Welcome To The Creative Act

A pro-musician making sense of the creative process within the context of his life experience.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Spirit and The Earth



I once asked a Pueblo elder his thoughts concerning traditional Pueblo beliefs and Catholic Christianity. He told me that The Book tells us that people are made in the image of God. This must mean that God has two ears just like human beings. God hears the traditional Pueblo prayers with one ear and the Catholic Christian prayers with the other ear. Pueblo people are blessed to be able to have God's full attention with both ears!

This short documentary speaks to the dual beliefs of the people of Laguna Pueblo and their love for the beliefs which sustain them. It also seeks to explain the importance of Franciscan spiritual values to the people and how it has been a good fit with their traditional beliefs. Harmony, Peace and a Love of Creation are highly valued among Pueblo people and the Christian teachings of St. Francis of Assisi were instrumental in their conversion so many centuries ago. Their continued devotion to their beliefs is evident and instrumental in their continued survival as a people. It truly is an inspiring and enchanting mixture that I greatly love and respect!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Las Maravillas de Navidad: New Mexico Ancient Adobe Churches

Set to the beautiful music of the Santa Fe Desert Choral, KNME goes on a stunning photographic tour of some of New Mexicos most beautiful and ancient adobe churches -- Las Trampas, Ranchos de Taos, Chimayo, Santa Cruz de la Canada and others. Seeing these beautiful churches at Christmas time, the tradition of giving is personified by stories of great love and even miracles. Made hundreds of years ago, these ancient churches were constructed and are maintained with a deep devotion. Today they are symbols of the rich cultural heritage New Mexicans share.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Winter Boy

Winter Boy, born on a snowy day. A little boy with midnight in his hair and diamonds in his eyes...

The God Theory

I believe in a Creator of all things. I can't prove the existence of a Creator. Neither can anyone disprove Creator's existence. People are left with the choice to live their lives with a Creator or without One. My personal vision is more complete with Creator in it. Blessings can be seen around every corner. I've tried life without Creator and found it wanting. The Creator Is. This is my belief...

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Native American YHWH

I've sung a lot of straight songs and I've found the syllables YaHWeH to be in many of them. My experience has been that the songs with these syllables and their variants seem to be the strongest for me. This video explores this idea further and is accompanied by a great song by Robbie Robertson. RR

Monday, December 14, 2009

Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular Flame and Eagle

I was taking a break from guitar practice and stumbled on to this. Great music, singing and gymnastics express the inspirational qualities of Eagle. Betty really liked this one and I agree with her! This must have been something to see in person. What a great performance by all!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Jana Mashonee - Little Drummer Boy (San Juan Tewa Pueblo)

Here's a great version of Little Drummer Boy sung in Tewa language by my friend Jana Mashonee. Tewa is the language of San Ildefonso Pueblo where my patrilineal line comes from. I'll be posting more of Jana's Christmas songs in the days to come as part of my Christmas on Facebook Celebration! RR