Very Personal thoughts tonight..

I have not opened up in very long time. Mostly been keeping what is inside of my heart to myself as of late.  As I sit here, I am listening to music that is new. I am touched by all that I am listening to tonight. The strength in all of the sounds, the stories being told, is inspiring me to stay true to my path.

Production for Fire in the Rainstorm is on hold.  Am I sad about that? I can't lie, I am a little. I had plans, and they were derailed by a few things. Not that I am depressed and not complaining either. Just realizing what I need to do in order for it to happen. If the album takes a few years.. then so be it. I am not giving up by any means. I can only hope that I can get things back on track so this album can get recorded.  If you know any millionaires.. PLEASE do me a favor and send them my way!  :^P

Other things in my life I am watching play out. Watching my oldest daughter turn 18 this month is going to be hard. Already been dealing with the tears.  I myself don't feel that old.  To have her turn 18 blows me away.  She is a gift to our family, and I am so thankful that she entered our lives all those years ago. Now she is on the thresh hold of living her own life.  I often wonder if we have taught her enough? 

Then lately, so many of my friends are struggling with so much opposition. I have to wonder why so much pain and suffering is part of their lives, when I struggle with my little problems.

Then there is the positive things going on, meeting new friends, cherishing good friends, understanding the friends that need that understanding, husband that is so supportive, learning lessons that continue to help me to grow, music, concerts with musicians that are quite amazing in my book. There are the people that are silently supporting me, sending me emails, encouraging me to keep making my music. To keep taking this journey.

To have your support this way, is a gift to me.  Thanks so much for your support of what I do, whether its monetary or its emails.. just knowing that your support is there, makes me keep walking forward, not falling back...

more to come...

Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles CA

Claire and I drove up to Atascadero, CA ( 15 miles south of Paso Robles) and stayed at the Carlton Hotel there.  I need to say that it was an incredible hotel.  The staff was on the level, and the rooms were pristine, and the beds were a dream.  What amazed me the most was how QUIET it was there. 

The concert was great! There were a lot of musicians that came and performed.  Thanks to Steve Key and Sculpterra Winery.  Mike Swan started out first, then Banjer Dan, both very diverse, but fun to listen to.  Then me. Well, it was fun and I was roasting.  I think I have played better for sure.  I unveiled a few new songs, then Tim Pacheco was next. I really enjoyed listening to him. 

The featured artist was Diane Arkenstone and friends, Pj Sawyer, Robb Lawrence, Colin Break, Carl Weingarten and Jeff Oster, and I believe Russell Green.  Her music is inspirational.  Talking with Diane was fun. She is very beautiful, and I admire her spirit as well. I hope to perform with her again.

The trip was an all around success to me.  Just being with Claire and having her be with me during a performance was good for me.  One of the last times we can be together this way.  I love her and appreciate the beautiful person she is.

Thanks to all of those that came out to the show, and again my thanks to Steve Key.

More to come...

If you want to see photos click on this link:

http://www.johnpatrickimages.com/sculpterra/