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I grew up in the “Garden District” in Mobile, Al.  The memories I have from back then are as varied and numerous as the many amazing characters that walked the streets of S. Georgia Ave.   Azalea Bushes, Sycamore Trees and sidewalks.  Boats canoeing on flooded streets.  When I learned to ride a bike, I carried that street in my knees for weeks.

 

I love Mobile and I loved growing up there.   I am especially grateful for the time I had on S. Ga. Ave.

One of the many blessings that color the memories of my youth is that of Marty O’Malley and all the many people that lived at L’Arche.

For those of you unfamiliar with L’Arche, I took the following from their website -

 

L’Arche

We are people, with and without developmental disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.

OUR MISSION IS TO:

  • Make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships;

 

  • Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story; and

 

  • Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

 

To me, L’Arche was a beautiful picture of what love looks like – and the joy that grows out of communities committed to live that love.

This Sunday, August 17th, 2014,  L’Arche Mobile will celebrate 40 years.  To celebrate we are going to have a concert at the Temple, downtown Mobile.  Doors open at 2.  Music starts at 3.  The impact this community has had on its residents, and those fortunate enough experience it, is enormous.  Please come support and help us celebrate 40 years of L’Arche in Mobile, Al.

 

 

 

eliot

I’m sorry.  I suck at keeping up with my virtual existence.

 

It’s partially due to a lack of discipline and partially a strange aversion to telling people what I am up to.  Both are problematic.  So thanks to you for you patience and grace with me.  I know don’t make it easy.  Despite the silence I have been incredibly busy.  Matthew Kelly keeps me in airports, churches and hotels.  We’ve been having a great time.  Beyond that it’s writing, painting and chasing babies.  5 of them.

At any rate, I am going to try to be better about keeping things up to date.  I.  Promise.

OK.  Now to what I really wanted to say -

I am SO excited to be opening for Kathy Mattea in late November.  It’s a solo acoustic set.  It’s been a while since I’ve played a venue like GPAC and I can hardly wait.

Would love it if some of you could make it out.

 

eliot

Finally, after years of hoping to record a proper Christmas record, I have – A Collection of Christmas Songs.  The process began last year at a farm house outside of Memphis, TN.  Kenny Hutson joined me for several days of music – away from all distraction – and that serves as the foundation of this effort.  Additional overdubs and several original recordings with Kevin Page, and it’s done.  I’m extremely proud of this record.  I loved singing these songs and I hope you will as well.

Listen to and download a copy of “A Collection of Christmas Songs” now in the “store” section of this site and get  special, holiday pricing.

Wishing you all peaceful, loving and merry Christmas

eliot

Where we are determines so much of what we see.  I am seeing the world from a slightly different perspective these days.  Several weeks ago I got a call from my doctor.  The mole they removed was, in fact, melanoma.  Size.  Clark level.  That was Greek to me.  I only heard that I had cancer.  For a couple hours, not fully understanding the extent of the diagnosis,  I explored the frightening range of possibilities.  It’s an unusual feeling to google a condition that you have and add “, survival rate”.  By God‘ grace, we caught it early.  Mine was a shallow melanoma.  Several hours in surgery and it appears as though all this is in my rear view mirror – at least for the time being.  But I want to hold onto those few hours of uncertainty.  I want to live from there – to love from there.  And I want to hold onto that perspective for as long as I possibly can.

Happy New Year!!

2012

Here it is.  What do the planets have in store for us?  Something between the end of days and more of the same.  Paul Simon said, “I know what I know…we come and we go”.  I agree.  With that in mind, this year I resolve live more fully (and consistently) in the knowledge and awareness that each moment is a gift.  Each person a treasure.  And in everything that lives and moves and has it’s being, the divine is waiting to be discovered.

Now, let’s get on with it.

eliot

This is a last minute add that I wanted to make you all aware of…

Monday, Dec 12th, I will be doing an acoustic show at Callaghan’s in Mobile, AL.  There will be very limited seating…probably around 50 or so.  Kenny Hutson joins me.  Can’t wait for what I am sure will be a very special evening.

Hope to see you there.

eliot

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

I just wanted you to know that I have posted a few new painting up that I am really excited about.  You can find them in the “paintings” section.  Also, the show  at Workplay (Birmingham, AL) that was scheduled for 12/10 has been moved to 12/11.  I am hoping to have a Christmas EP there for sale.  Stay tuned.

Thanks

eliot

Nine months ago

and now again, tonight,

two very different but divinely connected things happened in my sweet life…

“and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Number five is a healthy baby girl.

eliot

Folks,

Just wanted to put out a few words about the Folk Alliance International Conference that’s happening next week here in Memphis.  This will be my first experience and I am really excited to be a part of what seems like a wonderfully unique conference.  The Downtown Marriott has been entirely blocked out for the conference and hundreds of artists, producers, managers, etc will fill the rooms with music and chatter from Thursday to Sunday.  Imagine walking down a hallway in a hotel with all doors open and music spilling out until all hours of the night/morning.  That’s my expectation.  I am playing a couple shows on Wednesday and several “showcases” on Thursday.  The Wednesday shows are the ones that I wanted specifically mention, though.

First starting at 1 pm, I will playing a 30 minute storyteller set at the famous Ardent Recording Studio.  Should be an amazing atmosphere for a wonderful afternoon of music.  And it’s free!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178367685538560

Then, later that evening, at 9:30, I will be among a number of artists including Over The Rhine, Paul Thorn, Bo Keys, Amy Lavere, Deering & Down, Ruthie Foster, and more playing for the FAI Public night.  All for $15 dollars and all at the Marriott.  Tickets available at Java Cabana, Bluff City Coffee.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144193862307224

I hope to see some of you on Wed!

eliot

Saturday evening, over dinner in Newtown, CT, it occurred to me that it was on this night, 15 years ago, that I met my wife, Lee.  I thought for a minute about all the time that had passed and all the memories we’ve shared.  All the cities we’ve lived in and all of the friends that we’ve made.  And all our amazing children.  Somewhat moved at the life we’ve shared I sent the following text:

“Just remembered that I met you this very night in 1996.  So grateful.  Love you more than you’ll ever know.”

To which she replied:

“You brought years to my eyes.”

years…huh.

I’ll blame it on the iPhone.