I’m a singer, songwriter, and poet.
I write about the journey of life; the struggle between joy and sorrow, faith and doubt, hope and fear. My faith in Jesus inspires me most of all.
I care deeply for those who face mental and physical illness, as I know the debilitating pain it can cause. But, I also know, we are never too far gone for God to reach us.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Justin, has been by my side for 13 years and is my closest friend. I know I can always depend on him. He supported me through chronic illness when I needed him the most. My daughter, Maizie, is almost 9 years old. She loves to make new friends and take charge in leadership roles. I have seen her use this ability to stand up for what is right when others need help at school. My son, Andrew, is almost 6 years old and is full of fun and always trying to make others laugh. He loves to talk to everyone and build awesome lego creations.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a young girl I always loved singing and making up songs. Throughout my life this became a tool to help me express feelings and tell stories through music. It helps me cope with life’s challenges and also capture the beauty of life and I’m so thankful to share that with you.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
I enjoy walking the trails at Hashawha Nature Center and soaking in the sights and sounds of the woods, creek, and pond. Being immersed in nature is also what inspires a lot of my poetry and songs. I especially enjoy a cup of tea and scone with a dear friend at Rare Opportunity Bakehouse on Main Street, or a delicious sandwich at American Ice Company Cafe.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Call the Midwife is one of my very favorite period dramas. I enjoy historical fiction and getting lost in stories that involve characters I want to emulate. I feel so inspired when I watch the beautiful way the midwives in Nonnatus House care for the poorest women with the best possible care they can provide.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Choose Joy! My grandma even spoke of this perspective near the end of her life. You cannot always control your circumstances, but you can choose how you respond with your thoughts, feelings and actions. We can all choose what we want to focus on, and if we look closely, we can always find something to be grateful for.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Christy Nockels- She is a songwriter who has inspired me to keep singing and writing. Her podcast – Glorious in the Mundane – has been a source of spiritual sustenance through an incredibly difficult season of my life and listening to her speak gave me motivation to keep on growing in my faith and prayer life.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I was so excited to meet Judith Marie Kuzmak Viers through Facebook and I’ve been able to be involved with her mission to prevent suicide in Carroll County, Share Hope through Art. This coincides with one the goals I hope to reach by sharing my own songs- Bringing Hope to those who need it most!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a “Celebration Mountain” in our home on a long wall where I like to put up displays for each holiday, birthday or momentous occasion.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Mission BBQ’s beef brisket!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God inspires me to be better because I know He will give the grace when I mess up so I don’t have to be afraid of failure to try something new and keep trying till I improve.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, a soft place to land, loving when it’s hardest
Q: How can I know if someone I am speaking with is a good connection for you? Please include your website link.
If you know someone in search of hope and faith, or someone who needs a peaceful, restful song with an inspiring message:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIHqu0eJaTdafWpHj4Wz1Eg
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