Greetings Friends!
I can safely say becoming a bio mom has been the most intense adventure of my life and further helped me discover many things about myself…for instance… what I can accomplish with no sleep, how happy I can be, how far I can push my mental and emotional fortitude, and what I can accomplish with absolutely no time! Among my new discoveries….
The amount of things I can do 1 handed…. you would be surprised. How much I can do in the shortest of time windows, how fast I can eat, how much food I can spill on my child eating with my left hand while breast feeding at the same time….
And in some good news, Mr. Kallum has grown 2.5 inches to be 21.5 inches in length and now almost 8lbs. Pediatrician is thrilled! And so are we.
Some career highlights over this summer!
I got to be a guest on a dear friends’ podcast SMART WOMEN TALK, with Katana Abbott (one of the most powerful women I know!)
Our conversation was about finding your voice and we went in depth with some of the challenges I’ve overcome to stay true to mine, and staying focused amidst loss to continue sharing it. Still so honored she thought I was interesting enough to feature!
Next surprise of the summer was a last minute opportunity to be a part of a documentary by Zachary Rumley called A Redux Rennaissance, that focuses on the juxtaposition of dynamic range recording vs. modern industry radio standards. I got to record my original folk song “Good and True” with Greg Scheer on guitar. I still can’t believe I managed to do this barely 6 weeks post partum! I wrote the extra horn parts with baby Kallum strapped to me and in 15 minute intervals because I still had to keep him moving to keep him happy! But we did it and have an incredible recording coming SOON!
Below is a little pic of me and Kallum (my practice buddy) on a work break!
Next up is my first summer on Beaver Island with the Baroque on Beaver Music Festival! To quote a friend that was on the island last week…. “It was hotter than Satan’s Scrotum”.
It was…. but so was the music! Incredible people, artists, and new relationships. Dave, Ingrid, and Sandy…. you were an extra unexpected delight and so happy to know you! (Sometimes an audience member becomes family…..in this case… it’s 3!)
Big shoutout to the musicians on the island. Ya’ll are first class!
Below are some highlight moments. My husband and I snagged a much needed date with our little man at the Beaver Island Lodge… so beautiful.
As we approach the end of a far too short summer, and make plans for the GRSymphony season in September, I am happy to share Hope College has invited me to be their adjunct horn instructor. I am excited to flex my teaching muscles at the college level again and definitely looking forward to some artistic collaborative projects with the talented Hope faculty!
Big thank you to my dad for coming with me to help with Kallum as I did the audition and interview so I could keep him on his feeding schedule!
Last but not least…. THE ALBUM!
I am ecstatic to be including a photo of my inital donation to IJM from the amazing support you gave during the crowdfund in Arpil. I am still in talks with their NYC office on a future creative project which I will absolutely share when it’s time! I can’t wait to use more of my art to make a difference that unites and liberates.
But first things first….I have to get “The Singing Horn” finished, edited, and submitted to PARMA by mid September for release IN MARCH! AAAAAHHHHH!
It’s crunch time and still short $1000 to make it happen but I am in my powerful warrior mom mode and hustling for corporate sponsorship to get to the finish line. Please share to any businesses or individuals that may want to join the team! I am planning a killer album release party and all supporters get to be there!
Thank YOU for all of your support and encouragement during this insane process, and even more so now that Kallum is born and thriving. Should I have done everything I’ve done this summer… and during the pregnancy? PROBABLY NOT. But my next year around the sun… maybe I will get better at not saying yes to absolutely everything! Until September……
Be Well Dear Friends!
Last Day! Crowdfund ends at 11:59 pm tonight! 
. But, this project and what it stands for requires me putting it all out there… and that is exactly what I am prepared to do. No shame, just drive for something bigger and better than just myself. You have all joined me in this journey, and I am so happy you’re here with me! Your participation makes this project beautiful. 
Mary Beth Orr 