Here Comes 2008

Of all the things that help us mark the passage of time, nothing competes with New Year for calling universal attention to the change. People get all nostalgic, looking at the past with a strange fondness and considering the future in a uniquely hopeful sort of way.

I love how the coming of each new year inspires us to try harder and to pursue loftier goals. How long will those commitments last? Probably not long enough but I know that I will enter next year (like this year and last year and every one before that) with the same positive outlook. And why not? Of all life's rhythms, none instills a sense of renewal like the coming of new year.

I find this especially true every fourth year---you know, the years when we have presidential elections? And this year will be very special because thank God, W. has to go back to Crawford. Well, technically I guess that won't occur until January 20, 2009, but at least we will elect a new president next November.

Every fourth year we are also treated to Leap Year as well as the Olympic Games. With all this going on, how can the advent of 2008 not be a time of great anticipation? Speaking of Leap Year, I've never understood why February 29 isn't an international holiday. We stick an extra day on our calendar once every four years and it gets such a ho-hum reception. We celebrate so much meaningless crap, why not celebrate that?

Musically, like everyone else who labors at a craft, I hope that this year I write my best song ever, that I get the breaks that have eluded me in the past and that my best gigs ever happen in 2008. No reason to hope for anything less, right?

Globally, I hope that the world smiles on America in November because we choose a president with a commitment to embrace and support our fellow nations. Maybe I'm a dreamer, but I believe that even as the world gets more complex, through compassion and understanding, and by embracing common values, we can improve our collective lives. No sense in not trying; no harm in believing. Happy New Year.