New Beginnings

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”
-Seneca, mid-first century Roman philosopher


I've always liked this quote, and always attributed it (until just now) to Semisonic and their song, "Closing Time." The end of the year gives us a chance to review the things that have taken place and to see possibilities for the year to come. There are relationships and lives that have come to an end and others that are just beginning.

This year, I lost my Grandma Leah, as I shared with many of you on this list. What I haven't shared publicly until now is that there is a new life that is forming and that will be joining us in the coming year. Karen and I are expecting our first child, a baby boy, sometime in May. It is an exciting and intimidating time in our lives. The thought of being responsible for another human being puts everything into perspective.

There are so many things I am looking forward to sharing with my son. I know that in doing so, I will get to experience them again as though for the first time, through his eyes. It is a powerful reminder to me that I have so much to be grateful for. It is easy to become jaded and cynical and to think that life has lost its glow. But when I think of all the incredible experiences I want my son to have, I realize that this world is still a very magical place.

I am reminded of another quote... "Wonders never cease as long as you never cease to wonder," although I think that one is attributed to Ziggy (the cartoon strip character). No matter who said it originally, it is still very true. The way you look at life that determines how you experience it. I'll leave you with one last quote, this one from Albert Einstein:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

In this season of miracles, I hope you choose to see life through the eyes of a child...

If you have not yet "liked" me on Facebook, I urge you to do so HERE. Thank you as always for your support!

In song,
Todd

ps. In other very exciting developments, my music is now being featured on Jewish Rock Radio, the first Jewish internet radio station in existence - the brainchild of my good friend and mentor, Rick Recht. Please visit the site and listen to the many extremely talented artists found there.

pps. Just for fun, I posted a version of U2's "With Or Without You" on YouTube. You can view it here. Let me know your thoughts, and if you have any requests for future covers, email me and let me know.




"'Bridging The Gap' wins Best Jewish Album of 2009 in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards!" — Just Plain Folks

"Todd's song "You and I" (peformed by saxophonist Michael Lington) reaches #2 on the Smooth Jazz Charts!" — Billboard

"I believe Todd is one of the rising stars in the contemporary music scene. His vocals are gorgeous as is his beautiful person and spirit. Temple Beth Avodah loves Todd Herzog." — Cantor Susan Glickman, Temple Beth Avodah

"Todd has the voice of an angel. His heart is pure, and he has a unique spirit that wanders into the soul and inspires all who are privileged to hear him." — Craig Taubman