tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31155345707195917462012-01-08T17:11:41.264-08:00This collection of inspirational music features sacred, classical, and traditional pieces. Several were originally written for voice (my other love) and I've given them a new voice here on my violin. If this is your first time visiting my blog, please take a minute to read about why I made this recording.Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.comBlogger711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-16568723406966856582011-12-31T06:46:00.000-08:002011-12-31T08:09:48.570-08:00

I'm fascinated with the trees here on the Monterey Peninsula. Sometime I'll post pictures of all my favorites. Today though, I'm writing about a new discovery - I just found out that one of my best friends (and neighbors, who sees the same trees I do every day) shares that same interest. Yesterday she pointed out a tree I've passed by daily but hadn't really seen before, at least not the way she

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-71951128672183379552011-12-14T16:09:00.000-08:002011-12-14T16:35:14.290-08:00

I love living in such a cool place!My morning, in pictures:I could never get away with using this purse, let alone afford it, but isn't this creative? More of my endless fascination with the flora of California's Central Coast. Looks like Christmas to me. (Red, green, and shiny!)We turned off the main row of shops and art galleries and found this sweet, peaceful haven. Inside the pipe organ

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-24610132948467458612011-12-02T23:01:00.000-08:002011-12-03T16:44:01.706-08:00

So this is what we get for turning the ornament hanging over to our 6 and 9 year old boys... the paper tag labeling one of the parts of the artificial tree becomes a decoration! It is rather special since both of their names start with B. I think this is hilarious - guess we'll see how many years this shows up on our tree!

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-30877313279641390212011-12-01T14:05:00.000-08:002011-12-01T18:24:41.872-08:00

This morning our boys reminded me it was time to break out the chocolate advent calendars - can it really be December already? You have to understand that I'm asking this for more than the "where did the year go?" reasons that we all have. Here in Monterey the weather is sunny in the mid-60's, and the trees and grass are lush and green this time of year. It feels like Spring. (But not the "Spring

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-12267981878258144362011-07-14T19:32:00.000-07:002011-07-15T07:41:19.549-07:00

This year I got to go home for the 4th of July - back to the home where I grew up in Missouri! We enjoyed a delicious brunch out on the front porch with extended family - aunts, uncles, lots of little cousins, grandparents, and even my kids' great-grandmother! We started the gathering by singing the National Anthem and saying the Pledge of Allegiance together, and it was sweet to see all the

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-23070926301523108962011-05-29T22:50:00.000-07:002011-05-29T23:37:48.129-07:00

I watched a terrific Memorial Day tribute this morning and it really got me into the right spirit of what this holiday is all about. It was the live broadcast of "Music and the Spoken Word," and when it is up on their website I'll include a link to it. You don't want to miss this one!Here are a few of the highlights from the "spoken word" part of the program, from Lloyd Newell. (These are his

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-88915056924182678012011-05-04T21:54:00.000-07:002011-05-04T22:55:01.219-07:00

I got to be part of the coolest experience - one that came as quite a surprise - and was reminded why I feel so lucky to get to do what I do! I've been a violin teacher since I was fifteen. (And that is another story - a great one!) That's 20 years I've been doing this now... and in all that time, most of my students have been children or teenagers. I've had only a handful of adult students. But

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-31434417022257073992011-04-23T21:03:00.000-07:002011-04-23T22:33:34.288-07:00

Spring... Springing... Sprung!Nature is such an inspiration this time of year! I love watching the development of beautiful things all around me. I think this is the right time to tell my story behind "Allegretto alla Romanza" by Edvard Grieg - how it came into my life and why I chose to

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-80399998386633147162011-03-21T16:17:00.000-07:002011-03-26T17:00:37.086-07:00

While looking through some of the pictures I've taken since we moved to California, the words to "All Things Bright and Beautiful" came to my mind. It's an Anglican hymn (Cecil Alexander, pub. in 1848) that I just love. So I've really enjoyed pairing these images with his words, both of which remind me just "How great is God Almighty". Hope you'll enjoy them, too!All things bright and beautiful,

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-41617862543227192762011-03-17T21:20:00.001-07:002011-03-17T21:31:24.892-07:00

"If you are lucky enough to live here, you are lucky enough."I saw this quote, decorated with shamrocks, hanging on a friend's wall today. And I think it's true! Lucky enough, blessed enough - whatever you call it, it's a great reminder to be happy enough and grateful enough. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-22934849926557343142011-03-14T21:50:00.000-07:002011-03-14T22:16:36.365-07:00

So, I don't know about you, but with Spring Break starting today, we celebrated Daylight Savings Time by sleeping in exactly one hour. (No alarm clock necessary... we actually didn't know we had celebrated it that way until we woke up.)I first became acquainted with the lovely song, "As the Deer," when I played for Mass in Italy several years ago. My accompanist introduced me to it and we

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-84613452639658283452011-02-22T14:50:00.000-08:002011-02-22T17:05:14.088-08:00

You just never know when or where Inspiration will strike next! This past weekend I found some meaningful insights on our nation's Founding Fathers in a place I certainly didn't expect: the introduction of "The 3 Word Journal: Finding Your Purpose in Life," by Randal A. Wright. He talks about figurative "help-wanted" signs posted throughout history, and the heroic people who realized they had

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-12208892189084574802011-02-11T21:41:00.000-08:002011-02-12T10:09:07.236-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh_tUbuDGlY(Click on the link to see the full screen.)The wintry day, descending to its close,Invites all wearied nature to repose,And shades of night are falling dense and fast,Like sable curtains closing o’er the past.Pale through the gloom the newly fallen snowWraps in a shroud the silent earth belowAs tho ’twere mercy’s hand had spread the pall,A symbol of

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-84943962700883137442011-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:002011-02-10T14:51:25.223-08:00

It's almost here! The fund-raising auction to help my cousin Jenny cover her chemotherapy and medical expenses from leukemia is right around the corner. There are now 63 items available to bid on! Check them all out at http://welovejennyauction.blogspot.com/ or click on the "We Love Jenny" button above.For more details, see my post "Cousins are For Keeps".The update is that now instead of the

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-90106166880560283042011-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:00:59.004-08:00

">Watching this little boy conduct his heart out - and with such phenomenal artistry and enthusiasm - has brought me pure joy today. I don't know who he is, but what a blast to play in his orchestra someday. Enjoy!http://www2.choralnet.org/268945.html

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-86841629990403178512011-01-24T20:42:00.000-08:002011-01-31T22:33:59.216-08:00

One of life's funnest blessings has to cousins. I have a lot of them and they are some of my favorite people in the world! I want to tell you about my cousin, Jenny. Our boys call her "Cousin Jenny" and they actually know her better than any of their own aunts, uncles, or cousins. (Jenny is on the far right - I'm so lucky to be related to all of these awesome women!)When we moved to the DC area

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-37115481978656180682010-12-22T22:18:00.000-08:002010-12-23T16:33:49.064-08:00

As of today I have resigned myself to the fact that I will not have Christmas cards sent to anyone in time for Christmas this year. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and we even got a usable family picture at the beach - which was not as easy as it sounds! It might end up becoming a Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's, or even Happy Easter greeting in 2011. (I actually did send a Happy Easter

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-62453780482892514802010-12-13T11:42:00.000-08:002010-12-13T13:16:04.030-08:00

I can't quite say we're all settled in here, as much as I long to be able to say it! I sometimes still have the strange feeling that it's been a month-long vacation of sorts, that we're just kind of pretending we live here. I've considered establishing our own sand box by the front door from all the sand that comes home in our boys' shoes on a daily basis. Maybe once it's full I'll realize that

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-72334429944598007432010-11-04T16:49:00.000-07:002010-11-05T23:00:51.324-07:00

Day 11 was significant for a few different reasons; meeting Toby the Desert Turtle was the first. This was the closest I’ve ever come to thinking “maybe we could have a pet, too.” (I have never had that thought, ever, until today!)The drive to the Trail of 100 Giants from Ridgecrest was by far the most remote drive we’ve been on this entire trip. The terrain got really unique and there were no

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-10391689820367754812010-11-03T20:29:00.000-07:002010-11-03T21:27:30.942-07:00

From Flagstaff, AZ to Ridgecrest, CAHighlights:Favorite SignsRoad Kill Cafe'Holy Moses WashSaw our first palm trees! There were nine of them in the landscaping around IHOP, where stopped for lunch. After looking around for other palm trees in the area, our son concluded, "I guess they only grow at IHOP."We crossed the border into California!!! A loud cheer went up in the car.The price of gas went

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-92200746593548066992010-11-01T07:24:00.000-07:002010-11-03T20:27:55.642-07:00

The Grand Canyon was simply amazing!This was our first time here, but let me preface by saying I can only imagine how good we had it by being able to visit so late in the Fall. We cruised right through the entrance without any wait, and there were only a handful of other visitors to share the park and incredible views with. I'm guessing in the Summer it would be a little different story!Within

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-80465310430133494802010-11-01T07:23:00.000-07:002010-11-03T19:01:52.543-07:00

Ah, a much needed day of R&R with cousins in Flagstaff. They really know how to celebrate Halloween, which made it an awesome holiday for our whole family this year!We had Halloween pancakes for breakfast...Experienced my first pine needle shower (when the wind blew the dry needles off the trees) My cousin’s daughter spelled “Happy Halloween” out of fallen needles in their yard...these girls are

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-81095780186819988212010-11-01T07:21:00.000-07:002010-11-01T07:37:25.083-07:00

1 way trip from Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ 3 bathroom stops4 travelers (we haven’t left anyone behind yet)1 more hour gained (it’s starting to become a habit now)6.5 hours on the road (about half of what we did on Day 5, much to my relief)1 tumbleweed stuck in the front grill + an untold number of dead bugs 12 phone calls between the Insurance Company, Dr’s offices, and me3 calls ended

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-45236210779290516672010-10-30T16:47:00.000-07:002010-10-30T17:38:16.266-07:00

If you haven't seen my newly posted video, don't miss it!And now, onto today's highlights of our move from Washington, DC to Monterey, CA.From Elk City, Oklahoma to Albuquerque, New Mexico today.Highlights:Have you ever been a brand new Wal-Mart, like one day old? That was me this morning in Elk City’s sparkling new Jumbo Wal-Mart. The entryway alone was bigger than our last house!Through the

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-60178792584295652942010-10-28T21:30:00.000-07:002010-10-30T17:41:36.573-07:00

So here's the big news I've been exited to share for quite some time now! I have a new single available now, "The Star-Spangled Banner" that I recorded for my husband's Air Force promotion ceremony. It's been a huge project because I decided to create a video to go with it, and since I'd never done anything like that before, the learning curve has been pretty sharp. Add in real life and a move

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-3321789944222349332010-10-28T21:11:00.000-07:002010-10-28T21:28:31.265-07:00

So… “Should we be hysterical? Yes! No! Maybe, but not right now” got used up as a title a little pre-maturely. It fit today even better, unfortunately. We left Branson, MO and had lunch with friends that we met years ago in Italy. We last saw them when we both had 2-month old boys, but now they are Kindergarteners and it’s shocking how fast the years have gone. We said good-bye, got in the car

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-52837057078422129642010-10-27T21:15:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:34:13.130-07:00

It’s been ten years since we last saw the Brett Family show in Branson, MO – until today! What a phenomenal show! They have more energy and talent and humor than should be legal in one family, honestly. Our boys loved it and Tom even said a personal good-bye to each of them over the microphone at the end – they felt pretty famous! The only thing that could have made the event any better was the

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-75356167933635887162010-10-26T18:45:00.000-07:002010-10-27T21:13:47.050-07:00

I think we’ve had a few too many drinks of interesting tasting tap water from a few too many states now. It finally caught up with two out of four of us this morning. Luckily we made it to a gas station bathroom just in time. (Hence, today’s travel title came to us early, courtesy of Toy Story 3.)So in Illinois I made a new resolve to drink only bottled water for the rest of our trip as much as

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-65771104843706612642010-10-25T21:07:00.000-07:002010-10-25T21:32:35.330-07:00

This title is not a commentary on the volume level in the backseat – it’s the motto of the New Harmony Inn where we stopped for the night in Indiana. LOVE that little spot of earth!Highlights from the second day of our trip across the country, from Charleston WV to New Harmony IN:- That cute little B&B we stayed at was just steps away from the Capitol Building of West Virginia. The boys thought

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-86577665337231638472010-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:002010-10-24T20:40:33.720-07:00

That big move that’s been looming ahead of us? Well it’s here and we’re on it. We left the outskirts of Washington, DC yesterday. Destination: Monterey, California. Coast to coast, here we go!So a few highlights from Day One, Springfield VA to Charleston WV: - Let’s hear it for the inventor of cruise control! This is some seriously hilly country, and it saved our bacon over and over again. The

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-28832285850126410462010-10-14T06:25:00.001-07:002010-10-14T07:53:50.188-07:00

So it's a soggy, gray morning and I saw the cutest thing that brought back a funny memory. Of course it wasn't so funny at the time.At school this morning while all the students streamed in the front doors, dripping wet, most kids were balancing backpacks and umbrellas while they wiped their feet on the mats. In walked a little girl, probably nine or ten years old, carrying a huge trash bag with

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-78376531057429935572010-09-10T22:26:00.000-07:002010-09-10T23:03:37.168-07:00

On rare occasions I find myself with a basket of laundry to fold and the TV all to myself. This actually happened yesterday (remember, still getting caught up) and I turned the channel to BYU-TV. I caught the second half of a terrific program about the life of Reid Nibley, musician extraordinaire, and couldn’t wait to watch the entire show. It would air again that night at 9pm, which equates to

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-45901481882180224652010-09-08T07:56:00.000-07:002010-09-10T20:47:54.451-07:00

With Summer behind us (except that it's still 94 degrees right now) and the first day of school come and gone (as of yesterday), I’m back. With lots to tell. August was an epic month for my family, travelling 23 days that found us in nine different states. Granted, four of them we saw only briefly en route to the remaining, well, five. Spending time with family and friends we haven’t seen in far

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-41401783118994604742010-07-19T19:04:00.000-07:002010-07-19T19:13:52.987-07:00

This short clip made my day. These sisters have got guts, talent, and a very powerful message: "You can achieve your dreams. You can do anything you set your mind to." Watch them do it! Talk about motivation.Here's the direct link to youTube so you can view the entire screen (sorry, haven't figured out how to reduce the size for my blog yet!)

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-34643619541623101012010-07-11T19:51:00.000-07:002010-07-13T07:33:59.865-07:00

I can remember listening to an old LP as a little girl – it was an album of hymn arrangements for full orchestra and there was a lush waterfall scene on the big, square cover. We’d listen to it on Sundays, and on other days too, and it gave me such a safe, peaceful feeling inside every time I heard it. One of the songs I connect with this memory is a familiar setting of “The Lord Is My Shepherd,”

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-23870439210895879242010-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:002010-07-01T09:55:59.688-07:00

I started this post back on Father's Day, but other projects (coming soon!) have kept me from finishing it until now. So better late than never, to honor the special men in my life:The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity. ~Jean Paul RichterOn Father's Day,

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-90623272207493504812010-06-14T14:35:00.000-07:002010-06-14T15:09:21.225-07:00

I've been on the lookout for awesome flag pictures lately (more on that later) so I'm happy that today's holiday gives me the perfect reason to share one of them. Just took this Saturday, and it was at half-mast. On those days I always find myself gazing at the flag a little bit longer and with more gratitude for all that it stands for.I also started thinking this morning back to patriotic songs

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-79895505868745874922010-06-07T08:21:00.000-07:002010-06-08T12:59:30.696-07:00

This weekend we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary! Seems a fitting time tell the story behind "our song" and how it came to be the first title on my CD. It's not a predictable plot line by any means!It all started with a random month-long trip to Scandinavia that I took by myself when I was 23. Not like me at all. That could be an entire blog with daily postings all in itself. On this

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-41833845288297296122010-06-01T09:05:00.001-07:002010-06-01T09:58:59.524-07:00

I've thought about what Memorial Day means more this year than ever before, partly because my young boys have wanted to know what this "holiday without presents" is all about. ("What, is it like St. Patrick's Day then?") In an attempt to give them an understanding that this is a holiday celebrating the gifts others have already given us, and honoring those who gave them, I've had a lot to think

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-79163745967719990102010-05-25T10:12:00.001-07:002010-05-26T06:16:13.060-07:00

In other words, what I have learned from children this past week about being brave.I never pictured that I would be in "Jedi Knight Training," but over the past few months my son has insisted that I become qualified to effectively battle as (fill in the blank), the Jedi Knight, with him. He's taught me some pretty amazing moves, just don't ask me to replicate them...Last week he drew upon his own

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-78456414414757132082010-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:002010-05-12T09:24:46.441-07:00

So I'm at the gym this morning, and have a newly uploaded CD on my iPod. (Thank you Mom for sending Eric birthday gifts that you know I'll love, too!) "That Easter Morn," a recently released CD from the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization (OCMCO) is on my new favorites list. Here's why.Exercise is not my thing. But music is, so I'm trying to get through one by enjoying the other. Have you

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-62933653983747558872010-05-09T16:38:00.000-07:002010-05-10T06:41:51.632-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! Today I am especially mindful of my own amazing mother and grandmothers, special women who've had a great influence on me at important times in my life, and the many dear friends who've been a great example to me of what womanhood is all about. I am thankful to be a woman and a mother!Last week I got to attend a "Mother's Day Tea" with my preschooler, and he proudly presented

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-71923666100772814662010-05-03T14:33:00.000-07:002010-05-03T14:42:39.005-07:00

A few days ago I taught a class to young women on conducting hymns, specifically in congregational settings. Because there is so much material to cover, and because some of the girls have less experience with music than others, I called it “Survival Conducting” and pared it back to the basics as much as I could. We had a group of about 25, a lot of enthusiasm, and a lot of fun! I think the

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-9406810257807572922010-04-21T10:04:00.000-07:002010-04-22T08:36:28.482-07:00

Today is our “baby’s” 5th birthday. Last night I thought back to the events preceeding his birth and the details were startling clear in my mind. I don't know if most birth experiences (overseas - which his was - or otherwise) are this way, but it was filled with adventure, drama and plenty of “Murphy’s Law” moments, which I seem to specialize in!Fast forward back to this morning – oh yeah, there

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-1608098364674086812010-04-12T12:18:00.000-07:002010-04-12T12:30:31.436-07:00

Our youngest son called for me to help him fall asleep, and despite his best attempts it was past 10:30pm. I had already exhausted the other common tactics. Then it occured to me: “Do you need some music?” I asked. “YES!” he cried. “What’s it going to be?”“Would you like to hear my CD?”“Yes! But…why don’t you just play yourself for me?”That took me back for a moment. Do I follow my impulse to say

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-33798618534384846622010-04-02T08:38:00.000-07:002010-04-15T18:31:52.979-07:00

Happy Easter, everyone! Last Sunday our choir at church sang a beautiful piece that has been running through my mind. Both the lyrics and the melody are lovely, reflective, and soothing. Lindy Kerby, composer, has generously shared the musical score on her website: www.kerbymusic.orgThis Easter Morning This Easter morning I'm thinking of Himwho prayed in a gardenfor all of our sinThis part of the

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-33846079706509604342010-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:002010-03-30T07:36:10.768-07:00

Last night my husband took our seven-year old grocery shopping with him. (This is just one of countless reasons I love my husband - he shops! With kids!) When I was a kid we always loved it when Dad did the grocery shopping (think donuts, Cheetos, white bread, and chocolate milk as opposed to the usual Shredded Wheat, Triscuts, brown bread, and white milk). Must be a Dad thing because the same

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-82285596283915855612010-03-23T16:13:00.000-07:002010-03-28T17:03:01.221-07:00

“Remembrance and understanding the past are key components of musical artistry…” Wow! This statement popped out at me today from an article calling for volunteer orchestra members for a Holocaust Memorial program. I feel like it sums up a lot of the thoughts and experiences I’ve had recently about the founding of America, my own family history in its Colonial beginnings, and how this has

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-87010077191455227402010-03-03T08:19:00.000-08:002010-03-03T08:38:55.629-08:00

It’s been a busy few weeks around here! We’re getting ready for my husband’s promotion in the Air Force in just a few days. Recently I had the idea to record “The Star Spangled Banner” for his promotion ceremony, and I’m happy to say that it’s done! (Had to reschedule with all the snow we got; happy that Bias Studios could squeeze me in just in time!) Here’s a picture from the session Thursday

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-85050712407825817122010-02-09T10:09:00.000-08:002010-02-09T10:24:18.673-08:00

Congratulations to Teresa from Independence, Missouri! My littlest guy drew your number out the cup this morning. Hope you enjoy it!Thank you to everybody who entered the drawing; it was really fun to hear from you and I appreciate all your kind comments a lot. Signing off from snowed in Northern VA with another 10-20 inches on the way...Arian

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-18224386260366923362010-02-07T18:06:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:30:50.804-08:00

Don't miss your chance to enter the drawing for my CD Giveaway! See my previous post, "CD Giveaway" for details. The deadline for entering the drawing is TODAY - 11:59PM EST Monday, February 8th. In the past 11 days, school has only been in session for two of them. Count 'em, TWO. And here's why!That is our little basketball hoop in the left corner.It feels like (an unplanned) Christmas break all

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-21109768701985236412010-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:002010-02-07T20:25:03.855-08:00

Looking for a Valentine's Day gift for someone you love? I'm giving away a free autographed copy of "A Time to Love" - give it as a gift or keep it to enjoy yourself!To enter the drawing, answer this question, found in my blog:What song are my brother John and I pictured singing on Karaoke? (Hint: The answer is found in my "Good Awesome Days" blog entry.)Send me an email ariangjohnson@hotmail.com

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-43288865855726262142010-01-19T06:28:00.000-08:002010-01-26T13:58:24.904-08:00

We enjoyed a fun visit with my uncle and aunt last night, Tom and Andrea Brett. I've written a lot about my family ties on my dad's side, and there is just as much still to say about my mom's (Andrea is one of my mom's sisters). I really am fortunate to have received a musical heritage through both sides. Andrea arranged "Danny Boy" (audio clip on the right) and I thought it might be fun to give

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-36217615884548319792010-01-14T07:35:00.000-08:002010-01-17T12:16:52.992-08:00

Last night I had a sweet, unexpected "payback" moment and wanted to share it here:The conversation began with, "Arian, let me give you a hug". (A nice start!) "My daughter gave us one of your CDs for Christmas. The first time I listened to it was in the car while I was driving, and that was a big mistake." (This had me a little worried.) "It just made me cry and I had so many tears streaming down

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-59359541055702030002010-01-03T16:03:00.000-08:002010-01-05T09:41:50.505-08:00

Happy 2010, everyone!This past week my little brother John came out to visit. Among all the other holiday festivities and catching up on the last 2 1/2 years since we've seen each other, John and I did something really fun: we recorded a song together! He's composed some really cool stuff, and in this case he wrote a violin part to go with the guitar and vocals. It won't be long before his CDs

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-6960165870964835072009-12-15T17:16:00.000-08:002009-12-22T18:33:48.736-08:00

. . . and for the rest of the year, in my book: track #11, Stille Nacht. This is the Mannheim Steamroller version of Silent Night, arranged by Chip Davis and transcribed for violin and piano by Chuck Penington. I LOVE this piece! There are several reasons why I've included it on this CD, which is meant to be enjoyed year-round, not just at Christmas. The main reason is that I am filled with a

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-68318026216443920052009-12-10T06:41:00.000-08:002010-04-03T19:39:14.433-07:00

Hi everybody, hope you are enjoying this holiday season! I am really looking forward to Christmas myself. Just before Thanksgiving we held a family Holiday Planning Meeting and asked our boys what traditions they'd like to continue or begin this year. It was eye-opening (and somewhat amusing) to hear their ideas and memories and find out what was really important to them. I'm not a Super-Mom who

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-46997881472452730412009-12-03T14:14:00.000-08:002009-12-03T19:22:20.054-08:00

Okay, so this is admittedly not my most thought-provoking post, but it does have to do with an "Aha!" heritage connection I made today. And I do think it's a mildly entertaining topic.From people who know me well, to total strangers, I've been told for years now that I look like Barbra Streisand. I even have two friends, from totally unrelated phases in my life, who've both nick-named me "Barb".

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-49933763561356044462009-11-23T18:35:00.000-08:002009-11-23T19:27:02.819-08:00

Six out of seven nights around here, we have a hard time getting our 7-year old son to fall asleep. He has mastered the art of distraction, the art of discovering sudden (and often rare) ailments, and the art of pushing our buttons. Anything to stay up just a little longer with us.Tonight, hoping to cut to the chase rather than play the all too familiar games, I spent almost an hour laying down

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-51003565923577641402009-11-15T18:18:00.000-08:002009-11-17T13:37:02.323-08:00

Congratulations to Rosalee, who won Rachelle's drawing for a free CD! I hope you'll enjoy it!Today one of my friends here in Virginia shared something with me that made me smile. She is a 6th grade teacher, and has set aside time each day for her students to listen to music while they are working. This past week she took my CD in to give them something new to listen to, and they are really

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-1719794400889970752009-11-09T06:57:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:42:34.492-08:00

Lately I've heard a lot of powerful statements on the importance of connecting past generations to our future posterity. Maybe it's because I've just finished this project and that subject has been on my mind, so I'm more attuned to things of that nature right now. Maybe it's because there's still more I need to do so it keeps coming back to my attention. Either way, I want to share a couple of

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-17671810504686012662009-11-03T12:00:00.000-08:002009-11-03T15:05:47.358-08:00

Rachelle is one of my favorite people in the whole world - a fun, dear friend who came into my life just at the right time. But with my family’s frequent military moves, we lost touch over the years. When I recently found Rachelle on Facebook, I looked at her profile picture and thought, “How fun that she and Jayson got all their nieces and nephews dressed alike for a picture! They must have just

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-18310131616871652392009-11-03T11:52:00.000-08:002009-11-03T11:57:02.554-08:00

I now have a Paypal "Buy Now" button on the sidebar, and I've just added another audio clip to my music player. Enjoy!

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-7419225629762558732009-10-26T20:08:00.000-07:002009-10-28T09:48:21.055-07:00

Doesn't it just feel good to look at this? Mmmm....What a treat to perform in such a gorgeous home, with a wonderful accompanist, for people I love.I'm thankful for such great friends who hosted this beautiful evening!

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-25167482539898961992009-10-23T09:50:00.000-07:002010-06-04T18:56:55.129-07:00

I want to share a few comments I've received about my CD so far...you guys are great! Thanks so much for the feedback, everybody."I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful CD that you made. It's so eerily beautiful. Your work is so special, creative and sweet... Thank you again for your music, it's given me endless hours of pleasure." - California"...I loved, loved, loved what I heard!" -

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-50915215184721979442009-10-20T06:59:00.000-07:002009-11-09T08:14:05.925-08:00

When I was nine years old my parents asked me if I'd like to learn to play the violin. My dad and Grandad both played the violin, so I said yes, and I fell in love with it! But that isn't really the beginning of the story.When Grandad was eight years old his dad asked him if he'd like to start playing an instrument, and he chose the violin. Grandad and I used to play Meditation from Thaїs

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-16080632605253244302009-10-16T20:39:00.000-07:002009-10-17T05:10:46.852-07:00

The CD release open house was a wonderful night! It truly could not have gone any better. Thank you so much to the women who hosted it and to all of you who came.Pictures will be posted soon. In the meanwhile, if you'd like to know what I talked about, here is (more or less) what I said:When I first had the idea to record a CD as a heritage project, I immediately pushed it away. “I’m not good

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-41013978749388286152009-10-13T18:10:00.000-07:002009-10-23T19:32:38.993-07:00

For return visitors to this blog, just wanted to point out that I made a minor change to the sidebar regarding ordering. The price for 4 CDs is $60 since shipping is free at that point- sorry if it was previously vague! Also, orders of 4 or more CDs will sent by media mail. (1-3 CDs will still to be sent First Class.) Thanks for such a great response and all the encouraging words! I have really

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-83482646882475838452009-10-04T12:15:00.000-07:002009-10-23T19:29:38.873-07:00

Friday, October 16th is my official CD release! If you live in the Northern Virginia/DC area and are interested in coming to a Girl's Night Out, email springson22@yahoo.com for details. Come enjoy catching up with friends over dessert while listening to "A Time to Love". I'll also be performing and telling about some of my experiences working on the CD. Copies will be available for purchase that

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-39408185171155836462009-09-19T10:49:00.000-07:002009-10-09T09:48:10.558-07:00

This has been a sharp learning curve for me, getting this blog up and running. I've stuck with it, though, because I want to have a place for sharing information and comments about my CD. Thank you to those who've given me helpful tips along the way!One of my favorite stories so far comes from my friend who is 100 years old in Anacortes, Washington. He is one of the dearest people I've ever known

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115534570719591746.post-46480228798973685542009-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:002009-09-25T10:19:58.077-07:00

Kirk Davies studied piano accompaniment at the University of Utah, completing his degree in 1986. He now serves as an active duty colonel in the United States Air Force and is presently stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. He and his wife, Cynthia, have three children. When time allows, Kirk enjoys writing hymn arrangements and usually has two or three new tunes rattling around

Arian Goodman Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001054544395702871noreply@blogger.com