GRACELING wraps.  We finished on time, in budget, and with some great performances in the can.  I think Kristin Cashore is going to be really happy with what we've done with her book.  It was smooth sailing from start to finish.  A little back story here.  Bruce Coville got the inside scoop on Kristin some months ago.  This young woman is going to be big.  Bruce honored me the the task of directing this first novel, and we're pulling out all the stops.  (And here's a little inside "gossip" for you.  I'm reading the manuscript right now to Kristin's next novel.  It's brilliant as well.  I feel very fortunate to be working with this young and talented writer.  Trust me folks, she's going to be big.) Kristin idolizes the greats, including our dear friend Tamora Pierce.  And she's written a first novel in that mold.   Her heroine is a fighter, a leader, a survivor.  And to play this dynamic character I'm happy to be directing Chelsea Mixon.  Already a seasoned veteran, she continues to hone her craft.  I'm always amazed (and never surprised) when I ask Chelsea to give me a completely different read.  No matter what the suggestion, out of her mouth comes a well thought out brilliant interpretation. I might add that for most of the recording, she was the only woman warrior on the set.  She lead the camaraderie of the troop and offered up important insight from the female perspective on many occasions.  Her sensibility of the woman as warrior is palpable in this portrayal of Katsa.  Sometimes the character leads the actor.  In this case the actor brings real life to the character.

Zach Exton, is a talented newcomer to our cast.  He plays the romantic lead of Prince Po to the hilt. We have Danny Wegman to thank for this.  You see, one day not long ago, our Creative Director, Dan Bostick was in the checkout line at Wegman's Grocery Store.  He heard a fascinating voice and had to ask the young man if he had ever done any acting.  "No."  But he did love literature and enjoyed writing.  Hmmmm.... "Would you like to come by the studio for an audition?".  Yup, it's a real life occurrence of what we only think happens in the movies.  Zak came in to read for Dan and me.  We noticed that, for sure, he had a unique voice.  And more importantly, he took direction very well.  With every read he got better and better.  I always look for smarts.  Smart people make daily, moment by moment corrections.  That's Zach.  By the end of recording he was what I like to call a "thoughtful read".  I like to hear a character's thoughts when I hear the line.  Zach continues to improve as an actor.  No telling how far he will go.  Sky's the limit.

Mike Roberts is preparing for Berkeley School of Music in Boston.  He's busting out of high school a year early to pursue his dream. He's only been playing guitar for a couple of years, but he's already developing his chops and when you hear him, you know he's got the gift.  That soulful, bluesy thing flows out of him automatically.  I've been working with him on his craft.  He works at it.  You know the drill: scales, technique, theory.  The stuff you can teach.  We slammed together a little demo for his audition. He wrote the songs over a two week period leading up to the session.  Brett and Corey played bass and drums.  Mike played guitar and sang.  Want to hear a taste?  I think you'll dig it.  http://www.myspace.com/mikerobertslive   We're waiting to see if he got in.  I'll keep you posted.

November reflections- It's the last day of the month.  We're back in Central New York after the adventure in New Hampshire.  It's hard to believe that somehow, someway, through this crazy month of deadlines, elections, reflections... and tragedy, we did what we did.  The Todd Hobin Band of old delivered.  More than just a concert, it was a true celebration.  Dan DeMars 50th birthday.  But in surprising him with a gathering of family, close friends and the music of his youth, we celebrated not only the half century mark of an outstanding individual in the music business, we celebrated the realization of a dream... with a fountain of memories. 

Dan is a lucky guy.  He was born smart, and he worked hard to fulfill his dreams.  He gathered around himself a group of great friends who he loved to make music with.  He married well.  Actually, he has the coolest wife on the planet.  Dr. Leslie DeMars is a gem.  She planned the whole event, including having us show up to play.  Dan went on to start a guitar company to make the kind of instruments he always dreamed of.  And he and Leslie are growing an awesome family.  Life is cool.

The THB hasn't played a gig in a long time.  We basically met up on a Saturday morning and hit the road.  The rest was auto-pilot.  Hard to believe after all these years that you can just strap on the axe and rip it up like it was yesterday.  Dan and the guys in his band joined us.  We jammed.  Classics.  It was another moment in time that will become a lasting memory.  Brothers of the road... just playing.

I miss just playing.  I miss the road.  I miss those days, the band, the camaraderie, the friends we made, and the friends we lost.  And now November is a memory.  Bittersweet November, a glory remembered, hope for the future... and the great loss of one sweet child who so many loved so dearly. 

Heather Marie Weeks August 17, 1984 - November 14, 2008

Graceling First Day- Recording has begun and I have two words for you...   David Baker.

The actor, the narrator, on screen or behind the mic, he just makes it happen.  We're off to a flying start thanks to his talent and expertise. He is bringing Kristin Cashore's story to life.  We have a dynamic and powerful cast, and we're moving through the book right on schedule.

If I had two more words for this weekend, they would probably be... Greg Robinson.  Vindicated with a 24-23 win over Notre Dame at Notre Dame.  He lost his job, but he leaves with his pride intact.  Like Paul Pasqualoni before him, he will end up on the winning side of the field on some NFL coaching staff.  SU?  All I've got to say on that topic for now... Basketball season has begun.

The day after the day after is always a turning point.  I will always prefer being awakened by a beautiful woman. I love brewing up a hot pot of coffee while I contemplate conjuring up a sumptuous breakfast feast for her.  She smiles.  She's back to her normal "Gee, I feel great this morning" self.  She glows this morning.  A far cry from yesterday's "foggy haze from the night before" morning gauntlet.  We're having a little party tonight at the house in Liverpool.  I'm already planning Saturday morning's breakfast. Then it's off to the studio to begin recording "Graceling".

One more thing before I head off to the studio.  Luciana is from Brazil.  Her word is as good as gold.  She came into our lives like a blur and was gone with the wind.  The year was 1999.  Seems like forever ago.  She dated Brett.  Rich Latin features and a South American temperament.  I don't remember details... but I do remember this... Her car needed repairs.  We fixed it.  I paid for it.  About $300.00 I think.  No big deal.  She said she'd pay me back.  I never worry about these things.  You live life.  Life pays you back.  Yesterday I got a note from Luciana.  "Thank you - from a long time ago."  There was a check in the envelope for $300.00.  Luciana, you're word is as good as gold.  And so are you.

The morning after- Morning came early.  Or rather the night was long, wide awake mostly, and an unwelcome dawn broke over a pair of forlorn earth inhabitants.  Can you spell h-a-n-g-o-v-e-r? Great freaking CD Release Party last night. Let's give credit where credit is due. 

Big Mike and the Galaxy Communications folks took center stage.  The boss, Ed Levine, was there.  He's the man, and has been since his return to CNY some years back.  He's built the Galaxy empire from next to nothing... because he loves radio.  That's his secret.  He loves the artform.  He introduced me to some of the P&C Foods brass.  I have great respect for these folks.  Greg Young the new CEO is young.  He enjoyed hanging with the musicians.  I know he realizes how important his company is to our community.  It's why he was there... and foot the bill for some pretty impressive, and tasty faire.  (Thank you Chef Andy.)  P&C Director of Marketing and Consumer Affairs, Kathy Allen has had a major hand in making this community initiative a reality.  Her intense love for the people of CNY is palpable. She is young enough to be very surprised that I was so involved in the Claude Incaudo "glory days" of P&C Food domination.  Doug Moncrief and I wrote and song on more P&C jingles during that time than we care to remember.  (A little known fact: Our pal, Orleans front man, Larry Hoppen sang lead on one of our masterpieces, just about the time that "Still the One" was exploding out of radios worldwide.) Some of my friends still work in her department, Linda D. & Dick M. (who's been with the company for 45 years).  I sent my regards.  The event (and anytime you get 50 CNY musicians in the same room it's an event) was held at one of the hippest little cafes in the world, the Palace Cafe. http://www.palacetheatresyracuse.com/cafe_menu.php

You can check out some photos on Big Mike's Website http://thesunnyspot.com/index.php?module=big_mike Our hosts Laura Serway & Cindy Seymour rocked the freaking house.  O.K. here's a little political aside.... Laura is the kind of person who, in Wanny's words, "is someone who you feel you've known all your life".  My wife is an amazing judge of character.  Anyway, Laura is exactly what a community organizer should be: equal amounts of drive, connectivity, charisma and contacts.  I have no doubts that she is why our friend Michael Haggerty sits on the Common Council,  AND why I think she will bring us the next Mayor of Syracuse.  She's already had one meeting with this person.  There will be more.  I'll bet they announce soon.  I'd love to tell you who it is, but... well, that would take the fun out of it.  More on that later.  And finally, as I get back to work this morning, a shout out to Wanny.  I love you.  I love the way you look at me and smile as you head off to work, your head exploding and your mind racing between us... and our lives... and the clients who you need to serve just moments from now.  I adore the way you scrunch up your pretty face into a smile when I catch you (from across the room) at the bar filling your glass yet again, even though you know that I know that we agreed your pretty much at our agreed upon limit for the evening.  I love how you absolutely know that no matter what I do or say, you will absolutely be able to outsmart, outfox, outthink, out argue, out cajole me into whatever you think is best for us and the entire world.  AND YES, you were right and I was wrong.  Your way home would have been much faster.  I couldn't help myself.  A wrong turn is the right turn if you're blinded by a beautiful woman.  And when I see you caught between love and anger... I know there is a song coming on.

The last two days sped by like a blur.  I should be too old to push this hard.  I'll use this morning to catch my breath.  The main focus was on the final two Graceling rehearsals.  We're in good shape.  I knew Tate Green had the right voice for the part of the Princess.  She surprised me with her insight.  At 10 years old, she works hard and strives for understanding in the role.  This is going to be great.  The cast all work... I need to fix a couple of things in the casting department.  We'll have some wilds to deal with, but all in all, we'll be ready to role come Saturday morning.

In the midst of all of this, I taped a special holiday episode of "Food For Thought" on PBS.  The WCNY food and views program.  Big Mike, Joe Whiting and I made some specialty pizzas and Joe and I did a couple of numbers.  We've been pals for years, but NEVER have played together until today.  He is amazing to work with.  Just lay down the groove and let him fly.  The dude soars.  He oozes R&B from every pore. http://www.joewhitingmusic.com/  

Uh, morning comes early with a nine month old kid in the house.  The grown kids are all asleep upstairs while Grandma and Grandpa play with a very energetic, happy Connor.  I usually hate 5 AM, no matter how I approach it.  But, this morning I look forward to lots of fun with the tiny one.  The tremendous joy of watching Wanny work wondrous gwamma magic.  (Damn, she has to be the hottest grandmother on record.) And, the utter euphoria of cooking for the troops.  (My herbed eggs, bacon and bagels)

Graceling Rehearsal went swimmingly.

Right in the middle of this glorious day, Doug called with some very tragic news.  Heather Weeks lost her battle with cancer.  She's gone.  At 24 years old.  Just gone.  Memories we will treasure forever, but the girl, the woman she was becoming... gone from this earth.  I held it in.  Not wanting to burst into tears with all the kids here.  Not wanting to replace this magical, happy family moment after moment with the reality that we all must know that life is way too short.  Unimaginable pain for Gary and Frieda.  Her family, all her friends, those of us in this community... we are all... going to have to deal with a life without her. 

Cherish the moments with those you love.

Graceling Rehearsals Begin- Bruce Coville is a very busy man... with a wicked deadline.  His publisher needs the last book in the Unicorn Chronicles.  He has asked me to take his place as the director of Kristin Cashore's Debut novel Graceling.  An honor I jumped at.  No small shoes to fill, but I would do anything for this man.  Our cast is wonderful.  Seasoned veterans like the brilliant David Baker (Narrator), Tim Green (yes, that Tim Green) and Richard McKee (yes, the one and only).  A stunningly talented Chelsea Mixon as the lead character, Katsa will work with a brand new talent Zach Exton.  It's a romantic swashbuckler with a twist.  The lady is a killer.  This is a GREAT book.  It's going to be huge for Kristin, and huge for Full Cast Audio.  Life is cool.

The kids are in this weekend for a very special birthday get together.  Wanny and I will be doing the grandparent thing this evening... more "Life is cool" moments await.

Panda West- The Hill, M Street, SU, call it what you will, it's the vibrant part of the city.  Mandy is in her last year on campus.  Her mom and I are enjoying dinner with her at one of our favorite restaurants.  She is so beautiful.  It's fun to sit across the table from them.  Mother & daughter, they look like sisters.  As we leave the restaurant, I can't help but think, as we walk up Marshal St., how many people would just assume that some old guy is visiting his daughters at school.

Veteran's Day- Now it's just a day off.  I remember going with my father to the Rochester War Memorial on Veteran's Day a few years ago.  A small bunch of old guys solemnly saluting the past.  No onlookers really.  It's like parades.  They used to be about the marching men and military bands..  Now it's all about the balloons.  The greatest generation is all but gone.  They were fighting for the peace.  They were working for prosperity.  They WERE great.  We are just confused.

Wanny and I put the boat to bed for the winter... We can't wait for Spring.

It's Saturday.  November is here... for sure.  I know this because just a few hours ago I was standing knee deep in the Seneca River with my son Ryan and his Uncle Mike.  Uh, yeah... it was FREAKING COLD!!!!  The end of the summer season is definitively marked by the annual pulling of the dock.  Mike says that camp is snowed in pretty good in the Southern hills below Syracuse.  It's amazing what a few hundred feet of elevation will get you in Upstate New York.  I did a drawing of the camp for one of Mike's buddy's 70th birthday.  It's kind of a surreal look at the place

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Barack Obama will be our next President. Hope.  Change.  I never thought that I would see this in my lifetime.  Will we ever become color blind?  This may be the first real step.  I hate to say it, because basically, I'm just an entertainer... but, I'm glad we will be seeing the end of the Bush Era.  I just don't think he had it in him.  Right lineage.  Hell of nice guy.  But sadly, a little lacking in smarts.  Faith will only get you so far.  After that, it's hard work.  You've got to do your homework.  You have to use the gifts God let you borrow. Wars are caused by too much Faith. Faith that you are right.  (Just like the other guy.) Peace is caused by thought... and hard work.  God gave us this incredible brain, a perfectly useful guide book to map our course, and left some pretty obvious clues.  He doesn't drive the car or spell out every detail of the journey. The gift is life.  Life is a journey of discovery.  If you spend your life looking at the map, you'll miss the journey.  The map will only point you in the right direction.  It's up to us to live the life.  I'm hoping Mr. Obama, firmly grounded in faith, works hard to chart a good course for us, by using his intelligence.  What a nice change that will be.