Taking a Moment to Give Thanks....

In the current global and economic climate, it's sometimes hard to be cheerful. We all run the rat race and have the same concerns and if they become too great, it can become more than we can bear. Lee and I recently talked about this subject (as we have on many occasions) and it became clear to us that our focus was on the wrong subject and that maybe we should examine all that we have to be thankful for. After about fours hours on the road, the list had grown long, the items many and we thought we would take a moment to just be the humble and gracious recipients of more than we probably deserve.

This past year has been challenging, as obviously, we are now living in perilous times. We've worked our hardest to provide the best offerings we could and I cannot honestly say that we hit the mark every time, but we have always tried our best. It's that work and effort that made Lee and I realize that to have one's health, family and friends is to be rich beyond compare and that we are, in the end just temporary stewards of all things material. In that light, we want to say "Thank You" to every person that bought something from us, sold something to us, placed a phone call or just took the time to send an email with kind words. Those are our true reward and makes what we do worth the effort. We're also grateful for the many friends and compadres we have in this business; It is, after all a small fraternity of misfits that get up in the morning and call themselves full- time, card- carrying guitar dealers and you can believe that this profession is just like going to Vegas: it's always a roll of the dice and we can never be sure of the outcome. But, a true love of one's chosen work can be just as rewarding and when those "lucky 7's" do come up. it's magical.

On a personal note, I have to include the mention that I'm thankful for my business partner, Lee. The man is a rock and a living example of unselfish consistency, the like I have never seen with the exception of my Father. He has guided me through nine years of guitars shows, ridden in a van with me for thousands and thousands of miles and basically been the guiding light for what I think is hands- down the finest company in this business, GrinningElk Music. It's a rare thing to have this type of friendship and something that cannot be measured or truly described in words.

In short, when times are tough and you may think that it's all lost, walk in the door to your home, pet your dog and look into it's face. That is the very essence of what we should all be thankful for and what makes life worth living....so, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every person reading this. It's our greatest wish that you are all healthy, happy and prosperous!

Your Humble Servants,
Ray & Lee