Skip to main content

The Courage to Create

In this episode, The Courage to Create . . .

Welcome back to On the Fly. This blog post explores the inspiring collaboration between Elton John and Brandi Carlile on their new album, Who Believes in Angels, using their creative journey to motivate you to embrace courage, collaboration, and the pursuit of extraordinary creations.

There are moments when life whispers invitations to us: "Go on. Create something beautiful." This morning, that invitation arrived through a remarkable new album, "Who Believes in Angels," by Elton John (now 78) and the talented Brandi Carlile. This work has sparked a fire within me. This partnership, characterized by raw and genuine creativity, is both inspiring and extraordinary.

As a lifelong fan of Elton John, I have documented my appreciation for his influence in "Captain Fantastic and The Captain and the Kid." These blog posts explore his extraordinary career and my growth as an artist inspired by his music and impact.

The Magic of Sunset Sound

What resonated most deeply was their story, shared on CBS Sunday Morning, about stepping into the hallowed halls of Sunset Sound studio in Hollywood, CA. Imagine–two brilliant artists working in a space where musical history was made, with nothing but the promise of potential. "Why Sunset Sound?" Elton was asked, and his answer struck a chord: "It's a magical studio. Prince recorded Purple Rain here," among many other incredible recordings. That palpable energy that magic permeates every note of "Who Believes in Angels."

The Alchemy of Collaboration

After more than 50+ years of composing music and releasing 32 studio albums, how does one conjure such beauty from thin air? Let’s call it the alchemy of collaboration, the spark of genuine friendship, and an unwavering belief in artistic expression. This studio album reminds us that extraordinary things happen when we dare to reach for the best within ourselves, embrace the challenge of collaboration, and step into the unknown with courage.

How, you ask? To bring this magic into your life, reach out to someone whose work inspires you and suggest a collaborative project. Share your ideas and be open to theirs, too! The wonderful blend of different perspectives can lead to truly extraordinary creations. The lyrics, ‘I have been there, man I have been there,’ from the song ‘Who Believes In Angels, ' beautifully capture the spirit of courage in challenging times of uncertainty.

Your Canvas Awaits

The future is your canvas, as the past becomes a distant memory, allowing us to craft our masterpieces. Aim high. Let "Who Believes in Angels" serve as your anthem, reminding you that the most exquisite creations often emerge from the most unlikely sources. Embrace the journey, have faith in the process, and continue to believe in the magic of your potential.

Whether your art is music, writing, painting, or how you live your life, remember that you possess the power to create something extraordinary.

Yes–“Even Diamonds look like rocks to the untrained eye.”

Explore new horizons! Why not join a local writers' group, play in a band, or participate in a theatrical production? It's an excellent way to meet other creative souls. Seek collaborators who ignite your passion and believe in the magic that lies within you. Go listen to "Who Believes in Angels." Allow it to awaken the artist within you.

“Tune me into the wild side of life. Each day, I learn just a little bit more. If we’re all going somewhere, let's get there soon; this song has no title, just words, and a tune.”

I’m Patrick Ball. Stay curious; it’s never too late. Swing for the fences and create. See you in the next episode.

Labels:

Comments

Don Hanley said…
A creative idea and the title is: CREATE A NEW TUNE
April 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Post a Comment

Most Popular of All Time

Sunflowers, French Steel, and the Yellow Jersey

Watching Le Tour de France this year, I found myself transported back to August 1983 as the Peloton in Stage 10, Bastille Day, flowed through the French countryside like a brightly colored ribbon. I was in my twenties, visiting family in the Charente-Maritime region of France, completely obsessed with bicycle racing—and convinced I was much stronger than I was. My connection to cycling—and to France—runs deep. I was born in France, and my very first real road bike, at age fifteen, was a Mercier . To me, it wasn’t just a bicycle; it was a work of art made from beautiful French steel. I rode that bike for miles, through high school, into college, and until the day someone decided they needed it more than I did. I hope they at least appreciated the craftsmanship. Its untimely disappearance led me to a Schwinn Voyageur, and later, when I started racing around Illinois, to a Raleigh Competition . But during that summer of ’83, while staying with my Uncle Jean Paul in Lagord, just north of L...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rediscovering the Magic of Summer . . .

Summer mornings, especially on a holiday weekend, have a special magic. The air is cool, the world quiet, and the day full of possibilities. This July 4th weekend, Lori and I decided to capture a bit of that magic by beating the holiday traffic with an early morning bicycle ride. We went through our usual pre-flight checklist: Stretched out the morning stiffness. Filled the water bottles. Strapped on the helmets. Checked the tires. Three tires passed inspection. The fourth had apparently declared independence. The rear tire on my e-bike was flatter than a Kansas highway. “Well, it looks like we’re not riding today,” Lori said, with the calm acceptance of someone who had already mentally promoted coffee to the day’s main event. “Why not?” I replied. “I’ll ride my old bike.” She gave me that look —the one that safely translates as, "Are you sure about this? " “Absolutely,” I said. “Why not?” I dragged the bike stand out and surveyed my options. One glance at the aggressive gear...
Post a Comment
Read more

Morning Coffee

In this episode, Morning Coffee . . . Now, I’m not saying everyone needs coffee. Some folks get by just fine on, I don’t know, sunlight and positive thinking. Me? I’m pretty sure I started drinking the stuff sometime around the Reagan administration. Reading John Gierach’s "Ode to Campfire Coffee" in Trout Bum (a book that should be required reading for anyone who sees sleeping on the ground as recreation) got me thinking about how we’ve managed to complicate something as fundamentally simple as boiling water and adding grounds. Taste, you say? Look, black coffee is an acquired taste, like tequila or cilantro. I just don’t get it. Gierach, bless his heart, mostly drinks his java streamside, probably while wearing wool socks and waders and contemplating the mysteries of the universe. As for me? My outdoor coffee experience is a bit different. Picture this: the High Sierra, where campfires are banned (to avoid agitating Smoky Bear), and I’m huddled over a Whisperlite , coax...
1 comment
Read more

Misfits at Halloween

In this episode - Misfits at Halloween . . . It’s autumn, and Halloween is approaching - how do you capture the experience, the smells, the rustling sounds of multicolored falling leaves, the quiet, peaceful feeling, the solitude of life in a small town? News flash, I’m here to tell you it’s not always as tranquil as sentimental storytellers like to depict it. Admittedly, like all agrarian communities, Cuba had its pranksters. Thankfully, though, in our small, rural farming community of the late 1960s and early 70s, I’m happy to report there was no teen violence, no gang shootings, and no serious vandalism. Well, ok, we did torment the local policeman, who we dubbed Barney Fife (I don’t remember his name). In the fall, most families would have harvested their gardens by Halloween, but inevitably, there would be leftovers. A group of us would hide behind Jim Welch’s garden fence on Main Street and hurl the leftover, soft, rotten tomatoes at Barney’s squad car as he patrolled the town. F...
4 comments
Read more