Atypical & Awesome “Adieu, 22”
2022. A really, really big year for our family. In February, Autumn moved to Brooklyn after landing a big Manhattan advertising job. I struck the number one thing off my bucket list by taking that selfie in Times Square. For the first time in our lives, my Autie B was across the country from me. It was so hard but I was and am so incredibly proud.
In May, Michael graduated high school and Alex graduated college. Michael is now attending the local 2 year college and Alex is interviewing for jobs in computer science. For the first time in five years, we don’t have a kid at the University of Alabama. Those college years went by in a blur- wow!
Speaking of college, i started graduate school in the fall in pursuit of a second Master’s degree. When all is said and done, I’ll be a licensed independent clinical social worker. It will take some time but I will eventually get there. I also just marked my 10th year as a therapist for troubled adolescents. It has been a HARD but rewarding journey.
Phillip marked his first year on his new job in a new career. The job takes him away from home but it is still a good fit for him. It has been a big year of adjustment and transition.
Music-wise, I had a few cuts this year both as a songwriter and publisher. “Girlfriend” by Alice Nelson is up for song of the year on Route 66 Country (will post the link) and has won a few awards here and there. Alice and I wrote that as our 2nd cowrite and it has been quite the adventure and has opened many doors for us. “Small Town Girl” by Jessica Lavallee written by Jessica, Terry Lavallee, and myself hit #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown ! So that was super exciting!
Alice and I had a cowrie with Dustin Ford which ended up on his latest release. Check out “Friend” by Dustin Ford. Alice performed “Friend” in the talent portion of Covington County’s Distinguished Young Woman’s Program and won first place! Also check out, “Country Girls Rock” (Wagner, Fritsche) by Tianna Woods and “Midnight Makes Me Crazy” (Fletcher, Byrd, Brown, Powell) by Frank Fletcher both of which I proudly represent as a publisher.
Speaking of Dennis Powell- what a year! I am honored to represent Dennis as a publisher through AMPS and had the sheer thrill of seeing him watch TWO of his songs by TWO different artists performed at the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo back in the spring. “Midnight Makes Me Crazy” by Frank Fletcher and “Here Comes the Rain” by Alice Nelson which Dennis and I wrote with Alice. Dennis also travelled to Nashville last week and saw the Frank Fletcher Band perform yet another one of his songs live at Whiskey Jam at Winner’s bar. Stay tuned for, “Cold, Dark, and Lonely”.
Finally, this was a year of even more creative endeavors as I participated in several spoken word and poetry events. i performed a few originals live at local open-mics and Phillip and I (wait for it) ventured out into the world of stand-up comedy! I spoke ar writer’s panels, did consultations, and of course did cowrites and solo writes. It has been adventure. I’m taking a breather because who knows what 2023 will bring!
Link to vote for “Girlfriend” Song of the Year: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmvYVrROlod/?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=
