Ashes to Ashes

 My father passed away back in March of 2020, just before Covid shut everythng down. 15 months later, we were able to have a small service and his ashes were buried in the same spot where my mother was laid to rest back in 2013.

And so this brings closure for me. It was a very difficult 10 years. Both my folks fought a brave battle with some long, drawn out illnesses, and it was painfiul to watch. My unthinking reaction was to do anything I could to help them, which I would think is normal for most people in regards to their parents. It took a lot out of me, but it also brought something out of me I didn't know I had.

My life is very different now with them both gone. I started over at pretty much everything. I eventually was able to get my footing back, and found a sense of calm and happiness. But I still have work to do. My dad would want me to be doing what I enjoy the most, and I am playing music full time again, now that things are opened up. However, I have a huge amount of original songs that I still want to peform and promote. It's a good thing I have my own website!

 I want to see what the musical landscape is like next year, and pehaps I will have a better idea then.

Back to Work!

The look when you know you have played countless gigs in Boston that paid nothing back when you were starving in your youth... but those days are very much over now!

I had a great little 3 hour event in the center of Revere. Played solo acoustic covers for an appreciative crowd. They paid me well, and want to hire me again next year!

So for all of those gigs at The Rat, The Channel, The Paradise, The Middle East, etc. etc. Apparently those were meant to hone my chops and give me experience that would play off decades later. Better late than never, I suppose. My agent has been throwing some nice shows at me, and hopefully I can play even more of them next year.

 

I might actually still make a living at this!

Calmer Waters

 It has been almost four years since I last came to Lake Winnipesaukee 

...thinking it might be the last time I visited.

I had plenty of fond memories of the place from my childhood, but with my mom gone, my father in a rest home, and myself very alone, I stopped by to stay in one of their rooms that afforded me a glorious view of the calm waters. I strolled around the grounds that night, and became very emotional.

 Remembering watching fireworks, powering small motorboats, waterskiing, playing pinball in the game room, and enjoying the relaxed vibe growing up every year in such a peaceful and fun summer resort. Recently, it turned out that I had a few larger festival gigs get canceled on one of my bands, and I had a rare weekend off. So I jumped on the opportunity to ago back once more.

The view I enjoyed was still very much intact.

So I spent a few days up here with my girlfriend, and we relaxed on a hot, Summer-like weekend.

We talked about returning and bringing the kids with us for a weekend, which would bring things full-circle for me, since I enjoyed myself so much when I was their age. Next summer could bring more moments like these, and I'm glad I didn't give up on the place for good.