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Intuition! When you know, you know.

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East West Books and Gifts has been part of the Seattle area for some thirty years. As its website explains, “the store is a destination for spiritual awakening through metaphysical books, uplifting events, and conscious gifts.” Its newest location is in Edmonds, Washington, just a few miles up the road from where I live.

I’ve been a frequent customer of East West Books through the years and have found many goodies there, including inspirational books, journals, affirmation cards, jewelry, CDs, and my most recent purchase: The Radiant Tarot: Pathway to Creativity, with illustrations by Alexandra Eldridge and text by Tony Barnstone.

A few months ago, I visited the store looking for inspiration—and wow, did I find it in this wonderful box of magic! It includes a Tarot deck filled with colorful, imaginative, and inspiring images, along with a guidebook. The text thoughtfully explores each of the 78 cards through the lenses of prose, meaning, musings, hands-on creative practice, and an astrological note. I’ve been using the Radiant Tarot as a tool in my own creative work as a teacher, musician, and writer. As my daughter would say, “I’m lit.”

Most recently, I’ve started a YouTube series based on the first 22 cards of the tarot  known as the Major Arcana. These are the juicy cards that represent the main archetypes we all encounter in our lives—beginnings, challenges, choices, teachers, disappointments, epiphanies, life cycles, seasons, creativity, relationships, struggles, joy, uncertainty,  and rebirth, to name a few.

Alexandra Eldridge and Tony Barnstone have granted me permission to feature their cards on my YouTube channel, which is a true gift because the cards are so beautiful. I encourage you to pick up your own Radiant Tarot if you are at all curious about tapping into your creative side in a visual, playful, intuitive, and imaginative way. You can purchase the deck at East West Books and Gifts in Edmonds or online through Weiser Books or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My latest video in the Tarot series features the High Priestess and explores intuition and listening to your wiser self. What has experience taught you? When you know, you know.

If you view the video on YouTube, please consider giving it a like and subscribing. It helps to build my channel! Here is the complete tarot playlist new episodes added each week: Piano for the Journey with Laura Dean.(you may have to click on the playlist: Piano and Tarot)

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!

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Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!

You know the scene in Cinderella when the Fairy Godmother waves her wand and transforms a pumpkin into an elegant coach, mice into high-stepping horses, a horse into a coachman, and Cinderella’s tattered dress into a magnificent ball gown? If only bringing our wildest dreams to life were as easy as waving a magic wand.

In reality, manifesting our dreams involves a vision, a plan, and some heavy lifting. We may have magnificent ideas, and many of us have no problem coming up with a step-by-step plan for how we might approach something. But… where  we may fall short is in doing the arduous daily work, believing in ourselves, investing the time and effort, and remaining disciplined enough to carry the dream out of our imaginations and into the real world. There’s no way around it. While the journey can be every bit as thrilling as the finished product, the path sometimes feels like a never-ending grind.

Take Serena Williams, for example. The tennis GOAT said, “Everything requires discipline, hard work and dedication, and, most importantly, self-belief.” Diana Nyad attempted to swim from Cuba to Florida five times over a 35-year span before finally succeeding at the age of 64. Talk about dedication—and the courage to keep believing when the dream still seems impossibly far away!

Through the years, people have often commented that I’m lucky to have a life in music. Indeed, I’m grateful every day for this 30-plus-year career, but luck has had very little to do with sustaining it. There’s daily practice, teaching, playing gigs, traveling,  crafting programs, the never-ending hustle, administrative tasks, professional development, and, more often than not, seven-day workweeks. In other words, this vision of mine—to live a life in music—and the dreams I’ve brought into reality didn’t simply take flight on their own. There has been plenty of blood, sweat, and tears involved, along with faith, resilience, and a little creative magic.

Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. 

For another take on the magic of bringing our dreams into the real world, I invite you to follow along with my current project, Piano for the Journey. Each week, I pair a piece of music with one Major Arcana card from the tarot as a way of exploring the universal archetypes, challenges, and possibilities that shape our lives.

You can watch The Magician video here and explore more videos in the series by clicking on the YouTube video below. And if the project speaks to you, please help me sprinkle a little more magic by liking the video and subscribing to the channel.

Just Start!

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Have you ever wanted to begin a creative project, but felt unsure of the launching it? I’ve been flirting with a YouTube channel for a while now—dabbling, experimenting with filming, and creating quick teaching videos for my students. Finally, after months of planning,  and asking myself, “Am I really going to do this? and ” What will people think?”  I’m thrilled to introduce my new YouTube channel and creative project: Music for the Journey with Laura Dean.

The new channel is a dedicated space where I combine my love of music with my growing interest (obsession) in exploring the archetypes and images found in tarot cards. No—it’s not fortune-telling. In my first YouTube series, we will be embarking on a 22-week systematic exploration of life’s universal themes, characters, challenges, and celebrations, using the Major Arcana of the tarot deck as a guide. Each week, I will spotlight a different theme—like new beginnings, inner wisdom, celebration, and transformation—and pair each tarot card with a curated piece of music. The repertoire ranges from classical selections to expressive folk melodies, modern pop covers, and sacred music.

This series will unfold week by week over the next several months, acting as a rolling sneak peek into my upcoming live classical concert this November: Music, Memories, and Motion: A Personal Musical Memoir in Piano, Story, and Audience Choice.

I hope you’ll join the musical tarot party.  I invite you to check out the first episode: The Fool, On the Sunny Side of the Street and subscribe to Music for the Journey  while you’re there by clicking the link below.

 

 

Quiet Creativity

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“You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say.”
― Paulo Coelho,  The  Alchemist.

I’ve been in a period of quiet creativity: reading, practicing, writing, teaching, performing locally, swimming in Lake Washington, urban hiking, and tackling small house projects. This quiet, reflective season of looking inward while inviting the muse has led to the creation of an exciting solo concert project – Music, Memories, and Motion: A Personal Musical Memoir in Piano, Story, and Audience Choice. The premiere is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, at the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church in Seattle. More information will follow over the next few months.

I hope you’ll join me on the musical journey. Happy summer!

Lake Washington, Magnuson Park early in the morning.

 

Rancho La Puerta 2026

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My latest visit to Rancho La Puerta, a world-renowned health and wellness resort in Tecate, Mexico, marked my 17th year as a musical guest at the Ranch. With 40 miles of hiking trails, delicious vegetarian food, stunning gardens, meandering brick paths, swimming pools, fitness classes, and, of course, a gorgeous Steinway B piano and dreamy performance space, the Ranch is my idea of heaven on earth.

While there, I presented two singing classes and a piano concert. My day included early morning practicing from 6–8 a.m. followed by swimming, soaking,  yoga, and long walks. I brought my dear friend Kathy Lee as a guest, and she delighted in attending  a variety of fitness classes, morning hikes, tennis, pickleball,  Pilates, and lectures on diet and brain health.

One of the highlights of my week, in addition to seeing old friends from past visits,  was a dinner for the presenters hosted by the Ranch’s co-founder, Deborah Szekely, who will turn 104 in May. During the dinner, she offered sage advice on living a long and healthy life: stay curious, follow the Ranch diet, and remain positive. Her mind is sharp, her stories engaging, and she continues inspiring  others toward leading healthy, vibrant, and impactful lives. At the dinner she asked me to lead the group in a song, I chose a simple old camp tune that seems perfect for the tranquil  Ranch atmosphere: “I’ve Got Peace like a River.”

Stay curious! Consider learning to play the piano- a wonderful way to engage your brain while adding artistic beauty and joy to your daily life.  Play Piano Today with Laura Dean

LMNOP

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You never know when creative ideas will surface, so I try to keep my heart open to the muse at all times, even when I’m sleeping. For example, in the middle of the night last night, the letters L-M-N-O-P popped into my mind. Perhaps, like “LMNOP” in the alphabet song, the last couple of months have felt like a mashup of musical events, one leading right into the other. Those events have included working as a Visiting Artist in Western Washington, attending local performances, practicing, and teaching. Can you spot the LMNOP in the post below?

Lynden, Washington: For the past few weekends, I’ve been on the road to Redmond, Renton, Auburn, and Lynden—all destinations in Western Washington. This was my first time in Lynden,  a charming, serene small town very near the Canadian border. There, I worked with six teachers and sixteen students whose pieces were magnificently prepared and polished. Our event took place in the middle of a beautiful art gallery on a Schimmel concert grand. When I wasn’t working with students, I enjoyed walking around the downtown area, visiting the bookstore, eating tasty food, and savoring my boutique hotel experience at the Lynden Inn, which used to be a department store back in the day.

Magical Music Moments: While in Renton at  the Red Door Music Studio of  Mary Kay Owen,  I was touched that she had each student warm up with a pioneer song from the Old West as a nod to my book, Music in the Westward Expansion: Songs of Heart and Place on the American Frontier. In addition, when one of the young pianists performed a piece called  Morning in Yellowstone, I was moved to tears at the tenderness and emotional depth of her performance.

Northwest Boy Choir: One of my piano students, Mikey, is  member of the Northwest Boy Choir. Recently his family (Thank you Walt, Karla, Sophia, and Mikey), treated me to a stunning concert at St. Stephens Episcopal Church  featuring a combination of folk and modern songs along with the Fauré Requiem. The performance of How Can I Keep From Singing,  like Morning in Yellowstone, moved me to tears.

My life flows on in endless song
Above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the real, though far off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Above the tumult and the strife,
I hear its music ringing

It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

Opera: My friend  Marianne and  I attended Seattle Opera’s latest production – Fellow Travelers. Featuring a small cast, it tells the story of government workers who were persecuted because of their sexual orientation in the McCarthy era. What’s more, the opera is a universal story of love, suffering, betrayal, friendship, and strength of character. I’m still thinking about  the music, the libretto, the set, the costumes,  the singers, and the story.

Walt working with visiting artist Dr. Gabriel Mañalac.

Piano (and voice) Lessons: Along side the  travel,  working with students on the road,  attending productions, and preparing my own music for upcoming performances,  there’s the constant wheel of teaching private lessons in my studio. Particularly inpsiring  to me are my adult students. There’s Sean,  a  voice student,  with a lovely baritone voice who is revisiting singing as a creative outlet and as a personal challenge (you should hear him sing Sixteen Tons!).  Walt is an advanced student who beautifully played a Haydn Sonata and Bach Invention for a Seattle Music Artistry Program; Karen recently purchased a new piano and is all in as far as practicing, attending weekly lessons, and bringing a willing attitude and humor  to the challenge of learning to play; Lynh,  an early intermediate student  has already learned to play the theme from Pride and Prejudice, the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean, and is now working on an arrangement of  Nothing Else Matters by Metallica.

Along with these joyful musical events, lessons,  and the daily activities of life, I find myself part of a tiny team, along with my brother Scott and my  beloved Aunt Jeannie. Together we are managing the health care and the living situation for my mom in Montana.

Scott and Laura on the Missouri River walk on a cold morning in Great Falls, Montana

I’m struck that in the middle of difficult personal and family challenges and the day- to-day business of living  a life of music, it is possible to hold the duality of joy while also experiencing sorrow. I’m reminded of this beautiful quote:

I will find new meaning in every joy and sorrow.
— Rumi

Swimming to Reggae Beach

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Last Friday morning at 7:00 a.m., I stood with my fellow Swimtrek swimmers—and new friends—on the shore of Oualie Beach on the island of Nevis and looked out across the channel to our swimming destination called  Reggae Beach on the island of St. Kitts, 2.5 miles across the water. In our five days of swimming, this would be our most demanding swim, as we would be encountering rolling waves (some as high as five feet) combined with a strong crosscurrent. Just before we entered the water, our trusty swim guide, Ricky Andrews, in his lively English accent, recited a Shakespeare quote from Julius Caesar:

“There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat;
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”

Ready to swim from Nevis to St. Kitts

The first group of three (the pink caps) reached the other side first; perhaps they were motivated by the small, curious shark that trailed them until the guide boat scared it away with a rev of the motor. My group (the yellow caps) included four very strong San Diego swimmers—used to swimming in the chop—and me. We made it in an hour and 40 minutes give or take. The orange caps arrived as the grand finale –to the sound of cheering and applause on Reggae Beach. You can see in the video below, that sometimes the swimming was one stroke forward and two strokes back! 

 

 

Zuzana and Laura happy after a big day of swimming

Our crossing was just one of six swims we completed during our trip.  All told, we swam about 21,000 yards (around 12 miles) in five days. We also enjoyed the natural tropical flora and fauna surrounding our hotel (including monkeys), shared delicious meals, relaxed, walked, and practiced a little yoga. The highlight for me—beyond the swimming—was the new friends. Shout-out to the world’s greatest roomie, Zuzana, who lives in Luxembourg!

Dinner at Turtletime

This year has been a bit of a challenge, with a big change in my personal life. However, just as we kept swimming to our destination on that long channel crossing–despite the rolling waves and strong current—in the water and in life—it doesn’t hurt to have strong people and trusty guides  around you. Did I mention those San Diego swimmers and their powerful poise in the water? Did I mention our motivating, enthusiastic, and incredibly experienced swim guide, Ricky?  And how about the  tranquil, patient, and wise local guide, Nedd? Applause, applause! (Nedd also manages a “learn to swim program” in Nevis called SwimRite. Check it out!)  And of course, thanks to the boat captains, the staff at Oualie Resort, and to  Sexy Taxi for airport transfers! 

SwimTrek is a UK company offering 50 different guided swimming trips around the world. Last year, I took a SwimTrek to Espíritu Santo in Mexico, and now I’m hooked. Now excuse me—I have to plan my next SwimTrek.

Simple Ways to Bring Peace add Light Into Your Life

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Finding Joy in Difficult Times
“We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”
— Maya Angelou


Many things in our world are out of our control, and sometimes the daily news cycle is enough to make us want to stay in bed with the covers pulled up over our heads. Rather than dwelling on what we can’t change, let’s turn our attention to the loved ones, activities, and rituals that add peace and light to our days.


Here are some of the things that are within my control—bringing me peace and joy this month:
* Long walks in the crisp fall air and beautiful fall color.
* Early morning swim workouts outside in the crisp fall air.
* Attending arts events such as the latest Seattle Opera Production—The Pirates of Penzance
* Purchasing tickets and making plans with family and friends for December Arts Events including: The Jazz Nutrcracker at Roosevelt High School, and Lessons in Carols with the Northwest Boychoir at Benaroya.
* Spending time with my daughter, Ruby.
* Outings and visits with friends.
* Cooking amazing healthy plant-based food to fuel my busy days and my new favorite cookbook-A Grain, a Bean, and a Green! by Gena Hamshaw
* Working on my old house- cleaning up the summer garden and winterizing the outside for the rains, wind, and cold weather to come.
*  Eating tofu and veggie Pho at our new new neighborhood restaurant, Am Nam Pho
* Reading poetry by Mary Oliver.
* Watching videos and dancing to the happy music of Benson Boone, singer and back flipper extraordinaire.
* Teaching and practicing in my studio.
* Preparing for upcoming concerts and gigs.
* Reintroducing my Play Piano Today- learn on your own time- piano course on the newly updated Teachable website. (Playing a musical instrument is an excellent way to bring peace and joy into your life!)

What will you do today to add some joy to your November?

Living it up with Liam in Livingston

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Liam at the Yellowstone River
Bowling
windy
Train Depot
Laura Loving Livingston
Oh Deer
all dressed up
Can’t Think of Anyone Else to Blame by David Rathman
Art walk Trio
Downtown Livingston
hey sunflower
Big Sky Country
Scott, Gail, and Laura Dean
Scott and Laura

My nephew Liam and I recently spent a couple of days and nights in Livingston, Montana. Livingston is a historic railroad town near the North Entrance of Yellowstone Park. Many of the original buildings remain intact or have been painstakingly restored. The charming downtown area welcomes visitors with eclectic shops, bright flower baskets, and an artsy vibe. Liam and I visited the Railway Station Museum, bowled at the local bowling alley, walked along the Yellowstone River, strolled through Sacajawea Park, dined out, and explored many of the wonderful thrift stores and boutiques. We also joined an evening art walk where we saw several works by the artist David Rathman, who is originally from my hometown of Choteau, Montana.

After our Livingston segment, my brother and I drove from his home in Clyde Park (near Livingston) to Great Falls to visit my mom. The original Dean trio had a great time visiting the former homes of our beloved grandparents, reminiscing about our childhood, sipping afternoon coffee at the Buffalo Blanc coffee shop across from Central High, cooking dinner together, and swimming at my mom’s condo.

Liam loves music, records, and vintage finds. He introduced me to a song by the progressive rock band from the 1970s called England, and in particular, the song —“All Alone” from their album —Garden Shed. Liam asked me if I could play the piece. I failed to find the sheet music for this obscure track, but I composed something inspired by it…

Liam’s Prelude:

Liam’s Prelude played by Laura Dean

How Did It End? a scene, a goodbye, and a song

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Carrie Bradshaw Stories ...
How Did It End by Taylor Swift, played by Laura Dean

In a recent episode of And Just Like That (Season 3, Episode 9), Carrie Bradshaw—wearing a knockout “I just threw this on” kind of outfit—sat at a café table facing her longtime paramour, Aidan. And just like that….. their romance came to an end—in a swift heartbreaking scene.

After a short conversation about their insurmountable obstacles, Carrie and Aidan come to the conclusion: it’s over! After a goodbye embrace, Carrie turns on her heel and struts down the sidewalk (in her sky-high pumps, of course), away from Aidan, and into the next chapter of her life. Cue the Taylor Swift deep-cut slow burn, “How Did It End,” from her album, The Tortured Poets Department.

I’m a huge fan of And Just Like That, the sequel to Sex and the City. Decades removed from the original debut, the SATC characters—now in middle age, still in their fantasy footwear and otherworldly wardrobes—navigate real-life situations many of us “of a certain age” can relate to: aging bodies, adult children, career challenges, complicated relationships, and above all, the enduring power of friendship.

Haunted with the scene and the song, the next day, I watched the scene again and located the sheet music to “How Did It End” on Musicnotes.com. One of my favorite things about being a musician is the ability to get my hands on the sheet music and play something that resonates on a personal level. In this case, the inspiration was the perfect storm: a relatable story, a beautifully crafted scene, and an emotional song.

Taylor Swift’s lyrics for the first verse and chorus of “How Did It End”:

Come one, come all
It’s happenin’ again
The empathetic hunger descends
We’ll tell no one
Except all of our friends
We must know
How did it end?

We hereby conduct this post-mortem
He was a hothouse flower to my outdoorsman
Our maladies were such we could not cure them
And so a touch that was my birthright became foreign

If you’d like to explore the possibility of playing music that moves you—just like I did with “How Did It End”—consider signing up for my beginning piano course here.

Or perhaps you’re looking for elegant and timeless music for a special event or wedding. I’d love to be part of it.