2006 Begins (in spite of everything)

Subject: RE: 2006 Begins (in spite of everything)
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 08:07 PM

I am glad to see a new cycle too; it's been a fine year after all here at Lake Woebegone...no, sorry, wrong script...here in San Diego, where all the children are good looking except some people's not related to me, and all the cars are faster than they need to be.

But I have a lot still tod o on my list so I will simply echo your fine wishes and move on!!

A

Subject: RE: 2006 Begins (in spite of everything)
From: GUEST,Anonny Mouse
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 08:04 PM

Quote Stephen: " What is known for sure is that each of us can make our little corners of the world a bit better simply in the way that we live our lives. Be good to youself, you family, your friends, people who don't like you, and anyone else that you meet. I never cease to be amazed at what a simple smile and a bit of courtesy can achieve."

Hey I like your sentiment there. Sure is plenty around to get bummed over but I think that paragraph does a real fine job of cuttin' to the quick as they say. Peace dude and a great New Years to ya!--Mouse

Subject: 2006 Begins (in spite of everything)
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 07:34 PM

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


       One year ends. Another begins. The good news is that it means that the Holidays are over. If they bother you as much as they bother some people, in 2006 you might want to try what my Uncle Bill always does. On the eve of Thanksgiving he hides under the bed and does not emerge until Groundhog Day. If he sees his shadow...

      For me 2005 has been a great year. The best part is that I got married in October to Ingrid Frances Stark. Being the kind and gracious soul that she is, she also got married to me. Beyond that last summer was the most heavily booked season that I've had in years. I played more festivals, did more touring, met more interesting people, and heard more wonderful music than I've ever done. I also started a new phase of my career by becoming a producer for Travenia Records. The results were the anthology "Tappin' Out A Rhythm. Pickin' Out A Tune" and the long awaited Andina and Rich CD "Because We Can". More is in the works (including a comedy album the working title of which is "Why Is This Fish Smiling?").

       The long time home for the Open Mic, Urban Market and Coffeehouse, went the way of all things last month. We will miss it. The Open Mic will begin again at Escape Java Joint 916 Williamson St. in Madison this coming Saturday January 7th. We are the Open Mic That Won't Die.

      Out in the larger world, the trouble continues -- wars, terrorists, crime, political and corporate corruption, etc . In other words, all the fine points of modern civilization. Whether this is, as the fatalists would have it, simply the way of things, or, as the doom-sayers would have it, signs tha we are coming to the End Time, or, as seems more reasonable, the result of a world that continues to be run by human beings, noone can say for sure.
What is known for sure is that each of us can make our little corners of the world a bit better simply in the way that we live our lives. Be good to youself, you family, your friends, people who don't like you, and anyone else that you meet. I never cease to be amazed at what a simple smile and a bit of courtesy can achieve.

       May 2006 be, for you, the best year so far.

Be well.

Stephen Lee Rich