Recap: Life + SXSW 2014

Since my last post, I quit my job of 14 years, started working in Hollywood (for a social media platform), and ran off to SXSW in a van to help tour manage one of my favorite pop artists. Talk about a whirlwind year so far.

When I sit here and think about it, the events of the past three months, hell, the past two years seem unbelievable. Yet, here I am.

My very first SXSW was a blast. It was 10 days of sleepless nights, exhaustion, anxiety and frustration, all overcome by the mere fact that I was on a high doing what I’ve dreamed and surrounded by music the entire time. I was also lucky in that I was adopted by veterans, nay, SXSW professionals. They knew the best parties, the best swag, the best people. Though half my time was spent working, at the end of the day I was the happiest that I’ve ever been.

But enough about personal epiphanies. Here’s a list of my best musical experiences (in no particular order):

John Flanagan :: Tomorrow

John Flanagan :: Tomorrow
Available on Amazon: MP3 | EP

This song found me in the quiet moments between Christmas & New Year’s, when the rush of the holiday gifting ended, before the end-of-the-year celebrations began. It starts off with a music box, sweet and calming at first, like a lullaby. The first verse speaks of light and love. John’s voice is angelic. Then the drums come in. The song takes a turn. Hope turns to dread. The angel falls, the vocals taking on an edge. Soft piano is overcome by guitars, leading to a wailing solo. In the end, the music box finds its voice. The angel picks himself up and starts to walk again. It’s the perfect background to reflect on the year past, to prepare for the year ahead.

She came to me as in a dream, I didn’t know if I should follow
But I did, and when I did, she told me of the world tomorrow.

Looking back, this year has opened up so many doors. I found myself in situations and places I never thought I would, with people I came to love and admire. I realized, perhaps for the first time, that I could dream, dream big, and take steps to make those dreams a reality. The world became exciting again, full of possibility and wonder. I didn’t have to just endure or survive. I could actually live if I so chose.

“Tomorrow there’ll be light,” she said. “The light of love that’s yet to come.”
Across the land all was alive. The victory that love had won.

But then, a few days ago, I received a late Christmas present from my ex- an order to appear in court to raise the spousal support he is receiving from me.