The Cold That Kills...And makes One Alive.

It was 6 below zero by 6:00pm tonight driving into my gig. Even my wonderful Prius could not keep up with it. Windchill much lower. It's the kind of cold that, on the highway, you find yourself, and everyone around you , slowing down, it's just that cold. Speeds slow to 60, 55, 50, and then someone will realise it, and everyone speeds back up.

I thought I would never be warm again, and thought how nice it would be in my cozy Pub.

Pub, never exactly the most weather-proof place ( hey, it was built in 1860 ) had lost it's heat.

Cold? Oh yes. I thought, " well, there goes tonight, it must be barely 50 in here"

And no one left. They packed the place. They wore their coats, and hats, and gloves. They warmed their poor hand on the candles, on each table. They got blankets from the hotel. My little fingers were so cold, it was so hard to play.

And they stayed. All night.

They lent me a hoodie. And a hat. I gave them ever thing I had in me, in return.

And they were so happy.

I am beyond happy, that much love, makes one weak. They thanked me, and all I could think was....

Thank you.

Music is sometimes so beyond worthwhile, it is sometimes, the only thing in the world that matters. That we could all freeze together for four hours doesn't even seem like a small price to pay for that much together. Everyone there tonight is now a good friend to everyone else who was there.

It was Minus 15 driving home. Won't see zero any time soon. I am wrapped in all my clothes, and a robe and am sitting as close to my fire as possible. And , damm the heating bills, have turned up the heat. I may never be warm again, but my heart sure is, and will be.

Thank you. A gift like tonight may not come twice in a lifetime.

Lorraine