A year without a job

Oh beautiful chaos.

Me as a man o’ war corpse, beholding the sea

This week marks one year since I quit my last job and formally employed myself as ‘artist’. The truth is I was doing that all along but I was boosted in hard times and held back in fruitful ones by my job. I think being an ‘artist’ without a backup ‘job’ is the opposite, the slow times are desolate but the fruitful times are so meaningful, like a path illuminated by stars.

It’s May and I have been feeling this unfamiliar peace and…ease? Summer is on its way, I’m planning a tour and an album release and I find myself with mental space to prepare. What is happening?? Oh yeah.

I’m not a teacher in the final weeks of school.

So many times over this year I have astounded myself with what all can happen when you are simply available. This past couple months alone I taught myself to make a music video, released 2 singles, saw Kim Gordon, Kraftwerk, and lots of local shows, camped at Enchanted Rock, Mustang Island, and Big Bend, turned in a lot of stuff ON TIME, recorded an album and finished an EP, wrote over 30 songs, and grew some tomatoes. I’m serious, this is the stuff I’m up to. Next level dream life stuff.

If you had asked me a year ago what my biggest fear about being ‘self employed’ was, I think I would have said running out of money. Now that I’ve done that a few times and somehow managed, I feel like my biggest fear is that I actually love this life so much and can’t imagine it any other way.

I do enough screaming into the void to handle it though. For now. And who knows? Things could change. Things will change. Especially in this economy, especially in this world where it is such a privilege to be safe and fed and even considering such things as what I am considering here. I am reminded as the days get hotter how I have a home to chill at and cool water to drink. Reminded again as the news of horrific violence bleats in the background against the peaceful sway of mustang grape vines on the back fence.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS SECTION

A section so bold it needed this title!

Cosmic space patches by Dana Falconberry

1. Some Austin things that have been getting me thru: Austin pools season pass (with free parking at the Springs, come on, u need it!), dropping off snacks, waters, and love at ATX Free Fridge locations, Me Mer Mo.

2. Little Mazarn is hitting the road soon! We’re playing all over and I hope we get to see ya. Dates HERE.

3. One month until our new record Mustang Island is out…. In the meantime, new albums by Thor & Friends, Friendship, and Erin Durant. :) Magic music medicine.

4. Have you seen these patches Dana Falconberry made for Mustang Island?! They’re on my website along with a fresh repress of ‘Io’ on cassette, bumper stickers, and other sundry items that are cool and support the band woohoo. I seriously don’t know how we would do all this without you thank you.

5. I got an ice cream maker. I wouldn’t really call my pre ice cream maker life…living. It is awesome. I hope you get an ice cream maker and if not, maybe some ice cream.

Happy summer! Hang in there. Xo LV