Sara Hickman's eNewsletters

1) If you watch TV and hear someone singing about Daisy Sour Cream and think to yourself, "Gosh, that sounds like Sara!" DING DING DING!!! You are right on! I am singing in the national ad! Hooray for Daisy!

2) On Sunday, just for the heck of it, I made two homemade pumpkin pies. I have two slices left, if anyone is interested in a piece.

3) I am gearing up for the recording of BIG KID, the third in the series of children's cds. It is going to be a doozy. I can't stop writing songs for it. This morning at 4:00 am I wrote "Buh-Buh-Buh-Buh Belinsky!" which is about how to create smoothies. I hope to be in the studio in February, so there will be new Sara music this summer for sure!

4) July 4 we will be at the Leander Festival again. Come out and celebrate your nation's heritage, listen to fun music, and watch some great fireworks!

5) I'll be putting together a little xeroxed book of my stories...odds and ends from the years, including the top twenty count down of stories. I don't know when I'll get it done, but I'll be sure to let you know.

6) Half Price Books is having their annual Half Pint Library book drive. As previous ambassador for this great company, may I gently remind you to drop off books at any of their locations...all the books go into hospitals for kids, who get to take them home for free!

7) I'll be doing some children's shows. To date, I have on the calendar: January 26, I'll be hosting and performing for KLRU at their annual kids event here in Austin. (We'll find out where and post it on the website).

8) Look! Look! Number 7) above only has only one event posted. Can you believe it? I really am on a sabbatical! Ooh. It feels so good. I think I will get out of the hammock now and make some more pies. Thanks for letting me relax for a year! My family is really enjoying having me here EVERY DAY!!! And I love it, too!

Sending lots of love and jubilation,

Sara

---------------DVD?--------------------

Web WiseGuy addendum:

Sara told me in the strictest confidence, (but, hey we're pals, right?) that a DVD is now under way of the last 14 years of Sara's career. It should be ready by Christmas, 2003! So start saving up now! ;o)

--------------Austin Music Poll---------------------

more Web WiseGuy addendum (I am such a chatterbox!): Holy Cow it's that time again.. y'know, The Austin Music Poll!! Wowzer! Now's your chance to vote for Sara! Here's the url:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/musicpoll/03/

And here are some catagories that Sara's name can be squeezed into:

album <--Faithful Heart...
cover art <--Faithful Heart...
producer <--Sara Hickman...
singer-songwriter <--Sara Hickman...
female vocals <--Sara Hickman...
guitarist <--Sara Hickman...

Deadline for voting is Thursday, January 30, 2003 (that's 9 days!) So get your cyber-pencils ready and go to the above url and vote Sara! Oooo-oo, and watch out for them hanging chads! ;o)

-Sara's Web WiseGuy

-------------------and a happy New year!--------------------------

Sara Hickman eNewsLetter for February 20, 2003

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Hello, Peaceful Ones!

This is an update letter to tell you all that:

1) War is on my mind. Like you, I take this threat to heart, and so I am praying and speaking out to the best of my ability. This war, should it occur, will not be like past wars. It will be the worst war. A monster unleashed, with the whole world forever changed, and there will be no going back to how things are today, as trust for most of humanity will be completely obliterated. There is no one single "enemy"...We live in a complex time of societies all needing to take responsibility, including our own, for the problems we have created and continue to feed. There is terrible neglect, short-sightedness, arrogance, torture and selfishness on the hands of leaders, and they MUST learn to think beyond their power, greed, money, vanity and denial. The overall paradigm must shift. And for this to happen, keep speaking out. Keep praying. Keep making signs. Keep writing to your government. Keep talking to your neighbors. Do not be misled that the people have no say in what governments do. WE are the "government." We must continue to believe that we can save tomorrow for our children, for the planet, for humanity's sake.

2) The bulbs in my garden are starting to bloom white, yellow, red, purple, black, pink...all the colors of our world. The flowers are united in their joy of spring eternal. Let's follow suit, for God's sake.

3) I am going to go on, now, with notes about what is happening in my little corner of the world, but I wanted to say I BELIEVE IN GOODNESS. I WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO CHANGE MY BELIEF that humankind can change, grow and stretch beyond anything we can imagine...to become what life was created for...to enjoy the fruits of our labor and the cry of a newborn; to reunite with lost friends, save a stray kitten, walk on the beach, be in awe of a cave or a sunset, and to nurture one another to become the amazing one-of-a-kind person each of us was meant to be.

4) Hallelujah!

Okey-dokey, so here's what is up, otherwise:

Well, ACOUSTIC RAINBOW is a compilation cd sent to 1600 stations around the world, and my song, "No Name For Love" was accepted and placed on the cd as track #1!!! To date, stations in Tasmania, Romania, Germany, England, France, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Scotland and many others, including the United States, have started giving the song a spin.

If you like to support indie artists, this is a chance for you to have your say...call your local NPR/Americana/indie radio station and ask them to play my song. YOUR VOICE makes a difference. Although most radio is now owned by CLEAR CHANNEL, there are still stations that believe in playing the music of their choosing. They are the last bastion of hope for musicians such as myself...unless, by some weird mistake, I make it into the next round of AMERICAN IDOL...ha ha ha.

OH! And, now, #12 from the top twenty musical moments (if you missed the first eight in the countdown, I think they are on my website...www.sarahickman.com*... which, by the way, you should visit and click on the tiny guitar...if you want a good chuckle...just a hint)...

*--------MailingList WiseGuy note:---------------
Noper, the Sara Hickman top musical moments are on GregD's wonderful website:
http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html

;o)
*---the end of MailingList WiseGuy note:---------

#12 Top Musical Moment

One of my favorite venues to play over the years has been a tiny, dark room in Austin, Texas called the Cactus Cafe. It is located on the campus of the University of Texas, and there is no parking, so I always have to park illegally on the campus, but that's another story...

Which is a nice segue into the fact that this musical memory moment is actually three sewn into one because they all occurred at the Cactus Cafe...which, if you've never had the opportunity to visit, looks very much like a seductive Denny's (without the Moons over My Hammy...unless I'm performing, then it is pretty hammy.)

The first moment happened right before I got signed to Elektra Records, back in 1989. I believe it was actually my first time to perform at the Cactus Cafe, and the room was packed, thanks to my manager and the word that I might be getting signed soon. As it would happen, the VP of Elektra, Howard Thompson, was in attendance. It would be his second time to see me (the first will be revealed in musical moment #7...you'll have to wait awhile...sorry!) I was nervous, but a sort of giddy, happy nervous. The show was at four in the afternoon, so the sun was shining through the windows on all the lovely faces, and I was excited to be on stage. Everyone was in a sweet mood. I sang my set, and the very last song I sang was "Simply". A simple, direct love song...

But the reason I bring this story into my memory list is because of my boyfriend at the time, Sandy Abernethy. He was seated to my stage right, almost at my elbow (remember: I said it is a tiny room!), with Mr. Thompson at his side. As I remember it, I started to focus in on Sandy, and I put my whole heart into singing this song...I really wanted to let Sandy know how much I loved him. As I sang, I started to get choked up. I didn't lose it, mind you, like I have in other shows, but I could feel my heart swelling up in my chest, as if the world had lighted on my lungs and I was carrying the love of every lover ever! BIG LOVE! Pretty soon, there was a tear in Sandy's eye, and all around us, people were sobbing. As I walked off the stage, I just remember all these arms, and all this love, and a feeling in the room of great spirit, as if we were all very, very connected. I will never forget looking into Sandy's eyes. Thank you, Sandy! (Who is now happily married to a super, lovely woman and has an adorable, smart little five year old!)

There have been many, many shows at the Cactus since that day, but two other ones really stand out for me...and they both had me losing my voice.

Many years back, a young woman named Cindy was in a horrible car accident that left her in a coma. When she was first admitted into the hospital, I sent a cd of "Necessary Angels", through the request of one of her friends. But, at the last minute, I felt moved to write a personal letter and send it along with the cd. With the knowing someone would read it to her, I sent love and wished her a speedy recovery, and I also told her I knew she could hear the people around her talking, and that I was sure it was frustrating not to be able to communicate back. I ended with the hope my songs would comfort her in some way, and I would be thinking of her.

Well, about a year after the package was mailed, I received the first of many amazing letters from this young woman. She told me she HAD heard the words read from my letter, and that she had listened to my music over and over! She went on to briefly describe her progress of learning how to walk, and how to read and write, as well. Her letters started out awkward and heavy handed, and gradually became more confident over time. Every letter that arrived in my mailbox had me in tears because I knew it was a big undertaking on her part. I was very grateful and honored to be included in her journey to recovery.

One evening, I arrived to a long line outside the entrance to the Cafe. In the line, I noticed a young woman with a cane...I had never seen a photograph of Cindy, and I had no idea she would be coming to see me (she lives in Corpus Christi), and, yet, somehow, I knew it was her. I walked up to her and said, "Cindy?" and, quick as a wink, we were embracing. We spoke, quietly, and before I hit the stage, I was in awe. I wanted to honor her with her favorite song, but as I started to sing, "Shadowboxing", it was as if I was floating away, somewhere, and all I could see was her darkened figure, backlit, at a small table with a friend. My voice quivered, and I started to cry in front of the entire room.

This may seem like an odd memory to share. It doesn't really go anywhere. It doesn't have an ending, or a moral, or anything funny. And, yet, the spirit of her goodness was shining so bright, I felt the spotlight was shining on the wrong person. I didn't want to be on that stage. I wanted to sit and hold hands with this brave young woman, and watch a magic screen with images of her struggle to come back to life. I wanted everyone in that room to understand the greatness of her appearance that night...but, I also understood it was not my place to boast about her successes. And, so, I regained my composure. I went on. I honored her the best way I could...by celebrating her respectfully through my music. I went on. And so has she.

Ok. The last of the Cactus Cafe moments is short. I literally had laryngitis. I couldn't speak. Not one word. But, I went ready to sing. The Cafe was packed. My hands were sweaty. I got on stage and whispered into the mic, "I have laryngitis." The audience was aghast. What kind of show can a singer with no voice deliver? Well, here's a miracle for you. I believe I did a full two hour show. Yep. I sang. I sang all the notes except the high ones (maybe the dogs could hear them, we sure couldn't!) or the low ones. So, I'd sing a phrase, and the audience would get about 5 of the 8 words. But, I laughed, they laughed. To date, I 'd have to say it was probably the best show I ever put on because it was about the spirit of doing what you love...even when you can't fully do it! Oh, my.

So, until next time:

I wish you well...I wish you love
I wish you all I can
I wish you peace...I wish you hope...
Until we meet again...
Until we meet my friends.

Love,
Sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------
Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: http://www.sarahickman.com/
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
Sara Hickman
PMB #431
504 W. 24th Street
Austin TX 78705-5231

Sara Hickman's teeny-tiny eNewsLetter for April 10, 2003

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hello, super pal universe...

this is me, sara, writing to catch up with you. how are you doing? are you doing ok? i hope the anxiety of the world is not too heavy upon your shoulders.

we have been doing lots of praying. my husband and i took the girls to a candlelight peace vigil at the austin capital, and now when we drive by, my 2 1/2 year old says, "mommie...that's the place we pray for peace."

i'll keep this newsletter short...it's a beautiful day and there are things you want to do, people you want to see, and joy you want to spread. me? i'm going to go outside and plant...tomatoes, peppers, all sorts of lovely flowers. the earth feels good between my fingers.

here's what is up down here:

i think we should have a contest to name the DVD... (gene cowan has been doing an amazing job sorting through waaaaaay too much sara stuff, and he is a genius and we at the super pal universe want to say THANK YOU for his hard work.) so, send your dvd-name ideas to us (mailto:sara@sarahickman.com) and the winner will get a free DVD when they come out this fall! whoo-hoo! and a thank-you in the liner notes. entries must be received by...oh, how about the end of april - april 30!

i've been enjoying being home with my children. thank you for understanding and appreciating my need to be with my family.

there will be a new website for my children's stuff. the fabulous unknownart is putting it together, and this would be a great place to stop reading and say, "hip-hip-hooray for unknownart today!" the website will be http://www.superpaluniverse.com i'm grateful to mike and i know it is going to be a lot of fun. i hope to have all kinds of stuff your kids can download (coloring pages, recipes, fun stuff to do when you are bored...etc), so keep an eye out. we'll, of course, let you know when it is up and running...and...

then we'll also let you know when BIG KID will be out! i have been working on the new cd...it will have 26 songs/stories/poems...and ooh...is is wacky!

also, please check the website for an upcoming event in indianapolis. pbs will be filming me and cliff eberhardt, and mark butterfield has kindly asked me to bring some paintings along. come out and support live music, the visual arts, and hopefully get your face on pbs!!!

next email...will have story number 11 in the top twenty musical moments!

sending love, and praying for a world free of fear, praying for the troops, praying for the Iraqi civilians, and praying that you are each healthy and loved,

sara

Sara Hickman
PMB #431
504 W. 24th Street
Austin TX 78705-5231

Sara Hickman's e-NewsLetter for May 07, 2003

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okey- dokey- artichokeys!

here are the DVD suggestions to date...i have some favorites, but let me know what you think! (and after the DVD titles, there is a TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS note to YOU!)

CONTENDERS for the Sara Hickman DVD:

Smilin' Sara---Richard and Barbara Strax
This One!----M. Cogliandro
A Fist Full of Flowers---Jody Ferguson
Simply Sara
Sara Hickman---Tales from the Universe---both from Barbara Ackerman
What the Hick, Man!----Steve Pietzsche
Live from the Pumpkin Patch
String and a Prayer
On the Side With the Angels
Best of Times----all from Jeff Beiriger
I Am Going On A Journey (Jilalan)---from Henrietta Stathopoulas (the second half is Aborigine)
Sara-Nades
Sara Toga Party----both from Gerry Ashley
Growing Love---Diane Finke
Sara Stories---Craig Young
Searching for Grace--Alan at the Kensington Listening Room
Life---Eddie and Tara Malphrus
Earth Between My Fingers---Jim Stevens
Sassypants---Margaret Keys
Another Dopeless Hope Fiend---Max Pumpkin
Peeled Grapes and Pumpkin Love From the Super Pal Universe----Gerry Griffith
One Flew Over the Pumpkin Patch---Holly Clemens and Gerry Griffith both submitted this idea!

There you have them so far! If you'd still like to enter the contest, just send your idea on in...you'll get a free DVD and your name in the DVD liners, if you win!

And now, another moment from the TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS. We are currently at number 11...if you missed the previous nine, you can check them out via Greg D.'s kind gathering of my stories

---------

TOP TWENTY MOMENTS NUMBER 11 ...

It was a cool, crisp morning, and I was slated to perform the National Anthem with Domestic Science Club, the all girl singing group that included Patti Mitchell-Lege, Robin Macy and moi. We clamored into the tiny Volkswagon, the sun a hazy pink climbing up over the Dallas skyline. We were scheduled to sing at 6:00 a.m.

The little car carried our sleepy bodies over to the race site. We were going to be the send off for thousands of women running in the Susan G. Komen RACE FOR THE CURE, and we were excited. As we stood on the broad, white stage, the sun now an orange in the sky, we intertwined our arms, and the three of us looked out upon a sea of shining faces, eager to run, eager to hear us sing about the home of the brave. As the last notes of our voices melted into morning, I jumped off the stage and joined the throngs of women. I was going to run the race with Robin, the first time I would ever be running a 5K! Bang! And we were off!

As I ran, with Robin's encouragement!, I was moved by the presence of so many different women. Women were running on behalf of their mothers, their sisters, cousins, friends, grandmothers---women lost to breast cancer, women who had survived. There were old women, women with baby strollers, women in wheel chairs, women holding hands, women laughing...black and brown and yellow and pink and white women, a rainbow coalition, all running in the same direction---towards the finish line of hope.

I was breathing in and out, watching the rythym of women flow, when it came to me...these women needed an anthem of their own. The National Anthem was beautiful, and I truly love singing it, but in the end, it speaks of war, and these women were running for a different reason. With my legs a steady pulse beneath me, I ran and thought...ran and thought...when the melody and the rythym and the words came to my heart...It was Just...breathe... One Race...breathe... for the Cure...breathe...because we are all...breathe... One Race...the Human Race...run, run, breathe, run, run, breathe...

I started to sing the song in my mind, over and over, to the beat of thousands of feet...fearing I would forget my ideas, I kept singing, beginning to end, over and over and over....until suddenly, we were reaching the last part of the race...I didn't know if I could make it...my body was tired, and I was overwhelmed with the desire to rest...but Robin and Kayla (another friend) started to run circles around me, cheering me on, and I got that famous second wind...and we did it! We finished the race together! I was elated! My first time to ever run a REAL race and I had done it!

Well, as I ran across the line (grateful to my friends!), I ran right up to one of the producers of the race and said, "I've got it! I've got a song for you!" She looked confused, but I kept hopping around her, elated with my ideas...for not only had I "written" a song in my mind, I had had an entire vision...the song would have a gospel choir, there would be a full production, we could make a cd and the money could go to the Komen Foundation for further breast cancer research! The woman kept asking me, "What? What are you saying?" I shouted, "Over here to the parking garage! Let me sing it for you!" (Parking garages have nice acoustics, and there just happened to be one RIGHT THERE!!! How handy!) So, she grabbed some fellow volunteers (probably worried I was going to never stop hopping!) and we headed to the garage and I started to sing the song..."Oh!" they cried. "Oh! Now we understand!" they said.

Well, the next thing I knew, I was in my good friend Danny Levin's garage, and he was arranging the song to my a cappella ideas, and I was singing, and next I had to find just the right choir! Voila! Into my life came the Bits and Pieces for Christ Choir! We met at the studio...the song poured forth from them with such jubilation! I was clappping and cheering...they were clapping and cheering! Lots of clapping and cheering going on!

Next, I invited my sister's women's choir down from Colorado...and the whole mess of us, two full choirs and me, sang the song at the annual Komen luncheon for about 3000 women. It was a thrill! And the fact that the choirs consisted of lesbians, blacks, whites, Christians,women and men of different ideas, spiritual beliefs and walks of life... it represented the fact that cancer knows no bounds. It can affect all of us (even men get breast cancer...did you know that?).

So, God's vision, laid upon my heart, became a reality. Soon the song was on different cds helping to raise funds for the Komen Foundation. I was traveling the country, singing for the different races...

And then...just when I thought nothing more could become of the song....I ended up last spring at Carnagie Hall with a choir of 350 voices and an eighty piece orchestra...and I realized...this is how a dream begins...you just have to believe...you have to follow your heart and follow through...you have to know that one voice can start a choir...and so I say to you... if you have a dream right now...take that first step...and before you know it...you will be off and running...!

Some are black...
Some are white...
Each is precious in God's sight
Cuz we're all...in one race
For the cure
Some are young...some are old
And I find as time unfolds
That we're all...in one race
For the cure
As I watch...through my eyes
I try so hard not to cry...As each sister
Runs...
For another
I have found
When you care
There's more than enough to share
And we're all
In one race
For the cure...

Just one race...with each small step that you take
Cuz we're all in the race...
For the cure...

Sending love and prayers for a healthy planet,

Sara

-------More...From the MailingList WiseGuy------

On a serious note, Sara wants to pass this along as well Please note that this is not an Urban Legend like so many others: ... go to the Urban Legends WWW to verify.

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/amina.htm

and

http://www.mertonai.org/amina/

----Please Help-------

Subject: Fw: Urgent - Please help!

Please will you sign the www petition to save the life of Amina Lawal, now very near to being put to death by stoning in Nigeria. The instructions are below. Please pass the information to all your e-mail list. Thank you.

AMNINA LAWAL SET TO BE STONED ON 3RD JUNE

The Nigerian Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for Amina Lawal, condemned for the crime of adultery on August 19th 2002, to be buried up to her neck and stoned to death. Her death was postponed so that she could continue to nurse her baby. Execution is now set for June 3rd. If you haven't been following this case, you might like to know that Amina's baby is regarded as the 'evidence' of her adultery. The father denied everything when he realised the trouble he was in. To find out more about sharia law, see http://www.guardian.co.uk/theissues/article/0,6512,777972,00.html

Amina's case is being handled by the Spanish branch of Amnesty International, which is attempting to put together enough signatures to make the Nigerian government rescind the death sentence.

A similar campaign saved another Nigerian woman, Safiya, condemned in similar circumstances. By March 4th the petition had amassed over 2,600,000 signatures. It will only take you a few seconds to sign Amnesty's online petition.

Go to the web page http://www.amnistiaporsafiya.org/

Enter your first name in the space marked "nombre", last name ("apellidos"), county ("provincia"), (for this I put "San Antonio, TX) country,(In the drop down box pick "Estados Unidos" for the United States; "Reino Unido" for the United Kingdom; etc.. ) Then click on "Seguir" and go to the second page. There you have the option of entering your email address if you wish to receive follow-up information. In any case, be sure to click on "aceptar" to have your name added to the petition list. Please sign the petition now, then copy this message into a new email and send it to everyone in your address book.

Dr Reg Dennick, BSc, PhD, MEd, ILTM
Assistant Director of Medical Education
The Medical School
The University of Nottingham
NG7 2UH UK
Tel (44) 0115 9709788
Fax (44) 0115 9709922
Visit www.medsin.org

Elaine Tennant
Secretary MedSIN-UK
secretary@medsin.org

-----------Thank You------------

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Sara cd's, including "Faithful Heart" is still available at:
*Hastings (all over Texas)
*Tower Records in New Orleans, Austin, Atlanta, Honolulu, Hawaii; Pasadena, CA; and New York City, NY
*Trans World Entertainment in Albany, NY
*Best Buy
*CD UNIVERSE in Dallas, TX

-------------------------------
Sara can be e-mailed at :
sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is:
http://www.sarahickman.com/
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------

Sara Hickman LONG eNewsLetter for June 5, 2003

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Hello, Super Pals of the Super Pal Universe!

PILLOWMAN! Yes, he's back! In eighteen more handmade collectible, squeezeable dolls! Whoo-hoo! And he is going fast! The price has inched up slightly...he is now going for $37.50 because Hope, his seamstress, had to up her ante a little bit. She said the legs are hard to create...BUT, BOY oh BOY, do Pillowman's legs look great, and they are ready for summer fun! Just imagine...you and Pillowman at the beach, sunning yourselves and sharing lengthy conversations about the movies you've seen... My friend, Chris Conti, even takes her Pillowman to the ICE SKATING RINK with her! WOW! Where will you take YOUR Pillowman this summer? Say, maybe we should have another contest...send in photos of you and your pillow pal somewhere unique, and whoever has the most interesting photo will win...what would you like to win? Let's put our thinking caps on!

This is going to be a LOOOOOOONNNNNG letter, so get ready! Welcome, super pals!, to another happy time together!

First some news from the Super Pal Universe! Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel will be reading a story I wrote for "Big Kid", the new kids cd. Also! Ruthie Foster will be singing a duet with me. If you haven't heard Ruthie, you haven't heard Ruthie! But you will! Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines are also coming in to help on a song...this will be wonderful! I love Terri. What a good soul! And...cross your fingers, cross your heart, but DO NOT cross your eyes!...I am hoping Willie Nelson will say YES to a duet on the last song of the cd, as well. Please oh please oh please oh please. Help me pray/chant/cha cha cha until this dream becomes a reality! Wouldn't it be super sweet? Yes. Super sweet for children of all ages...

I also have a STAMP OF APPROVAL contest going on. If you have a child you would like to enter in the contest, send a SASE to me at

PMB 431
504 West 24th,
Austin, Tx 78705

...You'll receive an entry form in which your child designs the "stamp" that gives their approval
...and it will appear on the cover of BIG KID, if they win....
They'll get their name, i.e. "Miss La-La gives her STAMP OF APPROVAL!" and a free cd.

June 28th...looks like a performance at the gorgeous STATE THEATRE in downtown AUSTIN, TX...with Guy Forsyth and Will Taylor with Strings Attached. Tickets are on sale through STAR TICKETS... (CALL 469-SHOW for Tickets) there are only 300 seats in this little beauty, so my advice would be to bring ALL OF YOUR RELATIVES! Hee hee.

I have decided to start promoting the FACT that people need not only 8 glasses of water a day, but 8 hugs. Please help start this movement TODAY. Think of what a better place the world would be if EVERYONE felt loved. Take the time to go visit your local nursing home today. Hug your neighbor. Hug your mother-in-law. Hug your enemy. Hug your principal at school. Hug a game show host. Hug yourself! If you see him, hug Leo Buscaglia while you're at it! And tell him I send my love!

Okey dokey artichokeys! Now, it's time to grab a snack and settle in for...

THE TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS
....Number 10 in our countdown (we're halfway there!!!)

This is the story of a young girl named Sara who was plucked from obscurity and placed on a national late-night show. The Tonight Show. The Tonight Show of Long Ago when the host was a funny, silly white haired man with an impish grin. Yes, back in The Days of Carson...

Our story begins when Little Miss S arrives in the Lost City of Angels via a stretch limo chock full of friends and bandmates. As the group disembarks from their land boat into a concrete covered lot, they stare in reverence at an empty parking spot. (Say, makes you want to break into a Joni Mitchell tune, no?) Said spot sports a sign reading thus: JOHNNY CARSON. Here is where a lean, clean Stingray machine will soon zoom into place... but for now...our happy campers can only sigh that they have actually been chosen to nab a performance on our gentle chappie's show.

The day goes on. Little Miss S is guided into make-up. The make-up artist is from Germany. She discovers our young artist is from Texas. The make-up lady says, "Oh, beeg hair?" Our young friend says, "Excuse me?" Make-up lady says, "You? You vant beeg hair?" Little Miss S shakes her head and says, "No, thank you. No beeg hair." The make-up lady pulls out orange juice cans and proceeds to wrap strands of Little Miss S's hair upon said cans as she hangs on for dear life, her hair climbing up, uP, UP! Soon, while her hair is growing, so are her lips. The make-up lady says, "Nice. You have nice, beeg lips. I make them beeger." Again, our heroine uses the word "no", but she has come to realize she is in BACKWARDS LAND because "no" seems to signify "yes, please make it beeger!" and since no one gave Little Miss S the secret code word for "no", she decides she will just scrape the goo from her face immediately finishing the removal of the giant cans from her hair.

THE GREEN ROOM: After diligently attempting to remove the goo and flatten her abnormally larger hair, Little Miss S retires to the green room. It is not green. It is white, and the size of a walk-in closet, with lots of hot lights and mirrors for circus clowns. (Which is appropriate since this is how Little Miss S is thinking she looks at the moment.)

THE REHEARSAL: Goes well. Band is great. Some background: the song was chosen by the Tonight Show Talent Co-ordinator (from here-to-fore known as TC). The song is called "TOO FAST", which TC thought to be very, very funny when he heard Little Miss S perform it in a night club earlier in the year.

BACK IN THE GREEN ROOM: Little Miss S has changed into her performance attire. People have arrived from The Label. The Manager has arrived. Flowers have arrived. Little Miss S receives her first Western Union Telegram which states, "We don't eat flowers. We love you. Hugh and Millie." (Hint: Think of "Simply").

STILL IN THE GREEN ROOM, MOMENTS LATER: Everyone is excited. Everyone is taking pictures. It is fifteen minutes until showtime! Suddenly, TC enters the room. There is an air of unease. The Manager looks concerned. Little Miss S thinks to herself, "Something is up. And it's not just my hair." And, yes, something is up. The TC has news. LATE BREAKING NEWS. The song can not be sung. It is no longer funny. It seems a censor was present and she has declared the song "TOO RACY."

"Too racy??" the singer cries.

"Yes," says the TC with flair. "It is not too fast, it is too racy, so you must perform another song."

The singer is confused. Panic sets in.

"But the band learned THAT song!" she says.

"I realize it is moments until show time," TC agrees. "Therefore, you may perform the song, however, you must re-write some of the words."

"WHAT?" cries the singer.

"Now, now..." says The Manager.

The Label is silent.

"Now, don't be upset," sympathizes the TC. "I know you feel pressured. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to re-write the words for you."

The singer is silent.

The TC produces a piece of paper from behind his back. Little Miss S is stunned to see scribblings across the sheet. TC begins to read:

"Where you say "she dives into his pants", I thought you could sing "she does a finger dance upon his pants" or "unzips his pants". Would those work for you?"

Little Miss S has turned green. Not from envy, but because her little tummy is twisting up in knots.

"No. No. That will not work," she says.

"Why not?" asks the TC. "I think it is rather clever!"

The Label is starting to look concerned.

The Manager shifts his weight and looks at Little Miss S as if to say, "Take the deal!"

"No. This makes no sense," says Little Miss S, the singer. The singer who has worked all her life for this very moment and is about to lose it to a maniacal last minute wanna-be songwriter in charge of talent for a major network show. "This makes no sense whatsoever. You want me to take an abstract line, "she dives into his pants", which once made you laugh, and turn it into something graphic like "she UNZIPS his pants"? That's not funny!"

The TC is turning red. "Yes, it is!" he declares.

"No, it's not," responds Miss S, who is no longer feeling little.

"Well, it's my way or perform another song," TC growls.

"Fine," says Miss S. "I will do another song. I am not changing the words to my song."

The TC leaves in a huff. The room, formerly full of enthusiasm, feels like a deflated balloon in an oven. Miss S feels embarrassed. She feels afraid. She feels excited. She has no time to worry about her feelings, she has to pick a song and teach it to the band with only moments to spare!!!

"Brad!" she cries. "Can you chart out "Last Night Was A Big Rain?"

Brad. Brad McLemore. A trusted friend and extremely talented guitarist. Little Miss S has relied on Mr. M so many times. Once again he is by her side to perform. He has witnessed the exchange between TC and Miss S, so he grabs a pen and some notebook paper and sets to work. (Here we should all take a moment to say a prayer of gratitude for Mr. M, this patient, humble and talented person.)

Mr. M speeds out the door to deliver the news and the music. Miss S is now charged with the power of anger mixed with hope mixed with fear. She is led to her spot behind a heavy, closed curtain. Upon a cue, the curtain will open and she will be exposed to bah-zillions of people she can not see. She is left alone behind the curtain. She knows not what to feel. Her guitar is in her hand, and before she can mentally prepare, the curtain parts and the audience is clapping and the lights! The lights are blinding! She is walking forward, and reaching the microphone, hears the band start to play. Her right hand strums along, her left hand confident in creating the chords. She stares directly into the camera and rips out the song about rain...about flying around in the darkness...about friendship and wanting to fit in...about Johnny Cash and Kovacs, who she has never really seen...She lets her heartache and anger roll out of her body and she feels taller than her hair. The camera never leaves her face, totally ignoring her faithful friend, Brad, over in the bandstand. Brad, who has traveled thousands of miles so his family can see him, too, perform on this late night show, and yet, not once do they show sweet Brad or Denny the drummer or Randy Jackson, the bassist. Oh, the tragedy of it all!

Back home in Texas, Miss S's boyfriend, Mr. S, turns to the gathering of folks watching the performance and says, "Ooh, she's MAD!"

The song ends. But not really. Miss S sends the cue, but the band is jamming. They do not see the song has ended. So, Miss S rallies and comes around for a second ending, which she lands with a flourish across the guitar. Still, the band plays on. Miss S concludes that her life is now over and she is a fool with giant hair and that she is looking forward to a new life working at a Walgreens. Something quiet and easy with a regular paycheck. Yes, that will be good, she is thinking to herself. Finally, the band is finished. The song ends. Break to a commercial as the audience is whooping it up. An exhausted Miss S is called over to the coveted cushion next to Johnny, and as she approaches, an amazing thing happens.

Johnny is singing her song. Johnny Carson is singing to her..."Last night was a big rain..." and he is smiling at her and tapping his legendary pencil on the desk in time to her song.

There is peace. All is good. And, after all, it's only show biz. Life will go on. Life will have it's twists and turns, and a copy of this performance will end up on a DVD years later, where Miss S will think to herself, "My God, look at my HAIR!"

This newsletter is dedicated to our dear Jack and the happy life he shared with us all...He was our yellow tabby...you would have loved him, too.

Peace!

Sara

-----------------added by the MailingList WiseGuy-----------

AUSTIN, Texas --Half Price Books will present the Austin community's donations of more than 13,000 books to the Half Pint Library at Children's Hospital of Austin during a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the hospital's second-floor lobby located at 1400 N. IH 35. Austin's own Sara Hickman, who has served as Half Price Books Reading Ambassador, will perform for patients immediately following the dedication.

-----------------eNoted-------------------
Sara can be e-mailed at :
sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is:
http://www.sarahickman.com/
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman: Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:

Sara Hickman
PMB #431
504 W. 24th Street
Austin TX 78705-5231

Sara Hickman's eNewsLetter (or...is it an UPDATE? You be the judge!) for July 31, 2003

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hello, kitty cats!

ah, summertime! guess what? i've been pitching for my church softball team and i am LOVING it! we are called the FLAMES. and, yes, we are on FIRE!!!

i saw SPY KIDS 3-D the other day. i had never seen a 3D movie before. interesting...verrrrrry interesting! the best part is the silver blobs that seem to float out... RIGHT INTO YOUR FACE!

this is a short newsletter...just an update, really...

first of all, on monday, august 4, i'm going to pop into a studio and record a bunch of songs just me and the guitar. if you have a song you'd like on this cd, please let me know ASAP so i can include it. this will be the second in the series (the first one was called ONE FLOWER TO THE LEFT). so many people have asked for more of just me and my guitar, i figured i better get on it!

i will be performing this friday August 1, at FLIPS in austin. come out if you can. i had a lovely solo show at CACTUS CAFE two weeks back...i wish you all could have been there. and on AUGUST 9 i'll be at the PIER with my band of guys...

i got a recent BMI statement...seems i've been getting airplay on TV and radio in: HONG KONG, AUSTRALIA,GERMANY, IRELAND, CANADA, POLAND, DENMARK, JAPAN, the NETHERLANDS, FINLAND, FRANCE, PHILLIPINES, SPAIN and the UNITED KINGDOM. it always makes me smile to know that music goes on...long after it has been recorded.

summer reading: i've read the new harry potter (fantastic!!!), david sedaris' "my talk pretty one day", "healing conversations" and now a book called THE VERTICAL MAN by matthew dalton. check it out if you can!

let's see...oh, yes, the DVD is coming along...BIG KID is almost finished...and here's a short story from the TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS!

NUMBER NINE in the TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS countdown from your old pal, Sara Hickman!

Sometimes when I've finished recording a song, the engineer will play it back and there is a divine satisfaction that the song is done. No need to tweak, or mess with instrumentation, or re-sing a vocal...all is as it should be. Resting comfortably, each note falls into a space that is harmonious with the magic embracing it.

One night, in New York City, in a funky little carpeted studio on the third floor of a decrepit looking building, I had this experience. I had just finished recording "Everyone's Gone to the Moon" with Angelo Badalamenti. (This is the man that did all the music for TWIN PEAKS, and brought Julee Cruise to prominence.)

Through several giant speakers, I stood in the middle of the cutting room floor, listening to my voice resonating at a very loud decible. It sounded like a warm blanket. Angelo was standing there, too, and we were smiling like cats who caught the bird.

I asked Angelo to dance with me. He chuckled and shook his head, but I took him by the hand and led him into a waltz. Angelo is a fine, older Italian gentleman with passion streaming from every pore, and with the music pouring all around us, we danced and celebrated the beauty of the moment. The words of the song ringing true...

This is a lovely memory for me. Perhaps nothing special will leap out about it for you, but as I get older, I find these quiet connections mean more to me than ever. I believe it's called living in the moment. A moment of grace.

I wish a moment of grace for you today.

Sending love,

Sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Sara can be e-mailed at :
sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is:
http://www.sarahickman.com/
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards, moments of grace and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704

-------

A Sara Hickman eNewletter for September 4, 2003

----------------------------------------------

Hi, Dearest Super Pals!

Summer is coming to close. It was hot. It was rainy. I had SO MUCH FUN with my children, friends and family. And today...our two darling mice, Gentle and Lady, had SEVEN babies! We were filled with glee! We gave them nesting supplies, extra food and water and oohed and aahed (quietly, so as not to upset the wee nursing mommy!)

New dates are being added to the website! Check it out!

I also now have a BLOG! If you are interested in reading more of my blatherings, take a gander at www.zenlala.com.

The release date for BIG KID is official! September 23! I will be having the release party at the Austin Zoo (for the Austin folks, I'll do others in Dallas and whatever cities will have me!) so as to raise much needed monies for their tigers and lions and bears, oh my!

Here are the titles of the songs on BIG KID. Whether you are old or young, this cd is GUARANTEED to make you laugh and think. In fact, my sweet daughter, Lily, sings a song that will blow you away. And I'm not biased, or anything!

Songs on BIG KID..September 23! September 23! Go to www.theconnextion.com to order TODAY-ay-ay-ay!

iolana do you wanna
cantaloupe!
ooh la la
in the middle of a little country road
eat my breakfast
look at me (the hit single as sung by lily!)
radiation man (re-worded for kids)
little seed inside the prune
louise
little yella dog (starring miss robin macy and her multi-talented man, kentucky! recorded by colin boyd!)
we're all pink on the inside
here it comes...the next song! (yes, that's the name of it!)
my sista, my friend (duet with ruthie foster!)
nanatime (a story written and narrated by my mom, zelda!)
how to make a belinsky
i wish i were a princess
it's fall, it's fall
space poetry! (written and narrated by kristen nichols, who you may remember helped co-write "i like my boots")
pillowman theme song (he is official now!)
your red wagon
storytime with ray benson (story by sara, narrated by mr. asleep at the wheel!)
i wish you well (with terri hendrix singing backups and lloyd maines on the pedal steel)
pledge of allegiance to your family

so, there you have it! also starring the SUPER PAL UNIVERSE band: brad evilsizer (drums), jeff johnson (bass and saw), jon sanchez (electric guitar), eddy hobizal and danny levin on pianos/keyboards, mark rubin (tuba) and a host of others you won't believe!

i am VERY EXCITED! can you tell I AM EXCITED???!
oh, and tom's ribs in san antonio is the place to be!
thanks to the SUPER PAL AUDIENCE and CREW that was in attendance that night. what a blast!

sending love, joy and birthday cake,

sara

--------------wowzer---------------

(MailingList WiseGuy note: I took a little break, and Sara sent in the above eNewsLetter, then before I even got back... Yepper, Sara sent ANOTHER small eNewletter to send out! It's short and an easy read... and possibly one of the most important eNotes Sara has ever sent...) ...and.. here it is:

-----------------------------

hi, everybody out there in the super pal universe!

this is short. this is just to say that I LOVE YOU and thank you for all the support you've given me and my music over the years. more later, but just wanted to say THANK YOU.

have a joyful week!

sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Sara can be e-mailed at :
sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: www.sarahickman.com

Sara's weBlog can be read at: www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:

***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers?
If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at:
sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

Sara Hickman eNewsLetter for September 15, 2003

-----------------------------------------------

hello, everyone!

i wanted to start with a quote:

we are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.

-----Thich Nhat Hanh

what a beautiful thought. it says so simply what i try to portray in my songs and actions, and yet, sometimes i'm not sure i can convey it.

one week until BIG KID is here at the house. i am excited to see how it comes out! how will it be received? what will you think of it? i hope it will bring you as much joy as it did for me in the making of it.

in an effort to promote BIG KID, i would like to hire a wonderful publicist from chicago named andrea blain. two years ago, she promoted TODDLER and NEWBORN, and her hard work helped both cds get coverage in NEWSWEEK, PARENTING, US WEEKLY, and many, many other bigtime publications and newspapers. she also encouraged me to submit the cds for the awards that the two cds subsequently won!

so, i have gone through my closet and shed and i have decided to release many artifacts from my career. my hope is that some of you will be interested in buying these things so i can use the money to acquire ms. blain's expertise in promoting BIG KID.

i will post these items at my blog site:

www.zenlala.com

and you can peruse at your leisure. if you are interested in purchasing something, email me, and we will go from there! (if you wish, i am happy to decorate/sign/doodle upon anything that you purchase, with your name or that of someone you want to surprise.)

other news:

this weekend i am performing at:

friday, sept. 19---plano balloon festival, plano, texas i think i perform at 7:00 pm (adult & children's music)

sunday, sept. 21---Austin City Limits Festival, austin, tx 2:30, children's stage

saturday, sept 27---Pajamarama Picnic BIG KID cd release party at the AUSTIN Z00! Wear your jammies and bring a picnic dinner...hang out with your family, hear new tunes from me, ride the train, see the tigers! 5:30-7:30 call (512) 288-1490

thursday, oct 2---The Great Outdoors, Austin, TX 7-8 pm

saturday, oct 4---AIDS Benefit, Denton Texas

sunday, oct 5---NOT FOR CERTAIN YET...Ft. Worth Library Festival

wed, oct 8---lily's dentist appointment! don't let me forget!

this is all for now...next letter, another TOP TWENTY story, i promise...

sending love and joy,

sara

----------unabashed plug via MailingListWiseGuy-------------------------------

sara hickman's pajamarama picnic BIG KID release party at the austin zoo september 27, 2003 5:30-7:30 p.m. austin, texas

come hang out in your pjs and eat a "bring-your-own-dinner" with your parents -picnic style while sara hickman plays you new songs from her new children's cd, BIG KID! proceeds benefit the Austin Zoo. cds will be available for decoration and signing!

for info, call the austin zoo!!!

The Austin Zoo
10807 Rawhide Tr
Austin, TX 78736-2716
Phone: (512) 288-1490

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: www.sarahickman.com/
Sara's weBlog can be read at: www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers?
If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

a Sara Hickman eNewsLetter for Octo-boo 14, 2003 :o)

-----------------------------------------------

Hello, Kitty Cats!

Well, here it is, October...almost time for spookiness to descend! My kids and I are having a great time going to Half Price Books and checking out the latest in scary books...my three year old finds ghosts, skeletons and bats to be very interesting! So, I am sending you a great big BOO! in the hopes that you have fun bobbing for apples and getting treats in your bags!

Ok...this e-newsletter has #8 in the countdown of TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS. It will be awaiting you at the end of this e-newsletter! For those of you who have missed the first 12 stories in the series, I believe there is a link at my website (www.sarahickman.com) if you'd like to read them all...Thanks to Greg Fieser for compiling them all...

-----mailingList WiseGuy note-------------
You can find the past SaraMusical Moments at Greg's site: www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
and past Sara eNewsLetters at Greg's site: www.habu2.net/saramail.html
-----end-o-mailingList WiseGuy note-------------

Speaking of websites, I have a new one! It's called SUPERPALUNIVERSE.com! Go there if you want to print out drawings I've made of Pillowman doing various hilarious things....or mandalas...and then you can color them in! It 's my new kids website and it has arrived just in time to celebrate the release of BIG KID! For those of you who like variety in your music, I promise you: BIG KID delivers! You can never be glum when BIG KID is in da house! Including "Look at Me", sung by my seven year old, Lily...I also have guest appearances by Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel), Brave Combo, Ruthie Foster (on "My Sista, My Friend"), Robin Macy and Kentucky White ("Little Yella Dog"), Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines ("I Wish You Well"), my mom (she does NANATIME!) and, of course, the lovely and talented Kristen Nichols who did a star turn on TODDLER ("I Like My Boots!").

------------------------

Here are some upcoming performance dates:

Friday, Oct 10--- I'm speaking at ANY BABY CAN Conference, Austin, Tx noon-2:30
---
Later that night, I'm at LAKE AUSTIN SPA & RESORT...and let me tell you, this is a very intimate, gorgeous setting...This spa is one of the best in the world..I usually play on a patio with the lake behind me, to about fifteen-twenty women (occassionally there's a guy or two!), just me and my guitar. Really relaxing and homey. I'll be doing more of these in the future, so if you can't make this one, just go to the spa sometime to nurture yourself...lovely, lovely, lovely place. Great food, too, all prepared by chefs on site.

Saturday, Oct 11--- Open Door Coffehouse, Arlington, TX
TWO SHOWS: children's show at 3 and a show for adults that night

Saturday, Oct 18--- LEANDER FALL FESTIVAL, Leander, Texas...this is to makeup for the rained out Fourth of July concert I was to do...there will be two shows: 4:00 pm children's show, 7:00 pm family show (with band)

Sunday, Oct 19--- BUDDY WALK, Austin, Tx (in Zilker Park) I play at 2:00 pm, but the walk starts at noon If you haven't ever been to a Buddy Walk, you are missing out! These walks help support families with children who have Down's Syndrome. There is a walk around the park, and then there are games and live music...contact Gerard@austin.rr.com for more info on how you can support these awesome children and their stellar parents!

Tuesday, Oct 21--- NUTTY BROWN CAFE, outside Austin, Tx on Hwy 71...children's show 6:30-7:15 pm Great food and fun for the whole family!!!

Wednesday, Oct 22--- Live on KUT with John Aielli, Austin, Tx, to promote BIG KID (with band!)

Friday, Oct 24/25--- my paintings go up on display with Robyn Jamison @ The Awarehouse, Austin, Tx

Saturday, Oct 25--- PIONEER FARMS, Austin, Tx 11:30-1:00 pm...Children's show...and Joe McDermott will be performing, too!

Fly to California that night so I can play on...
Sunday, Oct 26...in Concorde, California...Outdoor Halloween festival for families!

For those of you who came to the Tom's Ribs show I did in San Antonio...WOW! I can honestly say I've never gotten a standing ovation while surrounded by BBQ! I hope to return there because it was awesome! Thanks, also, to all the good folks at the Plano Balloon Festival, Austin City Limits Festival and the Austin Zoo for coming out in droves to support my music! And thanks to you who have visited my blog (www.zenlala.com) to help me raise money to hire a publicist! YOU ROCK!

Lastly, my friend, Brian Rumbaugh, runs a great summer camp for handicapped/autistic/mentally challenged adults in the hills of California. Last year, Lily and I went and helped out...it was such an awesome, loving experience (especially for my six year old...). It was an honor to be part of serving over 100 adults with music, art, swimming, camping, games, and three square meals a day. Many of these adults thrive on the attention and for some this is probably the most loving attention they receive all year.

Brian wants to do a fundraiser for the camp...He proposes I do a performance at McCabes in Santa Monica, but I suggested a house concert might be just as cool. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? I want to make it a successful event so that the camp can continue to have the quality therapists/counselors on staff that it already boasts, plus help them buy the supplies they need to make it another awesome camp experience for everyone involved. Please send your thoughts my way, and I will send them on to Brian. Thanks, you guys!
----------
OK! As promised! Here is story #8 in the great TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENTS COUNTDOWN!!!

My first album, EQUAL SCARY PEOPLE, had just arrived in boxes at my house. The year was 1988, and I was two years out of college. I was getting some local reviews in the press, and every thing about making music was new, exciting and unbelievable! Suddenly, the phone rang. It was a woman in town who booked Killbilly, a six piece highly energetic punk-bluegrass band, and she wanted to know if I wanted to go on TOUR WITH THEM!!! Across the midwest! UNBELIEVABLE! Her idea was this:
"You see, you can get press cuz you have a record, and they can get the bookings cuz they are a band. You can all travel in one van and save money."

I was PSYCHED! I packed up my few belongings (a guitar and a prom dress) and hit the road with men dressed in nothing but black t-shirts, black jeans, black boots, and black tattoos. I felt like Doris Day on tour with the Ramones!!!

Well, somewhere out there on the road, magic started happening! By the time we got to Kansas City, Kansas, my brand-spankin' new manager, Kevin, called to give me some good news:

Elektra Records was sending it's Vice President to hear me!

OHMYGOD! I screamed and dropped the phone. UNBELIEVABLE!

After I picked up the phone, I immediately dropped it again...because he was coming to the show THAT NIGHT, in a strange land where no one had an inkling of who I was (nor did they care)...

So, I did what any girl with a guitar would do.

I went shopping.

That's right. You see, not only was this the year I made my first record, it was the year I got my first CREDIT CARD!!! So, I told the boys I'd be back, and I went walking. Walking and walking...and walking until I found a funky little shop called ORBIT...and there I bought a LIME GREEN VELVET glove dress. And ridiculously large loop earrings (they came with seals that did tricks, they were that big!!!) I think I even bought LIME GREEN tights.

Now, one of the funny things to happen (besides me losing any sense of fashion), was that the club was basically empty that night. To my recollection, there were maybe 27 people there (including the bartender.) It was a nice club, upstairs, all wood floors with big, white walls (that were actually sparkly clean!) and a couple of pool tables in the back. So, before you can say, UT IS GOING TO BEAT OU, in walks my cousin Joe and his wife, Waunita, right there, outta the blue. Now, let me just say this: Uncle Joe was the kind of man that left $20 tips for $3 beers. He was a generous, happy, hefty soul that everyone loved to be around. I was thrilled that he was there because I loved him so, but I also knew he would be tickled to help me with:

THE PLAN!

Yes, as I went on stage that night, I announced to the 27 people in attendance that I was a young girl from Texas (although I suspect they thought I was a frog named Kermit in my neon outfit)...and that at any moment, ANY MOMENT, a Man from New York representing ELEKTRA RECORDS was going to walk in through the door.

UNBELIEVABLE!

I asked the audience one thing, and one thing only: I asked them to cheer, long and hard, after every song I performed...as if each song was the best song they had ever heard...it was my dream, I said. I've been dreaming of this moment since I was seven years old, I said. There was a nodding of heads, a reverence, if you will. Everyone in the room seemed to understand we were all a part of something UNBELIEVABLE that was about to happen.

Well, I knew the Man from New York wasn't there yet, because besides the boys from Killbillly, he would be the only other man dressed all in black.

Suddenly, he was there. As if my guardian angel had timed it perfectly, in walked the Man from New York, just as I finished my plea to the small crowd.

I started to sing.

I put my heart into it. The first song finished, 27 people went insane. They cheered and clapped and whistled and pounded the tables as if I was SOLID GOLD!!! The same thing after the third and fourth and fifth song...total bedlam!

I finished my set (after two encores...and I had to finish...I didn't have any other songs except Simon and Garfunkel covers)...

And I met the Man From New York. And the rest is history...he told me he wanted to sign me that night. UNBELIEVABLE!

And, as my friend Mark Rubin later told me, he says I leaned in across the table towards the Man from New York and said, "But if you try to change me, I will be unhappy and I will leave."

UNBELIEVABLE!

The sweet part of this story is that Howard, the Man from New York, could see past the silly green dress, he figured out what I had gotten the audience to do, yet he still really heard my songs, my desire to make music, and my love for storytelling, and he GOT it. To this day, I am very grateful to you, Howard, if you are out there reading this story. I know I would still be making music whether I had met you that fateful night or not, but who knows if I would have had the exposure you granted me and my music. Thank you for making my wish come true!

Thank you for believing in me.

Howard also taped that night on a little taperecorder..I have the cassette somewhere in my vault. It's faded, now, but between my songs and banter, right there you can hear the cheers and Howard's happy laughter ringing out.
-------
Next story: What happened with Lucinda Williams!

<<<< -------special SaraNote---------- >>>>

Thanks to each of YOU -for all you do, not just by supporting my musical journey, but for being a part of making the world a better place!

Lots of love and pumpkin seeds,

-Sara

PS...It's one of those funny coincidences, but Mark Rubin (who was in Killbilly and was my roommate on tour) plays TUBA on the new BIG KID cd!!!! Thanks, Mark!!!

-----------added to this eNewsletter--------------
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
What you may not know is that you can help these women and thousands of others in the fight against breast cancer right now!
On November 2nd, I will be participating in the Austin Race for the CureŽ in Austin, Texas, with a great team of dedicated people.
Join the fight by registering as part of our team or by supporting our efforts with a pledge contribution. The money raised through the Race will fund vital education, screening and treatment programs for underserved women in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties and support the national search for a cure.
We need your support! Every step counts! Don't worry if you can't donate a lot of money...every penny, nickel, dime and dollar *will* help!
Paste this link in your browser to visit *my* page on the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Austin Affiliate and Austin Race for the Cure today:
www.komenaustin.org

----WiseGuy notation: look..it's like an ad or something!..but it's sara related!------

The Austin Contemporary Chamber Players, in conjunction with The Awarehouse, Present an Evening of Chamber Music, Visual Art, Wine and Food.

Saturday, October 25, 2003
Doors open at 7:30 PM, concert at 8 PM.
The Awarehouse
3800 South Congress (one block north of Hwy 71/Ben White)
Tickets, $10, available at the door

Austin, TXSeptember 25, 2003The Austin Contemporary Chamber Players are pleased to announce their premier concert. Flutist Seetha Shivaswamy, cellist Terence Muir and pianist Michelle Schumann will join forces with painters Sara Hickman and Robyn Jamison in the informal environment of The Awarehouse, for an evening of music, art and wine. The program will feature both well-loved and rarely heard chamber works by Debussy, Bach, Berg, Villa-Lobos and Martinu. After the concert, the audience is invited to view the art, meet Robyn Jamison and the musicians and enjoy wine and food, which will be available for purchase.
-------------------------------------------

-----------------eNoted-------------------
Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: http://www.sarahickman.com/
Sara's weBlog can be read at: http://www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------

Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers?
If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman

A SaraHickman SaraThanxŠ

--------------------------------------------

hello, kitty cats!

thanks to everyone who responded to my note about needing help with the delivery of the painting to dallas. a lovely woman named dixie is taking it up this morning.

i really appreciate how quickly you all jumped in to offer help. i am sure the folks at the black tie event would want me to thank you on their behalf of aids services, as well!

i hope your halloween was full of treats and no tricks!

love,

sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Yikes! It's Nov 1? Now it's the start of the Big Holiday Season! EEEEEEEE!

Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: http://www.sarahickman.com/
Sara's weBlog can be read at: http://www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers? Maybe you're not a Kitty Cat, but a Cool Doggy? A rapscallion Raccoon? A Jet Setting Jaguar? Or just an average person making ends meet? If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

Sara Hickman short eNewsLetter for November 7, 2003

----------------------------------------------

Think a bit of your day.

Now, think of your week.

Were any of your thoughts about the ones nearest (and dearest) to you? Never leave them out of your day or your week.

They need a bit of a hug and a talking with right now.

Really.

And strangely enough, so do you.

Really!

This weekend make an effort to give and collect on those hugs.

It's the start of the holiday season and sometimes things get a little rushed and forgotten. Make sure your loved ones know you remember them and love them. Make everyone around you smile, and you'll be smiling, too!

----------------

Congratulations to Laura Sternfels Strand!
She's the winner of The Connextion puzzle contest!

-----------

SARASHOWS!

This weekend I'm in Dallas! Come on, let's visit a while!
Saturday, November 8 LampLighter's School 3pm
Also Saturday, November 8 Alexander's Hideaway 7:30pm
Tickets are $12 in advance. $15 at the door.
629 North Peak at Junius
Call 214-824-8583 for info and reservations

Sunday, November 9 Alexander's Hideaway 3pm
Sunday Children's Concert
Tickets are $1 per birthday (we stop counting for kids and adults at $10 each.) These tickets can also be obtained in advance.
629 North Peak at Junius
Call 214-824-8583 for info and reservations

------------

NEXT WEEKEND! I'm in Austin!

Saturday, November 15 See Jane Shop 10am-5pm
North Hills Community Church in the Lake Creek Village Shopping Center
phone: (512) 388-0270

The rest of the month, I'm spending Thanksgiving with family! Yippee! And... I'm giving everyone a big hug!

Have a great week! Make a joyous noise!

-sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Hey.. hugs from Sara? What a Great Thanksgiving!

Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: http://www.sarahickman.com/
and http://www.pillowman.com
and http://www.SuperPalUniverse.com
Sara's weBlog can be read at: http://www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers?
If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

A Sara Hickman eNewsLetter for November 21, 2003

----------------------------------------------

Hi, kitty cats and wondrous ones...

My friend, Tammy Cox, asked me to write a note for her newsletter. Tammy teaches parenting classes, also known as Redirecting Children's Behaviour. (I teach the classes, too, but let me say this: Tammy is the queen! She is an amazing instructor!)

Well, after I finished writing the piece, I realized I wanted to share it with you, too. I hope the spirit of love is received that I am wanting to share...
--
Children And The Christmas Spirit

The wonder of Christmas for children is the magic of Santa Claus, gifts, music, the scent of hot apple cider, caroling, family coming for a visit, sometimes even snow here in Texas!...all these experiences add up to memories a child can relish their entire life.

But what if the true meaning of Christmas---the birth of a baby who gave his life with love---was something children could come to understand on a daily basis? How do we impress on our children that giving is more than a gift wrapped in fancy paper?

That was a question that was important to me in a world of commercialism. Don't get me wrong---I love the holidays...the sense of anticipation, decorating a tree, seeing those I love around a table... sending out the family newsletter; Kwaanza, Winter Solstice and Hannukah cards, too--but as I've become a parent, I realized my actions are bound to be mimmicked by my children, and what actions did I want them to be aware of?

So, my children and I do what I call "runs". Once every few months, during the day, we go out on the streets of Austin, find folks who are homeless, and ask them what they need. We make a list, and we check it twice, and we run to Target or Wendy's or whatever place will fill their need. And we return to the same spot, delivering the goods (from food to mittens to bottled water), no questions asked.

I started this when my first daughter, Lily, was about two. Some people expressed concern about this activity of ours: "What if they attack you?" or "Do you think it's safe?" And I always say the same thing: "It's not unsafe when you think smart and you care at the same time."

I realize this is a small service based on immediate need. It doesn't rehabilitate. It doesn't change much for the people we care for. But, last year, when Lily was six, I watched her talk to a runaway teen who was 8 months pregnant. The love and attention on my daughter's face was astounding, and it lead to a greater discussion once we were back in the car and on our way. These are serious, gem filled moments that amaze me. It has taught both of my daughters compassion, and taught them that the world is full of people down on their luck. And the double blessing is that these folks we meet end up feeling loved, as well. They are gracious, and surprised, that a woman and two children would take them time to ask, "How are you doing today? What can we do for you?"

Some people might feel this isn't a way for them. I understand. I don't expect everyone to jump on the bandwagon and help the homeless in the method I've chosen. But there are other ideas I would like to share with you...

We have a giving box, and when our girls receive their allowance, they can chose to add to this box. When the box is full, Lily likes to pour the contents into a plastic bag and add a homemade letter. Then we hop in the car and find a person in need, usually a homeless woman. Once we found a woman in an alley, with her dog, sitting on an old Indian blanket, and when we hopped out of the car and explained we had a baggie full of dollars for her, she started to cry and said, "I just finished praying to God that I would find some money for my medicine. They cut off my social security check, and I haven't known what to do..." I don't know how to describe to you the holiness of the moment, but Lily and I walked back to the car in silence, tears in our eyes, as well.
--
Try this at home, if just to start a dialogue with your children...Decorate a shoebox at a family meeting and decide...what service would you and your family like to help in the world? Maybe an animal shelter? Maybe an elderly person in your neighborhood who needs lawn care? Maybe your church or synagogue or temple? Although tithing is an ancient tradition, somehow it isn't taught as often in the home. Tithing can be an essential part of setting an example and building a strong foundation for the future as an adult. It always brings emotional and spiritual reward to the giver and the receiver. Or come to the shelter at Christmas time and sing carols, bring cookies, drop off some sweaters. Come to the annual Homeless Sunrise Service, every November 16, and be a part of a new morning, new hope.

Giving is the reason for the season, but the season can be all year round. Giving is a place within the heart, not a store within a mall, and children are eager to love this world they have been brought into. When we take our children by the hand and guide them into it, this world can be a beautiful, wondrous place.
--
As for upcoming events...I will send an update on those next time, along with a new TOP TWENTY MUSICAL MOMENT...

And keep me in your thoughts for this Friday. I will be speaking for the Texas Department of Regulatory and Protective Services, the folks who save children from neglect, abuse and domestic violence. These social workers are overworked, underpaid and, mostly, unappreciated. My hope is to remind them that they are valuable and loved.

Until next time, I am wishing you a glorious Thanksgiving and holiday season full of love, joy and family.

love,
>sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------
Sara can be seen perfoming:
-----------
*Saturday, Dec. 6. McGONIGAL'S MUCKY DUCK in HOUSTON, Texas -2 shows!
-----------
* Saturday Dec 13. Armadillo Bazaar in Austin, TX. 3:30p-6pm
-----------
----------------2004-----------------
*Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 Jefferson freedom Cafe in Ft. Worth, Texas 3pm and 7pm
-----------
*Fri-Sun, March 12-14, 2004 "You Said it Sister" Retreat at the Stage Coach Inn in Salado, TX.
-----------
Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: http://www.sarahickman.com/
Sara's weBlog can be read at: http://www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers?
If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

A Sara Hickman eNewsLetter for December 2, 2003

----------------------------------------------

hello, oh glorious friends of the musical super pal universe!

wow! oh, wow! i hope you are having a fantastic thanksgiving holiday. i am in the midst of my family reunion, and it has been lots of laughter and tears and complete, utter happiness to be with one another.

last night, we had our talent show! the highlight was the rendition of "raindrops keep falling on my head" by our dear arkansas relatives, a family of five---complete with raincoats and umbrellas! and dancing! i love my family! FAMILY ROCKS!!!

BIG NEWS!!! It's...drum roll, please...the DVD!!! the DVD of SIX HOURS of sara stuff ( television appearances---austin city limits, the tonight show, vh-1, etc---live performances, outtakes, the music videos, a slide show of folks throughout the years, and 18 hidden easter eggs, too!) IT IS FINISHED and going into the duplication plant on MONDAY. Would you like one? How do you get one? You can only get them through me!

-----WiseGuy note-------
Sara Hickman
PMB # 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste. D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-----End 0' note------

(although theconnextion.com will have some in January), but these are the ONLY TWO places they will be available. If you would like to order one for Christmas (they should be back, barring any complications, before Christmas)...they are $30 plus $5 shipping and handling. Write to me at the address at the end of the newsletter to order one, or two... There will only be a one time run of these, and when they are gone, they will be gone. ALSO: Proceeds from this DVD will go to the Klein Foundation. Please check out their site and see why: kleinfoundation.org.

Let me just say this: Gene Cowan is a guardian angel of the first degree. Gene is the SOLE reason this dvd was put together. He approached me about making a DVD. He was determined beyond anything and worked his tiny little butt into a state of even tinierness so that all these tapes that have been sitting in my hall closet (gathering dust) could escape and be part of the viewing world. He has worked on this project for over a year. Thank you, Gene!

Also, TODDLER and NEWBORN just won some more awards... and the judges were CHILDREN! They both won CLASSIC RECORDINGS in their catagories (music for newborns, music for toddlers! isn't that cute?) They sent us beautiful certificates to hang on the office wall, which is good cuz it's time to take down that poster of Tom Sellick and put up something new for Dawn to stare at!

OK! As promised in the last newsletter, here is another bed time story from the SARA HICKMAN TOP TWENTY MUSICAL COUNTDOWN!!!

We are on story number...SEVEN! (And for those of you who have missed the first thirteen, our good SuperPal Greg D. set up a way for you to read what has already passed...check it out!)

-------

STORY NUMBER SEVEN IN THE TOP TWENTY MUSICAL COUNTDOWN by me, Sara Hickman, the girl with the guitar

Well, you may remember from our last story, I was on tour with Killbilly, and in Kansas City Elektra came to call.

Previously, on this same tour, we had stopped in the wee town of Lawrence, Kansas. We were going to be playing with another artist named Lucinda Williams.

We got to the club about mid-afternoon, and brought in all our gear (fortunately, for the girl and her guitar, she was all set!), and sat about waiting for the club owner to appear. The space was big, an old dance hall with a long wooden bar and mirror behind to match. The stage was triangular and at the far end, ready to go, waiting for the magic of music to get people hoppin'.

The club owner arrived, and it was decided that three acts on the bill was ridiculous (his words, not mine), and so I was to be dropped from the evening's performance because I was the only one without a band.

Remember the words I used earlier: dancehall. And "girl with a guitar". They were thinking Joan Baez=death to liquour sales. We all protested. Finally, the club owner acquiesced. He said I could play, but while they were setting up. Ok, I said, that will be fine, I said.

Little did I know that "setting up" meant one man sweeping a floor and another racking up glasses behind the bar while the front door stayed LOCKED AND CLOSED.

Oh, ok, I thought. I'll just sing my heart out for these two guys. So, I hauled my guitar up on the stage, got a quick soundcheck with a guy who treated me like I was a nun with bad breath, and sang away. Let me say this: when NO ONE is in a dance hall, your voice does sound bigger and prettier, so that part was fun!

After I finished my allotted twenty minutes, I hopped off the stage, the doors were opened, people started leisurely strolling in, and soon the clinking of glasses and voices laughing could be heard from my dressing room: the bathroom.

Let me say this: bathrooms also have nice acoustics, especially when you are alone and talking to yourself about how touring is unfair and you will never, ever, ever leave home again!

So, Killbilly, the rootinest, tootinest bluegrass-hillbilly-kick up your hills band you ever did hear...they got up and got the juke jumpin'!

Cigarette smoke curling up with the lights, the floor creaking from people boot scooting and shuffling to the beat. It all sounded so merry, I decided to leave my little hole of despair and peek out on the scene...

After Killbilly finished, up came Miss Lucinda, looking vulnerable and wide eyed, but with a confidence beyond her years. She wasn't wild like Killbilly, but the place became packed with admirers, and she lulled us all with her hypnotic voice and slow-burning tunes of love and loss and life. I don't think she ever blinked, nor did I. It was the longest game of "who'll blink first?" I ever did play.

Well, here's the best part of this story. This is the part of the music biz that never gets told. And I am going to tell it to you now.

That Lucinda Williams! She was not only mesmerizing, but somehow she had heard how the girl with the guitar, a girl she had never even MET, had gotten shafted.

A girl who probably sat in her room, alone, day after day, pouring her heart out into her songs...someone who believed in herself enough to have the courage to get up on a stage and sing her life...Lucinda most likely thought to herself, "I know what that feels like, to want to sing and not be given the chance..." because as Lucinda finished her set to a COMPLETELY PACKED HOUSE, do you know what she did?

Can you BELIEVE IT? She says to this audience, "And now, I'd like to bring up my good friend, Sara Hickman..." AND MY EYES BLINKED!

Was she talking about ME???!!!! ME and MY guitar? Was I dreaming??? NO, I WAS NOT DREAMING!!! Lucinda invited me up on that hot, sweaty stage in front of all those hot, drunk, sweaty people...And I thought she was the most beautiful person I had ever met in my LIFE. I was speechless. I felt like the little drummer boy! What did I have to give after Lucinda and Killbilly had rocked the house down?

Well, get up there I did...and I had a great time, just me and my little guitar. Just wonderful! I rocked the best I could in wee Lawrence that night, and it made me believe that I could exist in the world of rock-n-roll because Lucinda Williams shared the stage with all the grace of an angel.

And, so, afterwards, I went up to Lucinda, who I now can call my friend after years of many other encounters together...and I gave her my brand new BOLO TIE!

It was silver with sparkly little rhinestones, but it was all I had to say THANK YOU, DEAR ONE! And I placed it around her neck and I was just so happy.

Because of the sweetness of Lucinda, I bet she doesn't even realize what she did that night. But I remember it all the time, and I always try to extend a hand to those just coming up in the world of music. So, thank you, Lucinda. Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are in the world today. Thank you.

Ok, y'all...talk to you soon!

Love you all,

Sara

--------MailingList Wiseguy notes:---------

Waitaminute! Sara is playing McGonigal's Mucky Duck in Houston THIS SATURDAY-the 6th! YAY! 2 SHOWS (8 and 10pm)! And for hose lucky to be in Austin on Saturday the 13th, Sara will be playing at The Armadillo Bazaar 3:30pm-6pm
--
and Sara makes 2 small appearances in two new books that just came out. As Sara says: "one is called SMILES by Cindy Cashman...a full color gift book, so cute! i am on the cover and the first page when you open the book! smiling away...
also in "to spin true purple" by sandy wells... teaching hands, learning hands...painting, photography and words by sandy wells... also a gift book (black and white)... has a picture of my hands..."
----
Check out XM's Radio's Children's playlist... Sara's RADIATION MAN is number 11!! YAY!! www.xmradio.com
-----

Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers? If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

A Sara Hickman "tiny announcement" for December 10, 2003

----------------------------------------------

Dearest Necessary Angels...

I know the holiday season has us all excited...it is a time for hope and giving...If you should find you have some spare change in your wallet, and you are thinking, "Hmm...what should I do with this?", please consider the following:

House the Homeless in Austin is having it's 5th Annual Thermal Underwear Drive...and you help ensure someone will be warmer by donating just $10...this buys a FULL SET of cold deflecting thermals. Your contribution is tax deductible, and you can send it to:

House The Homeless
P.O. Box 2312
Austin Tx 78768-2312

The distribution day will be New Year's Day, so if you live in Austin (or want to come on down!), come join me and my family as we hand out the thermals and hot cocoa. The time for the hand-out will be from 10am-12noon.

Wishing you a season of love and kindess,

sara

------

Call (512) 796-4366 to warm a needy soul this winter!!! www.housethehomeless.org/index.html

-----------------eNoted-------------------
Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com

Her website is: www.sarahickman.com/

Sara's weBlog can be read at: www.zenlala.com
---------------------
Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
---------------------
Sara's dvd, "I Am Going On A Journey" should be out by Christmas. It's almost six hours of video and audio Sara-ness. Send a $35.00 check or money order made out to Sara Hickman to:
Sara Hickman
PMB# 412
3005 S. Lamar Blvd.
Ste D-109
Austin, TX 78704
-------
Mailing List Problems? Questions? Answers? If you have received this email NewsLetter in error, or, perhaps you do not wish to receive further SaraHickman eNewsLetters, please contact the MailingList WiseGuy at: sarahickman@aol.com
-------
copyright ŠSara Hickman
--------------

a Sara Hickman eNewsLetter for December 24, 2003

dear ones,

a sweet christmas story about the kindness of strangers:

last week, my daughters, my husband and i were playing up at the neighborhood school park. it was getting to be late, and as the sky turned dark, i saw a house down the street, through the trees, with many christmas lights glowing. i felt a tug to visit that house; i couldn't explain why, but i told my family we needed to walk over and see the lights.

my husband looked at me, "honey, they look just like ordinary lights...and it's getting late..."

"i know," i said, "but i really feel like we need to go look at them."

as we walked past unfamiliar houses, we arrived at the lit house, and upon a closer look, we realized this was no ordinary house. besides being decorated with the giant bulb variety of old time colored lights, there was an 8 foot santa, a fully decorated 8 foot tree, and about fifty potted poinsettas lining the walk way to the front door.

"let's sing some christmas carols!" my seven year old cried out. we all nodded in agreement, and my littlest one decided we should sing "jingle bells". we felt "i wish you a merry christmas" would be a nice goodbye.

we rang the bell. and waited. we shuffled our feet. we rang the bell again. we grew excited. we could hear someone walking towards the door. i got down on my knees and held my wee one, iolana, close to me, and my husband held lily's hand. as the door opened, we sang our songs, bright and cheery, a family of four caught up in the enchantment of the christmas glory.

the woman at the door smiled with delight, and as we finished, she asked us to come in. we looked at each other in surprise, and walked through her wide, wooden front door (also decorated with wreaths.)

inside was a true wonderland! the woman was excited to have us witness years and years of collected christmas decorations: a twelve foot tree covered from head to toe in antique ornaments, and below...a six foot square blanket of snow with a train track, a little town of homes and churches... complete with people ice skating and shopping for last minute gifts. all surrounded by a miniature iron fence! but that was just a teeny weeny part of the experience, for every square inch of this woman's home was COVERED in something to do with christmas...every table held goblets, or mugs, shaped like hand painted santas, with placemats and plates and soupbowls with santa's face peering out at us; santa dolls of every shape and size and color in every nook and cranny...pillows needlepointed with christmas sayings and poinsettas and blankets with iceskaters thrown on every sofa...icicles and snowflakes and old postcards and candlelabras with angels... and in every room there were MORE miniature towns that lit up, some in the new style with the fiber optics---the towns would glow from yellow to green to pink with the tiny inhabitants bathed in colored lights. her husband even had a decoration in his office (the only room that seemed barren!)...it was a gnarly little tree with no needles, just a little shotgun shell stuck on to one of the branches, and a giant card that read:

"...and a cartridge in a bare tree!"

we laughed and oohed and aahed, and as we left this woman's house, we were so full of happiness! we decided to walk on to other houses and sing some more carols. our little family, celebrating the joy a stranger had bestowed upon us...

so, i wish you all the peace that christmas brings in our hearts...i wish it for this next year, and the year after that, and always...

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and now...a little update on the dvd...

well, sadly, the dvd had a glitch in it, so we had to remake the original tapes, and thus, the dvds won't be sent to me until next week...we weren't sure what was going to happen until this morning, when the duplicating factory emailed me.

i hope this won't cause any problems; i wrote notes next to everyone's names, so i will be sure to follow any instructions from anyone to the letter!

thank you for your patience...i'll include a note explaining why this present has arrived late.

until then, happy, happy christmas, and may 2004 bring joy, peace and abundance to all peoples of the world...

joyfully, with gratitude,

sara

-----------------eNoted-------------------

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, and especially a Happy Festivus for those that observe any of these holiday times!
-Sara Hickman's eNewsLetter MailingList WiseGuy, mike

Sara can be e-mailed at : sara@sarahickman.com
Her website is: http://www.sarahickman.com/
Sara's weBlog can be read at: http://www.zenlala.com
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Hey, check out GregD's fabulous websites for Sara Hickman:
Past Sara's eNewsLetters---> http://www.habu2.net/saramail.html
and
SaraMoments by GregD---> http://www.habu2.net/saramoments.html
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Mail cards and letters to Sara (and money orders and checks, as well) to:
***NOTE: NEW MAILING ADDRESS*****
Sara Hickman
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