Hello Friends,
First of all, let me say I am sorry that it has been so long since I  have updated with a new newsletter!
I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by and in a blink,  2006 will be behind us.  I am in hopes that everyone will enjoy the best Christmas season ever.  This year, I have so much to be thankful for that its hard to know  where to start.

As you may or may not know, I had hip replacement surgery back in  February of this year and have taken my time and followed doctor's orders (and you'd be surprised how well I have done this!) in the process of recovery.
I had limited dates this year and have had the opportunity to be at  home more than I ever have I think.

This years blessings, as I said, have been many. The changes have been monumental and I have learned so much. Most of all, I think I have learned patience...with 
myself. I have learned to say "I can't" and know that it's ok. In my previous life I thought I could...and should do everything all in a day and in some cases, by lunch!
I have also learned to say "I CAN!"

I have learned that even the smallest of things that please me are so wonderful. The quiet time first thing in the morning is  a pleasure. "The unexpected" is also a   pleasure be it an email, a call or visit from someone you haven't seen in a long time.

This year, my family has been so vitally important to me. I have had  such strength, support and love. I have taken this year of recovery to be close to my furry pals that  you have read about here, close to my husband, daughter and extended family. Family is such an important  treasure.
I have to say that I am so amazed when I realize how many wonderful, truly wonderful friends I have.

I shake my head at times when I realize how many people have crossed  my path because of one common denominator...and that is the love of music. It can be 
overwhelming at times when I think about it. So, I just thank God that He has allowed me to share my  love of music with others and that I have made such wonderful friendships over the years.

I hope that as you read this, you will take a few moments and ponder  your blessings this year. They are hidden even
in the most difficult of things that we do.  I have many things planned and already in the works for 2007. While I  did have a lot of time at home, I didn't stop writing! So, I have a couple of very new and varied projects in the  works. I think my time at home has inspired different  avenues I want to explore....not too far from "Annie," but perhaps stretching my wings a little. Because I didn't get  an album out for '06, I'm shooting for TWO of them in '07...one  dynamically different from the other. I am very excited about that.
There are several names that I want to mention specifically. I  couldn't have made it without you this year. For everyone, thank you for the calls, emails, cards, letters, thoughts and  prayers. Of course, Wayne, Marah and the family...I love you!  Frieda Hudson...What on earth would I have done??? Geof  Morris...thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jim Clare...   I love you Jim....you keep my muse challenged! John and Mary Ellen Golden, Mark Teachey, Catesby Jones...thanks  guys for all the inspiration and love. Brenda and Joyce.... MY GIRLS!  Mel Stanforth and Ann Ehringhaus,  the two who "KEEP ME SPIRALING!"  Martha and Gene Myers...oh wow...I could do a whole newsletter about you two!  I am sure there are more that I have omitted. If so, email me and fuss at me!

I'm still jump starting that short term memory thing!
Long and short...to ALL my friends, both old and new...each of you  have such a special and dear place in my heart. My life wouldn't be "my life" without you in it. Thank you for being along on  the journey with me.

As all the  sights and smells and joys of the Christmas season start  to envelope you, soak it all in like a sponge and know that the joys we share with one another all during the year just  might be what makes Christmas more and more joyous each year.

Here's wishing you a peaceful close to 2006 and hoping for an  absolutely fabulous 2007! Let's all get together
out there somewhere! In the mean time, I'll be working on my new  interpretive dance routine with my super deluxe
titanium sport model hip! NOT! (That was REALLY a bad visual right  here at Christmas time! I hope Santa doesn't
penalize me for that one! *WINK!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
With love and warm holiday wishes,

Annie
It IS a beautiful life!