I began working in country music shows in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Branson, Missouri when I was six. I wrote my first song when I was 12 while listening to a music box in my Grandma's basement. I was hooked for life, and the music box now sits in my room to remind me how blessed I am to be able to create music. The whole world might not hear it... but I still create it... and I still love to write it! I think the highlight of writing music is when I hear a friend or family member humming one of my songs, or singing some of the lyrics. There's just something really cool about that to me!
When I was 16, I started my first business called "Thoughts Expressed," where I created custom written songs for individuals using their thoughts and feelings. Great idea... not much experience on the web. (If I build a website, everyone in the world will come to it, right??) I think I wrote two songs that first year... but I was big stuff, cause I had a business. :-)
In 1999, I moved to Nashville, TN to further my songwriting career. (If I move to Nashville, I'll be a hit songwriter, right???) I lived there for 8 months, and met so many people that have been very influential to me. While I was there, Chris Neese pushed me through the doors of ASCAP and set me in the right direction. (Thanks, Chris!). I decided that being 19 and alone in Nashville wasn't as cool as I thought it would be, and I was really missing mom's home cookin'. I moved back home. (They'll all remember me in Nashville, and I have their phone numbers...that won't change... right??)
On May 13, 2002, I began performing again full time at a country music show called the Ozark Mountain Hoe Down in Eureka Springs, Arkansas . I've been blessed with a job that I absolutely love and look forward to everyday. The show is fantastic and I couldn't ask for better people. I'm working with outstanding musicians, as well as some excellent songwriters. Come see us! Visit us in Eureka Springs!
Currently, I spend my time doing web design and first page Google placement for my clients, creating graphics, performing 6 nights a week at the Hoe-Down, writing songs, creating radio jingles and on hold music with Randall George, and having a blast in the recording studio ! I'm blessed to be able to spend my days working at home while my daughter is in school, so I don't ever miss her school programs and such. I treasure my time with her, and am so thankful for everything she teaches me.
In a nutshell, life is good, business is good, friends are good, and my family is the greatest thing ever! I've learned a lot from life, and I've learned that I still love to do everything I've been trying to do... I'm just trying to be a little less naive about doing it!
Check out the video below. I'm amazed at the talent, creativity, and intelligence of whoever it was that created it. Go ahead... watch it to the end. It's not what you think!