Birthday Showcase Debrief

Hi Divergents!

As I mentioned last month, I celebrated my birthday and growth this year with an artist showcase…

You might be wondering: “How'd it go?” or “How did I feel about how it went?”

Great question. In short, it went great!

I showed up and people showed up too.

I had fears that no one would be there. I had fears that I would waste hundreds of dollars. I had fears of losing my composure, of forgetting songs, of my ability to pick a good set list.

I wrestled with how much to practice and prepare - scared of the pernicious power of attempting perfection. I wouldn't attain it, obviously, trying to approach it would perhaps remove me from my intention.

My intentions were: sharing my art, celebrating, being authentic & encouraging, as well as community-building. Checks all around!

I called it a “concert” as I advertised it, so people would know the bulk of what to expect. But really it was an artist showcase. I began with the concert decision and then determined sliding in some poems would be appropriate, if not helpful…and so I did.

I've long wanted to create an everyday wear and use brand that promoted thought, reflection, growth, connection, and love. “VRNACLR” is the home for this. I hustled the two weeks leading up to showtime in order to prep some test merchandise in time for the show. I figured my partner, Jamie and I could wear them on the big night!

I settled on my I.L.Y. design to be the first line launched. You can view and purchase this I.L.Y. wear and items here. I'll share more in the future.

Last minute, I also decided to lug along the two print copies of my book "Holy Shit: Musings and self-reflections of a de-constructed Christian faith from the lived experience of a female, undercover feminist, mid-life crisis-er, and likely mystic contemplative" that I self-published in 2022.

So I showcased 12 songs, 3 poems, 2 shirts and some stickers, this B.D. newsletter, my B.D. YouTube channel, and my book about reconsidering long-held judgements.

For all these reasons, it was great, but people generously shared their time to be present and enjoy the concert, and folks that couldn't make it sent over encouragements of all variety - encouraging words, financial support, and gifts.

I'm so thankful for all the support and I'm so proud of myself for the bravery and consistent showing up that it took me to get there.

Special thanks to my love, Jamie, for seeing me these years and fostering this dormant, largely unsupported creativity in me.

The performance was recorded, so please, look out for future shares of that! I also recorded a thank you and some thoughts about the steps it took to get me to my first concert. You can find that HERE!

Art is for all.

Art is for sharing.

One year ago when I rented a room for karaoke for my birthday, I did not even have a goal to have my a solo concert sharing my songwriting creations! And a year later I found myself risking hundreds of dollars and my pride. So much can change in a year!

Celebration matters.

Celebrating you matters.

Rooting for you

-esb

1. What's something you'd like to do to celebrate the miracle and wonder of your life that will take some time, repetition, and risk?

2. What do you think you'd learn from your first solo concert? (Or what did you learn?)

3. How has your life been changed by someone sharing their art with you?

4. How have you changed someones life by sharing your art? (Guaranteed- sharing your art consistently will change lives, guaranteed!)