About Margaret M. OBrien
I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and have lived in California, Oregon and New Mexico before returning to the lovely confines of Illinois. Am now down in Monticello, just outside of the beautiful Allerton Park. Was a fiber artist for several years, among other assorted jobs, then returned to college to get a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering, so there's been a mix of right and left side of the brain activity. Have played music for most of my life, along with many members of my family, but just started writing songs around 10 years ago. Due to health problems, I have been unable to work for several years, so I use music and art to inspire, escape, connect, share, cope and spread joy.
The styles of music I write seem to vary from folk, country, blues, jazz and pop. I record at home using a keyboard, a Blue Lion mountain dulcimer, tenor recorder and Sonic Foundry's Acid. The artists that inspire me are many, and include Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Jim Post, Koko Taylor, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Patti Griffin, Anita Baker, Etta James, Paul Simon, Van Morrison.
The quilt shown is called "Emma's Dream" and was created for my niece Emma. It is hand drawn, painted, thread painted and machine quilted.
Note: You can also visit my Facebook page and see more quilts and songs. The address is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margaret-OBrien-Music-and-Art/124911970911717?v=wall
Influences
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Please Don't Give Up
<p>Hello all,</p><p>I just posted a song called "Please Don't Give Up," that was inspired by the stories of women surviving war, as told to a wonderful organization called Women for Women, Intl. The women in my song lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but sadly, their stories could be told in many countries in times of war. Their courage and strength are an inspiration to me. The group, Women for Women, Intl., goes around the world and helps educate, train, provides micro loans and support to women so that they can rebuild their lives and their communities. </p><p>It is my hope that in listening to this song, you are inspired to donate to Women for Women. Any amount is sure to be appreciated and put to good use. Their website is: <a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/">http://www.womenforwomen.org/</a> If you purchase a download from me, I will donate the proceeds to them as well.</p><p>Thanks,</p><p>Margaret O'Brien</p>
