Ten years ago I met this amazing bass guitarist through one of my best childhood friends who had moved to West Chester.  The guitarist's name was Tim Celfo (CLICK to listen to Sunrise Morning). When our son expressed interest in playing the piano last summer, she quickly reminded me that Tim was our man. Tim was the whole package—patient, kind, talented, young, played in a “cool” band, and a music teacher.  Every six year old’s dream in a piano teacher, right? Wrong!  We discovered that Dan and I were blessed with an “improv” boy—a  boy who wanted to play his own tune and bring the song out of his head and onto his own keyboard in his own time.

After only eight weekly lessons, Tim being a wise and “in-tune” old-soul, he brought this to our attention.  We decided not to push it and said we’ll take a break and see what comes of it.  A tough decision for us to make, but it felt right.  Two weeks ago, I watched our six year old sitting on the floor playing around on his two foot keyboard we got him when he was three.  I heard him playing eight notes over and over again.  Then he began to expand it and repeating it from the beginning.  It sounded awesome! 

I told him to keep playing.  Words came rushing through my head. I grabbed the flip camera and rushed to my bed room.  As I pointed it to the floor, I pressed record.  I took his riff and started improving the lyrics and a catchy tune began to develop into “Shine!” a song that gives people the strength to overcome obstacles, take a fear not approach, and SHINE!   

After recording the song, I sat down at the kitchen table and transferred the recorded lyrics onto a piece of flip chart paper.  I quickly moved over to the piano bench and began to write down each note—one by one.  I remembered thinking, “Thank God my parents gave me six months of piano lessons and for my grandmother’s ability to play by ear.”  At that point, I was also thankful that my parents allowed me to quit after six months of lessons.  I was able to stop when I still enjoyed it. I wanted to explore something different—art!  It was those two gifts that gave me just enough for me to put the song to paper.  Perhaps allowing Tyler to “quit” also helped him to continue to want to play around on the keyboard—and enjoy playing music on his own time!

The following Sunday there was mention of a talent show at our church in March.  I asked Ty if he would be interested in participating—we could perform our song!   Being honest with myself, I didn’t feel confident in my playing the piano and singing at the same time—nor did he.  Then it dawned on me... James!  I met him at my eye doctor three week prior. He mentioned that he was a song writer, piano player, and producer.  We shared a powerful synergy that day, but we didn’t know exactly what would come of it.  Ah ha... I got it!

Waiting for the universe to chart the course with my intentional thoughts and actions—by darn, he’s supposed to be producing “Shine!”  Today we enjoyed one another’s company over lunch.  Not only did I know he was the man that is supposed to be arranging “Shine!”—in other words, adding more than simply the right hand—but also we possessed a lot of gifts that could help one another lift even more people up!  You’ll have to wait for that story to unfold.  Currently he is busy writing a score for a movie and a jingle project for a large convenient store chain.  Shhhhhh... Can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet! 

This blog is a true example of a Sunshine Networking moment... Keep your eyes open, get to know people's passions, shine bright, dream together ... and then pull it all together!

YES!  It is as simple as that... Believe in yourself and draw the connections to your next masterpiece!

Shine on!

Molly