His news to us says:

"So, what's the big deal? Why a serious tone? Why quote Tolstoy, or anyone? Well, this time it is a big change for myself, for my wife, Judy, and for my career and my music, and really our lives together. We have been through many changes, as all of us do, but I thought I'd elaborate a bit.

This quote also brings to mind the changing of the country in the way we all make our living, and exist in this country. That also affects other folks in other countries. And therein is the first part of the quote. Here, we want change until we get it, then we want no more change. Either because we like the change or we don't. Politically, change brings anarchy of sorts. The non-presidential party wants their party in and the others out. The rich want to be more rich, the poor want not to be poor, and we all say we want a freedom to choose, equitable terms, and some of us want fairness. I venture to say that'll really never happen and even if it does, I say the chances of my being around to see it is nil. I could go on and on, but I invite you to enter into discussions with others in a remedial tone, and in the interests of discovery, especially when it comes to our current condition here in this country.

Therein lies reference to the second part of the above quote. To change oneself. Can we? Would we? I think we should change in many ways. Gentle, cautious, but sincere change is important to our existence, I think... Maybe not a complete change, and my guess is that would not be healthy nor necessary. But we can grow. Change can be growth. Growth can be positive. I do think that refusal to consider change is a failure. Changing the healthcare system can be a positive thing. I believe that change in this area is absolutely necessary and without it, this country will pay the costs and they threaten to be farther reaching and more damaging than we can imagine. But radical change may not be the answer, and I am of the opinion that quick, radical steps in this change can be worse than what is looming. I encourage all of us to contemplate this and search for a balance, and support the leaders in their efforts.

But, this is not what my newsletter is about. My newsletters never speak of politics or religion, or with minor exception, never speak of the human condition. Oh sure, I wish us to appreciate each and every day, raindrop, ray of sun, flower, smile, good deed, and even the challenges. But only for a 'feel good' attitude. And other than the opening, I want this to be of a similar 'glass half full' tone.

Change. My career is changing, has changed. My new vector and compass heading is to the future. My destination is not overly important as my journey is what calls me. Sure, I want to accomplish, to see higher levels of achievement, to feel good in the moment, but I don't want to be content with the journey. Really, I don't ever want to stop growing as a musician, singer, artist, person. I want to be better tomorrow that yesterday, but I want to enjoy today. How can I do this?

Well, for one, I can do my best to place myself in a position of self awareness and control as much as possible. I have spent many years in servitude to others - musically. I did this voluntarily and willingly, at least at the outset. Now that I see what that brings, and I have had this experience to varying levels of success and enjoyment, I find I don't want to continue that course. So change is what is at hand.

Funny, but I didn't see this change coming. Well, to clarify... I didn't anticipate it happening at this time or in this way. Which, is in some ways, a good thing. I hate to admit it, but if I had to design and follow a pre-planned idea, I probably would fall short of a perfect score. Sometimes my adapting, adjusting and re-adjusting to things is one of my better sides. Not always, for which some folks around me probably could attest. But, in our imaginary, fairy tale happy ending lives, we always want for perfect and happy endings, or changes. But this is a good thing, and it is feeling more and more like what I needed to do each and every day.

Also, it is of remarkable coincidence that my lovely wife, Judy, has made a change in her career. She has been one of the most loyal, ethical, trustworthy, and hardest working people I have ever known. She has dedicated many, many years to the workforce in offices of different types throughout her career and our lives together, and she is never fully appreciated for what she brings to any office. She doesn't play games, doesn't even consider taking any extra time for breaks and/or lunches (and sometimes doesn't even take all her breaks – to which I gently complain), and she will almost always give more than she gets paid for. She has decided to leave the workforce, that which is a normality for her, to join me and help me to achieve my goals, yet again.

Again? Yes. It was she who courageously and lovingly prompted me and us to consider moving from Toledo, Ohio to Nashville, Tennessee so I could follow my desires to be in the music business. Wow. What a partner. She believes in me. Still, even more now than then. I am blessed. We did move our family to Nashville back in 1988, and she has been beside me all the way. Thank you, my love.

So, we are crossing a threshold together. This time however, she is sharing my career from alongside and within. She is now my booking agent and administrative assistant. She is my girl Friday and all the other days too. She is my accountant, adviser, artistic coordinator, travel planner, trainer, nutritional consultant, confidant, and my best friend. Yes, I am blessed and thankful. And, IN LOVE!

So, any of you that have interest in helping us find bookings and appearances can contact either of us, but Judy is the one to talk to. I'll have my hands full making sure all of what she does is appreciated and I will woodshed on my art to be the best I can be... it's the journey, remember? Ha!

So, with all that said, here's where I invite you to say a little prayer for us, and keep us in your thoughts and well-wishes as we travel on. And again, thanks for being there.

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