The Key Of Confidence

Claire Opening at The Cambridge Room

Style Shout Out to confidence because it is truly the best accessory.

As you can tell I haven't posted many blogs over the past few months.  It's not because there isn't a lot to talk about...in fact there is so much to write about but not enough hours in the day.

You see Claire has been super busy with music and school and, like any parent, your children and their happiness takes precedence.  I also volunteered this summer to manage a music program for young musicians that gives them the opportunity to play gigs...such a great way for kids to build confidence.

So this morning, after making breakfast, packing school lunch, driving to school, feeding the puppy and answering a bunch of emails I decided it was time to make time to write.  And of course no writing session is complete without a good cup of coffee...so I poured a cup of Cafe du Monde, which always reminds me of the fabulous time my hubby and I had in New Orleans, turned on Good Morning America because it's Modern Family take-over week, and sat down with my MAC.

Returning emails regarding the kids music program reminded me just how much Claire's confidence has grown in the short time she has been playing shows.  Now don't get me wrong, she has always been a confident child and I like to think she inherited her moxie from me, but her confidence increases each time she takes the stage which has given her even more courage to stand up for herself and others. And I think we all know how important it is for girls to have confidence, self-respect and self-esteem.

Last week I can honestly say Claire did something that takes real confidence...as an acoustic act she opened in the Cambridge Room of the House Of Blues Dallas for a band that is on a national tour.  When the phone call came about the show Claire was ecstatic.  I sat down and explained that it's the biggest stage she's played and told her that we would take her to the venue prior to the show so she could check it out.  She thought that was a good idea and was counting the days until the show.

The night of the show came and I watched in awe as my nine year did her vocal warm ups, thank you Roger Love, and handled sound check like a pro. As she was playing her Taylor guitar and talking with the lighting guy about lighting and the sound guy about her levels I realized that the confidence she is gaining through music is invaluable and whether or not she decides someday to have a career in music the lessons she is learning about preparation, planning, and dealing with people will stay with her always and be such a benefit.

The show that night was great and Claire had a lot of fun, which for me is the most important thing because if she's having fun, then I'm having fun.  If you get a chance to see Lauren Mann and her band get tickets and go...you won't be disappointed.  And make sure to get there early to see the opening acts because it's a great opportunity to see and support local talent.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  Music is a such a wonderful confidence builder and also a fabulous way for children and adults to express themselves. My parents gave me my first guitar when I was ten years old and I still play.  When Claire was deciding what to wear for the show in the Cambridge Room I told her that anything in her closet would work because everything looks great when you wear it with confidence.