Many people in the Dallas area know me as the bereavement coordinator for Visiting Nurse Association Hospice in Dallas, running grief support groups, holding bereavement luncheons, coordinating a service of remembrance twice a year, and talking to the bereaved families the hospice has served. I feel a sense of calling in my work, and am grateful to be in a place where I can help others during hard times. I have a passion for this work. But long before I became a licensed social worker, I was a songwriter. And the main focus of this website is on my music.
I have a master's degree in social work, and a bachelor's degree in music education. I began writing songs as a teenager, and studied music to try to learn how to write better. I recorded an LP, a long time ago, as part of a group called Marturion, but that album was never widely released. After a few detours along the way, and a time when I stopped writing for a while, I'm back to creating new music.
A few years ago I needed some music for a hospice service of remembrance I was planning. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for, and began writing songs that could fit. Four of the songs on this website have been used in those services. Right now, you'll just see the lyrics. I've written other songs, too, about loss and change, that can speak to people trying to understand grief. I have come to realize that these songs are not just meant for me and a few others to hear. Every time I share them, listeners have encouraged me to record.
I write songs about other life experiences too, and throughout my life have written many sacred songs. I've included some of these lyrics here too. In the future, I plan to rework old songs, create new ones, and try to write some choral arrangements, as time and inspiration allow. I've been writing for piano and voice lately, and that, for me, takes a long time and a lot of work. I hope you enjoy the results.
So, I have created this space, with the help of my family, to share my lyrics, stories, thoughts, and music. Right now, I've only got one song ready that you can hear. Eventually, I hope to have a CD and sheet music available. I hope you enjoy exploring the site. Welcome.
