Years ago, I took my first songwriting class at Cambridge Center for Adult Education. On the last night of the final session I spoke with another student. “I’m going to start a songwriting group,” I said; “we should exchange emails if you’re interested in joining.” That was in May.  In November I got an email … Continue reading Just Start

The air conditioner is in. Three of them in fact. One for each room of our rooms, excepting the bathroom. To me this speaks of something to do with comfort and discomfort. What am I willing to withstand?   As a kid, we never had air conditioners. I remember having a conversation with an older … Continue reading Breaking a Sweat

I spent last night on the couch absorbed in news, but did pause for an hour or so to put together a lovely lemon butter parmesan sauce for the gnocchi about to expire in the fridge. I was thinking to make a something like a beurre blanc for the gnocchi—the beurre blanc recipe I found … Continue reading The Roux of Songwriting

We always give other people the best advice which we’re ignoring ourselves. Last night my friend, Charlotte, asked for feedback on her website.   Here’s what I said:  I concur with everyone who’s asked what the main action you want someone to take is. (I’d argue that action should be to sign up for a … Continue reading The Advice We Give Others