"The mountains, I become part of it ...
The herbs, the fir tree, I become part of it ...
The morning mists, the clouds, the gathering waters, I become part of it ...
The wilderness, the dew drops, the pollen, I become part of it ..."

-Navajo Prayer Song

I have heard that life is a journey, and that, I believe to be true. The simplest tasks in any given day can become a beautiful journey if we open our eyes and our hearts and slow down long enough to notice. I feel in my heart that this journey of mine is ever changing and always getting better. In the last year the journey has steered me to Grateful Groove, and presented me with the opportunity to play music, make friends, open my mind and my heart and embrace the spirit of Music.

I have been involved in music one way or another for my entire existence on this planet. I was introduced to many styles of music as a youngster. I am the youngest of nine kids, and every one of my brothers and sisters and my parents have encouraged and influenced me. When I grew up I was blessed with being surrounded by people who appreciate music in all it's styles. Folk Rock, Country, Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz, Big Band, Classic Rock, Heavy Metal, Gospel ... At any given time there were radios and stereos in every bedroom playing something different, and I loved every bit of it, still do.

My sister Jeanette taught me to play the mandolin when I was about twelve, but I never really stuck with it and never really learned to play. I wanted to play Cello or Trombone in 5th grade but I had to ride the bus, so I opted for the flute, small and easy to carry. Mom and Dad were going through some rough times and our family was really poor when I was in Middle School, but somehow my parents bought me Bundy nickel plated concert flute. I don't know where they got the money for it, I'll have to ask them. But they got it and I played it, a lot. It's the same flute I play now. I played all the way through school, but after I graduated I didn't play for about 10 years. There is something about the flute that has become part of me, it is like another voice of my own. A voice that is more spiritual, more emotional, more true, sometimes it feels like I can say more with the notes from the flute than I Can with words.

If I had to think about inspirations and influences a bunch of people jump into my mind. John Hiatt, Bill Miller, Nancy Griffith, Sting, Jethro Tull, Marshall Tucker Band, Peter Rowan, Robbie Robertson, Ella Fitzgerald, Chief Joseph, Mom & Dad, Jim Martin ... I guess my number one inspiration is nature though, the trees, the streams, the birds, the wind, the stars. I can't help but be inspired by it all. Isn't that what the journey is all about? It is for me. Being in tune with everything that is around you, everything that is speaking and whispering. Climbing out from under that rock and letting the sun play upon your face. That is what I am doing with music now. I am letting it shine on me, letting it soak in and trying to shine back.

Janelle