When she was young and all her friends were busy playing house, Gayla Drake Paul was busy playing a guitar musician. Not much has changed now, except that she is no longer just playing.

Paul, from Ely, is a nationally recognized folk artist who has been receiving national air play for her debut self titled CD, and her new CD, Waiting for the Spark.

Paul began playing guitar at the age of 5 with lessons from her older brother, and has been playing ever since. It wasn’t until recently however, that her musical career really took off.

“I’ve been on again and off again about my music for quite a while. I had a lot of ideas, but I just didn’t have the business know-how, but my husband who is knowledgeable in business matters just really made things happen. We think of ourselves as a one-two punch, a successful team,” she said.

Something must have happened, because Paul is receiving glowing reviews saying, “probably the best woman guitarist in America today,” and, “If this is what songwriting has come to in the ’90s then there is a ray of hope for the art form.”

It’s a little ironic that the “inspiration” for the future of folk music rests upon Paul’s wandering mind and humming voice when she is walking down the street or an interesting mistake that turns into a rift.

Music in Paul’s life is practically as essential as sunlight or water; she can’t imagine life without it.

“It’s like my sustaining thing. My husband, son and my music are the most important things in my life. My life just works with them,” Paul said.

Paul also believes that live music has the ability to reach out and touch people, because it gives the audience and the artist a chance to interact. Not only do you get the songs, but also the stories and laughter, it’s the total package, she said.

“Live performance is something the audience can help create. There’s not many venues left where the focus is music and not drinking or eating. That’s why I am very excited to have the opportunity to play at the MoonCookie Cafe,” Paul said.

For an artist only on her second CD, it is unusual that Paul considers herself at a landmark and turning point in her career. She is now trying to decide what direction to take.

Although she has enough songs written for another CD, plans for its production are indefinite. Paul does have many other avenues to explore though. She is in the early stages of putting together an original soundtrack for an international film project.

Paul will be performing Saturday night at the MoonCookie Cafe, 1015 North Hyland Ave. (UU Fellowship of Ames). The cafe opens at 7:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door.