Susan Jones, aka Shanti, recorded a CD of children’s songs over two decades ago. For 25 years Shanti has wanted and planned to write a book to accompany the CD. After teaching music for 35 years, many of those years at Nederland Elementary, Shanti retired in 2021. Two years after retiring her book has been published. The book is titled The Sunshine Inside of You.

Shanti has a degree in music education as well as a master’s in counseling. The song lyrics and the accompanying book show her skill set in each of these areas. When asked why she wanted to compose these songs and write the book, Shanti said that she wanted to teach songs that mattered to kids and their lives. She did not want to sing songs in her classes about mice getting their tails cut off. That is, of course, referring to the song “Three Blind Mice.”

The Sunshine Inside of You speaks to the light and wonderfulness we each have within us. Shanti’s songs talk of friendship, celebration of life, how to help the environment, making mistakes, being thankful and kind, and life lessons that positively impact our lives. It is “music with meaning” as Shanti says.

One of my favorite songs from Shanti’s collection is “Grandma Please Tell Me a Story.” Not only did I love to hear stories from my grandparents, but I also understand the value of listening to the generations before me. This song relates the message that the stories of our elders matter today and always. In turn our elders matter, too.

In the book the lyrics are printed with the guitar chords. On the following pages there are stories, activities, and wonderings. Shanti wrote the music and book hoping it would help everyone. She especially thought the book could be helpful for teachers, parents who homeschool, grandparents, all parents, and camps.

Shanti is grateful to all the local Nederland folks who helped make the music a reality so many years ago. She is also thankful to those who supported her with making the book come alive. She dedicated The Sunshine Inside of You to her children, Dennon and Ali. Shanti is joyful that her children were able to be part of the project as kids and now as adults see it completed. Most of all she is excited to share her music with everyone.

One might look quickly at the lyrics and assume simplicity. Look a little longer. See the deeper meaning, and take it to heart. May the sunshine that is inside of you fill you with confidence and joy.

All the music can be heard at sunshineinside.net. The book can also be purchased at the same website. Shanti will also be at Brightwood Music in Nederland on June 23 during the 4th Friday event at 5 p.m. She will have books to purchase at this event. Brightwood Music is located in the Caribou Village Shopping Center at 20 E. Lakeview Drive, #109, Nederland, Colorado, 80466. Brightwood Music can be reached at 303-258-8863.