just returned from songwriting workshop in costa rica w/ kenny malone & mary gauthier --- it was really really wonderful --- beautiful weather, great food & company, great students & a good time had by all --- every one streched there-students & teachers - so that growth was apparent all around (growth, it's not just for students anymore)

mary is a natural teacher & we tag teamed w/ kenny just figuring "it" out in the moment- most days (when we weren't whitewater rafting (me & mary)or boat riding w/ alligators (kenny)we had a morning session, an afternoon session and an evening songshare run by the students

one of the highlights was seeing newyears fireworks from our perch of 5,000 ft. down in the huge valley below- there wasn't a square block below that was not shooting fireworks for a solid 30 minutes -- that scene alone was worth the trip; but, there were many other moments w/ the students-- our teacher concert was also over the top - i heard mary give the best set of music ever while kenny & i supported her & her stories

it was really magical & great-- days in the lower 80s upper 70s & nights in the 60s w/ a constant breeze & birds in the morning making sounds i have never heard before

we just may have to return again & again

happy new year to all y'all
darrell Back