Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well and hanging in. I keep thinking each month will level out somehow but it's still feeling like a ride with climbs, dips, pivots, and unexpected turns. I am saddened, like so many, about the gun violence and hate that continues to spread like a virus as vicious as COVID in this country, but I am also filled with hope as more and more people continue to get vaccinated and the potential to reach some level of normalcy seems visible again. March tends to be my darkest month as it holds the anniversary of Mom's passing; this year was 20 years. But this year was different. On the anniversary, I removed myself from social media and electronics for the day and played out in nature with Eliza, filling and hanging bird feeders and watching old home movies of Mom that I hadn't seen in years. It was so neat to hear Eliza say, "is that Grandma Dawn's voice?" I want Eliza to see Mom and March as positives and this was a great way to do it. The day after the anniversary of Mom's passing, is often a hard day too as it is the day I found out she was gone. But this year, I got the call that I could get vaccinated. I can't help but think that was Mom's way of saying, "Mary, you can no longer be down on this day. This is now a day of hope. This is the first day life started feeling better. Celebrate!" I can still hear the laugh she would be giving and see the dorky dance she would be doing now.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
Much to my joy there are so many music things to share with you!
"MATRIARCH"
If you follow me on social media, you have probably been seeing some of the hints to the new artwork for "Matriarch." I will be releasing the single on May 7th, just in time for Mother's Day and the full album will come out shortly thereafter. Eliza has made the BEST art director. She painted the entire backdrop of the photoshoot and is responsible for the cover of the single! Thank you so much to Posemanikin for helping the design come to life!
Eliza had the best time painting this giant leftover piece of cardboard and now we have a gorgeous piece of art to hang on our wall forever!
I will be sending out pre-save details and livestream release show information in next month's newsletter so stayed tuned for those details and follow on the socials if you haven't already.
FAME and FICTION
I am so thrilled that thanks to nicer weather and access to vaccinations, Fame and Fiction has been able to start practicing again. We have missed bassist, Owen, as they have been super busy with work but we can't wait to have the full unit back together. I am just looking forward to playing my first show with this crew!
In our rehearsals on my back patio we have caught some video of "Mountain," "Liar," and "Enough" that you can watch on Youtube. I am sure there will be a lot more content coming soon!
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
It has been bolo tie making central over here and I LOVE it. I am not at liberty to share the details of a new bolo commission just yet but I am super excited about the project and as soon as I can tell you the details, I will. Just know that I am elbows deep in bolo clips, cabochons, and and E6000 adhesive. I have been thinking of making some crafting tutorial videos. Would anyone be interested in how I make bolos? Be honest.
I had the huge honor of getting a really fun interview this month in Shoutout Atlanta as well. This is a big deal for this Gainesville, GA gal! They asked questions about both my music and my songwriting so it was great to discuss both in such an open forum. If you want to read the article just click HERE.
I want to take this section to promote a fellow artist, songwriter, bandmate, and bolo tie lover. LAUREN HORBAL is one of the coolest people I know and she has been so supportive of my music and my bolos. She is the mastermind behind Fame and Fiction and has also played drums for me on my solo stuff!
Look at that awesome No Sass bolo she is wearing! I feel so lucky to have her in my life. She will probably be embarrassed that I share this but I don't care. I met her years ago at The Row. She was waiting tables and I was playing in the round. Our mutual friend, Tommy, introduced us and I found out she was a drummer. I asked for her card which she handed over and I couldn't wait to get in touch and jam with her. Only...she gave me SOMEONE ELSE'S card! I thought, wait...is she trying to dodge me or was this an accident? I was not going to let this slip by so I went back and confronted her. She swore it was an accident and gave me the correct info right on the spot. Now years and many shows together later, we can have a good laugh about it. If you are in the Nashville area and are looking for a drummer, a drum teacher, or just someone cool to be around, she's a good one.
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
As many of you may remember, we lost both of our darling cats within 12 months this past year. That was a hard blow. They had been with me since 2004. Eliza, however, probably struggled the most. She LOVES cats, so after asking daily for some cats of her own, Dave and I caved and thanks to F.L.U.F.F. rescue we now have two new dreamboats. Please meet Percy and Katie.
 
Percy is more a of loner and Katie is happiest if she is as close to you as humanly possible but both of them purr like motors when you pet them and play constantly with Eliza. It really couldn't be a better fit for this family. Even Dexter approves.
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. Please stay in touch! For immediate updates on the new music and such go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello!
Everyone thawing out finally? What a crazy February with some seriously disastrous weather! I have some family and friends in Texas that I have been checking on with frequency and I can't believe what they have been going through down there. I hope that it starts to get better from this point forward. Eliza and I welcomed the snow in Nashville. It gave us a nice change in scenery and activity for the week! We went sledding, built forts, made snow angels and went on arctic archaeological digs (you throw plastic toys into the yard as its snowing and then let your kiddo dig them up once they are covered). It was blast but we are welcoming the warmer weather now.
  
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
Well, it's officially happening! I will be releasing an album in 2021! I am so excited to share all of this new music with you! The new album is called "Matriarch." It seems like the right time because this year is the 20 year anniversary of the loss of my matriarch; my wonderful mama. It seems fitting because we are approaching the one year anniversary of this pandemic which pushed me even harder into my own martriarchal role like so many other women as I began homeschooling Eliza and really holding down the fort at home trying to keep everyone and everything together. And it feels good because this is also the 20 year anniversary of the release of my first record ever, "Jennings" and I have come a long way in that time. It has been so nice to reflect, reconnect and work with friends on this, and I cannot wait to share the material. You can still expect an emotional roller coaster true to all of my records. So songs such as "This Ride" or "Liar" will make you want to dance around your home and sing out loud. There are hard ballads from the tough year we've had. But there are songs of strength and perseverance because we can get through anything. You can expect a lot of updates and stories in the coming weeks and months as I built up to the release. And true to my momming and crafting form, Eliza and I are already hard at work on the look and album art. Here is an example of a test run.
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
Thanks to the 40% off sale I ran up to Valentines Day, many of you bought some great neckwear and made some room for new items to come in! I am getting started on restocking the store a bit so keep an eye out. Here are a few that I have just listed in my No Sass Etsy Shop.
  
I would also like to give a big thank you shout out to Bandits on the Run who have been rocking my bolo ties in so many of their promo photos and livestreams.
They have been incredibly supportive and you should check out their music! They are incredible! I met them right before the 2020 lockdowns happened through dear friend, bolo tie wearer, and drummer, Lauren Horbal.
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
As I already stated, this is a big year for many reasons. One of the big changes I am making is building the connection between Eliza and my mom. Obviously, Eliza knows about "Grandma Dawn" and she is aware that she is named in part after her. She sees pictures and knows some stories but I want to deepen that connection in a fun way. SO...we started with Mardi Gras! The last time I saw my mom was at Mardi Gras 20 years ago. We always had a BLAST in New Orleans. Mom was so into it that she even decorated our Christmas tree and presents in beads and Mardi Gras colors. I wanted to bring this celebration to Eliza. So in the middle of a winter storm during a pandemic, we celebrated Fat Tuesday. We ate king cake, listened to New Orleans jazz, made masks, and had a wagon parade complete with bead throwing to every stuffed animal we could find. It was a great and fun way for Eliza to connect with my mom and hear a fun story about my past. She loved it and will celebrate for years to come.
   
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That will do it for the moment but as I said before, a lot is coming so be prepared. Please stay in touch through my website, facebook, instagram, etc. I appreciate the constant support and love you all show. It means to the world to me. Please reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello Everyone
Happy 2021? I say that with a question mark because it has already felt like a rollercoaster ride. I feel like I am getting whiplash from good news and bad news and the back and forth of it all. I have personally been relishing some quiet in this first month of the year. With a few pretty days, Eliza and I have been outside climbing trees, riding scooters, and becoming one with nature in any way that we can.
  
I hope you all are finding ways to find peace and sanctuary as we trudge through what will hopefully be the darkest point before the dawn...a dawn when Covid will be in the rearview and maybe we will be able to repair some of the turmoil that was caused over the past year.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
I have been working hard from my home studio to get an album out to you all this year. I even built myself a new desk to be more productive and I think it's working!
 
I have enjoyed working virtually with Ryan Youmans of Amber Sound, Ian O'Neill, Pat McCarthy, Tomauce, and some of my amazing songwriter friends to bring you some great surprises on these new tracks. There has definitely been a learning curve on my end (I may or may not have been singing into the backside of my mic for a couple of days) but I am enjoying every second.
I have done a couple of performances this month as well. I had the pleasure of joining my dear friend Aubryn Stevens for her weekly webconcert. If you missed it, you can still see it here. We always have the best time chatting and playing our spooky songs. I then got the opportunity to be a part of the Danny Kyle Open Stage with Liz Clark and Celtic Connections on Celtic Music Radio with Liz Clark.
Ordinarily, I would have needed to travel overseas to be a part of this set but due to the pandemic times, I was able to do it all from home like everyone else and what an honor to be a part of this showcase. My slot was on Monday the 18th and I shared "Home," "The Darkness," and a new song called "Liar." It was such fun to chat with Liz and be a part of such a cool event. I also received some podcast love from The Women of Substance Podcast that played "Shakin' Down" on a recent show (#1204 to be exact). I LOVE this podcast! I find so many amazing new indie musicians to fill my playlists from Women of Substance!
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
Ok I have been getting super pumped about putting together new bolos. It has been a minute since I put up a new run, but before I do so I really want to clear out some of the ones I still have to make way for the new! SO it's NEW YEAR PLEASE LET 2021 BE BETTER THAN 2020 SALE TIME! For the next two weeks (just in time for Valentines or Galentines Day gifts) I am going to mark everything in my NO SASS CREATIONS ETSY SHOP down 40%. I know it seems bananas but that's what happens when you feel inspired! Just remember, it is only for TWO WEEKS, so get what you want because this sale won't last long! Here are a few example of some items you could get!!
  
  
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
As I mentioned in the beginning of this email, the past year has been such a rollercoaster ride. I personally have been filled with anxiety, fear, and often felt like my stomach was going to come out of my mouth with every drop and pivot, but along with it came some unexpected joy like the quality family time, finding new ways to stay sane, and honestly have some extra time with our pets because we were simply home more. We lost our cat Hardy (15.5 years) very suddenly in January of 2020 and that was crushing but it made it that much more important to spend time with our dog, Dexter and our other cat, Laurel. Last year came to a close with news that Laurel didn't have much time left. She was 17.5 years old at this point and she had been battling kidney failure for a long time. On January 2nd, we said our final goodbyes to her. It was peaceful. And my biggest take away is that I had spent more quality time with her, holding her, petting her, and carrying her around with me over the past year than I had in years....why? Because quarantine gave me time. The pandemic gave me a whole new appreciation for the fragility and importance of life....even that (especially that) of a pet. I hope more than anything, you all are finding any silver lining in the remainder of these strange times. I find it harder and harder to do daily but I am giving it my all. Here are some of my favorite pictures of Laurel (aka Miss Mini Fats) from the past year.
  
  
Now go hug your pets if you've got them! I see new fur babies in our house in the not so distant future. Eliza has become QUITE the cat person thanks to Laurel and Hardy...and her kitty saving grandmom, Gemma.
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. Please stay in touch! I hope we will have brighter and brighter days ahead. For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Happy Holidays Everyone!
No matter how you celebrate this time of year I am sure we will all be celebrating the end of 2020. And though I know everything won't become instantly perfect on January 1st, 2021, I am hopeful that there is a steadily growing light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. And though this holiday will look different for many (we will not be with family like usual), I hope that everyone can find some joy at the end of the year. I have been spending a lot of time going through old pictures from live music days...like this one from my mid twenties when I used to play along with tracks and rock a headset mic...wow, Mary, just wow.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
It's December again, so of course, it's time for Christmas music! I have covered "Little Drummer Boy" for years and I put it out on all the streaming sites last year! You can listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Amazon or any of your other favorite streaming locations.
SHOW TIME!
If you want to hear me do this song and an hour's worth of other new and old tunes, you can join me for the COGIG19 LIVE MUSIC CURE event on December 16th!
If you want to be able to chat with me and comment, join the GIVING GIGS group! That's where I will be going live! It's completely free and will be a lot of fun! Let me know what you want me to play and I will try to make it happen for you!
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
Since it's holiday time, that means it's time to give gifts! I have put some new items in my No Sass Creations shop on Etsy if you are looking for bolos, dreamcatchers, cuff bracelets, pocket lockets, masks and button covers. I'm still offering 20% through the holidays! Just use B002020 in the coupon code section because well...2020 has been scary!
This is such an important year to shop local so I also wanted to share a few of my favorite shops! Please checkout Woodland Mermaid, Bleach Dye By Lindsey, and Buttons and Pearl.
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
Since extended family time will not be a thing for us this holiday season, we have been trying to find some fun and joy in new and different ways. Eliza's and my most recent obsession? COTTON BALLS! I don't know why but we have had several bags of cotton balls for years and we just don't use them. They have now become our craft of choice. So while entrenched in winter lessons of arctic animals, Inuits, weather patterns and well Santa, we have made some really exciting art.
   
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now and for 2020. Let's stay in touch and let's hope that 2021 looks a lot brighter. For any other information and to stay connected you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello Everyone!
I am feeling thankful this month. I am thankful for obvious reasons like vaccines on the horizon which brings me hope of a different looking 2021 from 2020, but I am mostly thankful for some of the close family time I have had, the deep connections I have managed to build over zoom, the ability to release/keep working on music with out going to a studio, and the time this year has given me to discover what is truly important in my life. One of my favorite projects that I just completed was cleaning out and selling my grandparents house in Gainesville, GA. My grandfather (Papa) is happily living in Florida but without my grandmother around, he had no interest in coming back to Gainesville, so I took on the job of cleaning everything up and out! Eliza, Dave and I had some wonderful visits there over the summer. Eliza LOVED being in the lake every second that she could.
I found some magical treasures including some beat up 8MM film that was in a water logged box in the garage. My uncle had the film digitized and we discovered film of my grandparents walking out on their wedding day, my grandfather at maybe 10 years old with his sister doing cartwheels on the beach, and even my mom at 2 years old being pulled in a wagon by her cousins. It is MAGICAL!
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
In the music realm, I am staying busy hosting the Throwback to Caffe Vivaldi Open Mic on Zoom every Monday, recording new music for a hopeful album in 2021, and playing online shows when I can. The next one I have coming up is part of the COGIG-19 Music Festival through Facebook. This is going to be such a fun and positive way to end 2020! There are some amazing artists from all over the world performing together.
Here is the information for my specific show date. It is on DECEMBER 16 at 7PM CENTRAL.
If you missed the last online Facebook show, you can still watch it here! We had some great discussion of horror movies mixed in with some covers and originals.
I may have make this show theme a monthly event. We had way to many movies to discuss and they show ran for two hours! What movies would you want to add to the list?
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
As always, I have bolos galore in my Etsy shop if you are wanting to get ahead of the game for your holiday shopping, but I have a lot of other fun items too. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, I also make pocket lockets, button covers, dream catchers and now masks! Here is the latest addition to the shop!
I am always happy to make custom items too, so tell me what you want and I will try to help you out!
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
So I have given you a list of things for which I am thankful but let me tell you one of the things at the top of Eliza's list; KITTIES! During these COVID times, she last lived for being able to do socially distant, outdoor hangs with her G-Daddy and Gemma and all of Gemma's foster kitties.
 
If you are looking for any last minute places to donate in 2020 or maybe need a majorly awesome "you nailed it" holiday gift, check out FLUFF and all of their adorable little kitties!
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season even though this one may look different from previous years! If you haven't listened to the new tracks from the fall, you can do so on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or any of your other favorite sites. For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime! And try to stay as cool as Eliza...this kid is becoming more of a ham everyday.
 
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello Everyone!
AND HAPPY BEST MONTH OF THE ENTIRE YEAR! I love Halloween, which I am sure so many of you are tired of hearing by now but it's true. I guess that makes me #basic but it's not for the pumpkin lattes and orange is definitely not my favorite color. I just LOVE costumes, horror movies, and cooler weather! I watch scary movies year round but during the month of October they are so much more readily available. I recently watched "A Girl in the Fog" and if you don't mind subtitles, I highly recommend it. It's more in the suspense realm. I also finished binge watching The Haunting of Bly Manor, and although I am not crazy about its inspiration, "The Turn of the Screw," I quite liked this loose adaptation.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
As you know, last month "Patient" was released on all digital platforms and I have been so impressed by and grateful for the response that both it and "Shakin' Down" have received over the past few months. Thank you so much to all of those that reposted, shared, and commented on these tunes. I was honored to have "Patient" selected in the top 5 songs for the month of October on Songwriter's Universe! It means more to me than I can express with words. If you haven't seen it yet, I also released a lyric video for "Patient" and you can watch it here.
I recorded it at home, in my own isolation and let the words speak for themselves.
I want to give a special thanks to Lhyme Food Fusion for the awesome write-up and inspired dish! If you haven't checked out this blog, you should. Shap comes up with some of the most incredible recipes of all time and is so supportive of indie artists!
Since these releases, I have been hard at work from my home studio working on more songs to put together an album for you by early next year. As much as I have missed working in The Amber Sound Studio, Ryan Youmans, Ian O'Neill and I have been having fun working via email and phone to finish up "Matriarch," which we started in February. We are now ready to press forward with more!
SHOW TIME!
Shows are going to continue to be online for at least a while for me but I have a few scheduled if you want to join and I will probably add more!
COGiG19 Live Music Cure (500+ Amazing Artists, 19 Days non-stop live-streams)
Wednesday, December 16 at 7 PM CST / 8 PM EST
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
I was super honored by the amazing response to the fancy mask giveaway during the "Patient" release. So many people jumped in and promoted the heck out the the song that I ended up not only selecting 5 to win the mask, but more than 10! Now I have decided I am going to continue to share that love and sell a few in my No Sass Creations Etsy Store.
During her homeschooling, Eliza learned about the abstract artist, Jackson Pollock, and in doing so, learned a lot about splatter painting. We made our own masks and she LOVES hers, so I decided to make a few sets for other kids to enjoy as well. I am selling these as a three pack and they are super fun! You can choose from the same color or a variety pack. All of these masks are available on Etsy.
And of course, the store is still filled with bolos, button covers and pocket lockets so feel free to stock up on any holiday goodies! This is a great year to buy local. Use the coupon code BOO2020 and get a 20% discount on anything in the store as my "Happy Halloween/2020 is Scary as All Get Out" gift to you!
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
I only have only final thought for you this Halloween, I hope you have a good and safe one no matter what you choose to do! This is a good year to set up scary movie hangs outside with a few friends or campfires etc. We will all get to party hard and trick treat all over town again one day but this year, we are gonna be staying close to home. So from Eliza (who dressed up as a real 2020 superhero) and all of us over here....
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. I hope you'll stay in touch! For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello Everyone!
We have entered my favorite season, autumn, and it is finally starting to feel like it. Eliza's pop-up pool is away for the season to make way for fall decorations. I know this fall will look a little different with home schooling and a lack of our usual Halloween festivities, but this family is determined to make it fun. I plan to set up a tent in the backyard so Eliza can experience her first overnight camping and we now have a projector set for outdoor socially distant movie nights.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
"Patient" is now out in the world for your listening pleasure. This single is particularly special to me. It was written, tracked, and produced all in quarantine. I knew I wanted to get this song out while it was still relevant and hopefully one day this pandemic will be behind us. But as it is right now, I am not comfortable going into a studio so I had to be creative to get this one done. I set up my own little home studio and began tracking from my keyboard and vocal mic. I contacted Ward Williams because I knew it needed real cello, so he tracked his parts from his home in NYC. I sent everything to Ryan Youmans at The Amber Sound who made everything fit right into place! I couldn't be anymore proud with how it turned out and I hope you will enjoy it to. The artwork was my own craft project as well but an extra "thank you" to Posemanikin for yet again saving the day in helping me smooth out those lines. You can now listen on your favorite download or streaming site like Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Amazon among many others.
SHOW TIME!
Have you missed live music like I have? Well, I recently did a couple of online shows on Facebook. If you missed them, don't worry! You can still see them. Here are the links.
I promise to do more and for those of you NOT on the Book of Faces, don't worry. I am searching out the right online concert platform that doesn't require social media now that my beloved ConcertWindow has closed it's virtual doors.
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
I have tons of bolos in stock but as of late, I have put my attention toward making some extra over-the-top face masks.
I hate that by the time "Patient" hits the public we have already reached over 200,000 losses in this country. This has to stop. I am a big believer in doing our part to help stop the spread. So I have some extra incentives for you! The first 5 people that share this song on 2 social media sites and/or review it, will receive hand crafted mask! Just make sure you tag me in your posts or send me the review of the song on iTunes, Amazon or YouTube. I give love to those that share "Patient" with others and spread the message. Who said mask wearing has to be boring anyway?
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
I want to take this time to say "thank you" to all of those who have streamed, downloaded and supported "Shakin' Down." Between the streams and donations raised during shows, we have raised almost $1000 in under a month for The Equity Alliance and Spread the Vote and we can still donate more! If you haven't listened yet, or just want to listen again and again and again, go to Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Amazon, Bandcamp, or any of your favorite sites!
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. It's time for me to help Eliza figure out what she wants to be for Halloween this year. We send Halloween cards instead of Christmas cards. Want one? Send me your address! I hope you'll stay in touch! For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello Everyone!
It's time. Let's do this. We are 6 months+ into this pandemic pandemonium. If you don't like what's "Shakin' Down" then you can help shake things up.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
"Shakin' Down" is out now! Wherever you like to stream or download music, you can find it. Whether it's Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc, you can listen to my first original release in 5 years!!!
It was an incredibly wonderful experience to write with Tom Whall and he did a brilliant job of producing it. This is also the first time I have ever recorded my own vocals from home (thanks COVID-19) and now I feel more empowered then ever to do more music out of my own home studio. Every time you stream, download or share this tune, you help voter advocacy in this country. Proceeds from "Shakin' Down" will go to The Equity Alliance and Spread the Vote. In a time where many feel bound to their homes, their voices and votes are what they have and this is how I will use mine.
Now, this isn't all. I have another song, "Patient," being released into the world. This is my first stab at production and all of the tracking was done by yours truly from my home except for the cello that was done by the brilliant, Ward Williams, up in NYC. Thank goodness for Ryan Youmans' engineering and production skills for taking what I did and making it sound the way it should. More on that in September.
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
I am still "rocking" along in the bolo/NoSassessory world and really getting into the button cover look. If you don't want want the full-blown, committed bolo style, then the throwback button cover is the answer. I have posted quite a few but here are a few of my "rockers." None of them break $10.
  
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
I realize the impetus for my political action may come as a surprise to many as I have never brought it up in my music before but maybe the next few pictures will help explain.
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Wrap It Up, Mary
I think I just gave you all more info than you ever expected to have from this bolo tie-making musician. Please stream, share and download "Shakin' Down." I hope you enjoy it. I hope you'll stay in touch! For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hey Everybody!
Well, we have made it six months into 2020 and I don't know about you but I feel like I am starting to have some 20/20 vision on what is really important in life. The state of the world has brought out a lot of the beauty and a lot of the ugly and both bring up inspiration for the creatives out there. I wonder when this will end but am desperately trying to make the most of the situation we are in.
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Music Happenings
I'M ABOUT TO RELEASE MY FIRST ORIGINAL CONTENT SINCE METAMORPHOSIS!! In one month, on August 21st, "Shakin' Down" will be out for your streaming, downloading and listening pleasure. This is cowrite with songwriter and producer, Tom Whall, and it couldn't come at a more important time. If you aren't content with the way of the world right now then this song is for you. I think so many of us are in the same boat and aren't exactly sure what to do during the middle of a pandemic. There is one thing you do have, and that is a voice. This is how I am using mine. Proceeds from the streaming of this song will go toward several voter support groups that aid and promote people to vote in the election. This is an important time to use your voice and your right to vote to stand up for what you want in your country. You can PRE-SAVE "SHAKIN' DOWN" now and be the first to hear it when it enters the world.
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
Everyone needs a little spicing up in the neckwear department with all of the video chatting and people only seeing from the waist up. With all of the unnatural things going on right now, like connecting with my friends and family exclusively through Zoom calls and Facetime, my creativity on the bolo front has sent me straight back to nature....naturally.
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
I keep reminding myself over and over again that one day "these days" will be "those days." I am so hopeful that, while I am sure we will all have some leftover PTSD and difficulty giving hugs like we used to, I will be able to reflect on some of the beautiful and quiet times Eliza, Dave and I have shared as a family. Whether it is flying a kite, riding a carousel with our masks on, enjoying a newly hung birthday swing, or trying to rationalize with the wind, there is beauty hidden here and there when I choose to look for it.
  
I hope you all are experiencing some of your own moments of beauty, peace, reflection and clarity during these trying times. I would love to see pictures if you ever want to share!
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. I hope you'll stay in touch as always. For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. Keep an eye out for more impromptu online shows. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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Hello Everyone!
Another wild month has come and gone. So much heartbreak and loss has ensued but I am hoping that with it all, we can start to see some change for the good. Eliza just turned four (I can’t believe it) and we have been having so many talks and reading a lot of books on love and inclusivity of all. It’s been a hard thing to fully explain when she is stuck at home with just me, Dave and a dog and cat but we are doing what we can so that when the coronavirus is behind us and she gets back out into a normal world routine, she will rock it with all of the acceptance and love toward others.
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MUSIC HAPPENINGS
These times of pandemic and pandemonium have gotten my music brain going again. I have been doing the zoom Caffe Vivaldi open mics every week and these brilliant songwriters keep me so inspired. I recently wrote and put out a video called "Say Their Names" as I struggled with conflicting opinions of mask wearing, social distancing, and other coronavirus safety precautions. You can find it on Instagram, Facebook or right here.
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No Sass Creations: Bolos and More
As I reflect on my latest No Sass Creations, I remember my friend, Posemanikin's words, "we just need another Woodstock!" Gosh, I feel you, Allie! I would love some flower power love during these grim times. If you need some of that flower power in your life, these bolos are made for you.
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I personally like to wear these in the "Flapper" style. It gives it that extra 1960s flare that I have been craving this summer.
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Random Stories, Thoughts, Ideas
Other than the music ventures, I'm sure it goes without saying, I have been momming HARD! As I said earlier Eliza turned 4 this month and although she acts like she understands all of the inner workings of coronavirus and social distancing, that all goes out the window when it comes time for birthdays. She didn't understand why all of her friends weren't going to be able to gather at her house like usual and why her birthday wish for the coronavirus to be fixed hadn't come true. So what did we do? We celebrated this little Fouriorr (four + warrior) for an entire week! That seemed to suffice...for now. We don't need any more of these dramatic episodes after all...
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Wrap It Up, Mary
That's all from me for now. I hope you'll stay in touch as always. For any other information you can always go to my website, facebook, instagram, etc. I will hopefully be doing more impromptu online shows. As always, I appreciate your support so much more than you know. Reach out to me anytime!
Love, Mary Jennings
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