winter is officially here

While I sit typing, snow is gently falling outside and I am listening to the Clare College Choir singing John Rutter Christmas arrangements...on CD. (As cool as that would be, there is not a choir in my living room.) This past weekend, I flew to Arizona for a house concert. If you remember, back in September, I held an online auction to benefit the Nielson family from Arizona. The winner of the private concert was the Johnson family from Mesa, AZ. They generously donated a large sum to the charity as well as offering to fly me out for the concert. We had the concert this past Saturday in their home for friends and family. It was such a great opportunity for me to mingle with some folks from Mesa, get to know the wonderful Johnson family, and bask in the 70 degree weather. I want to thank them for their generosity not only to me but to the Nielson family as well. God bless you.

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Spread some love.

I need your help

So...there's this contest going on right now at Mormontimes.com. (An online news source for us Mo Mos.) I have entered my song Across Oceans. The winner gets $5000. That's a lot of cash...cash that could be the difference between creating a new album or not creating a new album. Would you consider voting for me? Here is the direct link:

http://music.mormontimes.com/contest.php?nocache=1


Now, they won't let you vote unless you have an account with the site, but it's free and it takes like 2 seconds to sign up.

• You just click the Need An Account? Sign up Here link at the top right side of the page.

• Create an account.

• And then vote.

If you're ok with that...please consider voting. (You can vote once a day when you've registered.) You don't have to be Mormon to vote and have an account. I don't care if you cancel your account after you vote. I know some of you have expressed interest in a new album and have wondered how I could speed the process along...this is it. The contest will choose 4 finalists for each month for the next three months. Mine will end Dec. 15th. At the end of the three months, those 12 semi-finalists will compete. The top three get cash prizes.

Thanks for your continual support.

Much Love,
Debra

God Bless America

Land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her. Through the night something something something!

Well, you probably haven't heard so I wanted to be the first to tell you that it's Voting Day. I am sporting my "I Voted" sticker proudly. I am going to march into Starbucks, point to my sticker, and see if they'll give me a free hot chocolate instead of a coffee. Wish me luck.

But seriously, I hope everyone is taking some time today to vote. It's an historic day.

God bless America.

why?

What's with people saying "Good on you" lately, instead of good job or congratulations? I hate it so much.

Colorado was a blast. The Durango Songwriters Expo was held in the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs. So beautiful. I feel rejuvenated and inspired to continue and write, write, write.

Friday...and I'm leavin' on a jet plane.

I'm flying out to Colorado this afternoon for the Durango Songwriters Expo, which is being held in Colorado Springs this year. I'm looking forward to a weekend of music, songwriters, and inspiration. I need to recharge my batteries. I'll do a post from the road tonight. Cheers.

posts

Remember how I said I was going to post every Friday? Aren't I awesome? I promise to do better. It's hard when I don't have internet at my apartment. I've been pirating a neighbors wireless signal (shh...don't tell) but that is unreliable. Basically I'm just trying to make excuses. Anyway, I promise to do better. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?

I've been listening to The Village soundtrack in my car. It's pretty much the first album I pull out every year when autumn hits. Kills me every time. I love that piece of music more than I can express. I consider it a masterpiece. The movie...not so much. In fact, perhaps some might think the soundtrack could be faulted for so thoroughly outshining the movie.

Anyway, I am currently writing a song. I hope it goes well.

And the winner is...

The Johnsons in Mesa, AZ with a bid of $500 for the concert, plus airfare and lodging. Wow. And a bid of $100 for The Package. That is extraordinarily generous. Thank you so much.

And because I felt sorry for our bidder, Michael, for missing the midnight deadline. I will create a 2nd Place Package that includes just the CDs for a matching bid of $100. The more money for this wonderful family's recovery, the better, right?

To get your items/coordinate the concert, click on the Donate to Nie button at the bottom of this email, make your payment safely and securely via PayPal, and then email me your receipt along with your name, address, and phone number. I will then contact you with the particulars.

Thanks to all bidders for raising the stakes. God bless you.