Good Day, fine readers. It is a good question and one that we ALL ask from "time to time." I will not try and explain it away, surely not, as it is one that I too ponder on, more than just occasionally. There was a blip in space where we weren't thinking of the speed or the flight of moments... ahhh to be a child without worry once more! But let us not go back nor look back too often, and instead let us go onwards and upwards!

Life has been generous and kind as of late. I wonder sometimes if writing that out loud will screw up my serendipity but in the same breath, I have to wonder why we 'shouldn't' speak of our proud moments, and the greatness that life brings? In a world filled with 'bad news' being the norm, something inside me feels sheepish when discussing my rewards from seizing the days. More often than not (truth!) I am a listener and a helper to those in need and discussing the wonders of "me" doesn't always seem to be the right time. So, today, on MY blog, I will write about the latest flow in my life stream....

Firstly, I have to reminisce over one of my favourite nights in a long time.... It isn't always that I collaborate with another singer/songwriter, not sure why, but after our performance at MOODS in Zurich I really must change things! Thank you ever SO much to Peter Finc (and to Nicole Johänntgen for the suggestion.) I have said it before and I will say it again, having a SUPERB room fitted with a great sound/light system and an attentive audience is one of the BEST. THINGS. EVER for a musician. What a great spot and congrats to Nicole for getting residency at MOODS and having us as the Special Guests. We each played 6 of our own songs, which meant I had to learn 6 new songs! As you can see from the next two photos, there was Joy, to be sure!

View_from_Above_photo_credit_Seraina_Kurt

Music isn't the only thing that drives me. FIRST thing is Love. Could you tell? I am also a fan of the arts & crafts, markets and all things nature. So this is what I do, mostly; Love, create, be in nature, cook and try to find things to stimulate my eyes and senses. Every year there is a market in Bern called Zibelemärit (here is a brief WIKI on that!) but if you don't wanna click I will give you the short of it. After a fire destroyed a large part of the downtown in Bern in the early 1400's, it was allowed that other cantons be able to sell their farmer's wares in Bern while it was being re-built. The Onion Market is renowned for it's chains of decorated onions and happens every November. Kids and adults throw confetti and the entire old town is COVERED in the stuff. They also sell (fresh/soft) Nougat, which is the main reason I went in to the BIG and WAY over-populated market. Here are a few snaps...

What a unique experience indeed, and filled with colour and amazing vibes. It is the third Monday in November, every year, so come to Bern, eh? In the meantime, if you are reading from Canada, I have a gig coming up in Wakefield at The Legendary Black Sheep Inn. It is a rare gem of a music venue, along the banks of the Gatineau River and a place filled with all sorts of Magic residue. Pints are pretty good too!!! I was listening to CKCU (Ottawa's Loveliest community radio station which is near and dear to my heart!) and heard the music of Lora Bidner and thought JEEPERS, I wanna hear her live!!! So I invited her to come along and SHINE on the same night! We play on Thursday, December 22nd. Show starts at 8:30pm and I am on first. So please come join us and we will give you some Light on a dark and cold Winters' night... Can't WAIT!!!

Thanks ever so much for reading. I hope to keep up with the monthly blogging, and in turn, hope you will keep on stopping by for a short glimpse into the life of this Canadian Songstress living abroad! In the meantime, I am counting the HOURS now, til my return to my home & native land, Canada. Hugs and Love xoxo

This past week has been amazing and I have been really feeling the LOVE from many new fans and musicians alike. Some times I go through less play time and more computer/creative time. I have always been able to control my emotions on this. BUT I REALLY LOVE to play for YOU the most (providing it's a good room with a good sound system, nice venue owners and happy music Lovers - am I really asking for too much?? Hahaa!) It can't always be like this, I can't always be on the road to the next performance, I have to write new songs, book new gigs, practice guitar etc etc. It can't always be the "pay off" (which I consider to be the act of playing music for -and connecting WITH- the people.) This past week, however was SO THE PAY OFF!! I think I will be happily prancing on Cloud Nine (or Cloud Seven as they say over here in Switzerland!) for quite some time. I met many new music makers as well as new (magical) rooms, which remind me of WHY I chose this life... sometimes I wonder (what with so many deaf ears, judgement and rejection.) But today I could care less about that and I feel great!

I would like to introduce to you some new musical friends whom I met and shared shows with in various Lovely places... Ishantu and I became fast friends even before we were privy to each other's music. We sat at a large table and feasted on Veggie Coconut Curry and delicious Rioja, thank YOU Pillow Song! I was so happy to see when after she played that she was GOOD!! Yes!! I Love new and GOOD music. You can find some of her deep and dreamy vocals here: ISHANTU MUSIC. Next I will introduce to you some LUSCIOUS SOUL-FILLED sound, who because of them I may be changed forever...Peter Finc and Nicole Johaenntgen were THE most STELLAR duo I have ever come across. She is a CRAZY sax player, heavily influenced by SKILL!! Holy smokes. Peter can sing like an old Blues-Filled Soul-Man and his guitar playing makes me want to put mine in the corner and let it get dusty. Wow. These two. I don't really have the words but FOR SURE sharing a stage with such talent is both humbling and BEEautiful Soon after I was privy to a concert in the neatest room somewhat like an old school house from the 1800's, with fabulous acoustics featuring an Austrian Singer-Songwriter from the "Americana" genre. Harry Marte played unplugged with his trio, featuring another new musical friend (SWEET!) Beth Wimmer and stand-up bass player (AWESOME) Claude Meier. Just when I most needed new musical experiences (There's no 'easily accessible' BLACK SHEEP INN in these parts!) Ahhhh... sweet musical states of bliss. Thank you, thank you, thank you....

That is it for me. Just checking in!! STOKED to play a house concert THIS WEEKEND in my teeny little village of Rüschegg. Then the following weekend in Luzern... Yes... Life is good when you have music... So we ALL have new music now!!! AWESOME, WONDERFUL!!! xoxoxox

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