I'm here. Three times this week I've consciously thought, "I'm loving my life these days." I'm completely engaged in preproduction for my 4th album (I will attempt the highly intimidating Crowd Source Campaign to fund it), and have some new musical collaborations planned, so the destination is an unknown adventure. Yes.
I've decided to begin to take myself -- my so-called "brand" -- out of the musical equation by not emphasizing live performance so much. Rather, I will make the songs go on a little journey out into the world instead of my physical self, via publishing, song placements, etc.
To do this requires some exercise. It requires that I dig into the craft to get better, it requires that I get into the studio to make something of broadcast quality, which is exactly what I want to do anyway.
Enter a sunny May weekend in Mars: I just spent a beautiful Saturday outside of Pittsburgh, where the grass grows by creeks under groves of trees. I laid on the perfect turf staring at the sky, listening to the whispering leaves, the sounds of famlies playing ball, and the occassional passing car. There were lots of butterflies. There were two girls wading with nets, trying to catch minnows. I could feel my body forget the crowded hood.
That's how I spent my breaks, anyway. Mostly I was indoors at a suburban development clubhouse listening to a Nashville songwriter/publisher talk about the Biz. I played a few of my tunes afterwards and had 3 of my 4 songs totally shredded. Lyrics, song form, everything.
It was a workout. For track people, it was like doing Fartleks. I could feel my muscles. I love that I have so much room for improvement; I love that it's worth it. I also love that at least one of my songs is just about ready to try to pitch. Hopefully someday soon you'll hear one of my freshly (re)written songs on a TV show or in a movie, and you'll say, hey, I read her blog last year. That's the woman who's finally digging her life and making it count.
It's after 10 pm. I'm home now, and I'm taking another moment to celebrate. May this moment last for years.
p.s......as a side note.....I have just discovered Ayurveda. I've got this 'High Vata' thing going on, which might explain lots of my chronic issues. Already seeing rather extraordinary results with Neem Oil. Next up: Panchakarma Detox, ya'll.
