Raise your voice....it's OK....really

Handel's Messiah -- still relevant 250 years after the composer's death. A nice treat in this month's Smithsonian - an article on Handel and his beloved composition.

The Messiah was written for Easter, but it's become a Christmas tradition. The Shasta Symphony and master choir will be performing - and inviting the audience to sing-along -- on December 4th at 7:30 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 4075 Riverside Ave, in Anderson.

Tree Time

Great deals on Christmas trees in Anderson:

On North St, between Highway 5 and Stingy Ln. Located next to North Street Espresso at 2780 North St, Anderson.

Nice folks and the trees are lovely and very reasonably priced.

Songwriter Night Downtown

Head to The Downtown Eatery this Wednesday, December 2nd, for their monthly Singer Songwriter Showcase and Open Mic. Music gets underway at 7 PM, hosted by singer-songwriter Phil Paige.

At 9 PM, my dear friend Nick Ciampi will be the featured artist, and he'll play a set of his original tunes. A little Dylan-esque and completely dedicated to sharing his passion for music, Nick is a local treasure. Enjoy!

Happenings on Hilltop

Last week a charming furniture consignment store opened up in the space recently vacated by Rustic Charms.

FINDERS KEEPERS, at 2235 Hilltop Drive, is operated by Amanda Sinyard, who is loving her new, spacious location - she moved her store from a smaller spot on Bechelli Lane.

Amanda's offering lovely vintage pieces -- used and on consignment - at very reasonable prices.

Email Amanda or call 530-605-0877

One of these days I'm actually going to furnish our bedroom - and I'll do it in Nouveau Secondhand Style.

Also happening on Hilltop Drive in December:

Holidays on Hilltop --- hayrides, carolers and more. Click here for more info.

Cross-under Artist: Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett talks songwriting, songwriters and ponies:

At: Country Standard Time

Do you hear what I hear?

For years I thought I was too busy in December to volunteer as a Salvation Army Bell ringer. Our family runs a mailing and shipping business (Wrap-N-Pack) and December is sheer madness for us. I promised myself I'd volunteer as a bell ringer when Christmastime was less hectic.

Then a couple years ago I ran into Chic Miller of Bella Vista Farms outside of the Holiday market. She was there with one of her precious donkeys, ringing a bell to raise money for the Salvation Army. Chic runs an incredible operation - a rescue farm filled with animals who require her care and feeding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If she can find two hours to volunteer, then anyone can. So we gave it a try, my kids and I. We ring the bell, we sing and we are humbled and amazed for the entire shift. People who look as though they have nothing at all to give will scrounge their pockets for change. Mamas teach their children about charity and encourage their little ones to drop money in the kettle. Everyone smiles.

It's a blessed two hours -- we spend it being utterly and completely grateful.

In Redding, call 530-222-2207 to schedule a shift.

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Shalom. Peace.

Groucho and Lydia

Proof that great songwriting is timeless: Lydia the Tatooed Lady, written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg.

Harburg and Arlen are most famous for writing The Wizard of Oz score - but I love Groucho doing this lyrical masterpiece.

And I love that Harburg's nickname, "Yipsel," is yiddish for squirrel. Read more at the Songwriters Hall of Fame website. Enjoy this:

Hoping to Help A Family in Need

Yesterday there was a long discussion over at A News Cafe about how generous the North State community is, and I'm hoping folks will chip in -- even just a little bit -- to help this family. Times are hard everywhere, but Misty Call's request for help especially tugs at my heart.


Misty is a single mom of three boys - homeschooling them and dealing with some difficult health issues. Her oldest son, Dairrien, was born with birth defects and he is headed for a complicated surgery and lengthy stay at Shriner's Hospital at the end of next month.

Misty is hoping to raise money to help pay expenses associated with his hospital stay and care for her middle child while she and her two other boys are away. You can read her story and donate here: Help with Son's Surgery

If you are more comfortable sending donations privately, please email Misty and she will give you a mailing address.

Many thanks.

Lovett on Songwriting

"Writin' songs is like a mystery," says Lyle Lovett in an American Songwriter interview.

I have to agree.

Lovett is one my all-time favorite singer-songwriters, and you can read more about his philosophy and insights at American Songwriter.