“That AJL, she is always full of surprises!” would be an appropriate exclamation for anyone who’s been along for the ride — Who would’ve predicted that I’d become a full-time contemplative observing silence and seclusion indefinitely? Not me, at least not until the end of the three-month retreat I did last year, at which time I knew I was just at the beginning of my inner journey and the desire to follow it became the top priority in my life.

I’ll not get into detail here (I am keeping a practice log which I can share later on) but I will say that I’m immensely grateful for the privilege of being able to do this. I plan to continue until I’m fully cooked, or until I run out of savings and have to go back to work. Or until I decide that it’s actually not the most important thing to me, that’s also a possibility!

The things I want to share with you have been piling up

but this is going to be a very short newsletter. I am only writing to invite you to my one and only concert this year, and it’s gonna be a good one!

Ragtime Banjo Revival at Fair Lane Music Guild

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Step back in time with the rollicking rhythms of ragtime, early jazz, and string band music. Ragtime Banjo Revivalrevives America’s musical roots with irresistible energy, storytelling, and a modern twist. With King Sophia on cello and vocals, and Alex Belhaj, on guitar, banjo, and vocals. Links for tickets and more info — I suggest planning to go early and explore the beautifully maintained gardens and trails!

To those of you who have chosen to support me materially,

words are insufficient to describe how much it means to me, especially now that I have no other sources of income and am subsisting on your aforementioned support and my savings.

If you’re not currently supporting me and would like to, know that although I will not be keeping up with my Patreon profile or posting regular newsletters here, whatever you can manage to send my way will be very helpful and greatly appreciated. The simplest, most direct way to do this is with a recurring monthly donation via PayPal. Patreon and Substack are also fine, but they both take a significant cut of donations.

If you’re not in a position or lack the desire to send me a donation,

you can still support my efforts simply by taking a moment every now and then to cultivate some positive energy and direct it towards yourself. Yes, to yourself! Because we are all connected, and a You that’s benefiting from self-directed inner loving kindness will benefit all with whom You come in contact. It sounds too simple to be true, but it really works. Try it! (For help getting started, search “Metta Guided Meditation” and find one that resonates with you. I can personally recommend the Insight Timer app, as they have thousands to choose from, easily searchable, and 100% FREE.)

Here are a few photos I’ve taken during this time

as a way to thank you for reading to the end of this newsletter and for sticking with me through this. I do plan to return to making music, performing and teaching and traveling, but who knows, priorities and plans can always change. At the very least, and as I mentioned at the start of this newsletter, I have a lot of things to share with you and I intend to share them with you sooner or later!

 

Being alive right now

is an incredibly rare and precious opportunity to develop our hearts and minds for the benefit of all beings. In the immortal words of Peace Pilgrim, “Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.”

Peace starts within — Practice being kind and gentle with yourself first. You can do it any time!

Until next time

Dear reader, I cannot say when you will hear from me again but you can be sure I am devoting all my energy to following this path.

May you be well.
May you be safe.
May you be happy.
May you be free from suffering.
May you be peaceful.