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Holiday Homage Part Seven: Liberation (in Home's Embrace)




I have been ill this past week and am more behind in school that I care to articulate.  During this, I had to rehearse for singing gigs and performed in one last night.  Through it all... when I have not wanted to leave the bed and am falling further behind in my studies... 

The song changes everything.  

I chose to sing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" last night in the concert.  A few weeks ago, I had never heard the opening verse.  The opening verses of standards are either gems or atrocious.  The one to this piece is haunting and makes the number that much more emotional and heartfelt.  

There are no sufficient words to describe the joy and peace of performing, telling a story through song.  In this time where I am looking for my new home and in flux, this lyric spoke to my spirit and I was able to share that with others.  In this season of joy, of peace, I sometimes find myself overwhelmed, but I am able to access that joy, that peace through song... always.  I carry it within.  (And kick and stretch!)

To know that you can bring an audience to you, make them listen, and let them into your small world for a few minutes is a gift that I possess and it always humbles and enthralls me.  It is in NO way conceit... I merely acknowledge the gifts.  That has been a long journey for me: being confident.  I have come to realize that if I don't acknowledge what I have been given, I am making a mockery of the treasured talents. 

That has been freeing.  It has allowed me to sing, act, tell stories because I want to, because it is who I am, what I do, my calling.  If someone wants to come along for the ride, he/she is invited.  I am an equal opportunity artist.  However, if someone is not interested, that is okay with me for I do this because it is HOW I communicate.  

In this time where I am "homeless", I am able to secure an emotional dwelling in the lyric, the story.  I am indeed blessed.  If I were never to receive another gift, I would be fine.  I have several lifetime's worth of gifts already.  My life is abundant.  Wow.

Ah, sweet liberation.  How I love thee!

The art of musical storytelling is spiritual wonderment.  I am bewitched in its embrace and leveled by its beauty.

It is my wish that you know your gifts and are able to be as intimate with them as I have been with mine.  I also hope that you find your home, whether it be made of walls, music, stories, dreams, or friends.  

Joyous,
Dustin 

I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me 
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents (on/round/under/by) the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

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