After falling down the annual Christmas Rabbit Hole, I have finally returned to the real world, refreshed and ready for 2011. After a whirlwind of dozens of rehearsals, 72 hour stints in the recording studio, photo shoots, performances, sleepless nights, a bout with stomach flu,  and endless paper work, I welcome this new year with a renewed spirit.

I am writing this blog from rainy, rural Arkansas as I sit in my pajamas with a cup of coffee and two beautiful hounds at my side. It is round two of recordings and rehearsals for Shishonnah and I am relishing the quiet and laid back spirit here. I spent this morning doing a phone interview with a Chicago journalist, reflecting on my childhood experiences in music, while nursing a bruise I received yesterday after hiking in Oklahoma to view a Viking Rune Stone. As I stood infront of the massive stone, fallen leaves all around me-still the colors of autumn, the cool fresh air flipping my hair about, I marveled at yet another adventurous year passed, and one more to come.

I will be spending this New Years celebration with an interesting mix of individuals. Liz (the Irish Hurricane as I like to think of her), of course, will be at my side, but joining us will be the afore mentioned Southern Gentleman, Galician, and Medicine Man. Five very different backgrounds and accents, but five very similar spirits and senses of humor. It seems only fitting for us all to gather together to welcome this new year. Five Celts who couldn't be more different in physical presentation and stature, but five Celts who recognize the significance of this coming 2011 and share enthusiasm for our gathering in Arkansas once again.

I am grateful for 2010. What tumultuous year full of so much personal loss and personal gain. I can't remember a year before where I've experienced so much growth. Not just for myself, but with others around me. I learned so much and had a blast, but I am very happy to leave it behind. This New Years Eve I will be toasting to all of the people who have come into my life and changed it for the better, and I welcome the individuals who will come in 2011. Thank you, out there, to all of the readers and fans. Your support has meant the world. Here's to a New Year full of hope, renewal, and promise for everyone.