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

Sometimes being a singer pays off! You never really know what you are going to go through before, during and after a performance. Sometimes there are nerves, fretting, worrying etc but most times it feels normal somehow and exciting. You never know. In this case, where I was gifted those flowers, I was singing outside at the Wakefield Market, and there was a down pour! People were huddled under umbrella's and tarps and the rain was a moving sheet between us. It wasn't until someone mentioned they saw sparks coming out of my amp that I decided to call it quits (until the heavy rains subsided.) It's true, I did feel small shocks when my lips touched my microphone! I stepped away, drank some coffee, ate a breakfast sandwich and then returned to the grassy stage. It has always been a favourite place to play. A gift of fresh flowers is always appreciated. Which reminds me of the first time I received flowers after a performance... I was eighteen years old and the lead singer in a musical called "Anything Goes." I remember my eight year old cousin stepping out of the audience and up to the stage to hand me roses... It never gets old, let me tell ya!!!

You know what else doesn't get old? Singing! I Love to sing. Singing has carried me through almost every kind of situation; good, bad and everything in between. Strangely though, I am extremely critical after a performance and have a hard time taking in all the Love... I wish it were different, I am still trying to figure out HOW to let go of the mistakes I make while I am on stage or the frustration of having a bad sound mix. I know there is no way to really hear what it sounds like outside of the stage, no way at all, so I should just be okay with that, but I always wonder! I find it almost impossible to watch a past performance and am mostly dissatisfied with it when I do see it. Darned ego. There are times though, when I am thrilled with and on cloud nine from a show. It doesn't happen all too often but it is in these moments where I gather up the courage and Love to keep going! Profound moments that show me the light and erase all self doubt. Thank goodness for these flashes of light! However, I doubt I could ever stop. The joy from writing a new song (when it's really good!) is seldom found anywhere else. In my living room (studio) alone is actually where most of the magic happens. But I am here to share it, and I try my best.

Shawn_and_I_in_funny_mode_at_The_Cadillac_Lounge

One of the best things about playing with other musicians is not having to be alone on stage, so when you screw up you can laugh at each other and share the Love. It's true! When you see two people laughing at each other on stage during a song, you can pretty much bet that a small mistake has been made. In this particular case however (above photo) I am pretty sure we are just having some silly fun. This is also another reason to play with other music makers... there is more joy for sure! Traveling with others can be expensive and the pay out from the gig is MOSTLY not worth it, sadly. This is why I tour mostly on my own, but if I could bring a few band mates, I most definitely would!!!

Sometimes along the way you come across real gems to play in. In this case (above photo) I found another listening room by the name of Black Sheep. To be sure when having the poster made for this particular show, it had to be stated that THIS show was not in Wakefield at our beloved Black Sheep Inn but rather in the streets of St. John's. Let it be said that there is NO better room than a listening room. A rowdy bar is no place for a singer and songwriter! (Took me long enough to figure THAT one out.) I guess after a few years of writing, recording and touring, little tidbits of wisdom STICK! Also, I highly recommend that if you are in this line of work, buy your own SURE 58 -universal- microphone. You would NOT believe how stinky some of those mics are out there... Not to mention the colds you get! Since I have been using my own mic, I have reduced sickness ten fold. Truth. You may look like a diva of sorts, but forget about it!

Whenever I get back home (wherever home is, I have a few, and am ever SO grateful!) People often say "How was your vacation?" Instead of "How did the tour go?" I find it funny that so many people think that when I travel, it is a vacation that I am on. It is very rare that I go somewhere without a gig booked (or a guitar.) It takes me months to get ready for atour, what with booking, rehearsing, promoting, practicing, and more. This a a real job for me, actually MANY jobs all in one. Yes, I have fun and the places I go to are most definitely seen as travel destinations but let it be known that my job actually never ends. There are songs to write, lyrics to perfect, emails to answer and more! I am forever grateful that I get to see so many spectacular spots and share my music with an amazing amount of Music Lovers! As awesome as it is, it's hard work and most of it I don't even get paid for. Thank goodness for those flashes of light!

Where DOES The Time Go??

A Flash of Light

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