Last year was challenging in so many ways for me — and for you, I’m sure — I’m not going to even attempt to describe the difficulties here. Still, there were silver linings everywhere. Music moved online and opened up musicians to new audiences and formats for performing and collaborating. Venue owners got creative and hosted shows outdoors at a distance. Like many other songwriters who were used to sharing songs at gigs, I found (and continue to find) it very difficult to motivate myself to write and practice, and to stay connected to an audience that feels so remote.

I was able to write three songs last year — this is not atypical for me. I’m lucky to put out four in a year. Last year’s creations were The Oak, Morning Moon, and most recently, Watercolors. I also posted videos of a couple of songs I love, Morning Song to Sally (by Jerry Jeff Walker), which Nanci Griffith first exposed me to, and an appropriate-for-the-times American Tune, by Paul Simon. If you have a few minutes, I hope you’ll watch and consider leaving me a comment. If you’re struggling — no matter the reason — I hope you find peace very soon.