Five years ago today

Five years ago today I woke up and I was engaged to be married. Shortly afterwards I started this blog. I appreciated the double meaning of 'engaged' in my life at that time.

I look back over the past five years with a smile on my face, they have been good, changeful years and I am so happy that I do not have to plan another wedding any time soon. [unless it's that magic third one]

Today I read of the death of Jamesetta Hawkins, who most people know as Etta James. Bless her heart. Our first wedding song was At Last, chosen in part because of how wonderful Etta James sounds when she sings it. Our singer that night did a fabulous job with it, she too has an earthy powerful voice.

It always made me giggle a bit when we did something typical almost iconic for our wedding and this was no exception. It's a very happy memory. I am grateful for that.

so little time to say so much

So many delightful things have been happening in the past week that I have felt time-squeezed. I am going to try to remember a bunch of them.

Last Tuesday 9/27 it seemed like autumn had really started. It was like a painting as I walked across the office parking lot. The sky was a cloudy, matte grey-blue. The trees lining the drive at work. I think they may be lindens. Were just starting to turn colours and were a glorious combination of every shade of yellow, gold and green. Against the grey-blue sky they seemed to be lit from within. For me it was a perfect melding of beauty and spirit.

Since then we have had lovely autumn weather, in fact this week we are revisiting summer. The best kind of summer with low humidity, no bugs and cool nights. I just sit in the garden and look all around in delight. Riding anywhere on the bike seems like the most brilliant activity ever as does anything taking place outside.

Thursday we saw Catie Curtis perform and enjoyed it so much. It's been several years since we have seen her so we were so glad to make this one. She gave a wonderful show. Her voice, studio recordings just don't do it justice.

Then it was time for the MN Country Dance Weekend. I danced Friday night and all day Saturday, I wanted to go to the ball Saturday night but I fell asleep on the floor. They were doing a Harry Potter theme and I am so sorry that I missed it! It's been a couple of years since I have done contra and it was fun to remember what an incredible workout it is and less fun to remember how boring it can be it it's full of long spins and not much else. It did inspire me to get back to challenge contra again though if they ever offer it again.

The rest of my catch up will have to wait. I have a head cold that I think I caught while dancing. It is worth it though.

so on the first day of autumn

How I spent my equinox.

I wore my brown boots. I started to break in new shoes. I finished a wool scarf, this one, finally.

an aside for knitters:

Seriously it's just silly that it took me so long to finish this. The chill of equinox got me going and it worked out pretty well. Long enough to wear my preferred way and very cozy. One skein was plenty, I have leftovers. But why did I wait so long???

I had a leisurely brunch with a friend. I rode my bike, I worked on my recent creative wind up to Nanowrimo. [how are you getting ready for nano?] I sat by the waterfall[s] in the garden and enjoyed the sun.

That evening I was out with my wife to have dinner down by the river and take in a show. Poor Ellis had lost her voice shortly before the show, it made for a very interesting evening, I think for all of us, and I certainly appreciate her telling us that it didn't actually hurt because it sounded painful at times. It was cool though to hear familiar songs in a new way and the set seemed different because of her 'new' deep voice. I hope she heals quickly. I will always remember her graciousness and ease during a frustrating situation when I have forgotten other shows when all was 'perfect'.

At some point during the night I dreamed that my wife and I were shopping for dining room tables, that was a weird one. All in all a lovely start to autumn and I hope all are having a great weekend. xo

yeah music and 4th garden reflection '11

Lots of stuff going on = less blogging time.

So lots of upcoming music this autumn and I am looking forward to it. Last Friday I went out with a friend to see Tret Fure at a nearby coffee shop. It was very small and intimate. For me she is one of those performers I enjoy live but their recordings don't really do it for me so I was happy to get the chance to see her again.

It is so fun to see these women performing who started so long ago in the 70s and early 80s I think. I love being reminded of the strong generations of women before us. Beautiful.

Second bed, SW, the good:

Sorrel, I have already waxed lyrical about it here. My tarragon transplanted successfully. The calendula planted here and in bed 3 were cheerfully orange and the summer savory delicate and pretty.

Second bed, SW, the bad:

Those pink carnations with no scent, so disappointing. The calendula need to be dead-headed daily so I am on the fence if I will have those again. The lovage stayed at about 1 foot not the 4 I was told so the background against the fence was never there. Though it is celery like it is too bitter to eat raw, but I am hoping cooked it will work.

writing and other updates

So close to that first draft being done I can almost taste it. Over 80,000 words and in the story time line I have less than 24 hours to go. Of course out here in none book time, you know reality, my writing partner is on vacation and I have to wonder if I will get any writing done before she returns.

As it is I haven't written in a week. Kind of amazing to me how I put it down and other stuff rushes in but then when I am thinking of the story the words start flowing [usually]. I am looking forward to revising, perhaps if I get some time marked off on my calendar I will get some done... or go to the coffee shop where we usually work, that may help.

Amanda Palmer [Evelyn Evelyn] was a great show if you are out East and have a chance to go, do so! Just try to not have a headache that night, that was the only downside for me, the headache that started at 2pm that afternoon.

Garden still only partially planted, roses are looking incredible though. Hopefully running tomorrow.

you should buy tickets now

If you live west of the Mississippi go now and see if Kaki King is coming to your town on tour. I am happy to wait. [buy tickets immediately]

Ok, seriously if she is not playing somewhere near you I am so, so sorry. I went with my BF last night and Kaki King was beyond awesome.

Before I forget, the opening act, An Horse, was strong, but I have to admit the very atonal style of the lead singer was not my thing. I enjoyed them more when they weren't singing. Ah well. I appreciated a chance of checking out a newish Australian band.

Back to the main, this was the third time I have seen Kaki King live and seriously the woman just keeps getting better. Last night was an awesome mix of band tunes and solo work. Her back up band of drums and EVI were stellar. I wish I could be objective and really review this show, but I am finding that I can't. I had been having a really hard day before the show but I was just transported by her music. If only I could articulate what makes her so fabulous, I have heard a lot of stellar guitarists live in my life including Phil Keaggy [a name known to guitar geeks] but really her risk taking combined with her superb playing is just breathless, uplifting and rewarding. I feel like I am throwing a thesaurus at this page which I guess is a sign that words can't cut it. I just hope you can go experience Kaki King for yourself. One great thing, she is only 30, we should get decades more of her work to enjoy.

I think my BF friend summed it up best as we walked out of the venue euphorically high as kites: 'god, that woman gives good show'

breezy Beltane

Please do not ask me why blogger decided to jam the last 2 postings into the same day, because really I have no idea but I dislike it. Looks so weird.

Anyway happy belated Beltane to all pagan types out there and spring lovers or FOPs [friends of Pagans]. My holiday was really a stellar one.

Woke up early, did some errands with my beloved wife and felt grateful. Some much needed early mowing also got done. The Lilacs are already open and the air is dizzy with scent.

Had a fabulous time with some other pagans in which we chanted, bound our desires to us for the next 6 months, noshed, talked and so forth. There was more cheesecake. This time with a hint of maple and strawberries. There were conferences in the garden. It was extremely windy so we did our work inside, but it was still spring and beautiful. Again there was much gratitude

After the weavers left to go on with their evenings I listened to some Tara Brach and took the 3 refuges. Then my wife and I had tickets for the sold out late show at the Bryant Lake Bowl. First time we have ever seen Chris Pureka with a band. Good although a bigger venue would have been better for this but they wouldn't have the awesome mock duck rolls you can eat right at your seat. Gratitude rests gently on me like a mantle.

It was an excellent holiday. It was so full I didn't have time to make it to the parade at Powderhorn today. I wonder how the giant puppets did in all this wind? I hope May is starting out well for everyone.

Thursday and musical notes

Thursday ended with a great late night concert at the Bryant Lake Bowl. Work had been dreadful, a headache was threatening to ascend to a migraine, my dear wife had to do all the dinner preparations since I was resting trying to ditch the headache.

But you know the nap worked, which was a gift in itself because I am a pretty poor napper. My in laws came over and we had a great dinner. Grilled steak, risotto, and sauteed fennel. The starter was leftse, hard sausage and creamed herring which all the Scandinavians gobbled happily.

Then the late show at BLB, opening with Rachael Cantu with Alex Silverman and then Garrison Starr. Silverman and his fabulous slide guitar really gave an extra depth to Rachel's performance. Then Starr's set was a joy. This was the second time I caught a performance and I was so impressed with her development over the last few years. Her voice was rich and vibrant. And the ease with which she played virtually any request was delightful.

Upcoming there are more musical adventures planned. Kaki King is coming in May, Amanda Palmer in June and the fabulous David Daniels is coming in September. Musical delights in store.

wow on Sunday

This was a hard weekend in some ways. A lot of time was spent shopping with my wife, it was necessary and successful, we hit major sales, but it was draining. Neither of us enjoy shopping much at all.
Then Saturday night I needed to be online to work on a special project from 6pm to 2am. I felt really out of rhythm with my schedule and then the hardware change had to backed out anyway. Such a drag. I also noted that apparently it is way easier to stay up late when you are having a riotous time in Austin with friends than when it is for work.
So when Sunday started I was feeling pretty cranky and not well rested. But the day just kept on getting better. First a fabulous brunch out on our terrace, including fresh off the tree grapefruit my in-laws had just brought to town. Then I actually sat outside in the gorgeous weather and read a book. Something I don't have all that much time to do anymore. Then a fabulous workout at the Y.
Really the day was already stellar but there's more. I had decided to give ECD a miss for a second week in a row so that I could go to the Ellis and Susan Werner concert. It had been a hard decision because I love dancing and I love concerts. The fabulous Ellis seemed even more incandescent with joy than usual for good reason. I don't blame you if you find that hard to believe.
I was rendered incandescent with surprised goofy delight when she called for Trina Hamlin to the stage to join her [and Susan Werner] for the last song. There was babbling, seat bouncing and I think clutched my friend's arm [not hard--I think]. Hopefully I didn't embarrass my friend too much because I think I acted like an overjoyed dork. It was awesome [for me]. We'll see if she ever agrees to go to another concert with me.
I have been been longing to see Trina Hamlin and hear her awesome harmonica in person and there she was performing with Susan Werner for an entire set. Ok, Ellis is taking most of the summer off to be with her family but you have an opportunity to see Susan Werner and Trina Hamlin, you want to -- really -- don't hesitate, see them if you can, buy tickets now. How's that for subtle suggestion?

more music fun

I am going to try to push past this feverish cold that is kicking my ass and get a bit of blogging done. I have been spending a bit of my down time thinking about my novel and how on earth to write the end. If I seem unusually incoherent in this post you all know the reason why now.

Last Friday my sweetie and I went on a double date. yes it was almost as cutsie as it sounds. We ate some Indian food at our favorite place. We laughed at how the host kept insisting both to us and to our friends that the women on the other side were the ones we were waiting for...they were so confused when we explained no those aren't our friends. It took me back to my time in India in a flash. That general look of confusion 'oh you mean I am wrong...' *snort*

Then we went on to Ginkos for the Pamela Means concert. The opening act was pleasant enough and certainly gutsy. Then we saw Pamela M who was awesome as usual. It has been several years since I have seen her and she has just gotten better and better. Her guitar playing honed to an edge and her musical range between jazz and political driven story songs. She truly is electrifying. Which seems a bit odd now that I type that because her energy is so low key. When I have more brain functioning I'll puzzle over that conundrum some more. It was a great start to a fabulous weekend before I got sick as a dog. Healing as well, it helped me miss Austin a little less.

Back to the tissues infused with vapor rub for me!

finishing up Austin and word count

I am so behind in my 'reports' and I feel sad about it. Between the whole have to work thing, having another fabulous weekend here at home and now a nasty draining head cold my days have just been slipping away.

Word count = 70,771. I know I look at that number and think 'who are you?' I have about 4/5 of the story down so the first draft is almost done. It's been great. Though not today when I tried to open my saved copy which had tons of new stuff that was not backed up anywhere else and my computer told me my document was corrupted. Things were pretty fraught for awhile there. All is well though.

So our last full day in Austin started with a lovely springtime thunderstorm The rest of the day was quite cool but nothing we hearty northerners can't handle. That was just full of fun again, more yummy mexican food, great people, then part of the showcase at Bookwoman. The store's new location is very nice and their southbysouthequinox show was charming. Chris Pureka wrapped up a showcase, it was great seeing her in such a relaxed setting and I appreciate her picking up my hat. I see she is coming into Minneapolis on Beltane.

Then we went back to Trophy's for the second GoGirls showcase. Another very interesting mix of music and I sure appreciate what Madalyn Sklar and her group is trying to do - getting women in music out there. No big stand outs like Melissa Ferrick was the night before though. I did find the earplugs for the taking by the sound guy, they really helped me appreciate some of the lyrics of the performers. My neck was so sore that night but new friends were so sweet about trying to rub that out.

Another super late night, we snacked on tacos and went home again. Only 12 more hours before we left Austin. They were spent hanging out, packing, walking around on the trails in the brisk morning sunshine, talking and shopping. It really was a great break. The company was so wonderful and the music, city, weather, everything else so enjoyable. Except the leaving.

Here's my wish for you; that you have a great vacation this year as well!

Friday at sxsw

The incredible weather and relaxation continued on Friday. I was the plan 'boss' for the events. I tried to feel flattered but I am pretty sure the rest of them didn't want to bother to make decisions.

We had some great Mexican food at Habanero's for lunch. Then later we headed up South Congress to catch Amy Cook's set at the San Jose hotel parking lot. Thank goodness it was a beautiful day because the band right ahead of her was so horrible. The musicians were fine but the 'lead' singer--seriously think of the harshest thing you could say and say it. He was really that bad. This was the first time I have seen Amy Cook live and I enjoyed her. Not sure how much I like the newest songs but listening conditions up and down congress street were not ideal. After getting some crepes from a street vendor for dinner we went to the Magnolia Cafe for dessert then hit the go girls showcase. It was an interest mix of sets, a nice crowd of women, not too great sound system but we left right after the awesome set by Melissa Ferrick and so went home happy.

It's been pretty interesting having all these late nights but it has been so worth it. More to follow.

Delightful Dallas

We rolled into Dallas Tuesday evening around 6:00 pm. We had driven south to find the spring and by the time we were in Texas I was no longer feeling disappointed. There were flowering trees everywhere.

We pulled into the parking lot of Poor David's Pub and immediately got a great surprise. The back door was open and the musicians were jamming before the shows. It sounded awesome. That area, being right across from the police station, feels very calm and safe.
I talked to one of the doorman to get the low down on places to eat nearby and when the doors would open for the second show. Less than a block away was an gorgeous restored warehouse with shops on the ground level. We got cleaned up/changed from spending the past 12 hours in the car, food from the deli and sat outside enjoying some of the music during open mic night at the Opening Bell. The coffees we got were good, although they took forever, with the thickest creamiest foam I have ever had. It was like dessert.

Then we went to get in line. The doors opened at typical pub time only 20 minutes late and we got our 'will call' tickets with no problems. People were great. I have seen Melissa Ferrick many times, she is one of my favorite performers but this was by far the smallest crowd I have ever seen at one of her shows. It was nice for us to have such an intimate show although I am sure it is a drag for the musician. We had great seats and her fantastic playing staved off my extreme sleepiness. We enjoyed chatting with people about Austin and sxsw. Then by midnight we were back in the car and headed to our friends in Austin playing the loudest music we had in order to stay awake.

A great start to our vacation.

musical regrets

I had plans for this post that were partly derailed by YouTube. I had several posting ideas but this one spoke to me most strongly so I guess I will do it anyway and work around the video lack.

Since September 2009 I have had 8 people die that affected my life directly. Of course being human I think about how all this death affects me. Though I am deeply aware that death casts it's affect over a large group. Some of these beings were close to me, some not. Some were family, some friends. One committed suicide and one was murdered. Some were elderly and may have welcomed death. Some were complete surprises. *sigh*

When I think about them all as a group words like grief and pain come to mind. Mostly I don't really know where to go from here. It seems each time after I incorporate a death a bit another one hits me. Each death has changed me and it's at the point now where sometimes I look inside and don't recognize myself anymore. Like my internal landscape is being terraformed.

I stumbled upon a song which really sums up my emotional state after all these deaths and I wanted to link to a video for it but it seems one doesn't exist. Too bad. But all of Glow's music is on CD Baby you can check it out if you want.

I feel like I am 15 years old again and a bit silly having a song speak that strongly for and to me, it seems a bit odd. But who am I to deny the comfort the universe offers.

I am not sure how much just the lyrics will convey, The song is Regret from the album Rain Theory:

I'm coming to terms with what could have been
And I'm scared
You were one of thousands one of many
But you're the one that I miss
What did I do, what did I say
Can I go back, there is no way
What would you think if I called you now
What would you say, what would you say
Coming to terms with what could have been
What would you say
I miss your violin in my living room
Your violin in my living room

© 2003 Glow

I have been assured that all this death swirling around is not typical, but I wonder. Perhaps it is and I was just asleep before?

eliminating

word count: 62, 508, I also started outline and character pages to help with background-y stuff.

You know anyone out there [not naming names] who wanted to share their word count through a comment would be more than welcome to do that-nudge, nudge. However no pressure, no shoulds.

So perhaps you know that I did resiliency training last autumn and perhaps I mentioned that part of it was meeting one on one with a nutritionist and getting specific food information? Or maybe I didn't mention it here....not really sure.

The point of the above: tomorrow I start the process of checking for food sensitivities.
The method: Part one; no wheat, corn or cow dairy for the next 10 days.
Mental state: pretty upbeat right now, of course it's all just theory at this point, we'll see how I am doing in 3 days or so.
However: still need to keep up the whole eating every 3-4 hours part-huh--because this needed to be more challenging?!
more Daunting bits: Very few eating out possibilities-- since it's hard to be sure if something has corn oil or corn starch in it. Wheat flour sneaks in everywhere as well. So unless I feel comfortable asking the chef... lots of cooking to be done, sounds hard.
Support: dear wife is doing it as well and friends are being great about it.
another Plus: I get to be my own science experiment.
musical finale:
This and this I love, I am such a sucker for an alto, but at the same time it makes me sad that I 'have no languages'. Surely it's not too late?

fullness and cycles

It's been a very full weekend. I guess a lot of people have traditions at this time of the year. I really enjoy creating personal traditions and yearly or seasonal landmarks, it seems to fit nicely with my pagan-ness.

One December tradition is the Ellis food shelf concert at Gingkos with my dear friend. It was an excellent evening, the only 2 downsides was that the bag of stuff I had ready for the food shelf drive decided to hide itself just as I was trying to leave the house [plenty more opportunities to donate though] and the 3 women who apparently came to the show to chat with each other not listen to the music that were sitting in front of us. *sigh* Yes you did make it really hard for some of us to hear the show. And there are hundreds of other places you could have gone if chatting was your goal for the evening.

On the other hand no blood was shed and I officially forgive them in the true al-anon style--meaning I just don't want to hold on to the resentment. Also when you don't hear someone play live for a year you are delighted with a ton of new material, it was great.

I had a blast at our dinner party last night, I hope all the guests did as well.
Plans are being made for xmas eve, at long last by the christians in our family, and today is the annual [early this year] solstice celebration at my church.

I had some great downtime this morning and my headache did not turn into a migraine. I have the day off tomorrow and will have time for writing - yeah! It has been a full weekend already. Pretty typical for this time of year, I wish for all to be full of love, food and gratitude. Happy mother night! The sun is coming back.

6 days off equals fabulous

Word count = 45126
Today I just love nanowrimo deeply. Even though there were many great hours with family celebrating Thanksgiving I got writing done. and I am feeling great about doing tons more today as I enjoy my super long weekend off from work.

Made it to the Y already, our own turkey is cooking today since I am a big leftover fan and I need the protein. All is good and I cannot wait to write this afternoon.

so in yesterday's snippet I realized that I have never talked much about music in this blog, which seems funny now. Anyway, I love music, pretty much everything but gospel or country. I am one of those people who always have it on in the background but I also spend a lot of time actively listening to it. I find if I am not going out and listening to live music that is a signal I am not doing well in the self care department.

Probably because I am not a European I only heard of Sarah Bettens a few years ago, she is immensely popular across the water. Since then I have seen her at Michfest and she was all kinds of awesome. Anyway I found this amazing video the other day of the Sarah Bettens song: Fine. Her official video of the song is hysterically funny, she is dressed up as a lip syncing teen but this one blew me away. And I am not a video person really but the footage of Sarah looking into the camera is just so -- although probably just a performance for me it's like a loving kindness meditation caught on camera. wow

so there I got some musical sharing out there, now off to write, write like the wind...

full of Thanksgiving

Though not tummy-wise since it's still just morning and the feast has not happened yet.

word count 43024, I feel incredible, scared and full of awe. Who am I? This person who has written this many words.

While checking email I read the notice for Ellis' new video blog. I love her music and I also love the joy she radiates. I live in the same town as her so I have seen her perform many times, and besides the music she gives to her audience her transparent joy is amazingly affirming, the bonus gift. [Just realized I never talk about music on this blog which is odd considering how big music is in my life]

Sometime 3? or so years ago on her journal page I saw my first mention of nanowrimo and thought 'that sounds awesome. I want to try that'. It took a few years but here I am doing it and in the homestretch.
So a big heart thank you and bow is going out to Ellis for being the seed that got me to this incredible November and word count, in fact I am going to shoot her an email telling her that. I guess we never know when we may gift a seed to someone else.

Nanowrimo, just one of the many things in my rich life for which I am thankful.
Let's see what happens.

"write like the wind" Chris Baty