Wow. Where to start?
I’ve been home for three months now. It was slow going at first. I was kind to myself and kept my schedule fairly clear for the first month, … and then I traveled again.
I had a wonderful stay with family in North Carolina, though not near enough time with them. Got to spend time with my awesome daughters-in-law, watch my son play at a gig, and got LOTS of granddaughter love!
Before I get into my goings on, a quick reminder to support friends or family who are caregivers.
Caregiving is draining, and I needed a full month to rest and recharge when I finally arrived back home from my seven-month-stay at Mom’s. I learned to never look at a caregiver and say, well, they only do this or that. It can’t be that difficult. No, caregivers are on alert 24/7, and if they did nothing else but stay alert 24/7, that, in and of itself, is exhausting. Most of us are geared to look forward to weekends or holidays; 24/7 caregivers don’t get that. They literally never get a day or weekend off, … unless someone steps in and gives it to them. Something to think about.
Music: I finally sent out letters, and the gigs are trickling back in. My schedule is filling up with music events all over Central FL. Follow my event page on Reverb Nation to keep up with my musical adventures.
I sing for my supper, but I also sing because, well, I just love to sing! And I love writing songs that mean something, songs like Main Street. So, I’ll be Playing on the Porches at the Barberville Pioneer Village Fire and Ice event in a few weeks (free admission that day!). I’ll also be taking a stage or two at the 7th Annual Ormond Beach Live Music and Arts Festival (you can buy discounted tickets from me!).
Still writing of course. Every day. I’ve added articles to most of my columns, most particularly The Hungry Hearts Bible Commentary and God and Women (read the 2nd Edition of the book right here on Substack!).
Haven’t worked on my novel in a while. That’s tabled for the moment. I hope not forever. I’d love to finish it, but my priorities right now are the two Substack columns and book linked above, and my music ministry.
Yes, even though I sing in mostly secular venues, my music is and always has been a ministry. And not just when doing special singing in church or leading praise and worship. That reality was brought home to me in an unforgettable way at a songwriter’s event, when I sang my song The Ballad of Mattie Green. Afterwards, a man from the audience tearfully thanked me for singing that song. He told me it had been a big wake-up call for him 🙌. So, I covet your prayers as I navigate the secular music landscape, a whole new experience for me but meeting wonderful new friends along the way!
Until next time 🤗!
Jocelyn Andersen is the author of several non-fiction books. She and writes and speaks on a variety of topics. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.
Connect with Jocelyn on Facebook, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Reverb Nation (she has two profiles there!), and X. Links to all her Substack columns are HERE.
On a personal note: Most of my columns (I have several) are focused on the issues and passions I write about, but in the past, I have rarely written about what’s going on with me personally. This is the place for me to do that and hopefully get to know you better as well!