About
My name is Donna Byrd and I live in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Bill Byrd is my husband and we have been married for 35 years and have lived in many places. We are both originally from North Carolina but we’ve lived in Virginia Beach, New Orleans, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta (only a few months) and Oxford, Al. We almost lived in Nashville, Tn., where all of our children recently settled, but for some reason, known only to God, it didn’t work out and we moved here to the beach, near old friends and family.
We have six children that were born to us and several that call us mom and dad just because they want to…and we’re good with that. Several of our kids are seeking careers as musicians. They are in a family band called The Bridges and we are proud of the achievements they’ve made. The others are pursuing dreams of their own and are making progress. We’re proud and pleased with them, too.
I love to read and it’s my best method of escape. I read all kinds of books but novels are my favorite. Self help books, my least. They only point out my inadequacies and there is no escaping from myself in them. I started collecting sea glass a few years ago. It makes me happy and walks on the beach have more purpose. I love cooking, gardening and back porch therapy with people I love. My on -going argument with my mother is whether or not I should color my hair. She thinks I should. But really, at what point do you let grey be “just grey?”
As for this blog’s purpose, I believe that we all have a muse inside of us…a spirit man if you will, that is older than time, created by the creator of the heavens and the earth. It is our muse. It constantly interfaces with God’s spirit to give us revelation and understanding. It makes us creative because by nature, it’s creative. We can tap into it at all times. We just need to know about it and learn how to access it.
Maybe I can help you find your muse as you watch me discover mine. If you keep your ears open to even the quietest whisper, your eyes wide with the wonder of nature’s beauty and your heart soft as a sponge to absorb it all, you’ll find yours too because the muse is in us all.
themuseinme 
Nov 06, 2011 @ 12:29:42
Oh Donna! You are such a dreamer! I love that in you! You are truly a romantic, and that too I love. I thought of you in years gone by as a builder of castles in the sky. And that you are, too. And those castles you are now inviting those around you to enter and take in the beauty. I love you. Your cousin and friend, Linda. 🙂
Nov 06, 2011 @ 12:34:30
PS. I am flirting with you! I LOVE your blog and long for more! I, too, need more back porch therapy.
Nov 07, 2011 @ 02:15:10
It taks a flirt to know one. Beware! Just kidding. Love you my back porch therapist! I can write much of this now because of that, you know…Love you.
Dec 04, 2011 @ 08:43:03
I hate buzzards. They truly are the stink of life. Of course, they love the stink. It’s what keeps them going. But I do know it’s all a part of the circle of life. The stink, the buzzards, and Christmas! It all goes together! We have to die to live and we live to die, oh well. As always, you amaze me with your words. I loved your new blog. And by the way, passion you do have. Lots of it!!! Love you!!!
Dec 05, 2011 @ 16:33:03
Buzzards have their jobs cut out for them!
Dec 12, 2011 @ 15:41:49
Oh Donna… Maybe I can steer clear of self help books for a while. I’ve been helped by some in the past; but this muse thing is kinda cool. May illumination and connection lead our paths today and forevermore. Love you muches….
Dec 13, 2011 @ 15:19:56
Honestly George, I’ve always hated self help books. They always highlight my inadequacies and make me feel worse about myself. It’s a shameful admission but…it is what it is. That’s why I like the muse. He knows me best and can give really good pep talks!
Oct 29, 2014 @ 16:46:12
Again today I’m loving your blog…but as usual they bring on the tears in me. Stirring up the nostalgia, the memories in my own life. One of my favorite songs also is Autumn Leaves…I always cry. Then to hear I Can’t Help Falling in Love…when I got to Memories are Made of This, I had to leave you there on your site ! The muse in you is better than a good book. It always starts a conversation for Walt & me, this morning remembering our own piano lessons. Love your happy photos & the music you provide !
Oct 29, 2014 @ 17:25:53
Carolyn, thank you! Your kind words have made my day! I was hoping that this post would bring out the memories to all of us who “suffered” through music lessons! I’ve decided since writing this, I’m going to dust off some of my old piano books and see if I’ve got any magic left in my hands and fingers. I’m going to make my Daddy proud of me yet! 😉
Jan 20, 2015 @ 20:27:10
Hi Donna,
Hello from your cousin Beth. It was so good to see you on Saturday. Not the best of circumstances but still nice to see family that I so rarely get to see. Your folks are amazing. So energetic and fun as always. We really need to plan a Guin-Painter reunion. It would be so good to see you and all your family. If we head down your way to camp I will have to let you know and maybe we could meet.
Again, so good to see you again
Beth Guin Shaver
Jan 21, 2015 @ 20:21:53
Hi Beth! You have no idea how wonderful it was to see you and your family Saturday. I find it hard to believe that it took us so many decades (!) to be able to see one another (albeit over tombstones.) I believe we could have stood there for hours to talk if we hadn’t felt rushed. I would love to see you guys again. If you are ever near the coast, let me know. I’d love to make that happen! My brother Scot lives nearby and Jennifer doesn’t live too far away. I think we could have a blast! What a wonderful treat it was to see you all of you again!
Donna