I know that right about now you’re thinking that it’s impossible, I couldn’t possibly be writing to you after all this time! But, believe me, it IS me and I have so many things I want to say to you that I don’t even know where to begin. So I’ll just start rambling and hope that it’s somehow cohesive.
First and foremost I have to say that you absolutely blew me away with your birthday gifts! So, in order of appearance, “Music Of Our Hearts”, that wonderfully touching, beautifully crafted and sublimely thought out book you made especially for me made my little heart “runneth over” with love and all sorts of beautiful feelings for each and every one of you that participated! The most that any artist can aspire to is to somehow leave a mark on the people that you make your “art” for, and that would be YOU.............Being able to read all the stories behind your choices for your most meaningful song made me smile, cry, feel grateful, and want to hug you all! Rich, thank you so much for taking the time and putting so much effort into such a wonderful and thoughtful project. I received it on a day that I was doing press for the new “Noelle” book and the “Essentials” package and I showed it to everyone from my make-up artist to my mom, who came later in the evening to pay me a visit. Everyone that read it was extremely touched and couldn’t believe all the trouble you all went through to create such a special gift. And for me, words will never suffice in expressing what you made me feel........I was truly overwhelmed! So, Rich, Zilma, Zweden, Josephine, Stefan, Sandra, Cynthia, Susan (Van der Tillaart-Klerks), Richard, Wendy, Susan (Tyler), Ayleen, Jennifer, Sarah, Kathy, Rachel (and Bill), Rudy, Michael, Jo, Joshua, Jen, Claudia, Sabine, Melissa, Joseph,( Heidi, Julian Elijah, Quinty Danique), Marco, Marieke, & Amy (by the way, I had PLENTY of chocolate!) THANK YOU for telling (and showing) me that my songs have meant something to you which is one of the BEST gifts I could ever receive!! And in my life I know I will read it often and smile...............
Secondly, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your, now traditional, donation to my foundation!! I know how difficult it is to set aside money for charity when there are so many responsibilities that each of you have to your own families, yourselves and life. I loved the hand written cards with your good wishes and the pictures (nice wedding pic, Rachel, you look very happy!), the postcard (thanks Jay), the drawing of my cake (Mark), the pictures with me (Love you, Fred), the pictures of the kids that are growing so quickly (Chris & Alyssa..........love Dunkin too), all the special and beautiful things you did to make me and all the people that will benefit from your generosity very happy! So from my heart to yours, thank you Fred, Angie, William & Rachel, Jennifer, Cynthia, Michael & Sherry, Mark, Steven & Susan, Paul, Rachel, Rich, Christoper, Zilma, Jean, Karen, Ismael & Susan, Dina, Mark & Susan, Daniel & Susan (quite a few Susans aren’t there..) Heidi and Jay!
Anyway, there are many things coming your way from me and I’m especially happy with “Noelle’s Treasure Tale” and can’t wait until you all read it. I know you’ve heard the song already and hope you like it. I’m tempted to send you the story before it comes out but I really want you to see the illustrations which (I think) are phenomenal!
Well, my conga family, I hope to be a little better about communicating with you directly but I have to admit I’ve been pretty swamped lately. I wish each of you and all of your families a lot of health, happiness and love in what’s left of this year and well into the next!!!
Love & luck,
gloria