I have highest of hopes for this new year but it began with the death of my Uncle Tom. He had been suffering from cancer for several years and was struggling with immense pain recently, yet somehow found the energy to travel from his home in Naples, Florida to Washington, DC to visit family for the holidays. His health deteriorated rapidly upon arrival and he was placed in hospice at his sister’s house. I made the journey to see him as soon as we returned from Vermont but arrived a few hours after he passed away… It has been a beautiful few days with our family, celebrating his life and remembering why we loved him; he struggled with addiction but spent the last 25 years inspiringly sober and turned his obsessive impulses to caring for animals, including hundreds of dogs, birds, reptiles, snakes, goats, ponies and other miscellaneous creatures. His compassion for animals and dedication to their well-being is indicative of his boundless love for all living things and his selfless devotion to others. He will be missed, but his spirit will always be a source of inspiration and wonder for those who knew and loved him. Thank you, Tom.
Despite, and possibly ignited by, this heavy opening scene, I remain optimistic about the year ahead. I can not control many of the influences on my life but I can always make music! My website maintenance has been lacking recently but I have ideas that could transform this space into a more dynamic expression of my being; a thorough visual and musical archive of my creations over the past 20 years and a platform to exhibit my newest productions. Watching death makes my life feel more vital, and the importance of being a positive presence in other’s lives and leaving a legacy of inspiration for the future seems like the true meaning and purpose of our brief existence.