Confessions of a Housewife....Chapter 1: Listen To The Sounds of Your Soul by New Territory

May you experience a bit of my adventure and may yours be as good or better!

Sincerest thanks to each and every individual who contributed their time, energy, talent, creativity, support, faith, clarity, feedback, patience, humor, perspective and love. This project could not have happened without you and your passion.

Chapter 1 is dedicated to my father, Murray Byron Gordon who passed in 2004. In addition to being an extraordinarily vibrant, brave, macho, wise and affectionate man, he taught me the value of a sense of humor and was one of my dearest, closest friends. Due to his efforts as a father and a man, he created the firm groundwork for my life. Dad loved classical music and in his later years, finally came to appreciate the art of jazz! (See Moonlight Sonata/It Had to Be You)

My father remains quite alive in my memories and heart.

This recording is also dedicated to Doug, Linda, Sweet and Heart.

Melissa Gordon Rhine, Leader, New Territory December, 2005.

The following is some additional background about the creation of this recording:

When Dad passed, I was so sad.. I had to do something~ that same week our sweet friend, Linda Muller passed as well. A few months later we lost our dear family labs, Sweet and Heart! And, some months earlier we'd lost a wonderful family friend, hairdresser, confidente and musician, Doug Fletcher. Up until this point, I'd had little experience with death and the grieving process. Nature certainly made up for lost time, teaching me plenty! Dad had aged so quickly. What used to come easily suddenly became an effort for him. He seemed to leave me before he actually passed. And I felt helpless to stop the changes. After a series of tough emotional choices and complications, Dad passed August 16, 2004.

Our youngest, Melody, was graduating from high school. Off we went to heal in Kaua'i! While Melody learned to surf at Hanolei Bay, I sat watching, in the shelter you see on the CD's back cover, and created the basis for this recording. I picked out all the musicians and songs and decided to co-produce and gain the experience. I'll never look at a CD the same way! I've owned countless CD's, truly enjoyed the music and liner notes, but really had no idea how a CD was created. The process of making a CD from original conception to finished product is like giving birth!! I'd met Ron Benner of Dogwood Recording in July of 2004, when he sat on a panel of studio engineers. His help, experitise and work ethic were invaluable and a joy from beginning to end. The recording, the mixing, the mastering processes were truly facinating. Thanks to Bones, who sat in as resident dog and friend, providing an ever present shoulder. Bill Heydolph of Front Porch kept the project moving along with his professionalism, experience and humor. I must thank Michael, Marlon and Melody along with many kind friends who patiently listened and gave feedback hour after hour, day after day.

I've come to understand with the passing of so many friends at once, that aging, grieving and death are completely natural parts of the human cycle and experience, but often taboo to speak of. Aging and death are commonly viewed as enemies to be denied, feared or fought against.

Change and transformation are inevitable and can be embraced with dignity. It's hard when the people we love change forms.. but I believe that, like people in a coma, people with dementia may not be able to communicate like they once could, or may not appear how they once did, but can hear us and above all else, do feel and appreciate our love, patience, understanding and kindness.

May we acknowledge and be unafraid to discuss the issues of aging and passing, as we say goodbye to all that we know, when we must, embarking each day toward a new adventure. May we share in faith, strength and new territory.

A portion of the monies collected from the sale of this work will be contributed to Alzheimer research & Hospice support.

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