http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com One of the best gigs. Ever. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1903799 On March 3, I was given the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. If you want some details about the Queen, look <a target="_new" href="http://lightupthequeen.org/index.php">here. And while all of that fundraising stuff is of course very important, I&rsquo;d like to get to the meat of this post. Fifty musicians from Wilmington and the surrounding areas got together to put on a show - a big show - celebrating 50 years of The Rolling Stones. Ok, so that part was just a coincidence. We wanted to do the Stones and it just so happened it was in their 50th year. Sounds good though, doesn&rsquo;t it? Another cool thing? We ranged in age from 20-somethings to 60-somethings &ndash; five decades. The theater was completely sold out. Nearly 1000 people came out to see us. Perhaps some of us were accustomed to that sort of crowd, but I found it to be completely exhilarating. Not to mention the fact that this was a true ROCK concert. Most people would classify me as folk or indie pop at most. But this was rock, and I LOVED it. I was on stage with no less than three guitarists at a time. Bass, drums, additional percussion, harmonica, pedal steel, keys, backup vocalists (there were three of us and we nailed those harmonies) and the aforementioned 1000 screaming fans. For me, it was HUGE. See, here&rsquo;s the deal. When I first started playing music, I was afraid of and intimidated by other musicians. What, me? Jam? Um, no thanks. I imagine it came off as somewhat standoffish, when in reality, I was scared out of my wits. I was not nearly talented (i.e., confident) enough to hop up there and not be totally thrown by someone&rsquo;s guitar solo or added percussion that didn't mesh with what was in my head.&nbsp; Trust me, it's chaos up there already.&nbsp; I did try it a few times, and the result, to me, was always disastrous. But I've learned a lot over the years.&nbsp; I've grown in confidence and talent.&nbsp; Now, I WELCOME the jam.&nbsp; I almost prefer to do gigs without rehearsal.&nbsp; I love gaining some new perspective and hearing things through other musicians' ears.&nbsp; I feel I can roll with the big boys now.&nbsp; And roll I did.&nbsp; Here's a little clip from that night:&nbsp; I wanna be a rock star.&nbsp; here. And while all of that fundraising stuff is of course very important, I’d like to get to the meat of this post.

Fifty musicians from Wilmington and the surrounding areas got together to put on a show - a big show - celebrating 50 years of The Rolling Stones. Ok, so that part was just a coincidence. We wanted to do the Stones and it just so happened it was in their 50th year. Sounds good though, doesn’t it? Another cool thing? We ranged in age from 20-somethings to 60-somethings – five decades.

The theater was completely sold out. Nearly 1000 people came out to see us. Perhaps some of us were accustomed to that sort of crowd, but I found it to be completely exhilarating. Not to mention the fact that this was a true ROCK concert. Most people would classify me as folk or indie pop at most. But this was rock, and I LOVED it. I was on stage with no less than three guitarists at a time. Bass, drums, additional percussion, harmonica, pedal steel, keys, backup vocalists (there were three of us and we nailed those harmonies) and the aforementioned 1000 screaming fans. For me, it was HUGE.

See, here’s the deal. When I first started playing music, I was afraid of and intimidated by other musicians. What, me? Jam? Um, no thanks. I imagine it came off as somewhat standoffish, when in reality, I was scared out of my wits. I was not nearly talented (i.e., confident) enough to hop up there and not be totally thrown by someone’s guitar solo or added percussion that didn't mesh with what was in my head.  Trust me, it's chaos up there already.  I did try it a few times, and the result, to me, was always disastrous.

But I've learned a lot over the years.  I've grown in confidence and talent.  Now, I WELCOME the jam.  I almost prefer to do gigs without rehearsal.  I love gaining some new perspective and hearing things through other musicians' ears.  I feel I can roll with the big boys now.  And roll I did.  Here's a little clip from that night: 

I wanna be a rock star. 



]]> Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT B141FB255C8FDC6A8C41760BBCBCDF71 Resolutions (a little late). http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1760043 Hello, friends. This post is getting later and later every year. I did attempt to write this one on New Year&rsquo;s Day, but I wasn&rsquo;t quite ready. The first week of January, I was still baking Christmas cookies for people I hadn&rsquo;t seen yet during the season. So as far as I&rsquo;m concerned, it&rsquo;s around January 10 right now. Which is still late for a resolutions post, but I am who I am. Every year, I get a sense of renewal. THIS is the year things will happen. THIS is the year I will stick to my resolutions and make something of myself and my music. And it&rsquo;s not as if things haven&rsquo;t been happening. They have. Just a lot more slowly than I would have hoped. I&rsquo;m the quick-fix, easy solutions girl, remember? But I have already taken steps this year to make things happen. I shipped 305 CDs and a one sheet to Tinderbox Music. They, in turn, unwrapped the CDs, stuffed and labeled a bunch of envelopes and sent them off to 300 radio stations across the United States. If all goes well, DJs will hear and love my music and want other people to hear and love it, too. Starting today, and for the next eight weeks, I will get reports of which stations may have picked me up and which songs they&rsquo;re playing and how often. My fingers are crossed. Toes, too. I would cross my eyes, but it would make writing this post very difficult. In other news, I have agreed to let some old friends of mine use my music in their independent film. I keep getting very exciting news about said film, but I must keep it under wraps for now. I don't want to spoil the ending, and I don&rsquo;t want to get my hopes up TOO high. But I will say that these old friends of mine are some of the most talented people I know, and they&rsquo;re not passive about this film. Things are happening to move it along every day. In fact, if you'd like to keep up with it, you can like them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Terribly-Good-Day-The-Film/234741439938007" target="_new">Facebook. Ok, and now the list you&rsquo;ve been waiting for all year (ha, I kid). Truth be told, I&rsquo;m still not sure what&rsquo;s going on this list, but here goes: 1. Continue to make things happen. No more excuses. If music is my priority, then let it be my priority. There will be plenty of time to take care of other things. 2. Continue to cultivate my friendships. Make more phone calls, write more letters, read more friends&rsquo; blogs, check their statuses more often (I made a close friends list so they&rsquo;re the first ones that pop up). 3. Keep the post office in business. This goes along with #2. Write more letters. And if I plan on saving the post office, I&rsquo;d better get a move on. I haven&rsquo;t written a single letter yet this year. 4. Learn when to say, &quot;yes.&quot; Learn how to say, &quot;no.&quot;&nbsp; 5. Give myself credit, and cut myself some slack.&nbsp; 6.&nbsp; Update the site more frequently.&nbsp; News is news, no matter how big or small.&nbsp; And it's even more overwhelming when I try to save it all up and do one big update (read, procrastinate).&nbsp; That's it for this year.&nbsp; No long lists or impossible goals.&nbsp; See that?&nbsp; I'm living by number 5 already.&nbsp; A belated happy new year!&nbsp; xo, Nancy M. The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey
This post is getting later and later every year. I did attempt to write this one on New Year’s Day, but I wasn’t quite ready. The first week of January, I was still baking Christmas cookies for people I hadn’t seen yet during the season. So as far as I’m concerned, it’s around January 10 right now. Which is still late for a resolutions post, but I am who I am.

Every year, I get a sense of renewal. THIS is the year things will happen. THIS is the year I will stick to my resolutions and make something of myself and my music. And it’s not as if things haven’t been happening. They have. Just a lot more slowly than I would have hoped. I’m the quick-fix, easy solutions girl, remember?

But I have already taken steps this year to make things happen. I shipped 305 CDs and a one sheet to Tinderbox Music. They, in turn, unwrapped the CDs, stuffed and labeled a bunch of envelopes and sent them off to 300 radio stations across the United States. If all goes well, DJs will hear and love my music and want other people to hear and love it, too. Starting today, and for the next eight weeks, I will get reports of which stations may have picked me up and which songs they’re playing and how often. My fingers are crossed. Toes, too. I would cross my eyes, but it would make writing this post very difficult.

In other news, I have agreed to let some old friends of mine use my music in their independent film. I keep getting very exciting news about said film, but I must keep it under wraps for now. I don't want to spoil the ending, and I don’t want to get my hopes up TOO high. But I will say that these old friends of mine are some of the most talented people I know, and they’re not passive about this film. Things are happening to move it along every day. In fact, if you'd like to keep up with it, you can like them on Facebook.

Ok, and now the list you’ve been waiting for all year (ha, I kid). Truth be told, I’m still not sure what’s going on this list, but here goes:


1. Continue to make things happen. No more excuses. If music is my priority, then let it be my priority. There will be plenty of time to take care of other things.

2. Continue to cultivate my friendships. Make more phone calls, write more letters, read more friends’ blogs, check their statuses more often (I made a close friends list so they’re the first ones that pop up).

3. Keep the post office in business. This goes along with #2. Write more letters. And if I plan on saving the post office, I’d better get a move on. I haven’t written a single letter yet this year.

4. Learn when to say, "yes." Learn how to say, "no." 

5. Give myself credit, and cut myself some slack. 

6.  Update the site more frequently.  News is news, no matter how big or small.  And it's even more overwhelming when I try to save it all up and do one big update (read, procrastinate). 

That's it for this year.  No long lists or impossible goals.  See that?  I'm living by number 5 already. 

A belated happy new year! 

xo,
Nancy M.

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Oprah Winfrey

]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:10:00 GMT A7EE915045E76C982BE8B83FF5B7FFCD It's that time of year again. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1671189 A friend of mine just posted something on Facebook about tomorrow being just tomorrow, not a miraculous, shiny, new beginning.&nbsp; I am aware of the truth of this statement.&nbsp; No one will wake up without those nagging last 5 lbs or a clean house or sudden financial freedom.&nbsp; But I am a dreamer, and a traditionalist, and I will still reflect on this year and make plans to change in the next one.&nbsp; Yes, tomorrow is &quot;just tomorrow,&quot; but I will try to wake up with a clear head and a new perspective.&nbsp; I admit, however, that I already have a to-do list to finish tomorrow before dinner time.&nbsp; I learned a lot about myself this year.&nbsp; My strenghts and weaknesses, my talents, and my relationships.&nbsp; It was definitely a year of reflection.&nbsp; Next year I'm sure I will reflect more. I sat down with the intention of writing my resolutions, but I think I'm still reflecting.&nbsp; So I'll finish this later.&nbsp; It will most likely not be today or tomorrow, so I wish you a very, very happy and healthy New Year.&nbsp; xo, Nancy
But I am a dreamer, and a traditionalist, and I will still reflect on this year and make plans to change in the next one.  Yes, tomorrow is "just tomorrow," but I will try to wake up with a clear head and a new perspective.  I admit, however, that I already have a to-do list to finish tomorrow before dinner time. 

I learned a lot about myself this year.  My strenghts and weaknesses, my talents, and my relationships.  It was definitely a year of reflection.  Next year I'm sure I will reflect more.

I sat down with the intention of writing my resolutions, but I think I'm still reflecting.  So I'll finish this later.  It will most likely not be today or tomorrow, so I wish you a very, very happy and healthy New Year. 

xo,
Nancy
]]> Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:43:39 GMT 884889632F65BB60B29DC64FD3C25848 Rise and shine! http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1509064 Good morning.&nbsp; It is 6:43 in the AM. I don't have to be up for another two hours, but here I am.&nbsp; A perfect time to blog, no? What have I been up to, you ask? Well, last month (or was it two months ago?) I had the chance to be in a studio again, recording some backing vocals and a duet with my good friend, <a href="http://www.denenmusic.com" target="_new">Nate Clendenen.&nbsp; And though it wasn't my own music, I had an amazing time with some AMAZING musicians.&nbsp; I felt inspired and somewhat exhilirated, the way I did when I was recording The One to Shine.&nbsp; So I immediately (well, almost immediately), called up another good friend, <a href="http://www.kyleswartzwelder.com" target="_new">Kyle Swartzwelder, who just happens to do a little recording in his apartment, and made a date for last Sunday. And then, I got in a car accident.&nbsp; Not a bad one - no injuries except to my beloved Prius.&nbsp; But borrowing cars and bumming rides sort of put a delay on the aforementioned recording plans.&nbsp; Beware distracted driving.&nbsp; No, I was not texting, but my eyes were not on the road at that particular moment, and I felt foolish and terrible after it happened.&nbsp; The nice lady's bike-rack-outfitted SUV did a number on me.&nbsp; But, luckily, the Prius was not totaled (thank you, green movement, for adding addtional value to my 7 year old, 160,000 mile vehicle) - (I should mention that only 140,000 of those miles are mine, and I've had it for 4.5 years, so that comes out to roughly 31,000 miles per year and you can now see why it is so beloved (and necessary)).&nbsp; I am anxiously awaiting its return this week (fingers crossed).&nbsp; Another recording date will be planned.&nbsp; Expect an EP at some point next year.&nbsp; Details to follow, of course. I have otherwise been spending a lot of time in the kitchen.&nbsp; Birthdays, retirements, and, let's be honest here - writer's block - have produced a steady stream of baked goods and recipe experiments.&nbsp; I am now subscribed to no fewer than seven food blogs (does Cake Wrecks count?) and my domesticity has skyrocketed.&nbsp; The approaching holiday season will only make it worse.&nbsp; Or better.&nbsp; Cookies galore. I've also been spending a ton of time on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nancymicciulla" target="_new">Pinterest.&nbsp; I would not say I'm addicted - yet - but there is certainly a lot of time wasted on it.&nbsp; No, let me rephrase.&nbsp; It is not wasted, as there is a certain amount of creativity involved, but to me, it's kind of akin to video games vs. outside play.&nbsp; I'm not getting the hands on experience.&nbsp; Or the exercise.&nbsp; Or the social interaction. . .&nbsp; Note to self: this is the perfect time to actually MAKE some of the things I see on Pinterest.&nbsp; It is, afterall, gift giving time.&nbsp; There are more changes ahead in my future.&nbsp; I'll keep you posted.&nbsp; Ooh, are you on the edge of your seat?&nbsp; &quot;Good things come to those who wait.&quot;&nbsp; (This is actually a Proverb, but I'm sure we all think of Heinz ketchup and a guy running down the stairs of his apartment building with a hot dog.&nbsp; It's ok.&nbsp; Go with it.) p.s. UPDATE.&nbsp; The auto-body shop just called - my car is DONE!!!!&nbsp; I'm so excited I can barely contain myself.&nbsp;
What have I been up to, you ask? Well, last month (or was it two months ago?) I had the chance to be in a studio again, recording some backing vocals and a duet with my good friend, Nate Clendenen.  And though it wasn't my own music, I had an amazing time with some AMAZING musicians.  I felt inspired and somewhat exhilirated, the way I did when I was recording The One to Shine.  So I immediately (well, almost immediately), called up another good friend, Kyle Swartzwelder, who just happens to do a little recording in his apartment, and made a date for last Sunday.

And then, I got in a car accident.  Not a bad one - no injuries except to my beloved Prius.  But borrowing cars and bumming rides sort of put a delay on the aforementioned recording plans.  Beware distracted driving.  No, I was not texting, but my eyes were not on the road at that particular moment, and I felt foolish and terrible after it happened.  The nice lady's bike-rack-outfitted SUV did a number on me.  But, luckily, the Prius was not totaled (thank you, green movement, for adding addtional value to my 7 year old, 160,000 mile vehicle) - (I should mention that only 140,000 of those miles are mine, and I've had it for 4.5 years, so that comes out to roughly 31,000 miles per year and you can now see why it is so beloved (and necessary)).  I am anxiously awaiting its return this week (fingers crossed). 

Another recording date will be planned.  Expect an EP at some point next year.  Details to follow, of course.

I have otherwise been spending a lot of time in the kitchen.  Birthdays, retirements, and, let's be honest here - writer's block - have produced a steady stream of baked goods and recipe experiments.  I am now subscribed to no fewer than seven food blogs (does Cake Wrecks count?) and my domesticity has skyrocketed.  The approaching holiday season will only make it worse.  Or better.  Cookies galore.

I've also been spending a ton of time on Pinterest.  I would not say I'm addicted - yet - but there is certainly a lot of time wasted on it.  No, let me rephrase.  It is not wasted, as there is a certain amount of creativity involved, but to me, it's kind of akin to video games vs. outside play.  I'm not getting the hands on experience.  Or the exercise.  Or the social interaction. . .  Note to self: this is the perfect time to actually MAKE some of the things I see on Pinterest.  It is, afterall, gift giving time. 

There are more changes ahead in my future.  I'll keep you posted.  Ooh, are you on the edge of your seat? 

"Good things come to those who wait." 
(This is actually a Proverb, but I'm sure we all think of Heinz ketchup and a guy running down the stairs of his apartment building with a hot dog.  It's ok.  Go with it.)

p.s. UPDATE.  The auto-body shop just called - my car is DONE!!!!  I'm so excited I can barely contain myself. 

]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:22:17 GMT B889554707924C93D665AEF959E206C5 The name game. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1123977 Let me start by saying this: I LOVE my name. Both my first and last names are very important to me. I was named after my Aunt Nancy. She passed away several years before I was born, but having her name makes me feel closer to her. When I was in high school, my grandmother gave me Aunt Nancy&rsquo;s old sewing machine, and then I went on to study costuming in college. I'm pretty sure some of Mom's old vinyls were actually Aunt Nancy's, and I like to think that she and I would have bonded over some Joni Mitchell and vintage sewing patterns. As for my last name, I realize it's hard to read, pronounce, and remember. But I'm proud of it. I come from a long line of artisans - silk makers, trunk makers, a sculptor. My siblings are all creative, too &ndash; it just runs in the family. I&rsquo;ve gotten very used to having this name. Over the years, I&rsquo;ve developed a rhythm when spelling it. M as in Mary, ICC, IU, LLA. They called my Grandfather &ldquo;Mitch&rdquo;, and I&rsquo;ve gotten that nickname, too, at different points in my life. I like having a family nickname. Anyway, what I&rsquo;m getting at here is that my name is extremely sentimental, and as you may have realized, I am an extremely sentimental person. But lately, I have been toying with the idea of changing my name, or maybe using only a part of it, for stage purposes.&nbsp; I don't want to go for something grand like Gaga or Madonna, or something cutesy like Britney or Katy.&nbsp; I don't want to abandon my identity.&nbsp; So I've decided that I'll just be going by Nancy M.&nbsp; I realize, of course, that this requires a lot of work.&nbsp; I have to create a new brand - get my logo redone (or get a new one altogether), change my business cards, change my website.&nbsp; But this is ok with me.&nbsp; Most of you reading this are friends or long time fans, and the change won't be a big deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;And perhaps someday, I'll be able to change BACK to my full name.&nbsp; If Prince can do it, why can't&nbsp;I?&nbsp; :-) Ok friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's all for today.&nbsp; I'll keep you posted on the changes as they happen.&nbsp; It'll be slow going, but it'll go.&nbsp;&nbsp; And today's quote is apropos (though obvious): &quot;What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.&quot; -William Shakespeare&nbsp;
I was named after my Aunt Nancy. She passed away several years before I was born, but having her name makes me feel closer to her. When I was in high school, my grandmother gave me Aunt Nancy’s old sewing machine, and then I went on to study costuming in college. I'm pretty sure some of Mom's old vinyls were actually Aunt Nancy's, and I like to think that she and I would have bonded over some Joni Mitchell and vintage sewing patterns.

As for my last name, I realize it's hard to read, pronounce, and remember. But I'm proud of it. I come from a long line of artisans - silk makers, trunk makers, a sculptor. My siblings are all creative, too – it just runs in the family. I’ve gotten very used to having this name. Over the years, I’ve developed a rhythm when spelling it. M as in Mary, ICC, IU, LLA. They called my Grandfather “Mitch”, and I’ve gotten that nickname, too, at different points in my life. I like having a family nickname.

Anyway, what I’m getting at here is that my name is extremely sentimental, and as you may have realized, I am an extremely sentimental person. But lately, I have been toying with the idea of changing my name, or maybe using only a part of it, for stage purposes. 

I don't want to go for something grand like Gaga or Madonna, or something cutesy like Britney or Katy.  I don't want to abandon my identity.  So I've decided that I'll just be going by Nancy M. 

I realize, of course, that this requires a lot of work.  I have to create a new brand - get my logo redone (or get a new one altogether), change my business cards, change my website.  But this is ok with me.  Most of you reading this are friends or long time fans, and the change won't be a big deal.  And perhaps someday, I'll be able to change BACK to my full name.  If Prince can do it, why can't I?  :-)

Ok friends.  That's all for today.  I'll keep you posted on the changes as they happen.  It'll be slow going, but it'll go.  

And today's quote is apropos (though obvious):

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

-William Shakespeare ]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 03:16:06 GMT 9AA71CD70E452E93CBE9642D70CB1345 A pretty good year. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1102492 I have a confession to make.&nbsp; More to myself than to anyone who may be reading this, but still.&nbsp; I cracked open my journal last night, and I haven't written in it in nearly a year!&nbsp; &nbsp;Shame on me.&nbsp; When I come across articles about how to cure writer's block (which I'm in the middle of), the first thing they&nbsp;say is to write every day - even if it's not something &quot;creative.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oops.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; But that's&nbsp;not the point.&nbsp; The point is, in addition to actually writing in&nbsp;the journal, I actually went&nbsp;back and read all of my entries from March through&nbsp;October of last year, and I can say with&nbsp;absolute certainty that I have made&nbsp;a ton of progress -&nbsp;personally, creatively,&nbsp;emotionally, and financially.&nbsp; Thank goodness.&nbsp; Moving on.&nbsp; This blog has become more about the personal than the business.&nbsp; That's partially due to the fact that there hasn't been much business.&nbsp; Not in the realm of original music, anyway.&nbsp; Rest assured, I am working on this, as I'm rather restless.&nbsp; I have do have new music ready to record, and few new songs in the works.&nbsp; Online sales are steadily increasing (albeit in Europe).&nbsp; And even though I&nbsp;perform more cover music than originals (I DO live at the beach, afterall), there are people at my gigs who know and ask for my original music.&nbsp; And I keep my identities separate so that people know MY name with MY music, and they know GINGER for covers.&nbsp; And speaking of names, I'm thinking of changing mine - not drastically, of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;But that's another blog for another day.&nbsp; Next time.&nbsp; One more thing, though.&nbsp; I noticed my last couple of blogs did not end with quotes.&nbsp; Shame on me again!&nbsp; Here is one to ponder. . . &ldquo;Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.&rdquo; -- Adlai Stevenson
But that's not the point.  The point is, in addition to actually writing in the journal, I actually went back and read all of my entries from March through October of last year, and I can say with absolute certainty that I have made a ton of progress - personally, creatively, emotionally, and financially.  Thank goodness. 

Moving on. 

This blog has become more about the personal than the business.  That's partially due to the fact that there hasn't been much business.  Not in the realm of original music, anyway.  Rest assured, I am working on this, as I'm rather restless.  I have do have new music ready to record, and few new songs in the works.  Online sales are steadily increasing (albeit in Europe).  And even though I perform more cover music than originals (I DO live at the beach, afterall), there are people at my gigs who know and ask for my original music.  And I keep my identities separate so that people know MY name with MY music, and they know GINGER for covers. 

And speaking of names, I'm thinking of changing mine - not drastically, of course.  But that's another blog for another day.  Next time. 

One more thing, though.  I noticed my last couple of blogs did not end with quotes.  Shame on me again!  Here is one to ponder. . .

“Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.”
? Adlai Stevenson

]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:52:45 GMT C617A22CF7D332FD28D50B36E9798379 To-dos. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=1025619 My brain, on any given day, is swarming with thoughts of to-dos.&nbsp; Have-to-dos, want-to-dos, would-rather-dos, could-dos, can-dos, would-love-to-dos, and wish-I-could-dos.&nbsp; Songs I could write, crafts I could craft, cakes I could whip up, business ventures I could start in the hopes of making lots of money really fast so I could perhaps&nbsp;take care of&nbsp;the aforementioned have-to-dos and move on to the more desirable wish-I-could-dos.&nbsp; I have a long list of books to read.&nbsp; A book full of jewelry and craft projects I want to start.&nbsp; An entire bookshelf of cookbooks with mouthwatering recipes to try.&nbsp; I could&nbsp;make a little catalog of all&nbsp;of&nbsp;my various crafts&nbsp;- maybe sell them at Christmas.&nbsp; Ornaments.&nbsp; Jewelry.&nbsp; Paintings.&nbsp; Cookies.&nbsp; I've just taken up crocheting, too, as if I needed another hobby.&nbsp; I have just scratched the surface of what goes through my head on a daily basis.&nbsp; The problem is that I have just as many, if not more, &quot;buts.&quot;&nbsp; And while it seems as if I'm doing nothing to make the &quot;to-dos&quot; happen, that is not the case.&nbsp; I am tackling the &quot;buts&quot; first.&nbsp; And doing very well.&nbsp;
I have a long list of books to read.  A book full of jewelry and craft projects I want to start.  An entire bookshelf of cookbooks with mouthwatering recipes to try. 

I could make a little catalog of all of my various crafts - maybe sell them at Christmas.  Ornaments.  Jewelry.  Paintings.  Cookies.  I've just taken up crocheting, too, as if I needed another hobby. 

I have just scratched the surface of what goes through my head on a daily basis.  The problem is that I have just as many, if not more, "buts."  And while it seems as if I'm doing nothing to make the "to-dos" happen, that is not the case.  I am tackling the "buts" first.  And doing very well. ]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:19:11 GMT C440ADF325AFE032605D5847AC54E023 Oops. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=995627 I had not intended to let this much time pass since my last blog.&nbsp; But I say that every time, don't I?&nbsp; Clearly, setting a little reminder in my phone to write a weekly blog on Tuesdays has not worked.&nbsp; Week after week, I simply put a little check mark, indicating that it's done.&nbsp; My name is Nancy, and I am a procrastinator.&nbsp; I often wonder how to fix this about myself, but in true fashion, I get overwhelmed at the prospect and then just stay the same.&nbsp; Maybe I'll make a mid-year resolution.&nbsp; Who says&nbsp;I have to wait until the New Year?&nbsp; Saturday is my birthday, so it's MY new year.&nbsp; I will be less of a procrastinator and more of doer.&nbsp; No matter how overwhelmed I am, I only make it worse by waiting.&nbsp;
My name is Nancy, and I am a procrastinator. 

I often wonder how to fix this about myself, but in true fashion, I get overwhelmed at the prospect and then just stay the same.  Maybe I'll make a mid-year resolution.  Who says I have to wait until the New Year?  Saturday is my birthday, so it's MY new year. 

I will be less of a procrastinator and more of doer.  No matter how overwhelmed I am, I only make it worse by waiting. ]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 01:50:52 GMT 97F1DCD5F32DF5D2D091210FE8EC2D24 In like a lion. . . http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=802730 Happy March!&nbsp; The year is already&nbsp;one-sixth over.&nbsp; Did it seem to go quickly for anyone else, or am I crazy?&nbsp; Or am I just crazy for divinding it into sixths?&nbsp; I can't help it.&nbsp; I'm a bank teller now.&nbsp; My days go by in numbers.&nbsp; I can honestly say I'm really enjoying my new job.&nbsp; I'm enjoying life, in general.&nbsp; I live at the beach.&nbsp; I work a lot, but still have a lot of free time.&nbsp; I have time to learn things, create things, write new songs.&nbsp; The weather is getting nicer, and I can take a walk down and visit the ocean anytime I'd like.&nbsp; The air is cleaner, the sun is brighter, and the seafood is better.&nbsp; At this point in my life, I don't want to ask for much more.&nbsp; I'll take things as they come.&nbsp; Anyway.&nbsp; Tonight I've got a few things going on.&nbsp; After work, I'll be helping out with my local Brownie troop, making paper flowers.&nbsp; it's occurred to me in the last few years how much I enjoy working with children.&nbsp; I'm currently working on opening my own location of Makin' Music.&nbsp; I'll keep you updated on that. After the Brownies, I'll be heading to the Frogg Pond in Rehoboth for Rehoboth's Got Talent - a local competition with a big cash prize.&nbsp; I get to play my original music and people vote for us.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's fun, but stressful, too.&nbsp; I have a competitive side, and it's hard to remember that things like this have very little to do with actual talent.&nbsp; I have to concentrate on letting go while I'm there and just having fun with it!&nbsp;&nbsp; Anything you have trouble letting go of?&nbsp; Happy March!  The year is already one-sixth over.  Did it seem to go quickly for anyone else, or am I crazy?  Or am I just crazy for divinding it into sixths?  I can't help it.  I'm a bank teller now.  My days go by in numbers. 

I can honestly say I'm really enjoying my new job.  I'm enjoying life, in general.  I live at the beach.  I work a lot, but still have a lot of free time.  I have time to learn things, create things, write new songs.  The weather is getting nicer, and I can take a walk down and visit the ocean anytime I'd like.  The air is cleaner, the sun is brighter, and the seafood is better.  At this point in my life, I don't want to ask for much more.  I'll take things as they come. 

Anyway. 

Tonight I've got a few things going on.  After work, I'll be helping out with my local Brownie troop, making paper flowers.  it's occurred to me in the last few years how much I enjoy working with children.  I'm currently working on opening my own location of Makin' Music.  I'll keep you updated on that.

After the Brownies, I'll be heading to the Frogg Pond in Rehoboth for Rehoboth's Got Talent - a local competition with a big cash prize.  I get to play my original music and people vote for us.  It's fun, but stressful, too.  I have a competitive side, and it's hard to remember that things like this have very little to do with actual talent.  I have to concentrate on letting go while I'm there and just having fun with it!  

Anything you have trouble letting go of? 

]]> Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:45:00 GMT 4A376DA8771BE25F23B45FB545705498 Movin' on up! http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=781446 It's a dreary day here at the beach. Cloudy, drizzling, cool. The weather channel says it's 52 degrees, but it certainly doesn't feel that way. It's good weather for relaxing and regrouping. Cleaning up and cleaning out. I'm actually moving, again, in three weeks. I'm staying at the beach - just moving into a new apartment. A change of scenery, if you will. The apartment we found is incredible. It's straight out of the 50s, with a bunch of little details that make it extremely unique. We have an old fashioned elevator with a sliding grate. It doesn't work, but it still looks cool. We have a <a target="_new" href="http://wedgwoodtulsa.blogspot.com/2009/07/vintage-nutone-in-built-food-center.html">NuTone In-Built Food Center.&nbsp; I'm in the process of scouring eBay to find the accessories for it.&nbsp; It's all knotty pine, with oak beams, cedar lined closets.&nbsp; A huge great room, a bigger bedroom, dual vanities in the bathroom, with aluminum tiling.&nbsp; <a target="_new" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67995375/vintage-mid-century-modern-danish-modern?ref=sr_list_26&amp;ga_search_query=mid+century&amp;ga_search_type=vintage&amp;ga_category=vintage.furniture&amp;ga_page=5&amp;ga_facet=">This couch (aside from the price) would be perfect.&nbsp; This week we're off to the thrift and antique stores to find some nifty stuff.&nbsp; I'm excited!
The apartment we found is incredible. It's straight out of the 50s, with a bunch of little details that make it extremely unique. We have an old fashioned elevator with a sliding grate. It doesn't work, but it still looks cool. We have a NuTone In-Built Food Center.  I'm in the process of scouring eBay to find the accessories for it.  It's all knotty pine, with oak beams, cedar lined closets.  A huge great room, a bigger bedroom, dual vanities in the bathroom, with aluminum tiling.  This couch (aside from the price) would be perfect. 

This week we're off to the thrift and antique stores to find some nifty stuff.  I'm excited!

]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:27:42 GMT EE1F3CDC6BBC9A8BB8E8A3339293B2DB Easy? http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=721764 It's Tuesday morning/almost afternoon. I'm on my couch, watching The Price is Right, and wishing I could go on some game show and win gobs of money, thereby solving my financial problems and lifting the giant weight off my chest.&nbsp; I'd kick butt on Wheel of Fortune. There I go again, looking for quick fixes and easy ways out.&nbsp; Oy.&nbsp; Well this might get the record for shortest blog post ever (by me - who knows what else is out there?).&nbsp; But I'm off to do some research and beading.&nbsp; Oh, and to ship an order I received over the weekend!&nbsp; Woohoo! But of course, a quote first. . . All things are difficult before they are easy. ~ Thomas Fuller xo, Nancy
I'm on my couch, watching The Price is Right, and wishing I could go on some game show and win gobs of money, thereby solving my financial problems and lifting the giant weight off my chest.  I'd kick butt on Wheel of Fortune.

There I go again, looking for quick fixes and easy ways out. 

Oy.  Well this might get the record for shortest blog post ever (by me - who knows what else is out there?).  But I'm off to do some research and beading.  Oh, and to ship an order I received over the weekend!  Woohoo!

But of course, a quote first. . .

All things are difficult before they are easy. ~ Thomas Fuller

xo,
Nancy

]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:50:00 GMT 517F70E2E4A49308574DCA7AD0DED42C First post of the new year! http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=709926 2011.&nbsp; Goodness.&nbsp; January is already 2/3 gone, and to be honest, I have no idea where it went!&nbsp; I've spent the last few weeks redesigning the site.&nbsp; Lemme know what you think! So in keeping up with lifetime traditions, I've made a few resolutions for 2011.&nbsp; Though this year, they're a little more abstract.&nbsp; Fewer to-dos.&nbsp; Less changing.&nbsp; More improving.&nbsp; It's easy to get discouraged when I have a list of unfinished things.&nbsp; But simply working toward something is much easier to swallow.&nbsp; So here they are. 1.&nbsp; Stop biting off more than I can chew.&nbsp; I have a habit of taking on too much and burning out quickly.&nbsp; Though I heard a quote last night in &quot;When You're Strange&quot;, a documentary about The Doors (excellent, by the way - highly recommended).&nbsp; In reference to Jim Morrison, the narrator said, &quot;You can't burn out if your'e not on fire.&quot;&nbsp; So very true.&nbsp; I'd just like to be on fire a little less.&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Stop winging it.&nbsp; Practice makes perfect, and I am, more often than not, out of practice.&nbsp; This applies to more than music. 3.&nbsp; Confront the fear!&nbsp; I am sometimes so overwhelmed by this business that I don't do anything at all.&nbsp; Not good. 4.&nbsp; Go back to working for myself.&nbsp; I've got a few things hanging over my head that I need to take care of, and so I've been back in the work force since I moved back to the beach.&nbsp; In fact, until this month, I had four jobs!&nbsp; I'm down to three now, including music.&nbsp; And I've picked up a regular gig, which means I can pick up less stressful, more enjoyable day jobs.&nbsp; That makes it much easier to do what I gotta do.&nbsp; 5.&nbsp; This kind of ties in with #4.&nbsp; You may or may not know this, but I'm pretty crafty.&nbsp; As in, arts and crafts.&nbsp; My grandparents owned a craft store when I was a kid, and I've been hooked ever since.&nbsp; I can spend hours in a Michael's or AC Moore just wandering the aisles (I can do this in Staples, too, but that's beside the point).&nbsp; On my links page (<a target="_new" href="./myfavorites.cfm">my favorites)&nbsp; I've listed <a target="_new" href="http://www.etsy.com">etsy.com.&nbsp; I'd like to spend a little time this year building my own etsy store, or perhaps putting together a little catalog of the things I make.&nbsp; 6.&nbsp; Write more letters.&nbsp; This one worked for me last year, so I'd like to continue it.&nbsp; I enjoyed it.&nbsp; 7.&nbsp; Send birthday cards.&nbsp; Homemade birthday cards. &nbsp; OK, so the last few are &quot;to-dos&quot;.&nbsp; But they're easy ones.&nbsp; And of course, I have to leave you with some inspiration.&nbsp; This one is inspired by resolution #4: &quot;Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles.&quot; - Charlie Chaplin If I could, I'd like to change that just a bit to say, &quot;. . .especially our troubles.&quot; Happy 2011 everyone.&nbsp; Wishing you all the very best.&nbsp; xo, Nancy
So in keeping up with lifetime traditions, I've made a few resolutions for 2011.  Though this year, they're a little more abstract.  Fewer to-dos.  Less changing.  More improving.  It's easy to get discouraged when I have a list of unfinished things.  But simply working toward something is much easier to swallow.  So here they are.

1.  Stop biting off more than I can chew.  I have a habit of taking on too much and burning out quickly.  Though I heard a quote last night in "When You're Strange", a documentary about The Doors (excellent, by the way - highly recommended).  In reference to Jim Morrison, the narrator said, "You can't burn out if your'e not on fire."  So very true.  I'd just like to be on fire a little less. 
2.  Stop winging it.  Practice makes perfect, and I am, more often than not, out of practice.  This applies to more than music.
3.  Confront the fear!  I am sometimes so overwhelmed by this business that I don't do anything at all.  Not good.
4.  Go back to working for myself.  I've got a few things hanging over my head that I need to take care of, and so I've been back in the work force since I moved back to the beach.  In fact, until this month, I had four jobs!  I'm down to three now, including music.  And I've picked up a regular gig, which means I can pick up less stressful, more enjoyable day jobs.  That makes it much easier to do what I gotta do. 
5.  This kind of ties in with #4.  You may or may not know this, but I'm pretty crafty.  As in, arts and crafts.  My grandparents owned a craft store when I was a kid, and I've been hooked ever since.  I can spend hours in a Michael's or AC Moore just wandering the aisles (I can do this in Staples, too, but that's beside the point).  On my links page (my favorites)  I've listed etsy.com.  I'd like to spend a little time this year building my own etsy store, or perhaps putting together a little catalog of the things I make. 
6.  Write more letters.  This one worked for me last year, so I'd like to continue it.  I enjoyed it. 
7.  Send birthday cards.  Homemade birthday cards.  

OK, so the last few are "to-dos".  But they're easy ones. 

And of course, I have to leave you with some inspiration.  This one is inspired by resolution #4:

"Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles." - Charlie Chaplin

If I could, I'd like to change that just a bit to say, ". . .especially our troubles."

Happy 2011 everyone.  Wishing you all the very best. 

xo,
Nancy

]]> Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:40:00 GMT 8559E6397BD87DC6D301DDB5E51A28D9 Rollin', rollin', rollin'. . . http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=437989 So in an effort to keep the blog ball rolling, I thought I'd share a few more tidbits. . . Yesterday, I got an email from the good folks over at Origivation Magazine, telling me about this glowing review from Jason Sendaula: &quot;Philadelphia native Nancy Micciulla's The One To Shine is a captivating collection of songs that come together in a way that most debut efforts don't. The strength of her voice magically delicately carries the listener through the emotional ups and downs and doesn't let them&nbsp; down. This is a great album and we look forward to many more from her.&quot; &nbsp; Nice!&nbsp; I didn't even know I was being reviewed.&nbsp; The email also came with an invite to play at Triumph Brewery for one of their songwriter showcase nights.&nbsp; Not too shabby, huh?&nbsp; I'll post details of that when it's confirmed.&nbsp; Let's see, what else?&nbsp; Last night I went to the Phillies game with an old friend, and we had a blast!&nbsp; I swear hot dogs taste better when you're watching a game.&nbsp; And a good game it was, too - 10-6 Phils.&nbsp; I'm loyal to my city's teams, can't help it.&nbsp; And tonight I did a video shoot with my wedding band, eFusion Love.&nbsp; We did an unplugged set.&nbsp; That's right folks, I now do acoustic versions of&nbsp; Katy Perry's &quot;California Gurls&quot; and Lady Gaga's &quot;Just Dance&quot;, as well as a few Taylor Swift songs.&nbsp; And speaking of cover songs. . . I've come across quite a few musicians over the years, and audience members, too, that have a hard time with playing (or hearing) covers.&nbsp; Some musicians consider it to be beneath them to play other people's music.&nbsp; One guy in a crowd asked me why I was &quot;settling&quot; for doing covers when I have my own original music.&nbsp; And while I do sometimes wish I could get the same response out of people when I play &quot;Wildflowers&quot; as I do when I play &quot;Don't Stop Believin&quot;, the truth is that I am loving EVERY MINUTE that I'm performing, regardless of the song.&nbsp; Sometimes, I just want to sing! &nbsp; This isn't to say, however, that I wasn't a little indignant when a woman approached me after a show, picked up my CD, asked me if &quot;Bobby McGee&quot; was on it, and said &quot;Oh, I thought it was all covers,&quot; before she put it down and walked away.&nbsp; Sigh.&nbsp; But who doesn't love a little &quot;Walkin' On Sunshine&quot; or &quot;Hit Me With Your Best Shot&quot;?&nbsp; &quot;Material Girl&quot;?&nbsp; Bring it on.&nbsp; I'm having fun, and I'm getting paid to do so.&nbsp; Not many people can say that.&nbsp; And the best part is that all proceeds go toward the next time I get to sing &quot;Wildflowers&quot; or to recording &quot;No More.&quot;&nbsp; It's all part of my master plan.&nbsp; And now, I will leave you with the following pieces of inspiration: &quot;Do what you love, love what you do, leave the world a better place and don't pick your nose.&quot; - Jeff Mallett and &quot;Just dance.&nbsp; It'll be OK.&quot; - Lady Gaga xo, Nancy &nbsp;
Yesterday, I got an email from the good folks over at Origivation Magazine, telling me about this glowing review from Jason Sendaula:

"Philadelphia native Nancy Micciulla's The One To Shine is a captivating collection of songs that come together in a way that most debut efforts don't. The strength of her voice magically delicately carries the listener through the emotional ups and downs and doesn't let them  down. This is a great album and we look forward to many more from her."
 
Nice!  I didn't even know I was being reviewed.  The email also came with an invite to play at Triumph Brewery for one of their songwriter showcase nights.  Not too shabby, huh?  I'll post details of that when it's confirmed. 

Let's see, what else? 

Last night I went to the Phillies game with an old friend, and we had a blast!  I swear hot dogs taste better when you're watching a game.  And a good game it was, too - 10-6 Phils.  I'm loyal to my city's teams, can't help it. 

And tonight I did a video shoot with my wedding band, eFusion Love.  We did an unplugged set.  That's right folks, I now do acoustic versions of  Katy Perry's "California Gurls" and Lady Gaga's "Just Dance", as well as a few Taylor Swift songs. 

And speaking of cover songs. . .

I've come across quite a few musicians over the years, and audience members, too, that have a hard time with playing (or hearing) covers.  Some musicians consider it to be beneath them to play other people's music.  One guy in a crowd asked me why I was "settling" for doing covers when I have my own original music.  And while I do sometimes wish I could get the same response out of people when I play "Wildflowers" as I do when I play "Don't Stop Believin", the truth is that I am loving EVERY MINUTE that I'm performing, regardless of the song.  Sometimes, I just want to sing!  

This isn't to say, however, that I wasn't a little indignant when a woman approached me after a show, picked up my CD, asked me if "Bobby McGee" was on it, and said "Oh, I thought it was all covers," before she put it down and walked away.  Sigh. 

But who doesn't love a little "Walkin' On Sunshine" or "Hit Me With Your Best Shot"?  "Material Girl"?  Bring it on.  I'm having fun, and I'm getting paid to do so.  Not many people can say that.  And the best part is that all proceeds go toward the next time I get to sing "Wildflowers" or to recording "No More."  It's all part of my master plan. 

And now, I will leave you with the following pieces of inspiration:

"Do what you love, love what you do, leave the world a better place and don't pick your nose." - Jeff Mallett

and

"Just dance.  It'll be OK." - Lady Gaga

xo,
Nancy
 
]]> Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:30:00 GMT F82DA8A7E2AFA75CD74F09B98310366B Feast or Famine http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=433840 Hello, All!&nbsp; Yes, I am actually writing a blog.&nbsp; Don't be TOO shocked.&nbsp; This summer, as usual, was a busy one for me.&nbsp; But things have calmed down a bit.&nbsp; &quot;Bit&quot; being the operative word.&nbsp; If you check out the <a href="./shows.cfm" target="_new">shows page, you'll see I've got a BUNCH coming up in the next few weeks, and I do hope to see you.&nbsp; It's always feast or famine for me! A lot has been happening in my musical corner of the world.&nbsp; I am (sadly) no longer with Catch 22, the cover band with which I sang for two and a half years.&nbsp; It was a great run, but my own projects got in the way.&nbsp; And speaking of projects. . . I've been working with a party band called eFusion Love. We're a band/dj hybrid, playing weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and corporate events. The talent in the band is incredible.&nbsp; We'll have a promo video up shortly - I'll post the link later.&nbsp; April 2010 brought the debut of my new cover band in the Rehoboth Beach area - GINGER.&nbsp; We've got a great lineup - Mike Curry, Dale Loeser, (both of Electric Velvet in Rehoboth) and Corey Bonser (from Philly, I randomly met him at Starbucks and he rocks!).&nbsp; Yes, we are a cover band, but we do our best to break the mold.&nbsp; An eclectic mix of songs everyone loves but not many bands cover.&nbsp; Motown, 60s, 80s.&nbsp; Come out and see us sometime - you'll be hooked.&nbsp; Oh, AND, I actually play electric in said band.&nbsp; It's a whole new world for me.&nbsp; A loud one.&nbsp; I like it.&nbsp; But now on to some non-, rather, semi-, musical happenings. I have decided to move back down to the beach.&nbsp; There are many reasons - some entirely personal, some entirely professional, and some a little bit of both.&nbsp; Yes, I dare to mix business and pleasure.&nbsp; I'm so adventurous.&nbsp; But now, I must sleep.&nbsp; It is 1:43 in the AM and my eyelids are drooping.&nbsp; Sleep well, and sweet dreams to you. xo, Nancy p.s.&nbsp; Almost forgot a quote!&nbsp; This one comes from Ed Helms, as Andy, on The Office : &quot;They say you should never mix business with pleasure. Really? Well then, explain to me how a putt-putt golf company operates.&quot; p.s.s.&nbsp; Clearly, I am a little loopy in my tired state. . .
Yes, I am actually writing a blog.  Don't be TOO shocked. 

This summer, as usual, was a busy one for me.  But things have calmed down a bit.  "Bit" being the operative word.  If you check out the shows page, you'll see I've got a BUNCH coming up in the next few weeks, and I do hope to see you.  It's always feast or famine for me!

A lot has been happening in my musical corner of the world.  I am (sadly) no longer with Catch 22, the cover band with which I sang for two and a half years.  It was a great run, but my own projects got in the way.  And speaking of projects. . .

I've been working with a party band called eFusion Love. We're a band/dj hybrid, playing weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and corporate events. The talent in the band is incredible.  We'll have a promo video up shortly - I'll post the link later. 

April 2010 brought the debut of my new cover band in the Rehoboth Beach area - GINGER.  We've got a great lineup - Mike Curry, Dale Loeser, (both of Electric Velvet in Rehoboth) and Corey Bonser (from Philly, I randomly met him at Starbucks and he rocks!).  Yes, we are a cover band, but we do our best to break the mold.  An eclectic mix of songs everyone loves but not many bands cover.  Motown, 60s, 80s.  Come out and see us sometime - you'll be hooked.  Oh, AND, I actually play electric in said band.  It's a whole new world for me.  A loud one.  I like it. 

But now on to some non-, rather, semi-, musical happenings.

I have decided to move back down to the beach.  There are many reasons - some entirely personal, some entirely professional, and some a little bit of both.  Yes, I dare to mix business and pleasure.  I'm so adventurous. 

But now, I must sleep.  It is 1:43 in the AM and my eyelids are drooping. 

Sleep well, and sweet dreams to you.

xo,
Nancy

p.s.  Almost forgot a quote!  This one comes from Ed Helms, as Andy, on The Office : "They say you should never mix business with pleasure. Really? Well then, explain to me how a putt-putt golf company operates."

p.s.s.  Clearly, I am a little loopy in my tired state. . .


]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:15:00 GMT A1A95BA4C0908E07DCE0B4875B9BA939 Plan B. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=313420 A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure and privilege of speaking with a successful producer in Harrisburg.&nbsp; He's worked with a lot of musicians - local, national, international, some famous and some not so famous.&nbsp; No, this was not a meeting to discuss my next album (yet), and there were no big promises made on either side.&nbsp; Rather, it was simply an afternoon spent chatting about the business, what I've done, what I'd like to do, and what some of my next steps could be.&nbsp; I say &quot;could&quot; because there are so many people who say what my next steps &quot;should&quot; be, but if there's anything I've learned, it's that there is no magic formula, no one thing that I &quot;should&quot; do that will skyrocket me into stardom.&nbsp; Except perhaps for this next thing. . . As we chatted, I said I'd thought about going back to school for early childhood education, and he said this:&nbsp; &quot;Do not have a plan B, because you will use it.&quot;&nbsp; Truer words, as pertaining to me, were never spoken. So I have let go of my plan B for now - instead of researching online education, I am researching more places to play.&nbsp; Instead of looking on craigslist for jobs as preschool teacher assistants, I took on a part time job as a singer in a wedding band - it builds on my experience, exposes me to more styles of music, and it helps me to gain more confidence as a performer - all of which are extremely important.&nbsp; And, let's face it, it's fun.&nbsp; I enjoy a cheesy sing-along as much as anyone, and I love getting all dressed up. All of this &quot;should&quot; lead to more exciting things on my musical horizon.&nbsp; Can't wait! xo, Nancy
As we chatted, I said I'd thought about going back to school for early childhood education, and he said this:  "Do not have a plan B, because you will use it." 

Truer words, as pertaining to me, were never spoken.

So I have let go of my plan B for now - instead of researching online education, I am researching more places to play.  Instead of looking on craigslist for jobs as preschool teacher assistants, I took on a part time job as a singer in a wedding band - it builds on my experience, exposes me to more styles of music, and it helps me to gain more confidence as a performer - all of which are extremely important.  And, let's face it, it's fun.  I enjoy a cheesy sing-along as much as anyone, and I love getting all dressed up.

All of this "should" lead to more exciting things on my musical horizon.  Can't wait!

xo,
Nancy

]]> Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:14:40 GMT DC98BD216A34B04E78FE59A697CD347F Hello stranger, it's been a while. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=257698 Yes, it has certainly been a while.&nbsp; I have, as of late, been down in the doldrums - winter often does that to me - but I am on my way up again.&nbsp; Webster has three definitions for &quot;doldrums&quot;: 1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency 2 : often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds 3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump The first and third definitions I'm familiar with, but the second one fascinates me - it's almost the opposite of the other two.&nbsp; This part of the ocean is not stagnant, rather, it is somewhat chaotic.&nbsp; I could go on, breaking down the definitions and putting the words in all their various contexts.&nbsp; A squall, in the above context, is a thunderstorm occuring along a cold front.&nbsp; In another context it means &quot;a raucous cry.&quot;&nbsp; &quot;Raucous&quot; comes with what might be my favorite definition of the night - &quot;boisterously disorderly.&quot; And that kind of brings me full circle, because while I was in my state of inactivity, my thoughts were still very boisterously disordered, which made it difficult to write.&nbsp; Now clearly, they're still not very orderly, but this was fun for me.&nbsp; :-) Today was a relatively productive day - I made some calls/sent a few emails about booking, looked into a few new venues, discovered a new trick on my website, and spent some time trying to explain the laws of gravity and physics the three-year-old I was babysitting.&nbsp; He figured it out pretty quickly, too - smart cookie.&nbsp; Aside from the winter blues, I faced a few blows on the musical/financial front in the past few months - cancelled gigs, closed bars, some car problems - all things to send my brain into a bit of a tailspin.&nbsp; Now, in the past, I have been known to take the easy way out.&nbsp; I look for quick fixes, and if one is not available, I give up.&nbsp; But the music business does not allow for that sort of behavior, and I have come a little too far to take the easy way out, now.&nbsp; That would just be silly.&nbsp; I am, however, giving up on this blog, as I can see it's not going anywhere.&nbsp; But, as always, I leave you with these little morsels: &ldquo;Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.&rdquo; &nbsp;- Bill Cosby &ldquo;You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that? Come up with a smiling face, It's nothing against you to fall down flat But to lie there -- that's a disgrace.&rdquo; - Edmund Vance Cooke And, to put things simply: &quot;The only way out is through, ultimately.&quot; - Alanis Morissette xo, Nancy p.s.&nbsp; While you're reading, check out my new <a href="./bio.cfm" target="_new">bio!&nbsp; A good friend of mine helped me out with it (ok, he wrote the whole thing) - let me know what you think!
Webster has three definitions for "doldrums":

1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 : often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

The first and third definitions I'm familiar with, but the second one fascinates me - it's almost the opposite of the other two.  This part of the ocean is not stagnant, rather, it is somewhat chaotic. 

I could go on, breaking down the definitions and putting the words in all their various contexts.  A squall, in the above context, is a thunderstorm occuring along a cold front.  In another context it means "a raucous cry."  "Raucous" comes with what might be my favorite definition of the night - "boisterously disorderly."

And that kind of brings me full circle, because while I was in my state of inactivity, my thoughts were still very boisterously disordered, which made it difficult to write.  Now clearly, they're still not very orderly, but this was fun for me.  :-)

Today was a relatively productive day - I made some calls/sent a few emails about booking, looked into a few new venues, discovered a new trick on my website, and spent some time trying to explain the laws of gravity and physics the three-year-old I was babysitting.  He figured it out pretty quickly, too - smart cookie. 

Aside from the winter blues, I faced a few blows on the musical/financial front in the past few months - cancelled gigs, closed bars, some car problems - all things to send my brain into a bit of a tailspin.  Now, in the past, I have been known to take the easy way out.  I look for quick fixes, and if one is not available, I give up.  But the music business does not allow for that sort of behavior, and I have come a little too far to take the easy way out, now.  That would just be silly. 

I am, however, giving up on this blog, as I can see it's not going anywhere.  But, as always, I leave you with these little morsels:

“Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.”
 - Bill Cosby

“You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that?
Come up with a smiling face,
It's nothing against you to fall down flat
But to lie there -- that's a disgrace.”
- Edmund Vance Cooke

And, to put things simply:
"The only way out is through, ultimately."
- Alanis Morissette

xo,
Nancy

p.s.  While you're reading, check out my new bio!  A good friend of mine helped me out with it (ok, he wrote the whole thing) - let me know what you think!

]]> Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT A0A0408656F9504E1E0F87DF9D685F65 What to say, what to say. . . http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=175733 Literally, what to say?&nbsp; I do have a few pieces of news.&nbsp; I've been chosen to showcase at the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg in February, which is very exciting.&nbsp; A lot of people aren't crazy about conferences, but I learn so much when I'm there.&nbsp; It's nice to know when I'm on the right track and what I may need to change up.&nbsp; It's also great to just get my name OUT THERE.&nbsp; Where, you ask?&nbsp; I don't know.&nbsp; Just THERE.&nbsp; Kyle Swartzwelder will be joining me at said showcase - it will be a fabulous show.&nbsp; If you find yourself in the Harrisburg area on Feb 19 (or if you happen to live there), would love, love, love to see you there. Let's see, what else? Ah, I have just booked another date at the wonderful Tin Angel in Olde City, Philadelphia.&nbsp; March 14, 7:30 PM.&nbsp; The rest of the bill is yet to be determined, but it will be a good show, promise.&nbsp; We're changing the band lineup a bit, too, so it won't be the same old thing! The Christmas show that was cancelled at Burlap &amp; Bean is now going to happen in July.&nbsp; What fun!&nbsp; More details to follow. . . This has been an entirely boring blog post.&nbsp; No deep thoughts or inspiring quotes.&nbsp; But it is what it is, and I am what I am - today.&nbsp; Tomorrow I may be entirely different.&nbsp; Ok, ok, I can't resist a good quote.&nbsp; Here goes: &quot;Speak what you think today in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said today.&quot; - Ralph Waldo Emerson Or, in simpler, pop-cultural terms, &quot;It's my prerogative.&quot;&nbsp; - Bobby Brown xo, Nancy
I do have a few pieces of news.  I've been chosen to showcase at the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg in February, which is very exciting.  A lot of people aren't crazy about conferences, but I learn so much when I'm there.  It's nice to know when I'm on the right track and what I may need to change up.  It's also great to just get my name OUT THERE.  Where, you ask?  I don't know.  Just THERE.  Kyle Swartzwelder will be joining me at said showcase - it will be a fabulous show.  If you find yourself in the Harrisburg area on Feb 19 (or if you happen to live there), would love, love, love to see you there.

Let's see, what else?

Ah, I have just booked another date at the wonderful Tin Angel in Olde City, Philadelphia.  March 14, 7:30 PM.  The rest of the bill is yet to be determined, but it will be a good show, promise.  We're changing the band lineup a bit, too, so it won't be the same old thing!

The Christmas show that was cancelled at Burlap & Bean is now going to happen in July.  What fun!  More details to follow. . .

This has been an entirely boring blog post.  No deep thoughts or inspiring quotes.  But it is what it is, and I am what I am - today.  Tomorrow I may be entirely different. 

Ok, ok, I can't resist a good quote.  Here goes:

"Speak what you think today in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said today." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Or, in simpler, pop-cultural terms, "It's my prerogative."  - Bobby Brown

xo,
Nancy

]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:39:13 GMT 6E420B4745D8A0B184361880F8BE5A79 Overdrive. Overhaul. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=169598 This is perhaps not the best time to be writing a blog. I am in a blah mood. It's been raining all day, and I didn't get a very good night's sleep. Though my brain is on overdrive today, so I suppose it's as good a time as any.&nbsp; On a side note, every time I mention to someone, or even to myself, that I didn't get a good night's sleep, the song &quot;Last Night I Didn't Get To Sleep At All&quot; by The 5th Dimension pops into my head, and it stays for quite some time.&nbsp; Just thought I'd throw that out there.&nbsp; Anyway, this brain-on-overdrive thing is not uncommon for me. I've oft been accused of thinking too much, and I am most certainly guilty. I analyze, I criticize, I second-guess, I get ahead of myself, I get behind myself, I project, I backstep, I keep it all in, I talk myself out, I torture, I reward, I make lists, I multi-task, I focus, I divert. And in the end, I write a song. Or a blog, as it were. Moving on.&nbsp; I thought I'd give a little update on my resolutions from my last post.&nbsp; As I mentioned, I'm a New Year's Resolution kind of girl.&nbsp; I reset myself, go into overhaul mode. This year is no different. I have thus far gone back to the gym, started drinking more water, picked up a part-time job (it's music related), rearranged my room (I purged. A LOT.), started a new hobby (rock-climbing), started a new art project (a set of paintings for Mom's house), written letters every week, created (and am trying extremely hard to implement) a monthly budget that will hopefully get me to Italy, which was another of those resolutions. . . Flossing, however, still eludes me.&nbsp; Baby steps, Nancy, baby steps.&nbsp; It is true that last night I didn't get to sleep at all, so here I must bid you good night.&nbsp; O bed! O bed! delicious bed!That heaven upon earth to the weary head.&mdash; Thomas Hood, Miss Kilmansegg - Her Dream
Anyway, this brain-on-overdrive thing is not uncommon for me. I've oft been accused of thinking too much, and I am most certainly guilty. I analyze, I criticize, I second-guess, I get ahead of myself, I get behind myself, I project, I backstep, I keep it all in, I talk myself out, I torture, I reward, I make lists, I multi-task, I focus, I divert. And in the end, I write a song. Or a blog, as it were.

Moving on. 


I thought I'd give a little update on my resolutions from my last post.  As I mentioned, I'm a New Year's Resolution kind of girl.  I reset myself, go into overhaul mode. This year is no different. I have thus far gone back to the gym, started drinking more water, picked up a part-time job (it's music related), rearranged my room (I purged. A LOT.), started a new hobby (rock-climbing), started a new art project (a set of paintings for Mom's house), written letters every week, created (and am trying extremely hard to implement) a monthly budget that will hopefully get me to Italy, which was another of those resolutions. . .

Flossing, however, still eludes me.  Baby steps, Nancy, baby steps. 

It is true that last night I didn't get to sleep at all, so here I must bid you good night. 

O bed! O bed! delicious bed!That heaven upon earth to the weary head.— Thomas Hood, Miss Kilmansegg - Her Dream

]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT DBAA09C686E63A33FAD6DA938F6C6CE3 Resolutions. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=153256 Happy New Year!&nbsp; I hope your your holidays were wonderful, I wish for you an amazing 2010.&nbsp; Please forgive me for a moment while I go clich&eacute;, talking about the year past and my hopes for the year ahead. But, I admit, I'm a New Year resolution kind of girl, and I typically form some very good habits that way. 2009 was a good year for me, both musically and personally. A debut album, shows at the Tin Angel, music conference showcases, and new musical friendships. I've become a better writer, a better singer, and a better player. I've written new songs that I can't wait to record, and I've learned many, many, many lessons about the music business and it's ups and downs.&nbsp; Here's hoping I can apply those lessons and make them work for me in 2010! In the interest of keeping this short (relatively speaking - I know I have a tendency to ramble), I'm going to skip right to the resolutions and the things I'd like to accomplish this year.&nbsp; They're in no particular order, and they go from business to personal, and from practical to completely impossible.&nbsp; But If I put them out there, for everyone to read, I'll be more likely to stick with them.&nbsp; So thank you, in advance. 1.&nbsp; Floss.&nbsp; Daily.&nbsp; I'm terrible with this, my dentist lectures me every time I go.&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Write more letters.&nbsp; Email just doesn't cut it. 3.&nbsp; Send out press kits for CD reviews.&nbsp; Very important, and very overwhelming. 4.&nbsp; Go skydiving.&nbsp; 5.&nbsp; Become fluent in Italian.&nbsp; Research dual citizenship (found out recently that I'm eligible!).&nbsp; Visit Italy.&nbsp; (This one will most likely be a work in progress over a few years. . .) 6.&nbsp; Stop worrying and obsessing about things I cannot control.&nbsp; 7.&nbsp; Drink more water.&nbsp; I'm really bad at this, too.&nbsp; 8.&nbsp; Expand my reach.&nbsp; Open mics and gigs in Baltimore, DC, New Jersey, New York.&nbsp; 9.&nbsp; Travel.&nbsp; Anywhere.&nbsp; 10.&nbsp; Write more blogs.&nbsp; I know I promised it before, but I've now put &quot;write blog&quot; on my to-do list on my phone.&nbsp; It's a repeating event, once a week, and if I don't do it, it shows up in red, just glaring at me, until I do.&nbsp; Hate that.&nbsp; So I will do it.&nbsp; 11.&nbsp; Master rock climbing.&nbsp; I just started two days ago, so this could take some work.&nbsp; 12.&nbsp; Perform a doubles trapeze routine - gracefully.&nbsp; The moves I have, the grace, I do not.&nbsp; I'm a klutz. That's enough for now.&nbsp; No need to overwhelm myself! Ok, I'm off to write a letter to my soon-to-be-5 year old Godchild.&nbsp; Then I'll floss.&nbsp; I swear. But I do want to leave you with this:&nbsp; &quot;We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives, not looking for flaws, but for potential.&quot;&nbsp; - Ellen Goodman. 2010 is FULL of potential for all of us.&nbsp; Embrace it.&nbsp; Be inspired. xo, Nancy
Please forgive me for a moment while I go cliché, talking about the year past and my hopes for the year ahead. But, I admit, I'm a New Year resolution kind of girl, and I typically form some very good habits that way.

2009 was a good year for me, both musically and personally. A debut album, shows at the Tin Angel, music conference showcases, and new musical friendships. I've become a better writer, a better singer, and a better player. I've written new songs that I can't wait to record, and I've learned many, many, many lessons about the music business and it's ups and downs.  Here's hoping I can apply those lessons and make them work for me in 2010!

In the interest of keeping this short (relatively speaking - I know I have a tendency to ramble), I'm going to skip right to the resolutions and the things I'd like to accomplish this year.  They're in no particular order, and they go from business to personal, and from practical to completely impossible.  But If I put them out there, for everyone to read, I'll be more likely to stick with them.  So thank you, in advance.

1.  Floss.  Daily.  I'm terrible with this, my dentist lectures me every time I go. 
2.  Write more letters.  Email just doesn't cut it.
3.  Send out press kits for CD reviews.  Very important, and very overwhelming.
4.  Go skydiving. 
5.  Become fluent in Italian.  Research dual citizenship (found out recently that I'm eligible!).  Visit Italy.  (This one will most likely be a work in progress over a few years. . .)
6.  Stop worrying and obsessing about things I cannot control. 
7.  Drink more water.  I'm really bad at this, too. 
8.  Expand my reach.  Open mics and gigs in Baltimore, DC, New Jersey, New York. 
9.  Travel.  Anywhere. 
10.  Write more blogs.  I know I promised it before, but I've now put "write blog" on my to-do list on my phone.  It's a repeating event, once a week, and if I don't do it, it shows up in red, just glaring at me, until I do.  Hate that.  So I will do it. 
11.  Master rock climbing.  I just started two days ago, so this could take some work. 
12.  Perform a doubles trapeze routine - gracefully.  The moves I have, the grace, I do not.  I'm a klutz.

That's enough for now.  No need to overwhelm myself!

Ok, I'm off to write a letter to my soon-to-be-5 year old Godchild.  Then I'll floss.  I swear.

But I do want to leave you with this: 

"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives, not looking for flaws, but for potential."  - Ellen Goodman.

2010 is FULL of potential for all of us.  Embrace it.  Be inspired.

xo,
Nancy


]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:05:00 GMT 0FA10C4A33E4C0F949C0C8A8C6EB4713 random musings. and change. http://nancymonline.com/musings.cfm?feature=639425&postid=75106 So I allowed myself to relax a little after the CD Release.&nbsp; And perhaps a little before the release, as well.&nbsp; And perhaps too much in general.&nbsp; Tsk, tsk.&nbsp; But we all need vacations, even those of us that are lucky enough to have vacation-like jobs, like me.&nbsp; But now it needs to end.&nbsp; I need a vacation from slacking.&nbsp; Anyway.&nbsp; During my time off, I got to spend some time at the beach.&nbsp; Not on the beach, mind you, as I am ridiculously pale, but I was in the vicinity of the ocean, and it soothed me.&nbsp; Standing at the edge of the country kind of gives me a bit of perspective as to how big THE world is and how small MY world is.&nbsp; Then I get sudden urges to get in my car and drive - maybe down the east coast, maybe out to the west.&nbsp; Maybe up to the airport to visit a coast on the other side of the Atlantic.&nbsp; I get to a point where it doesn't really matter where I go, as long as it's somewhere.&nbsp; I get the urge for going.&nbsp; Which is an interesting seque into my next thought. . . I've been reading &quot;Girls Like Us&quot;, a biography of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon.&nbsp; What an incredibly fascinating book, with an insane amount of information.&nbsp; I find myself identifying most with Joni Mitchell - her music, her life, her view of love and relationships.&nbsp; My favorite album of hers is &quot;Blue&quot; - I'd always enjoyed the songs on there, but reading this book gives me an entirely new way to see it.&nbsp; I now know the stories behind &quot;Carey&quot; and &quot;California&quot;, and the songs hit me even harder.&nbsp; Even Joni herself said it was &quot;probably the purest emotional record that I will ever make in my life. . . There is not one false note in that album.&nbsp; I love that record more than any of them, and I'll never be that pure again.&quot; That's how I want my writing to go.&nbsp;
Anyway.  During my time off, I got to spend some time at the beach.  Not on the beach, mind you, as I am ridiculously pale, but I was in the vicinity of the ocean, and it soothed me.  Standing at the edge of the country kind of gives me a bit of perspective as to how big THE world is and how small MY world is.  Then I get sudden urges to get in my car and drive - maybe down the east coast, maybe out to the west.  Maybe up to the airport to visit a coast on the other side of the Atlantic.  I get to a point where it doesn't really matter where I go, as long as it's somewhere.  I get the urge for going.  Which is an interesting seque into my next thought. . .

I've been reading "Girls Like Us", a biography of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon.  What an incredibly fascinating book, with an insane amount of information.  I find myself identifying most with Joni Mitchell - her music, her life, her view of love and relationships.  My favorite album of hers is "Blue" - I'd always enjoyed the songs on there, but reading this book gives me an entirely new way to see it.  I now know the stories behind "Carey" and "California", and the songs hit me even harder.  Even Joni herself said it was "probably the purest emotional record that I will ever make in my life. . . There is not one false note in that album.  I love that record more than any of them, and I'll never be that pure again."

That's how I want my writing to go. 
]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:10:00 GMT 565C6186956A0E0A07A5489510BC0FE9