"The sun was up, the corn was high and from my point of view...

This beautiful work of art, created by Nancy Purington, is the first full-page spread in My Grandma's Songs, by Gwendolyn Countryman, Prairie Moon Press, 2013.  I'm thrilled to be a published author for the first time, in my sixth decade.  The 32-page, full color, children's book illustrates the lyrics to the song, "My Grandma's Songs" which I wrote in 2010 both as a tribute to my Grandma, Minnie Pearl Burdock, and the story of how she taught me to sing.

I can honestly say, since she died in 2008, I have felt her at my side so many times, usually in very subtle ways.  But some, not so subtle.  Like the time I received the bill from my divorce lawyer, and a small inheritance from her on the exact same day, and in the same amount.  One door closed and another opened.  Thanks, Grandma Minnie.

What she taught me about singing was first, that it's fun, and a normal way to approach daily life.  Second, it's about making others happy, not being a prima donna.  When she said, "Stand by the piano and sing," I did it because she told me too, and because it made her happy.  I trusted the outcome, because I trusted her.

I hope there is someone you trust that much in your life, and someone who deserves your trust as she did mine.

Happy Mother's Day!

My Grandma's Songs is now published and available through CreateSpace.com and Amazon.com.  What a happy coincidence that this book hit the online market on Mother's Day! It is a book about grandmotherly love, which is simply motherly love with lots of stress removed.  So, Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful women who are the creative source of love, peace and music in the world!

So all friends, family and new friends, order your copy of My Grandma's Songs  at

https://www.createspace.com/4202735 .

August 17, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Gwendolyn Countryman and the Dusty Road premier "My Grandma's Songs" at the What Cheer Opera House

Gwendolyn Countryman and the Dusty Road will present a concert on Friday, August 17, 2012 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the What Cheer Opera House, main street, What Cheer, Iowa. Musician-songwriter Gwendolyn (Coppersmith) Countryman, a What Cheer native, is joined by John Lake on lead guitar, Marty Letz on pedal steel guitar, Al Murphy on fiddle and Aleta Porcella on stand-up bass.  These four talented musicians, all members of other regional bands, have joined Gwendolyn for the What Cheer Opera House premier of “My Grandma’s Songs.” Ms. Countryman wrote and recorded “My Grandma’s Songs” as a tribute to her grandmother, Minnie Burdock who lived in and near What Cheer for 103 years.  Original art by regional artist Nancy Purington will also be on display. Countryman and Purington have collaborated over a year to turn the lyrics of “My Grandma’s Songs” into a 32-page illustrated book for children.  Enjoy an hour of music from the heartland – including country swing, folk, bluegrass and gospel -- and view original art inspired by rural Iowa, in this special musical tribute to Minnie Burdock.  There is no admission charge; a freewill collection will be made.

Uptown Bills Coffee Shop, August 04, 2012, 7:00 -9:00 p.m.

Gwendolyn Countryman and Marty Letz perform, Saturday, August 04, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Uptown Bills's Coffee Shop, 7:30 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Iowa.  Join us in this sweet summer venue -- cool, quaint, and child friendly -- for an evening of  original music featuring Gwendolyn on acoustic guitar and vocals and Marty on pedal steel.   

"My Grandma's Songs," is now a children's picture book.

After a year of collaboration with Nancy Purington, a talented regional artist, I am thrilled to introduce "My Grandma's Songs," a 32-page children's picture book illustrating the lyrics of the song.  I hope you will stop by Sunday, July 15th at the Iowa Artisan's Gallery, downtown Iowa City, at 2:00 p.m. when Nancy and I will preview the book and discuss the collaborative process.

I'll introduce the project by singing "My Grandma's Songs.  I am thrilled to be joined by Al Murphy on fiddle, and Scott Cochran on lead guitar and vocal harmonies.  Read more about the event and collaborative process at this link:

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2012/07/12/Arts/29050.html

Stop by 212 E. Market Street, the Dairy Queen, TODAY, July 13, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. for live music, mural painting, creating recycled art and supporting environmentally responsible action and awareness. I'll be playing at 3:15 (short set) and 5:30 (longer set). The even is sponsored by United Action for Youth and the Market Street Dairy Queen.

Gwendolyn Countryman | Dutch Lace: Upcoming Events

July 15, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at the Iowa Artisan's Gallery, downtown, Iowa City, IA. Gwendolyn Countryman and Nancy Purington will discuss the collaborate project of turning "My Grandma's Songs" into a 32-page children's picture book.  Gwendolyn will perform "My Grandma's Songs, joined by Al Murphy on fiddle and Scott Cochran on acoustic guitar and vocal harmony.  Nancy will present several pieces of original art from the book. This event is part of the Iowa City Book Festival. Gwendolyn Countryman | Dutch Lace: Upcoming Events