Thank You Kendra!

My thanks to Kendra for agreeing to be featured on Incredible Women this past week. I hope you all enjoyed getting to know her. This blog will UNDER CONSTRUCTION for the rest of today.

Join us tomorrow, as we start our feature on Sara Biasutti.

Incredible Woman #25 - Kendra Burton. Friday's Question

KARA: Not only are you an artist, but you are also a songwriter. How young were you when you started writing songs? Do you play instruments? Do you write the music and the words? What are the favorite songs you've created?"

KENDRA: "I started piano lessons when I was seven years old and experimented with simple compositions in my elementary years. My first guitar was purchased on a trip to Mexico when I was ten. It became a treasure to me. I also had the opportunity to play the violin for a few years. I tried the clarinet when I was twelve but the squeaks outnumbered the pleasant notes so it didn't last too long. We had a drum set as well and enjoyed playing fun rhythms. When all five girls were teenagers, we, along with the help of our parents, composed several songs to be recorded on an album. While recording different tracks I would take turns playing the piano, or the guitar or singing with my sisters. One of the songs was written by my mother when she was young and my dad added words to make it complete. I was fortunate to study piano and guitar in college as well and appreciated the expertise of instructors who taught theory and composition.

Many of the songs I have composed are available to download for free on sheet music for those who enjoy leaning new songs. The musical process is fascinating, having a thought in mind and then developing it to the point of where a symphony orchestra can play it and people's lives are touched. It has brought tears to my eyes when I see how others experience the music. In several songs I have written both words and music, but some music is to the lyrics of other authors. It is easier for me to compose around words that are written than to add the words after the music has been composed.

My husband is a great part of my music. It is through his technical brilliance that the music through my mind and fingertips becomes orchestrated. He adds the sounds of strings, woodwinds, percussion, etc. to turn the songs into heartfelt messages.

So far, my most favorite composition is the Homeland because the sound of it takes me back to another time and place. Some people think it takes them back to old England while others have felt a connection to the Holy Land through it. One of the most meaningful compositions, to which my husband added moving pictures of the life of Christ, is taken directly from the scriptures in Matthew 25:31-40. It is entitled "Ye Have Done It Unto Me". We wrote four part harmonies to these beautiful inspired words and then Dave and I recorded it singing with another couple, Jen and Dave Peacock. If I'm speaking in a spiritual setting we usually end with this video tribute to the life of the Savior.

Another song I feel was given to me for a purpose is "The Refines Fire". I felt my deceased daughter inspiring the lyrics as I sat at the piano composing the music of the song, especially the line where it says, "I'll drink the cup," because she was a perfect example of that."

KARA: "Will you tell us your beauty secrets? How do you take care of yourself? What makes you happy and healthy? If you had one day all to yourself, what would you do? What is your guilty pleasure?"

KENDRA: "It's funny when you are young how ancient you think someone in their 40's or 50's sounds. Then when you get there it's fun to have someone think you're in your 40's when you're in your 50's. And it's all about perspective. My philosophy is that it is mind over matter. A young attitude generates a lot of energy. One beauty secret I admonish is to surround yourself with positive people, inspiring books, and uplifting music and to smile as much as you can.

On the practical side, choosing foods that are closer to the sunlight will help your body feel younger. By this I'm talking about fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible and choosing water to drink instead of processed drinks with carbonation and additives. I also recommend sunlight in moderation to rejuvenate the soul. Since I broke three bones in my left foot a year and a half ago, walking has been more difficult. For me using an elliptical exerciser helps. I actually like doing sit-ups and I especially like using a hula hoop to exercise. (Once when I was younger I hula hooped while watching a 30 minute show without letting it touch the ground). Fun!

As far as products go, I like Neutrogena Foaming Facial Wash (liquid soap). My favorite moisturizer is Clinique's yellow Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Their mascara is excellent as well. I also like L'Oreal's self sharpening lip liner. One thing that seems very energizing to me is rubbing one's feet with lotion. I especially like Victoria's Secret Love Spell Lotion. And since my eyebrows are naturally blonde Maybelline has a light brown brow powder with a small applicator brush.

In a world so busy as ours, it is very important to stop long enough to "Catch your breath". Taking the time to be aware of your breathing, thinking and feeling can be very replenishing. Also if you have the time and means, a good massage can do wonders.

Here are some last thoughts. I love playing the piano and spending time with my immediate and extended family. To experience music with my family makes me happy. Being together, and singing together as a family lets me experience both of these joys at the same time. But if I had one day all to myself I would want part of it to be outdoors either in the Canadian Rockies, Switzerland or in Hawaii. Then I would paint during the daylight and play the piano or guitar at night. I would thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to live in such a beautiful world surrounded by so many amazing individuals and then ask Him what He would have me do to make this world become the Place of Peace He had in mind."

Since my computer guy is home today, I'll try later to get some of Kendra's music onto the blog for your enjoyment. Stay tuned...

Incredible Woman #25 - Kendra Burton. Thursday's Questions

KARA: "Do you have a hero? Tell us about that person, and what things make a hero."

KENDRA: "My parents are my heroes. Through business they have done well for themselves but they never have aggrandized themselves. Everything they do in life is to help others. As one example, when they were in their fifties they were called on an LDS mission to Oakland, California where they worked with many Vietnamese people. This required that they close up their Architects Office, find someone to manage their home and other business for over a year and hope when they got home that they could start again. This was especially concerning because it was the very time of their life when they should have been earning and saving as much as they could to prepare for retirement. They were blessed for their service and set an example for their family and posterity."

KARA: "Tell us about the work you have done on LDS temple murals."

KENDRA: "I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the art teams that painted murals for the Finland, Panama, Draper, and Oquirrh LDS Temples under the direction of Greg and Linda Curley Christensen. Being called as a temple mural artist missionary has been a highlight of my life. As we painted I could envision and feel those who would experience the murals when they personally would go through the temples. We began each day with a devotional thought and prayer.As we painted we would do all that we could to have the spirit influence us. There were times when I could feel the spirit direct me in certain colors or strokes in a way that would represent the beauty of God's creations."

Please join us tomorrow - the last day of Kendra's interview. We'll talk about her talents as a song-writer, and ask her to share her beauty secrets with us. You won't want to miss it! Also, I wanted to share some of Kendra's music with you, but I am having a hard time adding the MP3s to this blog (my computer guys have been busy!). So, if you'd like to hear some samples of her music, go to http://www.kendraburton.com/kendra%20burton%20music.htm You'll be able to click on the albums, and then the titles of each song to hear a sample. They are beautiful!

Incredible Woman #25 - Kendra Burton. Wednesday's Question

KARA: "When you were younger, you worked for your father tell us about that, what valuable lessons did you learn, and how did that experience help to mold you into the person you are now?"

KENDRA: "When I was 10 years old my father would have us run the blue prints at his architectural business. Then when I was fourteen and my sister, Jan, was thirteen, we began learning architectural drafting at our father's office. (Jan went on to become an architect and was the Project Architect for the Boise, Idaho Capitol Building restoration). Sometimes when there was a very important job that had to be completed by a deadline we would also work on Saturdays, and late into the night, but not Sundays. My mother also worked at the office and was excellent in running the business aspects of my father's architectural firm. She also taught her five daughters how to cook and sew and to love the wonderful world around us. I saw my parents persevere through good times and difficult times but they never gave up and always helped others, whether it was "feast or famine." All who entered my parents' home were welcome there. Following their example, we try to make others feel welcome in own home."

KARA: "Can you talk about some of the trials you've had? Tell us about lessons learned, how you were able to overcome, what one thing was most important in helping you get through trials?"

KENDRA: "When I speak to people about trials, it usually includes our experience having twin daughters. Sarah was born healthy, but Rachel had hydrocephalus (water on the brain). Rachel never could walk, talk or even eat. She was given anti-seizure medicine and fed six times a day through a feeding tube into her stomach every three hours during the day at 7am., 10am., 1pm., 4pm., 7pm., and 10pm. At one point Sarah (the healthier twin) had to also be on heart and respiration monitors. During the twin's first three years my husband, Dave, would come home from work, eat and try to get to sleep as early as possible so that he could take care of the twins at 2am. and I could go to sleep. I would wake up when he would go to work and take the "shift" until 2am. the next night when we would trade. It was unusual to get more than 4 hours of sleep at any given time. Rachel had many surgeries, seizures and ambulance emergencies. She also was taken by helicopter when her oxygen dropped below 50%.

During these difficult times, art and music became my refuge. I composed a series of songs that musically describe what we went though during this time. Some of the titles include: " The Gift of Life"," Complications", "Waiting", "On the Edge", "Hope","Compassionate Hearts",and "A New Dawn" My husband put the music on a web site for me (http://kendraburton.com/kendra burton expressions healing.htm). When Rachel was nine years old she died from complications of her illness. The eulogy that my husband gave at her funeral is also on my web site (http://kendraburton.com/kendra burton article value of a life.htm).

Because of Rachel we learned many things about life, ourselves, and friendship. We have been told that the statistics of divorce of spouses that have a severely handicapped child or one who dies is 90%. It is very difficult but we could not have learned what we have about ourselves and others in any other way. We shared our story as panelists about grief and loss on the KBYU program "Living Essentials" that they continue to broadcast about twice a year. We now have a deeper understanding about compassion, service, love, acceptance, and gratitude."

Incredible Woman #25 - Kendra Burton. Tuesday's Question

KARA: "Can you tell us about your artwork? What inspires you to create art? What kinds of things do you try to capture? What is your favorite piece of art that you've created?"

KENDRA: "I drew pictures of make believe friends on my bedroom closet walls when I was a little girl. Then as a ten year old I would sit on the family boat and try to figure out how to paint the ever changing water formations surrounding us. After studying art history and theory in college I attended a seminar on seascapes with an instructor from Oregon which opened the door to a whole new chapter in my life.

I see inspiration for my artwork in nearly everything around me. Once my six year old granddaughter told a store clerk, "My Nana thinks everything is beautiful. She takes pictures of everything!" Sometimes it's simply a curve or a shape. Other times it is a combination of colors that captures my attention. The most important aspect to me is the emotion and message that can be delivered through art. I have observed people's eyes fill with tears in response to seeing some of my painting and I feel it has touched something deep inside when this happens."


KARA: "How did you become a public speaker? Are you ever nervous in front of a crowd? What topic do you speak on? For those of us who would like to try public speaking - is there some advice you could give us?"

KENDRA: "I gained confidence being in front of a crowd by singing with my four sisters many times in many places. Our parents took every opportunity to have us perform in front of others. Over time it became more routine and we were prepared which gave us confidence. Years later, when a producer asked me to host an art instruction program for television, I practiced for days speaking out loud, getting used to my own voice, changing intonations and expressions and visualizing what it would be like in front of the three studio cameras. Even though the experience still brought a lot of "butterflies", it became easier because of the preparation.

The best advice I can give others about feeling more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd is to realize that everyone has a "story" and most people are searching to find a personal sense of value and purpose. When we share stories of life's experiences we can connect with others on a deeper level and we can learn valuable insights from each other. I have also learned that it is okay to relate stories of struggles, honest feelings and imperfections because most of us on a daily basis are trying to rise above our challenges and to become stronger through our adversities.

For me it becomes easier to speak to others when I have personal feelings of energy and emotion about the subject that deal with our human and spiritual experiences. My husband, Dave, and I have given presentations to medical groups, school and church organizations, benefits etc. The themes have included such topics as: "The Refiner's Fire", "He Restoreth My Soul","Created in His Image:You are a Masterpiece", "Marriage" and "Adoption"."

Tomorrow, I'll ask Kendra about the lessons she learned working for her father, and about her trials. Please come back and join us.

Incredible Woman #25 - Kendra Burton. Monday's Question

This week I'd like to introduce Kendra Burton. She was nominated by one of our readers, and it was a pleasure talking to her and getting to know her. She really is incredible! I hope you enjoy the interview. Remember, like always, I'll be posting two questions/answers per day for the whole week - so make sure you come back each day to learn a little more about Kendra.

I went to Kendra's website to find out a little bit about her. I don't want to duplicate what she will be saying during the week, so here is just a little bit that I picked up from the website: "Kendra Parrish Burton is the eldest of 5 daughters and was born in Pocatello, Idaho to Kent J. and Donna Sue Parrish. She moved with her husband, David Gene Burton to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1981. They are the parents of Steve, Andrea, Linda, and twins Sarah and Rachel. The creative process has long been part of Kendra’s life, especially in art and music. When she and her sisters were teenagers they recorded a musical album including several songs they composed. Kendra and her sisters sang in Europe and also at the World’s Fair in Spokane. They received honors and awards on the Ted Mack Show and the Eugene Jelesnick Talent Showcase. Kendra received her education at both Brigham Young University and Idaho State University. She worked as an architectural draftsman for seven years at her father’s firm before branching out into the fine arts field.


I asked Kendra to describe herself, and here is her list...

Hobbies and interests:

- Photography
- Calligraphy
- Sewing, designing and altering clothing
- Public speaking
- Jewelry making
- Creating recipes
- Boating and rafting
- Motor cycling
- Snowmobiling
- Traveling
- Service

Talents:

- Singing
- Oil Painting
- Composing Music
- Playing the Guitar
- Playing the Piano

Employment:

- Architectural drafting
- Teaching art
- Teaching calligraphy
- Teaching guitar
- Commissioned oil paintings
- Exhibited and sold art in galleries and stores
- Television art show instructor
- Produced commercial art instruction videos
- Mural painting for private and public buildings

KARA: "Describe your family. What is one thing that each member of your family has taught you?"

KENDRA: "I had the most amazing parents in the world. My dad was an architect and my mom was the office manager and bookkeeper but more importantly, they prioritized their family first. There were four brothers in my dad's family who built houses next to each other at the end of Parrish Lane in Pocatello, Idaho. Our cousins were like our siblings. My widowed grandmother and her only daughter lived on the same street too. It doesn't get much better than that.

I was the eldest grandchild on both sides of the family and felt a responsibility to be a good example of the things we were taught. I appreciated strong Christian based values.

My husband, Dave fit right in. He has the most beautiful singing voice that can melt your heart. He's incredibly gifted in the computer technology field, using his talents to orchestrate musical compositions. His family is a treasure to him and he would do anything for our well being. In David I have seen an example of courage, faithfulness and true dedication.

Steve is our eldest child. From him I have learned not to judge others. In his work as a prosecuting attorney he tries to look at all angles of the situation and to extend care and concern at all times. He is very compassionate and also full of fun. I have been influenced by his drive for excellence. In high school Steve achieved Athlete of the Year, MVP for football and wrestling, two time state champion wrestler, and academic excellence. Yet he found time to hand feed his handicapped friend at lunch and carry him to the rest room and to help others.

Andrea, our eldest daughter has taught me to smile. She's a bit of a tom boy who loves the outdoors. Her fun loving personality was instrumental in being voted Homecoming Queen First Attendant and Varsity Cheerleader. I've learned unselfishness from her by seeing her as a peer tutor for handicapped students and by watching her care for her younger three sisters, particularly Rachel, our hydrocephalic twin daughter. Her expertise in teaching sign language has helped her three children as well as many others.

Linda has taught me to love the earth for the miracle of life. She loves gardening and cooking and is expecting her first child in about two weeks. She was chosen to be a cheerleader for the 2002 Olympics, but nearly passed up the opportunity because of her concerns about her chemistry class. Her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse was greatly motivated by seeing medical professionals helping our daughter, Rachel. Linda is now a surgical nurse and has educated me on more of the parts of the body than I ever thought I'd know.

Sarah has been an amazing example of resilience. She's bright and intelligent and is a born leader. As Student Body President of her Junior High she tried to be nice to everyone and I learned through her experience that there is only so much you can do. Sarah has tremendous courage and has overcome great challenges. She has musical gifts which include violin, guitar and voice. The high school principal said her solo rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was the best he'd ever heard in all his years. We are still learning many things from each other.

Rachel lived to be nine years old. She was Sarah's twin who was born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain). Rachel was never able to walk, talk or eat. She was fed by a tube in her stomach six times a day and wore diapers all of her life. Even though she couldn't speak, she had a spunky personality. She had a curiosity and sparkle about her. From Rachel we all learned unconditional love."

Thanks for stopping by - hope you'll join us tomorrow as we continue this interview.