We've turned the corner for 2014!

...she's discovered independent play! And not only that, she's taken to playing games for more than 2 seconds. She re-discovered her Mega-Bloks and now will go off and build "HUGE" towers and cars for 15-20 minutes at a clip. This is a major graduation from the 1-second attention span and constant clinging that seemed to pepper the holidays. I'm not saying that I don't miss her, because she's now giving attention and love in sweeter ways. For instance, today, we took a walk around the neighborhood, really, we only did our block... but she stopped at our neighbor Salida's house and sat on the curb (she's always looking to sit on her "tushy"). We sat there for easily 20 minutes singing songs, playing "lean back" and my personal new favorite, having a "cuddle." R will be in the middle of something when she just lies down on my lap, head on my knees and says a sweet little "cuddle." I'm so glad she found this word and uses it with aplomb.

But something else happened... she became a little kid. My nearly 19 month old is now a toddler with running, jumping and dancing skills. She climbs everything. She talks and talks, learning new phrases each hour. She doesn't need me like she did before, but she needs me in new exciting ways that involve communication and curiosity-based learning. And I'm thrilled because I am so much better with kids this age. Babies... not so much. I'm very happy about our new year and all the potential adventures we'll be on.

As for me, I went out on New Years Eve and bought a notebook and pen. I've been writing lyrics, impressions, visuals and phrases that I hope will aid my songwriting efforts this year. I'm also reconnecting with old collaborators and meeting new writers with whom I plan to work. I'm excited about releasing a new single, The Only Moment in the World, in early February to coincide with the publishing of A Picture is Worth..., a photo and musical lyric book that inspired the single. I also have another single I'll be releasing later this spring that I cowrote with Art Hays. It's a Burning Man inspired tale.

And I am promising to be gentle with myself. I'll be practicing yoga more frequently, living a bit more healthy with food and exercise and reading more than just Internet distractions or news. Little resolutions for a big change. I can feel the energy building all around me. I took the rebirth of a new year thing one step closer when I went for a sound bath last night at Namaste yoga studio in Highland Park.

I've been to sound baths before at the Integratron in Landers, CA near Joshua Tree. It's hard to beat that experience--in the middle of the desert in an acoustically perfect structure built with plans by Nicolai Tesla... I did get a good evening out of this one though, despite the occasional arguing passersby outside and horns at the light on York. I left feeling lighter. I left with more hope. So from today onward, I'm trying to just be and do what I need to do. Create art. Breathe in air without anxiety. Find solutions without fear. Love without hesitation. Noble goals, but reachable with time.