"The Blessings of Our Days" arose in part as a response to the horrors of September 11, although other pieces had already been brewing for some time ("Simplicity," for example).  "September 11" is, of course, born out of the dark event, as is the accompanying poem.  Some time later, I developed a simple and (to me) attractive theme, which became the title cut.  "The Blessings of Our Days" also has an accompanying poem, and serves as a bright and uplifting answer to the darkness of those September days.

Two other pieces are accompanied by poems.  "He Was Hardly with Us" was written as an emotional response to the news that a colleague's brother had died of cancer.  And "The Sea Turtle" was inspired by a friend's passion for turtles.  Unfortunately, only "Blessings" has made its way to sheet music -- transcription is time-consuming, and there are only so many hours in the day!  You may listen to 1-minute clips of "Simplicity," "September 11," "Blessings," and "The Sea Turtle."  And if you're interested in purchasing, I'd be most appreciative!