Dear friends,

The magnificence was deeply familiar and altogether new. I was playing violin again among lush strings, swelling percussion, layered woodwinds, and insistent brass. Every part of me was hard at work. I couldn't close my eyes, but the…

Dear friends,

On Saturday, we’ll celebrate my mom’s life with a service, lunch, stories, laughs, hugs, photos, chocolate, memories, and tears. Mom passed away in late April, but this weekend is the first time our big family could gather here…

Dear friends,

Have you heard this quote: “Time whispers by, while we're busy shouting”? I’m afraid I spend too much time shouting, frustrated that I don't finish enough projects or have enough hours in a day. And where’s the assurance…

Dear friends,

While recovering from a brain hemorrhage in 2010, I picked up my guitar hoping it could help me process what I'd been through. “Lights Along the Way” spilled out. A string of lights stretched behind and in front…

Dear friends,

“Music happens to be an art form that transcends language.” ~Herbie Hancock

During recent shows on the road and at home, I’ve witnessed how music unites people. People are hungry for community against the backdrop of devastating daily…

Dear friends,

“I may not win a Nobel Prize, but I baked an apple pie for a broken-hearted friend.” So goes the first line of my song named after that esteemed prize. During hard times, we build community and fight…

Dear friends,

Civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer famously said, “If I fall, I’ll fall five feet four inches forward in the fight for freedom. I’m not backing off.” As we approach the 250^th anniversary of the signing of…

Dear friends,

As a social worker leading support groups for bereaved parents, spouses, and children, I was often struck by the uniqueness and universality of each loss. We all know the ebb and flow of sadness, the power of unbreakable…

Dear friends,

People will surprise you, like when Mom told me “Volcano” was one of her favorite songs I performed. This sultry tune by Damien Rice is not-your-usual Mom fare. The audience below at the Green Guitar Folk House chuckled…

Dear friends,

My beloved, smart, spunky, generous Mom passed away on April 25^th. Anyone who’s grieved a tremendous loss knows I’m in for a time of deep sadness, introspection, memory, and gratitude. My mom arranged my first violin…

Dear friends,

NPR caught me again. I lingered in my car while two authors discussed “mattering”—a concept I’d struggled with but hadn't fully named. While caring for elderly parents, writing songs, and entering new chapters, I wondered how to measure…

Dear friends,

Here’s to a much-needed spring! While on tour last week, I found signs of hope and resilience all over Minneapolis/St. Paul. 

I’m loving spring birdsongs and this version of “Blackbird”…

Video link

~ Amanda Gorman

How’s your creative…

Dear friends,

“When there are dogs and music, people have a good time.” ~Emmylou Harris

I’m guessing all of us (including Emmylou) need a respite right about now. I offer an infusion of dogs with soft ears and unconditional love……

Dear friends,

Welcome to Women's History Month! This year's theme, determined by the National Women's History Alliance, is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping A Sustainable Future.” Here's to that! 

“Don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has…

Dear friends,

“Now is the winter of our discontent." ~William Shakespeare

I wrote "Before Spring" long before this cruel winter. Before masked federal agents occupied Minneapolis. Before fear and outrage threatened to overwhelm us. 

But protesters refuse to be…

Dear friends,

As we do laundry and the ordinary, let’s refuse to be numb to this anything-but-ordinary time. Our voice, our solidarity, and our hope are powerful tools. 

Streets of Minneapolis – Bruce Springsteen

Video link

Two quotes on the…

Dear Friends, 

"Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength." ~Dalai Lama

Last January, I began gathering inspiration for these troubled times. As I worried about our future, I decided to share weekly Amplify…

Dear friends,

On Wednesday morning, my son Ryan texted that an ICE raid and shooting had occurred less than a block from his Minneapolis apartment. He wanted us to know he was okay, but everyone was afraid for the woman…

Happy (almost) New Year, Friends! 

What are your hopes for 2026? The Ted Talk video below, “Make Art When the World is on Fire,” is an unabashed pep talk. I hope it inspires us all to be more creative (broad…

Dear Friends,

We’re at peak darkness. This Winter Solstice finds me alternately spent, hopeful, and disquieted. At the end of a challenging year, I’m trying hard to befriend darkness and change. I hope you are finding ways to balance it…

Dear Friends,

“Wisdom comes with winters.” I heartily agree with Oscar Wilde. These longer nights, the hibernation, the coziness, and the stark weather lead to more introspection. During this season of heightened emotions, take good care and listen to your…

Dear Friends,

Might I suggest you take some time to set your intentions for the holiday season? What would be most meaningful to you? Could you relieve some of the pressure and reframe your expectations? How might you carve out…

Dear Friends,

Historians are heroes, especially when they shine light on past injustice or light our way with stories of challenges overcome. A switch flips when we revel in awe-inspiring events, shared humanity, and brave individuals. 

I was blown away…

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! 

"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ~A.A. Milne

Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Thanksgiving Song” paints a beautiful picture. If your holiday table this…