More wedding fun!

Testing, testing...one, two...

When in this busy life, is there time to do the things we love most? Only when we make the time. I have sadly neglected one of the things I love most and do best for months; music.
My dearest friends, the ones who back me up, who harmonize with me and help me see myself both as an artist and a friend have tried to stay in touch. My work has kept me so preoccupied and exhausted that even sharing a cup of coffee, let alone a song, has seemed impossible.
It is my determination not to let that continue, starting today. I may end up being a pest but it's time to take charge and do what I must.
I have also neglected other very important people in my life. If one of them is you, please, PLEASE call ME! I am often driving to distant locations and can talk via bluetooth, so let's chat! I need you! It is getting pretty lonely and I'd love to re-establish my connections as soon as possible!
Love,
me

Fresh start!

I am determined to make this a year of healing and adventure!

Last year so many things happened I will never forget. Especially time spent with my family and the passing of my companion StarBuck.

This year is the year of YOUTHFUL SPIRIT and I am determined to connect with young family members and friends, one to one, to develop those relationships. I am also determined to continue to live the age I feel, NOT feel my age!

I live the life I want to live and thank history and myself (yes, you!) for making it possible. The main theme of my life has been and always will be "NEVER GIVE UP!"

The person I have become is almost everything I want to be. Now I have to add more kindness and patience for those closest to me, in gratitude for theirs and because I love them.

Now on to the music to celebrate life and the love and happiness I want to share!

Old Friends ~ Blast from the Past

Time flies...

Having survived a tornado, triple digit heat and a huge storm that knocked out power to over 800,000 people in the last month, I am grateful to be here! It's more than amazing what can happen in a single day, let alone over half a year.

Finally, I am back working, down to two jobs and close to an average of 40 hours a week, with insurance benefits pending!

I love both jobs for different reasons and still write a weekly police report for the BCJ. I wish I had more time! I would love to be able to devote more to my music and get out and play!

So Far and S.T.O.R.M. have a few gigs this summer/fall, but I'd love to really get us out there and stretch our wings. Each group has it's own sound and style and would fit any number of venues and occasions; but right now it's hard to find work with few hiring.

My family is facing challenges, but none we can't overcome!

I remain one of the luckiest people I know and hope it stays that way!

:-)

Time flies...

Today it was 65 degrees by my car thermometer. By this time, my birthday, November weather has usually degenerated to freezing rain or sleet, so I am celebrating my good fortune. I get to put up my holiday lights without gloves! Sure, the candy canes and cords will likely be frozen solidly into the ground when it's time to take them up, but I'll cross that bridge when it gets here.
In the meantime, we have four awesome grandchildren, three of whom are old enough to really enjoy this Christmas and the other is a baby boy I get to spoil. I plan on taking total advantage of that by putting up as many twinkling lights and decorations as my husband can tolerate! It's time to bake the cookies!

Home

Home is where you find your heart the happiest. Sometimes it's a place, but mostly, it's a feeling.
I have many homes. I am so happy when I am taking care of my family in our house. But, I am equally happy when I have a chance to visit our little spot on the lake in Minnesota. When we trek to Michigan to see my family or Florida or Texas to see loved ones, it's all the same. Even a hotel room can feel like home when it's the place you use as the starting point for visiting with friends and family.
I've never really felt like an owner of property; rather I feel as though I'm the custodian. No matter how much we may wish it, we cannot literally 'own' the earth. We can receive title that indicates we are allowed to use a space, but once we no longer breathe, the title and point, are moot. Like many ancient tribes realized, we are the guardians...responsible to nature to provide the care for our space as long as we occupy it. Perhaps that is one reason I feel closer to the land when I'm in Minnesota or Michigan. It seems that there, the spirits still exist. In the fullest, most succulent manifestation of life, it feels like home when I stand there.
The same feeling holds true wherever I garden...if I plant seeds and harvest fruit after a season of caring for this life, I feel like home. While I cut and store the fruit for the coming winter, I feel like home. When I share that fruit with those I care about, it feels like home; and home...feels like love.