One year ago today, I wrote the song, Raise It Up. I was sitting at my freshly cleaned desk (can't start the new year with a messy desk), and thinking what I wanted to improve on in the coming year. The answer was EVERYTHING. A little daunting, yes, but I can't back away from a big challenge. I wrote on my little white board 3 words RAISE - IT - UP!!! It became my mantra for the year.

And the year happened. It was challenging on almost every level. My faith was tested, my hormones were tested, my stamina was tested, my patience was tested, my ability to lead was tested, my abiity to listen was tested, my finances were tested and my confidence was tested. I would say that by August, I was done with the tests, I wanted to move forward instead of being a 3-wheeled shopping cart going 'round in circles not getting anywhere. The enthusiasm I had on December 31st was long gone. I had to stop allowing the challenges to intimidate me and not just talk about raising my standards and expectations but really do it.

So, what did I do?
1. I started excercising--every day (I've lost 27 pounds too)
2. I started eating better--I had already given up caffiene two years prior, now I am eating better and drinking (alcohol) less
3. I changed doctors--just because you've been with someone a long time, doesn't mean they're right for you through every phase of your life
4. I stopped allowing things I can't control to get to me. If someone judges me for something I can't control it's their problem not mine.
5. I read. Sometimes breaking out of funk is as simple as looking at things from another's perspective
6. I prayed. I really prayed. I prayed for clairity, patience and understanding.
7. I softened my tone. Not so amazingly, my husband and kids responded in kind.
8. I laugh at myself...'cause when I think about it, I am really a character.
9. I enjoy the quiet of my own company...I always have and had to remember that.
10. I approach the things I have to do passionately because I am a passionate person.

So, now it is a year later. I am ready to retire 2009, and am glad that it didn't totally kick my tuchus; I prevailed. I am looking forward to 2010 with hope and joy. The CD whose title took last year's inspiration as its name is now out and I hope to bring others along for a great ride in the coming months.

Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

It has been 3 weeks that Raise It Up Bring It Down has been out and the reactions have been really terrific. I am grateful for the friends and fans who have embraced the new stuff. The band is busy rehearsing; locking down all the material so we can bring a fresh show to you on the road this year. 

Different from other releases, I have given myself 3 months to build an awareness campaign. Because half the material on the album is secular, I am marketing to a completely new audience than in the past. The one tool I am working with now that I really enjoy is Jango radio. Jango mixes Indie artists with mainstream artists of similar style to help attract new fans. In my first week of being on Jango, I have 150 new fans from all over the world who dig my music. How cool is that?

I've also entered a number of song competitions and contests to get some exposure from industry folks as well as the possible exposure that a win would bring. Prayer of the Workin' Man already placed in the Indie International Song Competition and I hope I Look Up has a chance to make some waves as well.

Twitter has become the newest tool in my arsenal of outreach tools and I'm still learning how to use it. Even itunes has ways to build awareness through reviews, ratings and imixes. I would encourage folks to do that just because it builds a strong music community.

So, that's where I am now. Lots to do and lots of people to hopefully help. I am open to suggestions, opinions and anything else you have to offer on the subject. 

I spent my childhood in the city, I always got "warm and fuzzy" as the skyline came into view from the air. I remember flying into NY a few weeks after 9/11/01. An old boyfriend, also a composer had sent me some of his music that I had put on my ipod. As I listened to his beautiful melodies and stared at the fractured New York skyline, I wept. My father had passed away 15 years earlier and my remaining NY relatives were all gone too. The world I had known as a child was gone. The familiar had become unfamiliar. What once felt safe, now was painful.

Eight years later, I still feel a longing when I go to New York, a longing for old relationships, a long gone family, a sense of "home." But I also have built a life where all of those things I lost have become the stories I share with my children, the common thread I seek in others who grew up "up there." The truth is, nothing is ever the way it used to be, you can't go home again.

I am thankful for what I have today and pray for those who are mourning that the tenderness of memory comes to be a blessing.

As prolific as I am writing music, not so much with the public journaling. But, I do have a lot on my mind, and I am going to try to share some things with you as I can. Feel free to chime in and let me know what you're thinking too.
Chat atcha soon,
Beth