In the plane going to Montreal last month I started to seriously think about 2018 plans. Now for those of you who know me on a personal level you know that I love to plan. I think it helps me to feel more secure. Even when the plans might change. I noticed that I had a lot I wanted to accomplish in 2018 and it helped me think about the realism of my plans. Balance these past six months has been a challenge. Family, nursing work, music biz. I hope next year to be a bit more balanced, however as continue reading…
Visions
It’s time to Launch They Said
So summer is drawing to a close and my CD release is a mere 8 weeks away. It left like so much time before I took off on holidays but now it is staring me in the face. I felt pretty ready until I had a meeting about publicity for said release and then I got a bit nervous. Things are lining up as they should. The masters are in, my photos are done just not received, an artist is available for the album art work and the production guy is on stand by. So now I wait for that continue reading…
The Journey of the Recorded Music
Last fall I began thinking about who I might like to work with for this album. I knew that it was time to record more music and that I had enough potential material. The journey began in October when I met Brad Prosko at Break Out West and had a lovely conversation with him and thought that he would be a great person to work with, open, authentic, talented. Then I began planning 2017. Each month and what could be accomplished from writing potential songs to the CD release party and tour. So far, I’m glad to report I am continue reading…
More Stories about Creativity
Two weeks seems like such a short time and here I am chatting to you again. One of the things I have done in the last couple of weeks is read a great book called Big Magic by Liz Gilbert, which is a book about creativity. It feels like it came along at exactly the right time. I needed a reminder of what creativity is all about. Do the work and then magic can happen is one of them. As well, Liz had so many interesting ideas about inspiration. Like the idea that inspiration goes around looking for someone who continue reading…
Signature Story
As I sit and ponder the next thing to write about as I continue on this musical and creative journey I was challenged with the idea of writing my signature story. I was listening to a podcast, Brassy Broadcast, where a guest suggested that one of the important things to do is come up with your signature story as a way to engage with your listeners. I gave it some thought and realized that the signature story of how I became more engaged and serious about this whole process is quite a simple one. I was sitting at the lake continue reading…
Songs to Write
I am putting my first grant proposal in the mail this morning. I feel like I have joined the land of the musician, asking for money to do music. As I asked colleagues to help me out, I was touched by their willingness to help. They wrote me thoughtful letters of support. And hopefully this grant will help support my upcoming project. As a part of my upcoming album, I am heading out next week for a 10 day writing retreat. I am looking forward to dedicated time away to write, to improve what I have already written, to finish continue reading…
Hope, A Feeling of Trust
These past two weeks have been full of hope. I performed with a group of female singer-songwriters called Girls Like Us at a local music venue here in Regina, Sk. called the Creative City Center. We were planning to only meet for a retreat of singing and practicing and ended up also having a show. We were full of hope that all would go well and it did. As I plan my next album and am gathering songs for it, I was asked if a theme had emerged. I took a close look at the songs I have and found continue reading…
2017 Begins
I have some thoughts that I wanted to share as the New Year begins. As the world is talking about how challenging 2016 has been, I keep thinking about the fact that I have had one of my best years ever. My summer was especially good with a songwriting retreat where I co-wrote two songs that I still love. As well the silent retreat I attended this past July that was spent in nature and was both empowering and nourishing. There was a contrast between the songwriting workshop and the silent retreat, but both were so enriching. I have spent continue reading…
Connections Fall 2016
As I reflect on the summer I don’t think I have ever enjoyed one so much as this past one. It was a season that was full of inspiration, from the hills I got to hike, to the songwriting retreat I took part in and the silent retreat I attended in Moose Jaw. I did some nursing work in there as well, but I’m told that my facebook feed looked like I was spending a lot of time reflecting, resting and rejuvenating, which I was. I have been writing new songs for a CD which I hope to record some continue reading…