Family

It's a theme this week. Someone very dear to my heart wished me and my family well. I clearly don't speak to her often enough, because I have long considered her family.

There are so many people whom I consider family, some because they mean so much to me, some related by blood, some I feel a strong connection to (whether I've met them or not) and some just because I believe we are all part of a human family.

"Moments come and moments pass us by

We can make them make a difference if we try."

- Lyrics, "Family Reunion"

(Tanya Diona, Lawrence J. Diggs, Russell Graham)

A close blood relative and I used to have a saying... "(I) Love you like you're not related." At the time, we meant it as a compliment. If we loved you like you were not related, it also meant that we would be polite to you. We would take care to treat you especially well. As time went on though, the saying changed. It became, "Love you like you're related." It turned out that THAT was an even bigger compliment. It means that we'll be honest with you, even if what we have to say is not what you want to hear. It means that we feel comfortable enough to be emotional in front of you, knowing that you won't pass judgment. It means we are free to be ourselves around you. It means... everything.

"You don't think you know me

think that I'm a stranger here

Missing the connection

Running in your own direction

Overlook the similarity

in  you and me"

- Lyrics, Family Reunion

(Tanya Diona, Lawrence J. Diggs, Russell Graham)

As we wrap up this intense year, I'll take some time to reflect. I'll prioritize. I'll make sure that people whom I consider to be family know it.

Click here for "Family Reunion" on Spotify (Tanya Diona)

With Love,

T

P.S.

I hope you all know... I consider you family. Thank you for joining me here. xo

Loving Every Moment

Hectic doesn't even begin to describe the journey, but the moments along the way are sights to behold.

We finally made it to the studio in Buffalo where I walked in and saw all the familiar sights. There was my regular writing chair, rows of music stands and dusty guitar cases. Amps and keyboards lined the walls. The new control room was really taking shape (under construction) and I was about to start writing sessions with my favorite team. I remember saying, "I love this place!" I piled my bags in my usual spot and got set up to start working.

There is nothing like catching snatches of the Bills game from the TV in the pizza place across the street from the studio in December in Buffalo. The guys behind the counter come out and yell, "NO!" in a moment of wishful thinking when it looks like the opposing team might miss the extra point. There's a sense of family with perfect strangers when you all stand there and marvel at the amount of snow on the field.

Then it was back to work making music with my beloved friends and writing partners.

I'm consumed with gratitude for every single moment - and have a real sense that this is truly the way life is meant to be lived - enjoying every moment.

A Blessed holiday season to you and yours...
Enjoy the moments.

Namaste,
T

#ChangeYourSong

Have you ever tried complaining to your doctor about how hard it is to eat healthy? Mine told me I had to change my thoughts. Instead of thinking about how hard it is, "Just think of making better choices." Every day, every meal is a choice. It seemed simple enough.

That thought lingered with me throughout the week. By thinking of how hard it is (and before you say “it’s not that hard” - please keep in mind that I'm taking care of two dogs and a baby) I was focused on the challenge. Changing my mind is simple enough, but not always easy. My doctor was right. While focused on the challenge, I was sabotaging my own power. It’s not something difficult. It’s a simple choice. Remembering that I DO have a choice is empowering. It allows me to take the reins. With that in mind, I started making healthier food choices.

I carried the idea of changing my mind over to other things too. All day long I make up silly songs to entertain the baby. I decided some of the lyrics needed a change.

“Ay, ay, ay, ay… no sir I have no bananas” soon became “Ay, ay, ay, ay… Yes I do have some bananas.” (What can I say, he thinks the word “banana” is hilarious.) “Bananas, bananas galore... Bananas yes please I’ll have more… Ay, ay, ay, ay… How I do love my bananas” etc. (You get the idea.)

Why would I repeat a lyric about a state of lack? Why wouldn’t I sing from a place of bounty and reinforce THAT idea? Hello? What was I thinking?

Of the thousands of thoughts we have in our heads all day long, what do we keep repeating to ourselves that we could change? How can I continue to change my song and improve my life? This week, I’ll listen closely and #changemysong.

Namaste,

T