New Beginnings
Hi, hope this newsletter finds you well. Many things have changed for me since the last issue of Rainwater Tidings.
Firstly, I quit my teaching job of nine years to start teaching privately on my own, as well as starting my own painting business. I also went back to school to take steps for getting into a teaching school to ultimately become a school music teacher. My old car has finally died after the final trip down the coast and back, and I ended up getting a car which is a huge upgrade.
I feel like quite a huge cycle of my life has finally ended. I am grateful for all the misaligned people, places, and events in the past that tested me and my purpose which built me into who I am today. Fall is a season of harvest after all.
I still have been playing and making music in the midst of all these changes. Music really is my constant, my passion, my purpose, and my identity.
What Music Means To Me
Piano
If you happen to follow my Instagram Stories, you probably have seen clips of me playing piano, usually covers of songs that comes to my head in that moment.
Piano was my very first instrument. I was fortunate to have a generous Grandfather who gifted me an upright acoustic piano when I was little, which still sits at home till this day. Improvising on the piano is one of the core memories of my childhood. Thinking back, I do not remember much of musical detail but it probably sounded like Beatmool.
Playing piano is my therapy, my meditation, and my entertainment all in one. I am not the most technically skilled player, but I am grateful for my ability to play anything that I want to. If I can sing it, I can play it - and this philosophy comes through all of my creations that you hear. I believe that music is already within all of us, and we can all find ways to bring it out in our own ways.
The community piano you see above was donated by a kind senior who lived in the neighbourhood. It sounds rich and beautiful, much better than the one I have at home. There is also something about being out in the open air on a sunny day, playing through many songs that come through my mind. My session would range from an hour to sometimes over two hours. It amazes me that I can play all these songs, sometimes ones I have never even tried playing, only because I can sing them. I always wonder, if I am thinking or if music is simply guiding me.
When I play music, I play for myself first and foremost. Many senior folks who pass by have shared kinds words with me over the summer. It fills my heart when I can connect with someone via music, and playing piano is definitely my most preferred way of doing it, much more so than DJing if I am being honest.
Washington Coast 2026
Finally had a chance to re-visit this cafe, which inspired one of my songs titled “Rainwater Cafe”
First Real Trip in a Year
Despite the political climate, I had to go see the oceans again. Going to Tofino, BC is not the best idea for me in the summer due to the unavailability of camping spots. Taking my car over to the island via ferry also costs a lot more than the price of gas for driving down to Washington Coast. For many reasons, I had to take some time off for myself, kind of like how I did in August 2025 when I drove down the coastline all the way to the redwoods in California.
Olympic National Park holds a special place in my heart as there are many songs that were written while I was visiting. This year’s trip was extra special as I got to explore a lot more than usual due to staying away from alcohol and therefore having more time and energy. Being able to go from the deepest rainforest to the soaring mountains and to the wide open seas, is one of the main attractions of this place. Endless amount of inspiration was had, and I am excited to share some of the songs I have already written as well as the ones that are to come in the future.
Below are pictures of some of the highlights from the trip.
My beloved “Bombay” at one of the beaches in Olympia, Washington
Sunset on my last night camping at Olympic National Park
Magical Hoh Rainforest
Tallest Sitka in the world
Valhalla EP
Valhalla EP
On October 13th, Valhalla EP will be available on all streaming platforms as well as my Bandcamp. I gave these songs a fair listen on my trip down the coast, and I am ready and excited to finally let these go.
As you may be able to tell, all the Spotify Canvas video clips were shot on my phone while I was exploring. I hope that these songs find you in times of need.
More music to come in the near future and thank you so much for reading this far!