Living the Life of RyLee

When you observe how little some people work, you wonder how they will know when they are retired! This is often a misperception of those of us in the music business. Many think since we make our own schedule, and write songs and play music, that we DON’T really work. It’s not hard to understand why some people think this way, after all so many of us are locked into 9-5 jobs that we don’t enjoy, we can’t take a break on the front deck on a sunny afternoon, we can’t just leave the office early because we want to get home to the family, we have bosses to answer too, etc. Based on a Lou Harris Poll: 63% of workers do not believe people work as hard as they used to, 78% say people take less pride in their work, 69% say workmanship is inferior, & 73% believe workers are less motivated. Personally I believe this is because so many of us are stuck in jobs that we don’t enjoy, and we’re not tapping into our life’s passion. We all have passions hidden within us, special talents that we excel at and I think those who discover this, and tap in without fear, will live much more fulfilled. I am thankful I am able to live my passion of writing and music, it doesn’t mean it is not met with challenges, sacrifices and disappointments, however the rewards are far more worth it! Take some time to think about your passions, hidden talents or dream hobbies you’ve always wanted to tackle. I encourage you, once you’ve identified even one, to grab it and give it a shot! “The plans of the diligent lead surely to the plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

Heading into a new year, many of us take time to evaluate the year ahead. We list our goals and our new year resolutions, plan to visit friends and family more, go to church more, laugh more, etc. Here are some interesting stats I invite you to reflect on as you plan for your year. Did you know that in a lifetime the average North American will spend: - Six months sitting at stoplights - Eight months opening junk mail - One year looking for misplaced objects - Two years unsuccessfully returning phone calls - Five years waiting in line - Six years eating - 21 years watching TV - 23 years sleeping - 19 years working - Nine years in leisure Redeeming = to buy up, to ransom, to rescue from loss, to improve opportunity. “Redeeming the time is capitalizing on every appropriate opportunity” When you have time on your hands, try to fill it with whatever you are in most need of at the time. Perhaps rest, reading, prayer, walking, laughing, dreaming, writing, whatever your heart desires! Peace…RyLee

As I look back on 2005, I thank the many blessings I was fortunate to receive. Although life brought many challenges, it also brought the making of a brand new record, a tour of France & Ireland, a trip to Switzerland, working with the Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts in Houston TX, Two MIANS Awards (Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia), a spot on the ECMA Song Cafe 2006, and three new album cuts to name a few highlights! The launching of this brand new site marks the anticipated release of the new record, hopefully but the spring if all goes as planned. Shows are starting to fill in, with plans for a busy summer! This winter will be busy with writing in Nashville, something I love and feel very blessed to do. My thoughts are never too far from my friends and family, and I welcome any feedback you’d like to send! Happy New Year everyone, may it be all that you plan it to be. Peace…RyLee