I recently had the joy and honor of being included in a Songwriters in the Round evening at 503 Uncorked in Sherwood, Oregon. The format was unlike anything I had done before. Three songwriters shared the stage and sang their songs, each in turn.

When it was one of my fellow musician's turn to sing, from my place on stage, I was also a member of the audience. It was a strange feeling. As I sat on stage and listened to the songwriters on either side of me, I was filled with such awe and gratitude of what a privilege and a blessing it is to spend this life as a performing musician. To share a stage with others who process the ups and downs of life through songwriting. I would look out at the audience, of which I was also a part, and connect with them in a completely different way than when I am the performer. And then, in no time, it was my turn to perform again, and again, I felt a soul-nourishing gratitude at this willing and attentive audience, giving themselves to my songs, connecting with them.

I walked away from the evening light in my step, knowing that one thing I truly love in life is being a musician.