Happy 4th of July 2022 From Me To You

Happy 4th of July! I made this simple cake last evening. It’s a simple strawberry cake. Baking is a happy place for me. I guess it’s a creative outlet.
My Granddaughters Amelia & Elizabeth. These are my daughter Britt’s fur babies. I recently spent a night watching the kids while my daughter was away previewing Texas.

I just recently poured a ton of energy and elbow grease into getting my house ready to sell. If you have ever tried to live in a house you need to show, you know of my hard effort. Constant cleaning! I’ve lived in this house for 17 years. Although I clean all of the time, deep cleaning and some touch up painting was necessary I felt.

By the time we listed the house, the interest rates had gone up and the selling market here came to a stand still. We missed the great selling market by a few weeks! It was rather an experiment any way. Kind of like fishing to see what you can get. I got a very clean house with some small but appreciated repairs out of it. I worked very hard to get show worthy. We had 2 “Open Houses“, a total of 3 people came to both showings. So, decided now isn’t the time to sell.

I repainted my cabinets …
Yard work like crazy in extremely hot Phoenix temps. I’m glad to be done trying to keep it swept and trimmed in the middle of monsoon season. It was a continuous effort leaving me spent.
I’m loving my house again!

I had to put my keyboard in the garage… I was so hoping for a larger house so that I could have a space to play my keyboard. I do love my house though. I’m not sad to be staying in this house. This, was my inheritance. I purchased it in 2005. It’s complicated now and I would lose half should I divorce… A terrible reason to be stuck in a marriage but, my plight.

I feel it to my core every day and have for years and years. Ask anyone who stays in a marriage made in hell and they will tell you layers upon layers created their situation. It’s never one thing, it’s layers of things that are overwhelming and it becomes easier to stay rather than facing the inevitable losses.

I suppose an element of losing an inheritance becomes a sense of letting your family and deceased relatives down. Prideful maybe? Or just realistic and practical? Ugh. Or a shared responsibility in giving someone the power to control your destiny… especially when they remind you on the daily what you’ll lose if you go. I should only hope that there is a special place for those who choose to attempt to control people in this manner.

However daunting I’ve found my life experience, it did result in personal creativity. I’ve written songs and poetry about my life and my circumstances. Cathartic accounting of my darkest and happiest days!

Something More is a song that I wrote about this very plight.

Escape a symphonic layered track that I composed…

Lost In The Game my original!

I’ll Dream Of You Tonight my original, romance novel in a song lol

I make the best of each day, so much more than my situation in my life is amazing! So many things to be grateful for and so much love to be had!

3 of my daughters and a sweet gal like a daughter to me!
My Luna
Clarice

Six NewYouTube Videos On My Channel Creator Overload

I took a whole 2 days in a row to practice and put together 6 new YouTube videos for my channel. It’s fun to be a creator although I haven’t hit their strict metrics for any opportunity to monetize my channel. I haven’t appreciated the fact that although I get many views per month, I haven’t been found eligible to prosper on YouTube. Anyway, it was a terrific feeling to be back to playing and being authentic me!

Here are the new video links to be found on my YouTube channel…

Guitar Man – Cover-

You Know Like I Know –Cover-

Lover Boy -Cover-

Win – Cover-

Escape -My Original Song-

Praying For Time -Cover-

Here is my channel link!

Tyna Phipps @YouTube

It really was a wonderful spirit filled day yesterday!

Yesterday was spirit day at school for this one…For recognition of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies. It’s hard to believe that it has been this long. What a horrible day for all who were alive during this time! Awwww my condolences for all of those who were lost and, for the people that miss them. A moment in history that we will never forget!

PhD In Life Experience Times Two

What a week! I lost my Father in-law and my 13 year old beloved dog . They passed away with 3 days of each other. Ed was 96 years old. He had been having major health issues for more than a year. It wasn’t a shock, but still sad. My dog passed at home without medical assistance. So very hard to watch. The sadness is looming…

When I was looking through my photos the other day, I found a pic of both Ed and Coco, together.

This was taken a few years ago.

I’m not going to dwell on all of the sadness but I will say it really adds to my PhD in life experience. I feel that this period of time, has left me with a different perspective on losing loved ones. Watching a dear cherished pet die a natural death is heartbreaking!

My dear friend dropped these flowers by with a sweet card! I’m grateful for some really nice friends! I will be getting Coco’s ashes back early next week. I’m not sure if I’ll keep the ashes or sprinkle them…

I’ll be attending Ed’s funeral in early June. A visitation followed by a catholic service is scheduled. He was a retired colonel in the Army and a diplomat in the pacification in the Vietnam war. A full military service will also take place in Santa Nella CA. the following day.

Another interesting segment of Ed’s life… He played the trumpet and studied at Juilliard School of Music. He actually played with Glenn Miller! He had a very interesting and successful life. He lived to be 96 years old. He was a wonderful and positive man! Although he will be missed, he was at peace to go. So rather than mourn him, I am celebrating him and his amazing life accomplishments!

Ed wrote a few books in reference to his Vietnam experience. This is the most popular of them.

Meanwhile, I took the morning to do yard work. Trimming with a lot of raking and sweeping. Physical work is a great escape!

Im forever trying to keep up with this but I enjoy the physical work that this is!

I wrote this composition a few years ago. I would have loved to share this piece of myself with Ed. He never knew I had a musical side. In fact, his family never got to know me at all. My husband was always and continues to be embarrassed by my musical aspirations. I can’t tell you how hard it’s been to be surrounded by negativity for the true love of my life, MUSIC!

Something More Than Nothing- my Original Composition-

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/pmtVbH4VkC3JWhJU9

I still have so much to work out regarding my path to independence. I still have hope and a goal! I’m not sure what gainful employment opportunities are out there for me lol. I do see, that everyone is hiring… Maybe it’s just about taking that big leap and doing something more than nothing. In my dreams, I’d be able to play my music somewhere and get paid! A lounge or ambience music in a dinner house… just somewhere that I get to use my music!

I’m now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. I am beginning to feel a sense of relief . It feels like maybe I can reopen myself as well! I highly recommend getting vaccinated. The peace of mind and hope for the future that comes with the jabs, is a bit freeing!

The Pandemic Strikes Close To Home

2021 has begun and so far, it’s been tumultuous! I sat at my keyboard pondering the prospects of a shiny new year! I played and sang a cover near and dear to my heart. Spent a few hours on New Years Eve doing what I love the most! I basked in the feeling of hope, love and being authentic me… The holidays were coming to a close. The hope for a better new year, 2021.

New Years Greetings “Fool’s Overture”

Roger Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp is known for so many songs/ treasures. He is an amazingly gifted songwriter. His music is layered with love and spirit. He writes songs that touch the heart so profoundly. The music is brilliant and worldly. I have yet to see him live with an orchestra. A bucket list dream of mine!

I sat thinking of the goals and dreams that I have. My admiration and love for this amazing songwriter came to mind. I have often thought how difficult this pandemic has been on musicians who have made their livelihood touring. With digital music, I believe touring has been the primary way of generating income. I’m sure this has been extremely hard on those in the entertainment industry. So sad to me. Very hard times I’m sure!

Also sad to me is the dwindling prospect of meeting the spectacular icon, Roger Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp. Who knows if he will even want to tour when the ability to do so arises? He may decide that he enjoys being free to do other things. He has given so many years to his craft, maybe exploring other interests and desires are more important to him. That would sure be understandable!

Meanwhile, I’m still, “Wishing On Stars” lol .

I’ll Dream Of You Tonight My Original! The music for this song came to me in my teens. I finally finished it rather recently!

Covid-19 has become a real source of angst for us here in AZ. Currently we are the hotspot in the world! Earlier this week, we had 17,234 new cases in a single day!

🤦🏼‍♀️ ugh!
Unfortunately my daughter, her fiancé and 1 year old baby got Covid at Christmas! We were about to attend a Christmas and birthday celebration for my grandson Kole. His first birthday. Luckily my daughter listened to her body and canceled the get together! She was just starting to feel ill. I had taken the Christmas & bday gifts over to them a few days prior. I quarantined for a week and was lucky not to be stricken ugh, laying in wait…
We celebrated Amelia’s birthday by having dinner out! Brave I suppose. Covid is everywhere…

My daughter was most upset when the baby got sick. He was very sick for a few days! Her fiancé was so ill we thought he may end up in the hospital. Fortunately we believe after two weeks he is turning the corner for good! My daughter had mild but annoying symptoms! She thinks she has cognitive issues. Her sense of taste and smell have not returned well yet… She is returning to work tonight. She’s been a server for many years and we think she caught Covid while working. She lost over two weeks of income having to stay home. Thank goodness the stimulus check pulled her through! I made a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup with a ton of good vegetables and ginger. I dropped a pot off to her at her doorstep. That’s all I could do to help…I pretty much felt helpless but was glad that she texted me often and kept me updated!

Homemade Chicken Soup with all kinds of veggies. My daughter couldn’t taste it but she swears it helped her to feel better… awwww!

Right after New Year, we celebrate Amelia’s birthday. I didn’t make her a cake this year. I chose a cat cake. The cat character is named Marie, from the movie the Aristocats. Gave us an opportunity to watch the movie together! Soooo cute!

Amelia with her Aristocat “Marie” Cake. I was sad that due to COVID-19, her cousins couldn’t come over to celebrate with her.
Although I didn’t make a cake, I did craft a bouquet using Dollar Tree flowers for her. They are bright and cheerful, just what we need around now!
She seemed to enjoy her special day in spite of our limited guest list!

So This Is Christmas

I’ve been so busy elfing around that I haven’t had much time for playing music. Music hasn’t had time for me either lol my stats are way down. I did however take the time to create a video and a few SoundCloud tracks.

Here they are…

So This Is Christmas Cover. Written by John Lennon.

So This Is Christmas Cover a SoundCloud Track

YouTube Video So This Is Christmas Cover

Imagine Cover On SoundCloud

Last week was an anniversary of the passing of John Lennon so I played a few of his memorable hits in my own personal kind of tribute to I him. I’m pretty sure if he were here, he’d probably be annoyed by all of the covers so many of us butcher. Oh well, a gal can try!

Anyway, I enjoy every min I spend at my keyboard even if I’m the only one enjoying it. It’s a spirit filled adventure every day I can take time out to play!

The moon was spectacular! This is a glimpse that I caught of it yesterday morning.
Last Friday night I saw a meteor streak across the sky! Something that I won’t ever forget. It was colorful and on fire. It appeared to be close by although, it clearly was not! A spectacular thing to see!
Leaves me to ponder… Who Controls The Stars- My Original
Who Controls The Stars

Simply Something More

Zoe playing lacrosse in a game yesterday. She just happened to get the ball and I snapped a pic.

This will give Zoe leadership opportunity that will help her on a college application. Not to mention a personally enriching experience I bet. Thrilled for her to have this opportunity!

Plenty is going on here but I took an afternoon yesterday to have some me time!

Something More

Click on the link⬆️

This pie has molasses in it and it caramelized. It tastes like pumpkin flan lol. It tastes better than it looks…

One of my grown daughters was extremely ill a few days ago. Diagnosed with pneumonia after having the flu last week. She never gets sick like this so I decided to make a big couple of pots of soup. Chicken, barley and a ton of different vegetables went into this soup. Loaded with vitamins and some protein I wanted to make a hot meal that I thought might help her recover.

I was pretty worried when I saw this!⬇️

She had just gotten back from the Dr. with a bunch of meds she was preparing to take when she sent me this pic! I’m glad to say that the meds kicked in quickly and she is doing and feeling a whole lot better! Scary!

Anyway, I bought a nice loaf of crusty bread and boiled some wide egg noodles for options to go with the soup. Delcee really appreciated the soup. She kept telling me how it really helped. I think she really appreciated being able to have a cooked meal for her kids to eat that she didn’t have to worry about making. That was my hope anyway…

Home improvement is always ongoing. The joys of home ownership. We have had the drapes for about 3 months but we didn’t have time to put them up. Finally got around to covering these new windows which are 18 months old now lol. Like a herd of turtles…

I am thrilled with the outcome!

I had these other panels that I bought a few years ago. I thought I would try to sell them but instead I decided to hang them in the dining room. A mini make-over in my entire front room. I’m loving them as well!

Yesterday was our first 100 degree day of this year. 100 degrees on April 10! What will summer be like, that’s a little concerning lol. Today won’t be that warm here in Phoenix. Maybe just 95… Already getting hot!

St. Patrick’s Day And A Place To Play

I pretty much spent St. Patrick’s Day in the kitchen lol. Preparing food or cleaning up. Holidays are like that! Having been out of state for the better part of a week, I rather enjoyed a cooking and feasting day.

Could It Be Magic-YouTube Link

⬆️ please listen!

Could It Be Magic-SoundCloud Link (please subscribe)

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All of the effort and energy put forth to construct these media channels… It’s been fun and sometimes rewarding. The feeling of playing live is absolutely amazing! The reaction from people and the smiles… what an awesome feeling to look out and see the reaction and interaction. Omg It was awesome! I felt like I could go with that and run. I know somehow instinctively that I could do it! I could play somewhere. I just need to find a venue in which to launch from. It was just the experience that I needed to have to know that I could and be well received.

Surely, there’s a place for me. I’ve thought long and hard about doing something with all of this music. Especially the music that I have composed/written. What has come to me in my own head, seems to be like movie soundtrack scores lol. It is rather classical and unending… If I could work with say Warner Bros., Hallmark or any studio my originals would fit there. See if maybe you agree?

Here is the link to my YouTube Channel

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Tyna J Phipps- YouTube Channel– Please Subscribe!

Something More Than Nothing ◀️ YouTube

Escape/Face2Face ◀️

Live video⬇️

Escape/Face2Face

Orchestra version

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There ya go! If I could get more support from my readers and listeners it could change my life in a positive and big way! I could transition into my dream job. I just need people to support me by subscribing to my channels and *SHARE* my music!

Rap has taken over SoundCloud. Very few other genres exist. It’s sad…

In fact, Rap has taken over the music industry period. Very few true musicians remain…I would like to one of them! What you won’t get from me is any kind of political agenda. My opinions on that will remain solely private and not shared lol!

I dare say the only social awareness that I stand up for and publicly endorse is that of domestic abuse /violence. I wrote a song about that!

Something More Than Nothing ◀️

Thanks for taking the time to get acquainted with my music and my dream! Please help me along in my journey.

Share it with your friends, share it with your colleagues just share it! Please and thank you!!!

Thanksgiving Tidings And Blessings To All

This is a current 1st grade homework assignment that Amelia and I just finished. We had fun putting this together. I hope her teacher will like it.

I spent the morning on my original music! Tightening it up and daydreaming of actually professionally recording this. I have a whole vision for an album. How I wish I could record an album! Oh what an amazing dream come true that would be! Wow! Anyway, if you are interested, check out my SoundCloud Channel!

Here are the links to my uploads for today

Mystify

I Want This Night To Last Forever

The Queen Of Something More

I had a great day with a ton of creative energy. Yesterday, I recorded this video together for my YouTube channel.

Nous Vivons Ensemble written by Gordon Lightfoot

This video, carries a message and tidings for a wonderful Thanksgiving to all of you. Those of you who support and acknowledge my creative endeavors, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Wishing you a wonderful, happy and healthy fun celebration! Enjoy a peaceful holiday!