I’m a composer, working from a 3′ x 5′ studio (some may call it a dinette) in a 5th wheel camper, while traveling the United States. I’ve been on the road for nearly five years, so most of my recent work will have come from a different state (of mind and location) during my travels.

Music makes me feel better about everything. I don’t know that I’m ever happier than when I am creating. I sometimes wonder if creativity isn’t one of the primary keys to happiness. Do you ever feel better than when you say, “Look what I did.”? This phrase magically conjures the purest sense of childlike joy.

Music works for every part of our lives. We all have music for when we are sad, happy, celebrating, meeting others, when we are alone, and even when we are lonely. Did a song come to mind as you read each of those situations? I remember the first song I ever heard on the radio, on my first bus ride to kindergarten. One of my favorite musical memories is playing in a band for steel beach on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

I love telling stories with music. Everybody loves John Coffey in the Green Mile, but Mr. Jingles should have a song commemorating his reaching and joining the circus at Mouseville.

Say, “Hello” to Ray.