The Covid.  I got it.  I didn’t  know that’s what was going on as I tuffed it out throuh gigs this weekend.  I thought I was battling allergies. But the allergy meds weren’t marketing a dent.  Thankfully, I played outside and at least 20 ft from people. But I felt like crap and it only got worse.  I have asthma. So, I take Covid or seasonal aliments seriously.  And, not that I need to explain, as an independent artist there are no paid days off. Anyway, so it’s Thursday today been watching TV for four days! I know the history of Mary Poppins, Scotland, learned about all the places I will take my friends in Europe should I reach the level of success my vivid imagination congers.  I no longer have any fever but still feeling a bit puny regardless. When I found out (via a drug store test) that I actually had covid, I bowed out of a few events I had agreed to attend.  I hated to cancel because I made a commitment to myself years ago that I would be a person of integrity, that would, at the very least, show up when I said I would. Also, keep ALL promises to my daughter, that’s another story.  In this case, I had to cancel for my sake as well as others.   

To back up a minute, I work sort of in a vacuum.  I write my songs.  Learn cover songs usually based on audience requests.  Drive around and book gigs.  The first gig is the hardest. Once I play it’s a matter of scheduling.  I think of the audience as kindred souls the universe has brought together to share a moment.  I do what I am supposed to do they experience it in the way they need.   So having sad that, much to my complete surprise I received emails and texts from audience members asking if I was alright and that they were very much looking forward to seeing me again. I have always been uncomfortable with the term “fans”.  Fans feels cold to me.  Distant and impersonal.  Those are not the folks that come to my gigs.  I know their stories.  They inspire songs.  They tip because they are super cool but also because they know it’s how I support myself and my daughter.  They know she just got in cheer.  They know it’s expensive.  They are part of our life and this crazy ride.    I also know their stories from sitting with them before and after the show.  We share these moments together.  I do what I do but couldn’t do it without them.  Fans.  Doesn’t feel right. This is a community.  Anyway, I was so touched by the reach out and check in. I am a single Mother, a songwriter and a friend.  I have a community of folks I will never think of as “fans”.  Oh no.  They are so much more.   So my friends,  I am on the mend.  I will be ready this weekend and so look forward to seeing you and hearing about your lives..  XO