Ponderings: On Inspiration

In 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.

Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.

Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 3th week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word inspiration.

However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.

The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.

Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word inspiration...

Babies... puppies... sunsets... my students... the seasons... countless people in my life...all causes for inspiration.

As my constant companion, music has accompanied me through times of inspiration. From processional orchestrations at graduation ceremonies to the unforgettable soundtracks of classic movies over the years, music has been a phenomenal source of inspiration to me.

I am more creative when soft background music is playing. Instrumental or classical music works best for me at these times.

Certain song lyrics can pop into my head when task-oriented. For example, Freddie Mercury's: "Don't Stop Me Now" has been my mantra since 1979, the year I graduated high school...!

I've selected a variety of inspirational songs I have grown to love over the years. Are there any songs or lyrics that bring INSPIRATION to you...like these do in me? If so, please share YOURS in the comment section below... thanks, mar!

You're all I got to get me by (1) ... No wind - no wind - No rain - no rain - Nor winter's cold - Can stop me, babe (2)... You should know, everywhere I go - You're always on my mind, in my heart - In my soul (3)... Dreams are hard to follow - But don't let anyone - Tear them away - Hold on - There will be tomorrow - In time - You'll find the way (4)... But how do you thank someone - who was taken you from crayons to perfume - It isn't easy but I'll try - If you wanted the sky -
I would write across the sky in letters - That would soar a thousand feet high (5)... There is no life - no life without its hunger - Each restless heart beats so imperfectly - But when you come and I am filled with wonder - Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity (6)...

And bad mistakes ‒ I've made a few - I've had my share of sand kicked in my face - But I've come through (8)... Don't give up the fight! - Don't give it up, don't give it up! (9)...And it's now or never - 'Cause I ain't gonna live forever - I just want to live while I'm alive (10)... You can dance right through your life - What a feeling - I can really have it all (11)...

It's the eye of the tiger - It's the thrill of the fight - Rising up to the challenge of our rival (13)...Think of the happiest things - It's the same as having wings - Take the path that moonbeams make - If the moon is still awake (14)... If I can see it - then I can do it - If I just believe it - there's nothing to it (15)... I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies - Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity (16)...

The Righteous Brothers: You're My Heart and Soul Inspiration (1); Dianna Ross: Ain't No Mountain High Enough (2); Chicago: You're the Inspiration (3); Mariah Carey: Heroes (4); LuLu: To Sir With Love (5); Josh Groban: You Raise Me Up (6); Elton John: Circle of Life (7); Queen: We Are The Champions (8); Bob Marley: Get Up, Stand Up (9); Bon Jovi: It's My Life (10); Irene Cara: What A Feeling (11); Vangelis: Chariots of Fire (12); Survivor: Eye of the Tiger (13); Disney: You Can Fly (14): R. Kelly: I Believe I Can Fly (15); Queen: Don't Stop Me Now (16)

Over two years ago, I became friends with author, illustrator, editor and publisher Mike Friedman of mckbirdbks.

Mike was gracious enough to allow his 'signature' birds to become the inspirational trademark for Jo Goldsmith's Good Word Project.

It seems fitting in a hub about music and inspiration to include this poignant quote from 'To Kill A Mockingbird':

"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

I'm not even sure if Mike realizes how much he inspires me. He is one of the only people in my life who routinely asks me what I am working on. That question really motivates me.

When I asked him if he'd be willing to participate in this challenge, instead of simply saying yes, he asked me to send him his word.

Thanks, Mike, for agreeing to write on the subject of inspiration..! To paraphrase Carly Simon: "Nobody (will do) it better..."!

© Maria Jordan (August, 2014)