Do you need a break today? A moment of light amid the political and environmental gloom?
Are you feeling exhausted after the day-by-day, blow-by-blow, gallon by millions of gallons, slow motion tragedy of the BP Oil Disaster? (That pretty picture at left is actually a not-so-pretty photo of oil in the Gulf near Orange Beach, Alabama in June.)
Are you annoyed by the steady media drumbeat, flogging Faux News’ latest contrived controversy: the Ground Zero Mosque? (Which isn’t exactly a mosque and isn’t really at Ground Zero, but let’s not get into that right now…)
Are you tired of scratching your head wondering how Dr. Laura’s loose talk and racism is finally driving her off the airwaves – and yet Glenn Beck’s nightly televised ravings continue?
Then, I’ve got a two-minute brain cleanse for you.
This summer, my 15-year old daughter Eva went to the Interlochen Arts Camp in rural Michigan. It was the first time Interlochen held a two-week summer session for singer-songwriters. This video was shot by one of the camper’s parents at the final song presentation on the last day of camp. Eva is performing her own composition, “California”.
Press play and relax. For about 1 minute and 46 seconds, you can take your mind off the madness.
“California by Eva Barrosse
I’m done with stormy weather,
I’ve seen people have it better, on the coast, at least most of the time.
Just to walk along the perfect beach,
And have the sand kissing my feet.
Oh, what I wouldn’t do to meet you there.
There where the light fills my eyes,
A day with you there would sure suffice.
Oh, I don’t ask for much you see,
Just a blanket there with you and me,
Home in California by the sea.
And as the summer breezes blow by,
Only heaven could know why
I’m so happy with the view.
But there’s nothing like the oceans roar,
And the rays of sun filling my pores,
Just thinking of it, makes me want it more.
There where the light fills my eyes,
A day with you there would sure suffice.
We could, never leave it all
These sea shells and these muraled walls,
So, let just lay.
There where the light fills my eyes,
A day with you there would sure suffice.
Oh, I don’t ask for much you see,
Just a blanket there with you and me,
Home in California by the sea.
Paul's Voyage of Discovery & Etc. 
Beyond wonderful.
Great song, great voice, the tradition continues.
I busted out cryin’.
Requesting lyrics, please.
Lyrics please!
AHHHHHH. Fantastic! JUST what I needed!
Thank you, Eva!
She’s fabulous! thank you for the great time out!(from the mother of a School of Rock 13 year old singer /songwriter)
Yea!
and Eva, your practice on guitar shows, just great. Light years ahead of when I saw you last March. At this rate, next year. . . you be a regular Julia Crowe!
And the song is great too!
Lovely. Just lovely.
The words were all broken up, but I could hear the delightful, young, girl voice. Enchanting.
I’m a tad more hopeful now. Just in general. Thank you, excellent Eva.
It’s the middle of the night in Boston, finding myself awake and wanting to connect with something familiar…went to read the blog and was treated to Eva’s sweet, touching performance. Love the lyrics. Thanks, Eva, for making me smile…..i will be humming your lovely tune in my sleep. xoxo
Beautiful, just beautiful. What a lovely, talented daughter you all have raised.
EVA!
I was just about to yell at you all for not sending at least one tune from your time at Interlochen, then I see this! Fantastic! So beautiful! Love it love it love it!!! Thanks for posting this, Paul.