January 2003

Hi Friends! Hope all is well. It's been a busy year and I have lots to be thankful for:

The CD is in six different countries so far — and there's a radio show called "Mojo Dreams" on Radio Sinaai in Belgium that played Hydraulic Woman on the air for the very first time. Not exactly audible from Minnesota, but another little thrill nonetheless.

My favorite author, Lori L. Lake, has recently released "Under the Gun," and will soon publish "Different Dress." These two novels are favorites of mine, and not just because she features some of my lyrics! Lori has been a true friend and an enormous supporter of mine. We partnered up for a book signing/performance at Amazon Bookstore in October and I had a blast meeting her friends and fans.

Got some CD reviews recently and I'm happy to say that they've all been good so far. That's a relief. Also, "NiteTimes" is a Twin Cities entertainment newspaper that featured Hydraulic Woman and the Friday night jam in their January issue.

An interesting opportunity came my way in December — a national musicians organization called Just Plain Folks asked me to be a judge in their annual songwriting contest. I wish I could have been the mean like the guy on "American Idol" but I was truly impressed with the unsigned talent out there. Altogether I heard about 75 songs from some very inspiring songwriters. I may even send fan letters to a couple of them.

Speaking of letters, let's reach into the mailbag, shall we?

Dear Hydraulic Woman:
Is speeding on Highway 94 really the worst thing you ever did?
Fondly,
Stan

Dear Stan:
OK, I was naked too. It was a triple dog dare and it was either that or drink light beer. Oh yeah — I also did beer bongs once. There's just no reason for that.
Love,
Hydraulic Woman

2002 brought many new friends: Judy, Lori, and the gang who made this summer at Willie's a rockin' good time ... KT in SC ... Dan the Dylan fan and Ted — I hope there's many more late night escapes ... Danny Viper ... Roger and Sue Holmes ... and thanks to my good buddies Tom Wakely, Willie Ries, Mike Lang, and Buck, who keep me warm.