I can’t tell if anyone reads my Welcome Messages anymore – I don’t seem the elicit the reactions I used to. Possibly I’ve grown boring, or the readers are struck dumb in amazement. But it doesn’t matter, because the today the privilege of writing the Wednesday column truly kicks in – it’s my annual Day Before Thanksgiving Welcome Column!
First of all, I am thankful to have this forum – who else gets to prattle on for 500 words a week? Behind the column of course, is the California Bluegrass Association – an organization that has enriched my life beyond measure. The music, of course, the events, yes, but the people! I have made so many friends in this organization that will be friends for life. Every event puts me in contact with people I truly love – and for this I am VERY thankful! (See https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153406175829748&set=t.735459747&type=3&theater)
Behind the CBA connection, is music itself, and I am thankful for the opportunities I have to play music all year long – sometimes in public, sometimes in private. Learning to play music was a lucky choice many, many years ago. Deciding to keep playing music is a smart thing I keep on doing.
Behind the music, there’s my family. They say you can’t choose your family, and of course that’s true, so I am thankful to be blessed with an extended family whose company I always enjoy. I hear all too often about families that have a hard time during the holidays, and I thankful that my family time is always enjoyable – and often side splittingly funny.
Everyone, please have a wonderful Thanksgiving – enjoy a feast with great company! I look forward to seeing you again in the coming months – let’s pick some music and sing our hearts out and laugh our butts off!
