Small Steps to the Radio

I heard the song Plush Red Chair on the radio this past week. I guess when it comes down to it, it was a bucket list event for me. I was working on my computer. Suddenly I heard something familiar. At first, it didn't register. Then I realized I hadn't put on my album, someone else had. I shouted to my husband. I'm on the radio! I'm on the radio! And then, being part of the era that we are, grabbed my smartphone and took a picture. It's not as though my music is playing all across North America or anything. But still, it was a song I had recorded, playing on the radio, over my speakers. I saw my name and the cover of my album and I felt ... odd. 

I look back over the last few years and I can't believe how much has happened. I can't believe that I recorded a debut album at my, ahem, age. I can't believe that I'm working with the people I work with. I can't believe I was an integral part of writing the songs on the album. And now, granted through hard work, I heard one of my songs on the radio. It was surreal. 

I sit here and I'm humbled by it all. How the hell did it happen? I think back to 2013. Early in the year. I had nothing on my calendar. I had very few contacts. I had an idea for a show and that's it. No money. No plan. An idea. It seemed an insurmountable dream. And now here I am four years later. The original idea completed. Full of mishaps and incredible successes. A book full of memories that now sit on the back shelf. I've since moved on to new ideas and aspirations. I have recorded a kick-ass CD. Plush Red Chair.  I have Co-written 10 wonderful songs that I cannot believe came from my hand. I'm about to release a Christmas EP. I work with some of the best musicians in Canada. How in the hell did I get here? 

I realize I'm not a star. I'm about as far from a star as you can get. But if you had told me in early 2013 this would be happening? I would have laughed. I never thought that I would have the gumption to release an album in my mid-50s. Who is this girl and where did she come from? 

I did an interview on the radio last week. Nashville, Tennessee. Oh, how I love their Southern drawl. So smooth and down-home. Like comfort food. The hosts of the show exclaimed it was one of the most memorable interviews they had ever had. The female host, Bonnie, commented on how inspired she felt after the interview. How she had never pursued the one thing she had always wanted to because she felt she was too old. She said she felt so much better even happier, after talking to me. Me! I felt humbled and fulfilled. Satisfied. Happy. I can imagine some may read that statement as my big ego talking. That I have a false sense of humility. Saying, look at me! Look what I did! But you would be wrong. I am humbled by it all.


“We teach best what we most need to learn.”

                                                                                                                                      Richard Bach


When I started out on this journey my goal was simple. I wanted to sing. That's all I wanted to do. But, I find my journey's road is far more reaching than imagined. I'm not interested in singing a pretty song, simply to sing a pretty song. That's not me. It may have been me in the past but it's not me now. I want to touch people's hearts. To inspire someone to try. To let them know that life isn't over. That we all have a story to tell. We all have our own journey to take. That life is not over because we've reached a certain age. That no matter our past, we have a future. That our journey doesn't have to start big. It can start with a song playing on an internet radio station. Small. But momentous. 

My wish for anyone reading this. For those who feel like life has passed them by. Or they don't have enough money to pursue their goal. Or the journey seems too hard. Or the host of other excuses we come up with. Is to take those thoughts and throw them into the sea of forgetfulness. Why? Because they are not true. WE are our biggest obstacle. Sure, society puts little boxes around us, but we're the ones who nail those boxes to the ground. And add a little fence just to make sure we're penned in. 

Last year, I had no money for this album. But here I am I have an album that is aching for people to hear it. In 2013 I had no contacts. Here I am. Blessed to work with the people I work with. What if I fail? I've had failures throughout this entire process. I have had performances that were ill attended. I have lost money in some ventures. But I have learned from each of those failures. And I made it through each one unscathed. 

Do I know what I'm doing? I have no clue. I have no idea what the future holds for me and my career. I do not know what I will be doing next year. But I know what I'm doing tomorrow. And the next day and the next day after that. I keep taking the small steps that are in front of me. That is the secret, my friend. To start. And then to keep going. Whatever is in front of you.

So. What is your dream? What is in front of you?

If you would like to download a copy of Plush Red Chair - you can by clicking here PLUSH RED CHAIR

~ Cayla