March 02, 2008

0 Comments

the Mothering of Art ›


Yes, I will ride that horse once again

Yesterday, I had the privilege of playing music for a young mothers conference that was here in Columbia. It featured the speaker, Ginger Plowman, who I actually really enjoyed. There were two sessions in the conference. For each session, I played 2 group songs for everyone to sing together and one of my own songs. This was my first time performing music since December. I was a bit nervous and excited to do it once again.

It was the perfect excuse to go out and buy a new outfit. Even though I had to wade through the mall with both children, it was kindof fun. I realized that it's much better for me to find one small store I like than to shop in a big department store. I think that I prefer the small palette of colors as opposed to the rainbow explosion that you'll find in a bigger store. But once I found that store (and bought Deacon a snack and nursed Owen in that store's dressing room while Deacon made a mess with the contents of my wallet), things started running much more smoothly. I even took a chance on a pair of gold snake-skin peep-toe shoes to complete the ensemble. Even though they left no less than three blisters on my feet by the end of the conference, they were positively womanly and feminine which was really fun.

So now I feel like my "maternity leave" from performing music is officially over. Even though I am not going to jump back into things full throttle, I do have a number of performances lined up for this spring. I'll play at a few coffee shops, a few private events, a few churches, one barbecue, and even another woman's conference. I'd love to try to arrange a real concert with a band, but that's not in the plans for right now. I'm starting slow.

Also I thought that I would mention that I found a website that let me set up an online store for free. So if you are interested in purchasing the CD or letting a friend know about it, please send them to ellielaveer.bigcartel.com. I have plans for an "ellielaveer.com" down the road that will link to all of my other sites (blog, itunes, myspace, online store) but I have to find someone who is a bit smarter than me to do that.

February 29, 2008

1 Comment

The art of mothering ›


O how I love you, my little O

You make me smile when:

you are all bundled up like a little burrito in the night time.

you tightly hold on to my necklace as we walk through the house.

you decide that holding your head up is too tiring, so you just let it flop.

100_3566.jpg

you make those faces that makes me wonder if you're going to really smile at me.

you get your diaper changed and I get to see how beautifully fat your thighs and belly have gotten.

you spit-up on your papa.

you actually believe me when I tell you that everything will be alright.

February 28, 2008

3 Comments

The art of mothering ›


yes, elephant

These were the first words out of Deacon's mouth a few days ago. When I wake up, I say things like "ARGH" or "Turn off the alarm" or the most common one, "I'll get up when you have the coffee ready". Not a two-year-old. He is glad to be awake. He opens his eyes, scans the room, notices an elephant on his blanket and says "yes, elephant". On Sunday afternoon, our house was filled banana cupcakes, balloons and friends as we celebrated two years of Deacon's life.

100_3557.jpg

I started my own tradition - which I hope my sons will continue when they are old enough - of buying myself flowers on his birthday. Why shouldn't I get flowers to celebrate the day that I pushed these kids out into this world? Last year, I was so excited about Deacon's birthday. At the check-out counter of the grocery store, I told the clerk, "These ballons are for my son, he is one year old today. And these flowers are for me for having him one year ago today." This teenage boy looked so puzzled and responded, "You buy yourself flowers?".

Sure, why not buy yourself flowers. Celebrate, even if the day isn't specifically for you. And buy your mother flowers on your birthday to thank her.

It's been a long time coming

I've been dreaming for months now of starting my own blog. Manila Drive was a fun journey, but I have decided to let Andy keep that blog for his own musings and create a new one for mine. Please, visit often, comment if you wish and share your stories and your songs as I share mine.
On Songwriting:
In the summer of 2007, I had the privilege of putting together my first full-length record. After nearly a decade of penning lyrics and melodies, the best of these can now be heard on This Place, a record produced by Andrew Osenga (of Caedmon’s Call and formerly of The Normals). Its songs are about the same things the best singer-songwriters have always reflected upon: the mystery of love, the ache of hope, and the grip of faith. Filling a listening space with melodious musings on the things that make life livable—this is one of my callings. With the release of This Place, I hope to sneak my stuff-of-life songs into family dish-washing sessions and long commutes everywhere.
100_2720_4.jpg

...

On Mothering:

When I first found out that I would be a mother, I was a bit surprised. But now, after only two years of mothering, I have found it to be the most fulfilling and the most challenging job that I’ve ever filled. I have two beautiful sons, Deacon and Owen. They are the reason for much joy and laughter in my home. Deacon’s little words and Owen’s little coos are wonderful music to my ears. I’ve been fortunate to take care of them full time at home. I have found that colors are much brighter, fabrics are much softer, and the music is much sweeter when you have little ones in your life.

Life is alarmingly beautiful. And the beauty often catches me while it is trying to dress up as something else.

« Previous 1 35 36 37