April

Remember that time.

Remember that time I told you all I'd be doing this once a month and then I haven't posted since December? Oops. Hang in there. I think I'm figuring my life out and time is finally a little more on my side so I can be spending it doing the things I actually love. Like talking to you.
So much has happened since December. I feel like a different person. Truly. I think of myself then and there was just no way I could have seen what was coming. And what's going to be coming up now. But before I go forward, I want to look back.
Opening for Kimbra.
Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of opening for Kimbra at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. (In case you don't know who she is, remember that song, "Somebody That I Used to Know"? She sang on that and has since gone on to make incredible music that you should listen to.) She and her team were some of the most down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. If you were there, thank you for singing along to "Light" with me and for being kind while my nerves pushed my stories out too fast. (In my head I swear I'm talking at a normal speed.)
The Eddies Awards.
I'm sure, unless you're a local musician in the 518, you have no idea what the Eddie's even are. At their best, they're a chance for all of us lovers of music in the NY Capitol Region to get together, see each other in the same place at the same time, and celebrate the hard work we've all created over the last year. 
When I tell you I was so wholly unprepared to receive one, let alone three of the awards I was up for, I didn't even have a speech ready. I had some ideas floating around in my head of names I wanted to say on stage if I did win but didn't think I'd have the chance to do so. I was truly in shock. I think I still am?
I ended up walking away with Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Solo Artist of the Year. (Or maybe Photographer of the year? If you were there, you know. Hehe)
It made me so proud of myself, my band, our local radio stations, and all of you who have carried me through the ups and downs of this last year. Who would have thought my little album would reach so many wonderful and willing listening ears? If you're new here and haven't yet listened, now's the time. I can't wait for you to hear what everyone put into it. It's stunning. 
Just one more thing.
I recently had the pleasure of taking a walk and having a lovely conversation with Sophia Vastek. She is this incredible musician out of Troy, NY who is everything I admire in a human being. Oh, and she writes just about the most beautiful music you'll ever hear. We walked around her neighborhood and "talked about believing in your self-worth, going at your own pace, and tending to the spirit through everyday moments." (excerpt from Sophia <3)
In the midst of this interview, both of my parents were in the hospital. Or to be more frank, my mom was in a rehab clinic for her speech/physical body/to heal after a few nasty falls. My dad was in and out for weeks after they kept putting off a heart valve replacement and sending him home prematurely.
All of this is to say, everything I mentioned above has been happening on the tail end of some of the most difficult things in my personal life.
I think we need to look out for each other. Hold each other up. Be there for one another because - and I know I sound like a Marshall's throw pillow but - you truly never know what anyone else is going through. You need to be patient with them, and first and foremost, with yourself. Give yourself a little grace. Take the time you need to recharge and then step back in when you're ready.
That being said, if you need me, I'll be over here reading "Old Flames and New Fortunes" by Sarah Hoyle because it's the cutest damn rom com I've ever read and you're lucky I put it down to write this to you all.

ANYWAYS. I'm still floating around. If you need me, I'll be on cloud 9.

All my love,
Angelina