Progress update: Reworking "Share My Dreams," which is a fun project and I think will result in a much improved product. A new edition, however, is not in the immediate future. Importantly, I'm thinking about how the world has changed just in the few years since the narrative of "Share My Dreams" ends. We are in a darker place, and I think more than ever we need artists to promote positivity. That is what my character Chris is all about. Maybe I'll end up writing about those who were affected by his music carrying on that legacy and doing some real good through their music (and the influence and money it brings). I'd be interested in any comments about how you'd like to see that story carried out. Any of several characters from the original novel have potential.

Easter

A poem I wrote a couple of years ago, but it seemed a good one to bring back:

I sat in church this Easter morning feeling exultant,

Full of joy and peace.

I rejoiced at every “alleluia”

Thinking of the One whose death conquered death.

And I accepted the symbols of His body and blood

As He told us to do to remember Him,

Knowing I was worthy to do so only by His grace.

The choir, the organ, the brass, the bells,

All the glorious music

Warmed my heart, set it soaring.

Perhaps I’m better with words than some,

Yet I had none for this feeling

That didn’t seem old and trite.

Who would comprehend anyway?

People misunderstand His words so badly.

Yet I was overflowing with emotion

That I wanted to articulate

And I prayed that somehow I’d find a way.

Then the answer came to me:

“Just live the way He taught us,

Keeping love in mind above all.

You’ll need no words at all

For everyone to see Him in you.”

Review of Eric Johnson's show at House of Blues Dallas, 16 February 2017

Eric Johnson's "evening of acoustic guitar and piano" last night at House of Blues Dallas was an evening of superb musicianship on both instruments. But audiences can always expect that from Johnson. This one-person show was very relaxed and low-key. He jokingly asked the audience how we liked the band and was conversational and full of stories. The mellow, soothing quality of his vocals lent itself well to this performance, as did the intimate venue and the excellent audio quality. To me the highlight was the last song, a piano version of "Nothing Can Keep Me from You," which he explained he originally wrote on piano. All in all, a great change of pace. Well worth attending, although I look forward to hearing an electric guitar set again soon.