A rather skewed Christmas this year

It's been a long time since I updated this blog. For that matter, it's been a long time since I've known anything close to normalcy. When you get a song in a hit movie and lose your parents in the span of 18 months, life isn't going to be the same anymore. It's a very difficult holiday season. I'm not truly in a Christmas-y mood, and I miss Mom and Dad like crazy. Right about now, Mom would be baking her many famous cookies in huge batches, cheerfully preparing packages to give to people. Dad would've already gotten the tree up, with slightly tangled strings of lights and the same ornaments we used for years. Classical music would be playing constantly at their house, and my parents would be waiting to see what visitors they'd have this year. Well, there won't be any at the house anymore. It's been sold, and they are in heaven now, whatever that means. I am in a house with a great roommate, something that has allowed me to keep feeling at least the semblance of security and basic comfort. I have wonderful friends, and they all know how I am struggling to overcome the grief about my parents. Meanwhile, on the music front, I continue to be active and optimistic. Had what is probably my best gig ever at The Grove Deli, a wonderful show in which billing was shared by my friend Gretchen Hewitt, with a beautiful, electrifyin' crowd of fans and supporters. I have written alot of cool new songs. Startling, unexpected things have happened, such as becoming friends with Christa Juergens, the girl I had a mad crush on in seventh grade but never could talk to. All these years later, not only are we friends but we've co-written two songs together! It blows my mind. Every one of my friends, both those involved in my music and those who aren't, has given me something to feel grateful about. And I'm starting my second CD, the one about my mom and loss and the power of friendship, right now as you're reading this. Is Christmas different for me this year? Yes, in every way. Do I dread it? Yes. But I am not losing sight of the wonder of my life, the opportunities I have, and the people I cherish. For that, I am grateful, and I truly wish EVERYONE out there a Merry, safe Christmas.