Last week was rather amazing. I just realized that I haven't blogged about it at all. This, it seems, has been the pattern for some time. There are several factors at play, I think. The sheer weight of activity can leave little time for focus on anything else. But I suspect something additional is getting in the way: Facebook. And I also suspect I'm not the only casual blogger to be pulled in this direction. Facebook is quick, clean and targeted. For me, at least, blogging is time consuming, and several trips around the barn, compared to the more instant gratification of knowing who likes whatever it is, without having to say anything. But perhaps it's like trading the story for the sound byte. And the story tells the story. I'm going to try to bring more of a balance to all this, and maybe even catch up a bit on some of the cool stuff. The photo above is the view from the stage at the conclusion of the Women Helping Women concert at the Garfield Center (the theatre formerly known as Prince) last Wednesday. A wonderful evening, with it's own interweaving of stories supporting other stories. When I slow down enough to actually write about it, I am reminded of the importance of this kind of reflection. More than shortchanging anyone who may read, I may be shortchanging myself. Hmmmm....     

2013 has been both a challenging, and encouraging ride, so far. The challenging part happens every year around this time. Nearly every musician's performing schedule is lighter from around mid-January thru early March or so. Still busy though, in fact very busy. Of course, busy is my life. Or perhaps more accurately, chasing after (too many to be realistic) multiple spinning plates. In addition to running in circles, I am also standing still. Seeking a balance between chasing after things, and (simply) watching them grow, in their own time and way. As one who accepts providence (which can be problematic for some to embrace, and I understand), I can move far away from the emotional black hole that would tell me I am, ultimately, alone in all this.
Pictured above is my grandson, Kratos ("riding" Thomas the Tank Engine), on a recent family trip. Come as a child ...