I am sitting on my front porch, locked out of my house for the time being. In a little while, I'll call again to see if my little brother will wake up, but I'm not in a hurry. It's a gorgeous spring-like evening full of crickets, wind brushing through trees, an occasional raindrop, and a midnight blue sky. I feel the need to just stop and listen for a while.

In the meantime, a quick news flash: I've made the decision to add a violin part to "Romeo e Giulietta". I've also changed the name of the first segment to "Verona - L'incontro". I completed the piano for the section and had it pointed out to me that it sounded like background music and desired a solid melody. I agreed completely, but there was nothing about the piano part I wanted to change, however I think allowing a violin to carry the melody would fit in exquisitely. I'm even considering adding a soprano line in later movements.

I adore nature, and I don't get enough of it. I am convinced that more music lies locked in natural beauty than just about anywhere else. I encourage everyone to get outside as much as possible while the weather is nice. It is a gift that Oklahomans of all people ought to savor.

In honor of nature, here is one of the most simply beautiful nature-inspired pieces of which I know. Below is my tribute to the Raindrop Prelude, Cloudburst, and a few other "rain songs". Umbral Shower: