Oaks & Ashes

I keep going back and forth about writing this post. You may reject me. But I'm here. I'm already typing so I'm here I go. 

Last night I put new strings on my guitar. As I was playing with the new, clear sound I started to sing to the minor chords I was strumming. The words came out so easily:

What if all the air rejected my lungs?

What if all I am turned into all I was?

I surprised myself. So often music brings out the words I don't know how to put to my feelings. 

I knew the ledge. I knew the road. I know the emptiness. 

I've lived in that fear. 

Sometimes it's hard to have that desire to go on and to live. As selfish as it is, as ridiculous as it may seem- it is a thorn in my side and I did not invite it there. 

So I sing. 

My music as literally saved my life many times. It has healed my soul. It has lifted my spirit- it has let me feel when feeling seemed beyond reach. 

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I'm sure many of you know about my Kickstarter that I'm doing for my new album "Oaks &Ashes". 

Many people ask about that title. 

Let me tell you about it. 

There's this company in England that makes these bio-degradable urns and on top of those urns is a seed. You can choose what kind of tree or plant will grow through your ashes.

Kinda cool, huh!

I want to be an oak tree.

See what I did there?...Oaks & Ashes. 

Now, the title of my album isn't just on that level. There's a lot more to it than that. 

It's about life.

 It's about burning the old and coming through it as something stronger. 

This music is my strength and I'm giving it to you. 

This music has saved my life. This music is my oak tree. 

I want this album to come out not just so I can accomplish a dream and realize my talents. This isn't just some creation on my part to show you how good I can write and sing. This is my passion. This is my life.  I'm doing this so maybe, if you ever feel the way that I've felt, you can carry on. It's so I can be there with you when your soul feels like ashes. It's so I can be apart of your own growth. I want to be there for you in the only way I know how to be-through a song. 

But I do need your help. I need you in order to make this happen, and as humbly as I know how, I am asking for that help.