And May All Your Holidays Have a Fabulous Backbeat

The Christmas I was five years old, family friend Roddy Noll gave me the coolest, weirdest board game that quite literally changed my life and set me on my path. Without this gift and the kindness I was shown as a young child, I wouldn’t be a metalsmith, and I wouldn’t have the privilege of emailing you.

Every day, each of us has opportunities to be kind and generous to others in ways that may seem small, yet can have an enormous impact on people’s lives. I wish such kindness for you and yours this holiday season. Thank you for the privilege of staying connected.

Giving the gift of art and creativity is one of the most uplifting things we can do. This year, in addition to new, annual calligraphic artwork I’m sending, I’m also sharing the work of Estas Tonne an artist who, like me, began with a childhood dream. It’s not Christmas music! It is, however, some of the most gorgeous new music I have heard in a while. Whether flamenco, drumming, Latin jazz, or Cuban music is your thing, I have a feeling the sheer beauty and artistry of this video might make you smile. Music transcends cultures, countries, politics, religion, and whatever stress, drama, and angst this holiday season may be slinging your way. This certainly helped me cope with mine!

If you like it, you can buy or gift the digital EP from his website for a whopping 5.55€. Full disclaimer: I get no kickback whatsoever except the satisfaction that Estas can keep playing his guitar.

If you’re interested in the story of that board game I got for Christmas, my own childhood dream, and what made me become an artist and a metalsmith, you can download it here. You can even gift it and share it with friends.