It was a week marked by news of more gun violence, coupled with celebration of a royal wedding. Opposite ends of humanity, yet both highlighting the need for more love in this world.

At the root of the episode of violence is a young man whose needs are not being met, and every part of us has to muster the empathy to understand the behavior. Somehow there is lack of guidance, support and attention. Something isn't right. Something is not being addressed.  

Across the pond, we have a wonderful Episcopalian Bishop leading a beautiful ceremony who quotes de Chardin stating " if humanity ever captured the energy of love, it would be the second time in history that we have discovered fire."  Bishop Curry continues " when we discover the redemptive power of love, we will make of this old world, a new world." 

It is nearing the end of a month focused on Mental Health. It's a subject that gets categorized with stigma, shame and embarrassment and is most often  an issue that is not being addressed unless a drug can help or a professional intervenes. 

Truth is, mental health is something to tend to every day. If we are lucky, daily struggles can be tended to by some means that we've figured out for ourselves. For some, it's as simple as eating well or getting the chance to work out, hydrate, meditate, read or talk with a friend.  Nap when we are exhausted, eat if we are "hangry" or feeling imbalanced, to reach out if we are in trouble.   (Who are you without your daily caffeine?). But these are coping mechanisms that we learn as we grow...again, if we are lucky.

Most children, youth, teens are not in touch with why they are feeling "off" today. Most are not offered guidance, suggestions that can help them through tough times or even have examples around them they can look up to in times of confusion. 

It's not something remedied in a paragraph or song, but every little bit of acknowledgement and conversation helps. Thank you to all professionals, therapists, educators, administrators of schools and hospitals, doing what you can to implement tools these kids need.

As musicians, our song, "I Am Here", addresses the daily struggles that most all of us know of from time to time. Seeing our issues as stories, moments that will pass, or focusing on love can all help.  You can hear and Download the song below

Saturday, May 19th - NOON!  / New Holland, PA

Get Your Fest on! Pennsylvania, here we come! We're excited to be kicking off the music on Saturday at the Spring Gulch Festival. One for the families - it's that intergenerational musical magic that brings out Wilbur Rupert Rufus Gonzales Martinez Allegro IV. the Rubber Chicken of Freedom! Pollo Elastico de Liberacion! http://springgulch.com/folk-festival-on

That's a picture of Wilbur Rupert Rufus Gonzales Martinez Allegro the 1st!! >>>>>

This will be our first time at the Spring Gulch Music Festival and we are really looking forward to it.  We have many friends that go yearly, so we plan on having them jump up and help lead the Flamingo Tango! ( Get ready, Tom and Debra!) 

Spring Gulch Campground  / 475 Lynch Rd / New Holland, PA 17557

Heading to Port Washington, NY Wednesday, May 16th, to play a concert at one our favorite venues.... the library!  We're told this library is extra special and the music history there is rich!  More specifically, Jean Ritchie, the Mother of Folk Music, started curating concerts at this library decades go.  We are honored to be there and excited to bring along Mark Dann to join us on bass! You're in for a real treat! And so are we!

We are well into our new recording. Foundations have been laid for nearly all the songs. Nearly all, because a new one just presented itself and we can't settle on the ending but its worth the wait.   We've been so honored to be working with seasoned musicians with such good energy. We know that all they offer heightens the vibe of the recording.  Here's a sneak peak (2 min) at our April sessions and new tunes that are unfolding.  

Adjectives swirling around the responses have been fun to gather-"hope, life affirming, healing, inclusive, mindfulness, expansiveness". That's a good start.