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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
