Happy Halloween

Photo taken by R. Hosking

The holiday season is quickly moving in upon us. I personally love this time of the year. From Halloween on, I enjoy decorating my house, watching the leaves change colors all around me, feeling the cool air as it changes before my eyes.

I have not posted in awhile because I have been busy with tour dates, writing, my day job and all the grinds we all deal with daily. For me my schedule is always the busiest the first part of the year and by October I'm wrapping things up and looking forward to a couple months reprieve during the holiday season. This is when I start booking shows for the following spring and summer, promote my music and submit for different opportunities, I guess our jobs are never done.

However, reflection is a huge part of a creative person's life. I always say write what you know, but if you miss out on living then there simply is not a lot to write about. This time of the year feeds me and helps me prepare for the next season to come. I enjoy catching up with friends and family I was unable to see during the busy times.

This year has been quite a year for me. I have had numerous opportunities in TV/Films for my songs and my career is really starting to move. I have been truly blessed. I also recently bought a new home that I am so very proud of, I never realized four walls could make a girl so happy. It is my sanctuary and I truly admire my little corner of the world. It feeds me in so many creative ways; I do bleieve these walls could be my muse. I am always grateful to my muse and love to give back through my art.

From my house to yours, Happy Halloween :o)

I want to wish everyone a Happy and safe Halloween. I am hoping to start back on posting more regularly during these slower months. I do hope you enjoy the read, if so please stop by, say hi and share my blog with your friends and family.

Believe

There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence especially in the creative world. Art is

Photo taken by R. Hosking, Mexico

extremely subjective so what may be a masterpiece to you may not be felt by others. But having said that I'm challenging all you creative types to let go and start believing in yourself. 

There is one thing to be humble, and I feel confidently that humbleness is best shown when you are able to always have an open mind to new things and experiences. Once we believe we have learned it all and reached the top then we are cheating ourselves from new skills and that leaves us vulnerable for arrogance to rear its ugly face. 

However, be confident in what you do know. There is nothing more attracting than some one who exudes confidence in a humble way. These are emotions that cannot be faked and for the most part are often personality traits. But as I have said before everything is a learned skill and we can retrain our brains to open itself to new discoveries. 

Sometimes when I cannot think of something to write, I go for a jog to distract my brain in order to tease it into thinking of something different, it always works. I am no runner by any stretch of the word however, if I was closed off to that skill I may not have been able to improve the skills that I'm well versed in at the moment.  We improve and learn everyday do not miss out on opportunities for growth.

All things are interconnected no matter how big or small. Our creativity is generated by the things that surround us. Always believe if you cannot do something today in time you will learn. Believe that you have natural given talents that if honed they can be something great and unique. Believe in yourself because there is always a time when others will not. Thrive off criticism as constructive not defensively. Absolutely listen closely when someone says you do not have what it takes. These words are the best words anyone could hear, because for me, when it is said, it simply makes me try even harder.

If you cannot believe in yourself it makes it difficult for anyone else to get on board. No one promotes you better than you, don't be afraid of saying graciously who you are and what you do, and always be open minded to those who can help along the way. 

Change a Thought to Make a Change

Negativity can hinder our creative selves. Studies show we are living in a time where incivility

in our society is on the rise. When 95% of Americans think we have a civility problem, those percentages are staggering and serves only to destroy the inspiration to create a positive environment. 

You do not have to be an artist to benefit from creativity in the workforce or everyday living. All walks of life can use creative outlets to better their work environments and in return make positive changes in our lives as a whole.

Thinking outside of the box while living in a society with an evident crisis is crucial to making changes for the better. An eye for an eye attitude is only aggravating our situation and creating a vicious cycle of violence and resentment.
  
Someone soon needs to be the one voice that is willing to make a difference. We are in desperate need for that person or people, willing to rise above and be the bigger man. Stop the cycle of madness and trying to change someone's mind to suit your own. We can learn from each other if we shut up and listen instead of interrupting and arguing. Cruel behavior has become an accepted reality that should never be acceptable. 

Recognizing the difference between opinions and facts is an excellent start. Cutting out certain elements of the truth to create a new truth is what I call a lie. These creative lies are paraded in our news and media as truth. We live in an age of technology but our intelligence is being stifled by volumes and volumes of lies and ignorance. We need to use the technology to serve us, through integrity and creative intuitiveness. 

Some view fighting back and raising arms as their sign of displaying their strength. It takes a stronger heart to walk away or stand by and take the abuse until it ends. Creatively speaking it seems likely to me that most aggressors thrive on reaction of others, they will soon tire and find another victim if you choose not to fight back. If all their victims fall short on presenting a fight soon they have nothing left to argue and silence falls across the land.

That may be my imaginative heart running away with me, but it doesn't seem completely impossible, does it?

It is more difficult to be polite these days than it is to be cruel. When did the tables turn and being bad was appropriate and being good was a sign of weakness and failure. Our societal moral values have changed and need desperately to be revised.

Being polite feels good, when a stranger smiles at me on the street I have a compulsion to smile back instantly. It is proven any act is always reciprocated by a similar reaction. We have a responsibility and it takes a village. Lets start putting more beauty into the world, through our actions, artistry and psyche.

It takes a willingness to change a thought in order to make a change. Let's get creative and put our heads together to find new ways to inspire positivity.

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.

Charity Begins With Creativity

Our creativity is a gift from our higher power. The way we repay that gift is by using it for the greater good. The whole part of being a creative person is to think of new, out side of the box, ideas to help pay it forward. We all have had to work hard to get to where we wanted or to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. Nothing worth fighting for is ever achieved without a fight. Along the way someone had helped us, we are never alone and as I said before we are all in this together. 

Often times we take our gifts for granted, maybe certain things come easier for one person than the other. Working as a team can help build us up where we fall weak. Charity works the exact same way. I always say give when you can because you never know, there may be a time when you will be the one in need.  

As an independent musician I am always thinking of ways to get my songs out there and heard. There are organizations that love to promote musicians. You can team up with them give half of your money earned to the organization half for yourself all the while you are getting heard and their getting help. It is a win win.  

I chose to give my money to an organization called, World Vision please visit their page and donate where you see fit. There has been so much destruction with all the tornadoes, they are working feverishly to get aid to the regions in need. I'm proud to be a small part of their organization and I love them for what they do.

Charity or creativity does not end or begin with money alone. I know it makes the world go around but there are so many other ways to give with out spending one dime. Time is a great way to give back. Same as creativity, you were given a gift however you had to put in the time to hone it and make it your own. Younger like minds are a wonderful place to start. Help shape and mold their ideas so they can build a foundation to improve their crafts. Sitting down with the elderly and playing crossword puzzles together, or reading to a youngster. None of these are selfless deeds you get so much in return yourself simply by giving your time. 

My point is receiving can be rewarding, do not get me wrong, but giving is as rewarding if not more. I think charity begins with creativity because how many times have I read something that moved me, or heard a song on the radio that changed my bad mood into a good one. These are all small gifts that someone used their creativity to give back to the world what they once received themselves. I say, "small gifts" only because there is not a word in the dictionary that can describe how a little effort can make such a HUGE impact.

One Man's Sacrifices

I grew up in a military family. My father took us everywhere he was stationed when he could and we traveled all over the world. As a child this was so exciting to me, seeing new places, meeting new people. Even though we were never in one place for very long, I made friendships that lasted a lifetime.

I remember once my father and I were hanging out. It was a quiet Sunday morning much like today. We sat out on my back porch over a steaming hot cup of coffee. He told me how sorry he was for dragging us kids all over and  he wished that he had provided a more stable environment for us. I saw the sincerity in his eyes. He honestly thought we should have had more than what he offered.

My upbringing was interesting to say the least and adventurous to say the most. There is not one experience if given the chance to do over, that I would do anything differently.  I love the sense of curiosity our travels created in my own life. The eagerness to see first hand how others live. Because of him I was taught to see the world from many different perspectives; that was a gift greater than anything money could buy.

My father was the one who made all the sacrifices. He volunteered and served in the Vietnam War and then put in many years after, serving his country and the people he held dear. He was away from his family at times and did that so he could better himself and provide for us all. I love and respect him for the sacrifices he made. But most of all I love him for the values he taught me.

There were many in my family who served and I have the good fortune of still having them with me and yet there were so many others that paid the ultimate price. It takes a certain kind of individual to serve selflessly for our country. I want to give them all my deepest, sincerest gratitude. I also want to thank my father for his service, thank my uncles, cousins, brother, friends and all of those who have fought for the freedoms we often take for granted.

I know my father is flying his flag today as he does every day and tomorrow on Memorial Day he will honor and remember the ones that came before and after him. I want to wish everyone a wonderful 3 day weekend and ask as we enjoy the day off to remember the ones to which this day is celebrated.

Happy Memorial Day!