I’m a little perturbed to admit, it isn’t the desire to make music that’s standing in my way right now. It’s the disappointing realization that I can’t stop focusing on a world that feels very much like ‘bullet train about to meet brick wall’. I’m having a hard time seeing the positive at the moment, and it’s seriously messing with my ability to write hopeful messages to go with my songs. (more text below...)

I always want these liner notes to be uplifting; something you can visit from time to time, have a few laughs (thus the word ‘perturbed’. What a wonderfully silly word). Perhaps you’ll discover a fresh idea, or interesting perspective you hadn’t considered before; little morsels of hope and positivity. It’s one of the things I genuinely love about these multi-layered creations I get to put together (which oftentimes even help me process things better in my own mind), and I would love to keep that tradition going.

So that brings us back to the topic of what to write about. And thankfully, the perfect topic just happened this past week; my oldest daughter adopting the most adorably friendly puppy I’ve ever encountered. Her name is Fuji, she’s 6 months old (already 35 lbs), a Greyador (half Greyhound, half Black Labrador), and she is a miracle… on so many levels.

I forget sometimes just how powerful the little things can be; and that is such an unfortunate thing to forget. Nothing fills my heart to overflowing more quickly than a small person or critter staring up at me with unconditional love and curiosity in their eyes. Is there any experience more heartwarming than a child grabbing your hand, or reaching out to you to be held? Or what about a pet that goes nuts when you get down on the ground with them, as they gleefully lick your face? These are beautiful, heartfelt experiences; and they are so worthy of our attention and gratitude.

A dog or cat doesn’t understand you had a bad day at work. A baby doesn’t know how stressful doing your taxes can be. They just know that you are the center of their world, and nothing would make them happier than getting to play with you for a while. How awesome is that!!

So while society enforces this idea that we need to start molding these new lives early, to make them more acceptable to the structure… I suggest we stop serving what society wants (it’s a silly structure anyway), and start embracing the amazing gift of innocence and fresh perspective these young lives have to offer us. Sure, it’s important to teach a dog not to bark or bite. It’s important to teach a child to be kind and loving to others. But it is equally important to get down on their level from time to time, and remember to see things through their eyes.

We may have more knowledge and life experience than them. But we also have an overwhelming number of opinions and biases; and they are not always right. These new lives start with none of the silly ideas we’ve adopted as our reality. They are tabula rasa (a clean slate), ready to absorb whatever new experience comes their way. They provide the clarity we need, and they provide quick reminders to stay present. If you’re not present with a baby (human or animal), if you are stuck in the mindset that they have nothing to teach you… you are missing out on one of life’s most precious gifts.

So sure, things might seem a little scary in the world right now. But if you have a young child or pet in your life, you have so much to celebrate. You are in the presence of true consciousness, and innocence, and unconditional love. And now is a great time to benefit from their overwhelmingly fresh perspective. I hope you enjoy my latest creation, ‘The Little Things’. Happy Holidays, my friends. :)