I had a complicated day Sunday...after a complicated several weeks. Sunday was particularly weepy in short spurts. OF COURSE, the ultimate trigger is the lead up to the "last of the firsts"...the first anniversary of Tom's death. I've gotten through all the other "firsts". Probably the most difficult one was MY birthday, the first in 34 years without him. I made it through the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival because I was too busy not to. A part of me wanted to be far away...but the realistic part of me knew I HAD to be there. And not just because I was president of the board, a performer, and leading the afternoon's music at Book & Bar. For Tom's birthday a couple days later, I just didn't want to be at home, so, after a ferry cruise around the islands in Casco Bay, I headed to Brunswick, Maine, and re-explored coves and back roads and old cemeteries that Tom and I first discovered 16 years ago. Even ate at the same restaurant, Bombay Mahal. But also explored some new places and new views and enjoyed dipping back into the coastal Maine experience. Really needed those two days off alone with Tom...

The complicatedness of the present is also influenced by the rainy weather, the temperature drop, and the fact it's definitely Fall and winter is coming. I'm probably looking forward to the holidays less than I was last year.

But again this year -- and this is very important to me -- on Friday, the anniversary of Tom's death, I will be surrounded by friends and music at the weekly Press Room trad session, and Saturday I will be surrounded by friends and music at the Press Room sea music sing.

Tom founded the sessions. Please come and help me keep Tom's music, memory, and legacy alive.

Linn