Gwendolyn Countryman | Writer, Musician and Educator

"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.