Hello. I'm a 26-year-old unmarried female with 2 kids and an at home job as a medical transcriptionist. My father chose to eliminate himself from my life completely when I was born and I rarely saw my mom, as she had to work constantly to support us by herself. The only other family I had was my grandma, who we believe suffered from a horrible disease known as Huntington's Chorea. No proof it's that for sure, since there are a plethora of other diseases that exhibit similar symptoms. She was psychotic and not the best person to let your kid be around. In other words, I wasn't raised in the most stable environment. I spent a lot of time with my grandma, babysitters, and when I got older, by myself. We lived in a run down old trailer in the country, not a soul in sight for miles. At least I had a nice yard to play in. We couldn't afford a TV, all we had was a stereo, so I spent my free time (and I had a lot of it) singing in my room. My music teacher at school was amazed by my voice. She encouraged my mom to get me more involved musically, but she never had 'time'. Anyway, this sparked a dream to become a professional singer and gave me the hope that one day I'd be able to finally free myself from this prison of poverty.

My mom remarried a man that took care of her and they bought a house in a very nice private residential community. After that, things changed drastically. My mom became (more) meticulous about everything, a lot of details involved, but to make it short we just started arguing a lot. Long story. I started being rebellious from lack of attention and love and as a result my mom just decided to get rid of me altogether by kicking me out - and she did it by locking the door and attaching a vicious note explaining I'm not longer welcome in her home. I was 16. If I would have been smart about it, I would have called the police, but I didn't. Instead I walked to a friend's house, called up my boyfriend, and he came and picked me up. His mother took me in with open arms, which I cannot thank her enough for.

I became depressed and my dream of singing kind of faded away. I did finish high school and graduated. I got pregnant at age 19 by my boyfriend who I moved in with. We moved into our own place and had a beautiful baby girl. Moved away, had another baby, a boy, and eventually got a career of my own.

Now that I'm older and finally at peace mentally and can let go of anger and bitterness related to the past, I just want to focus on trying to make my life what I want it to be. Recently I discussed with my boyfriend the idea of relocating to Nashville and trying to make it as a singer, even if I don't make it big, at least I can say I tried. He supports me and all, but I can't help but have doubts. I'm a mom of 2 and I have no family help with the kids. My bf works as a contractor with crazy hours so he can only help so much. Furthermore, I am not rich, though certainly better off compared with when I was a child.

So naturally, I am wondering how the heck I'm gonna do this or where I'm gonna start. I am a great singer, but I don't know how to play any instrument but the trombone. I do play piano rather well by ear. I'd love to learn to play guitar. I've written many poems since I was little, with a tune just not with music notes. This raises the question, what band is going to want me as a singer if I'm raising kids and cannot be depended upon full time in case there is a gig? I was thinking maybe just creating demos and knocking on record label doors? I don't know... I need advice. I will admit, and I'm not trying to sound conceited here, but I am a very good singer if that means anything. More importantly though is the fact that I already have a fall back career as a medical transcriptionist which I can do anytime I want, I have no set hours. I don't even have to do it since it's only to supplement my bf's career and we can survive without it. He makes more money than I do. I was thinking singing at church would be a good way to get heard, too. Any advice? Thanks.