When Summer Ends

Once again, summer has flown by.  This week brings a new season for me as I will be working a few more hours at my kids' school this year as an accompanist and music mentor, with a few sub dates thrown in here and there.  Should be fun!  

I am grateful for the daily opportunity to connect with kids and be a part of a wonderful vocal music program that has influenced my own family in countless ways.  And yet, entering a new season means leaving one behind and this week I will close the door on another "Summer of Songs".  I had intended to keep you more informed of how things were going, but truth be told, my writing time was limited and there were many days I had to choose between blogging about songwriting and actually writing a song.  And since I didn't set out to have a "Summer of Blogs", it really was an easy choice as far as where to put my energy.  The songs couldn't wait.

My summer also included 9 weeks of raising puppies and getting them settled in their new homes.  Our adorable litter of Goldendoodles filled up many hours of my time and while it was a huge commitment, it also kept me home a lot which is my favorite place to be.  So it's all good.  I also returned to my job in and out of cornfields this summer with a detasseling company.  This job entails early mornings, muddy commutes, a house that smells like corn for 4 weeks, working with great kids and a wonderful boss.  Again....grateful.  

So, did I write much?  Yes.  I finished up a new kids musical which, for reasons I will detail another time, was a new kind of challenge for me.  I'm just beginning another kids musical which is being tracked in October so it's time to hit the ground running on that one.  I continued to work on a new book which I hoped would release this fall but now I'm shooting for January.  I used to beat myself up over delays like this, but I've learned to be okay with the process and timing of it all.  I had some wonderful online co-writes with old friends and trusted co-writers.  Just last week I wrote a Christmas song here at my house with an amazing artist who will be releasing a new Christmas project very soon - can't wait for you to hear it!  I made a quick trip to Nashville with my girls (daughter Hannah and soon-to-be-daughter-in-law Kelsey) and squeezed in a writing appointment while I was there.  

I have spent quite a bit of time this summer working on a project I can't tell you much about.  I honestly don't like the whole teaser, secret-keeping thing when it comes to this stuff and I wish I could tell you more about it, but I just can't yet.  Suffice it to say the writing has been life-giving to my songwriter's soul and I am loving the journey.  The work is different than anything I've ever done and it has challenged me greatly.  In many ways, it feels like the most sacred work I have ever done.  I cannot wait for the day we get to unleash it to the world.  I have no idea what that will look like at this point, but I believe with my whole being it will happen. 

Honestly alert:  Even with all the amazing opportunities to write, I continue to wrestle with knowing my place in the music industry.  I work in it and for it, but many days feel like I don't belong; like an outsider who occasionally works inside the circle, but isn't invited to the party.  I'm a hired hand but only the family gets to celebrate the harvest.  It's not bad, it's just interesting.  I swear I'm NOT complaining.  As you read over and over again in my blog entries, I am beyond grateful for the work I get to do.  And I am confident that I am the writer I am because I live where I live and do life the way I do it.  I know I have opportunities come my way that wouldn't if I lived elsewhere.  But like any profession, there are perks, obstacles, and unique challenges that come with the way I've chosen to work as a songwriter.  Hopefully, I'm getting better at being content in all circumstances.  God knows we've had enough conversations about it over the years.  

So, what does the next season look like?  Without question, I will be writing.  As I mentioned, there are many projects that need my attention and I pray for more opportunities to show up.  I will be watching for them as I walk through my days at school and at home.  And as often as I can, I will give you a glimpse of the journey.  Stay tuned...

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