As yet another year draws to a close, it is perhaps time for a brief reflection on what has transpired and a glimpse toward what is to come. For myself, this is one of my most favourite times of the year. It begins in August when the winds take flight and bring a sense of change and tranformation. September sees plan and action, followed by crazy October – a month mad and frenetic, full of occasions and to do lists, challenges and successes. November is the recovery, the wind down from the madness and then it begins…the anticipation, the creation of tradition, the excitement, and the heartfelt sentiment and appreciation of friends, family, teachers and the loved ones in ones life.
It has been a big year for Aaron and I. Where as, once our year was full of touring, this has been a year without stringmansassy but one of personal change and transformation for both of us. Aaron is now a father! He and partner Angie are the blessed parents of a beautiful, delightful and very present boy with a shockingly luxurious head of hair. As you can imagine…along his work at the Conservatorium in Bathurst, organising world music festivals, writing and composing new solo material, releasing a music book and recording a new CD…he has been a very busy man over the past year.
For myself, I have emerged beyond the stage of early parenthood. My beautiful and emotionally honest, creative and sometimes perplexing girls are a little more self sufficient, my tiredness has subsided and my drive and passion to create has well and truly revealed itself again. This has been a year of finding a voice for all my creative thoughts. The highlights: a brief and wonderful journey into the world of classical music for the performance of Tyalgum Dawn, and facilitating and directing a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with 100 students from the Currumbin Valley State School. From the music, to the drama, to the costumes, to helping the kids bring it to the stage for their family, friends and community….I was in bliss!! The most marvellous part was witnessing the change and evolution of the students as they embraced the story, their characters and the excitement of being on the stage. Suffice to say, after 4 months of hard work, it was a magic performance and the kids completely ‘killed’ it!!!
To look at today’s date, I am completely overwhelmed by how quickly this year has passed. It has been an immensely full and rewarding one, but I enter this Christmas season with a great desire to expand time, to truly gain the most out of each moment, each friendship, each minute with my children, my husband and my family. If time continues to accelerate, as the Mayan calendar predicts, perhaps this is the perfect time to begin to breathe very deeply and prepare oneself for the year that is to follow. Next year….I know it will be a big one and one that will see Aaron and I regroup again to begin the next stage of the stringmansassy journey. We always said we had another album in us. Perhaps 2012 will be the year…?? I am certainly very excited to see where it will all lead.
To conclude…in the spirit of Christmas, we (I know I also speak for Aaron) wish you great joy, peace and fulfilment for the closing of this year and many blessings for the one that is to follow. May 2012 be a wonderful journey for you all!!
Kacey xox
