Welcome Winter!

I've always enjoyed the change of seasons. Fall is my favorite, yet the onset of winter, once I get adjusted to the cold, is enjoyable; especially when I take time to witness winter's beauty like the above photo at our local park.  What always amazes me about this season is the way it seems to break my spirit... or at least remind me in a very real way that I am not 'all powerful'! Not that I go around thinking I can do anything all the time, but the inspiration of Fall's colors and the mild temp's and cool evenings that serve as a welcome relief to the midwest sweltering Summer sometimes leave me with larger than practical dreams and ambitions. By the end of the cold season though, I am usually back to some sense of sanity. Reduced daylight and bitter cold drive that overzealous can-do attitude back under the covers of the mornings comfort and security! What an inventive way to be humbled; To let the bitter tingling of the north wind invade my fingertips and toes sending an undeniable message of mortality to my brain! I also love the irony of the season: that my flesh can feel so flimsy while a calm winter's afternoon in the woods above can communicate such peace and trust that life is hidden away for now only to return soon with new growth and robust ambition. I'm thankful for the chance to hunker down and rest for a season...and then see what is yet to come!!

My lonely guitar!  What is this seemingly insatiable desire for music and the making thereof? I don't especially enjoy being in front of people, I don't feel especially gifted musically although some have said otherwise, either way there seems to be a sort of 'haunting' desire to continue making music and writing and 'performing'. Venues aren't readily available and at this time and season in my life searching them out means time away from my young family. Perhaps now is a time of learning exploring and growing and at some later more 'convenient' season things will align more naturally for the expression of musical treasures grown in secret places. The challenge is to continue in the pursuit for the love of it. This must be the test of the gift; will you invest when the dividends are not yet guaranteed? Time will tell...

(thanks to Tim Reyes for this photo...)