It’s a new year!  2014.  Imagine the possibilities…

I haven’t posted here since my first post back in September.  I’ve struggled with not only what to write about, but also finding the motivation to do so.  I’ve never been the type to routinely post on facebook or twitter about my regular goings on because part of me can’t comprehend why anyone would want to read about my daily walks through Prospect Park, finding part time work doing content migration for websites, binging on Broadway shows and movies, eating and drinking my way through the city or my travels to Vermont, Washington D.C. and back to the midwest for Loras Homecoming.  It’s not that I struggle with self-esteem or thinking that people don’t care what I’m up to. Rather, if I’m going to commit precious time to posting here I want it to be meaningful for me as an artist and for you, the viewer.

As I reflected on the new year and what kind of resolutions I might develop, I thought a lot about my mission in moving here to New York ~ allowing myself the space to be creative.  I have certainly taken a great deal of time since I’ve moved here to do just that, but 2014 provides a new and empty frame to the canvas of my creativity — a way to measure my growth or commitment to this lifestyle.  I spotted a new trend on facebook of people posting a photo every day of the year, perhaps of things that the individual is grateful for, or just to document a year in the life.  I was attracted to the idea and will certainly be viewing others photo journeys, so I considered it for myself, but it fell short.  I wanted to do something that would really push me to be creative in a way that would not only measure growth, but really aid and cause growth.

As a songwriter, there is something to be said for waiting for inspiration to strike, but as a craft there comes a point when you have to be proactive in creating, a point when you have to seek out inspiration.

Introducing…PROJECT 52!

This year, I’m challenging myself to write a song and a related reflection every week and post it here at chanteurville.com on Tuesdays.  In doing so, I hope to not only push myself as an artist, but to inspire many of you to go after cultivating the gifts that you possess and to share them.  It’s easy for me to sit here and write happy songs or sad songs or songs about the weather, but what good are they if they live only in my Park Slope living room.  Sharing is the key.  I want to approach this year with fresh eyes and ears, ready to read, watch, and listen to new things and in new ways. I hope you’ll join me.

It all starts tomorrow – Tuesday, January 7!

1/52: pour sauver ma vie ~ to save my life