It’s the autumn, and I’m writing my first official “Note.” It’s a new beginning at a time of year when so many things are coming to an end. The oaks and maples on our street are starting to turn and the sun hides its face early in the evening these days. While I mourn the loss of light, the cooler days and nights are such a welcome change to the heat and humidity we had here all summer and that continued to stretch its heaviness across most of September. I recently started performing again with a gig at Hastings Bookstore here in Emporia back at the end of September, and I’m currently in contact with people at other local venues to set up some additional shows. I expect to have some dates scheduled within the next couple of weeks. Fitting in rehearsal time while caring for our active and beautiful 2-year-old, Eliot, continues to be a challenge, but Kevin plays outside with the little guy after dinner on the evenings that he is home, so that I can get in a little bit of playing time. I’ve finished two new songs in the past few weeks: “These Words” and “Tired of Red.” It feels great to have some new finished work. I’ve had several “almost finished” songs in the works for quite some time, so it was great to have two complete songs come together in the course of a month. The “Red” song spilled out of me, nearly in finished form, in less than two hours. (I love it when that happens!) I’m really happy with the new songs I’ve written over the past couple years and look forward to recording my second album. Rehearsal time, recording time, and finances still need to be worked out, but it’s at the forefront of my mind and will definitely happen sometime in the not too distant future. (At least that’s the plan!) Kevin is enjoying his new job at ESU, and continues to be busy with all the new responsibilities that his position requires, while continuing to work on completing his Ph.D. through the University of Kansas. His comprehensive exams are currently scheduled for next spring (2006). Eliot is talking up a storm these days and is an absolute delight to listen to. He went from speaking a few words here and there in July to speaking full sentences and naming everything he sees in August and September. He continues to amaze me daily. It’s late and I have many things yet to take care of tonight, so I’ll sign off for now. Thanks for checking in. I hope all is well in your part of the world. Love and peace, Lisa