Roots

As much as I love the city I live in now, I am also grateful for the small town where I grew up. My parents still live there. In the city limits is the church where I learned that it is ok to ask questions as well as sing praises. The teachers who taught me to read, and write, and who held my hand while I struggled through chemistry were all a part of that community. The children's theater program that gave this little drama queen a creative outlet and a source of much joy and helped me through some of the more awkward parts of childhood.

And it is the kind of place where people really know each other - which can be good and bad, but is mostly good. And you can't get away from it!

Last night, here in the Northwest country about 2,000 miles away, I went to a house concert. I LOVE house concerts - a chance to hear independent singer, songwriters doing what they do best in a setting where you can chat with them at the break. They are more likely to tell stories about where they come from, where their songs came from; there are shared laughs and tears and even food and drink in potluck style. Hard to find a better way to spend an evening. So, anyway, I was at this concert being put on by a great singer, Beth Wood, who is also a Texas gal transplanted to this part of the world. I first heard about her from a friend (and amazing singer/songwriter in his own right) David Lamotte. On his recommendation I have been listening to her music for several years now, so when I heard that she was appearing at a house concert here I jumped at the chance to go.

The evening was all it I could hope for and more. Of course, here in hippie-ville, it was held at an great house that lives on an organic farm. So the pre-concert announcements included information on obtaining fresh, free range eggs (when the hens start laying again after their "winter break"). Folks were encouraged to bring a dish to share and something to drink - the table was laden with yummy food and there was plenty of good wine - and then there was the fabulous music! Beth was wonderful. You can hear her singing and learn more about her here. And she had invited Sara Sample to join her - so glad she did! Love to hear and fall in love with someone's words, melodies, and heartfelt vocals. You can listen to one of my new favorites here.

Then, to top it all off, Beth's parents were there to visit. I chatted with her dad at the break. He said they were from "west of Fort Worth" . . . and after a couple seconds more of conversation I discovered that not only do they live on the lake where I spent my childhood summers playing, but that my parents had been to their house for some concerts and that his wife had my phone numbers with her because she ran into a family friend at the grocery store who made sure she had them before heading this way. I told you - you can't escape the connections!

And I wouldn't have it any other way.