Yeah, that's me.  As a sweet curious child ready to learn and play!  

Fast forward to present day, and you know, lately I have been getting that feeling back again.  The urge to keep learning and play.  As many of you know, I am always learning, in fact in some eyes it can be a kind of a hinderance, because I find something interesting and I dive into it like kids with a bag of candy.

You all know that I am a singer and a songwriter and every part of the music business I have had my hands and feet wet with.   Most of you know that I am also a non profit fundraising auctioneer.  I have my own company called Sound Barn Auctions. No, I am not starting up another entity.  I am diligently working on improving my skills in both music and auctioneering; and this makes me happy.

I was at a sponsorship mastermind last week and after I gave my presentation, someone asked me what is my ultimate goal in life.  ( I nailed my presentation, BTW) We all think about it and many of us see it as things we want, be it awards or money etc.  And honestly, a few years ago when I was evaluating myself, like I often do, I wrote down things like “ win single of the year” “be in certain writing rooms with certain people” “have my business be uber successful”.  Yes all of those things are still there.  Of course I still want all of that, but the one thing that came to mind when asked was to make people happy.  To make them smile.  Because ultimately when they are happy because of something I have done to improve their life in some way, then I am happy, and when I am happy, it raises my mood.  When I raise my mood, people take notice.  My vibe becomes high and it snowballs from there! I had some stranger one time say “ I like your vibe” and all I was doing was walking down the hallway at a conference.

 (These are some of my new best friends at the Long Beach Aquarium)

The point I am trying to make is when you continue to be happy and grateful, even for the little things like waking up, or the sun on your face, your inner child starts to come alive.  If you had a terrible childhood, then the child you wished you were will start to peek through, and pretty soon, you become that bright and shiny penny you've always wanted in your pocket.

To recap this month:

The beginning of August was filled with excitement as my son was in the Championship game on ESPN for JR Professional Lacrosse League, in Delaware! His team, the Denver Outlaws, ended up losing, but 4 of his friends were on the other team and we are proud of them, for taking the championship.  Well, at least I am, lol.  It was a great experience for the boys!

I was able to assist the company “Live on Stage” again this year.  It is an artist relations company and they have their 2025-2026 roster showcasing for bookings.  No, I am not on their roster.  I am still grateful I was there to help assist and make sure the event ran smoothly!  

I went to Atlanta this weekend for the ISSA Awards.  (International Singer Songwriter Association Awards). I was nominated for female songwriter of the year, single of the year, and vocalist of the year.  I did not walk away with a trophy, but thats ok!  To be nominated is great!

Following Atlanta, I flew down to Miami for our annual Benefit Auction Summit.  It was really humid but I'm pretty sure I was the only one who didn't complain, lol. I loved it!  So much knowledge came out of this past weekend, and that is probably why I feel so happy, and sick,  but still happy!  Hence, I feel like a kid!  I cant wait to share my knowledge in the non profit world!

                                           ( Where's Waldo??)

Over the next coming months, I will be focusing on fundraising events I have lined up, along with preparing for Christmas.  Yes, I mean Christmas, lol. I have a few things up my sleeve!

But, If you are part of a business that does Christmas Parties, Well I would love to come sing songs!  Both Christmas and country songs!  Let's talk!

Alrighty, I am off to do more work and enjoy my LaCroix water I am sipping on! 

Please do me a favor.  If you like me as an artist or as a person, please share me.  Pass me around to all your friends.  Follow me on my socials and listen to my music on Youtube,  Apple, Spotify, or Amazon :). 

OR Join my newsletter .

Thank you friends! Talk to you next month!

Carrie Cunningham