Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Christmas Cheer

Christmas cheer is about to make it's way into your life.  Get ready.  All you need to do is come to one of my Christmas concerts this Friday at Velour Live Music Gallery in Provo, UT (135 N. University Ave.). Come to the early show at 6:30 p.m. or the late show at 9:00 p.m. – whichever suits your fancy!  I'll be singing songs from both my Anchor and Winter Moon albums.  Also, the amazing new duo, Mideau, will be opening.  This is honestly one of the most talented acts I've heard in a long time. The duo is made up of two of my favorite artists: Spencer Harrison and Libbie Linton.  You're in for a treat. Tickets have sold out the last few times I've played at Velour, so I recommend buying them online beforehand. Get them HERE. See you soon!

P.S. This is a seated concert. I dislike standing up at concerts, so I won't make anyone else do it. But come early for the best seats.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

You, Me and Dear Lizzie, Tonight!

The election is over and I think we all need to sit back, relax and just breathe. Things have been so intense and I think we could use a night of music, good food and friendship to help us all get back into the swing of things. Come join me tonight for a mini acoustic concert at Dear Lizzie Boutique and Bistro in Highland, UT.  I can celebrate with you and I can give you a shoulder to cry on if you need it.    It's my job to help people feel joy, happiness, or to just simply feel understood through music.  I love it so very much.  

You can come anytime and eat, sift through Dear Lizzie's treasure trove of jewelry, scents, shoes and clothing and celebrate their 7th Anniversary of being in business.  I'll sing between 8 and 8:30 PM.  See you there!

10953 N. Alpine Hwy
Highland, UT 84003


Photo by Jefra Starr Lynn
Styling by Rosie Jarman
Design by Rhonna Farrer




Monday, November 5, 2012

We Became Sisters

Out of all the women that signed up to come to Morocco for our creative retreat, I only knew one of them and no one came knowing anyone else in the group.  We had women from Australia, England, Washington D.C., Oregon, Washington state, California and Utah.  Everyone was from a different background and lifestyle.  It was so perfect.  The beauty of this retreat was that at first glance, we were all so diverse. But after  spending time together in close company, it became evident just how much we really had in common.  I soaked up the time that was spent in the creative workshops we held.  Witnessing everyone's style in how they create was inspiring and reminded me to always respect and appreciate what others have to offer through art.

We created art, roamed the souks, rode camels in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, had our hands and arms painted in henna, ate Lamb Tagine in the company of belly dancers, paused in reverence during the Islamic call to prayer and became sisters in the middle of an olive grove under the Moroccan sun.

If you are interested in joining April Meeker and I on a similar creative retreat next year, email April at secondsisterjewelry@yahoo.com and mention this blog post.


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Moroccan Maryam and Her Peacock Pavilions

Meet Maryam Montague: Human rights and democracy specialist, owner of boutique guesthouse, Peacock Pavilions in Marrakesh, interior designer, gourmet chef, photographer, author of award winning blog, "My Marrakesh," and the beautiful coffee table book you see below, Marrakesh by Design.  Maryam may be one of the most extraordinary women I have ever met.  Over a dish of Chicken Tagine in a Berber tent one night, Maryam related to our group how her grandmother took her aside when she was young and expressed that she only wanted one thing for her: to live anything but an ordinary life.  After working as a human rights specialist in 40 countries and traveling to an additional 32, then building an oasis with her husband and two children in the middle of an olive grove in Marrakesh, I think it's safe to say that Maryam has achieved the extraordinary her grandmother always wanted for her.

Does that sound familiar to you? To live anything but an ordinary life? I started out my last post by saying that "I have never wanted to live an ordinary life." This must be why I am drawn to this woman. 

        April Meeker, Maryam Montague and Me. Snag Maryam's book on Amazon. I'm loving my copy.


Below are a few montages of photos from our stay at Peacock Pavilions. This magical, eco-friendly oasis amid an olive grove in Marrakesh has been featured in the New York Times, Elle Magazine and on HGTV.  Maryam and her architect husband, Chris, designed and decorated it from scratch.  The grounds, the design, the décor and the food are all implicitly divine.


 Thanks to Whitney Ebert for the photos above.


Thanks to April Meeker for the photos above.

P.S. I should have been a peacock for Halloween! Next year?  Happy haunting tonight!



Monday, October 29, 2012

I Spy Morocco

I have never wanted to live an ordinary life.  I gravitate toward anything that sounds spontaneous, adventurous, risky, or just downright crazy.  So when my friend April Meeker, asked me over Twitter if I wanted to host a creative retreat for women with her in Marrakech, Morocco, it was an easy and resounding, "Yes!"  

I think it will take me a few posts to share with you the treasure trove of things I learned there, but today, let me offer you a preliminary taste of what I saw and experienced in the style of "I Spy."


  I spy two windows and a camel caravan, a shop full of cameras and a fresh orange juice man.


I spy magic carpets and Humphrey Bogart, two men in the square selling food from their carts. A brass hand door knocker, a dreamy blue door,  marbleized papers and a mosaic floor.









 





I spy a woman in an emerald cloak, a man selling dates and five tree-dwelling goats. A pottery shop and a lovely old ship, two men bending over while gutting their fish.

Come back next time to read about the amazing place where we stayed and the remarkable woman who hosted us.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Pause!

If there were a "pause" button on this blog, then I would be pushing it right now. In fact, I think I pushed it a month ago. But I need to push it again, because sometimes in life, we all just need to do that. Right? Right. I'll be back when I feel like it's time.

Much Love,


Monday, July 30, 2012

Behind the Scenes

Thank you all so much for your wonderful messages of encouragement regarding my song on Fruit of the Loom's "Trampoline" ad during the Olympic games!  If you haven't seen the commercial yet, you can watch it HERE.  And below is a little "behind the scenes" video that the ever-talented Matt Eastin shot and directed at June Audio while I recorded vocals for the song.  Many thanks to Nicole Dionne of Primal Scream Music for making all of this happen, Stuart Brawley for producing the song, Scott Wiley for tracking piano and vocals, and Daren Smith for additional vocal tracking.



Saturday, July 28, 2012

Me and Fruit of the Loom!

 I have been keeping a secret for quite some time now – an exciting secret of monumental proportions, my friends.  The key ingredients involve a trampoline, a gymnast, slow motion, city lights and of course, underwear.  And no.  I am not the gymnast in underwear (but I kind of wish I were).  Can you guess what this might mean?  Hmmm?  HMMM???

Watch for Fruit of the Loom's ad tonight on prime time TV during the Olympics for their "Move to Comfort" ad campaign, and I will be singing a new song called "Bring Me Close" as the soundtrack to this commercial.  Then, go to the Fruit of the Loom website, www.fruit.com, and download the song FOR FREE.  (What?!)  Next, you will  jump up and down (preferably on your trampoline in your underwear) and do a little cheer for me and leave a comment below telling me how rad the commercial is, because let's be honest, the footage is awe-inspiring.

What?  You don't want to wait until tonight to see the commercial?  Ok, fine.  Click play on the video below and you can see it right now via YouTube.  1, 2, 3, GO!!!




Thursday, July 26, 2012

Preparing to Perform 101

Rehearsing (photo by Justin Hackworth)

Do you ever get nervous about public speaking or performing in front of an audience? What goes through a performer's mind on the day of a show?  I'm sure it's different for everyone and varies by the type of performance.  But I can tell you what I've learned about performing over the years and how to make it a good experience.   Here are some pointers that I've come to live by as a performing musician:

1.)  Harness your energy: It is completely normal to feel nervous about performing in any kind of setting.  This is adrenaline and energy working within you and it's actually essential to a good performance.  The trick is to harness this energy and use it in a positive way on stage.  Remember that all forms of energy can morph into new forms of energy (remember high school Physics?).  Don't make it wrong that you feel nervous.  Merely observe the fact that you are having nervous feelings and let it be ok, knowing that you can use that energy in a positive way on stage.

2.)  Protect your energy:  There are a million things that need to be tended to on the day of a show.  You need to delegate as many of those things as possible to other people so that you can preserve your energy for your performance.  The more people you invite into your life on the day of a show, the more drained you will feel.  If you are the main performer, when possible, make sure there is a private place for you backstage to change and collect your thoughts before your show.  Have a manager or someone you trust guard this space with their life.  Create a custom greeting for your voicemail in the morning that tells callers you will be unavailable, instructing them to call a manager if they need to get a hold of you. Only answer calls from that one manager throughout the day.

3.)  When on stage, thou shalt not think:  I think I first heard this phrase from renowned performance coach, Tom Jackson.  Don't ever let yourself think about what you're doing on stage.  Somehow, when you are consciously thinking about your performance, your audience will immediately become aware of it and you will too.  This is when second-guessing and insecurities can take over in front of your crowd.  Thou shalt not think when thou art performing!  Trust your muscle memory, and just let go.  When you can master this, it will feel amazing and any slip-ups that happen become endearing to your audience because when you are relaxed, they are relaxed.

4.)  Meet and Greet AFTER the show: If you have a meet and greet time with your fans, I recommend doing this after your performance.  Why?  Again, you must protect your energy before the show and if you have to run to a meet and greet and then run back to get changed backstage, it will feel stressful.  Also, there is a level of mystery between your fans and you that makes you exciting to them.  I think it's better to allow that sense of mystery and excitement to remain until after the show is over.  Then you will have had this really cool experience of sharing music with them and they will be even more eager to meet you.

5.)  Eat healthy foods:  This is pretty self explanatory.  You want to feel good on the day of your show and the way you feel will translate to your audience.  If you don't eat well, you won't feel well.  The end.

6.)  You are the faucet, not the water:  One of my coaches, Trina Harmon, always reminds me of this.  There is no need to try and prove anything to your audience.  You are merely the channel through which light and love are being transmitted to those around you.  Your show is not actually about you.  That takes a lot of pressure off of you as the performer, right?  Remember, you are the faucet, not the water.

Are you a performer, public speaker or do you compete in your respective field?  I'd love to hear your tips about how the magic happens for you on game day.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Instapoetry by @mindygledhill

Instagram, how I love thee
Thy vintage filters serve to delight
 A spark in mine artist's heart thou dost ignite
Creativity knows no greater height
Than when I am enveloped in the bliss of mine addiction.

By @mindygledhill


Monday, July 16, 2012

Jane By Design

Who can tell me what they know about this show? On Tuesday night at 9/8c, I'll be tuning in for the first time, myself.  My song, Anchor, will be on this week's episode of "Jane By Design." 
(Wahoo!)  Let me know if you catch it!



Monday, July 2, 2012

Marbleized Paper

Every summer I set aside some time to make marbleized paper.  Somehow, the process is so soothing to me.  Perhaps it's the swirl of the paint in the dipping trays, or the way the excess color melts away when I rinse the paper in the water bath.  It takes preparation.  It takes patience.  But the results are stunning.


After I've hung my papers out to dry, I iron them and cut them into note cards.  Pairing them with vellum envelopes makes the most impressive stationary.  


We'll be making these papers in one of our workshops in Morocco for the Casbah Creative Retreat.  If you'd like to steal away to Morocco with myself and April Meeker in October for our art retreat, there are just two spots left.  Click HERE for more details.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Me on "So You Think You Can Dance?!"

Well, this made me more than a little excited to come across on the internet last night.  Check out the top 20 on "So You Think You Can Dance" dancing to my song "Eyes" with Kaskade!




Monday, June 25, 2012

It's Time

My husband ran to the post office several months ago and as he pulled into a parking stall he saw THIS:


This is what my life feels like sometimes.  Lately I've been dejunking and throwing away all things harmful to my spiritual and physical well being.  I am constantly amazed at how much my family consumes, even when I feel like I'm making a conscious effort not to.  But I've come to realize that the physical junk in my life is very connected to my spirituality and level of mental clarity – two things I am going to need in tip-top condition. 
 You see, it's time.  Time for me to start writing music again.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Fan Mail from Afar!


I would be fibbing if I told you I didn't love fan mail. This awesome picture and letter were sent to me from a lovely young lady from New Delhi (living in Saudi Arabia) named Samiya Kahn.  We had been tweeting together on Twitter for a little while and then Samiya was sweet enough to send me some good old fashioned snail mail. Thank you so much Samiya! However, I can't find you on Twitter anymore so I am hoping that you will stumble across this blog post someday soon.



And now, I'd like to answer your questions personally in this letter:


Q: When will your next album release?
A: I don't have an official date yet, but I have started writing!

Q: Do you like Justin Bieber?
A: I think Justin is a very talented young man, however, I don't have his music on my playlist :-)

And as for "Eyes," it looks like it has now surpassed 1 million views. You were right! Yay!  Thank you so much for your kind words and beautiful letter and picture. Sending you much love.




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Mindy in Japan!


Today my album, Anchor, releases in Japan at Tower Records, HMV and Disques Dessinee!  
I'm so excited!

とってもうれしいです


In Japan, my album cover has this groovy metallic finish on the umbrella instead of the die cut that I use here in the U.S.  I dig it.



I love seeing the liner notes in Japanese characters.


Crossing my fingers that I'll get to go perform there!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mother's Day and Marni Cakes



Meet my oldest sister, Marni K Winkel
or as our family likes to call her, "Marni Cakes."


Marni is the oldest sister in my family of nine and very much a mother figure in my life.  My two brothers, Ryan and Darin, were born first.  Dad thought that the basketball team he had always dreamed of was on it's way. But then seven daughters like pretty maids all in a row came in surprising succession.  (Oh, and by the way, most of us ended up playing basketball).  


When I was a baby and my mother was doing her best to manage her other seven children, Marni would often care for me, change me and rock me to sleep. But of course, whenever she laid me down in the crib, I would awaken and cry for her, so she would just remain holding me while I slumbered. As a toddler, I slept with her in her bed. Her warm, creamy voice would sing lullabies in my ear while we nestled under the covers.  No doubt, Marni's singing voice is the one I first learned to model mine after.  


I think I can speak for all of my siblings when I say that Marni was and still is a very maternal figure for all of us.  She is the magnet and we all gravitate toward her.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that all of the girls in my family have lived under her roof at one point.  Her generosity is her trademark. You have to be careful when complimenting Marni on anything from her clothes to her furniture because she will say, "Here! Take it home with you. I don't need it!"


Being the artist and nurturer that she is, it seems natural that Marni has gone into psychotherapy and the arts.  She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development from the University of Utah and attended the College of Notre Dame in California, earning a Master's degree in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy.  She has worked as a Kindergarten teacher, a pediatric Art Therapist, and as a Marriage and Family Therapist to teenagers and their families.  She is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at Pacifica Graduate Institute, studying Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies.  Her preliminary dissertation work focuses on the soulful lives of children as expressed through literature and the visual arts.  Marni is also one of two Art Therapists in the state of Utah who is both registered and board certified as an Art Therapist (ATR-BC).  


Marni has always been my best sounding board and one of the first people I go to for advice with all of my burning life questions. I'll be the first to recommend her if you're looking for a therapist for you, your marriage or your children! Click here to visit her web site: marnikwinkel.com.


Happy Mother's Day, Marni! I love you so much.


These beautiful photographs were taken by the ever-talented Justin Hackworth.  Many thanks to him.  There's only one thing amiss: Our humor.
 



Ah, there it is.


Friday, May 11, 2012

See You in Marrakesh

Allow me to introduce you to your tour guides for the trip you are taking to Morocco from October 6-13, 2012. Yours Truly (left) and my dear friend April Meeker (right).  We are adventurous spirits. We live our dreams out loud. We take risks and we are taking you with us for the ride of your life into a land of exotic color, texture, aroma, tastes, sites and sounds.

We'll stay at a visionary resort called Peacock Pavilions, owned by award-winning designer, Maryam Montague of "My Marrakesh."  What will we eat, you ask? Amazing, authentic Moroccan cuisine, of course.  In between couscous and curry, we'll also be feeding your artistic soul with workshops on jewelry making, book binding, collage, writing, marbleizing paper, and even a self-help session on clearing blocks and unleashing your creative power.  When we're not knee-deep in our art, we'll be riding camels, visiting the beach, treasure-hunting in the souks, getting henna tattoos and catching a belly dancing show. Really.

Let me tell it to you straight. This trip costs $3100. The price includes everything mentioned above except airfare. Yes. Even the belly dancing show.  

Email April Meeker at secondsisterjewlery@yahoo.com to claim your spot on the trip.  There are only 5 spots left! April may also be able to help you set up a plan to pay for the trip in a few installments. 

For more information, click this link (and scroll to the very bottom to see a cool brochure about the trip): http://suaviloquy.blogspot.com/p/morocco-creative-retreat.html 

I'll see you in Marrakesh.








Monday, May 7, 2012

Insta Weekend

I went a little Insta-crazy with the Instagrams over the weekend.  Are you following the adventures of @mindygledhill on Instagram? Because it just doesn't get more exciting than this:


"The Undie-Grad"
My little sister, Lindsey, graduates from the U of U with a degree in photography.


"Ryan Innes Rocks Out"
 Opening up for Peter Breinholt at our first concert for this season's 


"Me and Peter B."


"Pair O' Potties" 
(in the Green Room at the Rooftop Concert Series)


"Secret Treehouse Meeting" 
With Libbie Linton and Spencer Harrison. Their upcoming record is going to BLOW YOUR MIND.


"Visit with Gramps" 
Griffin nearly destroys the hospital in a single attempt to visit Grandpa Mike, who hasn't been feeling so good lately.


"Backstage Surprise!" 
I got an email from the little girl in the pink pants on the front row, inviting me to see her dance class perform in a recital to my song, "Whole Wide World." I surprised them all with a backstage visit after their performance (which made me cry, just for the record). Smiles all around.


"Nephew Mayhem"
Visited my sister Amy and her boys, Enzo (center) and Noah (right).

Friday, May 4, 2012

TONIGHT!


I am one of the founders of the Rooftop Concert Series: A rather large and amazing outdoor concert series (if I do say so myself) on the top of a parking structure in the historic district of my town.  Tonight we kick off the season with Peter Breinholt.  My husband and I fell in love to Peter's music.  We even sang his song, "What About" at our wedding dinner.  Don't be surprised if you see us smooching during the show.  Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Vintage Spring Sorbet



Since the birth of my third son last August, I have been exhausted. Sleep deprivation has a way of stripping the life from you and leaving you to forget the capable person you once were.  Motivation has been a scarcity in these parts for quite some time.  Hence, I have morphed into quite the recluse, emerging only for groceries at the corner store in my pajamas.  The downward spiral of no sleep and isolation can only go on so long, however, before you realize that you MUST GET OUT.  

Luckily, I have had an event called the Vintage Spring Sorbet booked on my performing calendar for over a year.  It rolled around last weekend and turned out to be just what the doctor ordered: A weekend of sunshine, visual delights, culinary indulgences, conversations with women and all against the setting of California's serene Central Valley. Behold, a little Instagram Essay of my adventures:

Drove through miles of nut farms and vineyards to Catheys Valley (population 300).
Basked in the warm glow of Teresa Andersen, creative mastermind behind the Vintage Spring Sorbet. What a lovely, gracious woman she is.

Griffin Beau Gledhill also attended, naturally.
Spencer Harrison flew in from Washington DC to play guitar for me.  If ever there was a good sport, it would be Spencer.  He was a big hit with the ladies.

See what I mean?
The props, décor and vendors' wares were enchanting.

One word to describe my heart at the end of the day?
Complete.

A million thanks to all the beautiful women whom I had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with.