Dear Friends,
These devastating California wildfires are tearing at our hearts, aren't they? While the future seems more ominous, let's keep doing what we can, where we can to make life better.
“History has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.” ~Michelle Obama
After recording “The Gift of Light” in Nashville, I invited friends and supporters to send videos and photos to be included in our official video. I hope you enjoy their contributions in this compilation as much as I do. Video link
I wrote this blog to accompany the song: Blog link
“A brilliant reimagining of adventures of Huckleberry Finn – both harrowing and ferociously funny – told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view.
Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim’s agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first-century American literature.”
I'm looking forward to attending a lecture by Percival Everett at the University of Missouri-Kansas City at the end of this month.
Altadena has been among the hardest hit communities in the California wildfires. Countless black residents whose families have lived in Altadena for generations have lost homes, businesses, and cultural landmarks. “Eaton Fire Devastates Historic Altadena, Displacing Black Families and Destroying Legacies”: Article link
California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California, including the L.A. County area. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking donations to equip firefighters battling the wildfires with emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.
On her “Wiser Than Me” podcast, Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews “iconic older women who are brimming with the kind of unapologetic attitude and wisdom that only comes with age. Julia sits at the feet of some extraordinary teachers, and of course her 90-year-old mom, Judith.”
Immerse yourself in nature for a few moments…
“May you know the gift of love along the way, may you share the gift of peace this day…”
Joy
Joy Zimmerman is a touring folk & acoustic roots singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, presenter, and former social worker. Joy's latest album,"Where the Light Lives," debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Folk Chart Top Albums in August 2023. joyzimmermanmusic.com