Thankfulness '08 Version

It's Thanksgiving. Time to take stock of what I'm thankful for this year. Although I tell God all the time that I'm thankful for everything everyday.

But the emphasis this year is on the opportunities I've had to serve my church and community. I've had a blast assisting with morning chapel on Mondays. Leading Bible study has been cool and enlightening. Going to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission on a monthly basis has made me even more grateful that I earn enough to keep a roof over my head and food on the table.

I'm also thankful for my family: Patty, Callie, Renee, Mom & Dad, Nathan and Herb, Gmom, Nil & Uma. I'm appreciative of my church and musical families. Thanks for your love and support this year and every year. Friends and fans around the globe, I've got a lot of love for you too.

In one week, the GRAMMY nominations will be announced. I'll be at the Nokia theatre for the live concert and TV program, believing. Believing. Thanks to everyone who has expressed their support in action and in prayer for my career and this particular endeavor.

Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine. It signals the beginning of the Christmas season for one. As a kid, the Wednesday before Turkey Day meant traveling: to Pittsburgh, to East Lansing, to Alexandria, to Oakland, to Atlanta, and now to Corona. A sense of adventure and the promise of tasty food. I hold those memories dear and look forward to creating new memories this year.

I wish you and your family a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Peace and Cranberry Sauce

The Boss's Latest Is Free

New music has arrived on the interwebs. Fans of Bruce, or Obama for that matter, need to check out Working On A Dream. This was a song that Springsteen debuted while touring in support of Obama's presidential campaign. It's free on iTunes this week. I'm awaiting the whole new album from the Boss since it sounds like a true sequel to 2007's Magic, which featured the E Street Band in all its glory. Bruce and Co. will be the halftime entertainment at the Superbowl in January. Maybe he'll perform at the GRAMMY awards the following week. No doubt Springsteen will be in DC for the inauguration. Yours truly will watch two of those three events from home.

Other fresh cuts I'm digging right now include Keane's very 80's The Lovers Are Losing and the return of Q-Tip with Gettin' Up. I'm still getting my Motown education on with the Temptations. I'm hoping to check out their show with the Four Tops at the Gibson on Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving Week