The Early Bird

They say the early bird gets the worm. I think worms are kinda gross, but obviously it's a great metaphor. I am decidedly NOT an early bird. Getting out of bed is my least favorite thing in the world. I procrastinate more than I should. I wait till the last minute. Why? I'm sure there's lots of reasons, but one of the cool things I'm noticing is that I'm getting better about it. I will find myself, saying to myself (yes I know I'm crazy), sure you could put this off or you could do it now and you'll feel a hundred times better once it's done. I didn't used to do that. I think I got something from the stress. Got something from waiting almost that moment too long.

I had a packed work trip to Annapolis recently and the only way I was going to get any photo time was if I got up early to walk around town. I DID IT! I GOT UP EARLY! It was like a Christmas Miracle. I didn't rationalize why I should stay in bed a couple more minutes, I said let's do this. Evolving is cool.  Won't happen every time, but I'm workin on it. Hope you enjoy the pics. 

It's Friday, Love

{ Getting older means realizing strength comes from concentration and quality, not quantity }

Pretty good week, had a fun work trip to Annapolis. Pics will be up Monday. Good food and great people to work with. A shout out to my #ladieswholobbyMD! Love you guys! Show tonight and looking forward to singing some great new songs. See ya Monday!

{ Always love staying at Loew's Hotels everything smells fabulous }

{ Just cause it's pretty }

{ Sweet treats for sweet people }

{ Whoever designed bike jerseys with elastic in the waist should be shot }

Take 2

Ever wish you could go back and do something over again? I'm a perfectionist, so I struggle with that a lot. Sometimes perfectionism has no place and I've learned to embrace that personally unnatural concept. I sing live quite often, and if you're too worried about everything going according to plan, you miss out on the organic relationship you and the other musicians have. You miss out on the amazing energy of a crowd. There is nothing else like it.

Church Hill Music Co. has been embarking on that most fabulous of next steps, our first album. We are kind of stupid excited about it and have had such a pleasure working with the talented team at Overcoast Music in Richmond on our first cuts. The whole process was foreign to me, as my whole background was performing live. I'm in a little booth by myself. I have giant headphones on. I can't see anyone's face. Disorienting, but necessary.

Like everything, we eventually got the hang of it and cut 11 songs. Wow! But that was just the first layer. A quick thanks to all of our guinea pigs who listened to the first rough cuts and gave us feedback. It was invaluable and we really appreciate it. The pics from today's post are from our second session. You can check out my photos from our first here. A few total re-do's, a few re-recorded notes, a few strokes of magic and the process starts all over again. What do we like? What do we want to change? What can we add? I'm flat there. My phrasing is off here. God that sounds good.

We are still several layers away from the end product and there is more work to be done. I'm loving every second of it. It's just like a play. You start with a script, actors and an empty stage. What you end up with is up to you. Up to how well you listen to the little nudges that tell you to turn left or right. Up to how willing you are to learn from a mistake. Up to your gut. Up to creativity. Up to fate.

Can't wait to share when it's all done...stay tuned!

Feelin Lucky

A merry time was had by all at this year's Irish Festival in Church Hill. The highlight of my weekend was when St. Patrick asked me to hold his staff. Being the good Catholic girl I am, of course I obliged. Hope you enjoy the photos. See ya next year!!!