The Things We Do For Love

May 22, 2010 | Welcome Column

Love is the strongest emotion known to man. It’s what defines us and generally directs our life paths. From the moment we leave the womb, and possibly before that, we are bonded with our mothers by this powerful feeling. This a good thing, since a mother is endowed with most of the instinctual traits that are needed to raise a child. I’m pretty sure that Eve didn’t have a doctor, or even a mid-wife to help her learn about child care and I’m certain that Adam was clueless! Guarding and caring for her babies is something a mother does for love. This love is usually an eternal one but as a child grows, it begins to have emotions of its own. Puppy love, high school crushes, and the big one; true love, supplant maternal love as we become individuals and find new loves of our own. The desire to be with someone whom we love often takes us down new paths. We will move to the other end of the world for love. We’ll quit jobs, school, and even forego dreams for it. There’s nothing new about this. It’s, as they say, “what makes the world go ‘round.”

I’ll bet you’re wondering where I’m going with this. Well, the fact is that I’ve found a new love that is motivating me, nay, driving me to make another life changing action. I can’t resist its strength and my nights are filled with restless dreams about it. In my mind I’m already there and delirious with happiness and joy. The best thing about my new obsession is that it won’t hurt my one true love or the other loves in my life. Bluegrass is the love that I’m referring to. I love it so much that I’m ready to move back to the valley. Nancy and I want to be closer to our bluegrass family and the many shows, jams, festivals and other activities that are available.

We have decided to put our home on the market and look for a home in or close to Lodi, CA. I chose Lodi for many reasons but the biggest is its centrality. It still has a small town feel. It’s close to a couple of big cities, the Bay Area, GV, and Plymouth. There are over 40 wineries in the immediate area and they always hire musicians for wine tasting events. I see this as a great way to expose more people to bluegrass! So you see, LOVE has done it again! I am making what will probably be the last move of my life to a sleepy little town because it will enhance my bluegrass dreams. I can hardly wait.
I’ve told you this because I’ll be taking a break from writing a monthly column. I have to do some painting and major yard work, (five mountain acres worth) while continuing to work full time and squeeze in as much bluegrass as possible. It’s a daunting task but the payoff is worth the effort.

I thank everyone for the kind comments you’ve made about my columns. I leave the “Daily Message” in very capable hands and remember, “I’ll be back,” I’ve done it before.
Big Hank <

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