Can't Seem To Sleep...

I wrote it early one morning - based on a dream, a thought, a whim and a whisper...

I had it chosen by Richard Lush for the album...

Recorded in the top studio, and now here; is where we gave it a visual life...

My Daughter Emma on Set {pink}

My Directors, Mentors, Sisters & friends Kate & Sarah mapping out my poetic path through the rushes...

Songsmith xx

In my place...

This be one of my favourite places...

Where I can take snippets of reality and fantasy - scribble down poetic phrases - make them into songs.

Songwriting is my first love and craft. As a child it was my escape - something I knew I could do well, it was a different, secret world, where I could live...

As an adult, and a Christian it is still my love and my craft. It is now my {though humble} income, a big part of my identity - I have lived out so many of my musical dreams already. I have found a band in my husband and brothers - such gifted and fine men. I have recorded at Studios 301 in Sydney with Abbey Road producer Richard Lush, I've taken my music to America and played for what I think are the nicest audiences in the world. And it seems that my music in part, has become my ministry.

Still I am asked so often, 'what kind of music do you play?'

I'm not "fashionable" - so it can't be Pop!

I'm not cool - so it shan't be Rock.

I'm not classical, or tutored, or trained -

I am organic. Handmade.

Sepia toned.

Folk geared.

Mildly hysterical!

Commercially inept...

Slightly teachable?

Whole heartedly passionate.

Wide awake-

{if daydreams don't count?}

and above all,

I am Yours!

I'm anxious to know what you may call it?

Songsmith xx

Withstanding...

As I play piano late into the night,

when poetry is easy, the house is quiet,

Tea cup full, my heart welling with things to say;

As I search for my "genre" in the market place,

For my "peer group" in the music world-

I find myself without such virtues,

Sometimes a little bit alone with my songs.

Always sure though,

of their worthiness to be heard,

And of my willingness to give them flight.

So far above glitter and red carpets is true sensitivity!

Is unfailing artistry.

So like a shoe maker makes shoes;

Late into the night, I make songs.

Without the need for genre, friends, even fans,

With passion, with pleasure,

With everything I am,

Withstanding.

Shell xx

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

When are you gonna come down?

When are you going to land?

I should've stayed on the farm, 

should've listened to my old man....

You know you can't hold me forever,

I didn't sign up for you!

I'm not a present for your friends to open,

This boy's too young to be singing the blues -

So, goodbye yellow brick road!

Where the dogs of society howl,

You can't put me in your penthouse

I'm going back to my plow-

Back to the howling old owl in the woods,

Hunting the horny back toad...

Oh, I finally decided my future lies,

Beyond the yellow brick road...

Elton John, ah....

I saw him play at the entertainment centre in Sydney about two years ago - it was magical.

I hope in heaven I get put somewhere close to him and we can write songs together...

Until then I'd better keep practicing my piano!

Shell xx