I kept saying – I do music 24/7, I doubt I’ll go see many shows…  Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong!  I saw as many as I could!  People from The Civil Wars to John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, David Ryan Harris, Enter the Haggis, The Belle Brigade to a new fav band Native Run…just to name a few. 

It almost seems surreal looking back on the week…  I ended up hanging out with Lyle Lovett one evening and drinking fruit smoothies with him while chatting, karaoke with Edwin McCain, Sarah Buxton, Keb Mo’ and Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek while John Prine is watching it all go down.  (Not name dropping – just trying to paint you the picture!)  It was amazing to be surrounded by such talent and see amazing and real people who have had success, talk to them, eat with them, share a week of life and watch them share their gifts. 

The other part of this trip that was truly amazing was being on the other side of the stage.  I am usually the one performing up there and having people come up after the show to say what they thought of it.  This time, I stood in the shadows and watched as my friends and colleagues were lavished with compliments and love after their sets or being stopped in the hallways of the ship.  To watch people (the audience) watch the music, sit and sway in their chairs, cry, tap their toes to the beat and then express how much they loved it to the artists – was unbelievable.  Seeing it from this side gave me a new appreciation for music and just how much it affects the listener right down to the heart.    

I sometimes have to take a step back and really look at my life.  I worry a lot about finances and where I’ll be in 5 years…heck, I worry about tomorrow! Instead, if I simply take a look at all that I have now – I’m breath-taken.  To have the opportunity to purse a dream, put my soul to music and share it with people is beyond amazing. I sometimes forget this.  And whether or not a few people hear what I put out there or thousands – it doesn’t matter - if I move people, my job is done. This business is not easy, but I am trying to soak in all of the opportunities that I have come my way.  And as I return to real life from a 7 day experience that I will never forget – I want to commit to try to be more aware of all that I do have. The blessings that we each have sometimes are disguised and are sometimes right in front of us if we simply take a moment to see and feel them.   

I took a minute to really breathe in.  There were a couple of sleep-eyed people out walking their dogs.  It seemed like the only 2 people out doing that had pugs, which I found to be a bit coincidental and funny.  The streets were quiet – only a few cars passed by.  I got my coffee, had some witty banter about the weather with the barista and then headed back home. 

As I was walking back, one of the trees in the distance caught my eye.  The leaves were falling to the ground…  They looked like golden specks from where I was, but I could see them clearly.  Wow.  It’s already fall…time is flying.

Some of you probably read the title and thought – “this must be a blog about Megan falling in love with someone…FINALLY!”  Um, no.  But – I am falling back in love with life, with God, with my job, with every breath…  It’s true, I don’t have anyone to wake up to, roll and say the famous 3 words that everyone so longs to hear.  BUT, I am able to whisper them to God and to be thankful for where my life is at this moment. 

At 6:45am on a Saturday.  I woke up this morning feeling alive but already letting my mind spin on the spin cycle of all that I have to do today.  I’m always going to have a never-ending list of things to do, but I’m so glad that I took a few minutes to fall…

I’ve just landed in the U.S. back from Europe where I have been for 2 weeks and have seen many things through a different culture’s eyes.  I’ve traveled by subway, car, planes, trains, buses… (I think the only form of transportation that I missed was a boat.)  It’s been truly amazing.  The people, the food, the music… 

I had started to feel a hardening of my heart sometime before I left for this trip, and I can say have been rejuvenated, I have reconnected with my love of creating music, and have been touched by the kindness of the human race as well as have a deeper appreciation for home, friends and family.

I had a moment on one of the trains while in Italy.  I was overcome with emotion listening to a beautiful instrumentation track on a playlist that someone made for me before I left – what a gift.  The combination of the music with the scenery of the Italian countryside and knowing how far from home I was, feeling the blessing of the experience and in that moment – completely alone – jumping in head first – really shook me to the core.  THAT moment was amazing.  THAT is what life is about.  Living.  Opening our eyes and trusting that we are given what we need to make it. 

I’ll be walking away from this trip with a bunch of new friends, some really cool tunes and memories that I will cherish forever.  This place is rich in history, 2^nd hand smoke and wonderful people. I like that all of the taxis in Berlin are super nice Mercedes and that wherever I went – it sounded like beautiful jibberish. I like the energy and true passion at the soccer game – aka futbol where everyone was united in a drunken, smelly support of the home team. I love in Italy how everything tasted and looked so rich.  I like that cows crossing the road on top of the mountain is considered traffic. I love that people genuinely helped me wherever I went.  I was drenched in another culture, and it was great.

Thank you to everyone who I crossed paths with along my journey. Thank you to everyone who helped me and made me feel at home so far away. I can’t wait to see you all again!  Europe touched my heart and my soul and this trip was an eye-opening, life-changing one.  

Let’s see, I took 2 flights and probably about 10 trains while in Italy in the matter of 3 days.  I definitely spent as much traveling as I did with my friends Ashley and Jason, but it was so beyond worth it.  Italy was more than I imagined and I only got to see a very little bit.  I spent most of the time in a train looking out the window reflecting, talking to Italians and then eventually with Ashley and Jason in the foothills outside of Tuscany.  I had some “moments” for sure and truly have never experienced such beautiful country. 

The flight there shed some light on how my Italian adventure would go…  They come through the aisle to sell snacks and coffee and then they come through the aisle selling stuff…like Ipod chargers and perfume.  Wow.  Also on this flight I sat behind a couple who had a set of twins and another child.  The entire flight they ran up and down the aisle the entire flight and no one seemed to care at all.  I actually found it REALLY refreshing.  In the US people would have been absolutely freaking out – WHY are these children so out of hand?!!!  Sit them DOWN!!!  Instead, no one seemed to mind – they would smile every once in awhile and just not respond.  How freeing to just not mind.  The Italians are about being laid back in pretty much everything.  Some would argue they don’t discipline.  Maybe…but I found it enlightening. 

The people are wonderful – they smile, gawk, say what they want, and help out whenever they can. God bless the mother and daughter that helped me on the regional train to get the airport (I would have missed my flight back to Germany), the mom and daughter Swiss duo that helped me find the train in Berlin to Milan, the 2 beautiful girls flying from Berlin to Milan, Fabrizio for keeping me company while on my first Italian train, and also Giovanni who helped me learn how to flush the toilet on the train – you had to step on it by the way…  It was in the middle of the floor…  

 The food was THE. BEST. FOOD. I’VE. EVER. HAD.  Maybe minus the steak at Peter Luger’s in NYC – that’s still pushing it…  I have a new appreciation for completely organic food, and I have to say – I will have to come back to Italy just for the tomatoes and olives and bread and meat… oh jeez…  

More than all, thank you to my amazing friends Ashley and Jason who treated me to the time of my life for 2 ½ days.  Your hospitality, support and friendship mean more than you will EVER know.  It was amazing to see you – it was like we picked up from the last moment I saw you - we never missed a beat.  I am so beyond proud of all that you guys have done.  I was speechless when I looked around and took in all that you guys have created.  You're LIVING in paradise.  YOU created that dream.  Proud doesn't even start to describe how I feel.  You both are truly amazing. 

Everyone HAS to visit this place – I’m telling you – it will blow your mind…  It's like you're home on a farm house in italy with 2 of the best people on earth.  La Tavola Marche - http://www.latavolamarche.com/html/  Trust me on this one.

If I learned anything from this journey to Italy – more than ever – it’s to LIVE IN THE MOMENT.  It’s so easy for us to say,  yet putting it into action is another story.  Work will be there the next day.  Go have a dinner or a drink with your friend.  Tell your husband or wife you love them and show them. Stop and chat with someone. Take a drive.  Make a memory.  Laugh, eat, breathe, love, soak it in, be thankful.  Savor everything.  

I went running today – 8 miles – on the cobblestone streets of Berlin.  I looked around trying to soak it all in.  The smells are different here – stronger, like the coffee.  The people are friendly and laugh at me when I make a mistake like trying to figure out how to convert dollars to euros or when I spilled the tiny milk saucer that goes with the Americano that I ordered.  The dogs mostly run off leash up ahead of their owners and people play bocce in the park.  Everyone rides bikes and scarves are totally in.  Ahhh, Berlin… 

I have never really felt homesick before, but there is something about being an ocean away from the ones that you love that makes the soul feel a little ill at ease.  It’s giving me an appreciation for where I do live and for my friends and family.  I’ll less take advantage of the fact that I can go to the coffee shop and know almost everyone, call my best friend and pop over to her house for a chat or call my neighbor to borrow some milk.  It sounds so simple, but that’s what life is all about.

The food is amazing.  It’s all about meat, cheese and bread – a lot of cheese…and bread…and meat.  Mostly cheese and bread though.  J  I’m still not sure what a hostel is, but they are easy to find if you want one.  The buildings are so old with cute balconies… I imagine some heartbroken guy throwing a rock to the middle balcony trying to get the attention of his lost lover. 

 I can’t sleep here.  It’s the 2^nd night I’ve been here and it’s almost 2am and I’m STILL awake…  I thought you were supposed to be lagging with jet lag?!  Maybe it’s the coffee… I told you it was strong. 

I’m here to write songs.  So far 2 days and 2 songs in.  11 more days left with a 3 day break to Italy.  This is truly an experience that I won’t forget.  People are coming from all over the world to write together.  We all speak different languages but we in the apartment share one native tounge – music.  The words flow freely and the melodies twist around the room coming out of thin air so easily as if writing themselves. We made up a new dance move that I see going international and had a dance party for 3 people in the penthouse to one of the songs that we wrote on repeat.  This is a good start, and I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring. Ahhh…Berlin.  

We talked awhile.  She’s totally in love you can see it on her face – in her eyes.  His imprint still on her lips...  I’m happy for her.  It’s always so interesting to think of each of these people’s lives… where they’re going, where they came from, what do they do for a living?  Do they know what it feels like to have a broken heart?  To feel the strongest joy in the world so much that you’re shaking with excitement?  Have they seen someone being born or seen someone die?  It’s amazing to think of the tapestery of lives out there – the web…and how we become intertwined maybe for just a second or maybe a lifetime. Deep stuff, huh? I obviously have some serious time to think on these flights.  Haha!!

I’m flying to Europe today.  I am truly excited and have no idea what to expect.  I have been a bit out of touch lately to friends and to the music “scene,” but been working hard and focusing as usual…trying to find and make sure that I’m truly doing my best and doing what God wants me to do.  (And that includes writing Euro-pop!)  My feelings towards a lot of things had recently been like a leaky facet…mostly screwed on tight with just a few drops spouting out every now and again.  Me closing off, holding tight, to not getting hurt or let down. It’s really no way to live.  I want to live wide open – soaking in every single second of breath and life.  I want to break and I want to be full.  That’s what it’s all about.

This trip is a timely one.  I know I’ll come back with a new appreciation for the world, for culture, for people, for Nashville, for music, for relationships, for my blessings, for God.

The world below looks like a miniature playhouse.  The streets are tiny, lakes look like puddles, cars like toys, the buildings look like legos…  I feel like a giant, a bird. My heart is full.  Full of thanks, contentment in the moment, excitement and anticipation of what’s to come.  I FEEL all of that. And as I look down, I know and I feel it - I literally am on top of the world.  

Tonight at midnight the new Chris Young record "Neon" hits Itunes and stores across the country, and I am very blessed and honored to say that I have a song that I co-wrote on there with my good buddies Jon Nite and Ross Copperman called "Save Water, Drink Beer."  It's a silly, fun, rockin' beer anthem about saving the world, conserving water and drinking beer instead.  So far, the reviews of the song are great and the audience's reaction live is even better.  To see my name alongside the others on that record (even though it's going to be spelled wrong...ha!) is a true honor and the pinnacle of my writing career thus far.  

I think it's truly Christmas in July because I just got my first session back under my new pub deal which means new songs, and penned another fun tune today with Ross and Jon.  Then tomorrow/tonight the Chris album drops!  There are many exciting things ahead, and I hope that this is the beginning of a new chapter.  I'll have more songs and news soon.  Thank you again for your unending support!  And don't forget to download Save Water, Drink Beer like 20 times at least!!!!  :)  

Driving back from Florida, I listened to the record, and it has some great tunes on there.  If you get a chance - go buy one at your local Christian bookstore or download it on Itunes and support your friend Megan Conner!! Feel free to buy 10 copies if you want. :)  Heheheee...and this is also in support of Jonny who has worked so hard on this awesome project.  The song that I wrote with him is track number 9 called "Weeps For You."  You can purchase it online here:

http://www.jonnydiaz.com/newalbum

Thank you all for your support - this is the first realization of a lot of hard work.  I keep saying more good news to come soon...so, trust me on this one.  

Have a blessed Easter holiday!!

Megan

First of all, I signed a publishing deal on Friday with my previous publisher Dan Hodges - who is awesome (!!) and the kick butt company Shapiro Bernstein in NYC!!!!!  Wooohooooo!!!  (You can google them and see some of the songs that they are a part of...you might know a little Black Eyed Peas song called "I Gotta Feelin'"... :).  This is such a HUGE blessing.  This is going to be the catalyst that allows me to keep pursuing my musical dreams here and keep writing these crazy ideas that find their way into my head.  To be able to say that I get paid to write songs is amazing.  Everyone involved is very excited about the co-venture, and I'm so honored to be a part of a such a great team.

And that makes a nice lead into some VERY VERY VERY exciting news on the cut-front.  What is that?  I don't know - I just made it up!  But, recently a couple of amazing artists have cut some of my songs!  The awesome Christian artist Jonny Diaz put a song on his upcoming record that we wrote together.  The album will be out on April 12th, and the song is called "Weeps For You."  (Your's truly also sang the background vocals. :).  So everyone go buy 10 copies!!!!  :)  Then on another spectrum - we move to the country market...  Chris Young has recorded a song that I wrote with Jon Nite and Ross Copperman called "Save Water, Drink Beer."  He's been playing it out live (and he just kills it!!), so you can google that as well and find some youtube videos of him performing the song!  The album will be out sometime in the summer - I'll let you know as soon as I know more!!  Woohoooooooo!!!!!!

I've been working a lot.  Writing, teaching fitness, working, running and developing some other ideas as well. I have been very close to leaving a few times, but somehow God uses YOU to urge me to keep going.  To all of the people that have reached out, lent a hand or an encouraging word, financial help or just a smile - all of that has been so crucial in knowing that I am where I am supposed to be.  So, thank you.  It hasn't been easy - in this business it rarely ever it is, but through the support and lots of faith - the light at the end of the tunnel is finally brighter.  :)  

More good news to come soon...  

Blessings and Love,

Megan