Dear Musicians & Friends,
I just wanted to send you a note of appreciation for all of your creativity this year. Whether I saw you at the Open Stage while hosting, or shared a bill with you, or trotted out to hear one of your shows this year as a listener, I have been inspired by your music and lyrics, your tenacity, and your contribution to the music scene in the city.
I recently ran into a Pittsburgh artist that decided to hang it up, for good reasons. The DIY culture has become a mandate of sorts, leaving many of us less time to create. Sometimes this can inspire you to go harder, and sometimes it can make you feel like you're in a crazy hamster wheel. The stress of having to do it all inspires different responses in different people. This artist decided it was time to leave. I'm on the edge, I guess.
My body crapped out on me in late summer. After some diagnostic efforts we figured a major part of what happened was a little something called Adrenal Fatigue. It took years to develop, I bet, and I had never heard of it before. I suspect, though, that many a DIY artist is especially susceptible to this syndrome. You may or may not be one. I hope you are not.
Anyhow, I'm looking at the world from a different angle. It's pretty freakin' great and it makes me grateful to be alive. It makes me do odd things like turn down First Night gigs on New Year's Eve, and write letters instead just to say I think you're on The Good Road, walking it in your own way.
I look forward to hearing your new songs and your old favorites in 2010.
My best wishes to you,
Heather
