Last night I went to see Rosie Thomas with my husband, and my two friends (newly engaged!), Carolyn and Bennett.  You know when someone is put in your path at the just the right time to say just he right thing, or to remind you of your path.  That was my experience the first time I saw Rosie in 2009 with another group of friends.  At that point I hadn't even heard her music before, but my friends paid for my ticket and took me out to cheer me up. 
     Even then, she was hilarious, cheerful, and so heartfelt.  This second Rosie Thomas concert was that and more.  There was a time in the middle of the show where she sat down with us, like we were her friends, she told us she loved us, and she knew God had a plan for us, and she was excited about it.  Like a mother duck building up her nest for her ducklings to rest in... I could not stop from crying. 
      After the show there was a discussion time.  I didn't get to ask my question, but I stopped her after the show to pick her brain about music and PR and her experiences.  She looked at me and said, "First, you have a calling, God has a plan for you and you can't mess that up.  Second, you just do what you're doing, play everywhere and anywhere" (paraphrased).  There was a lot more we talked about PR work, getting the word out about music. And she said, "You know we're in the same boat.  I'm right there with ya, some shows have a packed house and some it seems like there's hardly anyone there, but you play with your whole heart." 
    What a great reminder that I'm not alone.  Thanks Rosie. 

Love,
Kelsey

I just downloaded this album- the Sound of Silence by Jenny & Tyler like a couple of weeks ago from noisetrade.com.  Now their album is #21 on itunes!  The best part is all proceeds from this album are going to fight human trafficking!  Go buy it now!  http://ow.ly/9GeRb

Just received "Start Something that Matters" in the mail the other day, and I'm already half way through it.  This is record speed for someone like me who doesn't do a lot of marathon reading, but I just can't put this one down!  Go get it the next chance you get. 
And here is a poem inspired by the book and also the author, Blake Mycoskie's company TOMS.  Enjoy.

    I've been looking for a way to get involved in an anti-sex trafficking organization.  The International Justice Mission has a ton of info and news breaks on their page, but the support campeigns they're advertising are mostly for large groups like a church or college group.  They do have artist partnerships with well known bands, but no clear way for an indie band or artist to add to the efforts apart from just donating money (which would be great if I had money to donate). 
     Then, today I was reminded of the Red Thread Movement.  I played a show with a band a few weeks ago who were selling these little red bracelets.  So I have successfully sent in my application to the Red Thread Movement and will, Lord willing, recieve bunches and bunches red bracelets in the mail soon.  As soon as I get them, I will be selling them at my shows, so keep an eye out!  They're only $3 a piece so there is NO reason not to buy one and raise awareness of this growing crime all over the world.  For more info on the Red Thread Movement go to: www.redthreadmovement.org

Trafficking in Nepal
     "The Nepal/India border claims nearly 12,000 victims of sex trafficking a year. It is a problem that is gaining momentum worldwide. In Nepal, the women’s low status and insufficient education make them vulnerable targets for trafficking...