...a note from Christine...

   This will be my last official Mother's Day with my son living at home.  It's hard to believe how fast 18 years has flown by.  I'll be hightailing it back from Tyler that day to make it home in time to be adored, for sure.  In August, Troupe will be off to USC in LA.  USC was his top pick for the music composition degree he plans to pursue, and they gave him generous scholarships, so he has my blessings!  I've already started booking California dates the week of his birthday next year.  Chris thinks I need to let go a little, but hey, we want to go play for our California fans anyway, it might as well be the week of his birthday!
     Swan Songs, the non-profit which I am pouring my heart into, is off to a great start.  Our first private fundraiser is May 5 and we'll be continuing our outreach into the community in the coming weeks.  We're still building the website, but the mission statement is up - check back as it develops. 
     Happy Mother's Day to my mom and ALL the incredible women I know who are mothers, step mothers, mothers-in-law, earth mothers and  natural nurturers.  
     Christine

Charitable Organization
Donation Idea
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
The mission of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable health care for Austin's uninsured musicians, focusing on prevention and wellness.

Quote of the Month
"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud and one sees the stars."
Frederick Langbridge
(1849-1923)

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Darleen Gage and Betty Albert 2003

...and a note from Chris...

    My mother, Darleen Gage, lives along the Missouri river in my home town of Pierre, (pronounced peer), South Dakota.  She's very active in the community, and is a driving force in the publication of a local newspaper, The River Life, with a classmate of my oldest brother Gary, Don Boyd.  (I love the smell of ink in a printing shop.)
     Mom has written a wonderful column for years called "At Random", where I can keep tabs on whatever's on her mind at the time.  I recently acquired our old family piano when my sister moved to a smaller home, and the next month's "At Random" not only mentioned it, but provided a background of every house the piano had lived in since we first got it!
     Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  See you in September.  Love and thanks and Happy Mother's Day also to the other Mothers taking care of me and my boys, Phyllis, Betty, Loretta, Gwen and Christine.  Oh, and bless all you motherly truck stop waitresses.
     Hey, see you soon....don't forget to call your Mom.  See you at the gig.
     Chris