14 Years ago......

 Dear lovely ones.

 

14 years ago last week my first single, Got The Monkey Off My Back, was released and I excitedly found myself planning a last minute trip to Tamworth for the Country Music Festival in 2007.  The song made it on Nick Urby's playlist for the month of January 2007 and I was invited to play at the Mildura Country Music Festival that year as well.

 

In the years that have passed since, I've had some lovely moments on and off the stage.  I was a finalist in the Victorian Country Music Awards in 2012 and I've been a finalist a few other times with various song writing awards as well. I've done radio, I've played many gigs, recorded a new album, and wrote/produced/directed my one woman show at Adelaide Fringe in 2017.  Through music I've met so great people I wouldn't have if I'd not started to write and perform it.

 

My one regret is that I've never been able to fully tour.  There's always been a roadblock for me with this.  When I lived in Melbourne I was on my own and had to keep working to retain a roof over my head.  In Adelaide, well it feels like it's too far from everywhere and I now have a man and a furbaby who need me here (plus I still need work to pay for a tour and it's hard to find casual work or a job that will let you go tour for 6 weeks).  

 

I am not sure what the next few years are going to bring me.  I am tired, and shorter lol, from trying to wear all the hats you have to when you're an independent artist.  It's not easy to find the money and then if you do, it's hard to find the time because of daytime work needed to support the musical habit we original artists find ourselves in.  I'm a small fish in a big pond of music and my second album has not sold as well as I would have liked it to.  I'm so grateful to those who have purchased any of my music.  You're all so special to me and I'm blessed that my music resonated enough that you had to buy it.

 

In case I can't ever make it back to performing and recording, I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting me in whatever way you have.  Those smiling faces at gigs, the airplay I've had across the nation and the world, and the people who I've worked with and shared a stage with.  I truly don't know what 2021 will bring. I hope it's a better year for everyone and, personally, I hope I can find my musical mojo and combine it with my life here in SA and create some more memories with my own brand of musical mayhem.

 

Bless you all and thanks for being a Lily-Darling all these years.

love

Susan Lily xxx

Susan Lily To Play At the Semaphore Music Festival on October 6th

Dear Lovely ones,

It's been a while since I had a band to take around the place and play festivals, so I'm really excited to be sharing this news with you today.

So grab your diary and lock in to see 

Susan Lily & The Gorgeous Cowboys

Harts Mill, in Port Adelaide, Sunday 6th October!!

With lots of other great local and interstate acts to come and see, plus great food and a wonderful riverside area, it's a fab way to spend the long weekend in October!!

I will have copies of all my music for sale and now take cards so you never have to worry about not being able to take a part of me home with you!

Cheers and can't wait to see you all.

Susan L xx

Dear Lou (why I want You to Know this now)

Dear Lovely Ones,

How do you prepare yourself for the passing of a dear friend?  How do you, especially when you find out their time is near and you are not able to travel to see them?

I've decided that it's more important to write now about how this person affected my life so he can read this and know what a wonderful person he is and how much we will remember him.  

It began when I moved to Melbourne to pursue, amongst other things, stand-up comedy.  I already knew about the open mic at The Espy and through that came the info on a place called The Armadale Hotel and a guy called Louis-Robert Stomm who ran the room.  

I can't quite remember if first contact was made via phone or just turning up.  What I do remember is how welcomed I was and also how quickly I was given the opportunity to tread the boards there on the monday night show.

The particularly interesting aspect of this venue was that the open mic was at the end of the evening and the beginning showcased comics who were being filmed for the regular tv show (Champagne Comedy) on local access station C31.  I was pretty much early each time I went which meant that I got to see how it was all produced plus bear witness to many a funny moment: either sporadic or rehearsed.

One of my proudest moments was being a part of a night that was filmed and sent to the troops over in East Timor during the independence time.  The late Dave Grant gave it the title of "A Night In The Trenches" and we all clamoured to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime show.

I don't know how many times I was given a 10 min spot on Champagne Comedy but it was fabulous to be given the opportunity.  Lou took a risk on me and, like most comics, I had times of great highs and a few slightly lower.  All excellent education that I carry with me today.

Through all this I became friends with the producers of the show: Louis-Robert Stomm and the late Matthew K. Sharp.  This friendship lead to many great shows together, including the transfer of Champagne Comedy (show title) to North Melbourne.  Perchance I ended up being involved in another show called "The Comic Box" which aired late on Friday nights on C31.  In this interview-based show I was cast as the sidekick and had a wonderful time hamming it up, slightly off camera at times.  

In 2010 and 2011 I would be invited to bring my comedy character, Loretta Chatalotalittle, as a guest on The Comic Box.  C.J. Jenkins was the fabulous host and I do believe that Loretta thought she was the then prime minister, Julia Gillard.  I also think these were both NYE shows.

Loretta was "up for anyfink" which meant things like trying to sing a song whilst Annie stuffed my mouth with cheese balls, or referring to C.J as "prime inister" gave me a sense of freedom I've not had since.

Even though I had moved on from standup comedy and into music, our friendship and association continued.  Much of our communication in the past few years has been by phone as I now live in another state.  At least, Lou, we've been able to have long chats on the hullo phone and I'm grateful for them.  I know sometimes you've been really ill, yet I've never felt anything but welcomed each time we've talked.

What I didn't realise until lately was how much all all this has influenced and set me up as an entertainer, a radio presenter and personality, a trailblazer, and very much an individual.  Louis-Robert could always get the best out of me and he saw in me a talent that wanted to be nurtured.  A true believer when it came to giving someone a chance, Louis-Robert gave me so much more than I will ever be able to repay.  Yet, I feel he wouldn't want me to anyway.  Lou is a most generous person and I thank him for all his generosity to me.  

So Lou, make sure you haunt me and kick me up the butt when I need it.  I'm sure you'll find ways to let me know you're around.  Please feel free to be Molly's "imaginary friend" when I have to leave her and go to work.  Please remember how much I value and love your support and friendship.  Your influence has been profoundly positive and I carry the experiences with me each time I'm on stage or doing something creative.  Please remember, even though I am sad you are moving on, I'm so glad I have been a small part of your life and your journey.  You've been a significant part of mine that I will treasure always.

Love

Sooz!

Susan Lily Documents A Momentous Occasion in Song

Dear Lovely Ones,

I've been a bit remiss in sharing things for awhile and some of that is because I've been a bit busy behind the scenes doing things like recording music for a documentary which had part 1 screened last night on Channel 44 here in Adelaide.

Jethro Heller, Adelaide's own documentary master invited me to record acoustic versions of two songs for his series called "OMG".  Part 1 aired on Channel 44 here in Adelaide and in Melbourne on C31 this past Monday night.  Here is the first song.

Jethro is much respected both here and overseas for his work behind and in front of the camera.  It was an easy thing to accept his invitation, particularly as I've had long admired his work.  Sometimes I still pinch myself at all the wonderful things that have happened since I moved to Adelaide six years ago.  I'm very proud I took the chance and moved across.

One of the great things about doing this was extending myself as a vocalist, and also recording the guitar track as well.  Many thanks to my darling handyman, Graham Burkin, for his wonderful work in our home studio.  If you don't know much about Graham, he is a musician in a number of Adelaide coverbands, and also a rather talented sound engineer.  He's also thorough and willing to gain more experience by trying new things.  I would not have gained what I did on my own (even though I tried).  He's a credit to the musical community in so many ways and a darling supporter of mine.

I hope, if you watch it, you get some enjoyment from this project. 

Susan xx

SUSAN LILY FEELING LOVE WITH TOP SPOT IN TOP TEN MOST REQUESTED SINGLES 12.03.2019

Dear  Lovely ones, 

It would be remiss of me not to publicly thank all the listeners who have voted my song this week's number 1 most requested song on Alan Gilmour's country music show which goes to air each Tuesday night.  I've been blown away by how many people who listen to Todays Country 94One over in the Hunter region of NSW.  I'm also grateful and equally stoked that my song FEELING LOVE has been requested so many times!  

this is the original post on Facebook for the chart and the show tonight 12.03.2019

If  you haven't heard this single yet, please check it out either at 

Feeling Love iTunes

or if you don't use itunes, then pop over to

FEELING LOVE - BANDCAMP

It's a great joy to write music that has a mass appeal with people who come from all walks of life and perspectives.  Thanks to all who are enjoying my music thus far, I'm feeling love today and every day

Susan xx

Adelaide's Lily Is About to Bloom!!

Dear Lovely ones,


To say I'm a proud South Aussie is an understatement.  Ever since I moved over the border, so much has changed for the better for me. This Podcast I'm sending you to, and its creator Steve Davis, helped me to settle in to my new life here in Adelaide. There have been so many musical possibilities since then, including the recording and releasing of my song about Port Adelaide, TOUGH AS GERANIUM, which is included in this week's podcast.  I'd love if you would drop by the link below and have a listen, and then make The Adelaide Show your number 1 podcast where ever you ar

https://theadelaideshow.com.au/podcast-episodes/272-decluttering-your-life/?fbclid=IwAR3hUEbQ2WSKLeobPR2Uq7VHQgkV_IpHEDZe8flhuVH7NWeTZZxjFwWfP6Y

Artwork for single cover - Tough As Geranium by Susan Lily

The song can be heard and purchased online at
iTunes or Bandcamp

I find out next tuesday night if I am an award winner in Tamworth (it would be my first Tamworth award) and will scream from the rooftops if I do. Have a great day all and thanks for your support xx

TSA Awards and Nominatons 2019

Dear Lovely Ones,

As I wrote on FB a bit earlier, to say I'm proud of the certificates that arrived in the post yesterday is quite the understatement.  I'm so very proud and now it all seems real.  Big thanks to Tamworth Songwriters Association , Anthony Stewart from Red Brick Recording Studio right here in Adelaide, Graham Burkin, all my gorgeous fans, and all the support I get from community radio across Australia and overseas.  This is for YOU!

this was such a wonderful surprise to me

this is the gorgeous song written about Port Adelaide and the humble geranium that grows there.

As Shania has sung recently..."life's about to get good"  and it certainly is

Love to all,

Susan xxxx

What a Lovely Way to end 2018!

Dear Lovely Ones,

Yesterday marked a significant event in my music career as I became a semi-finalist in the Tamworth Songwriters Association annual songwriting competition in two categories.  This is a first for me and I'm so grateful to so many people for the opportunity to record and then to showcase my songs around the world as well as inside my home country.  

Here are the categories my songs are in:

The first is the bluegrass section and it's my current single FEELING LOVE.  this song reached into the national charts in October to #25 and just made its debut into the TYGA FM top 40 chart at #19 this week.  It's a track about gratitude to friends and how much they mean to each and everyone of us.  Friends are there for our good and bad times and it's during the harder times that friends can make a true difference to our lives.  A great friend can be the difference in our recovery time from heartache or sorrow.

The second song that is a semi-finalist is the song I wrote about our wonderful Port Adelaide, TOUGH AS GERANIUM.  It's a song about the relationship between the wild geraniums that grow on the streets of the Port and the tenacity of the suburb to weather some of the storms of it's recent past.  Historically a busy port, it became a shadow of it's former self until recently.  Like the geranium, the Port has survived the dry times and is now enjoying a resurgence as it so richly deserves.

There are many people to thank, and here is but a few:

Anthony Stewart from Red Brick Recording Studios in Adelaide and all the musicians who played on the tracks

Neville Clark from Disk Edits who mastered the album tracks

The late John Baker, from The Baker Suite for his mentorship during the Semaphore Songs Project in 2015.

The TSA for hosting these awards

to my darling handyman, Graham, thank you for your unending support and belief.

If you haven't had a chance to listen to my new album FREE SPIRITED, and the semi-final songs, then you can do so via the link below the album cover.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/free-spirited/1354663730

Many thanks also to all my mates, and social media friends and radio presenters.  You all make up a wonderful part of my world and I'm so grateful to everyone.

lots of love

susan xx

Locals Supporting Locals - ichooseSA

Dear Lovely ones,

December started with a BANG! musically.  I was fortunate to perform in two great events yesterday. The first was GINCIDENT, down at Harts Mill with a couple of the Beach House Boys (Mark and Pete).  We did a fun 45 minute set of my songs and and selected covers: including a rousing rendition of WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH A DRUNKEN SAILOR... which went well with the crowd.  It was a fun afternoon of music, food and Gin tasting by all.

Here are the small businesses I supported on the day:

Decadent doughnuts....yummmm from Cherry Darlings

I had a fabulous iced coffee from Mischief Brew to go with the doughnut :)

if that wasn't fun enough, I also ended up playing a set with the Gov's Variety Show down at Adelaide's own Governor Hindmarsh in the front bar.  

If you've never been to Adelaide's ONLY live variety show just know it's on every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month in the front bar of the Gov.  This variety includes music artists, comedians, magicians, dancers... in fact, sometimes you will be surprised by the acts on.  The shows are free however if people donate a bit as they come through then the artists will get a little something.

The great thing about this show is that it is very supportive to innovative and new material.  it's a chance for audiences to hear and see for the first time, an artist's new material.

One of the great things that these events showcase is local talents.  Whether it be the food and beverage businesses or artists and  agencies that reside here in SA, events like these rally to showcase and support everyday people who dream big.  Let's keep on supporting local; it's our neighbourhood we are keeping alive.  This in turn keeps the greater wheels of our society turning.

Thank you all so much for supporting me and other small businesses!

love

Susan

#adeladysongstress

Mantra Studio Kitchen and Bar - 14.10.18

Dear Lovely Ones,

If you ever find yourself in Yarraville, Victoria, please drop into 10a Campbell street.  You will understand more what a beautiful place Mantra is before you even walk through the doors.

the magic continues when you do enter.  Greeted by fabulous staff and a great environment, you cannot help but feel instantly at home.  They have catered for children in a way I've not seen before and so it's a real family affair each time you turn around.

I was lucky enough to book in and play an afternoon on 14th October, 2018.

One of the best parts was seeing the lovely faces of friends I used to hang out with when I lived in Melbourne.  It was a reunion and a great afternoon of music with banter in between that gave us all a giggle and a guffaw.  I made a few new fans as well with random guests who arrived and then stayed to hear my tales of life.

The place is run and owned by two fabulous individuals who also make up the duo The Long and The Short of It.  Patsy and David are the most generous hosts who will often be found mucking in with their crew to ensure that customers are serviced and the staff feel supported.

As an artist I felt very loved, looked after and appreciated.  I wish there were more placed like Mantra Studio Kitchen and Bar, and I'm very glad we at least have one venue like this.

It's a special place run by equally special people.

Have yourself a merry little party in either upstairs or in their private room.

Go see live music that is free on a sunday!

Support a local business that puts PEOPLE first!!

Can't thank Patsy and David enough for giving me a most gorgeous space to sing my tunes and entertain my friends.

love Susan xx

PS.  look at these desserts!!!!

PPS.  they even had lillies in the vase....was it just for me??? ;)

Is Man's Best Friend the True Key to Everything?

Dear Lovely ones,

It suddenly occurred to me this morning how much positive power our canine furbabies have in this world.  I've always loved and admired my friend's dogs and those I met on the street.  I've followed the lives of various friend's pooches on social media and in the 3D world and remember fondly how much my dogs meant to me when I was a lonely adolescent in outback NSW.  Actually having my own furkid now and sharing our exploits on social media it's apparent to me that these furry friends are possibly a bigger key to world happiness than ever before.

Why am I saying this?  On instagram my followers have grown so much since I began posting images and videos of Molly.  I'm meeting people from across the world who share in my love of my dog by sharing themselves and their babies.  On Facebook and twitter they have become the most commented posts, and when I see a mate's photo with them and their furbaby I can't help but feel so much happier.  What I am seeing here is a widespread love of all things doggy.  

Then there are the "feelgood" stories and videos that so many people share about dogs.  The dog performing CPR, the ones that are taken into nursing homes to visit the elderly, and the ones who rescue a  human child in their "pack" family from adversity.  We've all seen this but have we really LOOKED and taken in what we are seeing??


I'd love to see if we could harness this love we have for the canine and find a similar joy in the human world.  Our furkids love us for many reasons.  They feel protected and nurtured in a pack situation.  They are fed and cared for by us.  We give them shelter and quality time.  These are all things we can do in our human world as well.  It takes a shift in mindset to accomplish but I'm sure that if we took a chance our world might slowly share more joy than sorrow.

This is Molly.  She is our furbaby.  She's naughty, cheeky and I'm so in love with her and the joy she brings into my life.  No matter what happens, she makes my day that much brighter and I feel I can face the world with a much stronger foundation.  I know when I come home she is happy to see me.  I can be in a bad mood and all she wants to do is comfort me.  We spent quality time together and I get to watch her grow into an adult.  

this is Molly the night she arrived at our place...10 weeks old 

Molly at 12 weeks of age. Such a cutey

this is Molly now.  Quite the "lady" 

Even when she's destroying things it's ok. 

We've actually found things that we are happy for her to "rearrange"

Having a furbaby in our family is always entertaining!

This photo needs no caption lol......

Wouldn't it be great if our attitude to dogs and what they give us is all that is needed to give us a bit more world peace?  Yeah, you could say this is a simplistic attitude and you would be right.  However, if a simple thing like spending time with a canine actually helped you to destress and recharge wouldn't you want that in your life?  Are you a nicer person to those around you as a result of this?  If seeing a positive video about a dog made you feel all warm and fuzzy, couldn't you use this to do something nice for a human in your life?  A dog gives and gives until its last breath.   In return we cuddle, play, feed, give shelter and love them back with all our hearts.   If we gave to humans wouldn't it come back to us in spades eventually too?  They say that "paying it forward" is the way to live your live if you want to be happy.  I think dogs do this in spades.  I also feel they are the key to eternal happiness if we let it in.

Lots of Love

Susan xx

August Update

Dear Lovely Ones,

Recently I was the recipient of some media attention through the recent song I released, TOUGH AS GERANIUM.

Firstly, I was given a time to go and play live on Peter Goers' show on ABC Radio Adelaide and have a quick chat.

Here is the link to the Facebook live footage taken that night:
ABC Radio Adelaide - Peter Goers' show

On twitter I was contacted by a journalist from the Advertiser about the same song and ended up on the front page of the Port Adelaide Messenger...though you need a subscriber login to read it online... so I will scan the paper in once I get a copy this week.

In more news, I am playing a special show next Saturday at the DOCKSIDE TAVERN in Lipson street, PORT ADELAIDE.  I am the second artist to be booked for "Dockside Conversations", which is a mix of original tunes and the stories behind them.

It should be a fun night, so book yourself a table and come armed with questions you may wish me to answer!

One more thing!  I am a nominee in the People's Choice Awards for MOST POPULAR COUNTRY ARTIST for the SA Music Awards in 2018.  It's my first time in these awards and I would be grateful for your vote (plus if you want to share the link around that would be fabbo too!)

the link is here:  CLICK HERE to vote for Susan Lily in SA Music Awards

Then scroll down to the country music section.

the best thing is you don't have to vote for anyone else in any other category unless you wish it.

thanks for taking the time to read this update and have a great start to the working week!

love

Susan xx

TOUGH AS GERANIUM - Waltzing into History

Dear Lovely ones,

Many thanks to so many community radio presenters and those who request our music.  TOUGH AS GERANIUM is now in the top 20 in the national chart at #19.

It's also cracked the top 10 in Tasmania/OZCMR as well and is sitting at #7 since last saturday

PLUS!  I've just discovered that myself and TOUGH AS GERANIUM have been nominated for the Tasmanian Country Music Awards this year as well!  thank you all so much!

Have a super rest of the week everyone!

love

Susan x

Album Review - Free Spirited

Hi lovely ones,

I actually thought I had already posted this on here but alas I had not.  Months ago I was reviewed by Capital News Magazine with my new album FREE SPIRITED.  Here is an image of that review!!

THANK YOU CAPITAL NEWS!

Tough As Geranium #24

Dear Lovely ones,

It's always lovely to know that people are playing the music we all write and there's nothing sweeter than seeing a song not only debut in a chart but also rise in it.

This weekend TOUGH AS GERANIUM has risen 4 spots to number 24 in the Tasmanian top 30!

Many thanks go to Nigel Jones in Tasmania and to OZCMR's own Mark Eckel, plus all the other presenters in Tasmania

If you would like a copy of Tasmania's number 24 song then please CLICK on the title

TOUGH AS GERANIUM

Thank you Tasmania!

TOUGH AS GERANIUM #28

Dear lovely ones,

It's been some time since I last wrote in my blog.... too many things happening at onece, but I'm very happy to say that my new album FREE SPIRITED is out now and has been since March 9th 2018.

The second single from this collection of songs is TOUGH AS GERANIUM and is an ode to both the humble geranium that grows in the streets of Port Adelaide and the suburb itself.  After the hustle and bustle of the old days when the Port was a busy receiving station for products and people, it hit a low patch a number of decades ago and has been trying to regain its composure eversince.  A suburb that is still going, still trying, still growing, like the geraniums in the streets of the heritage precinct.  This place refuses to die and wants us to come back: indeed this is beginning to happen in steps that are small and big.

The single was released on June 18th 2018 via CRS publicity and has, so far, made its debut into the Tasmanian Country Music top 30 at number 28!

It's a very proud moment for me.  This song is very special and I hope you drop by itunes to have a listen soon.

TOUGH AS GERANIUM

lots of Love

Susan Lily xx

Vale Wally Sparrow - Radio Presenter from Radio Adelaide

Photo courtesy of Ian Fisk Photography

On Monday, whilst I was quietly celebrating my birthday, in another place a man passed away.  This man, one of many talents, was Wally Sparrow whom I had known from Radio Adelaide.  As a presenter of country music for many years, Wally's name was known across the country as an important link in the chain.  I'd wanted to meet him for years and finally got the chance when he invited me for an interview a couple of years ago.

His passion and dedication to the genre of country music was always high and he was a straight shooter who always said what he thought.  One day recently I opened up my email to find a quote from him, sent to me on another site.

The quote reads:

"Susan is a great singer, songwriter and certainly works hard to achieve her goals"

To be honest I was a little bit surprised that he'd taken the time to write it and then post it. I wasn't sure if he would have remembered me at all.  There is his gift:  he remembered everyone, and through that we will always remember him.

Thanks for your time and your support old mate.  

RIP Wally Sparrow

love and appreciation,

Susan xx

When is a "help desk" helpful?

The more time goes on the more businesses that are only online.  This means that we all have to learn countless applications/programmes just so we can navigate our way around.  

There also seems to be a degree of "assumed knowledge" that is a large part of all this.  Is it because the software designer believes that everyone has the same knowledge as they do?  Yes, I know that there are manuals, but often they are hard to find and filled to the brim with enough jargon to drown in.

What I really wish for christmas, is that businesses online would understand that not all end users, ie people like me, are instantly savvy when it comes to the nuances of the application or the process.  Most of us do not have the time nor the urge to spend hours watching youtube clips or trying to find a term in a glossary so we can understand what the instruction means.

It would be great if the people they employed to be the phone support or online support actually understood how to explain things in plain terms.  One of my great frustrations is, after waiting for many minutes on the phone, that the person on the other end assumes that I know as much as they do about the application I'm having trouble with.  The ONLY reason I'm calling is that I have a problem or don't understand something and I need some HELP.  Isn't that why it's called a "Help desk"??? Or is that a fancy IT term for "we think you're stupid, why are you wasting our time when you should have gone to university and studied IT like we did".

Am I alone with this dilemma?  In some ways I hope not and in others maybe I'm just "special".  Let me know what you think or share an experience. Maybe we can help each other feel better about our online woes.

cheers and love

Sooz! xx

There Are Good Men Too

Dear Lovely Ones,

It’s many thanks to a lovely lady by the name of Melissa Hocking that I find myself creating this piece. It’s not easy, sometimes, being female in this big world of ours. Recent events have had a global impact probably more so with the social media platforms we have now. What’s apparent, and this is thanks to Melissa, is that most of this has been focused on the sadder element of human relations. It’s a pretty bad situation to be sexually harassed and I don’t believe there is one woman on the planet who hasn’t been subjected to it: some on a regular basis. Equally there must be many genuine men out there who are having a bad time at the moment as they might feel like the world’s female population hates them for simply being male.

Anyway, I’d like to take a moment to focus publicly on some of the men in my life who have been a positive and uplifting influence on me rather than the countless who haven’t. I’d rather do that than remember all the bad times. So here we go:

Firstly, there is my dad, who was encouraging to all of us regardless of our gender. His idea was that we could all grow up and be independent and happy adults. No matter what course my life has taken he has been there to support whatever decision and direction. As the eldest he wanted me to “go live my life and be happy”. I kinda think I am really, don’t you? 😊

My darling beautiful man is a constant gift to me. He’s someone who has been the biggest surprise in my life. As we’ve gotten to know each other more I understand why I was attracted to him in the first place. His smile on that first day still beams at me each morning, afternoon and evening. His consideration of me is like no other, sometimes I’ve had to shake my head and stop so I can take in what a big beautiful and gentle heart he has. I am fortunate that I recognised, in time, the happiness I would have bringing him to my side. He believes in me totally and is a great influence on me continuing with my music career when I feel a little sad about things.

The more I sat and thought about it, the more men who came to mind who had been a significantly positive influence on my life. In fact, amongst all the negative men I’d crossed paths with were more lovely men than I had first thought. These men all respected me for my knowledge and character rather than any physical attribute. They understood and practiced social etiquette and professional boundaries. I learnt much from these professional colleagues and mentors and owe them much for the time they freely gave so that I could move forward. What makes these men special is that they are on the rarer side of common. They see the world in a special way and have a broader view of what really matters. I think it’s rather cool that I can remember these significant men more than those who hurt or harassed me. I feel blessed and fortunate to have had them in my life.

Melissa is right, we could all put our thinking caps on and come up with a #truementoo story. We all must have at least one positive male in our life: even if it’s the postie or the butcher or someone we might see occasionally. I think it’s time we celebrated the men in our lives who have made up for all the a-holes who have tried to bring us down.

Lots of love

Susan xx

Learning From Disappointment

Dear lovely ones,

I prefer to publish stories that have a level of happiness to them.  There is enough sadness in the world without me adding to it.  Perhaps it's my country upbringing or the great influence of my Pop who used to say "you're a long time dead, so make the most of your life".  So I've mostly put a public face of fun and joy out there even though I have had times of disappointment and sadness.

I recently experienced some disappointment with regard to my music career.  As most would realise, I'm very passionate and very emotionally connected to most things and my music career is where I feel the most for.  Thus, it hits very close to the heart when something disappointing occurs.

I went through the five stages of grief and then decided to live by pop's credo.  So today I have been able to accept what has been done and move on to a better situation.  I love to learn and grow and right now I'm very proud that I have been able to see around the picture and come up with solutions to the disappointing scenario.  They are positive, helpful and forgiving in nature.

If we can't learn from our disappointment and actively work to help redress a situation then the lessons sent to us from the universe will be totally lost.  I didn't want an opportunity to pass me by; far from it.  So now I am smiling again and ready to tackle the next step in my career, whatever that will be.  Yes, I've been a bit down, but not out.  As the late great Tom Petty wrote.."I won't back down, no I won't back down....stand my ground, and I won't back down"

Have a lovely weekend everyone and remember how much we can learn and grow from disappoint

ment.

love

Susan xx