Coming to the end of a (let's face it) crazy year like 2016, it was good to gather together with friends and fellow songwriters to have dinner and listen to some good new music -- written by us! That's what six of us did on Saturday November 26th as Songsalive Orange County held our last Songwriting Workshop & Critique of 2016. Getting right into it, Craig Smetana started us off with an out-and-out disco song in a decidedly 80's style that was full of life and brains at the same time. Joyce Melton (helped by Bob Winter) presented a timely song (with both humor and heart) about a convicted criminal who's missing his loved one at Christmas. Bob Winter on his own came next, giving as a very deep and heart-felt song about learning to live with life's disappointments. Kip Corley was next, with another heart-felt song about the passing of his mother -- and the emotional echoes that leaves. And finally, Kate Albright presented a haunting 3/4-time song about the unnecessary cruelty (or at least apathy) of the Internet and major media. Powerful stuff all around.