This morning was mixed with many emotions for me. It was very difficult to leave behind Bluejay and little Hero, especially knowing that I will be on the road for at least the next month and a half. As my first plane of the day from Ithaca to Newark began to descend over New Jersey I started to feel an overwhelming warmth slowly make it's way over my face. I turned my head towards the window next to me and caught what was the beginning of a beautiful sunrise. Visually there was nothing that made this particular dawn standout from any other ones that I've experienced, and I think that is exactly what made it hit me so hard. It's interesting; simply allowing oneself to actually BE in a moment can mean the difference between missing something spectacular and appreciating a wonder that is right in front of our eyes every day yet usually goes unnoticed. What a shame it is that I have spent such a large chunk of life unconsciously choosing to ignore so many of these pivotal moments. But I suppose awareness is the first step towards enlightenment, whatever that means :-)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Seeing some familiar smiling faces was refreshing as well as encouraging. The next several weeks will be hard, but I am stoked that the first show of this tour felt awesome.