November 2015

Sun, 25 November, 2015

Grace

When I think about the life that I lead, all the kind forces and the wealth of fine friends who share this adventure with me, my heart overflows. The special moments that take my breath away, the songs that keep my heart from aging a day, the wonder that still gazes from my eyes...
I often times pinch myself to see if I am dreaming.

Doe Bay

We started this month with a great rehearsal for a weekend long gig at Doe Bay Resort on Orcas Island. We practiced all the dancy numbers in hopes we could get the folks whirling around. It was a great night of music.
The following morning I received a text from Ron, our guitarist, that he "may" have broken his hand. WHAT?!
As it turns out, he did indeed break two bones in his left hand (the one that does all the chord shapes and fancy stuff) and that he wasn't sure how long he'd be out or if he needed surgery. Wow. We, of course, felt for our brother and hoped he'd mend soon, but we had this two day gig coming up; Adam, Falcone, and I had to bring our "A" game. It all worked out in the end. Orcas has an amazing community of open hearts and we met many o new friend while breathing in the sea air. We missed playing with Ron but we look forward to the day when he is good to go and playing all those groovy guitar licks with lightning speed.

Doe Bay Cafe has exquisite food and the view will soothe your soul.

While on Orcas we popped over to Rosario Resort to catch a very informative (and free!) pipe organ concert by Christopher Peacock. Chris played many a tune while a plethora of historic slides cataloged the self made man, Rosario, one of Seattle's well known boat builders, flickered on a screen above. We even witnessed a shortened version of the original silent film, Phantom of the Opera. Chris played the music from the Lloyd Webber musical. It was lovely.
A grand weekend indeed.

Paris

Friday 13 November was a hard day for me. The morning after the attacks, I read that the Pop In, the place where I played in Paris in March, was closed for the today. Everyone was safe but shaken. This is the second massacre this year within a very short distance from the Pop In, the first being Charlie Hebdo and now the night club the Bataclan. I was 900 meters away from the that club and less than a kilometer from Charlie Hebdo. Why are the attacks are happening in the 11th? I cannot understand.

The 11th arrondissement is amazing. True Parisians there. Kind hearts. Lots of singers. We sipped Absinthe there... *sigh* I vowed that day that I will not fall into fear and will continue to reach out into unknown territory. As an artist and musician, moving throughout this world is what living means to me. Terrible things happen that my heart will never understand. I will still move, sing, share, and travel without fear. Something bad can happen close to home just as easily as far away. Please remember that. There is soooo much good out there. It is easy to fall into hate and fear. Resist that. Love. Be kind. Do good deeds. Sing and live!!! This is so important, my friends.

I think fondly of my acquaintances in Paris. I am thankful that they are safe. And I will continue to live just a little bit louder for those whose lives were taken. I encourage you to do the same.

Lift Your Spirits & Stone Way

On the 20th of this month, I was interviewed by Miss Dena Marie on KKNW. We chatted about 5 years in business for my Voice School, Syren's Voice. We chatted about travel and my upcoming tour to Glasgow. We spoke about life and gratitude and living your passions. I love being around Dena Marie. And you would too! Check her out at www.dena-marie.com

Later that night, I had the pleasure of playing with two singer songwriters, David Guilbault and Sam Russell. We had a grand time singing songs and sharing stories. I have to say, it's nights like this one that keeps me humble as a songwriter and thankful to be in such talented company.

Thanks Giving

So in the essence of thanks giving ... I hereby give a major shout out to all the folks who believed in me, us, the band, the music.

I am sooo humbly grateful to be on this path.
Thank you for listening, supporting, coming out to gigs.

My heart sincerely overflows with love & thanks!