Endings ... Beginnings ... But Friends are Forever

My time in California is drawing to a close. As I look around the area I've called home for four years now, I think of the memories made, the conversations had, and the people met in that time. This is a time of endings, but also a time of new beginnings. "Beginnings are scary. Endings are usually sad. It's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will..." I'm sad to be closing some of the chapters in my life with my move out of California, and I'm scared about the transition I'll have to make into some new chapters, but I know that the future is a bright one.
In one week, I'll be playing in my last official gig with Oak Jam, friends I would never have imagined finding, but friends I am so thankful to have. The music won't stop, however. Not only will they keep playing together (I hope!), but I would like to reunite and play with them again, sometime in the future when I'm back in California for a visit. They've taught me so much, and not just about music, but about life, and laughter, and friendship, and trust, and hope. It's been a good few years that we've been playing together, and I'm really going to miss those two evenings (or more) each week of their music and company. We've laughed together, some tears have been shed, we've had fun making music together. I really do believe that my Oak Jam family has put the "fun" in "dysfunctional"! And I know that the friendships I've formed with each member of this wonderful, eclectic group are friendships that will last forever.