The Love is GLOBAL for “Been a Long Time!”

My Dear Music Family,

I hope this finds you well rested after a 3-day weekend. I had an amazing weekend with family and close friends I’ve not seen in a while.

My heart and soul felt nourished to be back home in Elk Grove. From deep conversations and light-hearted moments listening to “The Black Lillies” with my dear friend Ruby, it fed me!

Christine and Cruz Contreras of The Black Lillies

Even though my health is still a work in progress experiencing ups and down (mysterious GI troubles) I’ve been telling myself to focus on what IS working in my life, trusting this too shall pass. I’ve been learning so much about myself through this journey.

The discomfort of not knowing when the burning sensation on my tongue is coming or going has taught me so much. I am noticing how easy it is for my head to go to the place of blame. (Did I eat something wrong? Is it an allergy to toothpaste? What if it lasts forever?) And at the same time, if I do nothing but observe this thought vs. creating a new “story” around it…the thought goes away.

This has led to a deeper love for myself, while being authentically ME.

Instead of seeing the chatter in my mind as “bad” or I “need” to be more positive, I am allowing myself to just be.

I realize how sensitive I am, but instead of seeing this as a fault, I am celebrating my sensitivity! I see and hear things others might not notice. I don’t miss a thing; it’s all part of my creativity and creative soul, my music and songwriting.

I brought all of ME to this past weekend, and I felt loved and supported by my tribe.

Brene Brown talks about the importance of true belonging in her new book “Braving The Wilderness”. Sharing authentically who I am in all moments helps take me out of my day-to-day world and into another. One of belonging, no matter how much time has passed since I last saw my friends and family.

I see this parallel with music.

Music bringing us together, creating strength in times of sorrow, hope in times of uncertainty and a reminder that love is available to us in any moment.

I am so grateful for the love I’ve received with “Been a Long Time” so far; from across the pond in the U.K. to Nashville Tennessee, the love is GLOBAL! My birthday is coming up soon (June 7^th) ☺ another reason to start celebrating!