I drove by myself, and I enjoyed the many hours to reflect. As I pondered, though, I almost ran out of gas in Iowa. Heads up: There are very few gas stations along 35W from the border of Minnesota to Des Moines!

I made my way through endless Nebraska — which I don't recommended for others with ADD — and finally entered Wyoming. I traveled through Salt Lake City, then through Nevada, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. As I drove, with the window rolled down, and breathed in the fresh, crisp air, I realized how much the landscape and my life had in common.

As I drove over one mountain, in the distance there was another mountain, even bigger than the last. At times, I feel like I am continually dealing with challenges, and as soon as one is resolved, something even more challenging is thrown my way.

As my little Toyota and I went up and down, a bit white-knuckled near Lake Tahoe, I realized that you never know what is around the corner. Sometimes it a wonderful surprise, and sometimes it's an unwelcome event. As I made my way down the foothills, I could see the golden hills of California and the bay glimmering in the distance.

I smiled, because without the ups and downs, I'd never grow as woman and that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Attached is "Paper Wings" from my new album. I hope you enjoy it!