Annie Dinerman came along at the right place and the right time. Searching for environmental songs for my radio program, I came across a CD featuring the finalists of the 2006 Music to Life competition and heard Annie’s “One Planet at a Time”. Avoiding the pitfalls that can turn such a song into a nest of clichés, Annie took a fresh approach with her lyrics by challenging our priorities and putting forward simple logic.A few months later I met Annie at a music conference and watched her perform another of her songs, “In the Dark (And Silent Hours)”. While Annie sang about a uniquely personal situation, I still felt immediate empathy for the singer – and the audience connected as well. I quickly booked Annie to perform at the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in Fair Lawn, New Jersey - a venue that has been offering acoustic music to the Garden State since 1981. Annie‘s outstanding performance at the Hurdy Gurdy lived up to her reputation as “funny, frank and definitely female".Listening to Annie, I discovered a singer-songwriter who touches on the struggles of everyday life with a charm and dignity that is inspiring. Annie offers a smile and an occasional tear, while giving a nod to the strength that exists in each of us to survive – and grow. Her songs provide clarity and perspective that helps audiences cope with the challenges the world throws our way.The fact that you are holding this CD is a testament to the perseverance of Annie. During the production of this CD, Annie was downsized from her job, broke an elbow and lost her father. These songs draw from those events and reveal an optimism and eagerness to learn from hard times.Listen to these songs. Open up this box of broken cookies and enjoy!--Ron Olesko, Host WFDU-FM’s Traditions