Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Joslin Farm

 

Joslin Farm (mp3) (pdf)

One of my favorite places is the Kings Landing living history historical settlement, nestled along the St. John River just west of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The Joslin Farm is one of the features of a visit to the park and I've enjoyed visiting it several times.

There is apparently another very nice place with a similar name in Vermont, the Joslin Round Barn Farm. I think I would enjoy visiting there someday too. So the title of this tune, like many tune titles, can evoke different reactions depending on your own history.

Even though I have zero interest in the Game of Thrones phenomenon I do realize that "King's Landing" is a place in that universe as well. I think our imaginations are probably big enough for both fictional places to coexist. I can guarantee, however, that a physical visit to the Joslin Farm at Kings Landing in New Brunswick will add some pleasure to your life.

I've had this tune for a couple of years with a different title and I realized that I was holding it back because something about the title wasn't just right. With a little thought I found this solution, I hope you enjoy the result.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Assisi Heights

 

Assisi Heights (mp3) (pdf) (pdf harmony)

Shortly after we arrived in Decorah, Iowa, in the summer of 1994, I was driven off to Rochester, MN to participate in a Luther College all faculty retreat at a place called Assisi Heights. This was a wonderful experience for me, especially given my lifelong interest in St. Francis and all things Franciscan. 

I haven't returned there for a lengthy visit since 1994 but I always look off towards the site as I drive by on my way to and from the Twin Cities. It always does me good.

I really like this tune and I've had it for several months. Erik, Patrice and I gave it a world premiere at the Decorah Farmers Market just over a week ago and I discovered a few more changes I needed to make. I hope now it's a finished piece but I never know for certain.

In any event I hope you enjoy it and that it brings a little Franciscan moment into you day.


 
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