Hi Everyone!!

It's that time again....

I am SOOO glad to be home with my friends and family (and doggy). I feel like my breath has been held since the album came out and I'm finally able to come up for air and fully appreciate what has happened and be thankful. It's been three years since the release of Closer...and I've worked so hard on Awake and really made something I felt was special and was something to be proud of. My only hope was that It would find you all well and that we could pick up where we left off and it most certainly has happened. The support and enthusiasm you all have shown me in the last month and a half has touched my soul like you would not believe. I know it seems simple, but to all the fans here and around the world, thank you for listening.

On that note, we have so much to celebrate...in under 2 months the album has sold almost 2 million copies around the world making it platinum in the U.S. and many other countries. To all the fans who showed up in the cold to GMA, all the shows in the U.S., Holland, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden....you made my trip so worth while and you can't believe what it means to me and my band when we have you there to support. Your energy is infectious and your ability to turn all the "what? who is he?" people into fans is really kinda spooky.

Not only have you been there to support the music...You have continued to amaze me and my family with your charitable work. The other day I was at the Los Angeles Children's Hospital handing out stuffed animals that were bought with donations to the JGF and pillowcases and totes made by the "Tender Totes" team...you guys are amazing, and are an example of a large group of fans who have donated their time and energy to helping others. I wish you could have been there to see the looks on the kids faces...they lit up the room. Since the last auction, you all have raised over 32,000 dollars!!

Ok...a word about press. Recently I couldn't help but notice a bit of a point/counterpoint going on (which I think is great) about a certain article that just came out. I wasn't going to even bring attention to it by mentioning it but I will say a couple of things I learned from it. 1. Sarcasm doesn't come across too well in the creatively edited printed word 2. Sometimes I have too much caffeinated fun and say too much without realizing that nothing is ever JUST for a magazine in the world of internet. If you thought it was a hilarious, intelligent piece of youthful commentary then great. If you didn't, then...well...I agree with you and hope you can move on.

The planning for the tour is almost finished!! The set is being built and I start rehearsing the day after new years which means my new years eve celebration will probably consist of watching Family Guy with my dog, then timing my microwave Hungry Man dinner to count down to the beep exactly at the stroke of midnight. This business is so glamorous I can't stand it.

Ok thats about all! I have to put my sock monkey ornament on the tree and try and relax for a few days. I hope you and yours have an amazing holiday and a very fun and safe new year. I really think 2007 is going to be a great one and as always, I'm honored and excited to share it with you every step of the way.

Lots of love

Josh