As the first day of winter arrives, I'm busy here at home getting ready for Christmas. There's nothing like a century-old white wood frame house all warm and decorated for the holidays as the strains of traditional standards echo from an old record player while the last leaves fall and the cold winds begin to blow outside. I'm thinking tonight about so many wonderful moments that have made this year like no other. Playing the gallery opening for New York artist Mel Chin at The Station with Shawn Supra on upright bass, Hank Schyma on lead guitar, and Chris Cook on washboard. Touring with Texas Angels Sarah Sharp and Kristy Kruger, performing at the legendary Cactus Cafe and getting to meet Cactus Griff--who made that beloved venue all that it is today. Collaborating with producer, arranger, and keyboard player Ronnie King, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his work with Tupac. A successful national radio campaign spearheaded by the tireless Bill Wence of Tennessee, which resulted in a second very positive review from "the dean of Nashville entertainment journalists" Robert K. Oermann of Music Row. Performing at the first-annual Radio Mike Fest in Austin. South By Southwest. The North American and Regional Folk Alliance Conferences. The "Kinky for Texas Governor" benefit at McGonigel's Mucky Duck. The charming Bugle Boy in La Grange and The Stardust Room on Huntsville's quaint town square. And I can't forget the shows in Dallas at Bill's--featured in the movie, "The Last Record Store"--and with the ever-so-much fun Jimmy Baldwin at Standard & Pours and the Gypsy Tea Room in Deep Ellum. There were the live performances, the radio appearances, and the great times in the studio. (My new album will be ready for release early in 2007 thanks to the talent and effort of producer John Evans and engineer Steve Christensen at Sugar Hill Studios. I'm confident that it is my best work to date, and I can hardly wait for you to hear the songs.) But as I write to you this evening, contemplating 2006, I'm most reminded that it is the people who've made it a year of memories I'll cherish. I'll always remember opening for Chip Taylor, who wrote "Wild Thing" and "Try" for Janis Joplin, at Courvilles in my hometown of Beaumont, Texas. Enjoying an afternoon at Sugar Hill with Herb Remington of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys when he recorded steel guitar on my new song "How I Found Out I'm Insane." Hearing all about the history of my neighborhood while hanging out at the studio with Houstonian and Texas Music Hall of Famer Johnny Bush ("Whiskey River") when he recorded the male vocal on my song "The East Side." Not to mention all of the time shared with my dear friends and peers in music, too numerous to mention here--and of course the fans whose encouragement has meant so much to me at the shows and in their email and letters: " . . . You can never understand the feeling I get when playing 'Face This World.' I lost my wife of 45 years about 10 months ago ..... we were extremely close and I think of her 1,000 times a day. I will play this song forever and she will be in my heart forever. Thank you, thank you so much ..... you are very talented." "I was driving back home from the shooting range on this beautiful December afternoon, turned on the radio and arrived in the middle of this haunting song . . . The voice, the melody, wow. The song knocked the wind out of me . . . As soon as my wife gets home tonight I will play her "Be My Valentine on Christmas." I've been listening to this song over and over and over after I bought the download late this afternoon. It is so beautiful, so simple, so well sung with that very special voice. It's one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard." Yes, in the end I believe it's been a year well-spent. But it's not over yet: I hope you'll tune in on December 22 at 2 pm to KPFT 90.1 FM (Houston) or listen online at www.kpft.org for the second annual live RadioActive Christmas program featuring Hank Schyma of the Southern Backtones as "the little drummer boy," John Evans of the John Evans Band delivering an original tune about Christmas and beer that he co-wrote with photographer/actress Amy Morris, and a riveting performance of "Silver Bells" by yours truly. This will be guaranteed, bonified, good old Christmas fun. May you have a magical Christmas and a blessed New Year filled with adventure, pleasant surprises, and dreams come true. Write when you can. I'd love to hear from you. And I'll keep you posted on all of the shows and music news this fabulous new year--2007. Y'all come!