Things that I didn’t have on my life’s bingo card: singing one of my songs at the Bluebird Café! But that’s exactly what happened last Thursday night. I was happily finishing my turkey club sandwich while enjoying an incredible in-the-round concert by my friends Beth Nielsen Chapman (“This Kiss”), Julie Gold (“From a Distance”), Gordon Kennedy (“Change the World”) and Graham Gouldman (“Bus Stop,” “The Things We Do for Love,” “I’m Not In Love”) when I heard Beth say something about a closet songwriter in the audience … at which point I nearly had an aneurism because I knew what she was about to do. And I knew I either had to argue with her (and inevitably lose) or try to dig into my bravest place and just get up there with some kind of shaky grace. So, I did it! I performed my song “Family Tree” — mistakes, capo on the wrong fret, guitar clams and all—and am still processing what an incredible experience it was. With friends there I knew had my back and wouldn’t let me fall down, and the sweetest audience that I could feel wanted everyone to succeed.
My life is surrounded by people who come to my workshops and wear their bravery and vulnerability like a beautiful coat, and I’m always moved and want to be more like them. I know what can happen when we just say ‘yes’ to the things we’re scared of doing. It’s where all the colors are that we couldn’t even dare ourselves to envision. And then there’s Beth, whose magic gets all over those of us lucky enough to be in her orbit. Well, my life is nothing but magic and ‘firsts’ these days – at age 60, no less! So I’m just going to keep reminding myself to be brave, say yes, and keep on smiling because I honestly have no idea what magic is swirling around waiting for me to let it in if I only dare to. What a wonderful life. I’m so very grateful for every moment.
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