What are you doing New Year's Day?

Well, it has been years since we have gone Out on New Year's Eve. I capitalize the O in Out because doing so is an event that usually takes careful planning in the city, not so much in a small town. My boss is very involved in our little community, freely giving her time and more to local causes. Last night was no exception as she was one of the major sponsors of the annual New Year's Eve Benefit Ball for the Family Crisis Center. Because of her involvement in this worthwhile organization, I also got involved in planning the dance and coordinating the promotions for it. It was a great night that lasted well into this morning. I am dragging today. I think I'm getting too old to live 2 days in one and then expecting to be going about business as usual the next day.

The dance was so much fun. David and I haven't danced in, well, never. Not because I haven't wanted to. We just haven't had the opportunities. Yes, you can read into that whatever you will, but we don't go out a lot. Anyway, it was a fun night of dancing and laughter, great music, new and good friends. The music was by singer/songwriter originally from Las Cruces but now out of Austin, Eric Hisaw, (http://www.erichisaw.com/) and they were amazing! They were late as they had a major mechanical breakdown on the way from Austin. Arrangements were quickly made for someone to drive the 6 hours roundtrip to pick them up and bring them here. That made them about 6 hours late for their load in, which meant they were hooking up equipment as the dance was starting. But the sound guys who were handling the show played some music that had people out on the dancefloor anyway.

About the band - Eric's agent sent a press kit in advance to help with our promotions for the event. We practically wore out his latest CD called Nature of the Blues, which was in the kit. We gave originals to the area radio stations but not before we made our own copies. (We later bought originals. I don't like copying music. It's not fair to the artists.) Backing Eric on vocals and guitar and occasionally stepping out front to sing and play was Chrissy Flatt, also an Austin transplant, (http://www.chrissyflatt.com/). I have not heard her before and did not know her music. But we bought one of her CDs last night, Wings of a Butterfly, which she graciously autographed for us. I listened to it today and she is so talented! I love Eric's music for the visual images that are conjured up by his lyrics, the texture of his vocals, the layers of sound. I can picture myself there in the places created by the words in his songs. Chrissy's gift for painting a vivid picture with lyrics, vocals and music matches Eric's. Listening to her CD had me feeling as if I know her personally, like hearing from a long lost friend. Individually, I know we will be hearing more great things from them in the future. Together, they are a powerful force. I loved watching them perform together. I hope you will check out their music and share it with your friends.

Left to right: Matt (bass player), Chrissy, Eric, Vicente (drummer)

And while I'm thinking of it, I can't believe it's 2009. Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you have the fire to follow your dreams this year. We are courageously, and sometimes fearfully, following ours. Also, to quote Chrissy Flatt from the liner notes of her debut CD, "support your local Animal Shelter," a worthy cause near and dear to my own heart. Confidentially to David, I'm so sorry I closed the car door on your finger! I hope you can forgive me. Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding. I will love you always.