It's that time of year when summer fades into fall, bringing with it the Jewish New Year.  For those of us in tune with this cycle, it's time to take stock of our lives, where we are and in what direction we've set our sails.  Taking stock of my own life, I realize that it's now a year since I've been working full time as a singer/songwriter.  So, please indulge me while I wax philosophical for a moment.  

 

In the spirit of introspection, I recently compiled a list of what I've been up to this year and realized that - wow! - I've played over 30 shows in five states and two continents, released two CDs (Step Into Shabbat and Blueprint), taught six creativity workshops, and written more than a full-length CD's-worth of new songs!  I've been privileged and grateful to be invited into your living rooms, weddings, colleges, retreats, houses of worship, rooms of study, summer programs, and favorite venues.  

I've learned this year, among many other things, that it can be surprisingly difficult and scary to pursue a dream.  I'm not talking about committing to working long hours and making things happen. I'm talking about the overwhelming feeling of vulnerability that you open yourself up to once you get off the sidelines.  What makes the vulnerability tolerable are those moments of feeling connected to the larger whole and being aligned with some greater purpose.  When I lose my sense of that, I lose my direction entirely.
 

Is it bad form to quote yourself?  Probably, but I've already written the most appropriate words I can find to express my gratitude to you for shepherding me through this first year.  One line in my new song, "I Don't Know" (see video below), goes as follows:  "I'd like to say thank you, good people, for your ears and your hearts and your gentleness, for without you right here, right now, I would not be singing this song."   Without you listening to me I would not be able to pursue this dream.  So, THANK YOU.