Sometimes it's more about what you take with you from an experience is more valuable than it is what you accomplished.


The production manager for the festival posted in the community page for High Sierra Music Festival which is my non-negotiable festival each year, about this festival that they were putting on in Sayulita, Mexico - called Sand and Strings Music Festival.


In true fashion of 'collecting failures' this year ( ie. putting myself out there, for things I want - and letting the cards fall as they may) I decided to reach out to him and throw my name in the hat. They already had a paid media team and at the time didn't feel the need to bring anyone on. About a month before the festival, I got a message saying "Hey, we'd love if you can come but we can really only offer a free ticket for the festival".


Hmmm. Music festival on the beach in Mexico.... Kind of hard to say no.


So, in honor of my 35th birthday, I decided to take myself on this trip - to do what I love and explore somewhere new.


Unfortunately, food poisoning took me down for 24 hours on the second night and I missed the first day of the festival. I was able to witness a beautiful intimate gathering of the artists for a pre-party jam session on Thursday night and Saturday at the festival! As much as I wish I had ALL the energy in the world.... I just didn't and I had to be okay with doing the best I could.


Even though laying in bed on a trip you paid to be on and missing out on the very thing you're there to do, really stinks. The trip became more about showing up 2,000k miles away from home solo to do what I love and trusting myself to explore a new to me city in another country without knowing anyone I was headed there to work alongside.


The trip became more about remembering I belong in the room - I was ASKED to be there. What an honor.

Energetic drummer performing on stage under dramatic red lighting at night.

My favorite photo from Thursday night artist gathering.... one of those images that you just go, oh HELL YEAH! @whiskerman

Two people share a lighthearted moment while enjoying entertainment at a casual venue.
A musician plays a sousaphone surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd in a warm-lit venue.
An engaged audience watches a performance in a tropical-themed indoor venue.
A saxophonist performs against a backdrop of red stage lighting and tropical plants.
Energetic performance on stage with dramatic red lighting and foliage backdrop.
Candid moment of laughter and joy during a lively social gathering.
A musician in a patterned shirt performs with intense concentration in black and white.
People enjoying an evening gathering in a rustic venue with bamboo wall decor.
A live band performs on stage with red lighting and tropical plants in the background.
A group of people socializing and mingling at an evening outdoor gathering under warm lighting.
Band members performing energetically under red stage lighting at night venue.
Musician playing saxophone during nighttime outdoor performance.
Musical performance in tropical setting with drummer and performer on stage.
Audience members enjoying live music performance in rustic wooden venue.
Musician in red dress performing with microphone under moody lighting at night venue.
Close-up of a blue event flyer posted on a tree with orange autumn foliage in background.
Illuminated sign for 'Frente al Punto Beach Garden' with floral logo on textured white wall at night.
Group of festival attendees stand together watching a performance in an outdoor tropical setting.
Corona beer bottle sits on a lounge chair beside relaxed legs in a sunny outdoor setting.
Two dancers perform together on a pathway surrounded by tropical plants.
Musician performs with microphone while wearing a brown hat in an outdoor setting.
White boots and performance equipment visible on outdoor stage.
Musicians perform on outdoor stage while audience members watch from lawn seating.
Festival audience watches musicians perform on outdoor stage during daytime.
People relax on grass near beach with palm trees and ocean view in background.
Festival attendees in hats walk through landscaped garden area.
Young girl in yellow floral dress runs and laughs joyfully on grass during outdoor event.
Artist works intently with watercolors and art supplies at outdoor table with rainbow drink bottle.
Baseball caps with logo designs displayed on purple fabric at outdoor market or event.
Group of friends enjoying drinks and sunshine at beachside resort event.
Person holds small chihuahua puppy while sitting with camera equipment outdoors.
People gather near tree trunk wearing casual clothes and graphic t-shirts at outdoor event.
Family takes beach selfie together against ocean backdrop at sunset.
Friends wearing bright pink outfits pose together at outdoor festival event.
Event technicians in headphones work at outdoor sound equipment station.