“The Shepherd of Brie” - Award Winning Pastel

Debbie Hughbanks was extremely honored to have received a Second Place Award in Pastels at the 2010 Art Show at the Dog Show held early this year in Wichita, Kansas. This annual competition is a national event and receives hundreds of submissions from both two-dimensional and 3-D artists depicting dogs in every imaginable setting.             Her painting is of a Briard herding sheep. I was happy with my composition and light and was ...
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May 18, 2010 Posted in: 

The Importance of Lyrics in a Song

Are lyrics important in a song? While you won't see a lot of people discussing this issue, this is probably a question that comes up every once in a while. The question is not as stupid as it sounds-many actually claim that lyrics do not serve any important function to a song. After all, a song is music; and while the sound would be different without the lyrics, the experience shouldn't be any different. There are people who listen to music for the sake of the sound, considering the lyrics as ...
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February 1, 2010 Posted in: Art and Entertainment

Nashville Concerts - Music is the Soul of Life

Life and music are two inseparable terms. The joy of music can only be enjoyed by the living ones. And this sweet feeling is mixed up in the nature. The path of Music is sound. Music can be concluded as an art. The common parameters of are rhythm, pitch; timber, etc. Pitch has got the special place in the music. It makes melody and harmony, and it is attached with meter and tempo. The quality factors are also very much effective. The definition of music changes according to the changing ...
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January 29, 2010 Posted in: Art and Entertainment

10 Tips For Fun And Enjoyable Piano Lessons

Bored with your usual piano assignments? Make piano lessons fun and enjoyable by following these 10 tips. 1. Let it flow with your mood. It is easier to play when we let the music go along with the mood that we have. If you are sad or down at the moment, play some sad tunes, when happy, then key in some happy notes. Angry? Some dark and fiery notes will do. If you are excited about something, key in some chords that will match how you feel. It can help you feel better in times you are down or ...
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January 27, 2010 Posted in: Art and Entertainment

October Song Fest At Loretta Lynn's Ranch Sign Ups

Folks from all over are invited to come to Loretta Lynns Ranch at Hurricane Mills for three days of camping, food and fun this October 2-4. The October Fest at Loretta Lynns Ranch is several events in one. Its 3 days of live music performances, dancing, Classes, Door Prizes. Canned Goods and Pie judging. Games booths and more. Songwriters from the novice to the pro will share their original songs on multiple outdoor stages. Hit Writers from the past, present and future will be showcasing their ...
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January 26, 2010 Posted in: Art and Entertainment

Why Good Things Happen to Bad People

One cannot ask why bad things happen to good people without also feeling the same tinge of injustice when we contemplate why good things happen to bad people. This is the question that anguished the Psalmist. He found himself in terrible distress and agony of soul. He says, "My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." The Psalmist was experiencing a very old problem; one that is still with us today. He had begun to observe the prosperity of the wicked. He began to notice that ...
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January 22, 2010 Posted in: Spirituality

We Must (Still!) Be Bold

We Must (Still!) Be Bold by Marilyn Mackenzie On September 11, 2001, I worked for a local mid-sized newspaper in Texas. At the time, I was the editorial assistant. I was the first one in the newsroom each day. That day, I was running a bit later than usual in leaving my house. I saw the first plane hit the tower just as I was leaving for work. At the time, I didn't know it was anything except an accident, so I left my son sleeping and went on to work. I did know that this would be big news, ...
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January 20, 2010 Posted in: Spirituality

Why Good Things Happen to Bad People

One cannot ask why bad things happen to good people without also feeling the same tinge of injustice when we contemplate why good things happen to bad people. This is the question that anguished the Psalmist. He found himself in terrible distress and agony of soul. He says, "My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." The Psalmist was experiencing a very old problem; one that is still with us today. He had begun to observe the prosperity of the wicked. He began to notice that ...
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January 18, 2010 Posted in: Spirituality

The Temple of Love Unites Christianity Islam and Judaism Under

In case you hadn't noticed because you were too busy watching Michael Jackson moonwalk on the roof of his car, or dangling his new baby upside down off the top balcony of the Paris Hilton, the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian people are currently engaged in a World War against each other. The Muslim 911 was the first shot. In retaliation the President of the United States announced that he was launching a Crusade. As every Muslim person knows, the Crusades were a thousand years ago when the Pope ...
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January 17, 2010 Posted in: Spirituality

Mom and Cantor Lights Up the World with Her Music

Mom and Cantor Lights Up the World with Her Music Music Spotlight Interview with Catherine Benskin By Lisa M. Hendey The first time I sat and listened to You Are Child by Catherine Benskin and Alan Marcinek, I found myself wishing I was a parishioner at her church. This talented wife and mother of two, who recently earned professional certification as a Cantor, has the type of voice that fills the room with light and spirit. What a joy it must be to sit in Mass on Sunday and listen to Catherine ...
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January 12, 2010 Posted in: Spirituality