
So now what?
Well, it's back to some kind of normalcy, which this week includes time with family in Northern California for the Thanksgiving holiday. Along with that comes many reminders that we are all getting older -- especially my partner's parents who are now both in their 80s and dealing with the physical declines that come with old age. We are all trying to honor these with as much humor and gentle kindness as we can. We are all being especially gentle and patient with my father-in-law, who just turned 88 and is, well, really feeling it in his bones these days. He needs more time and much more help, and we are all trying to sort out what that will look like going forward. I am not new to the need of adult children caring for elderly or ill parents, having been through this with first my Mom and later with my Dad. It's a new thing for my partner, and I'm trying to be supportive for her and for my mother-in-law while we're here. It's a very different holiday than the ones we've shared before, one that's less active and quieter; but a time together that's filled with compassion, gentleness, a new wisdom and so much love. And so, even though parts of this experience are really hard, I'm grateful for our time together.
I played the album for everyone last night and got very positive feedback -- and interesting questions about the creative and production processes, which I greatly appreciated. Lots of folks just like it when I make music, but only a few want to talk about what it takes to create and produce recorded music and I always appreciate that level of curiosity and interest.
I also obtained download codes from Bandcamp, so I'll be able to produce download cards for sale at URJ Biennial. If you're attending Biennial, come find me Wednesday afternoon Dec 12 in the Music Lab and hit me up.
Wishing all of you time with loved ones, perspective on the gifts of this all-too-short thing we call life, and some moments to sit with gratitude for all your blessings.
Peace.