Whelp.

4 years ago tomorrow I started my Substack…the day after my birthday.

wondering what would it take to move the stream of creativity in me out into public view on the reg?

as a performer, an early recording/producing songwriter, a writer, poet…this seemed an instant clic, to pour so much into this stack, and I LOVED IT SO!!!

Still do, even tho the detour back into the world of medicine with Lumen Health last year has naturally sidelined so much of what I want to share.

Back then I promised myself I’d post works in progress without concern about polish, to strengthen the “just hit publish” chops and lose the self-consciousness that keeps artists from delivering, trapped by perfectionism that really fronts for all the inadequacy feels.

After all that time, I know what feels good enough, what is “perfect” to me, what is impulsive, what is longing for validation when I’m low or confused….

and this, on my Birthday night, is my gift to me — through the fire of these years, for the chance to be with me, I have (not always gladly tho) risked it all.

And I’ve never been so grateful to be in my skin, with my own style, working on another new tune - barely got the chords in my fingers yet, and the wide world open to my imaginings.

Will Lumen Health work? Will people find the care I am offering as a remedy for what the healthcare system lacks rn?

Will I find a way to provide financial security and a new home for my kiddo and me?

Will the bast be waiting patiently for me to pick up the threads in between, and continue weaving the tapestry of sound and words, of stories in living rooms that show us our connection and humanity?

Uncertainty is such a funny field of mischief, and we’ll see what another roll around the sun brings up.

Thanks to composer beyond compare David Foster for these gorgeous chord changes, to Chaka Khan for the vocals for generations, my bro and his family for the cool book and jewelry bday gifts, to my daughter for this amazing sweater✨, and thanks to everyone who has made the journey more rich and rewarding.

Thanks for being human, real, and sharing life with me…

Right down to the wire, even through the fire.✨