Summer of Songs - The Adventure Begins

I'm feeling a little like Bilbo Baggins this morning. I love the moment when Bilbo runs from his home and proclaims "I'm going on an adventure!"  Like Bilbo, I'm about to head out on my own adventure.  I'm hoping there won't be dragons and monsters, but to be honest, some of the battles I'll face feel like that sometimes.  

A few months ago, I got the idea to launch my own personal campaign of sorts.  I wanted to dive deeper in writing and attempt to structure my life in such a way as to narrow my focus a bit.  Any of you who know me, know I have too many plates spinning at once.  I don't need you to tell me.  I know it.  Sometimes it's out of necessity.  I have a husband, four kids, pets, businesses, responsibilities.  It gets nuts.  We have been in a year of recovery from an awful 20 months of my husband's unemployment.  It feels like for every month he didn't have a job, it is taking us three to find our way out of it.  Because of that, we've been in job overload.  It's okay.  You do what needs to be done.  He's a year into his new job and we're finally feeling a little breathing room.  Thank you, Jesus. 

Back to the spinning plates.  I decided it was finally okay to let some of those plates fall.  Whew.  And yet, scary, for some reason.  Partly because those plates help pay a mortgage. But also because those of us who actually do thrive when we have a lot to do get fearful that if we don't have a LOT to get done, we won't get ANYTHING done. However, because I know that my main calling in life, other than wife and mom, is to be a songwriter, I knew something had to change.  So, I've cleared my schedule of some things that I thoroughly enjoy, but need to let go of.  I'm setting my sights on one thing this summer - writing songs.  A lot.  Most of my days will be filled with writing appointments, write-alone days, and fun things to "fill the lake."  I can't wait.

I can't say much more right now because I'm already late getting out the door, but I will be posting regularly.  I'll fill you in on the guidelines I've set for myself. (I can't call them rules or my rebellious self will try and break them all.)  I'll give you a glimpse inside the writing room.  I'll introduce you to my writing friends.  And hopefully you will be encouraged to make time for a little adventure of your own.  

Welcome to my Summer of Songs.