Love > Hate
2016
2016. I don’t think this year will go down in anyone’s book as a particularly good year. Too much loss, too much division, too much hate. I nearly didn’t do a holiday album this year because I had a really hard time trying to get into the festive spirit. The future of our country and even our world have never felt so bleak. Finally I decided that if I didn’t do the album this year, I would be giving up a tradition that I love. And so I went to work.
As dismal as things seem now however, I’ve got to keep hope as do we all. I take comfort and strength in the love that has been shared with me. I maintain the faith that love is stronger than all of this. I need to believe that love will prevail. And it’s that belief that gets me out of bed in the morning and consoles me when I go to sleep at night. And it’s in that spirit that I created this year’s album.
I want to thank Daryl again for his unwavering support and help putting this album together. Special thanks to my friend and artist Penelyn VanOrange. She allowed me to use her art for the front and back covers. I had been searching through hundreds of pictures and illustrations to use when I realized that her artwork conveyed the exact sentiment I was trying to capture. To see more of her fantastic work and visit the gallery she owns, please visit www.wvcraft.com.
I hope that as you listen to this album, it brings a little holiday cheer. I also encourage you check out my previous years’ albums at the links below or at the top of the page. May love be the light that guides you in this holiday season and throughout the coming year!
