January the Second, With Resolve

Greetings and Happy New Year to all y'all.

I'm sitting here with my son, checking out a little documentary narrated by Martin Sheen about Andrew Jackson. Well, you know what's coming up in about a week but I'm not going to run that tune right now.

I'm getting ready to put my head back in the work helmet. Truth be told I've never taken the helmet off even while at home with my younguns for an all too brief few days. The time together sure does go quickly. And it seems to go just as quickly when we're enjoying 12 hours together as when we're enjoying a fraction of that time together during the school week.

Last year, I made only two "resolutions": to become a better musician, and, to help the couple I work for grow their business. Despite my expectations to the contrary, I've done both. Maybe I wasn't ambitious enough, but, these are two things I consider important. So I figure I'll just keep those two on the list, and add a couple new things, like, become more recognized in my field, save more for my kids' college educations (based on my ability to date, this is also not very ambitious), allow myself to be surprised by new love. Am I ready? Probably. Do I have time and inclination? Hmmm. That's a choice I have to make.

Whatever you have resolved, I hope it comes easier for you than you expect, and that music is part of your plans for 2008. This tune from a 1964 recording by the Kentucky Colonels is just long enough to enjoy while you come up with at least one idea for personal change this year. The tune goes by another name that referred to President Jackson, "Old Hickory." It's pretty short, like the list of good things Andrew Jackson did before he went berserk. Speaking of, let's hear it for 2008 all the way 'round.

Old Hickory