Broken Open

Happy Holidays to one and all! As I write this from sunny Arizona, I think about all of you who have been so loving, so supportive throughout this year.. and, except for the death of my Dad, possibly the most difficult year in my memory. Only a few days remain until the breaking of the New Year, and the anniversary of the breaking of my heart.

Through the shattered heart, amazing light has poured, and with it, hope has whispered, despite all sorrow, despite all darkness, and perhaps that is because humans are truly suited for hopefulness..."the thing with feathers that perches in the soul..." as dear Emily Dickenson said so long ago. Honestly, I don't imagine myself beyond one hour at a time...I am learning that is closer to the bone, closer to the real way life emerges. No matter what we plan, life has a way of showing up at the door, dressed as Loss, dressed as Sorrow. Shall we invite it in? Or shut ourselves up, never to live again...? My choice -- if, indeed it was a choice at all -- was to embrace it, let it in, get to know it intimately, let it touch me, and leave its mark forever on my heart.

I want to thank all of you, to wish you health and happiness in the coming New Year, and a continuing invitation to join me in concerts throughout the coming year.

Love to all... Cris