Singer / Songwriter / Pianist / Bestselling Author

Tag: Portraits of White

  • Are We Supposed to Applaud?

    Are We Supposed to Applaud?

    A quiet question at a Tea Party—“Are we supposed to applaud?”—led me on a journey that reshaped how I think about music, connection, and what it means to receive.

  • To Donna Houser – The Ultimate Page Turner

    By Frances Drost Not everyone has a teacher who changes the trajectory of their life. I did. Her name was Donna Houser — my piano teacher from seventh to twelfth grade — and if you’ve ever attended one of my concerts, heard one of my recordings, or watched Double Keyed take a stage, you’ve seen…

  • Be Someone’s Aunt Norma

    Be Someone’s Aunt Norma

    In the mid-1970s, when my mother was very ill, I stayed with my Aunt Norma, who lived about 40 minutes from our rural home. Her little town had something our farm didn’t: concrete sidewalks. As a farm kid, I thought they were magical—straight lines, no rocks, no cow pies. I’d ride my bike for hours…

  • Why Showing Up Matters (Even When It Feels Pointless)

    Why Showing Up Matters (Even When It Feels Pointless)

    One year ago, on April 27, 2024, I set up a table at a local book fair—an opportunity that came thanks to my Portraits of White book. Having never attended a book fair as an author, I thought, Why not? So, on a dreary morning, I arrived at the venue, laid out my CDs, T-shirts,…

  • Two Boots, Four Spouses: Reflections on Relationships and Comfort

    Two Boots, Four Spouses: Reflections on Relationships and Comfort

    Do you like my boots? I couldn’t resist them when I found them last December for 50% off. As someone who’s had her fair share of struggles with feet and shoes (don’t even get me started on the comments I’ve received after concerts 😅), I’ve learned how to prioritize comfort over style when performing. When…

  • Do You Trust Me? The Question That Stopped Me in My Tracks

    Do You Trust Me? The Question That Stopped Me in My Tracks

    My workplace was closing due to a Weis takeover. I had a choice to make. In the quiet moments, I felt an undeniable pull to let go of the job. Although we were invited to interview for positions with the new store, I had that feeling—you know, the one in the pit of your stomach…

  • When Life Sells Your Store: Lessons From Donuts and Truffles

    When Life Sells Your Store: Lessons From Donuts and Truffles

    Just as I suspected, after a torturous afternoon trying to make truffles, I decided to give up. I went from dreaming about gifting little packages of these supposedly easy-to-make treats to my friends, to wondering which local farmer I could offer them to for their barnyard. After an animated Facebook LIVE session about my experience,…

  • Hope and Inspiration from Portraits of White: A Journey Through Holiday Struggles

    Hope and Inspiration from Portraits of White: A Journey Through Holiday Struggles

    “Story is what connects us as human beings, and Frances Drost draws you into speculating about your own life stories. How does one dream up a song, a piece of art, a cure for disease? What is the story behind an event, a moment of joy or grief? Frances has a gift for story that…

  • Behind the Mic: Two Transformative Podcast Interviews in One Day

    Recently, I discovered PodMatch.com, a fantastic platform that connects podcast guests with hosts. As a new author gearing up for my book launch this October, I heeded my publisher’s advice and signed up for the service. In just a few weeks, not only did I have a curated list of podcasts to explore, but I…

  • Mastering the Art of Self-Celebration: A Guide to Planning Your Own Birthday Bash

    How do you feel about planning your own birthday party? At 25, the familiar comfort of my birthday celebrations shattered. The anticipation of my favorite meal, the elegance of the china setting, the delicate scent of lilacs—symbols of tradition and love—vanished with one simple phrase from my mother: ‘I’m not feeling well.’ It wasn’t just…