May 1999 Hi, everyone!

   I had to write to you to thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes you sent me. So many of my dearest fans and friends reached out to me with love on the big 40 day! It really warms my heart to see how much you go out of your way to show me that you are sending me good thoughts.

   I must say, I am feeling so good these days! I really have been enjoying my life. Last year had so much personal turmoil (I've learned to refer to it as growth!), it feels wonderful to be centered, and focused, at peace and happy again. Thank God for the blessing of knowing it's not the mistakes and missteps that count, it's continuing the journey with each new day that comes, that keeps us on the right path.

   So many of you have let me know that you have managed to get my new CD "HOME" on import from Japan. If you have listened to that album then you can hear how I feel . By the way, I know a lot of you have been wondering about a domestic release date on "HOME" ....... I'm working on it! The wheels of corporate business move slowly. We'll keep you up to date on when that will be available to you here. I know those import prices are steep! Your comments and kind words on the album that you have passed on to me are heart warming, I'm glad so many of you can hear the voice of my hearts delight in this work. It is obvious my babies shine through on every song!

   Speaking of my sweet ones.... Jake and Skylar are both magnificent at the moment. Jakey has taken to singing to me a lot these days (he knows all the words to "Sweet baby James" by James Taylor) , as you can tell when he is not at his usual job of being my very own superhero, he moonlights as a cowboy (well sheriff to be precise). My Skye is racking up points on the basketball court. She beats me hands down , and takes time to give me pointers on how I can improve my game. Most of the time I'm relegated to the bench!

   I am not so gifted at sport but there are so many other things we get to enjoy together as a family now that they are a bit older.

   One of our favorite things to do is feed the wild birds in our garden. We are getting a lot of nests and look forward to watching the new spring babies hatch. Each year we seem to attract more birds and have quite a colorful variety to watch and enjoy, The kids have already picked up on the fact that Mommy can't stand to see a bird or animal caged, and are already learning about having respect for nature and wildlife. It's so cool to hear my little ones talk about not leaving the faucet run too long "Cos we have to do conservation for the birdies, right Mommy!?"

   As you know I could talk about my family forever but I'm sure you want news of my creative life too. Well, I've just completed a long period of travel and work. There are a great many corporate celebrations that I am lucky enough to be invited to perform at and that keeps me on the go. I know that these dates are not open to the public so the chances for you to get to see me sing are limited to my casino and theatrical dates. This last couple of months were rounded off with a couple of weeks in Japan and a quick trip to Australia.

   There have been a great deal of Broadway projects recently that have been knocking at my door so I have the feeling that when the right one that gets my spine tingling comes calling I will be treading the boards again ........

   I'm writing and creating and working on new ideas, but my body is telling me to take a little time to chill out, so I think summer will be low key and a time to recharge but you know me I'll be off and running again soon.

   I do hope you are all well and happy and at peace in your minds and hearts.... Keep those letters and E-Mails coming!

   Much love and God Bless....