As 2017 fades into the dust, to say it was a fabulous year would be an understatement!
Year in transition. I rang in the 2017 new year unpacking boxes, decorating and settling into my home in Nashville, TN. When the temperature hit 16 degrees F the first weekend of January, I had flashbacks of my childhood in Nebraska, scooping feed bunks and rescuing baby calves from the freezing cold weather and blizzard conditions. I asked myself, “what am I doing here?!” for a second and then I forgot all about the cold as I walked into my first songwriter’s retreat as a newbie ‘local’.
Year in my peaceful place. I realized everything in life is a reflection of one’s experiences. When someone complains about how bad traffic is Nashville, I think it’s a breeze compared to Dallas or Houston. Others say how big Music City has gotten, to me, it’s still feels like a small town with friendly folk, yet large enough to have all the amenities you could ever want. I think it’s just perfect for me andI’m happy to be living in the hills away from the noise. This is a far cry from high rise living, 24/7 traffic, sirens, construction noise and constant big city life I lived for many years. Zsa Zsa, my sweet long-haired dachshund, has access to the yard through a doggie door for the very first time! She barks and chases anything that moves through her territory and is happy as a lark!
Year of building a new foundation. I can’t imagine what life would be like if I hadn’t started working for myself more than 15 years ago. Without a career that allows me to work from anywhere, moving to Nashville and pursuing my music passion would not be possible without the flexibility and security it provides me. The years of hustle and grit are paying off! Music has been on my vision board for at least 10 years and that part of my creativity was lost in the background like an old coat stuck in the back of the closet, forgotten. I didn’t know how to make it all work and ironically it’s happening in perfect time.
Year of research and development. It was a blast for me venturing into unchartered waters musically, and a ton of fun- yet uncomfortable and sometimes scary all at the same time! I guess that’s what growth looks like. In music city, there’s live music all day and night all over town. I’ve been honing my skills, continuing my vocal coaching, cowriting, attending and hosting writing workshops, and hammering on this Baby Taylor guitar! It’s been exciting and nerve wrecking learning the ropes of the music biz, pushing songs out to radio, getting out and visiting stations on radio tours and making great friends along the way. Launching Candy Country, this website you’re reading right now, has been a ton of work and is every changing..and I’m enjoying blogging, amping up social media, in addition to expanding my music merchandise line. I couldn’t resist taking some much needed time for R&R in the hills of Tennessee hiking, then dipping my toes into the sandy beaches of North Carolina and Mexico. Whether it’s work or play, I’m aligning myself with like-minded individuals who are positive, passionate about life, expanding horizons and shooting for the stars!
Year of gratitude. The year end brings me to a quiet place where I reflect on the true gifts in my life, not only this year, but my whole life. I’m so very blessed with wonderful supportive new and old friends that help keep me grounded and encourage me to chase my dreams. I’m thankful for the hard times in my life that gave me wisdom no amount of schooling or money could buy. I’m grateful for my learned work ethic, true grit and drive instilled in me from my Dad on the farm I grew up on; for my Mom who taught me to set goals at an early age, encouraged me to be strong and independent and reach for sky; for siblings who support and remind me who I am if I get out of line and too big for my britches lol. Last but certainly not least my amazing clients (who really are my friends) that are a big part of making my music journey a reality while I support them with credit card processing services.
Forecast for 2018. I’ve been rolling on pure faith the past year and a half, much of the time I don’t have a clue what I’m doing, but I’m do it anyway! I’m praying for guidance and clarity, trusting the process, and following the path I’m being lead. I’m excited to have a new album on the horizon, rebranding Card Diva as she moves into her 12th year of business.
Let’s start 2018 off with a #BANG and make it the most FANTABULOUS year, ever!
I”ll be posting my vision board in the next blog. I invite you to come back for a sneak peak and inspiration so we can create the best year ever, together!
XOXO,
P.S. If you haven’t yet, please sign up for my Candy Country Fan Mail and I’ll send you exclusive content and offers for subscribers only.