For my birthday – and through Christmas Day – all of my friends receive the full course for an additional $20 off. Not only that, but he has some really cool bonuses that accompany the course – and it’s all online so no matter where you are you have the opportunity to get started instantly.

All you do is enter this special code – 1219KPW – and you will have the…Learn How to Draw Step by Step MULTIMEDIA Course…for only $27 (US).

This price is only available from one of my emails or pages, and in time, I know that the full retail price will go up when everyone realizes just what is being offered.

This also makes a GREAT GIFT for a friend or family member with access to a computer that wants to learn how to draw.

To move on this opportunity right now go to http://tinyurl.com/5y9×5b (I shortened the link so that it stayed on one line)

If you want a little more information about what is included in the course let me share the following:

The three bonuses include:

1. The Creative Process of Art
2. How to Introduce Perspective into Your Drawings
3. The Practice and Science of Drawing

Then the 15 lessons take you from the basics including how to hold a pencil…yeah I know…I thought I learned that in school too, but there’s a different energy to holding it like you do when you write to holding it and getting the results you want when your drawing a picture…through drawing faces, flowers, animals and more.

You will get a handle on proportion. This means that if you had a cup and an apple in the picture – your cup doesn’t look like it was meant for the Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk and the apple looks like it’s only big enough for Jack .

He shows you simple ways to get a handle on composition and dimension for your artwork. This means that it will be something that you not only feel good about sharing with others (you may even find yourself giving some of your art as gifts next Christmas if you start now) but you also may find that others are looking at what YOU have done and wishing they could do the same!

So if you have EVER had the desire to learn how to draw – and even paint beautiful artwork (it all starts with drawing) here is your chance. Take advantage of my birthday special now and even if you start after the holidays, it will be there for you in perpetuity…OR…wait until the price goes up.

You choose.

Just remember I have gotten him to create this offer for a short time and you’ll want to move forward with it today before it’s gone.

Here is the link again http://tinyurl.com/5y9×5b that will take you to a secure site and remember to enter the code 1219KPW to immediately take advantage of my birthday special.

Wishing you a warm and beautiful holiday!

Sincerely,
Kira Wagner
Your Freedom Guide

Let us start with the first concept that language is needed for communicating ideas. In The Inner Game, the concept of Self 1 and Self 2 are introduced as two different parts of our psyche. The first one is the “self” that has the ability to perform a given task at our peak potential.

The other is the “self” that keeps telling us, why we can’t, what we should have done, what we should be doing, what we did “wrong” – and the list goes on. Moreover, it is talking to us DURING the performance.

I was relieved when I read The Inner Game of Music because I have had that secondary dialogue running in my head for so many years that I thought it was normal! As I looked back I wondered how I could perform ANYTHING with that other voice telling me how I should have released that last phrase…sung that note…added more character…and so on.

After I read the book, I began to connect with my “best performances” and see how that “other voice” never came into the equation. The goal is to be so “in the moment” that nothing else exists but the NOW. As a performer, if I am totally in the present, the things that matter are the energy/message in the music and the interaction between the audience and me.

Barry Green also introduces the trio concept of Awareness, Will and Trust. This trio is like playing pixie sticks. The sum of the parts is greater than any individual element.

Awareness is being in touch with everything around me. This includes how I am feeling, what is happening in the “house” (which is what allows me to open up and interact with my audience), and what the music is saying. Awareness even allows me to improvise and deliver a message that someone may have needed to hear – that I did not know of ahead of time. 

Trust, also known as removing all reason for doubt, comes in the form of trusting my own skills and preparation. I will perform better if I am able to trust the rest of the ensemble (if this is a group), the adequacy of the venue, and even the sound system, This list of “trust” is as long as the different elements that you have in your performance…even dress or costuming can be a factor.

Will provides the focus or clarity. Do I know what my goals and objectives are for any given performance? My goal may be as simple as everyone having a good time…or it may be eliciting a certain response. The clarity alone may be enough that I will hit my mark simply by being present or it may require some additional preparation. However, unless I have thought through what my desire is – I will have chosen to open myself up to the possibility of missing my mark.

With the combination of Awareness, Will and Trust, I also put myself in a position to know when to ask for feedback or help. Without this combination, I may find myself having the “if only” dialogue, 5 minutes before curtain. This self-talk diminishes any performance…from theater to business. I can change the order if needed, because they work best simultaneously, but I would not experience the same success should I remove an element.

Until next time – remember, you have the choice to make it a GREAT DAY! The gratitude with which you greet the day may make all the difference so enjoy some laughter and have a wonderful one!

In Harmony,
Kira

Looking more closely at this statement McCain is saying that Republicans were victims of some kind of corrupt conspiracy. They had no choice. They had no say. By his continued inference that the members of congress residing in federal prisons are there NOT because of their own choices but because of some evil plan that involved “earmarking and pork-barrel spending” we must assume that Republicans cannot think for themselves.

It appears that while he also said, “We’ve got to start also holding people accountable…” he does not realize that the two go hand in hand. I cannot be held accountable if I have no choice in the matter.

The truth is I always have a choice. I may not LIKE the options but I do have a choice.

McCain talks about continuing the fight overseas to “win” and bring back our troops in victory. That bringing them back now would mean defeat. To him, maybe so. The question is, “Did they go over and do what was asked of them INDIVIDUALLY?” If yes – then each and every one of our military personnel were a success in his or her own right. They did what they believed was right and just. There is no winning in war. There is only a temporary stopgap in the violence.

Senator McCain went on to slam Senator Obama for his stand on meeting other foreign powers without precondition. With all due respect to his age and his history, Senator McCain is either too old or too afraid of responsibility to see that humanity will only achieve a state of real peace when we let go of the need to defend ourselves and “make someone out to be the bad guy”. Whether we agree or not, everyone has a reason for their actions. Telling them their wrong or that they can’t do something because we said so, won’t promote good will, understanding or peace.

Senator McCain’s choices to:

• Fall back on military force to keep the peace
• Do away with the corruption in government without accepting that everyone involved chose to be where they are
• To promise to take care of the veterans and make sure our military on active duty overseas get to come home with a “victory” to their credit

These choices all demonstrate a lack of understanding.

They demonstrate a lack of understanding that the basic truths are:

• Force will not and never has kept “peace”
• Accountability will only (really) be achieved when we learn to hold ourselves accountable and not hope for someone else to do it for us
• Respect for our veterans will be in place as long as the American nation (government, media and individual) support each other for acting in accordance with their beliefs and their intent was for the good of humanity

As a registered Republican and a USMC Veteran – I’m glad I have a choice and a voice in this country. I’m glad that millions of Americans still believe they can make a difference.

Join me won’t you – speak up for what you believe in…today.

Kira Wagner