Reading in 2008 ...

Reading. A good way to start the new year. Last year was such a blur I might have found my way through a couple books. Here it is still January and I've finished 2 books that have been on my books-to-read stack for awhile.

The first book I finished reading this year was Fargo Rock City by Chuck Klosterman. Why didn't I read this book sooner?! A fantastic read that brought back plenty o' memories as well as provided some great music commentary. I wasn't into metal - went more the the punk, goth, alt route - but had plenty of friends who were and fondly remember watching back-to-back videos full of spandex and big hair on MTV before going to class. Moving Chuck's other books up on my to-read stack.

After Fargo Rock City I moved on to By George by Wesley Stace. While it might seem an odd segue, there is a connection ... one book written about music, the next written by a musician (some of you may know Stace by the name John Wesley Harding).

I started By George last year - having picked up the book immediately upon release - but, due to my own series of unfortune events, I was distracted from finishing the book. Returning to the pages this year, I found myself drawn in by the characters and the connections between the two boys George. I continue to think about the people, the family, the connections ... and am looking forward to both JWH's next album and Stace's next novel.

Hmmm ... what to grab next from the reading stack ...

Catching Up ...Moving Forward ...

I had good intentions of multiple posts about the Oaxaca trip ... tho' was too busy experiencing Oaxaca to post while there and various negative events occupied my brain and energy once I returned so focus was on getting to the holidays and saying good-bye to 2007.

One thing I realized after meeting all the great artists who attended the workshop in Oaxaca - and something that I'm carrying with me into the new year -- is that I'm not the only one workin' a day job. Ok, sure, this may seem obvious to the rest of you - but it was a pleasant reminder to me. It is indeed possible to work and still create. That said, focus for the new year is on making the necessary changes and finding the right balance so I can spend more time and energy in creative environments and creating my own things ... whatever those may be.

So, here's to 2008. On the list, put the final touches on the piece I started in Oaxaca ... just looking for the right word.