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…

Dear Friends,

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” ~ Buddha

How fun is this new video of “Not Easy to Do” with puppets(!) by my dear, talented friend Danielle Ate the Sandwich?!…

Dear Friends,

Do you agree?

“Social media is something of a double-edged sword. At its best, social media offers unprecedented opportunities for marginalized people to speak and bring much needed attention to the issues they face. At its worst, social…

Dear Friends,

“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” ~Susan B. Anthony

I just know you’re a consistent voter, so I'm preaching to the choir here. Watch this fun video Linda and I created (with the help of…

Dear Friends,

I've just returned from a music haven…the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference in Chicago. Rooms overflowed with music, friends, insights, inspiration, connections…and more music. Where are you finding community these days?

I wrote “Say My Name” in the…

Dear Friends,

One of best concerts (and easiest photo puns) I ever enjoyed was I’m With Her at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City. Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, and Aoife O’Donovan are each incredible singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists in their own…

Dear Friends,

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” ~Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and activist

“Ella’s Song” by Honey In The Rock 

“We who…

Dear Friends,

“There is nothing so American as our national parks…The fundamental idea behind the parks…is that the country belongs to the people, that it Is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.”…

Dear Friends,

How do you measure a life? This question lived under my skin last month as I accompanied my brother during his final weeks and hours. While in the ICU and later hospice, Joel wanted to talk about his…

Dear Friends,

Unless you’re living in Antarctica, you’re not in the midst of a “long cold lonely winter” yet…but maybe you are. Maybe the world feels heavy and cold. If so, I hope you know moments of warmth breaking through. …

Dear Friends,

Crisis, violence, and division can feel all-consuming right now. Are you finding ways to set it down? We each need energy for the long haul, so rest when you can, take breaks from social media and the news,…

Dear Friends,

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” ~Audre Lorde

How are you using your voice these days? …

Dear Friends,

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us…