Maybe it was Andy Rooney that said only pretentious people use the word Autumn. But I like that word. The only song my pops could sing almost all the way through was "Autumn Leaves." It was also one of my mom's mom's favorite, too. So maybe it's one of my first experiences of music crossing cultural, regional and generational divides. Blogging itself is highly pretentious, so if you're blogging and using the term "Fall" you're a fake prole! Ha! (It's been so long since I've written anything here, so I thought I'd free associate.)

So, yes, I'm getting back on the horse. Last time I wrote it was with a feeling of new found support from my community of friends. Now I'm starting to feel my own strength. For you who want the details, I'm still in Culver City, no real changes yet. The film, "68 and Clear" is just awaiting the title sequence and it will be ready, but the website is up. Carolyn's moving to Nashville for a new groovy gig on Tuesday, so the video for "All I Love" is on hold.

But what's making me feel so good is ... Wait, before I get into this. Like I said, I realize this is a pretentious act on its face. And I'm thrilled if you're reading, and I also feel like if you are I have to acknowledge some of the world's madness at the moment. The problem is that sometimes we get so bombarded with our personal challenges that it's difficult to find the energy to see the connections to the larger unease in the world and how to heal that along with ourselves. Sometimes I feel like I want to "carry the world upon my shoulders" to paraphrase my hero Paul. (I was having this internal debate the other day on who really was my favorite Beatle... I know Paul has the reputation as the sappy one, and deservedly so at times. But I know I wouldn't be who I was without All My Lovin', Can't Buy Me Love, and Hey Jude. That said, John moves me the most as a true believer, speaking truth to power and all that.)

Anyway, the point is that my shoulders have been in need of strengthening. So, I've been practicing. It's such a joy! I feel like I'm in school again. Now I've been sort meandering here for a too long on a school night, so I'm going to hit the sack without saying much at all. But I'm just happy to be here with talent, a voice and you guys that support it. I'm really grateful!

Love to you all.