How do you feel about planning your own birthday party?

At 25, the familiar comfort of my birthday celebrations shattered. The anticipation of my favorite meal, the elegance of the china setting, the delicate scent of lilacs—symbols of tradition and love—vanished with one simple phrase from my mother: ‘I’m not feeling well.’ It wasn’t just a meal she couldn’t muster; it was the essence of our cherished ritual that crumbled before me.

Standing in the doorway between the carport and the kitchen that day, I felt the weight of disappointment and the pang of realization—I needed a new tradition. That birthday remains etched in my memory, a stark reminder of change and resilience.

Fast forward to my 58th birthday—I took the reins. Years ago, I inaugurated a tradition of self-planning, and I’ve never looked back. With a heart full of gratitude and a longing for connection, I curated my own celebration, surrounded by the warmth of cherished friends and the embrace of my dear sister, who traveled from Canada to share in the festivities. Together, we indulged in sisterly camaraderie and culinary delights, some of the treats we created on our own and some we bought from Wegmans.

After a festive dinner at my studio, we all piled into my van and drove to Shippensburg to see The Piano Guys put on a fabulous concert. One of my favorite concert moments was the pig treading water… a story for another time.

Of course, a side benefit to planning your own party is that it takes the pressure off spouses and friends. No one has to figure out how to celebrate your day. My husband seems to enjoy not having to plan something. Our plan works well. I plan, he pays.

Last year I didn’t feel like having a party. Instead, I chose to take a trip to Nashville and attend a conference for entrepreneurs. It was at that conference that I met the literary agent who encouraged me to submit my story to a publisher. My story was based around the idea of skipping Christmas, writing songs about my experience and chronicling that journey in the form of a book. It got his attention. One year later, I’m in the middle of a book launch. Didn’t see that one coming.

Though it’s been years since I’ve read Julia Cameron’s book, “The Artist’s Way”, I think the first seed of the idea for planning my own party was planted by her. Go books!

The first year I decided to plan a party for myself, I’ll admit, it felt a bit awkward, but I pushed through. I paid everyone’s way to a lovely tea room where we enjoyed a traditional tea party. Everyone brought a special toy from their childhood for an informal ‘show and tell’ time around the tea table.

Years later when I was invited to a friend’s birthday party who had planned her own party, I felt like I was in good company. Come to find out, she was originally from Holland and she said it’s just expected there–no vanity issues–just do it.

Lastly, the seed of celebrating one’s birthday/milestones was watered by one of my song coaches who went to great lengths in just about every coaching session to encourage me to always celebrate the wins along the way–every great lyric, every soaring melody–go celebrate it.

In recent decades, as I’ve deliberately surrounded myself with fellow dreamers and goal-setters, I’ve noticed a common thread among us. Those of us who aspire and strive for greatness understand the importance of pausing to celebrate milestones along the journey. For me, an integral part of this celebration is the annual tradition of planning my own birthday celebration.

So how does one begin to embrace this tradition?

1.) Get to know thyself.

What would make you happy on your day this year?

2.) Pay attention to the things that bring you joy. Create your plan around those things.

• Alone or with people? Some years I want to be alone.
• Stay home or go away? Last year I wanted to travel to Nashville and attend a conference.
• Table bouquet or flower bed? One year my husband gave me cash to buy a whole bunch of flowers to plant in my flower beds. Shopping for Bubblegum Petunias brought incredible joy.
• Entertainment? This year I wanted to see The Piano Guys. I bought 5 tickets, invited 4 girlfriends, served dinner in my studio and then we all piled into my van to go see the show.

3.) Consider your budget and resources. Planning your own birthday party doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether it’s a lavish affair or a simple gathering with close friends, make sure your celebration aligns with your financial situation and available time. If it’s something that’s a bit more costly, plan ahead and budget for it long before the big day arrives.

4.) Delegate tasks if needed. While planning your own party can be empowering, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I asked my sister to help me cook the meal. We kept things simple but elegant.

5.) Think outside the box. Your birthday celebration doesn’t have to follow traditional norms. Consider unique ideas or activities that reflect your interests and personality. Whether it’s a themed party, an outdoor adventure, or a creative workshop, embrace what makes you happy and tailor the celebration to suit your preferences.

6.) Embrace the spirit of celebration. Your birthday is a special occasion to honor another year of life and accomplishments. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, remember to embrace the joy and gratitude of the moment. Whether it’s a quiet reflection or a lively party, cherish the opportunity to mark another milestone in your journey.

By embracing the tradition of planning your own birthday party, you have the freedom to create a celebration that truly reflects who you are and what brings you joy. So go ahead, seize the opportunity to celebrate yourself and make your birthday a day to remember!

If you want, feel free to share your own experience around your birthdays. Maybe you’ll have an idea I can borrow. 🙂

Updates on Portraits of White Book and The LSO Project.

Spending time with my sister wasn’t just about celebrating; it also offered the opportunity to share the intense challenges I’ve encountered while navigating the path of pursuing my passions. In fact, I had a few healthy meltdowns in her presence.

As fellow new authors, we connected in a unique way, exchanging experiences and insights. The depth of our connection and ability to share deeply is something I truly value.

After her departure, I swiftly resumed my fast-paced lifestyle and haven’t slowed down since.

For those who are following my journey and seeking inspiration for their own endeavors, here are some highlights (and challenges) from my past week. Perhaps they’ll provide you with ideas or encouragement as you pursue your own aspirations.

My First Book Fair

What an incredible surprise to have my book table right beside my previous podcast co-host, Pam Fleming, at the Book Fair. It was a great reunion.

Authors in Grocery Stores – After attending the book fair in Gettysburg the day after my birthday, I learned about a program for authors. One couple lives in a van and travels the U.S. selling their books in grocery stores based on this program. THAT was a fascinating conversation.

This morning I had a great phone conversation with Ray, the founder of the Authors in Grocery Stores organization. As a result, my two books, “Inside Things” and “Portraits of White” are ready to be mailed to Houston, Texas. Ray and his team will read them and decide if they are a good fit for their program.

He told me to picture someone buying an avocado and then buying my books. Maybe I should change my title to “Portraits of Green”. LOL!

Next on the List

• PodMatch.com – I am now officially part of PodMatch–a service that matches people’s stories with potential podcasters looking for guests to interview. Since podcasting seems to be the new radio, and the third most effective way to promote a book, I felt using this service might be helpful in this season of book-launch prep.

• BookThinkers.com – Monday I had a consult with Nick Hutchison from BookThinkers. Nick was energetic and had lots of great hook ideas for my story. Wow! I’m still pondering how to best proceed. Not only does he do ‘unboxing events’ on his IG channel (mine is upcoming), but he also offers lots of services for authors around creating short videos, social media branding/strategy etc., to help authors launch a book. Check out a podcast interview Nick did recently.

Weekly Reports to Morgan James Publishing Sales Team

Each week, the dedicated sales team at Morgan James diligently pitches our books to bookstores and book buyers, actively engaging in discussions about authors, their works, and ongoing promotional efforts. Their in-depth understanding of my proactive promotional strategies enhances their ability to advocate for my book’s placement on store shelves worldwide.

As a newly published author, navigating this landscape presents a significant challenge. While my book enjoys online availability, securing placement in brick-and-mortar stores such as Barnes & Noble demands proactive engagement and innovative approaches. In an industry saturated with competition and noise, standing out requires unwavering dedication and belief in the value of my work.

Interestingly, the parallels between book and music promotion are strikingly similar. I’m grateful for the support of a team that acknowledges and leverages my efforts to bolster the overall promotion of the book.

I’ve now implemented another weekly job into my promotional efforts–making a report of all my activity to the Morgan James Sales Team.

Lastly, The London Symphony Orchestra Project

Well… speaking of books, I feel like I could write a novel about the lessons I’m learning as I navigate this monumental journey of fundraising and preparing for an album with Double Keyed, Phillip Keveren, and The London Symphony Orchestra. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I can feel myself growing stronger with each passing day.

As we enter the third round of email outreach to corporations in search of major funding and sponsorships, I’m challenged in ways I never imagined. Engaging in conversations with corporations I once considered out of reach is both daunting and exhilarating. Despite the obstacles, we’ve made significant progress and have raised 6% of our needed funds.

While juggling all of these endeavors, I’m reminded of the importance of maintaining my piano skills. Each new arrangement that arrives from Phillip, our arranger, presents me with a thrilling musical journey ahead. The music promises to be nothing short of magnificent! To prepare, I’ve started getting up earlier each day to carve out dedicated practice sessions.

The roller coaster of daily life also includes my recent job search. Last summer, I took on two part-time jobs to supplement my music income. When one didn’t align with my goals, I decided to let it go in February and seek opportunities more suited to my skill set. While I haven’t found the perfect fit yet, I recently interviewed for a piano accompanist position, hoping it might be a good match.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job. However, I try to remain optimistic and will continue exploring other options. Balancing the uncertainties of a musician and a new author, especially in today’s unpredictable landscape shaped by the pandemic, presents its challenges. Yet, in the midst of the turbulence, I’m discovering valuable lessons and acquiring essential skills that will undoubtedly benefit both myself and those I aim to serve.

Portraits of White 2024 Concert Announced

Speaking of those I aim to serve. I’m THRILLED to announce that Portraits of White 2024 tickets are NOW on sale. Join us on the sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Cove Ministries for their Christmas Celebration on December 1 – 2, 2024.

Reserve your tickets HERE.