180 Days Later

It's been six months, 180 days since I wrote to you the last time. I can't really say what or why it has taken me so long to come back here! Maybe it's that I enjoy those personal connections, those connects that happen between real life people, the back and forth conversations between us where we can look at each other, see the nuances, the expressions, the crinkles, the colours! We can hear the textures of voice and sound around us, be inspired through what is happening in the back ground, what we are seeing, feeling,  the smells, the looks, the hustle! When I sit here, in my office (I use the term lightly though, as this room is also where I create and practice music, create and design cards, earrings, dreams and the like) up here in this old farmhouse, it isn't as much fun to ramble on about life and it's qualities/quandary's without the real life you!

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Alas, it is also nice to connect here and to share a bit about my life, with you, my friends, family and fans! How lucky am I to have YOU, whether in actuality or virtual reality, I am happy you are here. Over the past few months, life has been very kind. SO  many changes and SO MANY new songs!!! When I think back the to the last six months of life, it looks good... To be SURE, I am grateful... But where to start?? Switzerland, Ireland or Canada?? I've had the good fortune (desire, will, perseverance and MIGHT) to perform and travel to and within all of these countries since I last wrote...All of these places have been home to me at some point and cultivating the connections and friendships that life has afforded me between these patches of land.... My heart! Oh the people you can meet, the places you can go!

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Ireland was very much like I had remembered it. Full of small yet profound moments, enforcing my belief in magic, fairies and musical healing (and the true meaning of "The Hair of the Dog." What a spot. I even tried my hand at busking for the first time. It was the Galway Arts Festival and everyone was out on the streets, sharing their talent, the hustle was real! As I was wandering around the market, with my guitar strapped to my back, a fine guitarist asked me if I wanted his spot to play and he accompanied me for a few songs to break the ice of "my first busk." I have to admit, I was nervous. I decided, in the end, to rent a guitar for my performances, otherwise I would have had to pay double what the renting cost was to bring my (lug my) own guitar through airports, train stations and more. It was a fabulous idea, thanks to Opus 2 for the rental! 

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Summer is ALWAYS great, everywhere but I would probably have to say that about Spring and Autumn too. I am not a HUGE Lover of Winter, but I DO enjoy the darker, shorter days (call me crazy) but candle light and cozy just go hand in hand with the type of life I aspire to (and) have! Hot drinks just taste that much better when it is freezing outside. Recently I went to a Christmas Market up on Mount Pilatus, in Switzerland. CHECK THIS VIEW OUT....

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I mentioned song writing and LOTS of it. The tap seems to be very giving and new songs are coming at record speeds! This means that a new record will be imminent in 2018. Not sure how but where there is a will there is a way! Here is a favourite shot from the past Summer, singing at The Wakefield Market.... It remains to be one of my favourite gigs. Not only do I get to sing for a huge range of people, all ages, but the gift of singing in the middle of all that ART and Loveliness can not be compared....

Singing_in_colours_at_Wakefield's_Market

As we get older (I just passed another year around the sun) life starts to reveal truths. OR, rather, we start to really see them. I am sure they are there all along. It has been monumental (and slightly mental) getting older, because... WISER!!! Now I know things and am stronger with regards to things that would have tortured me in the past. It gets easier to say things like "No thank you!" and "Yes, I really DO am going to be kinder to myself!" Which leads me to sharing the BIGGEST change that I made, for myself, ever...

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Around six months ago, I watched the documentary "What The Health" and decided to eat a plant based diet. It was on a whim and I NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE thought I would do it or even wanted to do it. Ever. I thought, maybe two weeks might teach me something. Well, it taught many somethings. Some of which I would never share with anyone, because it is not my duty to try and change you. So I will not pontificate. I will say, that I have never felt better in my life and no longer live with chronic pain. I am not one for labels (plus I can't label myself as the DREADED V word because we have chickens here who, when they feel like it, give us eggs!) It is a very sticky topic, FOOD. So do what you will, but know that eliminating animal products from your life will change you for the better. Maybe one day, when I am feeling stronger about this discussion (you have NO IDEA how many people hate on folks who want to change -or have changed- their diet to plant based, all of a sudden EVERYONE cares where I get my protein) I will elaborate in another full on blog about the subject. It has become VERY interesting to me, now that I feel so different!!!! Anyhooooo.....

In January, I am playing a VERY special concert. It will be recorded LIVE and I hope to get a few songs down for a Lindsay Live record! It has been something I have wanted to do for quite some time, and it is FINALLY happening, thanks to Peter Finc. If you want to be in the audience and you live in or near Bern, please save the date JANUARY 20th, Werkhof 102.

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So I will leave you now and I will not let another 180 days go by with SO MUCH WEBSITE SILENCE! Life is a gift and I am privileged to be able to share with you little tidbits about the things I learn, the world I get to know. In the meantime, I will keep crafting words into songs and hope that you will keep listening.

Lots of Love,

Lindsay 

On Social Media

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Once upon a time I was very involved in Social Media. Now, I am a dabbler. Years ago, I met a friend who is smarter than most when it comes to computers and the evolution of Social Media (Thank you Jef Harris of Chaos Academy!). He helped me with this website, even before I had recorded my first full length record, "Sound." He helped me set up my Myspace page (now obsolete) and encouraged me to post regularly on Facebook when it first started. He has been sending me links, setting me up with various platforms (Soundcloud, Instagram, Itunes, Twitter etc) and has helped me, immensely, with all things 'computery,' aiding me in getting these links OUT there. He is the one that said "post a blog WEEKLY, do a PODCAST bi-weekly, the people WILL come!" And I was (and have been) trying (all of my previous podcasts are up at Itunes.) However, more and more I am not inspired to continue as fervently. After days, weeks and months of going hard at it, finding things to write about, to talk about... I have finally realized that, for me, it is about the craft of music itself. I enjoy writing, I do, and I like to keep you up to date, but I have to be honest here.. I wonder, what do I have to say that is really so important, that can't be written poetically into a song? I really LOVE LOVE writing three to four minute songs, shedding light on various life issues and experiences, but this 'writing essays' thing can be tough. I understand that the life I have chosen "in the spotlight" so to speak, a person who is in pursuit of a musical life, should be very involved in Social Media. I understand that, which is why I have any platforms at all, but this 'Vanity Vibe' is getting tired. Don't you think?? Perhaps offering up words of wisdom is better coming from place of music, the real Universal Language. I will continue to share my dreams and ideas, I promise! This is a never-ending fight, 'til the end! However, this 'up in your face' thing is not what I would like to do, even if it is something I am supposed to do, it just doesn't feel right to me somehow. I enjoy a lengthy conversation about life, but to me, it seems MOOT if it is just one sided. I suppose it's a conundrum of sorts... One must keep connected to their fans and friends, but how in the world did they do it before the internet? Music has been around a LONG time.

 I heard recently by a whack of folks (in the industry) whom I highly respect, that websites are soon to be obsolete! People (festival and venue bookers) are turning more and more to social media sites such as 'Soundcloud' for a listen, rather than perusing all that websites have to offer. The saddest thing of all is that people won't be leaving their house, what with all the live streaming and music available at the click of a button. I remember years ago a venue owner (and friend of mine) saying, you just watch Lindsay, folks aren't going to go out anymore to enjoy Live Music, and boy, was he spot on!!! These are uncertain times for an artist and a venue owner. That 'back and forth' energy between myself and the listener, THAT is what keeps me in this circle of sound. I have to have it. The real feeling between souls connecting. Yes, it might sound 'wishy washy' but it is what it is. There is nothing like a real live and intimate concert setting. Nothing beats the real thing. So, get out there and enjoy that. Long Live LIVE Music.

In the meantime, you can find me in 'push button form'  at any of the Social Media sites I have listed earlier on in this essay/blog. Onwards and upwards.... Ho!

p.s Here are the lyrics to my newest song.... Seem kind of fitting to this topic:

ROBOTS

I'd give it all up....

What does any of it really mean? You gotta push, push, push 'til ya push, push, pushed it away!  What then, when you're left with not a thing? It makes me nutz thinking how we break it up to start it over again...... I'd give it all up

Tsk, tsk, tsk! You know, you're doing it wrong, see, I'm a pro, pro, pro watch me go, go get outta town! What now, how can I follow you plan, I gotta figure it out on my own to understand..... I'd give it all up

So used to making it all about the show... Teach me something I do not know! Attracted by all things shiny, twisted and strange... these ROBOTS keep me from being the change......... 

Touch me, swipe me to the left to the right, I watch the feed, feed, feed see you bleed, bleed into the night, hold still! Look what comes in clear! Magnetized glass, metal finger! 

I'd give it all up....

What The Funk?

Good day, wherever you happen to be reading my note, I wish for you, that it is or has been a pleasant one. In such crazy, uncertain times, moods, I am sure are fluctuating. Let us all hold on to a little bit of good faith and to the knowledge that we have come THIS far, surely we can keep moving in the forward direction! When I put my energies into worrying, time and experience tells me that it really doesn't do any good. But still, we worry. When I look back at my life, I see that everything, even the bad stuff, has brought me to where I am right now, and any regret I have is really only something that I haven't done yet. Basically, I am here, I got through, and you, reader, are also here and you, too, got through. We humans can be quite resilient and we forget that sometimes.  It has been a bit of a murky month for me, but with the Spring flowers, my colours, as well, are starting to reveal themselves. 

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To be honest, I have never really been much of a "sharer" of my problems. I have always been more of a listener, and as early as the age of nine (from what I remember, maybe even earlier) I have been trying to help others in figuring out how to live. My Mum's nickname for me in this case "Dear Abby" rings true, even to this day, there are three women, living in three different countries who are on my radar to check in with. Mostly, I have been lucky in life, and I am very grateful for the great chances I have been given and for the rare opportunities I have allowed myself to take. Life on the whole has been very good to me, and I feel guilty when I don't recognize this, daily. Sometimes though, there is an emptiness that tries it's best to hollow you out. And the big "E" was working on me for the past few weeks. So I reached out.

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It isn't often that I vent on Facebook. It isn't what I like to do. There is SO much crap on there, trying to bring everyone down, that I do not want to add to the pile of suspicion that it sometimes is. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing articles that add light and knowledge to my life, as well as MANY things that inspire a giggle or two. Also, I think it is a wonderful way to connect with people, even in "little black letter" form, a hello is always nice. Not to mention learning new things about my friends and seeing how their life is unfolding through photos. There are many reasons why I like this Social Media platform, and of course the ability to share my music is number ONE on that list. Reaching out for personal "healing" advice is not my forte. But I did. I let myself be vulnerable out loud. And I am writing today, to thank each and every one of you who responded with some good ideas, giving me a few rays of your light.  The question was "How do you get yourself out of a funk?" The response came in for days, and all that Love, lifted me up. To know that I have people supporting me from around the world, means endless life possibilities. Sometimes you need another person's perspective to fit your "ducks" back in line. 

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What ARE the best ways to get out of a funk? Some say, dive INTO the funk, get to know it, find out all of it's distinct details, get to know the WHY and work on it, bit by bit. Some say PLAY the funk! Find some good music, turn it up loud and get busy moving to it's rhythm, shake it out! The most common piece of advice in my "Funk" thread was to get out into Nature as much as possible (which is pretty easy around these parts, I must say!) As you can see from the above photo, I received a pretty Lovely message, some may say a sign of sorts, that indeed, I am on the right path. So, once again, thanks for beaming some light at me, it has NOT gone unnoticed... 

I received a pretty sweet video during this time, one that we recorded a couple of months back featuring a new song of mine "Electricity." The theme behind the song is one of First Love, those sparks that happen between two souls who have found True Love. My friends join me in the harmony of it all, and I think you might like this little ditty *Live off the Floor* just click on this link for a dose of sound! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrnnnFtEuVA&feature=youtu.be and please, share away!

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Thanks to Christina (Rykka) and Timo (Timothy Jaromir) and to Tonstudio, Kawaii Sessions and Patric Menzi for the sweet little recording of some 'Lindsay Live.' Thanks for listening and reading. Onwards and Upwards HO!!!

FASNACHT~Carnival~LUZERN

Lindsay_in_full_on_Silver_Star_Self

My first Fasnacht was over ten years ago. It was one for the books, to be sure and I wasn't sure I would ever need to explore such an epic Carnival Festival ever again. They say, you only need to go to Luzern's Fasnacht ONCE in your life. Well, this year I decided I would have to return. Seeing as I am self-employed and Fasnacht falls on a Thursday/Monday/Tuesday. (many people take their holidays this week) The grande opening/start happens in the old town section of one of Switzerlands most beautiful cities, Luzern, at 5am and the formal closing ceremonies end at 8pm the following Tuesday. I headed out by bus and train on Monday and wandered around in AWE for hours. Some of my friends leave the city for the entire LOUD and CRAZY spell of Awesome and some join in for the best time ever. This Feat for the eyes and ears is centuries old and usually takes place before Lent.. pre-Fast! 

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Guggenmusik is mostly what you hear while wandering around the confetti filled cobblestone streets. Big Bands practice all year, top forty and old school sounds and people also spend the year making their costumes. The masks are unreal and very scary at times!!! There are SO many people on the streets and SO many bands filing through the narrow paths that sometimes they cross with each other and the chaos of sound is unlike any other, the drums outweigh all of the noise and when there are two groups of twenty (or more) people weaving through each other with FULL on costumes and HUGE detailed masks, playing drums, both in different tempos, it is wonderful and strange to say the least.

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You truly have NO idea what images and sounds you are going to see and hear next. I only wish that my Iphone4 (gonna use it til it dies!) didn't fill up so fast or I would have taken so many more photos, as it was I had to go through and delete all the time for better shots. ANYTHING goes at Fasnacht. Really, some might think many sights were unacceptable, especially in today's time of being 'overly' politically correct. I had to keep my mouth shut on a few occasions, which I am sure some of you reading might 'tsk tsk' at, but in the name of PARTY and a wild one like this, I decided to just let it all go and live and let live! Needless to say, I refrained from taking photos of that which didn't suit....

The details that go into the creation of these elaborate costumes, BLOW my mind!! In Switzerland, it is safe to say that it is pretty "safe" here. It certainly isn't a very loud place, in general, but there really are NO rules during this Carnival. That said, it is rare to see or hear a fight and the garbage gets swept up by the hour... I am not sure the confetti is ever swept clean, it get's everywhere! 

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People also go to great lengths, building floats and moving trains and so much more. SO incredibly elaborate. You really must come to see this, yes, at least ONCE in your life. But plan your costume early, not the day OF like I did. I knew I had some silver make up and a great silver wig, but wasn't I lucky to find a huge roll of tinfoil to help matters?? Tinfoil is a good heat-insulator as well so it turns out. There are DJ's and beats ALL over, so dancing is also encouraged! The restaurants and bars are also open to all, but mostly the party is on the streets.

Yes, scary masks to be sure! Yet, I saw many children in costumes enjoying the festivities, so perhaps after hundreds and hundreds of years, this fabulous weekend is highly appreciated and prepared for. Shocks come at every turn though. I was leaning to the side of one of the covered bridges, erasing photos from my phone (I had to make space!) pretty focused, when I looked up to see an entire band, inches away from me, walking slowly towards me, massive masks, about fifty people who just out of the blue started playing. I couldn't get away, and stood in awe as they filed (slowly and creepily!) past me, creature by creature! What a feeling!! Anyway, I will leave you with this Lovely photo of this Lovely family.....