Every once in a while I write something that makes sense, even if to no one else but me. Just finished the opening paragraph to this month's newsletter:

"Music makes connections, and for me, it is often my most connected place, overall. Connections go out, and come back. They grow. They multiply. And, though it may seem funny to say, we learn to trust them (it). Trusting is the ticket. Not always the easiest place to land, though. May I quote a (Old Testament) proverb? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding (never rely on what you think you know)". The mind is always churning, and (for me, anyway) has no off switch. I can (have learned to, at times) step to one side, though, and watch it all go by. As I trust."

Get out of the way, Joe!

February is often a slow month for musicians. By this time each year, you hear it in the background chatter (among musicians). Sometimes, it's pasted right up front (one musician to another, on stage, after just completing a barnburner tempo: "Whatd'ya got that's slow?" the other: "February"). I'm not really one to stand around, and wait for things to happen (or as the saying goes; "wait for the phone to ring"), though. Goes with not being able to sit still in general, I suppose. Don't let any politician fool you that the economy is recovering, at least not where the "real people" live. We're all in it together, though (or at least most of us, I'm sure). You do what you can do: work hard, and plot the necessary course adjustments. And, just like any other year, Spring is coming.

Today I spent much of Valentine's day in the Senior community where my parents now live. It just so happens that I play there once a month, and it (also) just so happens that it fell on Valentine's day this year. Years ago, when I performed for senior populations in earnest (often several facilities on the same day), I would write new program themes - sometimes several a month. These days, I rely less on the story-telling theme programs, but often fall back on old chestnuts, even a sliver (of a chestnut) like: "watch out for the cha cha (after playing one), it can lead to a mushy love song, which can lead to ... (dancing?) ...

Yesterday, Robbie and I took a trip to Baltimore, and visited Collector's Corner. I remember at this age (and younger) picking up my comic books from the wire racks at the 7-11. Also, they were cheaper then - and less graphic - and less dark (some of them) - and ... . Still a cool store, though. The big news at home is that Chestertown has a new games store (where Robbie has already made new Magic friends). In Baltimore, we found the mother-ship.

Okay, so we're talking about my hair (or at least I was)? Here's an interesting shot taken by Leon Wise; a Heron Point resident (and the photographer behind several of the images I routinely use), at a performance the other night. This event was unique, and special: a Christmas present to a resident (the performance was the present) arranged by her granddaughter. What a nice privilege! The program was very well attended, and I "felt the love". It was back in the early '80s that I began to focus on performing for seniors. Still in the comfort zone.