This week, my personal Facebook account was hacked.  

By the time I figured out what had happened, the hacker had blocked me out of my account entirely. With full access to my information the hacker went on to purchase Facebook ads in $250 increments through PayPal until he drained all of the money from my accounts. 

Unfortunately for him, I’m pretty broke. 

But I was still mad. Today as I write, I don’t have money, or access to the Facebook page I created almost 20 years ago.  I find myself clawing for control in this situation, and grasping to have access to not only my funds, but also all the on-line fans that I've connected with since I began my career. 

And then somewhere in the middle of the desperate wanting, I got a text from a friend, reminding me not to forget the tremendous opportunity that I've been given. 

My first thought was: Where the hell is the opportunity here? 

Followed swiftly by: I have the opportunity to begin fresh. 

Reader, without trying to sugar-coat a really frustrating situation, I'll say with certainty that I've come full circle emotionally this week, from extreme panic, to extreme calm.  Money comes and money goes, and I'm sure with more hard work, it will come again.  And as far as my Facebook fans, well...maybe it's a chance to start sharing exactly the kind of artist I am today, without trying to appease the people who liked the kind of artist I was all those years ago.  

My feelings of peace are further compounded by knowing in less than two weeks, I'll be on a songwriting sabbatical in Northern California, right near Point Reyes. No TV, no cell service, just a piano, a cabin, the redwoods, and me.   I finally pulled the trigger and booked the trip.  I'm looking nothing but forward right now, and it feels nice.

Wishing you a week of finding opportunities. See you next Monday. -Em