Free, as part of the Ian McGlynn collection "A Map To Get Away" only at Noisetrade.
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It is, to me, an inescapable fact that music wears the tint of whatever is going on in your life when you first encounter it. So it is perhaps unfortunate that this beautiful rendition of "Winter Was Warm" by fingerstyle guitarist John Dollman arrived in my in-box just as Missy Katz is dying. Or perhaps it was meant to be that way, as it immediately cut to my heart.
I have spent weeks taking Missy Katz to and from the vets, but she just continues to wither away and, at this point, I doubt she'll last the week (if, indeed, she makes it through the day). In this context, this gentle acoustic version of a song from the soundtrack of Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol hits me with a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and regret. And that's kinda what I've always said the best Christmas music does. 
I don't know John Dollman, though I do recognize him as a long-time denizen of the forums at The Fa. He's clearly a talented guitarist. I understand that he has made several CDs of his solo guitar interpretations of Christmas music for family and friends and he informs me that some of this music will soon be available through CD Baby. You can currently hear several selections on John's Soundcloud page (as well as some non-holiday music). I hope he'll link from there to CD Baby when his music becomes available for purchase.
But John has made this beautiful version of "Winter Was Warm" available as a free download for the readers of Stubby's (and anyone else who stumbles across it). For me, the song will now forever be entwined with the memories of Missy Katz, a good girl and faithful companion who, no matter how weak she got, always climbed up to sleep on my chest at night, purring loud enough to wake the neighbors. "Winter Was Warm" will complete the soundtrack of her life, which began with "Ooh Child" when she first arrived in our home small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Given my age and my own health, she is likely the last such companion I will ever know. John, I'm sorry this piece is more about Missy Katz and less about you. You deserve better. Hopefully, others will find that out for themselves.
Sunday is Mother's Day. Just thought you should know. My Mom is gone and the world hasn't been nearly as bright since. Presumptuous of me as it might be, I'm going to say this about that. If your Mom is still alive, you don't have to give her flowers or chocolates or even a card, really. Just tell her you love her...preferably in person but on the phone at least (no, a text message is not sufficient). That's all she wants.
As we mark other occasions around here, we have some tunes for Mother's Day. And, because it's a very Stubby's thing to do, we'll start you off with a free download.
One last song. Probably not one you'd play for your mother. But a very affecting song to remind us all that mothers are not perfect. Sometimes they have their own struggles which we don't understand until we're much older. Not true of my mother, of course; she was perfect ;^). But, if not, be forgiving. She did or is doing her best. And, without her, you wouldn't be here.
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