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Wednesday, 2 April 2025

🌹🎶 April Songshowers

 

As it's a new season, I'd love to hear about your Vocal Adventures and interests.
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Dear Friend

🌹🎶 April Songshowers 🎶🌹

"April, the angel of the months, the young love of the year."
– Vita Sackville-West - author, gardener (1892-1962)


As Spring puts on its beautiful show of sunshine and flowers, it's been so joyful to show my face to the sun and turn towards a new season.
As I wondered and wandered around looking for some words to share with you this April, I found myself contemplating three forms of showers.

April Showers
Again the blackbirds sings; the streams
Wake, laughing, from their winter dreams,
And tremble in the April showers
The tassels of the maple flowers
- John Greenleaf Whittier, (1807-1892 ) American abolitionist, Quaker, poet


A shower is a watery weather show, part of the incredible natural water cycle. As water evaporates from planetary surfaces, particles of condensation collect in clouds, falling back to earth when they become too heavy to stay airborne.
As light travels more slowly in water than air, sunrays bend and split into separate colours when caught in raindrops, undergoing a series of refractions and reflections. When a huge crowd of raindrops do this simultaneously, it creates a beautiful rainbow show in the sky.

The Show
Water, stories, the body,
all the things we do, are mediums
that hide and show what’s hidden.

Story Water - Rumi (Persian Poet 1207-1273) translated Coleman Barks


The word show comes from word roots meaning to see, observe, perceive.

As appearances are not always what they seem, there are ambivalent associations around shows. To be a showy show pony or show-off who steals the show is frowned upon, yet we applaud showstoppers and love a good show. Sometimes The Show Must Go On, regardless of how you feel internally, so we do our best to keep the show on the road, because you're only as good as your last show. No wonder that many of us feel trepidation around
showing our true colours on or off stage.

A show stands on the boundary between private and public.
We may ask a person we are unsure of to show me the money,
or encourage a shy person to show more of themselves.
We risk exposure or rejection of our shows of affection, concern or love.

 Show and tell is one of the most fundamental forms of storytelling taught to children, and showtime marks the public end of a private creative process. Art shows a mirror to society through the creative process of externalising the internal world, often showing up aspects of society which are taboo, hidden or repressed. Artists may risk exile, censorship and even death as a result.

With more and more life out on show on social media and Reality TV, 
humans have an enduring fascination with what's going on behind the scenes of the show. But of course, as soon as what is hidden is put on show, its nature changes. So there is a paradoxical dance between our longing to 
show who we really are, whilst retaining our privacy. 

Showing the Way
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
-  Stephen/ Etienne de Grellet, Quaker missionary (1773-1855)


We talk highly of those who show up for us. A way shower may show us new ways to see, perceive or travel through our inner and external worlds.
We each have walked paths through life that may be of service to others - lessons and guidance we can pass on as we pass by. 
So daring to show ourselves creatively and personally allows us to find and share our unique contribution.
Like the raindrops of April Showers, we can put on rainbow shows as we reflect and refract the light of our experiences.

What story, song or creative act would you show if you dared?
What way could you show to serve your fellow travellers?
How will you dance between the seen and unseen 
in this year's April Showers?
Thanks for a happy hearty sing at our HeartSong Spring Workshop!
🌹🎶  April Singing 🎶 🌹
 This month's Rosy Round-Up - full details below.

✨ can u feel it - out now! ✨
Thanks so much for listening and watching our new single and music video!
 Recent features and interviews:  
Gorgeous RadioBlazing MindsMusic News and On the Sofa with Esther

✨  All Aboard the Singing Train with Welcome Choir ✨ 
Join us round the piano at Crystal Palace Station on Friday April 4th @ 6.30pm

 ✨Vocal Revolution Coaching ✨
121 sessions to help bring your singing dreams into reality

✨ HeartSong - Summer Workshop - 28th June ✨
Come for a Happy Hearty Sing in Herts! 

 ✨Spring Survey ✨
Share your vocal adventures and interests here

✨Rambling Rose ✨
The latest rambles of song and sound, word and wonder.
  🌹🎶 May April Shower you with Beautiful Songs! 🎶 🌹
 
Be well, breathe deep and keep singing loudly!

Drop me a line or sing me a song:
katie@therosewindow.org
www.therosewindow.org
@katierosewindow on the Socials

 
Website
YouTube
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram
🌹 🎶 can u feel it - official music video out now! 🎶🌹
Composed by Katie Rose, remix by Michael Doiley, video by Leon Stuparich
Originally written during lockdown by Katie Rose as an acoustic track, can u feel it is an affirmation of the power of love to go the distance, masterfully remixed by Michael Doiley. Offical music video shot in Crystal Palace Park and other South East London locations. Read all about it here
🌹 🎶 Breathe Harmony NHS Staff Choir  🎶 🌹
Run by Breathe Arts Health Research  - MDs Mike King & Katie Rose 

🌹 🎶 Welcome Choir 🎶🌹
Warm, welcoming lively choir who laugh as much as they sing!
We sing songs from global genres in harmony,
taught by ear, working towards fun performances. Info Sheet
Thursdays 7.00-8.30pm, St John the Evangelist, Sylvan Road, SE19 2RX
First taster session free, then pay by term.  Facebook Page

🌹 🎶 ALL ABOARD! 🎶 🌹
Friday April 4th @ 6.30pm, Crystal Palace Station
All aboard the singing train for a Spring Sing round the piano at Crystal Palace Station with Welcome Choir and friends. Songs of love, joy and adventure to help us navigate the mad world and enjoy the ride!
Free to attend - Book here or come along on the day

🌹 🎶 Vocal Revolution Coaching
Claim the joy, power and magic of your voice & creative expression.

Vocal Coaching & Singing Lessons

Reclaim the Past Sessions - a space to listen deeply to your inner voice, gaining powerful insight about life lessons and the intricate interweaving of past and present.

Book a free 20-minute consultation
 
 🌹🎶 Heartsong 🎶 🌹
Happy Hearty Singing in Herts With Katie Rose
Enjoy a happy afternoon of beautiful harmony singing in the serene ambience of Letchworth Quakers Meeting House.
We'll be learning uplifting songs from global genres - folk, pop and original - acapella and accompanied, all taught by ear in three or four-part harmony.
As a gentle form of cardio-vascular exercise which boosts confidence, relieves stress and lifts spirits, singing has well-researched health benefits.
Most importantly it's great fun in good company.
No need to read music or previous singing experience required.

❤️ SINGING WORKSHOP DATES 
Saturdays 2.00 - 5.00 pm 
Summer: June 28th/ Autumn: Oct 25th


 ❤️  VENUE: Letchworth Quaker Meeting House
Howgills, 42 South View, Letchwork, Herts, SG6 3JJ

❤️  Cost £20/ £17 before 1st June -  book online
£25/ £20 after 1st June or on the day (pay by card)
🌹 🎶 Rambles of song & sound, word & wonder on Substack

Latest Rambles:
The Sun Dancer - A solar inspired poetic ramble.

My Heart Burns - A fiery singing ramble

Sunday, 2 March 2025

🌹🎶 The Dream of Spring Emerging

 

Dear Friend

🌹🎶 The Dream of Spring Emerging 🎶🌹

The Dream Keeper
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamers,
Bring me all of your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world.
- Langston Hughes (1902-1967) American Writer & Activist


What are you dreaming of this March?
As Winter makes its last foggy exhalations and soggy sighs,
the dream of Spring emerges in tiny croci and snowdrop petals.
Thanks to Ian Finch, I recently learned that Snowdrops can generate
their own heat, have a built-in antifreeze and can predict the weather - WOW! 
Our dreams can seem as fragile and tenacious as delicate spring flowers,
as they burrow up from within us to face the big wide world.
Having incubated them in the soil of our love, we must reverberate them with the fire of our courage, letting them grow and go.
Loving our dreams and dreaming our love brings
beautiful new possibilities into the world.


Singing Our Dreams Into the World

People Have The Power
I believe everything we dreamcan come to pass through our unionwe can turn the world aroundwe can turn the earth's revolutionwe have the powerPatti Smith - (b 1946) American Singer-Songwriter & Poet

Songs have always helped bring dreams into reality.
Powered by MLK's dream of a world where children would not judged by the colour of their skin, singing played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. A source of strength for Nelson Mandela as he incubated his dreams in prison, songs of hope and resilience reverberated throughout 
the anti-apartheid movement.

As I explored in my latest Substack Ramble, rebellion is defined,
not just by what we are against but by the dreams of change we wish to see and be in the world, personally and collectively. Sting used to daydream of becoming a musician whilst accompanying his father on his milk round, saying
"Dreaming is good because, by doing it, sometimes dreams come true."  

Voicing can be the first powerful step to help dreams come true
 - whether it's singing a love song in the shower, sharing our hopes in a
heart-to-heart with a trusted friend or launching a rocket of song
out into the world in service of an important cause. 

Dreams, like beautiful flowers, will face all sorts of weather as they grow.
A natural anti-freeze, singing generates the warmth of love, passion and courage needed to endure the chilly blasts of doubt, fear and discouragement. The vibrations of song nourish us internally whilst going out into the world to create waves. Anchoring us into our deeply held dreams and longings, songs affirm that our voices matter and make a difference. 

What could you say, sing, write or whisper
to bring a dream into reality?
Carers Singing Protest outside Croydon Town Hall - Sign Our Petition 
Photo: Reporter Harrison Galliven,  My London 
🌹🎶  Springing & Singing Out in March 🎶 🌹
Boing! Here's this month's Rosy Round-Up - full details below.

✨ can u feel it - out March 21st ✨
Sneak preview of our new single dropping on Equinox

✨  Singing Protest for the Carers Support Centre✨ 
 Carers Support Centre Choir and caring friends took a singing stand against the closure of Carers Support Centre outside Croydon Town Hall.
After two weeks of raising our voices in speech, word and song,
Croydon Council have partially revised their plans but still intend to hand the centre over to a non-local provider. Please sign our petition

✨  All Aboard the Singing Train with Welcome Choir ✨ 
Join us round the piano at Crystal Palace Station on Friday April 4th @ 6.30pm

 ✨ Community Conversations: Spring ✨ 
Weds 5th March 7 - 9.30 pm
@ The Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, SE19 2AE 
Free tickets
Spring into a fresh new conversation - find out what’s up around Crystal Palace and renew and revitalise your sense of community connection and contribution.

 ✨ New Choral Arrangement - The Singing Bird ✨
My take on the Irish folk song in celebration of Paddy's Day 

✨ HeartSong - Spring Workshop - 29th March ✨
Come for a Happy Hearty Sing in Herts! 

 ✨Vocal Revolution Coaching ✨
121 sessions to help bring your singing dreams into reality

✨Rambling Rose ✨
The latest rambles of song and sound, word and wonder.
  🌹🎶 May March sing
and bring you many
beautiful dreams
 🎶 🌹
 
Be well, breathe deep and keep singing loudly!

Drop me a line or sing me a song:
katie@therosewindow.org
www.therosewindow.org
@katierosewindow on the Socials

 
Website
YouTube
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram
✨ can u feel it - Sneak Preview of our new single - out March 21st ✨ 

🌹 🎶 ALL ABOARD! 🎶 🌹
Friday April 4th @ 6.30pm, Crystal Palace StationFree Tickets
All aboard the singing train for a Spring Sing round the piano at Crystal Palace Station with Welcome Choir and friends. Songs of love, joy and adventure to help us navigate the mad world and enjoy the ride!

🌹 🎶About Welcome Choir 🎶🌹
Warm, welcoming lively choir who laugh as much as they sing!
We sing songs from global genres in harmony,
taught by ear, working towards fun performances.
Thursdays 7.00-8.30pm, St John the Evangelist, Sylvan Road, SE19 2RX
First taster session free, then pay by term.  Facebook Page

🌹 🎶 The Singing Bird 🎶🌹
In honour of Paddy's Day 2025, here's my take on the beautiful Irish folk song with a little help from my feathered friends.
Click here for Choral Arrangement
 🌹🎶 Heartsong 🎶 🌹
Happy Hearty Singing in Herts With Katie Rose
Enjoy a happy afternoon of beautiful harmony singing in the serene ambience of Letchworth Quakers Meeting House.
We'll be learning uplifting songs from global genres - folk, pop and original - acapella and accompanied, all taught by ear in three or four-part harmony.
As a gentle form of cardio-vascular exercise which boosts confidence, relieves stress and lifts spirits, singing has well-researched health benefits.
Most importantly it's great fun in good company.
No need to read music or previous singing experience required.

❤️ SINGING WORKSHOP DATES 
Saturdays 2-5pm
Spring: March 29th / Summer: June 28th/ Autumn: Oct 25th


 ❤️  VENUE: Letchworth Quaker Meeting House
Howgills, 42 South View, Letchwork, Herts, SG6 3JJ

❤️  Cost £25/ £20 book online or pay by card on the day
🌹 🎶 Vocal Revolution Coaching
Claim the joy, power and magic of your voice & creative expression.

Vocal Coaching & Singing Lessons

Reclaim the Past Sessions - a space to listen deeply to your inner voice, gaining powerful insight about life lessons and the intricate interweaving of past and present.

Book a free 20-minute consultation
 
🌹 🎶 Rambles of song & sound, word & wonder on Substack

Latest Rambles:
Inside Out - The Brave Turning of the Inner Rebel

Shedding Skins - A Slither Through Imbolc/ New Year of the Snake