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

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

A B+ Kind of Life

Welcome back to this week's On the Fly . Retirement has taught me something unexpected: life gets a lot more enjoyable when you stop chasing perfection. Lately, I've been having an absolute blast playing executive par-3 courses like Rancho Carlsbad . A short iron, a sunny morning, and nowhere to be except the next tee—that's my kind of day. This Thursday, though, I'm raising the stakes. I'm heading to The Links at Lakehouse in San Marcos, a full-size par-71 course with enough water hazards to keep the local fish well-stocked with my golf balls. After shooting a 64 on a par-3 course, I've set myself a new goal: shoot an 89 before my birthday next August. Why 89? Because on a par-71 course, that's bogey golf—one extra stroke per hole. For non-golfers, think of it this way: par is like earning 100% on a final exam. Bogey golf is a solid B+. You got the job done, learned something, and probably had a lot more fun getting there. The older I get, the more I appre...
Post a Comment
Read more

Resurrecting the '90s Graphite

Let’s face it, there’s a certain danger in reading John Gierach's Trout Bum . His wit, self-deprecation, and sharp, effortless satire are entirely infectious. If you aren't careful, his words will inspire you to drop everything, wade into a freezing river, and try to outsmart a creature with a brain the size of a lentil. In my case, re-reading Gierach recently didn't send me straight to the river. It sent me digging through the dusty, spider-guarded corners of my garage. In the early 1990s, seeking a natural escape from Manhattan's concrete canyons, I decided to learn to cast a fly rod. I bought an Orvis Rocky Mountain —eight-and-a-half feet, three ounces, built for a five-weight line—and had absolutely no idea how to use it. To avoid aimlessly whipping the water like scrambling eggs, I took fly-fishing lessons from Al Cucci, co-author of Hatches , on the Delaware River. With his guidance, I fished renowned waters: the AuSable in New York and Michigan, and New Jersey...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Endless Work of Wisdom

It always makes me smile. The moment people learn I've officially entered what I like to call the Great Un-Working (retirement), they almost immediately ask the same question: “So . . . What do you do now?" I think they're expecting me to say I'm restoring a vintage sports car, hiking the John Muir Trail, or finally becoming fluent in French.   Instead, I tell them: "I live life deliberately." That's usually the point when I get a polite nod, followed by the unmistakable look of someone wondering whether I've simply found a more sophisticated way to say, “I’m becoming a bum.” Apparently, "living deliberately" sounds suspiciously like unemployment, just better branding. The truth is, what living deliberately looks like for me right now is taking time to synthesize a lifetime of experiences into these weekly reflections. It's slowing down long enough to ask what those experiences have taught me, while keeping the door wide open to the poss...
Post a Comment
Read more