2014-08-04 Can't Stand Still
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When I wrote the last blog, almost a year ago, I let you know that you might see a little less output from me. I assumed I'd be going from weekly to, at worst, monthly. I clearly had a sense that there was some stuff headed my way. But, if this blog is any indicator, I had no idea just how much. And I thought it was time I said a little something for the benefit of...well, maybe of all of you who love Varnish, but most especially for those of you who prefer just to look at the blog to know what's going on.
First, I want to point out, in case you do just read the blog, that there are other places I've been less quiet. Even at my quietest, I can't stand still. Since that last post, there have been a few shows, some regular Facebook posting, and at least a daily Twitter post. I don't just point you there constantly to find new routes for getting you to shows and such. I post different places because I know that different people prefer different ways of taking in the world and that some of you hate or love specific forms of social media. I also know that different kinds of thoughts are better served by different kinds of social media. So, I post different places. And I post different things different places. And I reply to you whenever possible ;)
If you want to make sure you don't miss a thing, and you want to use this site as your home base (which we fully support), the Facebook posts are set to post to the Twitter feed and the Twitter feed is right over there on the side. You might need to click a link or two that takes you to other places I talk, but you can keep an eye here and stay pretty much in the loop. Of course, that also means that, if you want to add a second place to keep a watch, Twitter is probably what you want. No account needed to see my tweets, Facebook posts--as I said--copied there, and definitely where I've been chattiest. And a quick look will tell you that it's more a peek into the mind behind the music than a forum for adverts...
Since we're on the topic, here's something you might have missed on Facebook:
So, now that you know where you might have been missing me...What in the world has been happening that's had me off the blogs and vlogs?
There's plenty that it's either not the time or not my place to talk about, and things that my crazy sense of privacy inclines me to keep fuzzy. So you'll probably have to wait for the autobiography or the probing interviews to get a satisfying reply. But, in short, here's stuff that's been going on:
- Working on that long-awaited CD release you can see a picture for on the home page. I'll have more to say about this as soon as it seems like a good time...But I've held it in my hands (I might have gotten a little emotional about that) and I've got to sort out just a thing or two before I start trying to get it into the hands of reviewers and fans. If you're a fan, join me in breathing patiently. I'll make sure you know when it's ready for you. If you're a reviewer, drop me an email and let's see if we can get you something to review.
- Working on a few other band things that I remain sure you'll love but that had some unexpected delays. Fortunately, not my fault sort of things this time. Heh. I would really, really like to be less ambiguous with this one...I'm squirming in my seat with impatience to tell you. Really and truly, this is stuff I'll be shouting about as soon as at all possible.
- Working on lineup changes. This is one of those things that it isn't the time to talk about. But, hey, if you ever wanted to work with Varnish, now is the squishy sort of time to check in and see whether there could be room for you here.
- I promise that music remains my first and greatest love, but I've had some opportunities and some ideas and I've been dusting off some neglected writing. I've got at least one poem that's already been accepted for publication, some others I'm sending out, a book that needs some polish before I start sorting out publication, and a couple other things that might be books or short stories. There's still music and lyrics falling out of me, but I'd be a fool to ignore the muse when she comes calling, even if she's not bringing me the sort of gifts I'd expect.
- And, for the most ambiguous bullet...I've had some personal stuff...Some of it that you can guess at if you've kept an eye on the Twitter and some that I've kept so quiet that even some of my good friends don't know. Some of it, once I hit a point of resolution or of deciding the wrestling is done, will show up in essays on my personal blog (which the curious amoung you can find easily...though it's updated less than this blog lately...ha!). But there's been research and pondering and talking and writing (journals, emails, lyrics, random notes to myself when out in public and insight hits) and it's insane how much time some things take.
So, I've kept busy on good and important things. Too busy, obviously. But I've been dedicated (and done quite alright) since the New Year to making sure that the ways I spend my time are ways that support my dreams, my priorities, my passions...even if I don't manage to do everything for every one of those.
A couple things that have been part of my focus, part of keeping positive and moving forward this year:
- You might have seen it start last year if you've kept an eye on Twitter...For about 9 months now, I've made sure to post a little bit of gratitude every day. I'll save you the moralising, but I'll tell you this: I strongly believe that gratitude is magical. It helps me avoid those times when I'm sure there's nothing good in the world (cos I know that there's at least a little something good every day), it keeps me grounded in light and positive feelings, and it seems to help others remember the same thing. You know I'm all about love and light, so gratitude is an obvious companion to that.
- I don't know to whom the credit belongs for this, because the blog that quoted "an older couple" didn't name that couple, but here's the way I've pointed my compass, my mantra: Look where you want to go, not where you're afraid of ending up.
I'm pushing forward and will be doing my best to keep talking to you about what that means. As you've cleverly deduced, there are plenty of places I talk, and I hope I'll see you there. For now, think happy CD thoughts and all the attendant activity around that! (Let's leave this on another Facebook post that made me happy and inspired, right?)
As always, I'm here to hear your thoughts and requests. Drop me an email, lovely.
xxx
Amber
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