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.
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!
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!!
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.
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!
