In life we're constantly presented with choices like, "Do I pull over and take this picture or do I just keep driving and possibly run into that big ditch?" There are times when the choice is pretty straightforward and other times when you feel like you're flying by the seat of your pants. When it comes down to it, the question is, "What do you really want to get out of this?" Then, you might go with your gut.
OK. I'm being vague.
When I was in ninth grade, I was in my first play. It was a Samuel French book and the title was, "Father's Been to Mars." The plot surrounded a 1950's sitcom-style plot about a suburban family, the Gibsons. "Father" was a sci-fi TV star named "Captain Galaxy." I played his 12-year old doting daughter, Corky, complete with pig-tails and a high pitchy voice saying things like, "Gaseous Ganymedes!" and so on. I can't recall the complete details of the story but I'm sure the book is still in my attic if you want me to find it.
One night during the short run of the play, I was backstage waiting for a cue and gabbing with the stage manager. Suddenly, and quite loudly, voices were saying things like, "I wonder where Corky is?" "I don't know. She was just here a moment ago." I missed my cue! I ran out quickly, jumped the arm of the couch and skidded in to do my party. Later that year our group held an awards event and I was given the "Better Late Than Never" Award. I think there might have been a rubber chicken on the certificate.
Somehow that became my motto. I've never been particularly trendy. I was always that quiet reader that you wanted to do your homework for you. I was the fine artist, the observer, looking for my moment to shine. The one thing that held me back was feeling comfortable with my peers; I lived in seven different homes and went to eleven different schools by the age of 18 so I was always the new kid. In some ways that has made more cautious, but in other ways, more daring and willing to strike out on my own.
Jumping ahead to now, with a new CD, "TropiGal," and a part-time (feels like full-time?) music career, I figure it just took me this long to truly find my passion. I've been in fine art, graphic design, written poetry, prose and screenplays, worked in fast food, retail and printing, sang in various groups, performed in community theater, and so on. I've loved doing so many things in my life but I've found that music and storytelling is at the heart of everything I've truly enjoyed. I've always felt that music changes and influences many and I'm lucky and honored to be part of that.
So, better late than never. Just because you're in the middle of your life, or even older, doesn't mean you can't change course. Some of us just take a little longer to find our niche. Sometimes those changes are forced on you, sometimes you just see the path you need to take and you take it. Figure out what you want in life and if it's worth the risk. If you don't try it, how will you know you won't succeed?
