Gratitude

As I wait for my bread dough to finish rising, I thought I'd follow suit with some others in the blogosphere and share some things that I am thankful for this year:

My wonderful family.

S is finishing up a very demanding degree program (she graduates in a couple of weeks) and there has not been a time that I haven't been amazed at her focus, insight, determination and courage at this massive undertaking.  Joey breaks every stereotype of a 13 year old that there is.  My parents are in good health and happy, my brother is home safe after a long trip to a not so safe place and my sister is very happy.  I also have, simply put, the best in-laws ever.  I truly love my father, mother and sisters-in law.    

Friends - old, new and reconnected.

I feel very luck to have a group of friends, colleagues, and fellow artistic strivers that make both my personal artistic journey so much more rewarding.  I also have reconnected with so many old friends through the marvel of Facebook and MySpace.  It's wonderful to have so many of you back in my life!

Change.

I am optimistic and hopeful about the next four years.  A welcome change!

Music.

I am always thankful for so much music but here are a few individual things that have brought joy to my life lately...

Maria Schneider - Sky Blue

Darcy James Argue's performance at IAJE last January

Beethoven's C# Minor String Quartet

John Coltrane's "One Up live" recording

Sonny Rollins "Night at the Village Vanguard"

Wayne Shorter - Both his 6o's stuff and his latest explorations

The Decemberists - "The Crane Wife"

Radiohead - "In Rainbows"

Jerry Bergonzi "Tenor Trilogy (Tenor Talk, The Tenorist and The Tenor of the Times)"

Gurus.

David Liebman

Stephen Duke

Christopher Collins

and most recently, Matt Otto

I am so grateful to have learned from you and that you continue to provide guidance and inspiration.

And finally I am grateful to have this outlet to share ideas and to you for reading and participating.

Happy Thanksgiving