March 1, 2013

The Empty Bowl Project, which is a fundraiser for Beans Cafe, will be on March 9 this year. Jim and I are joining 2 other husband/wife musician friends (the Hamres and Wolfes), to play on stage for this annual event that is always well attended. Soup, cornbread, and lots of bowls for sale. Come get yours!

March 16th Celtic Treasures has an Open House all day. Come by for corned beef snacks and some tunes.

Gearing up for St. Patrick's Day with a big long gig at McGinley's Pub on the afternoon of the 17th. Crooked Road will be on stage inside the bar, and the usual session players will be in a heated tent outside. We are expecting a big crowd, so come early if you want a good parking spot!

February 1, 2013

My daughter Amanda has left the great state of Alaska, and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia. She has students lined up there, and is exploring the wonders of skype to stay connected with some of her former Alaskan students. We miss her, of course, but wish her much luck and happiness.

The Anchorage Folk Festival kept us busy this year, with individual sets on stage with my bands Jubilee and Crooked Road, as well as extra time on stage playing live music for 3 different dance groups. Fun!

January 1, 2013

This year, I began something special that I hope to continue for the rest of my life. Following a friend's example, I began keeping a gratitude journal. Each day I enter 3 things that I am grateful for. I try not to repeat any of my entries. After a full year of doing this, I now realize how very fortunate I am. I'm so glad that I live, play and work where I do, and know the people I know. I also realize how precious each day is. Even the seemingly ordinary days, which can, from certain perspectives, be viewed as the most perfect and precious of all.

Here are a few random samples:




For Jim making me coffee and driving my to work for the 3rd snowy day in a row.

For fabulous local theatre: "The Blue Bear" from Perseverance Theatre in Juneau. For my sister Mo who taught me to make lasagna, which is what I made tonight. For the power of sunshine helping melt all the snow, gently but steadily. For laughter -- and that Jim and I share the same sense of humor! For baby moose twins outside the kitchen window. For my talented daughter, who played awesome fiddle at "I Love Sushi" tonight.
For salmon that Patty Hamre gave us.
For fireweed leaves turning bright red and orange.
For my mother having taught me to sew.
For a beautiful full moon over the Chugach mountains.

Happy New Year!

Previous blogs