Happy Thursday, my fellow peeps!!  Have y’all had a crazy week too (please say yes)?  Sometimes, they just happen like that.  Last weekend, we had 2 gigs in a row on Saturday.   We got it done.  But, Lawd ham mercy it was exhausting.  But, it was a satisfying exhaustion. The above picture is our band, Sanctuary playing for Woofstock, with our dear friends at the Sumter SPCA.  This was our third year participating, and they had record attendance!!!  So, yay!!!!!!
Somehow, despite all these people and friends surrounding me, I felt alone.  No one’s fault, and no particular reason…I was lonely.  I gladly watched and enjoyed all the other bands and musicians, giving of themselves for the cause.  We played a solid show, and the folks seemed to enjoy it.  But, somehow the noise that goes on in the carnival of my mind…was louder than the music around me.  I still wrestle with how I’m able to be optimistic with conviction about the struggles in the lives of my family and friends, and then turnaround and be so, “boo hoo” on the inside.  What a silly and awkward dichotomy.   I have more gratitude than the average bear,  for surviving the battles I’ve faced in my lifetime.   I thank God for hot water, everytime I take a bath.  It warms my heart to see folks rescuing pets, raising money for those in need,  and even a stranger’s kindness for a smile as they pass by.
Doesn’t make any sense at all to feel alone.  Buck loves me so much, and I’m blessed to have a man who wants my happiness in life, as much as his own.  Savannah and Emily are two gorgeous, beautiful, smart, witty girls who I’d take a bullet for, if ever required.   I have a cozy country home, an awesome red diesel pickup truck to drive, and friends you couldn’t custom build to be better human beings.  And all these folks put up with me, ha ha!!!

We never know the full extent of the losses and struggles in one’s life.  It’s lonely to be alone, and it’s worse to feel alone.  If you think someone needs a hug, you should always give one.  Don’t miss an opportunity to show the world what love should look, hear and sound like.  Forgiveness is a wonderful soul cleanser too.  Life is too short to drink bad wine, eat yucky nachos, or stay in a toxic relationship.  
Patty Griffin is an artist that when she sings certain songs, they just penetrate my very soul.  That Kind of Lonely is that type of song.  I have been in that situation so many times in my life: school, the neighborhood I grew up in, even old loves…especially old loves.  Sometimes it’s just nice to have someone else sing those words and feelings back to you.  It’s very therapeutic for me.  I can cry or commiserate,  and it helps me not feel as alone.  Whoever wrote that song was once that kind of lonely too.  🙂
If you’re out there feeling alone, you’re truly not by yourself.  I mean that.
Love y’all!   Be sweet and love somebody!!!!!!