18/12/2025
To You, Our Dear Friend:
It's another year gone by and another year unfolding. What will it bring us and what will we do with it? I'm continually reminded of Joni Mitchell's line "all the news from home - you read - just gives me the blues".
Ben and I are fine. We are slowly ramping up to play together at some local pubs but have held off any aggressive booking until the New Year. Ben's been busy as usual. He's either working or practicing or off to play. He's become one of the administrators of the Stroud Jazz Club, a group of Jazz players who hold a monthly jam session in Stroud. It's been a great success, often standing room only, and last week I got to work the door!!! They also hold workshops for muxicians. This month I was very happy to see so many young players who are not only interested in Jazz but also know how to play pretty well already. Alot of possibility there. All in all it's a nice community with some real talent.
We've more parties than we can attend this year and had a nice one ourselves on the 6th of December. Fortunately we have a space big enough so that musicans can bring instruments and play/sing which they did to the enjoyment of everyone else.
Speaking of parties, my "niece" Molly visited us during this time of parties and sang her little heart out. We love her so and miss her and her family so much it pains me.
Tell me, is there a resurgence of jazz where you live like there is over here?
This year, as I mentioned, has been a busy one. I am taking art lessons which is a new thing for me and am glad to have the opportunity. I'm on my 5th, 12 week course. Don't know if I'm any good, but who cares....it's for the satisfaction one gets from creating. And I love the two women in charge.
I still miss New Orleans, Chicago and all of you. Don't think I've forgotten anyone of you as I often play with my imagination and pretend that you are standing there before me. I always tear up a little (like now) just thinking about it.
Hey, if you can think of any b***y bar songs, send me a note with name and artist. I'm looking for some new material. On the other hand, Ben and I have more than we can perfect (no such thing) at the moment. Yet...always searching.
OK, I've avoided this but it needs to be said as I spend alot of time with the news in the background. Please be prepared. This is going to be a downer.
This morning we were warned to prepare for war. The main aggressors (suprise!) are Putin and Trump. The word was, "prepare for WW3 which would be like how your parents fought in WW2" paraphrased, of course. I think they meant a ground war. I'm terrible with sources but one spokes person was the new female head of MI6. The other was a military commander, Sir Somebody-or-the-other (no disrespect intended). Europe has had it. and the Trump regime has eliminated the U.S. from being an ally. This isn't my opinion. This sentiment is spoken publically by those who matter and have a public forum.
Aside: One of my mother's ancestors was Barbara Fritchie. https://www.historynet.com/shoot-must-old-gray-head/ #:~:text=%E2%80%9C'Who%20touches%20a%20hair%20of,the%20breeze%20over%20their%20heads.
My mother's family's seat is in Frederick, Maryland. I often heard this story growing up including the quote. Perhaps it was embellished or even made up but I was told it was the absolute truth. I hope I am this brave should I ever need to be.
My biggest hope is that our representatives will finally find a spine and get rid of that crook. Then - we better roll up our sleeves and resculpt our world.
May peace prevail, the love in your heart be felt and connections never broken. 🥰
Yours, Nancy
