From this cabin window set high in the hills in Northern Virginia I look east to the lower elevations of Lowden County. I've been couch hopping and visiting friends all over the state for the last two weeks and really enjoying myself. Both at a remote house outside of Lexington, and here in Lovettsville I've had the chance not to be compulsive with the business side of this living and just appreciate the southern mountains.

I left Massachusetts on the 1st and my first stop was The Little Grill in Harrisonburg. This place has more character than you can shake a stick at. The dining area is a pie-eyed mix of a well worn living room and grandma's kitchen. (Mother Jones's kitchen!) The wall is covered by an American flag; lava lamps, 60's era posters and formica tables on black and white checked floor don't as much clash as make absolutely everyone feel welcome. A small sign in the front window reads: "Hippies must use side door". My spot on the small stage is directly under a faded-to-brown, black velvet profile of Bob Dylan with his harmonica rack on. I feel at home at the Little Grill.

After Harrisonburg it was onward to Charlottesville, then a gorgeous Unitarian Church near Fairfax. The next night brought me to Richmond where my host Scott gave me the walking tour of the Monument Avenue area of town. Despite Richmond being a bastion of staunch conservatism, I am attracted to the city for it's magnificent architecture. I'll go back any time just to walk it's streets and listen to it's stories. Concerts wound down quickly after that with a couple of gigs at a coffee chain where, after one my van's starter motor bit the dirt and I had to be towed 40 miles. (Thanks AAA!) Then lastly a quiet show in Lexington.

Now I take three weeks off. Unheard of! I'm blowing my savings and then some to take my son and myself out to California to spend Christmas and New Years with family. No gigs for three weeks? What am I going to write about! Maybe something about watching football and eating too much food? No, that's a scary thought. Maybe I'll write a meditation on playing boardgames and cards with a bunch of 8 to12 year olds. Now that sounds more like it!

Next year? You know, it's always one day at a time. I say, make a good one day at a time. I really do appreciate your support reading these notes and being a part of the big picture for American songwriters. We are hooked on our stories in this country and we like songs to help us tell them. Do a favor. Next year, keep going to live shows in small venues. That's where the action is at. You never know what's going to happen. It could be a dud, or it could change your life. It's worth the effort. Go see someone you've never hear of. You could even present your own house concert. You need not bite off more than you can choose. Just *do* something. It'll make you feel good.

I'd lastly, but not leastly, like to give a public "Thank You" to Rebecca Carr for putting together such a fine web-site for me as I could ever imagine having. If you have any site related comments feel free to drop her an e-mail. As always my guest book is available for simple hello's and comments if you want to drop me a line.

Have a happy holiday!
See you next year!
Dana