Studio Blog (March, 2010)

I had a birthday this weekend and my family had a little get together. I decided it would be fun to capture those birthday party elements that so many of us liked as kids — a fun group activity and gifts for everyone in attendance to take home.

Like many family gatherings, talking is the main event. When many people gather, many people talk…at the same time. I’m sure you know what I mean.

So, I brought this miniature djembe (African drum) to the party because I had an idea for a different kind of talking activity. We all gathered in a circle. Whoever was holding the drum was given the floor, so to speak. The drum holder was given the opportunity to talk about something good that’s happened to them recently while everyone else just listened.

It was amazing to hear about all the cool things that had recently transpired for everyone in the room. The energy was high and it was a fantastic way to share with one another. I don’t think we’ve ever done that!

The conversation that unfolded after that activity seemed more relaxed because there was no competition to be heard.

Nice.

The take-home gift was simply this:

Everyone was given a blank sheet of paper upon which they were to write their name. Then, everyone passed the paper to the right and each person wrote something that they appreciated about the person whose name was on top of the paper. What an enlightening exercise.

If you’re looking for ways to raise the creative energy of your next family get together, give one of these activities a try.

I’ll get to the New Water Film in a moment. Our CD, “Waterflow,” is now being sold at Whole Foods Market in University Heights, Ohio! If you’re in the Whole Body Department of that Whole Foods and you wish to buy the CD for yourself and another person (makes a great gift), the second CD is half price. Click here for samples from the album.

We’re also presenting this New Water Film entitled, “Vocalise.” This video features images from the end of winter. You’ll visit Shaker Lakes, Brandywine Falls and Euclid Creek in Cleveland in this video and view scenes from Banff and Niagara Falls in Canada.

Candice’s lovely solo piano rendition of Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise” is the soundtrack. Press play, sit back and enjoy.

You can also watch it in HD on YouTube

The soundtrack to the video can be downloaded here.

It’s now even easier to follow our new GC Creative Studio Facebook page because we have a “become a fan” icon to the right of this blog post or on our home page. That icon is located just below our most recent Twitter post.

Have a creative day!

Here’s the latest track of GCMusic called, “Whistler Spirit.”

Whistler, British Columbia is a magical and majestic place, not to mention a fantastic place to ski and enjoy outdoor nature sports. Everywhere you look, there is stunning natural beauty. Here’s the tune that came along after visiting the area. The Studio Blog is the place to hear the complete track.

Just press play and enjoy . . .

There’s a new Playlist on our YouTube channel called, “Adventures.” Whenever we have a notable experience while travelling, we’ll post it here. The first video added to that playlist is from the evening before the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in downtown Vancouver.

We managed to get ourselves in position to watch the torch get carried by Canadian crooner, Michael Bublé just before it made its final trip into David Lam Park for the official lighting of the Olympic cauldron. There were a ton of people clogging the streets that night and all of us were treated to an amazing fireworks display.

So, now that the Olympics are over, check out the excitement that took place before it all started . . .

The Studio Blog is officially two years old! It’s now being presented in its brand new home as our website has been redesigned.

Michael Lehto has reshaped the site to be more attractive and clear for all of our visitors and we are very appreciative of his expertise and creativity.

Thanks to all the loyal readers of the blog. Your feedback has been instrumental in the development of the content of this site.

You can also view this New Water Film entitled, “Natural Vancouver.” You didn’t think we just went to the Olympics without checking out the awesome natural beauty that surrounds the area, did you? Check out this video if you’re looking for a peaceful break to your day:

You can also watch it in HD on YouTube

The new music (the soundtrack to the video) can be downloaded here.

Another post is coming to you tomorrow with a film that features our Olympic Eve experience, watching Michael Bublé carrying the torch.

As always, remember that you can now follow our new GC Creative Studio Facebook page by clicking here and becoming a “fan.”

See you then!