Music In My Soul

 I always say music is my language, it's in my soul, in my blood but it's NOT who I am. I learned years ago music is something I do but it does not define me. I believe it's an unhealthy mindset when a performer of any kind uses the phrase "_____ is who I am".   I have been singing and performing since the age of 5. My professionally career began at the age of 10. It's all I've ever known. The stage feels like home to me. It would be easy for me to get caught up in the idea that singing is who I am. My worth as a person is much, much more than my singing.  By the time I was married I was burned out, tired and ready to take a breather from music. (Not singing) I would continued to sing around the house in my car anywhere I was alone. I made it clear to my newlywed husband that I didn't want anyone to know I was a singer.  I needed to figure out who I was without my voice without performing. About 8 months into my "Soul searching"  I saw a flyer for a singing competition at the mall. CASH PRIZES! Nothing is more appealing to a newlywed than cash. We needed that money and I was going to get it. So I got on stage, I performed and sang my heart out. It was completely therapeutic and I was reminded why I love to sing. Not to be a star, or be in the music business, or perform on stage but to communicate the best way my soul knows how......MUSIC!  There is nothing more rewarding to me as a singer/songwriter than sharing and communicating music from one heart to another. We all have a language, a way of expressing ourselves. what's yours?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas in a SMALL Town

I grew up in a small town. It was a wonderful place to grow up. so many fun traditions like THIS one.
Christmas, though, was my absolute favorite growing up. Because we were in a small town Christmas wasn't as commercialized as it might be in a larger city. We didn't have a Target, Walmart, or Mall. I recall a particular Christmas. I was about 10 or 11 years old and our town was having a huge Tree lighting ceremony. Everyone in town was there. I sang "I saw Mommy kissing Santa clause"  directly after my song Santa Clause blew magic sparkling dust in the air and the tree lit up. It was the most incredible thing my little 10 year old mind could imagine. There were countless festivities leading up to Christmas day. Christmas Parade, raffles, School Plays, watching Christmas Movies at the old theater. The list goes on and on........ Our Little town was decorated like a small village in a snow globe.  It was simple and yet the most magical experience a child could have. I remember my 6th grade Christmas. My Teacher Mr. Joseph ordered LEATHER KITS  (Not this nice) for each of us students. I made a wallet for my Dad, a key holder for my Mom and a Belt for my older Brother. I wish I could remember what gifts I made for my other siblings. I so clearly remember What I made for my brother because on Christmas morning when he opened his gift "The Belt"  was clearly to small for him. He Simply smiled and thanked me. I felt so good inside knowing I had worked so hard to make these gifts for the people I love most. There is something wonderfully  beautiful about Christmas in a Small Town.


Every time I'm asked to sing Christmas music, I always make sure "Silver Bells" is on my list. It reminds me of Christmas in my hometown. Of course I change the Lyrics to "Country" instead of 'City". It just feels right

Here is a video of my Daughter and I singing "Silver Bells" a few weeks ago. Enjoy!