When we are in the moment, we are inspired and informed by what has reached our hearts. What can come to us in moments are not the everyday process thoughts, rather the realizations to which we are brought (or which are brought to us). Not so much the detail driven or analytical things we think through, more the sense that a light switch has been flipped and something more fully formed and complete has come into view, having already walked into the room while we weren't paying attention. It could perhaps be described as, if not turning your brain off, stepping back from it, beyond arms reach. And having let go, being in a position to receive something that, at least seemingly, comes from another place. 

The moment transcends an analytical decision making process; a process which is more of an obstacle, or a barrier, or a curtain in front of what is already there waiting to be found, in the moment. The moment is not linear, at least in the way our brain might process things. The moment is in a place we call now. And there is an interconnectedness in the now that we risk detaching ourselves from if we allow ourselves to think, or at least think too much about it. It is a delicate relationship, one that is developed through practice and awareness. And in the creative moments, that which can get us out of our heads is that which can help us the most.

 Recently I took part in a show where I would be walking on as a guest later in the event. While sitting in the audience before going on, I could feel the energy within myself, and in the room; from the stage to the audience. So I knew that was the place I needed to be when I walked on stage. As Kenny Warner has said, "The artist in you is always ready to go". But then he adds "But you can't tell the artist what to do. You can only appreciate it".  And being in the moment, present, with appreciation is a beautiful state in which to create, to work, and to live.

 Gratitude swept over me as I walked out to the beach after my gig in Rehoboth a few nights ago. I've been gigging in the Rehoboth Beach, DE area for the last 20 years or so. Before that, having grown up in Southern New Jersey, I spent many a post (and sometimes pre)-gig moment with the Jersey Shore in similar view.  I've always loved to do this, whether before or after a gig, though usually after (as I seldom seem to be able to show up early enough to have discretionary time). The photo above was taken a few days later on a daytime beach walk, with equal gratitude. After living in the Chestertown, MD area for the last 3 decades or so, I recently moved down to the area of Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, DE. And although I've not lived in this area before, there is a bit of a feeling of arriving home. Or, at least, to where I'm supposed to be.

This year 2026 is positioned to be one of change; not from resolution, but from realization and response. A story, impactful to me, has been playing out in my life over the last couple of years. As with any story, it is hard to tell it while it is still in progress, and this one may still have a way to go. So forgive me for not laying it all out here. The point of this post is not cause, but effect; particularly when one recognizes that our circumstances are always tethered to a bigger picture than whatever limited version (or analysis) of the story may be playing out in our heads. I have often described my last couple of years as if riding a wave. And I've allowed that wave to take me (from a trusting place) where it wants (is being directed) to go. In much the same way it seems, on a micro level, I've learned to allow the musical space to take me where it wants to go. And so it occurs to me now that when we are in the trusting places (before God) and are being taken where we are supposed to be, we can call that home   :)