Happy Christmas Eve! And if you DON’T celebrate Christmas, well – happy December 24th! I personally have no interest in the Birth of Our Saviour or any of the mythologies that surround the season – I was raised with bright and twinkling lights, the joy of presents, a Live tree that we got to decorate and taking the opportunity to walk down to my friend Bryan’s house to hang out and play role playing games.
At least, that’s how I choose to remember it.
And so let Christmas be whatever you want it to be. If you need Jesus to be the Reason for the Season, so be it – but I can’t separate that from the sins of the religion. And unfortunately, this year more-so than previous ones, I’ve been struck by the stress of the season. Whether in the store where people seem to be more snappish, or on the roads where there’s a special kind of stress as people try to rush from point A to point B, to the horrific news that surrounds us this year of shooting after shooting, terrorist acts, fear, and disgusting media manipulations and government nonchalance… I worry for my little guitars going out the door, because they are a symbol of hope and creativity and just like the puppies that are gifted annually in late December, I wonder how many have a future in which they’re wanted and Loved.
Now THAT’S a Baltimore sky!
Despite dire weather warnings about vicious thunderstorms snarling traffic up and down the East coast, today is foggy and rainy, but generally gentle. We’re checking out the I95 corridor ourselves, but not TOO extensively. Just down to the shop and back for a short day in Takoma Park. Tonight we also get to feed our friend’s rabbit, Magellan, and so no matter the content of the day, I’m certainly looking forward to sometime with other people’s beests.
I’m trying to let each day reset my distress, starting from scratch with every new dawn. I’m trying to take joy in the presence of the band-nieces and band-nephews. Ella (Rowan and Kristi’s new daughter) came by the shop, and I actually enjoyed hanging out with her a bit. Carried her around – Heather would’ve been very impressed – welcome to the world little mammal! It’s not a perfect one – but good things happen in it too.
Frank Hogans. 
Domenic Cicala. 
It’s not Christmas without Ken Gutberlet in his songwritin’ shorts and Santa hat! At the BSA Jam at Bertha’s Mussels in Fells Point, Baltimore, MD. 
Les Hatley performing at Bertha’s Museels for the Baltimore Songwriters Association Holiday Jam on December 17th, 2014. Gorgeous guitar playing – it’s weird to see him sans a band, but I guess I could get used to it. 
Teporah Bilezikian. 
We met up with a couple of friends there including Les Hatley and Rennee Ruggles (photographer). We had a great night, ate some Maryland crab soup, caught up with some friends and … well.. jammed! 
Just another one of those marvelous Baltimore bands playing with us for the Baltimore Songwriters Association Holiday Jam. 
Craig Cummings was the real mover and shaker of the BSA this year, organizing the holiday jam as well as the weekly BSA showcases. 
