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 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

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

I Love People

Dear Lovely ones,

As some of you will know I've been madly working on a new album.  This takes more than just songs and a recording studio to bring to life.  It also takes finances to be able to get it to release stage.  I'm not one for crowdfunding so I undertook work in a couple of temporary jobs to help me raise the funds.

The one thing I didn't realise was how much I would enjoy being back in the thick of it, so to speak.  My other career is in Health: Medical Imaging to be exact.  These past few months I've gained more than a healthier bank balance.  I've regained a part of me that I thought had gone, and met some incredible people in the process.  It has rejuvenated me to the point I feel unstoppable and very humble at the same time.  Some of my patients have been at the end of their life and have shown me the value of keeping a smile on my face, no matter what.  Others have shared their stories with me and have entrusted me to keep them to share when the time is right.  I've worked with children, whom I love dearly, and held hands with the elderly as I've walked them either to the exam room or back to reception.  I've even danced with an elderly patient in the exam room.  What a privilege!

I love people, and that is why I work in Medical Imaging and also am an entertainer.  There is nothing more joyful to me than to see a "new friend" smile because of my actions or words.  In this regard I will have many more people to thank on this new album than I will ever be able to list anywhere.  I am truly grateful and truly blessed.

Now let's hope that Adelaide make it into the grandfinal.  that would be wonderful for my adopted home city.

lots of love

Susan xxx

Latest News From Susan Lily

Hi Lovely ones,

In case you've not been around much, but would like to know what is happening, read on....

If you would like to get your own copy of the article then head over to my website and download it from my home page

https://www.susanlilymusic.com/

Thanks Robert Dunstan and BSide Magazine

How Do We Know When We Choose Wisely?

Dear Lovely Ones,

My grandad used to say things like "you're a long time dead" whenever I wrangled with a decision.  He also used to laugh a lot, tell heaps of silly jokes and seemed to be unfazed by whatever life threw at him.  He was also a survivor of the harsh times of the depression.  Born in a tent just outside of Balranald in far western NSW he went on to become my favourite person in the world.  I, thankfully, spent 6 months living within his influence when I went to college to study Medical Imaging.  

My pop was gifted in so many ways and yet wasn't allowed to have his one great love: music.  My grandmother, for some reason, did not like him playing the piano.  Instead he would sneak outside with me, when we could, and play his piano accordion for our entertainment.  He never lost the ability to laugh at the world and to make good of what he had to.  Through his encouragment I've tried many things; some that worked and some that didn't.  

He's long gone now but I still feel his influence, especially when I am in need of direction for myself.  It's as though he is still with me, encouraging me to grow and to continue to give the level of attention to my needs that I sometimes forget.

Today I had to make the tough decision to turn down something that was not the right fit for me.  I chose me.  It's fair to say that it's taken me some time to get to the point of not being afraid to turn something down in the hope that something better will arrive in its place.  That is what I have started to do more and more lately; turn down things that either made my head hurt or my body ache.  To feel good about saying "no" and then taking the risk that comes with it will always feel a little awkward to me.  Yet the more I take the courageous steps to define to the world what I want the happier I feel inside.  Is this what my grandad meant when he used to tell me that saying?  I'd like to think so.  My body is relaxed and my mind is ambling along instead of running in circles.  My day is brighter, and I hope yours is too :)

love 

Susan xxx

The Butterfly is Blossoming

Dear Lovely Ones,

It was 6 years ago today that I excitedly experienced my first album launch.  Held at Hardimans Hotel in Kensington, I had a wonderful time with so many gorgeous folk.  Some are still my friends and others I often think of fondly whenever I take an album out or someone requests a song of mine on radio.

This album took a while to become a finished project too.  A labour of love, it took 2 years to be finished.  During that time I learnt much about songwriting, recording and leading a band: all things that were mentored by a fabulous guy and my producer Paul Norton. We worked diligently whenever we could in his studio, and I gained more than I paid for I believe.  I will always be thankful and grateful for the guidance Paul and his gorgeous wife, Wendy Stapleton, gave me.  They are truly generous people who gave me so much and continue to inspire me whenever I find myself with a newly finished song or do a great show.

I had the BEST time that night.  My dad came down to be there with me and I'm so grateful he did.  He loved every minute of it.  I had a great bunch of musicians around me and I also had a surprise visitor who almost knocked me off my high heels.  That was a beautiful moment I will always treasure.  Seeing the smiling face of a man I treasured as a friend and now treasure in my life was the biggest and best surprise of the launch (even though I didn't realise then where I would be now).

Me at my album launch

Today is also the birthday of my favourite twins and a mate from home.  What a fabulous date to have in my life!

Happy sunday everyone xxx

What Makes a Diamond Day?

Dear Lovely Ones,

I got home today and couldn't help but tune in to the song that was spinning round in my brain.  It's a John Denver classic..."somedays are diamonds, somedays are stones...." It's a good reflection of the times we can't wait to leap out of bed and those days we'd rather stay under the doona.  Today was a diamond day in so many ways and reminds me of the value of life, breath and loving all the moments we have.  Today I felt I achieved something again,and that's one of the things that inspires me to continue.

I also had some good news about more work that will help me fund my forthcoming album.  That's what I like to do, invest in myself and hope that it rubs off around the globe.  I'm really excited about this second album.  Not only am I working with a different team than the first album, but I'm also a better song writer (well I think so).

So, today was a diamond day and I'm hoping tomorrow will bring more challenges and similar achievement.

thanks for reading and I'd love to hear from you about what makes your day a diamond day.

love

Susan xx

Winter/Summer Solstice 2017

Dear Lovely Ones,

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the delights of winter here in the southern hemisphere.  For those up in the Northern Hemisphere I hope summer is bringing you a fresh perspective.  

I've been working on the creation of my second album for a number of months now.  In case you don't know, I'm working with Anthony Stewart (Red Brick Music) on twelve unreleased tracks from my own pen.  It's all starting to come together and we have mapped out the final stages for its completion.  Exciting times!!!

I've also, in the last few days, completed studies that will give me a new set of qualifications in coming weeks.  Spring time is going to be a busy time for this gal!  In the planning stages is a whole new pathway for me to 
1. earn a living in a different area and,
2. keep doing what I love... helping people :)

The album is on track and so am I.  I hope with this winter/summer solstice is also bringing you positive changes and new directions.

Lots of love

Susan xx

Happy Easter!

Dear Lovely Ones,

It's Easter time as well and like most people I'm taking time out to sit back and relax for a few days.  For me, this time of year is one of regeneration and renewal.  There's not the stresses of Christmas, simply the joys of being alive and having the choice how we spend this holiday.

Leading up to this break has been some wonderful time in the studio with my co-producer Anthony Stewart.  What he doesn't know about music isn't worth thinking about.  From a chance encounter to working with him on HERE ON THE ROAD and having him play live in my trio I'm now joyfully doing a full album at his Red Brick Music studio.

I'm now at the stage of recording where all the songs have basic structure, guide vocals and are now ready for drum tracks to be added.  I've learnt, once again, more about recording and I'm very excited at how this new album will turn out.  Yeah, I know, it's early days but someone wise once told me that "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" and if a song sounds great when it's just two instruments then it's going to sound fabbo when there are more added.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter break and safe travels to those who are on the road.

lots of love

susan xxx

When Life Is...

Dear Lovely Ones,

I've had a bit of time to ponder about some recent events; how I've felt, grown and, dealt with them.  The statement “Life is as hard as you make it” comes to mind.  Not a bad one and one that each of us will view differently depending on what is happening in our lives.  Some will say it is a challenge to us and continue to strive for happiness and others will simply succumb to the literality of the words and feel that things aren’t worth doing or pursuing. 

So, where do I see myself in this?  I’m somewhere in the upper middle third towards feeling grateful each day and continuing to forge ahead with my dreams.  Yes, sometimes they feel somewhat crushed by things I cannot control and yet they also bounce back.  Sometimes the bounce back feels greater than the fall as I gain a new appreciation of how far I have come since I began consciously acknowledging my path. 

I like to think that new experiences for me will be positive ones, not perfect though, just positive.  My recent foray into a new arena has had its issues and perceived setbacks.  What I mean by “perceived setbacks” are those things that we feel are important to succeed in: yet turn out to be insignificant to our personal journey. It becomes that we must do these things in order to get to where we perceive we ought to be.  For instance, with marketing there are a series of things that people want to do during eg a festival.  Though there are standard methods of marketing, who’s to say that everyone is going to make their own choice via the mass marketing methods?  A major percentage of the people who came to see my Fringe Show only knew me from the guide, my appearances on the unfold fringe stage, social media campaign or the small handful of flyers and posters I distributed.  In that regard I’ve learnt much about what I need to do next year and what people notice more than not.

I feel that people choose something because it resonates with a part of their life and self.  Marketing will succeed when there is a genuine gift to those who participate.  That is the best lesson I’ve had in the past few months.  The other one is to refrain from being caught up in other’s negative experiences and opinions.  After all, we all see the world uniquely and thus the world will do the same to us if we give them the chance to see our unique and genuine self.  That is the best part of what I’ve gained from this new adventure into the world of festivals.

I’m looking forward to seeing what unfolds in coming months.  Thank you universe for teaching me to trust and to keep going.  Life can be easy when you know how to stop it feeling hard.

lots of love to you all

Susan xx