December 1998 HI EVERYBODY,

I don't know when you will log on for this message, but I'm writing it December 98. At the moment, I am on tour with the COLORS OF CHRISTMAS tour. I am lucky enough to be performing with Deniece Williams, Jeffrey Osborne and Philip Bailey. As always, it is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

After this, I go to Harrah's Reno for New Year's and when that is over, I finish the new album I am working on for Japan - Yes, a new album! I am so excited, and yes - I will make it available for those of you who want it in the States. Right now, the theme of the CD is "Home" - that is home being where the heart is or what is most important to you. So look out for some songs which may not be the most commercial you have ever heard but at least they will all have significant lyrical meaning to me.

This album has a very positive message, which considering my personal life, took a lot of therapy for me to reach!!!!

Speaking of which .. I know you are dying to know what happened to my last attempt at marriage .. well, let's just say instead of saying "I do" I should have said "Check Please!"

This is not to say that I am soured on the concept of true love, it's just that I have not found it yet .. but I am paying for my mistakes .. trust me!!!!!

I do take responsibility for all my own choices and decisions, however, and can tell you that there is a lesson in everything we do. You will know when I start paying attention to what life has been trying to teach me, when I no longer need an hour a week of professional advice!

On a better note, my kids are amazing and are truly the purest form of love I have ever encountered. Life as a parent has been the best of God's blessings to me and I feel truly in my element as a Mom, just as I feel when I am with my music. I really savoured my summer at home with them, and, equally so, I look forward to sharing a year of love and music with you in 1999.

Well, that's it for now, I do hope you will have a holiday season as full of joy as I am having now and a new year as full of enlightenment. Keep those e-mails and letters coming.

Much love,

God Bless,