January 2, 2024

I started a new journal yesterday. A brand new $8.00 book from Barnes and Noble. It was in the “reduced to sell” bin. Paper. I love writing on paper. I also like writing in cursive. It’s like a secret language that only adults of a certain age can read. Here is my first entry.

In case you can’t read my handwriting, it’s a series of quotes. Three of mine and one from Carlos Santana. All are aimed at resolutely pursuing my dreams. Sometimes in the heat of battle, you know, making a living, we let our dreams slide to the back burner. My dream is to write songs. “More than just a dream, it’s a vision. And visions are meant to come true.” They won’t come true unless you do the work. “A vision is something to do!” Every day with all your heart you must pursue. You must endure.

So, I’m into my second day of putting my art above a lot of other stuff. It feels good. But, I also realize that sacrificing your life to your art has its pitfalls and problems. Like a true artist… I’ll deal with that later.

I have always made all my important decisions based on this Henry David Thoreau quote.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.”

We all seem to evaluate our priorities and make resolutions on the first day of the New Year. I certainly did. I feel like I’m running out of days, so I want every single day to count. I know that many of you feel the same way.

I have some new songs and projects on the way. Tomorrow I’m meeting with Richard Faith, the author of a series of children’s books I will be illustrating. And Brett and I will be writing, recording, and pushing forward with our music. Bill Muench and I are getting ready to launch ourselves into the next film project. It’s a great story that will take us back to Oklahoma and over the sea to my homeland in the South of Ireland. County Cork, here we come.

We don’t have a lot of shows planned yet. But, when the time comes to share. I will let you know when and where. I miss you.