how a House brought me home...

I remember it like it was yesterday... February 14th, 2017. I had a show in Los Angeles that night and realized that morning that I had yet to get the pickup installed in my new guitar. In a panic, I called up the guitar center near the venue. 

They told me to bring the guitar in and that it would take a few hours.. I THREW myself together and got there as quickly as I could. I had planned to venture off and explore as I awaited my guitar to get fixed up, but then I heard the most beautiful music coming from the acoustic room.

Naturally, I found myself wandering inside to see a couple of young men jamming out together. I had to sit and listen. 

I began singing along with them and just enjoying the musical company and we shared our introductions. Joel and Corey were nothing short of mind blowing talented and I was simply happy to be in their presence. 

When my guitar was finished I thought it'd be time to say goodbyes, but instead from there we decided to go off and grab some food.. My friend Macayla joined us at the restaurant next door and we all just shared stories for an hour or two. Again, I thought goodbyes were in order, but they proceeded to ask about my show that evening...

Later that night, to my surprise, Corey showed up with two of his friends to support me. It was genuinely the warmest feeling I had felt in a long time, since I was very far from home.

We all continued to hang back at his place later on that evening and Corey began telling me of this place called "Winston House". It sounded absolutely amazing and I knew I was going to be in town for the next week, so I made my plans to go there that Monday.

Monday came around and I received a text from Corey late that morning asking if I wanted to sing a couple songs at the acoustic couch session. I said yes with delight and was even more excited for the evening...

The night rolled around and upon arrival I found out that I wasn't just singing a few songs, but I was the "featured artist" of the evening. (Thanks for the heads up again Corey lol) I was also greeted with open arms by each and every individual there, including the head of the gang - Mr. Corey McGuire, who said they had already heard so much about the "girl from guitar center." 

It was truly such a special feeling and an incredible evening to say the least.

I had my plans of moving to LA, but was terrified because I KNEW PEOPLE, but not TOO MANY people. So I was scared of feeling alone in such a big city. But after that evening I knew I was going to be just fine.

March 15th I arrived in LA with my father and that following Thursday night I found myself at Winston. Thursday after Thursday... there I was, surrounded by some of the most talented and most kind hearted individuals I have ever met. Every week simply growing more and more grateful for fate and how a simple mistake that brought me to guitar center lead me to a family.

I genuinely can not say thank you enough to Winston House and everyone there who provided me with a safe haven and second home. My heart is constantly full knowing that I have people in my life who actually care for my well being and just believe in me as much as they do.

One house that made such an incredibly impact on so many, including myself, continues to be a place of comfort for those who either do or simply love music. And I feel incredible blessed to be able to say that that one House brought me a sense of home in a time when I needed it most.