I just have to share what happened last Thursday! It started like any of the other nights I’ve played at the Scottsdale Marriott Old Town. There’s usually a surge of people right before I start and then they all leave for dinner and return close to the time that I’m leaving. On occasion, I will stay a little later as the patrons tend to be good tippers there and it feels weird to pack up right when they’re coming back. I had the time and energy so I stayed a little late but the difference this time was that a majority of the people had started to face me and intently listen. The fact is, as a performer, I just want to be heard and appreciated. It’s an exchange of energy when you give your energy playing music and the people applaud, sing along, stop what they’re doing to listen closely. When that’s not happening it’s a drain and you feel tired and depleted.

Anyhow,, it was a good night for energy being exchanged but after about an hour I said I was going home and a ton of people came up and gave me $20 bills to stay longer. So of course, I did! And as time went on, more people returned to the hotel. Every time I said I was on my last song, someone would come give me more money. It was much more than the average night. Anyhow, before you knew it. I had played until almost 11pm. I played 3 hours past the two hours I was booked for. I have never played for 5 hours before nor did I know I could. Everyone was so nice and complimentary and encouraging. I made the most tips I’ve ever made in an evening and even had someone ask for my autograph haha! I’m so flattered! 😁😁😁 Anyhow, I just wanted to share my win with you all as it was very special for me and an encouragement from the Universe to keep doing what I’m doing. It was definitely one of those nights I won’t forget!!

So many other great things happened professionally the remainder of the weekend, I had to come back down to Earth and this week especially, I need to find my balance again!

So now, here I am at the park laying on the grass getting grounded, bare feet and all, for the week ahead. I am appreciating this glorious weather, clean air, and sunshine!

I’ve got three events this week, Scottsdale, Litchfield Park & Peoria. I never thought I’d say I enjoy driving all over the Valley for work, but it’s growing on me and I enjoy having a variety of venues to perform at!

This will be my busiest month yet, heading into February. I’m focused on finding balance. One huge priority for me right now is self-care so I’ve been taking daily hour long walks, a hike here and there, meditation when I remember, and my daily tarot and journaling, and practicing yoga at night. I’d like to work towards getting my own place again in time but not sure how to do that at the moment until I find my center again. Right now I drive an hour most everyday just to pick up my kids from school and see them everyday and my kids have finally started getting more comfortable with spending the night. It’s a challenge to go back and forth from being a mom and a singer on the weekends. In addition, establishing a new routine when you’re in a new environment and not your home is a challenge.

One of the things I’m always noticing since I became single again 7 years ago, is going back and forth being in my masculine and feminine energy. When you’re doing, working and searching for more work, it puts you in your masculine energy, which is aggressive, driven, logical, structured. And that seems to be what happens when I’m trying to provide. I honestly think it is unnatural for a woman to be working in this way. But if I could do my music in a more relaxed, feminine way, it would be much better for me, so I’m actively seeking balance and determined to stay feminine. A feminine woman is connected to Mother Nature, fluid, patient, receptive, creative, intuitive, nurturing, and giving. I’m keen to follow the rhythms and laws of Nature but it takes a ton of self-awareness to do this on a regular basis. Anyhow, that’s what’s going on with me…

Sending love and goodness to all of you reading this! Thanks for your support!

Love, Nikki