MUSIC: "Life of Illusion"

Music has always been a passion. In high school I taught myself to play the guitar and performed in a swing choir (Windjammers). During college I sang back-ups for a local rock band (Citizens Patrol) and minored in vocal music. I even made a demo tape (back then they were "tapes"!) of three of my own songs. After college I sang with a Christian rock band and performed with the 3M Company's performance choir, "Music Makers."

Well, apparently the singing bug hadn't left me completely (hey, I still did lullabies and children's songs!), and when drummer and friend John Benedict asked me to lay some back-up vocal tracks, I said "yes" even though it was tough to carve out the time (I had just had a baby and was flying solo in my business, travelling more than I wanted to).

Man, am I glad I did! The album, released under the name Mark Cameron and titled "Life of Illusion," is now available on iTunes and CDBaby.com. To listen to clips or to purchase the album, click here. To read about other musical moms, check out Mamapalooza.com. The band is working on another CD project and I will head back to the studio soon!

BEADED JEWELRY

When we were younger and not so busy, my sisters and I had a loose-knit craft business called "Four Sisters Jewelry." Although I've mostly given up jewelry-making in favor of writing (I only have time and creative "space" for one or the other!), I miss the times I had with my sisters.

TAIKO DRUMMING

The best way to describe this might be: "a cross between martial arts and banging on really BIG drums."

But as I've studied and practiced, it's become so much more.

Taiko is a Japanese-based art that is as much form and coordinated movement as actual drumming (which is why it appeals to me). It's very physical and high energy. I get a good workout when I play, but I also am part of a team effort. Nowhere was this more apparent than during our recent recital, "Passing the Beat" (me at the left, and with the team and instructor Craig at right).