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This week in the Florida Keys, a sick sea turtle swam to the entrance of the only hospital in the world that is solely licensed to treat sea turtles. After giving the turtle some space, staff members treated him for a bacterial infection, and will continue to monitor him until he is well enough to be re-released into the ocean. To some this may seem like a happy coincidence, but to those of us who believe that everything happens for a reason, this is just another example of the magic of the Universe. Granted, many readers might dismiss this logic as too happy-go-lucky, especially when so many of our hopes and dreams don't actually pan out. But that's where serendipity steps in. Instead of getting what we hoped for, we end up with what is truly meant to be.

Whether this paradigm suits you or not, there's no denying that The Dave Matthews Band is where they are meant to be.

Yesterday, a goat appeared in my backyard. For some of you country folk this may not seem like a big deal, but for me, my husband, and my two cats, it was as if JFK rose from the dead. I think it was the way that the goat appeared out of nowhere, baaahhhing loudly down the stone steps that lead to our backyard, followed closely by a frantic neighbor, that made such an impact. Before the goat emerged the only sounds to be heard were the wind rustling through the trees and an occasional peck from our resident woodpecker, Red. And just as quickly and surprisingly as the goat materialized, he was gone, with the frantic neighbor still in tow. Call it obsession, delirium, or just being a hugely devoted fan, but this fleeting encounter actually reminded me of the Dave Matthews Band.

Last night, something spectacular happened. Something that I've been anticipating for as long as I can remember. I finally met Dave Matthews!!! Okay, so it was only a dream, but even so I feel like the last DMB fan in the Universe to experience this phenomenon. Even my husband, a converted enthusiast, already had the pleasure of meeting Dave in his dreams, so I was clearly overdue. I don't remember much of the dream, except that Dave was cool, calm, and relaxed, while I was neurotically trying to get a picture with him. When I woke up, I wondered whether my dream image of Dave was anything like the real thing or solely my own projection. That's the thing about dreams, they really are about us. Every person in the dream is actually a part of us, whether we are aware of said part or not. It's often easy for us to identify with the dreamer, or dream ego, but we have a harder time seeing our likeness in the other players that emerge in our sleep. Dreams offer a wealth of personal information to those with an open mind, a courageous heart, and a will to listen. So, who's the Dave in YOUR dreams?

On April 20th, the Dave Matthews Band will celebrate 18 years since their very first show at Meade Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. Not many bands enjoy this kind of longevity while continuing to dazzle millions of concert-goers year after year. While the explanations behind this phenomenon are as diverse as the individuals who profess them, there is one element central to the plethora of theories out there: The Dave Matthews Band offers fans an experience that enriches them in some way, leaving them with more than they had before. The music finds its way into the depth of our beings and changes us from the inside out. This is a change that may only be noticeable to those closest to us, but it is there for any sensitive eye to see.

As we're all reeling in anticipation of the Spring tour, the new album, and now the Summer tour, there are many questions that are spinning through the minds of DMB fans. Will the album really be delivered on June 2nd, as promised? How many new tunes will be played during the Spring tour, now that the record has been delayed? Generously, Dave offered a little insight on this one when he twittered, “We should probably play some new stuff. Don't you think? Practice a little,” but that still leaves many inquiries unanswered. How are we going to familiarize ourselves with the new songs before the shows? Where are the TBA venues? How will the recording process continue after the tour begins? And so on. Luckily, in the midst of all this unknown, there is one thing for certain. Regardless of what and where they play, the essence of all that is DMB will emerge like a knight in shining armor to sweep us off our feet once again. So, just what is it that sets DMB apart from all the rest, and makes them capable of such daring feats?

Lately, I've been thinking about the idea of foreshadowing, in the sense that I think it happens more than we realize. Those of us that are readers will recognize the term as that which signifies what is to come in a story. But if we look around, we can find clues everywhere about events that are yet to happen. I'll generously spare you my theory on how this works in everyday life, but there's one place where I think the dynamics might be of interest to you.

The other day, a disturbing incident occurred. I was in a local store trying to market my book, and the girl behind the counter noticed my pendant. This sparked a conversation about the Dave Matthews Band, a topic that I'm always up for discussing. That's why it was so shocking when she told me her opinion, which was basically, that all Dave shows are alike. Dumbfounded, I couldn't even find the words to counter her argument, except to say, “No, No... I mean, No!” How do you explain the unsayable? Isn't it just obvious that this is the best band on Earth? Seriously, there's even a Facebook group called Dave Matthews Band - The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread, or something to that effect. But, as I tend do to after awkward encounters, I started thinking, and that's when I realized that part of why DMB is the most amazing band is because of the power of their lyrics. The words that I couldn't find in that instant are ever present, in every song.