Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Here we are-New Year’s Eve of 2020. How far away this day seemed over nine months ago when we were plunged into quarantine here in the United States after watching what the pandemic did to Italy and other countries first. And the year just went downhill from there. But as much as I do welcome a new one after the bad one we had, I cannot help but feel thankful for the gifts of 2020. For all the craziness we faced, we also received the chance to slow down. A year ago life for many of us was more or less a to do list. Once all the ballast of everyday life was gone, we were given the gift of just being present. Life became about the basics: home, family, staying safe, having enough food & supplies to stay comfortable & helping each other, especially those who were the most vulnerable. We also revisited our ideas about what work was essential and what was not, who the real everyday heroes truly are and how much we all owe them.

Of course it has not been easy and many things we took for granted will hopefully be cherished once they resume, And even though we finally arrived at this last day, things will not suddenly be OK once the clock strikes midnight. We are still dealing with a lot and that will not change in a split second. But it will be a new day in a new month of a new year. In year’s prior that always made me feel invigorated with a clean slate ahead of me. I do not expect that to change this year. New days, new seasons, new opportunities, new moments. That is what I look forward to the most every year starting on this night.

So that is why I chose today’s song by Eric Clapton. It was recorded in 1970 but not released until his 1988 boxed set collection, “Crossroads”. He has done a few different versions of this J.J. Cale song over the years but today’s is absolutely the best one. Clapton singing & playing guitar is perfection, but add horns to the mix and even God calls it heaven.

“We’re gonna cause talk and suspicion
We’re gonna give an exhibition
We’re gonna find out what it is all about
After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang down“.

Eric Clapton’s 1970 Self Titled Debut Album. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Eric Clapton: “After Midnight” (1970, written by J.J. Cale).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.