Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith's powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title "Empress of the Blues." Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on April 15, 1894, she began to sing at a young age and in 1923 signed a contract with Columbia Records. Soon she was among the highest paid black performers of her time with hits like "Downhearted Blues." By the end of the 1920s, however, her popularity had lessened, though she continued to perform and made new recordings at the start of the Swing Era. Her comeback and life were cut short when she died on September 26, 1937, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident outside of Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Vespers - a religious pray service in the evening. Vespers, also called Evening Prayer, takes place as dusk begins to fall. Evening Prayer gives thanks for the day just past and makes an evening sacrifice of praise to God

Absolution - a remission of sin or of the punishment for sin, made by a priest in the sacrament of penance on the ground of authority received from Christ.

Admonishment - to reprove or scold, especially in a mild and good-willed manner.

Cases of ****** abuse (particularly of children) and subsequent cover-ups committed by Catholic priests, and members of Roman Catholic orders have led to numerous allegations, investigations, trials and convictions. The abused include boys as young as 3 years old, with the majority between the ages of 11 and 14. Accusations began to receive wide publicity in the late 1980s. Many of these involve cases in which a priest was accused of abuse for decades; such allegations were frequently made by adults or older youths years after the abuse occurred. Cases have also been brought against members of the Catholic hierarchy who covered up *** abuse allegations and moved abusive priests to other parishes, where the pattern continued.

I sing my sorrow and paint nature with joy...Joni Mitchell

Roberta Joan "Joni" Mitchell, born November 7, 1943 is a Canadian singer-songwriter and painter. Mitchell's work is highly respected by critics, and she has deeply influenced fellow musicians in a diverse range of genres. Rolling Stone has called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever", and AllMusic has stated, "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century". Her lyrics are noted for their developed poetics, addressing social and environmental ideals alongside personal feelings of romantic longing, confusion, disillusion, and joy. She is one of my most favorite artists.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, alcoholism affects about 18 million adults in the U.S. Approximately 26.8 million children are exposed to alcoholism in the family and 6.6 million children age 18 and younger live in households with at least one alcoholic parent. Many children of alcoholics, often referred to as Adult COAs. COA's live in homes filled with stress, financial hardship, instability, neglect, and violence. Unfortunately, these vulnerable youth often struggle academically, behaviorally and emotionally. Children living in this environment may run the gamut of feelings such as anger, embarrassment, shame and most of all hurt. They can also develop insecurities that can lead to emotional scars that they carry well into adulthood.

If you are an alcoholic parent, please get help -- Your child needs a relationship with you. Just as you will need professional help, so will your child. COAs need to attend counseling and/or join support groups to help them cope with the trauma of alcoholism.

Magic Christmas cards are rare and Christmas can be an overwhelming time of year. Depression can be triggered by a number of things: losses, failures, loneliness, etc.  Christmas depression can also have nothing to do with anything specific. If you’re alone at Christmas and you realize you’re coming down with holiday depression, reach out to someone (a friend, a relative, or a professional), just call someone.  There is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people willing and able to assist you.