HOME

LISTEN/BUY

    CDs and Songbooks

    Digital albums

    Digital sheet music

    Free Download

NEWS & EVENTS

    What's New

    Events Calendar

    Journal

    Photos

ABOUT

    Bio

    Links

CONTACT

JOURNAL

April 10, 2008 - THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

Today I was driving with my 4 year old into the city for his pediatrician appointment. We were running late, so I decided to exit our small town on the very north end where I could hopefully get to the city a few minutes sooner because it's a four lane highway and I could increase my spead 10 km/hour. As I approached a main turn-off to the four lane highway, I noticed there was a very long line up of cars waiting for a very, very long train which appeared to be moving slower than turtle speed. I parked in the line for about a minute and then a car that had followed me up to that point me rode up beside me and turned left onto a gravel road which wound around a grain elevator and supposedly exited onto the desired highway about 1/2 a mile up the road. I immediately backed up and followed, thinking this guy was pretty smart and we were running out of time! Scoffing in my mind, I wondered why no one else was doing the same and decided they were all pretty silly to sit and wait for that train. As I followed around the grain elevator, I realized the guy in this car didn't really know where he was going. He was just following his nose. So I followed his nose too....now bumping along on a purely dirt road alongside a farm pond and approaching a sign that said dead end. This dirt road, now mostly tall grass, led to another gravel road beside the sign, so I just kept following this car, muttering to myself how stupid I was and feeling a little lost. Eventually the gravel road did, indeed, hook up to another highway which led to the main four lane highway I really wanted to be on in the first place. As I sat at the stop sign waiting for all the cars so I could turn left onto this more sophisticated, speedy four lane highway, I realized that these cars were the ones sitting patiently where I had originally been behind....waiting for the train. Sheepishly I thought about how unproductive my little detour had been. I never did get any further ahead than anyone else and I risked getting a flat tire over the bumpy dirt road through the field. So as I'm trying to turn this experience into something positive, I thought to myself how sometimes in life we try to take short cuts to appear smarter, or try to get ahead by avoiding some of life's challenges or growth experiences, all the while leaving the safer path and taking un-necessary risks with our spirituality. I learned that it's much safer and smarter, even if it takes longer, to stay on the main road, even when we have to stop for trains. Then I thought that the gospel requires us to be patient with ourselves; to not be in a hurry, but to learn line upon line, precept upon precept and endure to the end. Had I been smart like the majority of the other, more patient, people in that line of cars, I would have still ended up on the desired highway and with far less risk and frustration. I really didn't save any time, I only put myself and my little boy at risk by following someone I didn't know or trust in hopes that it would lead me to where I wanted to go. Let's just say....lesson learned.

March 10, 2008 - IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD

I have created a new definition for the phrase "in the world, but not of the world". I was definitely from another planet!! Picture this with me...

Yesterday was Sunday. The hussle and bussle of getting ready for 11 o'clock church had begun. Pancake mess was cleaned up, kids were all running around the house following my "find your socks!" "where's your tie?" "come brush your teeth" orders and finally we all piled in the van with a few "did you remember your scriptures?" "who has my church bag" and we all drove the 3 blocks to church. (I know, that's pathetic...one day we'll be early enough to walk!) It was shuffle, shuffle into the church and we all snuck into the overflow area of the chapel. To my husband's delight there was an empty pew up at the front where we usually like to sit, so the Baril family, all following a dad, quickly filed up to the front to the beat of a hymn in progress. As I was lugging the church bag, waddling in my high heels like expectant mothers usually do, and with two more of our children behind, we all exhaustedly sat down. The bishop flashed a funny look at me, which I was thinking to myself, "What?! We're usually late, haven't you gotten used to us walking in during the opening hymn yet??" and then someone got up to offer a prayer. THE CLOSING PRAYER, THAT IS! Mark whispered something about daylight savings time just before she began and we ducked behind the pew  stifling our laughs until after the prayer was said. Afterwards, I looked at the clock. Sure enough, it was about 10 after 12! We had missed sacrament meeting entirely. Apparently we brought a many smiles to the congreation, although I was mortified. But lately, considering how busy, sleepless and just crazy things have been, this was much needed comic relief. I've been laughing since it happened yesterday. Next time I don't plan to be the focus of the comedy. Now if it had been the daylights savings time change in the fall...THAT would mean we were an hour early! I think I'll try forgetting to set my clock back then just so we can show everyone we CAN be on time! REALLY!

February 14, 2008 - SOMETHING MORE TO JUGGLE : )

So, here's the "details promised another time" entry. (for those of you who were wondering...) The last few months have been....well, let's say, extremely musically unproductive....but on another level, extremely productive. The Baril family is expecting a new addition! So, I have to apologize to you all for the Christmas concerts that didn't happen and the firesides left unbooked at this time. It was a rough first few months, but things are a little better; just tired and anxiously waiting for the next 3 months to pass when this baby comes the end of May. That will make 5 kidlets for us...a lot of little feet padding around this house. Our oldest is 10 (McKaya), Hunter is 8, Benson is 4 and Taylee is 3. They are SOOO excited! Mark is excited too, in shock, but excited nonetheless...

BUT despite the adaptations I'm making with another baby, there's still more music in the works. My time and energy has been limited but my musical wheels are still turning at full speed. I'm working on some new piano instrumentals as well as some new songs for the youth. Stay tuned!! I'm hoping to release all these soon!

November 19, 2007 - REPORT OF MY LITTLE UTAH EXCURSION

You may have wondered what happened to me. It has been an interesting couple of months. Details to come another time. I promised a report of what happened at the LDS Booksellers Convention, so here it is. After feeling guilty (until I hit the border) that I had left my 4 children behind with friends and my sister, I enjoyed a lovely scenic drive through the rocky mountains of Montana, the rugged terrain of Idaho and the desert land of Utah. It was so good for me to have that time to think and meditate and be alone for the first time in about 10 years! I braved I-15 all the way down by myself (a 12 hour drive from Alberta), put out a couple of fires on the way down with regards to getting my new posters printed (thank goodness for cell phones!) and arrived in Utah in time for the event to start the next day. It was so good to meet the people at Sounds of Zion (my distributor, and some of the nicest people ever!!) and to see how all this works! The first day I was extremely lost and very nervous. I'm so new to the industry and didn't know anyone. I felt so sad my husband couldn't come, but he had to work up north and his schedule didn't allow him a week away. Because of the uncertainty I felt, I was SOOOOO grateful for a kind and intuitive Marvin Goldstein (that's right THE Marvin Goldstein!!) who introduced himself to me, linked my arm with his and walked the convention floor with me to introduce me to many, many booksellers from all over the world. He was truly a blessing. Remember when I said I was nervous to share the stage with him? Well, he is now my friend and I appreciated the kindness he extended (and his great sense of humour) to make me feel part of this wonderful music industry. That night, Sounds of Zion put on a performance, and I shared the stage with many amazing artists. I was overcome with emotion as I listened to the other artists' songs (I was sitting on the front row. There was no backstage where we performed so I was RIGHT up close!) Barry Hansen sang my song "I Believe" and I accompanied him. It went perfectly, and I wasn't even nervous! I actually felt at home. I felt a kinship with these people just because we all had a common goal; that being to bless lives with our music. It was such an honor to perform for all the independent booksellers. They were a wonderful audience and I felt so strongly that although our missions are all different, we were each doing good things in lifting and inspiring others whether it be through performing music or through selling the music to those looking for something that will boost their spirits. I felt so truly thankful for the bookstore owners and their efforts to sell our products. Without them no one would hear us! The spirit was so strong and I felt so blessed to be there and part of a great show.

The next day there was a luncheon where some of the bookstore owners gathered and then a few of us that were Sounds of Zion artists with new products were set up at tables to sign CDs. I had the opportunity to sit with the two guys from "Afterglow" (one of the best selling groups in LDS music). It was SOOO weird to be sitting by people that (to me) were famous (in the LDS scene, that is) and be signing CDs next to them. I felt like I was in a dream. It was great to personally meet the bookstore owners (some for the second time) and to learn more about them. After the signing event was over I browsed the convention floor a bit longer and then decided that it was time for me to hit the road. I was going to head home, but I decided last minute (like about 100 feet from the exit) to stop by an aunt's house in Kaysville. I ended up staying there for two more days. I had a couple of really neat opportunities to share my music there and felt that it had been something I needed to do. After, I headed back the same way I came, received a warm welcome from my kids and hubby that night and was SO glad I had made the trip!

August 10, 2007 - BEE-WARE!

So...you may wonder what Sara does in her spare time. I've been wondering that myself. Before, when music was still just a hobby, I sewed clothes for my kids, built shelves, toyboxes and other handy things, painted old furniture and experimented with new recipes. I'm trying to re-instate the things I enjoy doing BESIDES music, but I'm finding it difficult time-wise. Priorities, priorities. While I was thinking about that today, I decided my lawn was awfully long, and my husband has been awfully busy, so today I've been doing yard work. You may say, ho-hum, is that all she has to say? until I tell you about the adventure we had (my kids and I) after we mowed the lawn. You see, the lawn was freshly mowed and there was a baby pool calling our name, but there was also a very large wasp nest hanging on the side of our house and far too many biting critters which have taken over the yard for me to consider it safe to play outdoors. I decided I was ready for a challenge. Something even more thrilling than a sewing project or a writing a new song: Get rid of the wasp nest. So, to my 8 year old's amusement, and against the wisdom of my 4 year old who was recently stung - twice - I dressed up in my snow pants, running shoes, puffiest winter coat I have, found some old padded work gloves, a neck warmer, and to top it off: A motorcycle helmet WITH visor! So there I am poking at this thing, squealing under the helmet as 150 wasps swarmed around me, and 3 of my children sat plastered to the window finding this to be great entertainment. I'm sure it was to the neighbors who may have seen me as well, much to my embarrassment. So, when Sara Baril isn't writing music, she's busy doing strange things in her backyard and amusing her children. We're still trying to get the wasps to come to grips with their lost home and fly away, and then you will find me wading my feet in the blazing heat. Too bad there wasn't a hidden camera! You could have even seen this hilariously dressed bee-keeper on funniest home videos!

Another entry to come next week after I attend the Booksellers Convention in Utah. (August 15th - 17th) I'm sure I'll have some interesting tidbits to share after I share the stage Wednesday night with some great musicians like Marvin Goldstein and Lex deAzevedo. Barry Hansen sings I Believe with myself accompanying at the piano that night. I think I'm more nervous about these well established and great musicians behind the curtain than about the audience I will be performing for. This is a good time NOT to blow it. Eeek! It should be great though and alot of fun meeting some wonderful booksellers from all over. I'm really quite excited! I get to hand out business cards! Wow! That's something I've never done before. I've only ever swapped recipes and babysitting co-op funny money; not business cards! Always something new these days!

June 16, 2007 - ON STAGE!

Now that the adrenaline rush of the concerts has died down and I'm starting to recover, I can tell you a little bit about it! In Raymond we had a full house (thanks, everyone!!) and a very supportive crowd. My mom counted 50 people from my home ward. That's awesome. Cardston was a great audience and again, much support (thank you!!). Carriage House Theatre is a great venue! Edmonton was a hit overall on many levels and the bookstore event was successful and fun for us (thanks Edmonton and Cindy!) Sam Payne wowed the stage with his funnies and his incredible enthusiasm. Michael Dowdle soothed us with his beautiful hymn melodies and insightful instrumentals. Sara Bethany Ham's melodic voice inspired us to feel the Lord's love. My sister Caitlin Bissett also joined us on stage and sang two songs of mine. She was great and it was so fun to have her there with me. I sang Not Far From Home and appreciated the support I felt as I stepped out of my comfort zone to sing. For my songs, Sara Ham sang In the Lord's Time and His Love. Caitlin sang Unto the Lord and Thy Healing Hands. All in all, we had three successful evenings and alot of fun performing. The backstage giggles were great and Sara Ham and I are new best friends after sharing concealer and lip gloss. I haven't felt that glamorous for a long time. It's quite a change for me to be out of my jeans and t-shirt these days. One of my favorite moments was in Edmonton when Greg Hansen decided he would play one of his instrumentals on piano for us. What a guy. No one knew that I shed a tear back stage because of the gratitude I felt for his talent and humility. There was a few times I found myself almost bubble over with emotion, so I had to just concentrate on how my feet hurt in my high heals and whether my curls had clumped up again so I wouldn't feel too deeply about the experience. I would have felt silly to break down on stage! I don't think running mascara fits into the glamour category.

We took the whole crew to Waterton Saturday and showed the Utahn's what REAL mountains looked like. It was even fun in the wind and rain. It's amazing how funny wishpuffs and mustard can be. It was especially fun to see 3 (yes 3) wedding parties at Peter's Drive-In in Calgary. They even got their picture taken (the whole wedding line up) with milkshakes in their hands! How hysterical. These poor Utah artists were not sure what to think. Fun times. Fun times.

Overall we ate lots of great food and shared some great laughs.Greg was right that after this was all over, it would be like we were family. After listening to Sam, Greg and Michael snore all night in Edmonton, amen to that!

Hopefully this will be something we can do again next year, thanks to Alberta support!

May 27, 2007 - AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

I feel bubbled over with gratitude lately, not just for the music and for the good things that have been happening, but I feel so grateful for my trials. As I've recently tried to see things in a "glass half full" perspective, I feel like my thoughts have risen to the top. I have begun to see the importance of "letting virtue garnish (my) thoughts unceasingly". (What a great theme, not just for the youth this year, but for all of us!) When I think positively, it sure makes a difference in my actions. I've been able to accomplish so much more, and I feel blessed with more energy. I was thinking about some of the things that are hard for me right now and I am starting to see a portion of what I can learn. Take for example my little 3 year old who has terrible, terrible chronic eczema (spring time really makes it worse too). I have been learning about faith and the Lord's timing. Every day we do a certain skin treatment ritual. Trying to help him has always been my quest since he was born. Making him comfortable comes before much on my to-do lists these days. Often taking care of him takes up the first few hours of the day. The Lord hasn't given me all the answers to cure him, but he gives me answers to help with his daily comfort and getting us by. Every day we are blessed with what we need for that day. I feel grateful that the Lord hears my prayers. As the trial continues, my faith in the Lord grows. I've learned to rely on the spirit so much more as I've had to pray about many things to help my little boy. Though it's often hard, I'm still grateful that the Lord gives us trials so that we can grow closer to Him.

May 11, 2007 - CD's OUT ! AND NOW...HOW TO BE A MOM TOO!

There are hardly words to describe the mixed feelings I've had lately. The CD being released, the songbook in the works, the concerts and firesides have definitely changed my life...or should I say my pace of life. I'm finding it a challenge to balance, (and everyone knows I like challenges!) but we're making things work one day at a time. I depend on the sweet little prayers my children offer in the morning "bless mom that she can have energy to do all she needs to". And I certainly feel blessed. I love to stay busy in a good cause and somehow I'm able to fit in everything I want to do. Housework wasn't on the list...still working on that. (...but my visiting teachers know that I'm really good at faking a clean house. Just don't open any closets!) Once I remind myself I have 4 busy children under the age of 9, I quit being hard on myself. It's amazing how much can be accomplished after they're asleep!

So how do you like the CD? Can you believe it's really in stores? I can't!! What a dream come true!

March 26, 2007 - BACK FROM RECORDING "THY HEALING HANDS" ALBUM         

I have to say that the last few days have been incredible!! I just arrived home yesterday from Utah where I was hanging out at the studio with the legendary Greg Hansen! What a guy! How he interprets and visualizes each song is so much more than I ever expected.   The songs are coming to life! The singers were absolutely amazing and it was so cool to hear them sing my songs and to watch them behind the glass singing with all their hearts. It made me tingle! Each singer, with their own unique style, put so much feeling into the songs that it was all I could do not to cry. A couple of times I just had to put the sheet music over my face and have a “shower curtain moment”. (That’s a term my mother uses….it means that sometimes when tears start to fall, you wish you could just pull a shower curtain around you so you don’t feel so silly!) It was definitely emotional for me and I was a bundle of feelings. And then there was, ah, yes….the EXTREMELY legendary Janice Kapp Perry couch I sat my fanny on for a good portion of the week. This couch, as rumor has it, is where Sister Perry sat and created many of her greatest hits. I just ran my hands gently over the teale, vinyl armrest in amazement and soaked in the inspiration by osmosis. We’ll see what hits I can produce after that experience.