Happy New Year, a couple of weeks into 2012!
 
I sent out the following message as part of an emailed family greeting card ... here it is,  minus the photos:
 
"Things are looking up ... Hey, we're an optimistic bunch by nature, but this has been a lousy year by any measure: the news, the economy, politics, the passing of so many friends and heroes ... and so it hasn't been easy to keep smiling all of the time.
 
But, if we take a moment and count our blessings ... well, then, it's easy to smile and laugh and be grateful for all of the good things we've enjoyed over the years: love, family, good health, lots of laughs and friendships, plenty of good food and music, wonderful memories from the past and our ever-hopeful wishes for the future. And this last year had plenty of good adventures, musically and otherwise. So, things are looking up!
 
Maya, Taichi, Mutsy and I send you our wishes for your good health and happiness ... and let's all of us pull together to make 2012 a year filled with promise, compassion, joy and all good things in abundance. Santa's already brought me the best gift in the world - my family and their good health."  READ MORE!