I have been experimenting with melodies lately. Here is one in A from a couple weeks ago that stuck with me, but I have not written any lyrics for. Link to score and recording at 82bpm. https://nextcloud.hutchens.cloud/s/iXHaQQtPdEQ9mCP

I would like to share two resources on the Psalms I have found insightful and useful. First, an in-progress oral-first Bible translation being used to assist translators around the globe bring the Scriptures to tongues without a written language. One of their specialities is emotional exegesis—bringing out the authorial emotions into the spoken word. They have a site specifically on the Psalms called layer by layer. I find their exposition of the emotions and the structure of the psalm very helpful for understanding the human author, the divine intent, and therefore what kind of music to write for it. https://psalms.scriptura.org/w/Welcome Second, an online, open source psalter in English meter and rhyme which can be sung to a variety of historic tunes. They even brought out the acrostics for some (eg 111). (Disclaimer: I have not ready every single one for translation accuracy, etc, etc.) https://psalms.seedbed.com/psalms-index/

Our pastor (from the woods of West Virginia) was talking about his experience sitting on a tree stand in the frozen November hills of WV. He said it was cold and dark, and all he could do was to "point east" and wait for the sun to rise. That inspired this little prayer. Capo 2 - G, D, Em, C (line 1 & 2), G, D, C (line 3 & 4) VERSE 1 It’s cold and it’s dark I can’t see the sun And yet, I will Point east For the sun soon will rise And you’ll fill my eyes As glory fills The east CHORUS So I’ll wait for you Wait for you My hope – I’ll wait For you VERSE 2 If all I can do Is keep facing you Help me do that At least For the sun soon will rise And you’ll fill my eyes As glory fills The east

As someone with a lot of hobbies, interests, and responsibilities, I have quite a few things "on the bench", awaiting that mythical "free moment" when I can come back and do the next step. Musically, what do you have "on the bench"? Any projects in work that aren't ready to share, but that you're hoping to work on when you find your round TUIT? Personally, I would like to clean up / finalize a WIP song called "Point East". In fact, mentioning it here makes me think that I should get a quick recording to share with you lovely folks.

Hey all! It’s been super encouraging to see everyone joining, sharing and helping each other. I want to start a regular coffee meet up so we can get to know each other better. Here are the details for the first one: WWR Coffee Meetup Monday, Apr 20 · 9–9:30 AM Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xee-czud-tqw