"Let the beauty we love be what we do." -Rumi

I have my dear songwriter friend, McCall Erickson to thank for this quote since she's the one who first introduced it to me, for which I'm grateful.

I just celebrated another birthday and must say, this one has really hit me.  I feel frightened and fragile at the thought of getting older.  I'm just not ready! (said with fists clenched and me lying on my tummy, kicking and screaming....)  No, that's not a pretty sight.  And maybe that's what I'm fearing about it all.  It ain't pretty, this buisness of growing old.  Not that I am old, yet.  But judging by how quickly this last year has flown by, and the one before that, old age is going to come whether I like it or not.  It's just a part of life.

I have distinct memories from my child hood with my beautiful grandma Fern who used to say to me, "Honey, my life began at 40.  That's about the time I stopped caring so much about what others thought of me and began living my life."  She lived such a beautiful life, and Oh, that I can do the same! To live beautifully is to live authentically.  To live authentically is to live courageously.  And to live courageously means to face my fears.  I've given my dream to the world, this dream of making music for all the world to hear, and since then, the struggle inside of me has become more fierce to bring it forth.  Honestly, it can be so scary sometimes when you put yourself out there!

I feel changed.  Time has a funny way of doing that to us.  There is an exquisite, glorious and beautiful dream inside of me that I can't ignore.  It's been sent to me to help heal the world.  If I ignore it, will Heaven itself mourn because the dreamer, impatient and weary, relied on her own strength only and could do no more?  This year, I resolve to trust my beautiful dreams to the same Power that sent them to me, and this same Power will help me make them come true.

Well, I'm really excited about this fun concert and dinner show sponsored by Texas Pride Barbecue and The Village at Huntsville Square. The week after Christmas is the perfect time to spend a cozy evening with friends and loved ones.  *Tickets are $30 per person.*  Showtime in the Mountains offers sleigh rides around the park, a delicious dinner of Prime Rib or Smoked Pork Tenderloin with all the trimmings, and a concert by the amazing fingersyle guitarist, Austin Weyand, and me.

Come with bells on for this one!!  I'd love to see your smiling face. Click here to purchase tickets now:  *A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Christmas Tree Jubilee, helping kids with special needs.

Custom, Ceremony,Celebration, Consecration--Come to us wrapped up, not in tissue and ribbons, but in cherished memories. --Sarah Ban Breathnach

It's been quite the year for me and the Vaughn clan.  We've been through a lot of changes, as we've moved from our dream home to a much more modest one.  We've been hit hard by the economy and had to really prioritize what matters most.  More than two thirds of our "stuff" is in storage and we're in the mode of living on less and saving more.  It's not what I had imagined for our little family a year ago.  Stupid real-estate!  But it is what it is, and we have far more blessings to count than grievances to bear.

This December brings with it many gifts.  Not all of them come in packages and bows.  The gift of deep and sincere gratitude for the handsome Mr. V  and our kiddos.  The gift of health.  The gift of warmth.  The gift of faith and testimony in my dear Savior, Jesus Christ.  The gift of music and song. And the gift of love.  Where there is Love, there are always miracles.  And where there are miracles, there is always great joy.   Finally, I am learning to incorporate the miracle of authenticity into my life.  I feel forever changed on how I view myself, no longer relying on the outward to dictate what I'm defined by.  My daily round.  My dreams.  My life's work.  Things which I once called common, I now call sacred.

Only the heart knows how to find what is precious.  -Fyodor Dostoyevsky

It seems to me that the heart knows what works for us, and what doesn't.  The heart is our truest compass, the source of authenticity.  When I listen to her, she tells me if I'm heading in the right direction or not.  She also tells me when I've veared off course and perhaps need to make a U-turn.  I've noticed that when this is the case, I'm not exactly thrilled at this information.  Knowing might mean choice, and choice often means change.

Autumn is my time of year to think and plan and reflect.  I like to slow down during October and November so I can plan my next year's opportunities.  I like to "listen" and take nature walks and ask Spirit where I should go next.   As I walk outside and the dry leaves rustle pleasantly beneath my feet, I can't help but pause and reflect on how quickly life goes by, on how quickly my children are growing......  I imagine each gold and brown leaf lying on the ground as a day from my life or my children's lives that's already past.  Can I really afford to wait even one more day to begin sowing the seeds of loving memories into their young lives?  Can I wait even one more day to decide to be brave, to be powerful within myself and create the life I want to live?

"Write the truest sentence you know." - Ernest Hemingway

Mr. Hemingway knows something I don't know......... ooooh, but I sense I'm coming close when I write songs, in my own way, and I want to know what he means!  Write the truest sentence I know?? What a challenge.  I read his stories and I wonder as I'm reading.... how did he do that?

I wonder the same thing with certain songwriters too.

One of the first things I've learned about songwriting is speaking your truth and being able to say what you mean and mean what you say.  The song I Believe You which I recently finished recording for the mini album is a personal triumph for me as a writer.  Why?  Because the song is the truest song I know.   The song is simple.  But I trusted where the song wanted to go as I was writing it, and I didn't get in the way of where the song was headed.  It felt to me like the hand of God was helping me write and I accepted it as a friend's offer with what I wanted to say.

Another aspect of songwriting I've learned, and I'm still reminding myself to practice, is to keep a sense of playfulness and openheartedness while still saying what you mean.  I look at my songwriting as a way to connect with other hearts, minds, people, backgrounds, and experiences. Isn't that why we share our art with others? In hopes of making connections and enhancing each other's experiences with being human?

Paint the truest image you can paint.  Set the angel free when you carve.  Make the heavens weep when you compose. Sing the inner terrain of your heart when you sing.  Believe in yourself that you can do it, whatever it is you want to do.   Just Believe......  When we say, "I Believe...." we are in essence saying,  "I trust myself."  When we say, "I trust myself...." we are in essence saying,  "I Believe."

We did it! It feels so good to have finished this mini album! And it was a lot of fun to produce.

After a couple weeks of travelling to Lehi (a 2 hour drive each way), getting pulled over twice on the highway and sweet talkin' my way out of a ticket (I have somewhat of a lead foot),  more than a few Subway sandwiches, some honey tea for my allergies, and some late nights getting the mix just right, we finished!  I'm so excited!  I've been asked by so many of you when I'll have some non-Christmas music available, so here it is.

Click on the following link: Positive Music and Downloads to purchase the album for less than $5 dollars.

The following is the album description used on Positive Music and Downloads website:

"An inspiring blend of the best elements of folk and jazz, singer/songwriter Danielle Vaughn delivers a timeless collection of simple yet soulful poetry to life in her charming acoustic style.

Vaughn writes, arranges, sings, and plays the guitar.  She is accompanied by Michael Dowdle on guitar and mandolin; Austin Weyand on guitar; Rob Honey on bass; and Ron Brough on percussion.The song selection ranges from Vaughn's poetic originals on "Destination" and "I Believe You" to the playful and pleasing "Give Said the Little Stream" and "Come, Come Ye Saints" to the priceless "The Way You Look Tonight."

This mini album gently grooves as it goes down smooth with Vaughn's voice, a fine choice for anyone looking for pure musical essence with emotional integrity."

Hope you enjoy!

MMMmmmmm, All I Can Say is MMMmmm!!! Life is full of simple pleasures. Today, I took it all in, the sweet, the savory and the simple.

Is there anything more delicious and inspiring in the world than homemade chocolate chip cookies??  Honestly, I think I've been making them at least once a week this Summer, possibly more with all the rain we've had.  Rainy days put me in the mood to bake. Today however, it was sunny, one of those dreamy June days where the sun is bright, the sky is brilliant turquoise blue, and the fresh mountain air has a tinge of coolness to the breeze.  I sat outside on the front deck and took in the sunshine, (adding depth and color to the freckles on my nose.)  I watched my son ride his  bike with a grin from ear to ear, as he'd yell, "Mom, watch this turn!"  And I decided to bake chocolate chip cookies for him.   I quietly slipped into the house and whipped up the dough.  It wasn't long before he came bounding in asking, "Whatcha making mom?"  I replied, "Your favorite....." to which he graciously grinned his ear to ear grin again. I thought to myself, it doesn't get any better than this.

Later this evening, my daughter decided to upload her favorite baby photos to her computer.  The activity led to the entire family hovering around the computer, eating chocolate chip cookies, and laughing and remembering so many of our good times.  I savored each picture while taking a step back and watching my family enjoy themselves.   I felt a wash of gratitude come over me as I realized how quickly these moments come and go.

Here is a fun photo of the kids at the piano, we had made chocolate chip cookies earlier that evening, then ended the evening at the piano.  Simple pleasures not to be forgotten.

In addition to freshly grown produce and flowers, this small town market offers a little bit of everything. Musicians and bands perform while shoppers  peruse locally made arts and crafts, jams and jellies, quilts and antiques & collectibles,  and other surprises. The kids will enjoy their own booth area with interactive crafts and activities, and there’s even a masseuse with a massage chair for those just wanting to de-stress.  Come on out!  I'd love to see you.

Behind every pair of eyes there are stories........ interesting ones, sad ones, funny ones. Sometimes, a pair of eyes can reach right through the photo on the magazine page, or the album cover, and grab me.  Other times, it's a face to face meeting, where the eyes pull me in and pique my curiosity.  I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't have an interesting story to tell.    I am fascinated with getting to the heart of learning what makes people tick, what's behind the eyes?

I really enjoy reading biography's of other people's real life stories.  The first biography I ever read was about Patsy Cline.  I grew up listening to her records, and staying up late at night singing along with her.  Patsy's voice pulled me in with such force, I wanted to hear more and more.  The way her singing told stories beyond the lyrics drew me in.

When I first heard "Crazy" by Patsy, the song soaked deep into my skin and time stood still.  Mom told me to find the tape case in the glove box so I could see a picture of her.  I looked into her eyes and saw sheer determination, a sense of playfulness, depth, and stories to tell me through her songs, through her voice.  I wanted to know more.  I wanted to hear more.

Patsy's music has always stayed with me.   You could say that she's a sort of heroine to me.    I've heard many singers cite Patsy as a source of inspiration to them as well.  For me, what stands out the most about her singing is her ability to reach deep down inside a lyric and deliver it with the perfect blend of power and restraint.  Brilliant.  Sheer brilliance.

Thank you Patsy, for being my first and foremost inspiration.  I'm grateful to you!

Well, I'm so honored to have been interviewed by Greg Hansen on yldsr.com for The New Music Show.  Greg brings a new artist into the studio each week and this week it was my priviledge to be featured. We sat down together and talked about everything from yoga to my hometown in the beautiful mountain valley of Huntsville, to meditation and creativity.   I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and thought you'd enjoy the discussion.   Click here for a listen:  YourLDSRadio.com, The New Music Show.

Greg Hansen is a multi-award-winning professional composer, record producer/arranger, and new age recording artist residing in Utah. He is a 1998-2007 26-time Pearl Award winner.   I especially enjoyed getting to know him for his warm personality, his love of the wilderness and the outdoors, and his keen sense of the music business.  He's also been instrumental in setting up Positive Music and Downloads which is an online website exclusively devoted to positive values-based music.  You can purchase my CD "Noel" at this website, or download the songs (much like iTunes.)  Pretty Cool.  I downloaded Greg's CD called "Wilderness," from this site and LOVE it!  I plan on using some of the songs in my yoga playlists.

Just wanted to spread the word!  Hope you enjoy the conversation.

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself, I loafe and invite my soul....." - Walt Whitman

I love the above quote for it's simplicity.  Mr. Whitman seems like a merry ole'  soul who was comfortable in his own skin.  I'm only guessing, since I don't know him personally, but I think if I were to meet him, there would be a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, and I'd instantly want to be his friend.

As I've come to know him through his poetry and prose, I've deduced that he enjoyed being alone with himself and the grand outdoors.  Not always, since I can tell he loved people too.  But he loved to take little excursions, noticing the song of the Rolling Earth, or the Open Road, or in America Singing...

Perhaps Mr. Whitman knew the secret to something I've just recently discovered for myself.  A little over a year ago, I stumbled upon a tool that has helped facilitate my song writing.  Julia Cameron writes about the idea in her book, The Artist's Way.  It's called the Artist Date.   It is most easily defined as a solo excursion that allows me to make my heart light and my spirit sing.  Sound weird?  I'll try to explain a little more.

What do I do for an artist date?   I go see a movie, I browse a used book store, I go for a walk by the duck pond, I hike for leisure verses exercise, I pet the neighbor's horses and feed them some apples,  I go to Starbuck's and order a hazlenut steamer with lots of whipped cream (and give myself a white mustache, trying to keep a straight face as I make small talk with a stranger who looks like he could use a smile,)  I go to a concert, or I take a yoga class, and the list goes on and on...... the point being, to have some fun by myself.  It usually only takes two hours of time to invest each week.  If I rationalize and put off the artist date, I can get pretty frazzled.

I've noticed at my concerts, there's always one or more ladies who want to talk to me after the show.  A common question I'm asked is, "How do you find time to write songs and be a mom and do all you do?" My answer is something to the tune of this: It's so easy to become too busy to carve out some time and nurture our imaginations, pay attention to our inner artist.  If I get too serious about things, then I need to reconsider my personal priorities.  As I listen to my authentic self, I notice there will be more to give to my loved ones.  The Artist Date is a tool I've found to replenish my well.

For a long time my guitar lay buried under my bed, waiting for the resurrection, or for that perfect...... "Let there be all the time in the world......" moment when I could sit down and teach myself a new instrument.   A couple of years ago I realized the elusive "perfect time" wasn't going to present itself unless I made it happen.   I'm so thankful I listened! It's frivolous, superfluous, rediculous, and ludicrous.   Suspicious, unjudicious........ hmmmmm, sounds like a song I know.........  But the truth is, it's not frivolous.  It's an essential gift you can give to yourself to help your creative dreams take flight.

A couple weeks ago, Ethan called me with a broken down car.  He needed me to pack up the kiddos and rescue him again.   The night before, he called me at two in the morning, his car key had fallen from his pocket in the snow somewhere between 2nd South and the Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City.    After accepting the present circumstances, through groggy eyes,  I loaded up the kiddos and we started the hour and fifteen minute drive to Salt Lake to rescue our handsome Mr. V again.

I don't always know why some things occur the way they do.   It usually takes me some time and a step back to see the blessings from what was at one time vexing me.   However,  I'm slowly learning to bless whatever circumstance I'm in and to find the good in the situation.  "At least Mr. V isn't hurt...... Thank you for keeping him safe......... Thank you that it's only two in the morning instead of four...... when my best and most dreamiest dreams usually occur............ Thank you for heated seats..........  Thank you for clear roads.........."

I kept myself awake for the drive by counting each and every blessing I could think of in my present circumstances.  I wanted to see how high of a number I could get to before reaching my destination.    Sometimes it can be so tiring-- learning life's lessons through struggle.  There's a better way.   In the rush of my daily life, I realized there is much that I miss.  I'm thankful for a car ride in the wee hours of the night, reminding me of all that is right in my world.

It's time to start over again, once again.  January is the month of new beginnings for me.  I always think back on cherished memories from the previous year.  And I always try to articulate how I can do better for the upcoming year.  With all these thoughts of self improving, comes much focus on turning inward.  Maybe that's how Winter weaves her magical spell: with the cold, crisp days turning into long, dark evenings.   I spend more time at the home fires, making savory suppers and soups for me and my little family.   I spend more time at the writing desk, penning poetry, writing to friends, and writing songs.   I invite friends over to gather 'round our table for lively conversations.  And I bask in simple solitary joys, like reading a good book.

The snow falls ever so softly outside, and the temperature drops little by little.   Nature is so peaceful this time of year.  I feel like I should be, too.  January is the month to dare to dream.   I look forward to the year ahead, to things that have never been.  And I look forward to the journey within that only Wintertime can provide.

"Support Your Local Singer" by Linda East Brady of the Standard Examiner

"What list of musical gift suggestions would be complete without at least one holiday record?  The pick this year is by Eden's Vaughn, featuring production by Mark Stephenson.  Vaughn, who arranged the songs, mixes traditional Christmas tunes like the ancient "O Come, O Come Immanuel" with her own Christmas songs and medleys of traditional tunes.

Vaughn sings and plays piano and acoustic guitar.  She is accompanied by Michael Dowdle on guitars, mandolin, keyboards and acoustic guitar; Shawn Miller on guitars and keyboards; and D. Scott Williams on guitar, upright bass and harmonica.

The accompaniment ranges from the gentlest piano riff on the hymns to acoustic 12-bar-style blues on "Christmastime Blues."  But even when "Noel's" tone turns playful, the message stays sacred.

This album goes down easy, a fine choice for a tree-trimming or present-wrapping party.  Vaughn will tickle the fancy of fans of fine female vocalists, and also people who love music with holy holiday spirit."

The year 2008 has been a memorable year for me in music, and I'm bursting with gratitude. I found myself busier than ever before.  I want to share some of the highlights.

• Snowbird songschool and Singer/Songwriter showcase at the Folk and Bluegrass Festival.  I was honored to perform with some amazing fellow songwriters.  The Snowbird experience threw me into a world of talented individuals and rasied the bar for my songwriting.  Since the experience, I've been able to incorporate what I learned into my songs and I'm loving the results.   I'll pass the fruits from this experience along in my upcoming shows.  New songs and new stories to share.

• My first TV appearance on KJZZ for Jennifer Burns of "Cooking Delight." The "Cooking Delight" show airs every Sunday at 2pm on KJZZ-14.  The show is upbeat and promotes cooking in a fun atmosphere to encourage others to have more fun in the kitchen and to look at cooking in a more creative way. The theme developed by Jennifer Burns is to inspire others to view cooking as a creative outlet and "To Be an Artist in Their Kitchen!"   She has put together a cookbook which features over 100 original recipes, 40 pieces of inspiring artwork, and a music CD.  The CD includes one of my original songs.  Click here to order her cookbook. Jennifer's cooking style resonates with me. She doesn't follow a recipe per se,  she uses fresh ingredients and puts foods together in a creative way while listening to upbeat, inspiring music.   Exactly the way I cook.   And I love to cook!

• My CD release Noel.  I'm very pleased with the sound of this album.  I love the songs chosen for the album and the musicians who collaberated with me.  Mark, Michael, Shawn and Dan, you are all brilliant.  Thanks for your energy and talent!   I wanted the album to have an acoustic, down to earth feel by keeping  the songs simple and let the lyrics and enduring melodies speak for themselves.  So far, it has been very well received and I'm so thankful.   If you haven't purchased your copy yet, there's still time to enjoy the music this holiday season.  Just click on the "Store" tab here on my website.   If you are already enjoying your CD, let me know what you think.  I love to hear from you! Let me know which song is your favorite.  Click on the "Contact Danielle" tab at the top of the screen to drop me a line or two.

My website is finally live!

I want to express my appreciation with much gratitude and joy to each and every one of you who have given encouragement and support for my new holiday album,  Noel!! I hope the album will become a cherished collection of Christmas music to be enjoyed for many years to come. Your kind words and enthusiasm have made every penny spent, every minute spent in the studio, worth it!

Recording is both painful and rewarding. I love it when the magic is captured in the studio!  But what I love even more is the energy exchange that takes place when I sing for an audience, looking people in the eye, and knowing that what is inside of me being expressed through song is well received.  In the studio, it's just me and the lone microphone and the weight of knowing everything has to be so.....perfect.   It reminds me of my college years studying classical piano, hours  spent perfecting and polishing the repertoire.  While I'm so grateful for the experience and discipline I learned, I've found the freedom of the guitar and writing my own songs to be rewarding beyond measure. (no pun intended.)  Metronome??? Shmetronome! (I know my former students will need to pick their jaw from off the ground if they didn't just die of cardiac arrest.) Ah, the beauty of rubato! (said with an Italian accent.)

I'm so grateful to be doing what I love to do most. It is liberating! And so, with much joy from my world to yours, I want to say thank you! and Joyeux Noel!!!

It was ten years ago, when I first stumbled onto the song "In the Bleak Midwinter." The words instantly resonated with me and I composed a simple arrangement of my own on the piano. I hadn't sat down at my piano for months previous because, quite frankly, I was feeling less than inspired to ever really play again. I was tired of the piano, or should I say weary, probably a better word.  I loved the piano and I hated the piano. But that's how I was feeling toward's everything at the time.  I first heard it when a friend had given me a CD with the song tucked neatly towards the end. The CD was a lullaby compilation meant as an expression of congratulations for my first pregnancy.

I had just come home from the hospital after delivering my firstborn son, Noah Gabriel Vaughn. Noah only lived for 51 minutes, peacefully passing away in my arms among my and my husband's extended family and a few close friends. We knew he wasn't going to make it.  The mere fact he lived for 51 minutes defied all medical predictions regarding any hope for his future. I for one, believe in miracles. His little life was nothing short of a gift; a miracle to me. While I knew his death would bring about intense pain (I was no stranger to grief) I also knew even then that much good would come from his short life.

"In the Bleak Midwinter" is the song that helped me and sustained me through my grief and loss. The frosty winds that only death can bring were chilling me to the bone.  I knew if I didn't turn toward love and light and wisdom soon, my heart would turn cold as iron.  So I surrendered. I surrendered the only thing I could give to Him.  My heart.

"In the Bleak Midwinter" embodies the essence of what Christmas is all about to me.  Noah's 10 year birthday is today.  These ten years later, the recording of that song, the album Noel, and the growth that's taken place since his passing, are fruits I'm just now beginning to harvest.  Some fruits are bitter.   Some fruits are sweet.   Some fruits are both.   Either way, I wouldn't trade what I've learned.   I hope you enjoy the song.   It's near and dear to my heart.

Why do I love to sing to Christmas trees?  Because I'm donating a portion of every CD sold this holiday season to the Christmas Tree Jubilee Foundation, a fundraiser for children with special needs. A couple of years ago, my best friend's son who has cerebral palsy received a specially made bicycle from Jubilee funds. I'll never forget the look of sheer joy on his face, the sparkle in his eyes as he rode that bike! The Jubilee is a cause I believe in, so I'm excited to be a part of such a good cause. Come on down to Ogden and see for yourself the beautifully decorated trees donated by local businesses and individuals. The atmosphere is festive, the spirit in the air is inspiring and the offerings from the vendors at the boutique make for perfect gifts.

I'll be doing what I love, singing all week. The Jubilee begins with a gala dinner on Tuesday, November 25th. I'll be playing the piano while guests mingle and meander through the trees. Then I'll be on the main stage singing with my guitar while guests find their dinner table. On Wednesday, November 26th, I'll be singing at the boutique at 3:30. On Friday, November 27th, I'll be singing again at the boutique from 7:00 until the evening quiets down. I hope to see you there! The Jubilee is a memorable event and well worth the drive to downtown Ogden.

Sweet Release!  Click on the "Store" menu to purchase the ablum from this website. If you're interested in ordering five or more as gifts, I'd love to give you a great deal. Just click on "Contact Danielle" at the top of this page and send me an email. Right now when you order five or more CD's you can get them for $9 each, plus shipping. I'll calculate your order and let you know by email how to pay for your order by check. Once your check clears, I'll ship your CD's. Please note that this deal is only available by clicking on the "Contact Danielle" button on the top of this page.

I recorded Noel this year as a way to transform my Christmas Means EP into a fully produced, ten song collection of Christmas music.  The album is my favorite recording project I've worked on so far.  I hope you enjoy for many years to come.