"Well I've Been Afraid of Changing"

What a difference a few years make. Four years ago, in 2009, I started going to my first open mic nights and I could barely play three songs. What were they? I'm not totally sure but I think one was "Angel from Montgomery." Keeping a rhythm, changing chords and singing simultaneously were a challenge. I had always enjoyed singing but never tried to learn to play a song on the guitar. How weird that seems, looking back.

Who's this kid? 1997

Other that that, I also was involved in community theatre, did a lot more gardening, had never been out of the country (went to Ireland in 2010!) and had never been to Key West (again in 2010). You can see from the pictures in this blog how different I look. The oldest photo is from 17 years ago when I visited New Orleans with my mom and brother (Mom's been gone 8 years now). The next photo is from my cousin's wedding in 2009 and the most recent ones are from this year. Of course, this is just the stuff you see on the outside. What's going on inside? Good question!

2009

Without going into too much BORING detail, or getting too personal, becoming a traveling, performing singer-songwriter has changed my perspective of my relationship to the world. My first CD, "TropiGal," is 10 songs put together from observations made from where I sat (or stood) at the time. The song "TropiGal" is an anthem, a call to action, if you will. Four years ago, "tropigal" was part of my e-mail address. Four years later, it's my brand, my nickname and a bigger part of who I am. Something I had to define now defines me. 

2013

I began writing songs in 2010 just for fun and because I was improving musically. The rest of the songs on "TropiGal" are based on my experiences prior to then. The next CD, which will begin production soon, is observations and experiences since then. A lot has happened in my life since the release of "TropiGal" and the next CD will reflect that. Musically it will also be a stretch because I've learned a lot more since then and I don't want to keep writing the same kinds of songs over and over. I hope you'll like what you hear. Kevin Johnston, my producer, seems to like a lot of what I've sent him and he will be working on my next CD, as yet untitled. 

 
As I embark on new adventures this year, I have to wonder what other changes are coming. Life is unpredictable at best and hopefully the punches don't come too quickly to duck. With love and luck I'm expecting good things. Thanks for hanging in there with me so far and thanks for listening to my music! Stay tuned. Things are just getting interesting…