Those of us who grew up in the midwest naturally think of ourselves as heartlanders.  But this CD is really about the land of the heart, the emotional playground where I get all my musical inspiration and one with no geographical boundaries.  If I'm writing for a friend, I simply try to "feel" this person in my heart and then the notes can easily follow.  Same thing for a place - how do I feel when I go there, and what does the land create inside me?  Usually the first instinct is the one I trust the most, and just go with it.  Some of the people for whom I wrote the songs on this CD I never met in person.  But the pictures, letters, and descriptions from those who love them carried a strong vibration to my heart.

-Rick Kuethe