First Call for Holiday Cards, and Sharing Some Music and Videos

I'm going to start this out by my FIRST CALL FOR HOLIDAY CARDS.  That means (although most of you already know) that I'm gathering my list of names and addresses for this year's holiday card, which I'm working on now. No major bells and whistles this year - it's a year of broken dreams and disruption, but the Solstice and beginning of a new year must still be acknowledged. So ... here's what you do. 

Let's start with a beautiful Russian Orthodox chant 
entitled "Let My Prayer Arise". I love liturgical chanting 
and these four blend beautifully. You don't have to be 
a believer to enjoy their chant. Here's the YouTube 
link. 
https://youtu.be/nG5gEzymh5c

1) If you decide you would like one of my holiday cards, you need to message me or send me an email which confirms your current address. Of course I have your address from prior years if I sent one to you in the past, ... BUT ... computer files can be corrupted and people do move. So PLEASE give me your mailing address once again. 

I adore Taiko drumming, and when it's a great group of 
musicians and drums, it stirs the soul. While watching 
this one by Eitetsu Hayashi, I couldn't help but think 
about my long-time friend Aearwyn who used to play the 
Taiko drums. This is a long video (more than ten minutes) 
but I never got bored. Here's the link. 
https://youtu.be/ZagsLrNzg3I

2) If you don't want one but have received one in the past, I'll probably message you at some point, but DON'T count on it. Just spend the short time to send me a "YES" or "NO" response with address (if yes is your decision) to make sure you are on the list. 

I adore Metallica, and "Nothing Else Matters" is a classic 
in their list of excellent tunes. Here, Bardcore takes on 
this classic with Renaissance instruments and impeccable 
mastery. 
https://youtu.be/wCUx9nOt9u8

3) As a reminder, I make these cards because I dearly love making them. My joy is derived from the activity of designing and making them, as well as the knowledge that they go out to my friends all over the world to brighten people's days. That is my joy. By saying YES, you help me to be happier, so even if you live in the highest peaks or deepest desert, please don't hesitate to say "Yes". 

A long, long time ago, there was a perfect album released 
featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Here's 
"Summertime" from that album, to show all of us what 
music can do to the soul, and brighten our day. 
https://youtu.be/MIDOEsQL7lA

4) I'll send out at least one more CALL FOR CARDS, but this is the main one, so reply now and you won't have to wonder about whether or not you responded. It's easy and it makes me very happy. 

My first year of college I lived in the college dorms, as 
all Freshmen were required to do. I was on the third floor 
of a large X-shaped multi-floored dormitory and one 
starry fall night I heard magical music filling the dark night, 
coming from one of the wings across from me. I took 
time the next day to go door-to-door trying to find out what had 
been playing. It was this album, and I was in love. What 
a master! I had the opportunity to see him in person a 
year or two later and I've had the album in my "must have" 
list ever since. 
https://youtu.be/iR64lF2agbM

I've populated this call out with some YouTube videos that I've loved. Just wanted to share some amazing music and wonderful videos with all of you. As always, be kind, stay safe and please wear your mask. I'll be back tomorrow.