Well, Christmas has come and gone. Hope you enjoyed the season and got to share it with your family and friends.

This time of the year is always filled with reflection and summation. It's a time to look ahead and plan the new year and set your direction. I'm kind of in that place, too.

With regard to my music, I look back and know that I didn't do nearly enough shows. Here's to a busier 2006. But I did start the process of a new record and got my hopes up that something good is gonna happen with it. I think the new batch of songs is diverse but connected and a natural musical progression. I'm proud of the direction in which it's growing.

I didn't see a lot of shows in 2005 but I did see some good ones: Buddy Miller, Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez (good to see you again, Carrie). Each one was a reconnection to home. I hadn't seen Buddy in a while; he mastered my first record in his living room. Also, my old friend Phil Madeira played in his band as did Bryan Owings (who played percussion on my second record). Saw Will Kimbrough, a Nashville scenester, playing with Rodney. Of course, Chip met Carrie when he came to my show in Austin and she was playing fiddle with me so there was a familial connection there as well.

I had a miracle in my life through Jason Sturgis. He got very sick and they didn't think he was going to make it but he pulled through and he's nearly normal. (If he was normal, he wouldn't be Jason!) Here's to a healthy year, buddy.

At some point in the next few weeks, I may sneak one of the new tracks onto the site just so see if anyone is paying attention. Lemme know if you catch it!

Take care.

Happy New Year!

Hayseed