New Western Music on Myspace

Last week was a big one for me. I got 12 songs laid down, was gone 6 days from home, spent more money on studio time than I want to think about, lost 5 more pounds (stress), did a total of 8 show appearances, found out that Belinda Gail and I are soul sisters, got to hear the fabuous sons of the San Joaquin and Don Edwards, was quoted by Micheal Martin Murphy on stage (for something dumb I said), thanked God for an amazing singing partner like Richard Lee Cody, knocked myself out in two late-night jam sessions and got to spend precious kid-free time with Brad.

Whew...I'm tired, but happy.

I am posting my new Western Music on my myspace page today and invite you to take a listen. Go to www.myspace.com/marykayemusic This first CD is all solo western music, but the next CD that will be done is the duet CD with Richard Lee Cody and myself.

Retreat!

I love reading history. I love reading about war. Don't ask me why. I would never want to actually fight in a war. One of the best parts of being a woman is knowing I will never be drafted...or at least I hope not. One of the most fascinating aspect of war is the art of knowing when to "advance" and when to "retreat." Most of Washingtons brilliance during the Revolutionary War was in his hasty retreats followed by just a few bold attacks. Well, this last weekend I hosted a "Womens Retreat." There were 16 of us who "retreated" from our life's battles long enough to meet at the Yardley Inn for good food, inspired messages and music. I think we all got something a little different from the experience, but I know I needed that "retreat" more than I realized I did. In fact, I have become a big fan of the fine art of the "retreat." Put away your white flags folks..."retreat" is NOT "surrender"...it is just a chance to stop getting beat up by life long enought to re-group. So, I am taking a cue from Washingtons play book and am going to learn how to win lifes battles with a deft and dextrous combination of "retreats" and "attacks."

Full of it...

Have you ever been so full of gratitude you could almost bust wide open? Well, I guess I'm "full of it" today. I think the real secret to a happy life is feeling gratitude for all things....yes, I mean ALL things...even the rotten stuff. I tell my kids there is nothing so terrible that can happen to you that can't learn something from it. This time last year I miscarried what I believe were twin boys...they would've been our 11th and 12th children. I am still in mourning for the babies I will never hold but now that I am farther away from that heartache, I can feel gratitude for what I learned from that experience. The first thing I learned (again) is that God is in charge and that I'm OK with that. The second thing I learned is that when I was at my lowest point my friends, children and husband all were there to catch me in their loving safety net. The third thing I learned is that I am now the owner of a more compassionate heart. And with this more compassionate heart I will create the music that will heal and comfort and enlighten...or just simply entertain. God has placed me on the path of music and it is a joyful journey indeed.

The Singing Mommy

At the beginning of the summer I was distressed with the little gaps in my singing schedule...a Friday night free, a Saturday here and there with no gigs...but now I thank God for those little gaps. Those are the gaps that let me just be mom. No costumes, no fake eyelashes, no cowboy boots...just messy-haired mom. And it is thus that I have learned the lesson of the "gap". Life, like a salad bar, is so much more enjoyable with a large variety of tastes and textures. It so good to be living such a happy life largely by accident.

Evening at "Tommys" in Heber

This was such a busy week . I orchestrated our yearly yard sale with my little army of children as helpers. It was a "slam-bam-thank-you-m'am" affair that only lasted from 9am to 1pm. We met some interesting people and sold most of our "junk." As soon as we loaded all the stuff left over into the van, I had to rush around getting ready to drive to my gig in Heber. I waved goodbye to my kids and said a prayer, "Please, God...bring me safely back home to these little ones." God heard my prayer and blessed me with a wonderful evening in Heber and a safe drive home. I don't usually enjoy singing at eating establishments...it is hard to be ignored while people chew and talk....but "Tommys" has a great vibe and I had a fabulous time. There was a darling little boy there that kept winking at me all evening. His name is Fox, and I have his picture posted above. What a good winker!

Learning from Teenagers

I spent the weekend with my teenagers at Goblin Valley for a youth conference. I learned a lot from the hormone-charged teenagers about having fun. We laughed and climbed and had a blow-out water fight. I have never enjoyed camping very much, but I have to admit that it is much more fun when there are people to socialize with. I think it is just hard for me to relax.

Antelope Island

I performed at the Cowboy Legends Celebration at Antelope Island this last weekend. It is hard to explain to others how wonderful these gatherings of "cowboys" really are. These people are just so warm and genuine...no egos...no agendas...just a good 'ol bunch of friends getting together to celebrate life. It is "home base" for me musically. It is a great place for me to grow as an artist and I really love all my "western music family."

Special thanks to Mike and Jolynne Kirkwood who invited to attend with them and even shared stage time. (Jolynne and I are pictured above working on a new song)

Thanks to Rich and Lynnie for one of the best jam sessions ever over-looking the Great Salt Lake. ( and the great food)

Thanks to Mark for his awesome sound engineering. (even when he made me sound like Darth Vadar)

Thanks to Lisa Stubblefield for being so warm and gracious.