Dear Vanessa: I am not a musician, I am a nurse so I cannot begin to understand the pressure you are under. However, what I do know, is that the last half of 2023 has had some of my darkest hours with still some really hard things to power through in December. The show at the Ryman was my first introduction to ‘Tattletale Saints’ your gifts are magical and lifesaving. The show definitely filled my life/love tank to rally through my divorce and child custody details. I love you all and I worry for you, Cy and Brandy. I worry about the other side of the biz and the pressure. I pray for you all frequently, specifically for your hearts, voice health, overall health, and for your hands because Lord knows the world needs your musical gifts. Thank you, thank you for this post. I hope to see you soon in 2024. Happy Holidays. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing part of your story, Reese. It's having people like you in the audience who make all of the tough moments so worth it. I really appreciate you listening and reading and I hope you make it through December ok xx
It’s not just ok if music isn’t the only thing that makes you happy, it’s ideal! Breadth in one’s interests makes for a well rounded human. Very glad you’re still chasing that musical feeling tho x
I’m so glad you shared your journey with us! Many can relate including myself and it’s comforting to know we are not alone in these challenges. I loved watching you perform at The Ryman and I hope you could feel all the love and support from the audience! Keep rocking it on and off stage. :)
Thanks for sharing this Vanessa, it is so deeply relatable and I know I'm not the only person who will benefit from hearing about your perspective in your own voice.
Creative pursuits are like fire: intense, beautiful, and unpredictable. They have the capacity to hurt you and to comfort you, just don't lose sight of who you are.
Couldn't agree more! This year was a rollercoaster of figuring exactly that - who I am. I'm glad to be in a place where I can look back on some really tough times and find some meaning in going through it xx Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I saw you, Brandy and Cy three times - Madison, Minneapolis and Stoughton. Loved the Tattletale Saints sets as well as you with Brandy. I’m glad you re-found your joy in playing AND thank you for the joy and love that we, the most lucky of audiences, experienced as well thru your beautiful music. Continue to care for and love yourself and know that what you do on stage, and in sharing your words here, makes a huge impact for others as well.
They were all such wonderful shows! We're the lucky ones for having people like you show up and allow us to keep doing what we love xx I appreciate your kind words here, very much
Presence and absence. To understand how much you love something by walking away, or thinking to... yes.
That piece of being with other musicians, creating together, and WITH the audience in front of you--all the pieces--and what comes to you in THAT moment. Key. Covid did a number on that one for so many performers; I have friends who ended up on their couches, staring at the ceiling, wondering what had hit them.
So glad you've shared this. And good to have you back :)
It really is in focusing on that together part - with the musicians and the audience - that I found the answer. The magic of being in the moment in that way is something that I still love dearly.
Dear Vanessa: I am not a musician, I am a nurse so I cannot begin to understand the pressure you are under. However, what I do know, is that the last half of 2023 has had some of my darkest hours with still some really hard things to power through in December. The show at the Ryman was my first introduction to ‘Tattletale Saints’ your gifts are magical and lifesaving. The show definitely filled my life/love tank to rally through my divorce and child custody details. I love you all and I worry for you, Cy and Brandy. I worry about the other side of the biz and the pressure. I pray for you all frequently, specifically for your hearts, voice health, overall health, and for your hands because Lord knows the world needs your musical gifts. Thank you, thank you for this post. I hope to see you soon in 2024. Happy Holidays. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing part of your story, Reese. It's having people like you in the audience who make all of the tough moments so worth it. I really appreciate you listening and reading and I hope you make it through December ok xx
It’s not just ok if music isn’t the only thing that makes you happy, it’s ideal! Breadth in one’s interests makes for a well rounded human. Very glad you’re still chasing that musical feeling tho x
Thanks Cy, you're a very big part of the reason I love playing xx TTG!
so proud to love you & your big 'ol heart
Love you too!
I’m so glad you shared your journey with us! Many can relate including myself and it’s comforting to know we are not alone in these challenges. I loved watching you perform at The Ryman and I hope you could feel all the love and support from the audience! Keep rocking it on and off stage. :)
Thank you Laura! I appreciate being part of your journey and your support in mine :)
Thanks for sharing this Vanessa, it is so deeply relatable and I know I'm not the only person who will benefit from hearing about your perspective in your own voice.
Creative pursuits are like fire: intense, beautiful, and unpredictable. They have the capacity to hurt you and to comfort you, just don't lose sight of who you are.
Couldn't agree more! This year was a rollercoaster of figuring exactly that - who I am. I'm glad to be in a place where I can look back on some really tough times and find some meaning in going through it xx Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I saw you, Brandy and Cy three times - Madison, Minneapolis and Stoughton. Loved the Tattletale Saints sets as well as you with Brandy. I’m glad you re-found your joy in playing AND thank you for the joy and love that we, the most lucky of audiences, experienced as well thru your beautiful music. Continue to care for and love yourself and know that what you do on stage, and in sharing your words here, makes a huge impact for others as well.
They were all such wonderful shows! We're the lucky ones for having people like you show up and allow us to keep doing what we love xx I appreciate your kind words here, very much
So glad you've written this.
Presence and absence. To understand how much you love something by walking away, or thinking to... yes.
That piece of being with other musicians, creating together, and WITH the audience in front of you--all the pieces--and what comes to you in THAT moment. Key. Covid did a number on that one for so many performers; I have friends who ended up on their couches, staring at the ceiling, wondering what had hit them.
So glad you've shared this. And good to have you back :)
Thank you, Alison. It's nice to be back too :)
It really is in focusing on that together part - with the musicians and the audience - that I found the answer. The magic of being in the moment in that way is something that I still love dearly.
Appreciate your comments xx