"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too." ~Samuel Butler, Notebooks , 1912 When I sit down at my piano with a pen and notepad, I banish Eddie from the house for fear of feeling inhibited in my "creative process." When I record an audition video, or just a video for fun, I go so far as to close all the windows in the house so that not even the neighbors or passers by can hear me. But of all the hours I spend experimenting, practicing, and making awful noises in my small music room, I have one audience member who is supportive, attentive, and constant. Joy, my dog. She patiently endures my out of tune screeching, repetitive mistakes, and frustrated yells. She was my comfort when Duchess passed away. She is my companion when I feel alone. She is my running partner, my traveling buddy, my amusement, and my friend. She is one of the few in the world that I ...

Is there anything more terrifying to a writer than staring at a blank, white page with an equally blank mind? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately, not just with my blog, but also with the articles I write for an internet company that recently hired me as a freelance writer. Despite my endless thoughts about music and the military, writing a daily article about each topic is not as easy as it may seem. And my blog? It appears that after one hundred and eleven days, I’ve run out of happy things to write about. So today, you’ll bear witness to the brain storming process. Let’s see. Magical Moments. Inspirational thoughts. Nostalgic memories. Happy things. Rain drops on roses, whiskers on kittens. None of those really do it for me. Bright copper kettles? Ugh, cooking. I often stare out my window waiting for inspiration. I’ve written about too many birds. The wind. The trees. Heard it. Been there, done that. Wait! Across the street, a FLAG waiving in the breeze displaying gallant patrioti...

Man, this blog is really gonna force me to put all my songs out there. Some are better quality than others. All are a work in progress. Here is one I started writing years ago, but only finished recently. Recording is a bit rough, but hope you enjoy. Click play at the bottom to hear recording. “How” Words and music by Elizabeth Grimes copyright 2009 Vs 1: The first question asked when something goes wrong Is, What have I done? Or, Why me God? I can’t deny the thought’s crossed my head. But what’s burning me up is another question instead. Chorus: How do you change overnight when you swore that you’d love me for the rest of my life? And how do I make it through the night without you here to hold me and be by my side? And how do I trust again when you’ve broken every promise and word you’ve ever said? Just tell me how feelings that strong can be so convincing and then go all wrong? Vs 2: I would have bet my life that you’d still be here When I’m old and I’m gray in fifty or more ye...

A goofy, angry, break-up song. Just for giggles. (video at the bottom) "The Grocery Store Song" words and music by Elizabeth Grimes Copyright 2009 Vs1 : Bout swallowed my tongue when I saw you in the check out line. You smiled, said hi, and asked if you could help me outside. Well no thanks. I’m good. If I had twice this much to carry don’t think I would Extend the courtesy and allow you to help. Why don’t you run along and find someone else. Someone whose life you haven’t yet wrecked. If she’s stupid enough then maybe she’ll accept. I think it’s only fair that she knew what it is she’d be getting herself into so before you go and ruin her life you might wanna say something like…. Chorus: Hi I’m a lying sack of dirt, you can’t tell right now but I’m quite a jerk. You won’t find out though for a long long time after you’ve given me your heart, body, and mind. I’ll tell you nice things and string you along then when I leave you make you wonder what you did wrong. Then yo...

The little girl toddled through the freshly cut grass making short, rapid steps with her chubby, bare feet. Her toothless smile stretched across her face and she giggled with overflowing excitement. In her clumsy coordinated manner, she tumbled into the soft lawn but never took her eyes off her goal for a moment. Un-phased by the obstacle, she continued on and finally reached the little puppy. She stood frozen in front of the wiggling little creature, unsure of what to do next. “You can pet her,” the lady coaxed, demonstrating how it’s done, “It’s okay.” The little girl reached out her tiny hand in imitation, but jerked it back when the puppy’s tongue licked it. She squealed, half terrified, half thrilled and soon worked up the courage to try again. This time, she touched the back of the puppy, where it was safer. The moment she touched the fur was as electrifying as a jolt of lightning. She shrieked again, even more overwhelmed with delight and adrenaline. The cycle continued for a ...

This is a song I wrote in 2007, as my attempt at a pop song. It didn't start out that way, but as I recorded it in Garage Band, I got more and more ambitious with the different sound effects. I actually think it turned out okay. Someday, I will record my songs professionally and give them the justice they deserve. Verse 1: His eyes were black and filled with tears when he asked me why can't I stay here. His voice was warm, felt like the sun. I said I belong to someone. Chorus: Oh but sing. Don't you know it brings joy when it rings so beautiful. Oh and know that even though it won't be so, you're wonderful. Vs 2: There is a path that I have chose and only God knows where it goes. And there are gifts He gives to us. And in His plan we all must trust. Chorus Bridge: And like a photo you'll always be there bringing thoughts of someone who cared. And every song on the radio won't compare to when you...Oh... Sing Don't you know it brings joy when it ri...

At last we meet again. Did you think I forgot? How could I possibly forget the searing pain you inflicted? The crippling agony that caused me nearly to drown? I fought the mighty ocean’s current with my useless limb, gasping for breath, struggling to escape your cruelty. And when at last I narrowly avoided death, you swam away, unscathed. Laughing. Mocking. And for years the universe has led us to this moment. My moment of triumph and victory, for I bare witness to your cruel fate. My enemy has fallen, ne’er to harm again. The jellyfish that once stung me will sting no more. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” VICTORY IS MINE!