Reflections and Resolutions

Here I sit, sipping cheap (but delicious) champagne, lost in yet another attempt to revive what once was not only a hobby, but a source of excitement and a quest to achieve what many have categorized as an unattainable dream. It was nearly five years ago that I began Just Keep Writing. That fact, in itself, if almost difficult for me to comprehend. So why has is been so difficult for me to pick up where I left off? Since I began this blog, I've written a song...or two...or a hundred. I've lost count. I met my first official cowriter, who gave me my first cut and my first airplay. He later pitched one of our tunes to Jake Dodds, who makes my wildest dream come true every night he plays one of our songs on stage. I faced my fears, stepping in front of a Nashville crowd, and playing in my first writer's round. Then, last year, I made the decision to pursue a graduate degree, researching and developing a business plan for a music publishing company (Plans which have, for the moment, been sidelined, but I may pursue my publishing endeavors at some point in the future). Learning about the business side of the industry was invigorating, and it helped me to realize how much I truly love music, regardless of my lack of experience, knowledge, or formal training.  This year, I was blessed to be able to play a few of my songs for my Grandmother and my Great Grandfather, before they received their promotion to the heavens. Then, several months ago, some long suppressed feelings were realized and acknowledged, and the man who first gave me the opportunity to spread my songwriting wings became my worser half.

In stepping back for a moment, I realize how different things would have been if I had not created the Just Keep Writing challenge. I would've still written some songs here and there, but, seeing that I am very goal oriented, it gave me a needed push, encouraging me to develop my craft. If I had not published this blog, Layton James may not have responded to my email, asking for the opportunity to meet with and learn from him. If I hadn't met him, I may have met Jake, but only as a fan. If I were a fan watching him perform on stage, I would never have been confident enough to ask him for the opportunity to pitch a song or two. If I didn't create Just Keep Writing, I may have penned a lyric or two, but I would not have written a song that I deemed of enough quality to perform in Nashville, or even in front of my family. I would have never been blessed with the memory of sitting in a hospital room, singing to Great Grandpa George, and listening to the stories about when he was a drummer in his younger years. I may have still pursued a graduate degree, but my capstone project would not have been an assignment that I looked forward to working on every day. If I hadn't started this blog, I wouldn't be sipping champagne in Layton's apartment, waiting for him to get off work so we can spend the last night of 2015 watching a Harry Potter movie. 

A lot of my writer's block for this blog has been the result of feeling like I've already accomplished the things that I set out to do. Is there even a reason to continue Just Keep Writing? I have been conflicted, trying to decide whether I should archive my lyrics and delete the blog. But, sitting here, looking back on all that has come as a result of what many probably thought was a silly little challenge, composed merely of the ramblings of an amateur, a rookie, a wannabe...I can't help but wonder what could come from continuing the blog. 

Therefore, I resolve to, once more, commit to the Just Keep Writing challenge. I will continue to post some lyrics, personal reflections, opinions, hopes and dreams.  Why? Because if a silly little challenge that began nearly five years ago led me to some of the happiest moments of my life, I can't wait to see what a continuation of the blog will bring me in the future.