Shanah tovah, everyone. Happy new year.

Like we do every year at our house, we celebrate the holiday by dipping apples in honey to remind us of our hopes for sweetness and joy in our year ahead.

Georgia is learning that academics at the school for the performing and visual arts is no walk in the park. But she’s about to finish her first month with her head held high. The upside is that her musicianship is becoming more finely tuned and honed with each passing day. She picks up her viola every day with gusto and fire.

Her gift to me is that I get to spend time with her driving her downtown every morning. We chat about everything under the sun.

Lila Jane is enjoying her “senior” year and her close-knit crew of friends at her middle school. She has been working so hard for her upcoming auditions (region orchestra and high school for the performing arts). It’s so beautiful to hear her play. Her teachers are confident that she is strong and on the right track. We are so proud of her.

She leaves the house impeccably dressed every day and her room is always neat and tidy. She’s been making smoothies for everyone.

Tillie, our wayward rescue, has finally begun to settle into her life with us. Lila is “her person” but she’s starting to open up with Tracie, Georgia, and me. Paco continues to live his life as the bravest, most fiercely loyal and super cuddly chihuahueño on the planet.

I know it’s old news at this point, but Tracie’s career continues to expand. She’s about to close her biggest transaction to date. Now that she’s more comfortable at work, she’s been taking more time out for me and the girls. That’s been so lovely. I can’t wait to post the love songs I’ve written for her this year.

This is my first new year without my mom. Her birthday and the anniversary of her death are around the corner. My father died this year as well. It’s been a rough time for me. But I have my family, my health, my activism, my writing, and my music. Poo, poo, poo… I have so much to be thankful for.

Happy new year. May yours be filled with health, joy, and light.