As a songwriter, I set my life to music. I paint my songs like portraits. They become particular expressions of who I am, or who I have been along the way. These songs organize themselves around a particular theme with later becomes a CD project. I love to share these with an audience in a concert setting because it becomes much more like a conversation. And that is what makes Portraits of White more than just a show!

Do your wages determine your value?

What if you invest in a dream but don't get paid very much? Would you still do it? Should you do it?

This week's podcast comes from the answer to a Portraits of White fan question: "Do you make enough from Portraits of White to pay yourself?"

What inspires you? How can you turn that into creativity?

Frances answers the question from a Portraits of White fan; "What inspires you to create?" 

Do you have to "feel" inspired to write a song or create something?

When do you feel the most free? What is your safe place? Is there hope when it comes to freedom of the soul?

This week's Portraits of White fan question made me start thinking about life in general. I've been reflecting on the journey toward a "Brand New Me" and how it brought me to a new place of freedom. The question was: "What is your favorite part of Portraits of White? What really gets your heart pumping?" 

I definitely love to play the piano and that's my favorite part...but beyond that, I love feeling free. It's taken a lifetime, but I feel like I've moved from feeling free on the piano bench to feeling free in other areas of my life.

I can tell you that no matter what you're facing today, you can walk in freedom. Don't give up!

"Do you ever consider making Portraits of White more religious?"

Now that's a very thought-provoking question. My answer in this week's podcast episode might surprise you!

Do you feel a bit overwhelmed in your life? Even if you're "living the dream?"

We all experience times when we are overwhelmed and we wish that we weren't the ones in charge, whether it's raising a family or owning a business.

In this episode I'll give you 3 tips for managing "living the dream."

1) Don't fall in love with the plan, fall in love with the dream. — Dan Miller

2) Remember the WHY!

Why did you start on this journey in the first place? You might want to spend time refreshing your heart and mind by remembering the why.

3) Find someone to help you.

What are you afraid of? What keeps you from moving forward?

Fear can be paralyzing. Whether it's inside things (in your soul) or outside circumstances (like a pandemic) that we face, it's important that we face our fears. 

In this episode, I'll give you some ideas for dealing with fear.

"The enemy of love is self-consciousness." — Tom Jackson, Live Music Producer.

For most of my career, I viewed myself as a musician—in the music business. In the past few years, I've changed my mind. Or at least made room for a broader perspective. As a songwriter, I don't just write and perform music. I help give voice to what others might be feeling but find themselves unable (or afraid) to express it. There is an exchange that happens between artist and fan. It's a beautiful thing. I no longer see myself as just a musician in the music business. I believe I'm in the people business.

My live music producer planted this seed years ago when he challenged my thinking about why musicians get nervous when performing. "The enemy of love is self-consciousness," he said. What he was saying was resonating with me. 

When a Portraits of White fan asked "What is the most rewarding part of doing Portraits of White," it didn't take me long to come up with an answer. Sure, I love practicing and I love the first note of the concert when you, the audience, are seated and we are ready for the train to leave the station. We're off to see the wizard and we've locked arms. You are my friends on the yellow brick road for the next couple of hours. That's definitely a special part of doing the show.

I also love the last note of the evening, because at this point, I know my dream has become reality and nothing has stopped it. I will make my way out to the lobby to greet as many of you as I can. I'll soak in your smiles, tears, laughter and comments. I've prepared an evening of inspirational music and you've blessed me by coming. We've exchanged Christmas gifts and I feel happy. 

Do you need some oil in your life? Are you feeling rusty, unable to move, like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz?

No matter what it is you want to accomplish in life, there are a few things that will help you keep things running more smoothly.

In this episode, Frances Drost offers some reflections about keeping things well-oiled.

She also answers another audience question about the Portraits of White Christmas event: "How much time do you put into practicing?"