Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Everyone who reads the updates written by the Momma of the band knows that I wait until news is long overdue before a word escapes my mouth. Well, this time is no exception but it hasn't been because I've been too busy, it's because I've been too tired! To all of you who have shown us so much kindness during my illness, THANK YOU! I appreciate your prayers for me and for the family as we get through this.

A lot of folks want to know just what happened and how things are, so let me just put it in the words of one of my doctors—"Even the Energizer Bunny runs out of batteries." Now there is a lot more medical jargon I could throw out there, in case that makes you wonder about the quality of my medical care. Lots of good doctors! Rest was number one on the list of things to do, number two was just getting rid of my big to-do list! So for those of you who have remarked that you've never seen me sit still (and there are a lot of you) well, guess what! I have learned how to sit still and do nothing! And I can do it without coffee! I know that quitting coffee will have a negative effect on the coffee vendors at all the festivals, but don't worry…I'm drinking decaf. Not buckets of it like before (!) but you'll still see me in the coffee line.

All joking aside, this has been an opportunity for our entire family to seriously ponder many things. Number one on the list was thinking about the many, many people who deal with serious long-term illnesses and how it impacts every minute of so many lives. What happened around here was a just a bump in the road compared to the situations of so many others. On the musical side of life, everyone, right down to George, has contemplated what our music means to us, and what it takes to be a traveling family band. While it is fun and rewarding, it takes a lot of work, I'm not gonna lie! And while the children have always been very helpful, and this has always been a group effort, they now know the importance of sharing the work even more. I'm so proud of my children for their commitment and willingness to work. They have a clear vision of where they want to go.

So there has been a re-division of labor, and while I am keeping my job as booking agent, I've been completely relieved of any tasks that have to do with managing the stage clothes, and let me tell you folks, that is huge! The kids are now in charge of the wardrobe department, so if you see George on stage covered in ketchup…well, ok…I'm still going to have a Tide-stick in my purse! Tom is handling a lot of management tasks in the band, and is helping me with booking as well. Curt is busy overseeing the whole big thing...and he is a dad that cooks, thank the Lord!

There's not enough space here to relate all the things that God has shown us about family, music and the limitations of being human. I've learned the most of all. And I'm so thankful to all of you for your prayers, emails, letters and gifts. I am still working at answering every email and I appreciate that you all took the time to write me.

We have a lull in our schedule right now with just a couple of shows here in Maine, but we are playing every night in the kitchen, working on a lot of new material, including some of Tom's originals. We're looking forward to hitting the road again May 1st. I'd like to let everyone know that we are now booking for the second half of 2008 and all of 2009, and it's full steam ahead. So ask for the Muellers by name at your local festival and we'll be sure to be there to play for you! And let me say 'thank ya'll' one more time. ~~Karen