One of the principles of chaos theory is the butterfly effect: A butterfly flaps its wings in New Mexico and causes a typhoon in China. One of the most powerful examples of that is the effects of what we say and how it affects others. As I return to this musical journey and look back at how I got to this place in my life, I can’t help but think of the people that influenced me on my path. All my musical “butterflies” that influenced this journey. The funny thing is that none of the people that influenced me have a clue what they said or did, but in many ways it was just them being themselves and sharing about their life’s journey that triggered what would be a monumental change in the way I walk through the world once everything started to come together.
For many of us, our parents and family influence us early in life, and I was blessed with 2 great parents and a very large extended family. My mom made sure that I had music in my life. From the music she played in the car on our family visits to East Texas like Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline to the Magnus Chord Organ she bought me to learn piano, my mom was instrumental in igniting my love of music. She also made sure I had access to band, choir and education. Looking back now, it’s starting to look like she had a plan. Whatever the case, the tools she gave me then have had lasting effects on what I’m able to do today and I couldn’t be more thankful.
Mugnus Chord Organ
Big thanks to Brandilyn and Teresa for introducing me to singing with others. Little did they know that getting me to help them with their choir project at a high school band competition and then convincing me to join choir would have such a lasting impact on my love for singing.
Another friend that opened my mind to playing live and not being so karaoke (I was the king of the backup track), in addition to gifting me my first and currently only guitar, I owe a big thanks to my friend Michael. When I broke my foot in a freak tennis accident, that guitar and I became well acquainted and I haven’t stopped trying to improve my skills. It opened the door to understanding chord progressions, writing music and the realization that there is a method to the music madness.
At a family gathering, my extremely talented cousin Melody shared an amazing song and piece of advice that stuck with me. She said, “learn one song on guitar first. Once you learn the first song (strum pattern and chord progression), they all start getting easier over time.” And she was right. I went from one to hundreds in a very short time and continue to expand and improve my repertoire. Thank you for always being brave, sharing your journey with all of us and inspiring me on mine.
There are a couple of you out there living your dreams and sharing your journey with us all, which in many ways has inspired me to take this leap. If you want to hear an amazing musician and see an incredible live show, check out my cousin and 2018 East Texas Female Vocalist of the Year, Meredith Crawford. Not only is she an amazing singer, but an amazing example for all of us as she works on completing her degree and raising 2 kids, all while living her musical dreams! I hope to get more of your wisdom when I see you next! And if you want some delicious Spanish and Portuguese inspired food in the Milwaukee area, check out Amalinda. I was so impressed to watch friend and chef, Gregory Leon take an idea he had while living in the Bay Area, move across the country and open his own restaurant. Thank you both for taking a chance, betting on yourself and sharing the journey with all of us.
Shout out to Christal Casey-Moore for sharing her songwriting, performances and always trying to connect me with her music network. Another friend living her dream and sharing her journey, showing others anything is possible when you put your mind to it, practice and keep at it.
Big thanks to my brother Rusty for inviting me to Camp Bluegrass and unknowing light a path back to music I didn’t know was there. And a big thanks to my incredible dad, who with a smile while I played for him in the hospital, communicated all I needed to know about my next steps in life; music connects us all and life is too short to waste on the haters. I’m grateful he continues to live by example and teach me how to be the best version of myself. As long as mom and dad are happy with my music, that’s all I need!
And a huge thank you to my hubby for not batting an eye and supporting me every step of the way on this new journey. That and putting up with all the screeching and bad playing until it all come together means the world. I truly couldn’t be more blessed in life!
But it does get better because every single person in my life has made some sort of difference, and many of you contributed to this journey specifically. Just like those that inspired and influenced me, I hope to do the same for others by sharing my journey with you. The good, the bad and the ugly. I couldn’t be more grateful that I get to be more connected with the people that mean the most to me. Thank you for continuing to just be yourself and remember that others are watching, listing and influenced by what you say and do. I’m so grateful that I’m surrounded by some of the most amazing people on the planet. My friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving!