This album represents over a decade of nurtured hopes.

I want to thank all of the musicians who gave so generously of their talents on this album: Joe Turano, Ross Bolton, Christina Duane, Sammy K., Matt Hyde, and Mike Clinco.

I especially want to thank Joe Turano for his generosity, willingness, patience, and incredible talent without which this project would never have been started or completed.

Thank you to all the other songwriters whose songs I have loved and lived with through the years.

Thank you to my family... my mom, Maureen (Mansfield) Carlson for awakening in her children a love for music, art, adventure, and wonder, and for her childlike spirit. To my dad, Bill Carlson for his unselfishness and dedication to his family, and for trying his best to understand all of our strange paths. To my brother, John Carlson and family for their support. To my sister Christina Duane for her beautiful songs, and for letting me do some of my favorites on this album. To the Duane family for getting behind this project. To my niece Jessica and her family for their love and encouragement, and my nephew Joshua for just being "Josher".

To Rowanne Mark for her incredible support, guidance, and friendship through the years. To Julio Rivas for his prayerful support and practical encouragement. To Diane Schnitzer for her art, her humor, and her loyal friendship.

Thanks also to the following friends and family members: Marian and Jim Swann, Karl Swann, Karin Eckdahl and family, Harriett (Grandma) Mansfield, Lee Mansfield, Jackie and Mike Dent, Daniel de Riancho, Laura Garcia, Helen Kim, Arlista Miller, Carrie Paff, Rainy Ring and family, Jeannine Turano, Mildred Wittenberg, and everyone else who has encouraged me.

To Catte Adams and Michael Mishaw for nurturing the talent of all the singers.

Additional Thanks: To the Fedrick family for letting me use their vintage 1950's Martin acoustic guitar for the Van Nuys sessions. To everyone at the El Capitan Theater, Hollywood, CA.

Thank you God, for unfolding every right idea... and making all good things possible.

Erik