Hello everyone! It’s starting to feel more like fall here in Los Angeles. The days are getting shorter and the weather is a bit cooler in the morning and in the evening as the sun goes down.  I just came off a really busy month where I worked on the background vocals and mixing for the album. It was non-stop working on the album and planning the Farm to Table Listening Party. The last weekend of October was perfect timing to visit my dad on the farm where I was able to take some time out and relax. The air smelled of fall, with the leaves changing, persimmons and pecans being harvested and gave me permission to slow down.

While I was chilling with my family, I reflected on what a truly amazing community I have in Los Angeles: my family away from home. On October 22nd, we had our Farm to Table Listening Party for the people who selected this perk on the IndieGogo campaign. My dear friends Ross and Kevin hosted the event at their beautiful home in Hollywood. What a privilege it was to be a part of this celebration. I was showered with so much love and generosity from my friends that came together to help me. Ross and Kevin were wonderful and did everything from cleaning house, to planting plants, to baking cookies! Jan from church decorated the house and tables and brought serving dishes. Lisa took photos and brought tables and chairs. Claire cooked her heart out! Erica served and assisted Claire. There was warm mulled cider, butternut squash soup and chili to warm our stomachs and after dinner we sang our hearts out. Patricia and I sang the song we wrote together “Soul and Bone”. Ross came and sang with me on the song “Inside This Body”. Below are some photos and our Facebook Live feed.

At the party, we listened to the first rough mixes of the songs. It feels like it was just yesterday that I first shared the campaign with you all. I remember it was such a stretch for me to ask for help, as I had been doing it all by myself up until then. I knew inside my heart that it was my calling to share my music with the world. Faith and prayers were all I had to go on this summer. Then there you were. I wrote these songs for you. During the listening party, some shared that it brought tears to their eyes. THIS is what makes my heart SING: to sing and share my love of music and spirit with you.

This summer, you answered my prayers. I felt your love and Spirit’s guidance these past months as I put one foot in front of the other. You were with me for my first Facebook live post. You were there in my eleventh hour as I wrapped up the campaign with your contributions. This Friday I go to the studio to work with Talley our engineer on the final mixes. When the mixes are complete the next step will be mastering of the songs. If you selected a perk, please know that I am working away on them while fundraising to be able to finish the rest of the album.

My life has been forever changed by this summer. I know in the depths of my heart that this is not just about me; it is about bringing healing and mending broken hearts. To share my heart and music with the world, especially in these uncertain times.

We are about $5000 shy of our original goal. With the holiday almost upon us, I am humbly showing up to celebrate with you and take this opportunity to raise a few more dollars for US.

We still need to allocate funds to finish mixing, mastering, creating album artwork and producing the physical CD. As such, I am opening up a few slots in my schedule for house parties to raise money for the next part of the production.  Will you help me make this last part of our journey a reality? This very last part of my musical journey is as crucial as the first. If you live in the LA area or somewhere close to sunny Southern California, drop me a line.

I’d LOVE to come play for you! And if you are out of LA and would be open to supporting the production of the masters and pressing of the CDs I would be so grateful. Contact me to make a donation.

All my love,
Christine