Last night, with a million other things to do, I drove to Chicago to record some of the songs I've written this year.  I met my old friend John Abbey for a down and dirty recording session, just me and the piano.  I needed to be able to hear myself play in a safe space so I could figure out what kind of album I wanted to make.  

Besides, there are few places I love more than this studio at the top of warehouse.

This year, I want to make something different with my songs.  I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.  To work hard for a sound that feels authentic.  And to have fun doing to it.  My restaurant is running pretty smoothly without me, and the kids are old enough to get through a day or two without me, so I figure this is the time.  Merry early Christmas to me: I'm giving myself another passion project. 

I'm looking forward to a year full of hard work and feeling awkward.  But at least I won't have regrets.  Reader, if you're passionate about something, I hope you're feeding it at every chance you get.  Life is just too short not to.  May we all die knowing that we spent it shooting for our personal stars.  See you next Monday. -Em