Our First Creative Joint Venture

Our friendship developed over the months.  We sang together at various Masses.  During the time between Masses, we’d sit and chat about what’s going on in our lives.  As our friendship developed, our conversations deepened.  That time at church wasn’t enough for us, so we started going out once a week.

Because I like to write and Katherine likes to talk, we fell into a comfortable routine.  I’d update her through emails during the week, and on our weekly nights out, she’d catch me up on what was going on in her life.

Then one day, Katherine conjured up this exciting and creative joint venture.

We were at church, standing in the storage closet — which was laughingly called the choir’s practice room — and Katherine started talking about her desire to write and sing original music with a professional group of musicians.  She didn’t want to sing just ANY song, but songs that were full of emotions and meaning.  She wanted to perform songs that held the intent, energy, and emotions she longed to share with others...and do it through music.

She gave me her contemplative look and said, “I was wondering…You’re emotionally intelligent [Thank you], and I like the way you write [Thank you, again].  Would you be interested in writing lyrics to original compositions?  I want lyrics that are full of emotions, and I think you have that ability in you.”

At that point, I was feeling really excited and REALLY anxious.  I didn’t want to disappoint her if I couldn’t pull off what she was asking of me.  The fact that I wasn’t really sure what she was asking of me heightened my anxiety.  

I met her reflective and thoughtful gaze and said, “I’m freaking out right now.  I’ve never done anything like that, but ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write lyrics; and the fact that you’re asking me to do this with you.  I can’t believe this!  I’m freaking out.  I’m really freaking out, here!”

Katherine smiled, “Well, let’s freak out together!”

So, that’s how our creative collaboration began.  The fact that Katherine had her vision clearly in her mind was very comforting.  The fact that I had to figure out exactly what her vision was and produce it…well, that IS another story...