Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.– Andrew Jackson

I’m really doing it.  This week, I’m recording an album at Osceola.  It’s a nice compilation of songs that I love.

     I’ve not been this excited for a long time.  I have butterflies in my tummy, and I like it.

     I made the decison to go in, after realizing there will never be a perfect time to do this.

     I’ve been working on these songs, rehearsing them over and over.  I was waiting for a feeling of perfection… hitting all the right notes.. all the time.  Now I recognize that enough is enough.  I just need to get this done.

     This made up mind of mine is pushing me forward.  It’s been easy peasy since then.  A call to Osceola put me on the schedule.  It will be just me, and the music, and a soundproof booth.  That’s exciting!

     Now my focus is on getting my mind right and focus on just being the best I can be.  I don’t know if it’s silly or not, but I’ve given thought to bringing into my booth.. images and props of things I love– such as the color purple (not the film.. just the color. it my favorite)… candles… pictures.. little things that bring me comfort and joy.

     I’ve got a few days to figure it all out, but I’m not stressing.   I’m smiling and loving living a creative life.

Onward and Upward!!

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer,  it sings because it has a song.”

-Maya Angelou

A long time ago, my sister told me that if there’s a thing you really want to “be about” moving forward in a new year, then you should be sure to be in action– doing whatever that is, on the first day of the year.  Guess you could call it a resolution. For me, it is  much deeper than that.

I have never felt more alive about a passion or purpose than as a singer.

This year, like most years, all of my friends who entertain have gigs lined up for New Year’s Eve, and they are all lit up about what a great time they are going to have with all the folks partying in the new year.

I am actually working at my “real” job on New Year’s Eve.  I will be at the anchor desk, reporting on how others are ringing in 2010, along with the associated mayhem that goes along with it when people lose their grips on reality.

But there is more. There is MORE!!!

I came up with a way to follow my sister’s advice!

You see, my good friend Bill Stonehouse will be the featured crooner at Sullivan’s Restaurant in Raleigh on December 31st.  It’s located only five minutes from my job.

Know what I did?  I asked Bill if I could swing by the restaurant and do a few songs while the stars are still out.  I explained to him how much it means to me,  to be able to begin this new year, singing and feeling that inner joy I always get when I perform.  Generous as he is,  Bill told me, of course I could.

I am so excited about this opportunity.  My sister Teresa would be right proud!

My intention is to throw off the business clothes at 12:05am..  I will then slip into a black sequined gown and pretty stilettos, and sashay myself on over to the club.  I’ll probably only be there an hour before things shut down. I don’t even care about that.  Time is not important. Action is!

It’s gonna be a great night.  I just know it!

And to everyone reading this, I hope the dreams and wishes of your heart come true too.