Joan E, brings her contemporary folk country gospel lyrics into a classical soulful sound liken to Joni, Nanna, and Dolly.

12 MP3 Songs
GOSPEL: Country Gospel, FOLK: like Joni



Details:
Community Event News Article - Published in the
STONE COUNTY CITIZEN, Mountain View AR, 12/13/06


âI desire my songs to bring comfort and hope to othersâ thatâs why I entered The National League of American Pen Women Spring River Branch 2006 Fine Arts writing contest. This annual grant is open to women residing in the 18 counties of North central Arkansas which includes Stone County.

In early Spring 2005, the joyful sound of Mountain Viewâs hometown music touched my husband (Charles Smith) and I with a welcoming bid to make this our permanent home.

Charles is originally from Arkansas and I am from Florida. But, during our working years of raising six children, we lived in the state of Louisiana. Our family blessings now include eight beautiful grandchildren; aging from a twenty-four year old to a one year old.

My family and friends bring sunshine and joy to my life. It is with their loving support I found the courage to apply for the Spring River Branch writing grant. To my surprise, several months after applying for the grant, I received a call to meet with the grant committee. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Zula McHorse, accompanied me to the meeting in Cherokee Village.

The committee wanted to know if I could tell them about any female role models in my life. My answer included the sweet lady sitting at my side. Mrs. Zula McHorse is 95 years old, she is so full of warmth and thirst for life â her very presence during this interview gave me the courage to speak with confidence. Another woman of strength in my life is my sweet mother, Mrs. Oma Linzy Herring Baxley.

Mother resides in Wakulla County, thirty miles south of Tallassee, Florida. I am blessed with the same soft alto/tenor voice as mother. Mother, actually aspired to excel in fine arts of music, but her journey detoured â leaving her musical talent private rather-than public.

Often I feel motherâs gentle encouraging words, âyou can do it.â Itâs as thou my choices complement her choices. Perhaps thatâs why I crave music. Mother taught me to always put others before myself. She often reminds me âlifeâs journey will either make us stronger - so we can be encouragers â or it allows us to be the one in need - Either way â people need faith in God and people need people.â

By openly presenting my private life to the grant committee it helped me realize that it is okay to ask for help. The financial assistance received from the grant made it possible for me to produce this CD.

My uttermost desire is to honor Almighty God with humble praise. May I always put Him first and be a willing helper to others.

The American Pen Women Writerâs Group, Spring River Branch, of Cherekee Village will soon sponsor their third annual writing contest. I challenge all female private writers â take the bold plunge â go public â who knows â you just might experience a brand new awakening.

I know I did! The time spent working with the grant committee is priceless â I owe many thanks to Pat and Nancy and the other published writers.

Recording an album under the professional technical engineering hand of Floyd Helems, of Lighthouse Recording Studio in Mountain View, Arkansas can be described in one word. . . magnificent!

Wendy Stevens, of Thunder Ridge Castle Duplicating in St James, Arkansas, professionally packaged and duplicated the master CD.

Dennis Brannon & Ellen Brannon, of the Stone County Citizen Newspaper â Thank You so kindly! I truly appreciate everyoneâs helping hand.

This project came about thanks to each of you. To all purchasing the âHope For Tomorrowâ CD â Godâs Richest Blessings to YOU.

Dear friends, I covet your continual prayers and please know your investment into this project is a joint mission âour desire is to bring songs of hope and encouragement.

To my dearest friends and neighbors thank you so kindly - I truly appreciate your encouraging support.

And, thank you for allowing me to share the beauty of music with you.

Joan E Smith



2006 FINE ARTS GRANT RECIPIENT:

The National League of American Pen Women Spring River Branch, Cherokee Village, AR, awarded the 2006 Mature Women Fine Arts Grant to Joan E. Smith, on June 8, 2006.