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

I sit here, listening to Brendan Adams, (from South Africa) a new artist I met while at a music conference (M4Music) in Zurich a few weekends ago. Ahh the sweet sound of a songwriter. For a while there, I was getting caught up in the lights, computer-stage-screens, fancy hair, elaborate dresses, dances, make-up, thousands and thousands of people, flourescent necklaces, waving flags, lanyards, cameras, lasers, teams, screams and everything else! Welcome to Eurovision. For we North Americans, it isn't something we are entirely familiar with. This song contest has been on the go since 1956, featuring winners like ABBA & Cèline Dion. This is an epic display of wild television. One of my European friends reminisces of her childhood; being allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve and on Eurovision night, junk food and cola allowed! Well this was all new to me! I was invited to attend this major event because one of my closest friends (who I also met at a music conference in Canada about eight years ago) Christina, who was representing Switzerland (she is half Canadian half Swiss) as RYKKA with her song "The Last of Our Kind. Unfortunately, Switzerland did not make the finals, but I went to the Grand Finale anyway. I mean, I had the tickets. It was day three spent at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, the largest hemispherical building on earth. So by the end, I was all lasered and Eurovisioned out! I barely slept at night, I had no idea that all that "action" would overwhelm my senses to the point of sleeplessness, but there ya go. And I wouldn't change a thing. To see how it was all put together, was a real eye-opener and surely a once in a lifetime event to be a part of.

The_great_arena_filled_with_people_colours_sounds_and_songs

Walking around Stockholm for a few days was also something new for me. I had never been before and I have to say, the shopping was great! The sense of fashion there, totally suits to me! Everything seems to be flowy and over-sized, where size small actually fits! Haa!! I found the best second hand retro store ever "Beyond Retro." I spent two hours in there and found a couple of awesome dresses! (yes, two dresses after all that time!) Hello Ottawa Bluesfest this Summer... Which, by the way, I am playing!! Friday the 15th of July on the MONSTER ENERGY STAGE, 6:30pm, opening for Coleman Hell... who I THOUGHT I had never heard of, but it turns out I have heard his music and I totally dig it, check out "2 Heads." He is from 'lil 'ole Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am playing FULL BAND STYLE (same as my CD release ONE YEAR AGO tomorrow!) time certainly flies!

Back to Sweden and Eurovision...

We would take a subway to the main arena each night, even the semi-final nights were PACKED! When I heard the song "1944" from Ukrainian singer "JAMALA" it was the one that spoke the loudest to me, but I truly NEVER in my wildest dreams thought that it would win the entire competition. Too good, too soulful and mostly, too political. In a sense, justice prevailed!! This song stood out from the rest, to me, a singer-song-writer, so I thought no way it can win!! I had shivers from my head to my toes.. How could something so emotional and non-Pop win the Beast that is Eurovision??? Watch the WINNING SONG HERE. Seriously. Wowza!!! I really MUST listen to my gut instinct more. Which, by the way, is one of the big lessons I will take away from this great Eurovision experience; always go with your gut!

So, I will say good bye now, I really must get back to my guitar. I didn't play it for a week and I have a gig tomorrow in Luzern. One of the most beautiful cities in the WORLD!! Thanks, as always, for reading... Love and LIGHT xoxox

Photo_by_the_very_talented_Steve_Gerecke

Where DOES The Time Go??

The Beast That Is Eurovision

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