Starting out sick is not a fun way to begin the new year.  However, it gives me a different perspective on what a new year can provide.  Many people will strive to start the year out perfect and see how long they can last with their proclamations of resolutions.  Others will simply say,”Forget it, they are pointless and I can’t ever hold to them anyway.”  How I see it this year is to start with where I am at…today…right now, and record small steps, accomplishments and milestones throughout this year.  Then, at this time next year, see how far I have come - instead of where I failed or didn’t measure up to goals and standards placed on myself.   I tend to gauge my years from January to December instead of from one years birth-date to the next.  I am excited to see what this year has to offer and to add another twist to it I have also decided to record in a notebook, aside from my journaling, how I am spending my time every day.  Attempting to manage my days, both good and bad, and see exactly how much time is spent where…

Whether I am spending too much time working on other peoples projects, or too much on my own - and just how much of myself am I giving back everyday.  And most importantly -  where is my relationship with God at on a daily basis? Am I giving Him the time I should? After so many years of struggling on my own to make certain every step I take is a wise one, or the “right” one,  an unabashed year will be 2008; for certain.  I will do my best to insert time needed in every situation to rely on Him to guide my decisions.  As far as spirituality is concerned… I have never been one to abandon beliefs for the sake of appearing “cool or “hip.” [After all "cool" is just a mask of one's true self, an attempt to be something satisfactory to those around you.]  I do, however, tend to keep my relationship with God to myself and only share things with a limited selection of friends and family.  Which is perfectly fine, to some extent, but I do think that holding it all to myself stifles the opportunity to share and connect with those around me, and those who do listen.  So here’s to opening up a bit and shedding a little light in 2008.
Two-thousand and seven was an interesting year for me. It started in Colorado with my family, then I spent 5 months producing my first full-length album in Arizona, then some time in California… back to Colorado, and finally moving to Nashville on July 12th.  It does feel good to finally have a “home” again - after years of roaming the globe. Yet I do have an itch to do more traveling after being stowed in one place for several months. When I first moved here I was freelancing with web and graphic design. Then a friend asked me to place it aside and focus on a project to pitch to an investor that was a shoo-in. I took a day to think about it, then went into production with full force, laying aside my own project.  [Which getting into a studio in Nashville to finish the album was the goal in moving here.]  However, I thought that this new project was where my time needed to be focused.  After two solid months of working ten to fifteen hours a day the project was suddenly and quite abruptly thrown aside and put on hold.  Leaving those last two months pretty much wasted, with nothing much to show for.  But yet again! … another learning experience.  Ah yes, we all love those.  Then out of nowhere I was offered work with a film company here in Franklin.  I started out writing scripts and treatments and also developing storyboards for music videos.  And before I knew it I was editing and helping with production.  I am currently producing, developing and editing a documentary for a high profile artist due out Spring of 2008.  It has truly been a blessing to have this opportunity over the last two months, although sleep seems to be something I only hear about from others. :o)  I know the end result of my work will be worth it, and a blessing to others.  So to say the least, the album has yet to be completed for a scheduled 2007 release.  Launching my new material and booking shows again is one of the major goals in place for 2008, God-willing.  I will be sharing more and more as the days of this year roll on.  In parting I leave you with a verse that I stumbled upon this first day of this new year. It comes from James 4:14, “How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog - it is here a little while, then it is gone.”
 Godspeed and Happy New Year to you all,
Cory Basil