The first time I heard Shawn Colvin’s album Live ‘88, it made me cry. It is perfect! Every note, every beat, every single sound is perfect. It is just Shawn and her guitar, and it could not be better! I adore that recording, and I aspire to give a performance like that. (I also aspire to open for her one day. That is my dream gig!)
I wanted my record release birthday show to be flawless, but in my imperfection, I was granted a gift. I was given something far more important than perfection. I was granted imperfect magic!
The evening reminded me that we are moved by our shared humanity. We are moved by connections made heart to heart. It is not about perfection.
I also learned that most of my shortcomings were likely unnoticed. When I listened back to the show later, I could tell that the flaws were unimportant, but in the moment, in my skin, they were momentous.
Overall, it was a fabulous night. There were ninety tickets sold! I even gave the stool on the stage to someone, because there were no chairs left! I was deeply moved by the turnout, and I could feel that the audience was with me. The folks at MilkBoy were welcoming and warm, and it was fun to have Anne Hills there as my special guest.
In the days that followed, my inbox filled with treasured messages from friends and former strangers, telling me how meaningful the show had been for them. I could feel their hearts. I could feel the genuine connections made. Wow, what a privilege. I am touched and grateful.
As I continue to hone my craft, I will try to remember that it is through humanity that bonds are made, not through perfection. If I lose sight of that, please remind me…