As this season of winter, a time when we are brought to the indoors and closer times with each of our families, I recall teachings of elders, parents, and influential others in my life.

     From a very early age, I was taught to try to think of others and do for others whenever possible. Help the neighbor, open doors, bring food to community, family, and other gatherings. Breaking bread, or sharing food has seemingly always been a universally recognized form of enjoying others, helping others, doing for others. Perhaps by way of food being a life necessity?

     I submit that the mere caring for others is an equal necessity. Many is the time where I've been nearly down and out, and a smile from the right person, a hello from a stranger, a small letter, postcard, or note found in the mail have brought me from the depths of despair.

     Many individuals surrounding you, friends, neighbors, and relatives all need a helping hand at times. During this holiday season, whether you believe in Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or perhaps even nothing special at all, bring someone in from their cold. Figuratively, or literally.

     The other day, a fan sent me a tub of chocolate covered pretzels. I had been having a particularly rough week with any number of plans and hoped-for 's gone awry. I placed this tub of pretzels on my desk, and the next thing I knew, I was surrounded by friends who initially stopped by to have a pretzel. And spent some time with me that was well needed.

     Whether it's reaching out to someone you know, or standing in a food line feeding those you don't know, please try to take a moment to do something for someone who has less than you might think.....emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. It costs so little, and can do so much.

     Thank you all, for being a part of my life in this past year, and past years. Your letters, cards, gifts small and large are tremendously appreciated, and they always seem to come at the right times. I have little to offer in return except my friendship. My music has always spoken my heart, and will continue to do so for many years to come. I'm humbly grateful for the incredible opportunities that my gift from the Creator has provided me. The sights I've seen, the people I've met,  the lessons learned, and those to be learned. There is no way I can ever possibly repay or return the kindnesses placed in my path. I only can offer my voice, and do so thankfully for the occasion to do so.

Walk in Beauty

Free, full MP3 songs!
• "The Gift" (dse)
• "Daddy's Arms" (dse/Robert Gass)

These songs are in MP3 Format, at 128k, so it is near CD quality. Please feel free to distribute them as you see fit.  

If you don't have an MP3 player, I'd like to recommend Sonic Foundry's SIREN.  It's free for the download.  Early next year, we'll release a new CD with Siren on it, and with free skins for it. (A skin lets you make the player look any way you want it to look)