As most of you who check out this blog regularly realize, I have been laying low for the past few months. Recently, I saw in the guest book a question: what was up, where and how have I been? While I am a very private person, I feel a certain responsibility to explain to those who support my musical endeavors, where I've "been". I can't imagine readers want to hear repeated entries about tough times, depression, etc. That's for the therapist, so I thought it best not to write until there was something different to say. The mood has been bleak. I blog to share insights, not to dump troubles to the world wide web.However, I feel I must explain my blog "disappearance". The past 18 months have been difficult, the last six and a half horrific. Illness, divorce, and death seem to be a constant. I have lost family members, people I was very close to, and have seen a close friend slowly begin to lose his fight for life. Unfortunately, I will probably be writing more in these pages about him, and our terrible loss, in the days that lie ahead. News of writing songs, recording them, etc. seem quite unimportant to me these days. The fact that a new CD is nearly finished really has had little time in my thoughts. The fact that I have and will continue to cut back on live shows should not come as a surprise or concern. I will always keep the faith, it's just that I need space to do that right now. I know I recently blasted someone who said I was done, and I again say I am not done, but I am on a bit of a break. My reality is down to basics; life, love and death. Guitars and songs and tours and stories have to take a back seat for a while. I thank those who have always supported me. You are friends (even those I only know through e-mails and guestbook entries), and your understanding and "good vibes" are definately appreciated. There are great people out there who care so I felt I needed to explain myself, not leave them in the dark. I'll stay in touch. I just need time. As always, thanks for listening. Please keep Woody and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Take care. Later, Butch
