SPECIAL THANKSGIVING GRATITUDE EDITION
I feel grateful to live where I live (on a cherimoya ranch) and to do work (psychotherapy) that makes a difference in the lives of other people.
I feel grateful for the communities I am a part of — that, though hampered by not being able to gather in person, have also expanded in some ways, through the use of technology.
I feel grateful that the vaccine has enabled me to get back into the recording studio, so that now the recording for my 5th CD is completed and we are finally in the mixing stage.
I feel grateful for friends, old and new, who know the power of connection, a listening ear, and laughter.
~ Penelope Salinger
I am grateful for all my new virtual friends. That I am healthy and have an understanding partner (who isn’t virtual).
~ Peter Lehndorff
This is my ultimate gratitude song. Happy thanksgiving!!!
~Laura Zucker
This year, I’m grateful to have my best friend who is my mom- 86, healthy and still going strong. And grateful my children are each in a good space and happy.
~Carey Appel
I am most grateful this year for my wonderful circle of friends! This is the glue that binds the human race together and in these last almost (really?!) TWO years, folks far and wide, near and close, have held me up and saved my soul and sanity. I’ve met and made new friends ONLINE which is a miracle unto itself, so when this is all over some wonderful day, we will meet for the first time as old friends! Remarkable, inventive, innovative, creative, loving and determined! My first words upon rising every morning are “thank you,” and for this Thanksgiving, I give thanks for FRIENDS!
~Susie Glaze
Well, any day is a good day to take note of what you are grateful for. Here’s my shortlist today: Poets and quoters of poets; Singers, Songwriters, Listeners, posters of songs, song fragments that resonate with you; photographers and posters of photographs that capture and share miracles little and huge; folks who just say what they’re doing; Musicians of all kinds that keep the world turning, with a special nod today to cellists and woodwind players; grateful for the gift to still be able to sing and write and share with you all.
~Rick Drost
This year, I’m grateful for the ability to gather in small groups with family and friends, to share hugs when it’s appropriate for all, for my health and for the health of my nearest and dearest. What a difference a year makes!
~Marlynn Block
I am so thankful for all of the on-line FAR-West activities that have allowed us to share music and spend time with friends (and meet new friends) over the past many months when we were not able to be together in real life. Thank you FAR-West.
~Bev Klatt
I am most grateful for my sweet family and friends, music and witnessing others, and myself, overcome challenges. May I never take these gifts for granted!
~ Tina Ross
We are grateful for the support and positive energy we have received from the music community in 2021. Attending the virtual conferences gave us renewed hope that music will continue to happen in 2022 and beyond.
~ Louise Baker and Bruce Swan, Baker Booking
Here are a few things I’m thankful for in November of 2021 (in no particular order):
1. The internet, that kept us all connected, and allowed so many of us to continue performing during the pandemic.
2. The healthcare workers, doctors, and scientists who went beyond the call of duty to battle both the virus and all the dangerous misinformation.
3. My wife, my family, my friends, and my fellow musicians and singers. I love you all.
~ Gary Stockdale
I’m thankful for the people around me who I love and who love me unconditionally!
~ Jeff Berkley
many, this cultural reckoning and political upheaval spurred a period of personal reflection and the discovery of coping mechanisms some of us didn’t even know we had. Lockdown Lemonade is a look at the bright side. With this collection of flash creative nonfiction, brief personal essays, recollections, and musings from members of our community, we hope to shine a light on the best things that can and have come out of the most challenging of times. This column will continue on a weekly basis and postings will be released at 10 AM Pacific every Monday, so watch for them! For guidelines and submission details, please contact Julie Zipperer at