Big changes are happening here at SweetLife, and we wanted to let you in on all the VERY EXCITING STUFF we've been up to. 

1) BACK TO SCHOOL 
In May, Matt began studying with Sherilyn Keller at "Release Music Like A Pro."   RMLAP is a 12-week course teaching all aspects of the music industry. 
He says, "We're in Week Eight, and it's intense - studying Website design, copyrighting songs, social media, recording and production, and a bunch of other aspects of 'the biz' that used to be mysteries to me." 

2) GROWING SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE 
Look for us on a TON of social media Websites, including Gab.com, Instagram, Twitter, and many more (our handle is SweetLifeSongs). 

3) REVAMPED WEBSITE 
We're into a major overhaul of SweetLifeMusic.com, and with the help of a photographer, we're giving it a whole new look! 

4) STREAMING 
All of our music will soon stream on over 150 streaming sites all over the world. 

5) CREATING NEW SONGS 
We've also started working with Mark Himley, a wonderful producer whose music you've heard on shows on all the major TV networks.  He's producing our newest song "Your Promises," which we're hoping to release late this summer. 

6) MUCH MORE ON THE WAY 
We'll keep you updated weekly-ish as things develop. 

Being full-time musicians is our greatest dream-come-true, and we couldn't do it without YOU, our friends and fans. 
Thanks for all your support for the last 13 years, and thanks for coming with us as we move into this new season! 

-- Matt & Carol

Isaiah 43:19

SweetLifeMusic.com

We’ve played music for lots of retirement communities, rehab centers, senior centers, and for folks dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia since 2011, many of whom have become good friends.  

While their families and caretakers see them every day, our less frequent visits give us a more distinct view of their gradual decline.  The time between visits makes it easier for us to spot the changes in these vibrant men and women who go from just getting “confused” occasionally and “needing a little help” – to gradually forgetting loved-ones’ names (and their own) – until one day they’re still there, but “gone.” 

Even when they no longer remember us, we just smile, roll with the conversation, no matter what they say, and do our best to dwell on the good things. 

Like the time a kind aide soothed and distracted a fearful widow before a show.  She was waiting for her late husband to park the car, and was worried because he was taking a long time.  She soon got so absorbed in the music, that she was the most energetic person in the entire audience. 

Then there was the angel nurse who came to us in tears, thanking us for our music because a man who hadn’t spoken in two years had just sung along with every word of “You Are My Sunshine.” 

Then came “Bill,” [not his real name] who thought he was backstage at a swanky theatre talking to the musicians.  He was having a GREAT day, coherent, remembering things from years ago, engaging, charming, and funny.  We knew we were getting a glimpse of the real “Bill,” and it was wonderful. 

On our next visit, his wife told us he’d passed away soon after.  
As we shared about our fantastic conversation and how clear his mind had been, she received comfort and a treasured memory.   

Our song "Sometimes I Forget" was born from our many experiences like these. 

Thanks for listening to it HERE. 

-- Matt & Carol

Isaiah 46:4

SweetLifeMusic.com

We released a new song this week, and prayed
(as we always do) 
that God would use it to help someone. 

It was posted online along with a question: 
"Do you ever worry you're just getting it all wrong? 
Lie in bed reliving the day and cringing at every mistake?" 

The response from a viewer: 
"More than you could possibly imagine. 
And a very painful thanks for posting this." 

If that's where you are today, click HERE  
and let our upbeat modern country song "Should've Been" 
encourage you today.
 

-- Matt & Carol @ SweetLife Music  

Matthew 11:28  

https://www.SweetLifeMusic.com

Last week, we were EMPTY. 

Just drained. 

We told God how we were feeling and asked Him to fill us whenever/however He saw fit. 

He DID. 

He filled us with a deep sense of His own presence, then He sent people who poured themselves into us. 

Retirement community residents and staffers went out of their way to share how much joy they get from our obvious love for each other. 
Church family praised us for following God’s will (especially when it’s a sacrifice). 
A cashier smiled broadly at us, chatting about nothing important at the grocery checkout. 

Folks came out of nowhere with completely unsolicited “attaboys” and “good job!”s 
and now we're overflowing. 

To all you who did that this last week (you know who you are) THANK YOU. 
You had the honor of being an answer to prayer for us, and we're praying you 
receive it back one hundredfold. 

PS - This week, if you feel that nudge, go ahead and hold that door for someone, 
say that kind word to a stranger, smile at everybody you meet. 

Tell ‘em to have nice day.  If you do, chances are they WILL. 

PPS - If you’re the one feeling empty right now, head over HERE 
and let our song “All That You Are” fill you up again.  😊

-- Matt & Carol @ SweetLife Music 

Matthew 5:6 

https://www.SweetLifeMusic.com

The video for our song "When She's Flying High" was recorded at a 
Veterans Day concert in 2019 for a roomful of veterans & their loved ones. 
You can watch it and other patriotic videos HERE. 

Our goal that evening was to let these great Americans to know that 
they inspire us to be great, too - 
to be a little braver, 
to work a little harder, 
to make our country match up more and more like with our  
Founding Fathers' vision. 

In these dark, divided days, we often miss the mark. 
Old Glory still symbolizes all we strive for, 
all that's good, just, noble, and true.  

That flag for which we stand inspires us 
to work hard and overcome, 
to move forward into freedom, 
to be self- and God-reliant, 
to courageously BE and DO good. 

It's our hope that we'll continue, as one nation, 
to press on into unity around her. 

This is our heritage and, we pray, our children’s future. 
We are Americans. 

-- Matt & Carol @ SweetLife Music

Psalm 33:12

www.SweetLifeMusic.com

Memorial Day honors those who died while serving our country. 

Those brave men and women gave their lives so you could... 
...protect and raise your family in safety. 
...worship when/where/how you choose. 
...work hard and earn a living doing what you love. 
...vote for your preferred leaders. 
...say what's on your mind. 

Yes, indeed, they paid for our freedom to do the big things. 
The important and impactful things. 

But also the mundane, silly, and frivolous things. 

See, we honor them best when we responsibly exercise 
every. 
last. 
freedom. 
they paid for.  

So, on this long weekend...  
...eat those burgers and dogs. 
...enjoy your family. 
...ride your motorcycle. 
...go to the beach. 
...buy that big screen on sale. 
...take a nap. 

Do whatever you want. 
Just do it all with a grateful heart,  
and you'll honor their sacrifice better than you know. 

And to all who are spending this weekend without someone you love,  
THANK YOU.

A while back we had a really good conversation with a resident at a senior community (a mom/grandmother) who said, almost in passing: "You never stop being a mom." 

Was she ever right. 

In a word,
Moms sacrifice.

It seems to be their nature.  Their every waking thought is about those little ones; no decision is made without weighing its impact on them.   

They gain great joy from continually giving support, experience, wisdom, and love, no matter what. 

Even after the kids move away and have families of their own, moms keep right on being motherly, smiling at youngsters, encouraging and helping young mothers, giving advice, and so much more. 

That's just who they are, and we love them for it. 
 

So whether you're a mom, step-mom, foster mom, a mother-figure, or some combination of those... 

WE SEE YOU.

YOU ARE PRICELESS.

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. 

-- Matt & Carol @ SweetLife Music 

Proverbs 31:28 

https://www.SweetLifeMusic.com

In 1519, Hernan Cortes' fleet landed in Mexico.  Fearing his men would abandon the mission to conquer the Aztec Empire, he ordered the ships to be burned.  This left no Plan B, no way out but forward, victory or nothing, 100% commitment. 

In 2013, Carol got downsized from her job as a customer service manager after 22 years.  They gave her a cardboard box & five minutes to gather her things, then escorted her to her car.  On her way home, she called to tell me. 

What I said next changed EVERYTHING...

The first word out of my mouth was: “Good.” 

She was stunned. 

I continued.  “We’ve been building our music business for several years now.  Between your job and sleep, there weren’t any timeslots left to schedule shows.  We couldn’t grow anymore.  Now we can.” 

That day we prayed, asking God for His leading & wisdom, surrendering all of our circumstances to Him. 
Then we told Him SweetLife Music was HIS thing to run, not ours. 

A few days later, Carol asked me, “So what’s your backup plan?  What if this doesn’t work?” 

“You’re not going to like my answer,” I said, “I don’t have one.” 

“No backup plan?”
“Nope.  Not a one.” 

We moved forward, figured out where we and our music belonged, and by 2016 were playing over 350 events each year. 

Following God’s Plan A is worth every moment of fear, uncertainty, and labor. 

So burn your boats.  Your life will be a wild adventure, lived following God's lead in everything, as He proves His faithfulness over and over again.

-- Matt & Carol @ SweetLife Music 

Proverbs 3:5-6

https://www.SweetLifeMusic.com