True Covers: For me, a “true cover” is a song that I love enough to revise: I alter the lyrics so that it feels more true to me. When I sing something repeatedly, I want to make sure I’m sending out vibrations that are in full alignment with who I am becoming. (“True Covers” also sounds like “True Colors;” shout out to the luminous Cyndi Lauper.)

The original: The seed of this song came to Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin when the band was in South Wales, stargazing during a nighttime break as they recorded their first album (check out more about the song in this Wikipedia article).

Dedication: This true cover goes out to the incredible Clara Gaudette, our Survivor Services Coordinator at Jeanne Geiger. I say much more about Clara after I sing through my cover of the song. Clara exemplifies courage, compassion, and Universal Mother energy that provides a space where healing is possible. I offer this song with deep gratitude to Clara and to each person who dares to access the limitless love and healing potential available to us.

Note: I give Sherri Mitchell-Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset (She Who Brings the Light)-another shout-out today; so grateful for the Wabanaki understandings/languaging of spiritual warriorship that she describes in her book Sacred Instructions.

True Covers: This is the first “true cover” that I’m putting out into the world; these will come when the whim strikes. For me, a “true cover” is a song that I love enough to revise: I alter the lyrics so that it feels more true to me. When I sing something repeatedly, I want to make sure I’m sending out vibrations that are in full alignment with who I am becoming. (“True Covers” also sounds like “True Colors;” shout out to the luminous Cyndi Lauper.)

The original: The song’s lyrics are by Mindi Dickstein; music by Jason Howland. Sutton Foster originated the role of Jo March in Little Women the Musical on Broadway in 2005. Here’s a vid from a televised performance. You can find many versions of this song out there; I particularly like this one by Natalie Weiss.

Dedication: This true cover goes out to my beloved muse/voice teacher Caroline Khella-Hope, a thunderous force of nature (“astonishing” finds its root in the Latin word for thunder). Caroline draws forth the authentic fullness of many others. Happy belated birthday; may you continue to live into all aspects of who you are.

In the video, following the song, I explain a couple of the tweaks I made to my version, but I forgot to mention that I changed the line “I can feel it [the life I’m meant to lead] and it’s far from here” to “I can feel it; it’s not far from here.” I also want to be sure to link y’all to the amazing Malala, since I invoke her in this true cover.

Mom, me, and our mutual friend Danika ponder how our “where” affects who we become in this life. Our varying perspectives (from ages 72, 43, and 30, respectively) make for a wide-ranging conversation. I’m so grateful for the refreshment both of these humans bring to my heart.

I have yet to master the art of editing Substack podcast transcripts, so I recommend listening rather than reading!

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I’m deeply grateful to be joined by my voice teacher, Caroline Khella Hope, a font of wisdom, whole-heartedness, and wonder. I began working with Caroline almost a year ago, at the suggestion of my wonderful uncle Andrew, a fellow singer (thanks again, Andrew!). Caroline has been a central muse in my life ever since, offering insights in our monthly sessions that resound through the rest of my life. A comment like “Breath is a let-go” gets jotted into my journal and gradually metabolized.

I hope you dear muses o’ mine savor a taste of Caroline in this conversation. I’ll admit that I have not yet studied the art of editing Substack transcripts, and I’m aware that this one is far from perfect. (One of my favorite Caroline-isms is “Perfection is an insult to God.”) I recommend listening rather than reading if you can, especially since this episode is all about the voice.

Blessings and enormous thanks to Caroline! If you’re curious to learn more about working with her, feel free to comment or message me so I can put you in touch.

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Back in February, when my beloved parents were visiting, I recorded an after-dinner conversation on the subject of healing. (You can hear ice cubes clinking from time to time in the recording!)

My dad Bill and my husband David bore witness rather than chiming into the conversation. Both men provide gentle, grounded energy that was felt by those of us who spoke.

This conversation required some editing, and that’s the primary reason it’s taken me so long to actually post it! I’m glad to be sharing it now to honor both Greg’s birthday (5/4) and Mother’s Day (5/12). While the recording ends a little abruptly, I trust listeners will feel some of the tenderness and connectivity we shared between dinner and dessert.

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My beloved muses Tina & Satya join me for a conversation about what is bringing us joy, what instills lasting peace, and navigating life transitions.