I made another end-of-the-year, holiday card this year - and if you haven't seen it yet, please visit: http://youtu.be/FY7qHTpN8OA
I know it's super trendy to talk about resolutions, but the timing is so appropriate! A new year, a fresh start, it just sounds so appealing! This isn't a resolution blog, per se, but it does include some things that I've learned in 2011.
This year some of my lessons learned have been HARD. I've learned that sometimes when people disagree with you – they might be really rude, that sometimes when people don't want to admit that they're wrong – they might lie, and when you make a change, even when it's for all of the right reasons – someone is going to be upset.
I've also learned some beautiful lessons this year. I've learned that when you think things are getting too rough – someone will show up at that moment and lighten the load (chances are they've always been there – it just wasn't as obvious before), that death is always sad – but a friend's legacy will inspire you to be a better person, and when you ask for support when pursuing a worthy cause, even in a down economy – friends and family will always give what they can.
In my lessons this year – I have to say that the beautiful definitely outweigh the hard.
With that said, I always feel like things can get better. I mean, if I'm not trying to be better every year, aren't I kind of missing the point? So, feel free to hold me on this, I'm making a few resolutions, and I'd even like to challenge you to join me in them:
First…and this is the hardest one…when I disagree with someone whether it be a political, religious, equality, etc. issue, I will try to be calm and respectful. It is important to be passionate about what you believe, and it's also important to realize that everyone else is just as passionate about his or her beliefs. And I'd ask that people keep this in mind on Facebook…where it seems people are much more brazen with their comments than they ever are in person.
Second, even when it would be easier or more comfortable for me to lie – honesty is the right answer. There are ways to be honest and kind, so finding that balance is going to be a goal of mine for 2012.
And last, I need to be more flexible and embrace change – because there's no way to stop it!
Above all of these of course, is the general idea to be good. Be better. To keep evolving into a more understanding, more compassionate person. And maybe on days when I'm 'less evolved' I should just stick with my dog.
Have a great holiday vacation – whichever holiday you call yours, and I'll see you in the new year!
- Small towns are sometimes the best towns to play in. Hello, Thomas, WV!
- Even if you haven't seen someone for 10 years, if you're in town, call them. It will be fun.
- Earthquakes really freak people out. So do hurricanes. Go figure.
- My brother and brother-in-law are really nice to me. And really like my dog.
- If you see your friend getting arrested in front of the white house, take a picture and send it to him. It's only fair.
- When you're in Asbury Park and someone asks you who your favorite musician is, say 'Bruce'.
- Sleeping in your own bed is sometimes exactly what you need.
And now, on to the HUGE list of thank you's. This tour would be impossible to do all on my own. I stay with friends, or friends of friends, play with other musicians, and harass venues until they'll give me an answer about a date. To all of these people (in semi-alphabetical order), the booking agents, couch hosts, musical guests, and show attendees, I am soooo grateful and cannot thank you enough!
Thanks to Bryan, David, Susan, Gaby and Chip for keeping me company along the way.
Thanks to the Bookers & Venues: Alan & The Havana Exchange Market, Alex & Kavarna, Ben, Jen & the Stockwell/Dotson House Concert Series, Bob & Music Row on Mason Show (Harmony Cafe), Christina & Mill Mountain Coffee (Daleville), Christine Frechard Gallery, Chuck & Heine Bros (Longest Ave), Deanna & Harmony Cafe, Debi & The Commodore, Dechen & The Laughing Goat, Doc & The Bunganut Pig, Elizabeth & The Brink Lounge, Genna & The Barking Spider, Greg, Tracy & The West Shore Farmers Market, Jan, Bob & The Cup O Joy, Janet, Doug, Donna & The Oakmont Market, Jeff & Broadway Farmers Market, Jennifer & Downtown Roanoke Market, Jesse & West End Farmers Market, John & The Purple Fiddle, Keith & Triumph Brewery, Kent & Calvary Lutheran Church, Kris, Roy & The Corner Store, Kyle, Gail & Tuesday Together, Lakota Community Center in La Plant, Leslie & Asbury Park Carousel Market, Linda & Ritual Cafe, Luke & The Java House, Lynne & The Hartung Park Farmers Market, Madeline, Jon & The Raven Lounge, Mark & The Camel, Matt & The Crimson Frog, Matt, Mel & Benders, Melissa & Rochambo Coffee, Michael & Chicago Acoustic Underground, Mo & MoKaBe's, Rachel, Nathan & Dancing Rabbit, Sara @ Road Work & Googie's Lounge, Smoke Daddy, The Hinsa/Leasure Home, Tiffani & The Pittsburgh Public Market, and Winsome & Coal Creek Coffee.
Thanks to all of my lovely hosts: Aunt LaDonna & Uncle Jim, Chris & Amanda, Emma's fab roommates, Holly & Josh, Joan & The Wolters, Joy, Kyle & Gail, Lindsey & Jon, Mark & Karen, Mom & Dad, Nicole, Rob, Ryan & Kerry, Shannon, Bruce, Liam & Rose, The Purple Fiddle, Timothy, Ty, and Uncle Sonny & Aunt Ardie.
Thanks to all of my amazing co-musicians: 37 Years, Alanna Fugate, Anna Laube, Benjamin Olson, Celia, Doug & Telisha Williams, Heather Kropf & Keith Hershberger, Heatherlyn, Jazzformation, Jessica Dawn, John Statz, Joy Ike, Heather Kropf, Brooke Annibale, Justin St. Thomas, Kevin Skolnik, Kyle Knapp, Lorie Anna, Matt Davies, Rob Lumbard, Sam Yield, Susan Lori, The Hillbilly Gypsies, Tom Evanchuck & Vicki Lynn.
And thanks to all of my animal friends - who are now Chip's friends. He would have been so bored without: Bear, Girl & Rufus, Buddy & Haley, Buffy, Cindy Lou & Daisy Mae, Dug, Emmy, Gus & Andy, Frannie, Leo, Moishe, Molly, Riley & Earl, Sammy and Tess.
As I continue to say - I cannot thank all of you enough for everything that you do to help me live this crazy dream! I love it and I love you! I will keep singing and writing the best songs that I can. That's the only way I have to thank you, and I hope that you feel honored.
Kristen Graves is a folk/pop singer & songwriter with a voice that commands attention, lyrics that catch your heart, and melodies that stay with the listener long after the evening ends. Kristen’s songs have a coziness to them like a well-worn winter blanket, but don’t underestimate her; she can pack a serious emotional punch at a moment’s notice. Picture an energetic Sarah McLachlan, or Tracy Chapman with a pop edge, and you’ve found Kristen Graves. For more information, please visit: www.kristengraves.com.
