 3-d babyI have severely ignored my blog and my web-site over the past six months, but for good reason! Jameson (yes, it's a boy) is now officially full term and I have 19 days until my scheduled c-section. It seems like I have been pregnant forever at this point so 19 days still seems too far away, and yet too close at the very same time.
A few weeks ago one of my students kindly offered to allow me to use her 3-d Ultra sound facility to view Jameson. The results are incredible, so I should show you the photos from the visit. If you are interested in viewing 3-d ultra sounds of your little one please do visit one of the www.3dbabyvu.com locations around the Bay Area. It was such an incredible experience to see Jameson in real time, moving, gesticulating, and clowning around. Here are my favorite photos:   Everyone says that Jameson looks like Jim. Ok, women say that he looks like Jim. In fact, It think there is a specific gene that only women have that enables them to interpret ultra-sounds because most men don't see anything resembling a human being. The past six months have been a whirlwind and a miracle. I have focused on keeping healthy (since I have had migraines like I have never had before) and on serving as a worship leader at my church during an interim period www.creeksidechurch.com. It has been a journey of faith since the doctors who performed my spinal fusion predicted that I would spend the last three months of my pregnancy (May, June & July) in bed. Luckily, God has sustained me and made is possible for me to lead worship every weekend since February at either Creekside or www.crosswalkchurch.com in Sunnyvale. It has been amazing to find that God has truly equipped me to lead a team of musicians and a congregation into worship. I have found it to be very humbling because I know it is not I singing, playing and leading. I know that I have finally found surrender. Although I find I need to continue that surrender every day in order to find true worship, God has showed me His will for me. Music will always be a source of worship for me, but now I begin a new chapter where I will continue to worship in a new way. In 19 days not only will Jameson be born, but a mother will also be born. In motherhood, I am sure I will find all new ways to surrender, be broken, creative and find worship through it all. How can I keep from singing? Love, Lori Eating for one and a peanut!I've been ignoring you! Whoever actually reads my blogs, I have not spoken to you in well over a month. Hopefully you are not mad at me, but life has been full of a few surprises that I am finally ready to share. Hot CocoaCloserNew Song = SolaceFinally!After five months of searching, we are so happy to welcome Kristopher Duarte to ~~Open Door~~. It's taken me a while to finally update our web-site with his info, but you can check out his web-site at www.kristopherduarte.com or view the band bios by clicking here.
We're finally making headway on our recording project with the help of David and his fabulous percussive skills and now Kristopher with his flawless taste and mad skills on both bass and guitar. Here's a photo of our band at the Independence Day Celebration in Castro Valley.  "Beautiful" just needs to be mixed down and the final vocals for "Closer" need to be added before we can post these two new singles. Check back next week... L MoooPhoto FindYeeeey! I finally found my camera, so I can share my photos with you at last.
So, here is Miss Lady.... getting her beloved ferret toy.  She is also a Lady of Leisure ...  Also, here are a few cute pictures from my b-day trip at the beginning of April.  My Mom, sister and my dear friend Jilann and I enjoyed fabulous wine, lulling laughter and a mud bath, of course...  Jilann is basking on the left and I'm on the right.  The weekend concluded with a fantastic dinner at Bridges in Danville where my Sonoma spa party was united with my father, my friends Jim and Cris and my husband, Jim, of course. All in all, the weekend was quite capital and the company was even more pleasurable. Although I dare not ask to turn thirty twice, I do say that it might not be such a poor thing to be carried out in such a way as it was for me! God bless, L CloserNew EditionGet another cart!Has any one else had this experience? Ok, you're in a hurry to get in and out of the grocery store, so you can get on with your life and you happen to choose a less-than-compliant cart.
You figure it's not a problem, though it can only turn to the right or to the left with great effort, but cannot, however, go straight. So, you keep going, thinking you can master this crazy cart just well enough to get the few things on your list. But, as you plow through the aisles you realize that people are dodging you and your fishtailing cart.... By the end of your short shopping experience you have a sore back and successfully have forgotten three things on your list, causing you to go back to the grocery store again? Maybe I'm the only one... it's slightly comical, but kinda pathetic:) Ok, so this weekend ~~Open Door~~ had two concerts Friday and Saturday and led worship on Sunday. Each time we practice, we get tighter, but it is in performance and in worship that we really come together. Yep, there were some rocky spots when the sound systems gave us reasons to get on our knees and pray, but over all we felt successful in a thriving ministry. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting some very talented and humble Christian Musicians, and now God is continuing to Open Doors for us to walk through and play. Next we gotta get back into the studio in March to lay down at least 10 originals that we already have performed all over the Bay. Let's see.... photos... here we are at The Well in Brentwood. Thanks to Steve Thuman, we have a great shot of us playing on Saturday Night!  Life lesson learned this week, next time, get another cart! God bless, L FingerpickingPhew! I just did some major updating that reeeeeally needed to be done on the site. Now I finally have a store where I can sell ~~Open Door~~s demo along with Loti: Shattered Boxes. Click here to check out the store.
I even have plans for selling ~~Open Door~~ T-shirts that I've made. So far I've only made five, but I'm getting faster and they are actually pretty cute. It's all about the right fitting t-shirt! What's new... well, I'm finally over the cold/flu whatever I had for a week or so and now poor Jim is getting sick. Still, God has blessed me so that I haven't had to miss any gigs. Yey God! Gosh, this weekend I plan to organize the studio, take band photos and finally have some new photos for you to see! David and Andrew are working their tails off getting us booked, and I can hardly believe how busy we are. Now, it's my turn to high tail it as I duplcate demos, print t-shirts, write press releases, and update the site... Oh and I have a new worship song. Fingerpicking is my only hint. Yep, my playing is getting much better. God bless and good night  L Posts 1 - 12 of 38
|
 Poetic Musings & Lyrics by Lori “Aria Here” Last night I lived a dream A day in your life. You played the moonbeam, I lived in your light. But, you needed one thing- The melody of my motherly love. So I will be the aria here, I'll never let you go, Or let you know my fear. Then you will sing the aria dear. Then you will let me know, To tell me that you're here. I want you dear. I want you here. L ~ © 1/1/08 “Open” How may I find a reason, To bring another life Into a world of treason And never-ending strife? But in this co-creation I dare to say we’ll find Ethereal elation, Delighting in a child. I’ve opened the windows Closed every door Inside of reason There is no one I want more You’re my desire. If happiness became me And hope was in the soul Of scientific alchemy, Surprised by man-made joy. But beauty is not rational, Though darkness holds the reigns Of sentimental fossils Who hold the earth’s terrain. I’ve opened the windows Closed every door Inside of reason There is no one I want more You’re my desire. So breathe another breath of life, Perhaps it is my choice. Now I give it back to you, The dream of my own voice. I’ve opened the windows Closed every door Inside of reason There is no one I want more You’re my desire. L ~ © 9/29/07 “Glide” Why don’t you take the time To see what’s yours and mine? The quest for the implausible. Then settle down inside That fragile flower you’ve learned to hide Say you will remain there. Say you won’t forget me. After all you’ve been through The stars will realign as they glide. They glide into the light. Why don’t you choose to run With madness through the sun? To laugh at the impossible. Then let the answers go When questions that you know arise. Say you will remain there. Say you won’t regret me. After all you’ve been through The stars will realign as they glide. They glide into the light. L ~ © 9/21/07 “Leaves” My favorite color should be green. Through frosty winter obstacles It brings the verdure Back into the trees. As though it never leaves. What are the colors of the sea? With ever-changing blue and gray Reluctantly submitting Back to green. As though it never leaves. But black and white With shades of red You see. Though black and white With shades of gray may be The red You shed Was meant to cover all of me. You will never leave. What are the colors of the earth? It’s terra-cotta iron dust That peaks until the mountains Thrust to thee. As though it never leaves. But how may I extract Your likeness Without using dark and brightness? Chiaroscuro is lost, Though You will never leave. L ~ © 7/22/07 “Changed” Lately I’ve been looking for Something less and nothing more. Now I see that, Now I know I’ve Changed, changed, changed. It started with a mustard seed, Then I think I forgot to feed it. Now I see that, Now I know I’ve Changed, changed, changed. So I plead with tomatoes And the flowered plants “I’ve given you water, Won’t you give me a chance? ‘Cause I’ve changed, changed.” And I look in the mirror, But I cannot see. The child that’s inside Looking back at me ‘Cause I’ve changed, changed. I’ve changed, I’ve changed, I’ve changed. Lately I’ve been looking back. Bending time like a railroad track. Now I see that, Now I know I’ve Changed, changed, changed. It started with a photograph The ugly duckling can finally laugh. Now I see that, Now I know I’ve Changed, changed, changed. So I look in the mirror, But I cannot see. The child that’s inside Looking back at me ‘Cause I’ve changed, changed. And I plead with tomatoes And the flowered plants “I’ve given you water, Won’t you give me a chance? ‘Cause I’ve changed, changed.” I’ve changed, I’ve changed, I’ve changed. Lately I’ve been looking for Something less and nothing more. L ~ © 6/29/07 "Solace by the Sea" I’m astounded, And astonished To be surrounded By the Solace of the Sea With the infinite horizon, So redolent of brine. And the emerald illusions, In phosphorescent time. The hush is roaring, Crashing into peace. The scent alluring, Remaining out of reach. I will go, Then I will stay The current summons me away. Cacophony will fade indeed, When there’s Solace by the Sea L ~ © 6/27/07 "Be Long" “Take my life now” How often I have said this to you In the press of time. “Take my will now” I’m lost until your Kingdom Finally will come, And it will become All you’ve said All that you have promised us So shaken by the Earth, That I must Keep waiting, keep loving, Keep standing, Wait for your return. You won’t be long. Keep hearing, keep burning, Keep watching, Wait for you and learn. You won’t be long. Send your sorrows To journey, ‘till they travel To the end from left and right Send your blessings To meet you in that place prepared Beyond the reach of time. All you’ve said All that you have promised us The season is at dusk so I must. Keep waiting, keep loving, Keep standing, Wait for your return. You won’t be long. Keep hearing, keep burning, Keep watching, Wait for you and learn. You won’t be long. Though I don’t belong. You won’t be long. You won’t be Long! L ~ © 5/15/07 “Where The Wind Blows” Don’t take your dreams too far Don’t take your life so seriously It has led you well so far. Do take the quiet road Let it bend your path So mysteriously In the depth of who you are. Who you are? When you’re aiming way to far Beyond the scope And beauty of your earthly star, Your perspective will be there If you will learn to dance the air. It will take you where the wind blows. Oh, the wind blows. Let it tell you where the wind blows. Oh the wind blows. Don’t take your love too far Don’t push your heart so furiously It’s the wellspring of your life. Do take a risk or two Let is shape your heart, Put your fear at ease Lose control to win the war Win the war? When you’re aiming way to far Beyond the scope And beauty of your earthly star, Your perspective will be there If you will learn to dance the air. Throw your caution Where the wind blows Oh the wind blows. Let it lead you where the wind blows. L ~ © 1/31/07 “Refiner’s Touch” Once: was rough, Now: smooth and pliable. Broken : doors & barriers of bronze, So: subtle in their placement Breaking: through the iron bars That: soon become compliant. Hidden: in a buried chest Which: darkness seems to own. Treasures: live and are revealed In: hearts that have been torn. I have seen this very thing A miracle to behold. Experience can always tell What words can never own. He calls us here, By name, Each one. Hear Him if you may. Rejection isn’t shame to Him, But a portal to His reign. L ~ © 1/29/07 Isaiah 45:2-3 "Stay" I followed September On a horse drawn carriage Through a quiet town ‘Till I wondered Why your shiny white armor Seemed to luster down. Then I found a little tenderness In the gentle drops of pain To recognize our differences Regardless of the claim. And I stay, Then you stay, Though I storm, You stay. Then I stir, ‘Till I steep, Then I cry ‘Till I weep. And you stay To breathe the flame. I followed the lumber Through a willow winding pass On a switch back lane I would ponder how my glowing bride Would never be the same. Then I found a little gentleness In the steady drops of pain To reconcile our differences Regardless of the claim. And I stay, Then you stay, Though I storm, You stay. Then I stir, ‘Till I steep, Then I cry ‘Till I weep. And you stay To breathe the flame. Sufficiency is enough for me As the snowy blanket falls And the grace that dares to cover me, Destroys my wherewithal. And I stay, Then you stay, Though I storm, You stay Then I stir, ‘Till I steep, Then I cry ‘Till I weep And you stay To be the flame. L ~ © 12/15/2006 “Closer” I’m not afraid I’m not alone You won’t find me wading In that ebb and flow Of the tide that’s coming round I will surmise I will endure, If thy will will leave Me waiting by the phone Or waiting by your side. I’m broken, But not shattered I’m crying, Through my laughter I have waited far to long to Pass the higher road That takes me Closer to the Father, Son Closer to the spirit And the Holy One Closer to the Father, Son I am loving, I am leaning, I am learning to be closer, I wanna be closer, Make me closer, I wanna be closer, Closer… I’m not enraged I’m not alarmed Though my days Are rushing past my own control Through the sand we know as time. I recognize I sympathize, With those who serve The relentless hourglass With a chronograph as God. I’m broken, But not shattered I’m crying, Through my laughter I have waited far to long to Pass the higher road That takes me Closer to the Father, Son Closer to the spirit And the Holy One Closer to the Father, Son I am loving, I am leaning, I am learning to be closer, I wanna be closer, Make me closer, I wanna be closer, Closer… L ~ © 12/8/06 "Time Telling" Broken, of pieces in a telling dream Of time, missing beats of consistent Metronomes. Time telling the days of your, Telling old tales of previous followers Old records reiterate successful discipleship Records reap a harvest of new souls who Reap miracles in the most forsaken land. Miracles bring new life to endless strife, that Brings hope to all who near, The Hope endures through the thick and thin of fanning, a spark Endures the warmth of a sure-footed mission, of The savior, whose custom fit plan measures not what the Savior gives each faithful child, but to Give safety for danger & Joy for Fear. As Safety permits freedom in the services of He who Permits joy, lacking no good thing. Therefore, Joy invites a welcome guest this Christmastide. Christ Invites Merry peace into each heart and mind. Merry Christmatide L ~ 12/8/06 “Need You, So” I woke up this morning to dream my life But, I could not get out of bed. I waited for your autumn sunrise. But I could not get out of my head. No, I could not get out of my head. I have already forgotten words that seemed so painful then. My memory is put on hold, and the records have been lost and sold. Now I need you so But it is harder by the minute to stand alone. And the longer I am in it, the more I know. That I need you, I need you so. Yes I need you, I need you so. My days of casting stones are gone Along with writing in the sand. They’ve been replaced by this introspection On what should change in my own to hands. On what should change in my own to hands. I have already forgotten words that seemed so painful then. My memory is put on hold, and the records have been lost and sold. Now I need you so But it is harder by the minute to stand alone. And the longer I am in it, the more I know. That I need you, I need you so. Yes I need you, I need you so. No More selfish little prayers for health, success and the rest. Just loving, through my restless tears, abounding in love and patience. But, I can’t do it alone so I can’t prove it on my own. Now I need you so. But it is harder by the minute to stand alone. And the longer I am in it, the more I know. That I need you, I need you so. Yes I need you, I need you so. It’s harder by the minute to stand alone. L ~ © 10/11/06 “No Less” I am no better than the rest. But I’m not afraid to share my pain. I have known happiness, in jest. But you have taught me how to love the rain. I’ve seen your grace put assunder All fear of life and death. I’ve felt your love and your wonder And I will settle for no less. I want to be with you, be with you. I want nothing more or less. I want to stay with you to honor you. I will settle for no less. I bless you, bless you Oh my Lord. Bless you, bless you Oh lover of my soul. I was forgiven of iniquity. Though I have fallen hard in darker days. You were forsaken for my emnity. Now old things are past and gone away. I’ve seen your grace put assunder All fear of life and death. I’ve felt your love and your wonder and I will settle for no less. I want to be with you, be with you. I want nothing more or less. I want to stay with you to honor you. I will settle for no less. I bless you, bless you Oh my Lord. Bless you, bless you Oh lover of my soul. L ~ © 9/1/06 "Master Minded" Master Minded prodigy dissipates In early autumn snow. If left without development & tragedy to know. Polishing the treacherous edge Of talent vert Requires equality & treachery In all her genius heir. Breaking down, Strength must equal strength, Plus one. Then smooth it further through. With laughter to lay it on In the sun--with certain reflection. In it's non-absorption. This master-minded treachery Surpasses ambiguity... The master of the mind becomes The servant of simplicity. L ~ © 8/29/06 “Open Door” Up until now, you had a lot of nothing. You just can’t say how, But you ran out of something. And you call this your freedom, Your reason to live. But, for more than a season, You’ve been longing to leave. And the sign says “We’re Open” So you walk inside And you grasp onto something That will keep you alive. And you pray from the other side, Looking back to the ocean That has kept you from this door. And you ask yourself once more, How long? How long? How long has this been open for? Just passing through every other Sunday. Paying my dues for a chance at Someday. And you call this your freedom, Your reason to live. But, for more than a season, You’ve been longing to leave. And the sign says “We’re Open” So you walk inside And you grasp onto something That will keep you alive. And you pray from the other side, Looking back to the ocean That has kept you from this door. And you ask yourself once more, How long? How long? How long has this been open for? L ~ © 8/6/06 “Sleepless Smile” Time is gauged but never captured In the lacey fog of distance. Shadows fade into the future Laughing at our vain resistance. Every breath will to turn to vapor Then ask the air to dance along. Countless sighs enchant the whisper With the harmonies of sacred song. Hold him close, Your perfect treasure. Tiny toes, Inspire the wonder. The wonder of His love. The mystery of time. The beauty of the one. Creator of the life. The life that beams inside the eyes. The eyes of a mother And her new-born child. The author of the sleepless smile. L ~ © 6/3/06 “Artisan” Father of Lights, Great physician Author of Life, King of Heaven. We know that you are the only One Father, Spirit and precious Son. The Majesty of Heaven Was molded by the potter’s hand. My God is an artisan. We’re the work of the Potter’s hand, and our God is an artisan. Pieces of me Are echoes of you. Shaped and refined, Then glazed with the truth. We know that you are the only One Father, Spirit and precious Son. The Majesty of Heaven Was molded by the potter’s hand. My God is an artisan. We’re the work of the Potter’s hand, and our God is an artisan. L ~ © 6/1/06 "Ever More" Find rest, O my soul, In the shelter of the most high King. Find comfort, O my heart, In the safety of your gentle wing. Find peace, O my mind, In the stillness of your quiet place. Find joy, O my strength, In the foundry of your loves refining fire. Keep seeking Ever more. Keep knocking On the prayerful door. Ever hopeful, Ever faithful, Ever loving, Ever joyful, Ever More. L ~ © 5/11/06 "Beautiful to Me" If I could bless you here, With humble offerings of my tears. Though I’m naked and I’m poor beyond belief, I will wait on you my dear. You’re beautiful to me. Your face is all I see. & Yet I stand in awe, In the presence of my Matchless King. You’re beautiful to me. Now I look into your light. I take a glimpse of what’s inside. The heavens declare just a ray of how your luminary light, Shows the beauty of your face. I will wait on you. I will wait for you. I will wait on you. I will wait for you, on you, for you are… You’re beautiful to me. Your face is all I see. & Yet I stand in awe, In the presence of my Matchless King. You’re beautiful to me. I love you endlessly… Father you’re beautiful to me. Endlessly, beautiful to me. © 5/1/06 ~ L “Return to Life” O little ocean, you say you were a pond. A sweet lagoon where lovers write their song. But then you grew, into a raging sea of animosity. O Rio Grande, you say you were a stream A careless brook where lovers laugh and dream. But, then you grew into a rushing river of your velocity. You’re longing for the day, when we will learn. You’re waiting so that we’ll return to Life. O noble fir, you say you were a seed. A tiny sprout that children learned to feed. But, then you grew into a mighty arbor or anonymity. O regal rose, you say you were a bud. Tomorrow’s hope to those who vow their love. But then you grew into a climbing vine of thorny vanity. Você longing para o dia, quando nós aprenderemos. Você está esperando de modo que nós retornemos à vida. L ~ © 4/31/06 "Rented Days" Every thought Each faculty All movement is borrowed time. Every feeling Each solution All drops of passion--'twas never mine. Asking for just two-pence more Adding to your endless fortune. Leased endeavors reach the shore with plundered sails in motion. Countless breaths & Endless days Striving to extol your praise. Helpless dreams Create the thieves To whom we sell our rented days. The thought was never mine. L ~ © 4/27/06 "Pillared Fantasy" Dusty shelves explain the notion In busy lives of artistry. Cobwebbed corners stand in place of White-washed-pillared-fantasy. Are we here yet? Or are we there? Too soon to tell the tale. Softly I will slip inside This garb of Man's success. Quickly I will dash outside to see my soul's duress. Dusty books who cannot boast of recent days perusal. Cobwebbed tools contain the past for which I aptly chose them. Priorities are tossed about Into a layered dish Of candied nuts and glacé fruit, whatever you should wish. But, dusty shelves proclaim the motion Of busy lives through artistry. Though Cobwebbed corners stand in place of White-washed-pillared-fantasy. L ~ © 4/24/06 “Faithful” I’m too tired, too cold to be left alone. So this is love. Mmm I’m too old and to afraid to be left without a song. So this is time. Lost in a dream inside my head. Feeling lonely instead. Suited for splendor, nothing less. Beyond the whisper of a guess. Somehow the shadow of who I can be. Resounds in vapors that wash over me. The highest of heights revealing your majesty. ‘Cause you’re faithful, So faithful. It’s so far, so deep when you fall inside. So this is hope. Mmm Finding solace in the flaire, when the moon and stars colide. So this is peace. Not just a figment of reality Nothing can separate your love from me. I’ve been running for my life, for some time and a day. Now, returning back again to magnify your grace. I’m faithful, So faithful. When I know I have nothing to loose, I lose myself in you. L ~ © 3/28/06 "Won Too" One is far too few, Won by true default. Wonder will ensue One-hit-blunders of the vault. Too much to anticipate. Too far left behind To safely navigate Two avenues unite. Three is more than company Trios don't subside Three-dimension subterfuge, Trinity holds the light. For why should we calibrate Fortresses of yore? Forcibly eradicate, Four beats in our folklore. L ~ © 4/17/06 "Redefined" Fear of loss Filters through The crevasse of the floor. The attic proves To be your place to hide. Searching, Seeking, Farther still Into a chest of hope. It is here You will find it, Clutched in Restless hands. Ringing into Water vapor, Escaping grasps Of time. It is here, Your hope. My Savior's tear With failure redefined. L ~ © 3/22/06 "Desiderio Domini" I'm numb to thirst numb to hunger searching for Your signs and wonders. withdrawn from life I navigate. blind to what is said. I long to sit and celebrate in the Glory of my Lord. Desiderio Domini Desperate longing for my Maker. Desiderio Domini this too shall pass, be over. why feel discouragement allowing truth to fall? why so heavy laden? His yoke is easy His burden is small. Desiderio Domini Desperate weeping for my Savior. Desiderio Domini this too shall pass be over. L ~ © 2/13/06 "Above the Fall" Take comfort in my strength, Ignoring all temptation. Take solace in my arms, Your final destination. The circumstantial evidence Corraborates with mine. To calibrate the innocense In the purity of mind. I am here beside you Shedding tears along with you. I offer you a better way That's written in the call. I give you strength with one request, I ask that you will rise above the fall. Rise up Buttressed by the word of life, The rejected cornerstone. Stand tall, Set apart as Holy unto the Lord. I ask that you will rise above the fall. L ~ © 2/9/06 "Spoken" Speak to me, My heart is open, My mouth is closed. Clarity Is not a token for the road. I need your word to filter all the noise. I need you. I want your light to echo through the choice. I want you. I speak too much But I say too little. I ramble on In my psychobabble. Speak to me Like wind, Like fire. Not my will But yours be done. Speak beyond My own desire. Take this cup That is overun. Speak to me. I listen patiently. L ~ © 2/3/06
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
