tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52803875777220336262024-03-05T05:26:19.895-08:00Lisa Witty MusicAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-14560516928570746712016-02-01T20:16:00.001-08:002016-02-01T20:16:44.600-08:00IS IT FEBRUARY? I was reminded by Facebook that I "haven't visited Lisa Witty in a while", and it is right, on so many levels. I have been all consumed with various things, but yet, not consumed at all. And, suddenly, it's February. Suddenly, I haven't done much of anything I had planned. I had such grand ideas before the new year.<br />
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February is the shortest month, but yet seems like one that drags along. I know that growing up in Michigan, especially, it can be a very difficult month for people up there. I know it can be difficult anywhere though. The days now have been long and dark. It's bitter cold. The holiday season has been over for a while, and the next holiday is Valentine's day, which is not fun for a lot of people. You're tired of driving in the snow. Your friends post pictures from there Caribbean vacations <br />
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that you can't afford, and what your skin wouldn't do to feel a warm, humid breeze! I know peoples' seasonal affective disorders are about in full swing. For me, February has always been one of those months where I turn inward. I kind of get my own personal, internal cabin fever. I'm thankful I get to head out to Colorado to teach skiing, because that breaks it up a bit for me. But, I just tend to feel a little more sadness, ya know?<br />
I've been avoiding thinking about things- like, REALLY thinking about them. I've been in survival mode for a while, and haven't wanted to tackle certain things going on in my life. I have been learning to give myself a bit of a break, and be a little more gentle on myself...but there is one thing that I have always struggled with, and just can't forgive myself for, and really need to kick my own ass about. My music.<br />
I have made this beautiful album, with my better half, that we are both very proud of. We spent a lot of time on it. He dealt with my frustrations very patiently. We spent our date nights working on it. We got to come up with cool parts, and work with amazing musicians. The whole thing was a great experience. And in my mind, things were going to happen because I finally had a new album. I LOVE creating. I LOVE recording. I LOVE putting it all together. What I DON"T love, is the marketing. I DO NOT like it Sam I Am!<br />
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This is not because I am lazy. I have lots of great marketing ideas. I do. This feeling comes from a space of not wanting to shove my stuff on people, and fear of rejection. Is there space for me? I am not trying to come across as humble. My inner critic says, "why should you assume anyone wants to hear you!!?" Everyone has a musician friend. We all get inundated with "support my crowd funding" emails and "come to my show" Facebook posts. It seems we musicians are always needing something from others. We need to be heard! And, so much of what I do in my life, I DO need help from others. I DO need support. But, it always feels like I am asking too much.<br />
I know. Get over it. It's all a part of it. I know it's that simple. But, all the things I am supposed to do, to get my music out there- I just stop. Did you know I made a video? Well, I did, and it was fun! I never announced it. I never made it "a thing". I just put it up on YouTube and let my mom tell people. Thanks mom. But it's really starting to feel like a slap in the face to all who worked on it, and ARE proud of it, and who DO believe in me. Especially my boyfriend, who put so many hours in to editing (and THAT part? It's not fun). It deserves to be out there. It's kind of selfish not to share, right? So, I am re-telling those of you who already know my album is out there, and newly telling those who did not know it was out there, that it exists! And it's good! :) And please listen! And please, share it, and buy it! And watch my video! And support me! Please go to <a href="http://www.lisawitty.com/" target="_blank">www.lisawitty.com</a> where you can order CDs from me, or hop over to iTunes. It's called "Lessons In White Light". Here is a song from the album. Please enjoy it! Thank you so much for the support! Click<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.hightail.com/download/ZWJXcmxkNEhqV0ROTzhUQw" target="_blank"> here</a></span> to download "Is It February".<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-57582343917324697482015-11-11T17:23:00.001-08:002015-11-11T20:55:11.087-08:00VETERANS DAY Today is Veterans Day. Today is the day we celebrate those who have served and have fought for our freedoms. They risk their lives and leave family and friends behind, and by now, we all know how they get treated when they return. For the families who endure long stretches of time away from their spouses and kids, I truly can't imagine how one makes that work. I commend all the families who go through the roller coaster of emotions that comes with this kind of duty, mostly under-appreciated.<br />
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Today is also a day I always feel guilt, and a little ashamed. I haven't known how to properly thank those who sacrifice for us. 'Thank you' really never seems enough. I can thank a soldier for what they do when I see them in their uniform, on a flight, or meeting them in social situations, at Starbuck's getting coffee in a red cup - but it STILL doesn't ever feel like enough. I often wonder how that military person may feel hearing that. Has it gotten to the point that we say it because we are supposed to? Do people feel it when they say it? Does the military feel a genuine thanks?</div>
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Maybe I was in a more introspective mood today as I was running around doing my errands, and maybe the songwriter in me was looking for deeper meaning in the mundane...but there were things that struck me today as I did so. My day started by taking all the recyclables to the recycle station. It is a chore I don't enjoy much, mostly because I don't take the time to properly sort my plastics from my glass, but I know I am doing a good thing...and also whenever I am there I feel like I get a snapshot in to human behavior. "Look at all the good people doing good things for the earth". "Look at all the stuff that will not sit in a landfill". "Look at all those cardboard boxes people don't break down and properly put them in the containers". The sign clearly states to break them down. (The containers were NOT full).<br />
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the boxes there, and the Pollyannas out there are all thinking "well, they probably left them there like that because maybe they thought other people might need them for moving or something." But it leads me to a deeper feeling I have about the state of our world. To me, this represents, " I don't want to deal with this, and now it's someone else's problem'- and deeper yet, "I don't care about the person who has to take extra time to clean up MY mess I left, nor do I respect you". It feeds my thoughts on how we have become a country of entitled, selfish, lazy, and greedy people. (Please. I know ALL people are NOT this way). </div>
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It's all around us. I try so hard to not get angry. It's because I cannot understand some things. I know I am not perfect by any means, but I KNOW I am a conscientious human being. I try to operate like we are all on the same team. I am aware of my fellow human. It seems we are excuse makers, finger pointers, victims, and in my eyes, doing a lot of sloppy living. We have lost a lot of respect for ourselves and others, floating through life. We hide behind social media, blame presidents for all that is wrong, don't reach for quality in food, products...art and music! We don't use our blinkers. We cut people off. We don't pay attention when the light turns green because we are too busy scrolling through Facebook. We text and drive, drink and drive, and risk other's lives. As long as we take care of ourselves and get where we are going... We have become a throw away, drive-thru nation where we are all about the 'right now', not thinking about the consequences...whose lives our actions affect...today, tomorrow. I could go on...</div>
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So, what does all my whining have to do with Veterans Day? I think, a lot. In my questioning of how to thank our veterans for their services, I feel one way we can all thank them is simply by being better human beings, respectful human beings. Respect the fact that they are out there fighting and losing their lives for your choice to be lazy, entitled, greedy or not. Choose "or not". Make them feel they are fighting for a good reason. I think it is kind of insulting to them for us to behave in such ways. You know when you put all your blood, sweat and tears in to something and it goes unnoticed? Think about it. Freedom is a privilege to have. I know we could be doing better. You are free to make the choice. So, be good to yourself, and be good to others, and that will make our country a place worth their fighting for. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-36846847701499362222015-07-10T06:34:00.000-07:002015-07-14T20:17:03.192-07:00LESSONS IN WHITE LIGHT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Official release date coming soon on CDBaby/iTunes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Purchase a hard copy CD through PayPal now<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> above ^</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /> Wowzers! I am in the "I can't believe it's finished" phase! This CD has been a long time coming. I am so proud of the songs I have written, the production, and thought that went in to bringing you all, what I believe, is my best work yet! I wish I could really convey all that goes in to a project, and what it feels like. I know in this era of technology, it seems that making a CD is an easy, few clicks away, and that anyone can make oneā¦and you're right, they can! There are many ways to go about doing this, but the path taken for mine was made of time, many fine musicians and leaning in closely over and over to make sure the parts, tones, and details were going to shine through. We really wanted the songs to tell us how they should be produced. We simply played to the song. It was important for me to deliver songs that have not gone through the musical drive -thru! I still believe in quality, and quality to ME is not hastily blowing through something, but instead creating it to stand the test of time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Luckily, when making this album, I didn't have to consider a whole lot. I didn't consider what the current trends are, what artist I wanted to sound like, or try to write the next hit beer, truck or whiskey song. I don't have a publisher or record company to run it by first. I wasn't aiming to write my next single for radio. The only focus group it had to be approved by, was me. I didn't want to throw in an obligatory 'HEY!' or a "HO!" or drop a line about my favorite vodka for my corporate sponsor. I just had to do what I do. I write my songs, just to write. They all come straight from the heart, in their purest form. My songs don't have to go through 'the machine' of the music biz, and I am so grateful to have that freedom to really speak not only through my lyrics, but through the production of the songs. Sometimes when I think I am up against a crazy mountain of a millions ways to navigate the music business, and it all seems so overwhelming, I keep going back to the only way I know how to do things, and that is to be honest and straight forward with it all. So, I present to you, my new album. I really hope you enjoy every word, and every sound. Please know that this was a fun process for all who were involved. It was a creative journey I hope I am fortunate enough to experience again! I appreciate all the support and belief in what I do. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-71820014476631694962015-01-19T14:13:00.001-08:002015-01-19T14:13:51.937-08:00FINDING MY ZIHAUTANEJO Oh boy, it's been a while. Once again, I do not follow up, and keep a consistent blog going like a good musician should. I also don't tweet. I barely Facebook. The main reason? Who really gives a *care* about what I have to say? To me, it feels so unnatural to assume anyone would think what I have to say is moderately important. That has been one big fight I battle internally with being a singer/songwriter. Who cares! We are a dime a dozen! I haven't had hits! I'm a nobody! And until you are verified, certified, and un-nullified- or a finalist on a talent show- why in the world do my words matter. Well, nonetheless...I guess every once in a while I feel like I have something to say, and want to share it with whomever wants to take a minute...<br />
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I just returned from a cruise. A music cruise (and I am STILL swaying as I write this). For those of you who don't know about them, it's a chance to listen to music- good music- without ear buds, live, in real time, without everyone taking videos, with moments of unrehearsed jams and artists sitting in with other artists. On a cruise, you don't have cell service, or internet- and it is beyond refreshing. People talk. Hang. Look you in the eye. Stop. Slow down. Tell stories. We are all, literally, in the same boat. Now don't go thinking I am living this life of leisure. Last quarter's royalties from ASCAP could only buy me a few trips to Starbucks, but... my boyfriend got asked to play with an artist who was playing the cruise, and I was an innocent recipient of being offered a space onboard. :)<br />
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A cruise was never on my bucket list. I don't want to be trapped on a boat for a week! I don't want to eat constantly, lay around by the pool, and drink all day! I don't want to be herded like cattle to an excursion on shore and have the same experience as everyone else! I am an explorer! I'm NOT a lazy person! I want adventure. I want to be active on my vacation. I want to carve my own path. Well...my pre-conceived notion was proven wrong unfortunately. Dang. I hate being wrong. And I have to say, it wasn't really an epiphany, but yet another lesson in how you can choose to look at things in your life. I had this great opportunity presented to me, and it surprisingly turned out to be a unique experience.<br />
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We were about halfway through our cruise and we made our second stop, in St. Croix, V.I. We got there pretty early in the morning. My boyfriend and I made a choice to NOT partake in an excursion, as we both wanted to make our own adventure. After breakfast we walked up to the top deck of the boat for a birds-eye view- and I pointed to a peninsula that looked pretty far away and absolutely gorgeous, and said, " I want to go THERE". So, we put on our tennis shoes, stepped out on to the dock, and I asked a lady at the tourism tent about the road to "THERE". She said it was pretty far to go, and no sidewalks. Perfect. Right up my alley. I personally like to see places by walking, or taking a run through the area to get some sense of where you are. We had no idea where we were going really, or what we would find when we got there. But, glad we did.<br />
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As we got closer to the destination unknown, maybe but 2 cars passed us along the way, and we encountered a man who was looking for his Marlboro Reds he had dropped along the side of the road- I imagine they are pretty pricey on the island... and that was it! No one else! We could not believe that this place we arrived at after about an hour of walking, was empty! What???!!! It was one of THE most beautiful beaches and places I have ever seen. Didn't everyone else on the boat see what we saw from the upper deck? How is this place not flooded with people?! We finally encountered one family who had moved to the island 6 months ago, and said this was the prettiest beach on the island. Well...yeah! We were dumbfounded at our discovery. We were in awe of the beauty, the perfect sky, and temperature. AND... the choice we made to explore, had paid off.<br />
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We spent a good couple of hours there- a lot of it chatting with the family about what island life is like when you actually live there. Sounds a lot like anywhere else you go when you are NOT on vacation. Real life actually happens. Below is our ship from where we were...<br />
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Whenever I am out exploring, my mind is also doing the same. I do a lot of wondering about things, and saying to myself, "how did I get here"???? Wow. Life is crazy. You end up in places you never thought you'd be. Or, you thought you'd be further along by now. Or, your dreams are not quite realized. Or, you don't even know what your dreams are anymore! So many thoughts- and they come in metaphors a lot of the time. Some thoughts and moments just seem to all come together and make sense to you. This was one of those moments- the moments that seem to find you, not the other way around.<br />
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My favorite movie of all time is Shawshank Redemption. There are so many things I love about this movie. There are countless scenes I can understand and translate to a life outside of prison. No matter where we are in our lives, we all share a lot of these thoughts the prisoners have, as we are all prisoners of something; loneliness, fear, friendships, freedom (from whatever it is that holds you back), patience, chipping away at something little bits at a time until you reach your destination...just keep hanging on...and you will eventually get there. There is good on the other side. Anyone who has seen the movie knows what I'm talking about...<br />
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"Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies". - Andy Dufresne<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> I love so many scenes in the movie, but particula</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rly at the end, when Red and Andy finally meet up again. When Red finally takes a chance to get living and you can feel his excitement when he is on his way to Zihautanejo.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." -Red</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Every time I see that movie, (and that is many times, for many years), at the end when they show that beautiful beach, and the reunion, I say to myself, "I have to find that beach". "I have to go there". "Someday I will go there". What I know I am really saying to myself too, is, I just want to feel that freedom, that happiness of making it to, and being in that beautiful place, not only literally, but figuratively. And, hope it is as beautiful as I imagined. I think we all want to feel like we are on the right path, and that it's going to be alright. That we are NOT wasting our precious time. And if we hang on to hope, we may just get there. Well...I found my Zihautanejo. Only, I did not know it at the time, that I was THERE. That beach we "discovered"? It was where they filmed that last scene in the movie. I was there. I WAS THERE. I was at Zihautanejo! I guess there are many lessons I learned from this day, and the cruise for that matter. Things aren't always going to be what you think they are going to be like, and sometimes you just have to open your eyes, take a little risk, go where the spirit moves you, and just hope you are on the right path, and you will end up right where you are supposed to be.</span></span><br />
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"Get busy living, or get busy dying". - Andy Dufresne<br />
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-my photo, unfiltered colors- it really was THAT beautiful.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-38613871311590756912014-08-27T18:16:00.001-07:002014-08-27T18:16:59.110-07:00MY SUMMER WITHOUT BOB So. I take off for the summer. I migrate North. And to some, it's a strange phenomenon. To me, like a bird, I suppose, it's what comes naturally. I don't know how to do summer in Nashville. Well duh, if I spent any time here, and actually gave it a try, then maybe I would?! It sounds easy, but...I need water. Clear, cool lake water. I need lilting breezes that creep over you at night through the windows when you are falling asleep under your cozy down comforter. I need to smell earth, and to celebrate the outside, and not hide from the summer heat indoors with your air-conditioning. I need to be off pavement. Toes in the sand. Toes in the grass. Pure darkness with gazillions of stars, or a super moon coming up through the trees. There are too many things to mention why I love Northern Michigan. Nature is so influential in how I move throughout my days. Sometimes it is such a curse to need such a thing- because when I DON'T get enough of it, I really feel it.<br />
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When I head up yonder, I go back to being a little more off the grid, a little out of reach, and forget my phone a lot. AND I LOVE THAT! It feels good! I try not to watch the news. In the past six weeks, I think I only checked my email a few times (well, lucky me I don't have such pressing things needing my attention, must be nice huh?!), well- the flip side is of course I am NOT needed, and I have basically taken myself out of making things happen for myself, which on many levels, is quite alright, but not, at the same time. I have moved towards wanting things so very simple in my life, maybe I have gotten too simple...??<br />
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All this being said, at my age, it's difficult to pinpoint what has been driving my actions- is it that I am gracefully easing in to a more peaceful, slow-paced time in my life, because that's what happens as you get older? Or, are my fears of not succeeding in the music business, and my slow acceptance of "my time has passed", and letting the new guard of youthful musicians that we covet so much, just do their thing. Is there room for me? Still?<br />
There is so much I could say on this topic- and I have always been sensitive to the topic of age- mostly because I started in music A LOT later than most. I came in at a time when a producer half-joked that "we are basically looking at signing fetuses"and we won't even consider listening to you. We can't do anything with you. That was THE sentiment at the time when I started becoming serious about it, and felt I had very tall walls to climb over from the get go. A lot has changed since I started in this game. Age isn't so much a factor anymore. I no longer want a record deal (why would you?), and you can make some pretty good recordings on your own without it costing as much as a small house. There are many pluses to the state of the industry. You can actually do this on your own! Which means...you can actually do this on your own! It's up to me. I'm responsible for me! Me. Me. Me. Shit. That's overwhelming. There are so many paths to take, and people telling you how it should be done, and the dos and don'ts, and ins and outs and ups and downs... and so-and-so just got a publishing deal, and that girl over there has 20 hit songs and random guy in the UK is selling half a million dollars worth of his albums over the internet without touring! I must be doing something wrong! Or, I'm not 'doing' at all.<br />
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The past few years I have seemed to focus on everything I haven't done. I can turn negative with myself, but I will gladly let you know your awesomeness, and root you on all day long. I'd rather be someone else's cheerleader, than my own. It's easier! And, I don't like talking about me. Really. It is also around the time I starting reading "The Lefsetz Letter". For those unfamiliar with Bob Lefsetz, he is a man who is very insightful about the music business and American culture, and kind of gets down to brass tacks and states his opinions with no apologies. He calls it how he sees it. His writing is read by many top, used-to-be-top and not-so-top people in the music industry and other business. Much of what he says seems very true- and then there are the parts that I have probably let myself believe a little too much. I have let myself feel very beaten down, feeling like giving up, I'm not good enough...and basically with the inundation of everyone calling themselves a musician these days- unless you are REALLY good, and do your 10,000 hours (Malcolm Gladwell) of work, and that's ALL you do...there is not room for me. Apparently, I'm not serious enough. I will never stand out. I have listened too closely to one man's opinion. It's like I have wanted him to reconfirm what I was already feeling.<br />
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Well, I took a break from reading Bob this summer, (mainly because I didn't have the ability to connect to the internet). And, I also took a break from Music City (which I love, BTW) where one can easily let the fact that everyone else seems to be moving forward, and you're not- get to you. (I have yet to grow a thicker skin). And I was in a place where people listen to music and like a song for a song, and don't over-analyze every minute thing about it, and don't talk about who played on it, and if there was good guitar tone.... how refreshing. That place is most of the world. It's my Aunt. It's my friends who are doctors or lawyers, or work behind a deli counter. It's the stranger I met in the grocery line. It's the people who we want to enjoy what we do. Whether the place for me in the music world is big, or small- there IS a place for everyone. I do know this, but clearly needed reminding. And, I need to keep reminding myself of this. I know I was born to do music...maybe not on the level others do it, or the level Bob Lefsetz feels I should be operating in order to succeed (what is success?!)- but it doesn't mean I am less focused or serious when I am doing it. Just like I know I need nature, and to get back to the simple things, and to take a step back to re-look at what it's all about- I can only be who I am, do what I do, and live MY truth. So...I am welcoming myself back...and back to Nashville.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-87366104203364951112014-05-12T10:25:00.001-07:002014-05-12T10:33:16.645-07:00ALRIGHTY, THEN<br />
<a name='more'></a> Monday morning. Another gorgeous day here in Nashville, and I am thinking of my friends in Colorado, who are currently being dumped on right now by one of those spring snow storms that takes you back a few steps in the process of spring really unfolding. The one time I stuck it out in Vail through the mud season was so hard. It takes a patience I don't know if I possess anymore. Keep holding on guys! I have always wished the seasons would gradually ramp up, and then taper off nice and smoothly, without all the ups and downs, throwing you curve balls. But, that's not the way it goes. Just like life, huh? Oh, analogies, what would I do without you!<br />
Yesterday was one of those days that I got to catch a curve ball. Life is crazy. All those ups and downs, the good and bad, the surreal and all-too-real. I'm now at the age where you take a look back at your dreams, and fantasies of what life would be like in the future...who you'd be with, where you would end up, what you'd be doing, and who you would get to meet along the way. I clearly remember daydreaming as a waitress about what my life as a 'not-yet-a-singer songwriter' would entail, (very glamorous, millions of adoring fans, signing the perfect autograph...), I also had fantasies of being fussed over by a team of hair and make-up people, and working with the best in the industry (specifically Herb Ritts, the photographer, and Kevin Aucoin the make-up artist). Well, unfortunately, they have since passed, just as time likes to do, and those dreams start to fade...until...<br />
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somehow this guy is standing in front of you. This is Mark Seliger, (<a href="http://www.managementartists.com/photography/mark-seliger" target="_blank">www.managementartists.com/photography/mark-seliger</a>). He has shot many of the Rolling Stone covers you have seen over the years, amongst many other editorials and magazine covers that include too many celebrities to mention. A celebrity, I am not. And, I am quite confident I will never make the cover of Rolling Stone. An opportunity arose for me and my boyfriend to be photographed by THIS GUY. What? And he spent 5 hours doing it? Dang. Life IS crazy. And, for someone who likes to jump OUT of the photo, not be in it, the thought of this was very intimidating. Somehow it wasn't. And, though my daydreams have changed a bit since those days, and I'd rather not have people fuss over me, I think I could make an exception...</div>
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I think Mark was standing there scratching his head, wondering, just as I was, "how did I get here?" Or, "I wish we could've had professional hair and make-up", or "I don't think there is enough photoshop in the world to erase those wrinkles". All joking aside, it was a lot of fun. It was a moment for me. His team of people were very nice, and it was cool having a snapshot in to the day-in-the-life of one of the best in this creative field. He was in Nashville to shoot Eric Church, and then moving on to Miranda Lambert (today). I know I am a lucky gal, and I have had some neat-o opportunities. So, today, and every day, I am grateful for how cool, and crazy life is- and it IS nothing like I imagined, and I'm glad it isn't. <a href="http://www.managementartists.com/photography/mark-seliger" target="_blank">www.managementartists.com/photography/mark-seliger</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-46024369044979766972014-03-14T14:07:00.001-07:002014-03-14T16:22:20.637-07:00FAR CRY"SHE'S A FAR CRY<br />
FROM GOODBYE<br />
AND EVERYWHERE SHE'S BEEN<br />
SHE WON'T GO THERE AGAIN<br />
SHE'S A STONE'S THROW<br />
FROM THE PLACES SHE CAN GO<br />
SHE WON'T GIVE UP<br />
SHE'LL NEVER GIVE IN<br />
SHE'S A FAR CRY<br />
SUCH A FAR CRY, FROM THEN"<br />
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Spring. "Moving forward". It's kind of become my inner motto. I have tendencies to hold on to the past, and a bit afraid of change. Although we are told change is a good thing, and we know good things can come from it, it can be difficult to wholly swallow. And, I want to. I think sometimes it feels like if we change, we are losing who we are, and the parts of ourselves we actually DO like. I don't want to be that same person I was yesterday- but a better version. Change is a good thing. Change is a good thing. Change is.....<br />
My musician/songwriter friends can all understand that in this business, there is so much uncertainty in what the days will bring. There is a lot that is out of our control. Sometimes I feel like I am shooting at a moving target a thousand miles away, in the dark, on a windy day, while serpentining... and just when you finally begin to understand how to hit what you're going after, the target changes.<br />
So, I need SOME things to always stay the same. It gives me the comfort, and a little sense of control I feel I am missing in this crazy world of music. I still need to go home. I need the mountains, the lake...the familiar.<br />
That being said, I have enjoyed moving beyond certain parts of my life. I am learning to let go of certain thought processes and 'things' a little more easily. It does feel good. I am a little more gentle on myself. I have less to prove. I don't need to carry all that baggage from the past. It's too heavy, and now I have room for new and better things to come knocking on my door.<br />
Far Cry was written a few years back. The first line was inspired by Shawn Mullins when he spoke about his method for writing songs. The rest was written from snippets of thoughts from my life collected over the years on this topic - looking back at how far you've really come from some hard times, and how far you can still go. Spring is on the way. There is hope... enjoy.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-7598626656614655362014-01-24T10:54:00.001-08:002014-03-14T12:12:46.163-07:00NORTH<b><br /></b>
<b> </b>On these chilly winter days, (which I DON"T mind), it's not hard to think of all things that encompass this time of year. To me, it means cozy (one of my favorite words), coffee somehow tastes even THAT much better, and hats hide hair I don't like styling. It means I can go to the grocery store in my 'house clothes' because you just throw a coat over them, (while trying to find milk, bread and eggs because Nashville goes into emergency mode if it dips into the 20's). And yes, those of us who have grown up in the cooler parts of the world, tend to think we are a little tougher than those from warmer regions. What's all the fuss about? Just throw on another layer :)<br />
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So, it seems apropos to tell you a little bit about a song I wrote, (and just recently loaded to my player), called North. North is another word I really like. To me, it says so many things. North sits at the top of a compass. To go North, you go up. Going up means things are looking up- and this time of year we tend to look at our lives and try to tackle the things we want to make better for ourselves. New beginnings! We physically, and figuratively draw inside. We go into our own personal winter, and try to come out better on the other side. And I said try...<br />
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North for me, also means home. I grew up in a most fantastically gorgeous place in Northern Michigan, and it always brings up very warm thoughts. It's where I feel the most me. Writing North is part homage to the place I call home, and a wanting to keep bettering my life. We all have our own North, and in constant pursuit of the one that's true....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcw4LOAM7Qxmo2MTIOb8lT65Zc45DbCckNfz_9eevy3j6ug-ASyyvCXULVqVJbQY_YoAi_xXx8x_ipMkdMT0nnm3_p5l_4rNq9_lH-4TDELwpY9i4cJOIGWHP-vgX64hpkzzrNZkuhN4/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcw4LOAM7Qxmo2MTIOb8lT65Zc45DbCckNfz_9eevy3j6ug-ASyyvCXULVqVJbQY_YoAi_xXx8x_ipMkdMT0nnm3_p5l_4rNq9_lH-4TDELwpY9i4cJOIGWHP-vgX64hpkzzrNZkuhN4/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
"EAST, I'VE BEEN WEST<br />
SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE, I HAVE YET<br />
TO GET AROUND, TO WHAT IS TRUE<br />
I'VE GONE UNDER, I'VE BEEN THROUGH<br />
NEED TO GET AWAY FROM THIS PLACE<br />
STAY A STEADY COURSE<br />
TO A BRAND NEW DAY<br />
NO MORE BACK AND FORTH<br />
OR DOWN, DOWN, DOWN<br />
I'M GOING NORTH"<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280387577722033626.post-29515254124248329212014-01-19T10:15:00.000-08:002014-01-19T10:15:00.408-08:00Welcome to My New Website!<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15651680112645913404noreply@blogger.com0