Ode to Newfoundland

Matthew_Hornell_High_and_Lonesome_at_The_Rose_and_Thistle

It was about eighteen years ago when I headed East for the first time. Me and my guitar playing friend decided to journey to Newfoundland in pure adventure style, packing his '81 Firebird to the brim with amps, guitars and whatever an early 20's version of myself needed; clothes, cd's books, hope, desire and a whole lot more! My knees were pressed against the dashboard the entire journey and it didn't hurt a bit! The night before we left for "The Rock" (as I would come to learn was Newfoundland's nick name) we saw the most spectacular display of the Northern Lights, dancing across an Ottawa sky... It was a sure fire sign for me, that destination East was indeed the right direction.

A_view_of_the_St._John's_Narrows

Fast forward all these years (with numerous visits of course!) and traipsing through the streets of St. John's never felt so good! All of it's history (the OLDEST city in North America!) and all of those memories (I bought my first guitar here, and fell in LOVE with Irish/Newfoundland Trad. music among many other things) What a privilege to get back to Newfoundland & Labrador (a home away from home) to play some gigs, to spend some quality time with friends, family and the MUSIC...I am ever so grateful that I was given the opportunity all those years ago, living in St. John's, developing a great Love that continues to grow... Here are a few shots from the past few weeks....

My_beautiful_friend_Jenina_alongside_Jelly_Bean_Row

The views around St. John's are in constant change; due to wind, clouds, sky and all these fabulous salt-box houses in their colourful splendour. Every street has something new to offer but mostly HILLS!! I definitely grew some some "St. John's Legs." The hills are also a pretty great way to remove a hang-over!

Ralph_Best_and_I_cheersing_with_a_dark_rum_and_Coke

Family, friends and music. The THREE most important things to me. All of which are not lacking over there on that Island off the East Coast of Canada, standing strong in the Atlantic Ocean. There were just SO many people to see and music to hear... I don't know which photos to share! Here's one of my FAVES taken on the Folk Festival grounds, where I was lucky enough to run into some Wakefield friends... Small (and Lovely) world indeed!

Sheesham_and_Lotus_and_Son_and_Son

Music is alive and well and there are too many shows/performances to choose from, I most certainly could not be everywhere, but I tried!!!

Some_of_the_best_players_Colin_Carrigan_Graham_Wells_Curtis_Andrews_Tom_Power

Erin_Best_a_great_friend_sista_singer

There_is_something_special_about_seeing_your_poster_on_the_streets_of_St._John's

Playing my first show on Water street at The Black Sheep (with Sean Panting no less!) was a stellar night and a great introduction to my favourite Canadian city. It was so great to see so many Loved and familiar faces out there smiling in the audience... I am ever so thankful! I don't actually have a shot of me from that night, but here is one of me on my last night, singing at the Legendary Ship as part of Folk Night. It was a Lovely send off, if a little weighty with sadness.... Saying good bye ALWAYS sucks.

Singing_at_The_Ship_Pub_on_my_last_night_in_Sin_Jawns_for_awhile

So I would like to say thank you to everyone out there who made my trip East so very memorable. I am so grateful for everything!! Hopefully I can get back to you sooner than later... I will leave you with one last photo (second last!) of the BEST Seafood Chowder I have ever tasted, featuring the likes of Salmon, Scallops. Lobster, Cod, Cream and more! Thanks to my Uncle Jamie (of Nova Scotia) and his beautiful lady friend, Deb, for ensuring that my last night in Nova Scotia was also a great success.... 

Best_EVER_Seafood_Chowder

Lindsay_on_a_rock_on_The_Rock_out_to_Sea

A Green Christmas

Looking out the window I see beauty. There are green fields, miniature ponies grazing freely around the house, Christmas decorations and lights brighten up all the houses around and smokes puffs out from the chimneys. Strangely though, it feels like an early Autumn day. From what I have heard, there is warmer weather happening in Europe and Canada this season. It looks like we will have a green Christmas! Admittedly, it took awhile to find the Spirit of this festive season, but thankfully, I found it, or rather, MADE it! It does fall into place a little more naturally when the whole world around me is blanketed in snow. However, once the house was filled with a little Christmas music a la Boney M, and we found a pine tree (which we had to take down, it was strangled around one of our Beech trees in the forest) brought it home and decorated it (Macgyvered it a little to fix up the twisted branches!) schnapps in hand, the house finally feels like Christmas.

A_Charlie_Brown_Christmas_Tree

We were very fortunate to have been gifted a big box full of Christmas treasures a couple of years ago, when, sadly, friends of ours moved to Canada. What a treat though, to have box filled over the years with collected decorations! I haven't had to buy a thing, which is wonderful. I AM however, looking for more twinkly lights that are NOT LED. I find those are so cold, even the "warm" LED lights are not warm at all. So today, I will set out and try to find some to hang on the windows. Nothing like last minute, eh?? In two sleeps, Santa comes. In our family (my Canadian family) it was getting pretty over-whelming, shopping for presents, so we decided many years ago to pick names from a hat and do a "Secret Santa." Here in Switzerland we don't really exchange gifts at all, but we do fill stockings, which is always a fun task... filling it up with little sneaky, playful, artsy, jokey, sugary items... Again, today, is shopping day! I did get out to the market last week, thankfully... The shops will be closed for the next three days, so I better get to it!

A_Newfoundland_Christmas_House_Decoration

I do like to indulge in a personal Christmas gift each year! Not something that I need, but rather a little something that I want, how selfish, isn't it?? This year, I could NOT resist in buying two little magical Gnomes. It would give me great pleasure to find names for these little guys, they are just the cutest little things!! I actually teared up at the market stand, now what am I like?? Maybe we never really do grow up, and most certainly I would hope to hold tight to MAGIC, forever. 

Two_Beautiful_Gnameless_Gnomes

So, I will wish all of you a very happy holiday! I can only hope that everyone will get out there and find themselves a little "Holiday Spirit" green weather or white weather. Most importantly my wish for you is to find some wonderful family and friends to connect with, good times, good food and hopefully, some much needed rest.

Love, Lindsay xox