i think i start every entry with, “i know it’s been a while since my last post,  but...”. 

and if i don’t say it, i’m definitely thinking it. 

i used to write all the time. but, i also used to HAVE more time.  nowadays, i feel like i’m always running, with a gazillion balls in the air. 

honestly, though, i wouldn’t really have it any other way. i mean, don’t get me wrong...a getaway here and there would be nice, maybe work a massage in, or a pedicure, but...i’ve become a little bit of a workaholic. in a good way, though (i think!).

see, my “problem” is that i love what i do, and i’m excited to see where things are going. even the worst gigs, or the earliest of morning radio stuff, practicing, or rehearsals, or tackling the business side of things...i still love it. and, the best part about it all is that it’s mine. 

i didn’t always see it that way,  but, i think the more you are able to have control over your business, the harder you wanna work to see it succeed.

why all this “work” talk?

well, i guess it’s on my mind right now because everything’s extra insane leading up to Christmas.

i wrote a bunch of original holiday songs earlier this year. i launched the kickstarter campaign to raise money to fund the new holiday CD. i lost my manager. i scheduled, recorded, produced and managed every detail of making sure that album happened. i found a new, fantastic manager.  and released the record on Black Friday.

i’ve also been doing radio appearances every week on kfan for 8 months, and recently got added to cities97. it’s so fun to do these shows. it allows me to focus, for a little while, on things besides being a musician. 

until i signed on with my new manager last month, i was doing it all. which meant, of course, mistakes were made.  but,  it also taught me more about my business. i learned things that were so valuable. things that i will never give up again. gotta say, though, man! am i grateful to have help. i’m exhausted!!

i kicked off the album’s release by doing a show on Black Friday at the Mall of America.

as i was driving to the mall, i kind of had a little “moment” in my car. honestly, i felt sad. lots of people have come and gone in my life. some by my doing, and others by their actions. i was thinking about all of the albums i’ve released, (i think More Than Santa is officially my tenth release, if you count EP’s), and all the changing faces throughout the years. 

looking back is tricky, though.  i know some say they live with no regrets. i don’t know how that’s possible. regrets and mistakes make for good and valuable lessons. there’s really only one period in my life that i truly, and fully regret, and  wish i would have been more brave and honest. otherwise, there are reasons for why things happen the way the do. and other than that one period, i am grateful for the mistakes. they have taught me so much.  more than anything, they have taught me how much i NEED music. and how that is the real constant in my life.  it’s been the only real job i’ve ever had. it has taken me places i never thought i’d go, introduced me to people i never knew i’d meet and moved me, humbled me, challenged and motivated me in ways that i can never put into words.

as i walked through the massive Mall of America, bobbing and weaving through the crowds, and made my way to the stage, i finally sat down at the piano and felt a peace and a knowing...i was where i was supposed to be. doesn’t matter who was there, or what anyone thought. 

what matters is that I KNOW where i am and i know what MUSIC, and my love and devotion to it, means to me.