Permission to Relax

Photo taken by R.Hosking, Portland ME

We live in an incredibly fast paced society. As a creative person our work never ends. We are always on the look out for a new opportunity, keeping our eyes and ears open for new inspiration and endlessly creating something bigger than before.

Creativity in my mind is a pursuit to be better and never stop growing and continuously topping each project. There will always be another mountain, our job is to discover how to climb it efficiently and effectively in order to get others on board with us through this crazy ride. Creativity is a rush and catalyst to our rise and fall. But the energy it takes to keep the momentum going is exhausting.

I do not know any other way to create a moderate living doing what I love other than endlessly pursuing it at all costs. That is a pretty bold statement, however, anyone who has lived it understands and anyone who knows some one in the business knows the sacrifices are dear to the ones around us as much as it is for ourselves. It takes a certain personality to give up so much for our creative outlets. We may potentially be insane but I like to call it dedicated. If we are lucky we find and migrate to those who understand us, or are patient with us, either way often times it is a lonely road for all parties involved. 

There comes a point for anyone at certain times in our lives where we need reflection. We need to give ourselves permission to relax. I may be wound up tighter than most and I'm a bit of a control freak, these are personality flaws that are detrimental to creativity. The irony is, I'm always preaching work work work, the harder you work the luckier you get. But if you work yourself to the limits then the creativity dies because you have no fuel to be inspired.

We need to remember who helped us along the way, we need to understand no one accomplishes anything with out the assistance of another. Always wear your gratitude on your sleeve, and be sure to enjoy the time with loved ones before they have moved on to sunnier shores. Where is the joy in triumphs if you have no one to share your joy?

I'm a bit of a recluse and really enjoy my quiet moments, reflecting and simply being still, mainly

Photo taken by R. Hosking, Peaks Island, ME

because my line of work requires at times, constant interaction and networking. Being on the road, meeting new people is an exciting part of my work. There is nothing wrong with that, but I often forget to count my blessings if I do not set this time aside for reflection. One can only truly appreciate God's gifts when we are quiet and humbled. When I go back into the world and surround myself with my friends and loved ones when I'm relaxed, that is when I truly appreciate what each individual has to offer. I become elated in the glory and the creativity is a gift from the muse, a thank you for keeping my temple clean and sturdy.

I know I repeat myself often in the pages of this blog, but sometimes these concepts are so simple they can be easily missed without repeatedly reminding ourselves. Today I'm giving myself permission to relax and reflect. I want to thank my creator for making me who I am. In return I will rest so I may be able to create with gratitude and conviction.

My Soul is Already Sold

When I write, I write what is on my mind, hoping to reach others that might feel like I do.

When I create songs, I do not write for myself, I write what I think others want to hear. Ultimately as an artist I have a deep inner vault of different thoughts or ideas. My brain is always observing, always creating, if I do not find a way to release it, I start feeling chaotic and cluttered.

My art comes from my highs and lows. It is the catharsis to my recovery or the calming to my excitement. My adrenaline races through my veins when I create, it is a new birth of a new child.

I am celebrating my third CD release, My Soul is Already Sold. I'm very proud of this body work and elated to share it with all of you. I can only hope you find the solace it provided me. I pray you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. The music was produced by Scott Neubert at Smash Recording Studio in Nashville, TN. His talent helped make my vision come alive. It is a rootsy mix of Americana and Folk coming from my rawest, truest perspective. A journey to redefine who I am and who I want to become as an artist.

It is on sale now at CD Baby for download only, the actual release to be coming soon. This speaks of another chapter in my life. I wanted to share my art with my fellow readers, because as I pour my soul out on these pages, I have done the same in the studio while recording these songs.

 

I ask with a humble heart that you may listen and enjoy my new creation. Please take the time and leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I'm currently on the road promoting it and meeting new people and visiting old friends. It has been a collection of emotions I can't wait to share with you all soon. Visit my website and come see me if I'm playing in a town near you.