People always say enjoy your vacation, and while we do take time to chill and go to the beach, it has been just so busy! There's not enough time!!!
We are currently in the middle of two building projects, one is a hot water "pavilion" being built from red cedar, lime plaster and so on... our new friend Anthony is an amazing green artist, and Amy and I are both helping with the building. I am learning more about construction (and how sore my body can get doing it!). I have "ripped" strips of fir from scrap pieces of milled wood to make half inch strips for lath - we're doing a lath and plaster wall in our shower. Contructed the lath wall, then build a compost bin for our new composting toilet which replaces our old outhouse - did that little "reno" as well. Amy is laying the tiles for the shower area. We are also starting to build a new "carport" from logs, cedar and galvanized metal roof to cover the old trailer and our car. So much to do, so little time!
It has been a busy musical time too, with three little gigs this past weekend. Friday night I played in Nanaimo with my west coast band, including son Josh on bass, a couple of Gabriola musicians and a drummer from Nanaimo. Lots of fun! A short set at the Salmon BBQ on Saturday with Tami and a conga player sitting in, then an afternoon couple of hours with Josh and Tami at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe here on the island. I have been writing new tunes as well, so it's been a creative time.
And it is winding down! Too soon, too soon.
I love being here, and want to be here more! We are thinking of extending our time next year if we can manage it, from May to September. That way we can plant a real garden, vegetables and flowers, and be here for the harvest. We may need to return to Toronto during that time for work and other obligations, but we are leaning towards that goal.
I find living in a beautiful place that is filled with nature is healing, creative, and just right for me. I still go through all the mental contortions and ups and downs, but I am generally happy and at peace. So I want more!! Toronto is a wonderful city, with incredible connections and community that I never want to lose, but after a few months, I am burnt out by the busy-ness and lack of quiet natural environment. Parks are nice, but the island is amazing!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Where does the time go?
We've been on Gabriola for a month now. What??!!! It's just not possible. Now I'm stressed - too much to do, not enough time.
People say: "Isn't that nice you have a two month vacation on Gabriola." I don't mean to sound ungrateful - it's true we have time for the beach and to chill with friends, it's definitely not a rat race. Nevertheless, I can't believe how busy we get, and how much stuff there is to get done here! Between working on our land - cleaning, clearing, fixing, dealing with raccoon in our outside kitchen, planning and executing our improvement projects for the year, planning promoting and performing music gigs, dealing with family stuff all over the place, hosting friends and visitors, and assisting Amy with her workload, it's not vacation - it's living!
This morning we said goodbye to Alan and Iris who visited us from Toronto for the past few days. A wonderful time was had by all! A great visit, and we even composed a song together last night after a little bit of wine and general merriment - Iris was on her game: "I can do what I can do!" I hope we can remember the rest! It's a classic!
Last year's big project was installing a well - boy is that a miracle to have fresh clean water coming from the ground on our land! Especially on Gabriola where water can be scarce - we are very fortunate!
This year's main project is what I call "The Hot Water Pavilion". We are getting ready to build a gazebo kind of structure that will hold a hot water tank, shower area, sink washing area and maybe a washer/dryer (maybe just a washer). The trenches are dug, the area is cleared, a preliminary exterior design has been done, and tomorrow we will start to build the deck. A friend of Josh's from Nanaimo will be the expert, and Amy and I will assist. Once we have hot water, I think we will be complete! Here's a picture of the trench and clearing for the structure:
I performed on Thursday night at The Roxy, an intimate (40 seater) concert/movie theatre space here on Gabriola. Son Josh rocked on the bass, a drummer from Nanaimo Paul Nixon, then a couple of Gabriola locals Brad Shipley on guitar, mandolin and vocals and Tami Blazer on vocals completed the group. We had a very nice turnout of over 35 folks! It was really a great night, everyone was cooking, and the audience was wonderful. I will perform again in Nanaimo at The Red Room on Aug. 6, do a short solo set at the Gabriola Salmon BBQ on Aug. 7, then a casual perforance at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe (thanks for the invite Roger!) on Sunday Aug. 8 from 2-4. I also played a couple of gigs with good friend Frank Patrick, one at the Roxy and one at The Garage Showroom in Duncan. So there's been a lot of musical activity! And of course the above does not include time of playing and creating.
On Wednesday we will take our annual road trip to another area. This year's itinerary will take us to the interior - Nelson B.C. in the Kootenay Valley. Amy has never been there, I haven't been back in over 30 years, and our daughter Lindsay is living there currently. We are looking forward to a beautiful ride and a good visit.
So all is well and exciting and beautiful - this place is too wonderful! We want to be here more! Maybe next year we'll come out late spring and plant a proper garden! For now, I am sitting here at our outside dining room table, listening to the sea wind moving the trees, and enjoying the peaceful quiet of a truly natural surrounding. Here's a couple of more pictures of where I am:
People say: "Isn't that nice you have a two month vacation on Gabriola." I don't mean to sound ungrateful - it's true we have time for the beach and to chill with friends, it's definitely not a rat race. Nevertheless, I can't believe how busy we get, and how much stuff there is to get done here! Between working on our land - cleaning, clearing, fixing, dealing with raccoon in our outside kitchen, planning and executing our improvement projects for the year, planning promoting and performing music gigs, dealing with family stuff all over the place, hosting friends and visitors, and assisting Amy with her workload, it's not vacation - it's living!
This morning we said goodbye to Alan and Iris who visited us from Toronto for the past few days. A wonderful time was had by all! A great visit, and we even composed a song together last night after a little bit of wine and general merriment - Iris was on her game: "I can do what I can do!" I hope we can remember the rest! It's a classic!
Last year's big project was installing a well - boy is that a miracle to have fresh clean water coming from the ground on our land! Especially on Gabriola where water can be scarce - we are very fortunate!
This year's main project is what I call "The Hot Water Pavilion". We are getting ready to build a gazebo kind of structure that will hold a hot water tank, shower area, sink washing area and maybe a washer/dryer (maybe just a washer). The trenches are dug, the area is cleared, a preliminary exterior design has been done, and tomorrow we will start to build the deck. A friend of Josh's from Nanaimo will be the expert, and Amy and I will assist. Once we have hot water, I think we will be complete! Here's a picture of the trench and clearing for the structure:
I performed on Thursday night at The Roxy, an intimate (40 seater) concert/movie theatre space here on Gabriola. Son Josh rocked on the bass, a drummer from Nanaimo Paul Nixon, then a couple of Gabriola locals Brad Shipley on guitar, mandolin and vocals and Tami Blazer on vocals completed the group. We had a very nice turnout of over 35 folks! It was really a great night, everyone was cooking, and the audience was wonderful. I will perform again in Nanaimo at The Red Room on Aug. 6, do a short solo set at the Gabriola Salmon BBQ on Aug. 7, then a casual perforance at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe (thanks for the invite Roger!) on Sunday Aug. 8 from 2-4. I also played a couple of gigs with good friend Frank Patrick, one at the Roxy and one at The Garage Showroom in Duncan. So there's been a lot of musical activity! And of course the above does not include time of playing and creating.
On Wednesday we will take our annual road trip to another area. This year's itinerary will take us to the interior - Nelson B.C. in the Kootenay Valley. Amy has never been there, I haven't been back in over 30 years, and our daughter Lindsay is living there currently. We are looking forward to a beautiful ride and a good visit.
So all is well and exciting and beautiful - this place is too wonderful! We want to be here more! Maybe next year we'll come out late spring and plant a proper garden! For now, I am sitting here at our outside dining room table, listening to the sea wind moving the trees, and enjoying the peaceful quiet of a truly natural surrounding. Here's a couple of more pictures of where I am:
Saturday, July 3, 2010
We arrived on Gabriola on Sunday evening and have been slowly cleaning clearing fixing and organizing our land. It's so great to be back. On Monday I sat with my guitar playing for the trees and a robin who seems to peacefully coexist in our little (unplanted) flower garden. A song popped out "I wanna go back to the island, I wanna go back to my home, I wanna go back to the island, where my soul belongs." Kind of a chant, with verses to come. Simple, easy, good feeling - that's how the island inspires me.
So where is your island? Is it even a place, or more of a space? I suppose I can find it everywhere, but it is difficult to stay in touch with that space while struggling to navigate life, especially in the city. So for me, getting to nature and quiet and beauty puts me back in that space, and heals me.
I was thinking about this place- Gabriola - and Kawagama. Both are islands, both are rich in personal history and growth for me, both create peace within me. What's different? Gabriola is an ocean island, and the Pacific has its own special strength. I can sense the tides rising and falling, and the power of vastness. I can look and see a white-capped Mount Baker 60 miles away to the southeast, or I can round the corner of Drumbeg Park and see the snowy mountains north of Vancouver, and up the Sunshine Coast. So one difference is the vastness of this region. Another is the different wildlife and vegetation here. Eagles and seals and otters, lots of unknown birds (American Goldfinch?), owls and tons of deer wandering through. Some animal ate our almond butter in the middle of the night. How did he open the jar?? Must have been a raccoon, they are so sneaky! Gigantic ferns, shasta daisies growing wild, giant firs and cedars and oh yeah we also have a beautiful maple on our land! Arbutus trees, slugs, general wildness! The other day I walked through the woods to Drumbeg Beach around 6 pm, and saw no-one! A couple of boats and planes out there but not a soul was on the beach. I can't remember the last time I felt that alone with nature! Beautiful.
So here we are, enjoying our place here, seeing old friends and new, and waiting for real summer weather - it's been very cool so far, with some rain, but we understand it will warm up this next week. Stay tuned, and talk to me if you like!
So where is your island? Is it even a place, or more of a space? I suppose I can find it everywhere, but it is difficult to stay in touch with that space while struggling to navigate life, especially in the city. So for me, getting to nature and quiet and beauty puts me back in that space, and heals me.
I was thinking about this place- Gabriola - and Kawagama. Both are islands, both are rich in personal history and growth for me, both create peace within me. What's different? Gabriola is an ocean island, and the Pacific has its own special strength. I can sense the tides rising and falling, and the power of vastness. I can look and see a white-capped Mount Baker 60 miles away to the southeast, or I can round the corner of Drumbeg Park and see the snowy mountains north of Vancouver, and up the Sunshine Coast. So one difference is the vastness of this region. Another is the different wildlife and vegetation here. Eagles and seals and otters, lots of unknown birds (American Goldfinch?), owls and tons of deer wandering through. Some animal ate our almond butter in the middle of the night. How did he open the jar?? Must have been a raccoon, they are so sneaky! Gigantic ferns, shasta daisies growing wild, giant firs and cedars and oh yeah we also have a beautiful maple on our land! Arbutus trees, slugs, general wildness! The other day I walked through the woods to Drumbeg Beach around 6 pm, and saw no-one! A couple of boats and planes out there but not a soul was on the beach. I can't remember the last time I felt that alone with nature! Beautiful.
So here we are, enjoying our place here, seeing old friends and new, and waiting for real summer weather - it's been very cool so far, with some rain, but we understand it will warm up this next week. Stay tuned, and talk to me if you like!
Monday, June 7, 2010
My last two weekends have been especially full. Let me tell you about the first one.
The last weekend of May I joined five other men at our old summer camp site for a volunteer work (and play) weekend. I say old summer camp site, because it's not the same camp, only the same island.
It was Camp Kawagama, near Dorset, Ontario, on beautiful Kawagama lake, and it was very significant in my life. I spent eleven summers there, from the time I was a first year camper at 7 years old, to first year counsellor at 17. And then the camp shut down and was purchased by a non-profit organization who formed Camp Moorelands. Camp Kawagama was a full-service camp for priveleged (mostly) Jewish kids - by full service I mean all the activities you could shake a stick at - canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, horseback riding (!), incredible drama productions, canoe tripping and of course, lots of social activity as well. I absolutely loved camp! I used to say I lived at camp and only visited Toronto for the ten months between summers. I formed deep friendships there, some of which have lasted over 40 years. I met my first wife there, and we were teenage sweethearts. I learned so many skills, including canoeing, horseback riding, drama, baseball, basketball, canoe tripping, sailing, water-skiing, music and lots more. And now as I look back, I realize that the natural beauty, quiet and serenity made a deep impact on me, and provided some of my strongest early inclinations towards spiritual seeking. Nature is the door to silencing the mind, and even at a young age I was inspired by that silence.
We had a great weekend, a full day of work building twelve new benches for the dining hall, with time for swimming, eating and drinking, reminiscing, and connecting with the wonderful people who run the camp now. It is an incredible place that offers kids from inner city environments the opportunity to experience summer camp for the first time. The staff are part counsellors, part social workers, and the mission of the camp is to help children who have come from difficult situations to build social skills and to give and receive respect, while learning how to do things we take for granted, like swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, sailing, windsurfing, baseball, basketball, tennis, and more. I would love to do more volunteer work there, and make it a yearly event.
I am very connected to Gabriola, one of the Gulf Islands in B.C. Being on Kawagama Island last week really made me realize that it was my first "Gabriola" and it planted the seeds for my connection with natural beauty, which always heals my soul. If you would like to check out the fabulous work being done there now, visit http://www.moorelands.org/wilderness-camp.php.
The last weekend of May I joined five other men at our old summer camp site for a volunteer work (and play) weekend. I say old summer camp site, because it's not the same camp, only the same island.
It was Camp Kawagama, near Dorset, Ontario, on beautiful Kawagama lake, and it was very significant in my life. I spent eleven summers there, from the time I was a first year camper at 7 years old, to first year counsellor at 17. And then the camp shut down and was purchased by a non-profit organization who formed Camp Moorelands. Camp Kawagama was a full-service camp for priveleged (mostly) Jewish kids - by full service I mean all the activities you could shake a stick at - canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, horseback riding (!), incredible drama productions, canoe tripping and of course, lots of social activity as well. I absolutely loved camp! I used to say I lived at camp and only visited Toronto for the ten months between summers. I formed deep friendships there, some of which have lasted over 40 years. I met my first wife there, and we were teenage sweethearts. I learned so many skills, including canoeing, horseback riding, drama, baseball, basketball, canoe tripping, sailing, water-skiing, music and lots more. And now as I look back, I realize that the natural beauty, quiet and serenity made a deep impact on me, and provided some of my strongest early inclinations towards spiritual seeking. Nature is the door to silencing the mind, and even at a young age I was inspired by that silence.
We had a great weekend, a full day of work building twelve new benches for the dining hall, with time for swimming, eating and drinking, reminiscing, and connecting with the wonderful people who run the camp now. It is an incredible place that offers kids from inner city environments the opportunity to experience summer camp for the first time. The staff are part counsellors, part social workers, and the mission of the camp is to help children who have come from difficult situations to build social skills and to give and receive respect, while learning how to do things we take for granted, like swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, sailing, windsurfing, baseball, basketball, tennis, and more. I would love to do more volunteer work there, and make it a yearly event.
I am very connected to Gabriola, one of the Gulf Islands in B.C. Being on Kawagama Island last week really made me realize that it was my first "Gabriola" and it planted the seeds for my connection with natural beauty, which always heals my soul. If you would like to check out the fabulous work being done there now, visit http://www.moorelands.org/wilderness-camp.php.
Monday, May 24, 2010
New York state of mind
Amy and I drove to the New York area Thursday, and I am currently sitting at a Borders cafe in Danbury Connecticut waiting for Amy. New York area has an interesting vibe, which attracts and repels me at the same time. Where else can you visit three states within a half hour? We were visiting friends in Fort Lee New Jersey, crossed the George Washington Bridge into New York, then headed north to Connecticut where her brother and mother live.
There are definitely possibilities here. We have a lot of friends and relatives all over the place, from Manhatten to Westhampton to New Jersey to Connecticut. Amy has work potential if she wants. There is an active music scene (of course!). Action action action! So this attracts.
This area seems to really run on money. Either you have a lot and want more, or don't have enough and want more. People run and run and run (I thought Toronto was frenetic! It's sleepy in comparison). In the circles I have been moving, material concerns seem to dominate. Of course, I know there is everything here, but this is what seems to predominate.
Upon reflection, I realize that I am moving in the other direction. I think my favourite moments have been at brother-in-law Michael and Lisa's place outside of Stamford. Though I wouldn't say it is totally out in the woods, for the first time in a while I experienced the healing energy of quiet, trees and birds, and a beautiful peaceful natural environment. This is what I most crave, this is what puts me in touch with the divine energy, and this is where I most feel my soul. Nature is the easiest way to connect to the soul. We have been in Toronto for a while without leaving for "nature", and these few hours in "the woods" remind me of where my heart is.
So for me the trick is finding the balance between working for material and other gains, being busy trying to "accomplish", and having the time and space to be truly in the moment. They can happen together, but I tend to get caught up in the treadmill, and after a while my mind begins the loop of "I'm not doing enough, I'm not successful enough, I don't have enough, I'm not good enough" and so on.
Do you find that too?
I know I can find the stillness in Toronto, or Manhatten or Delhi or anywhere. I know that spirit is everywhere, always available, always present, and that I cover it up with mental energy and forget to access it wherever I am. So this is the work I am doing on myself, to always remember to tune into that healing natural divine energy wherever I am.
Looking forward to returning to Toronto later this evening. Also looking forward to my upcoming concert, video recording event June 5. Also looking forward to B.C. days coming soon! Lots of good stuff going on, and I need to remember!
There are definitely possibilities here. We have a lot of friends and relatives all over the place, from Manhatten to Westhampton to New Jersey to Connecticut. Amy has work potential if she wants. There is an active music scene (of course!). Action action action! So this attracts.
This area seems to really run on money. Either you have a lot and want more, or don't have enough and want more. People run and run and run (I thought Toronto was frenetic! It's sleepy in comparison). In the circles I have been moving, material concerns seem to dominate. Of course, I know there is everything here, but this is what seems to predominate.
Upon reflection, I realize that I am moving in the other direction. I think my favourite moments have been at brother-in-law Michael and Lisa's place outside of Stamford. Though I wouldn't say it is totally out in the woods, for the first time in a while I experienced the healing energy of quiet, trees and birds, and a beautiful peaceful natural environment. This is what I most crave, this is what puts me in touch with the divine energy, and this is where I most feel my soul. Nature is the easiest way to connect to the soul. We have been in Toronto for a while without leaving for "nature", and these few hours in "the woods" remind me of where my heart is.
So for me the trick is finding the balance between working for material and other gains, being busy trying to "accomplish", and having the time and space to be truly in the moment. They can happen together, but I tend to get caught up in the treadmill, and after a while my mind begins the loop of "I'm not doing enough, I'm not successful enough, I don't have enough, I'm not good enough" and so on.
Do you find that too?
I know I can find the stillness in Toronto, or Manhatten or Delhi or anywhere. I know that spirit is everywhere, always available, always present, and that I cover it up with mental energy and forget to access it wherever I am. So this is the work I am doing on myself, to always remember to tune into that healing natural divine energy wherever I am.
Looking forward to returning to Toronto later this evening. Also looking forward to my upcoming concert, video recording event June 5. Also looking forward to B.C. days coming soon! Lots of good stuff going on, and I need to remember!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Catching up
Hello fellow bloggers and blog readers!
I have been remiss - haven't posted in weeks, and lots has been happening, so let's get up to date:
Musical activities have included coaching my students, which is fun and rewarding for me, and I hope for them too! I am learning as I teach, and each student has their own goals, desires, strengths and areas of weakness or lacking experience really. So I am trying to help them to strengthen those areas and enjoy themselves as much as possible. I would love to see this little practice grow, so any of you out there who play or sing and want to grow your music, individually or in little groups, please contact me and let's talk...
I led a little musical service at our synagogue - Darchei Noam - last Shabbat, featuring lots of Shlomo melodies, and stories about our experiences in India related to spirituality, teachers and the oneness of all beings. We also talked (it was really interactive) about how it is more difficult here in Toronto to openly talk or display our spiritual energies, outside of religious places, yoga, meditation classes and so on. And how even saying hello to people can connect our spirits together (thanks Amy!). I asked everyone to think about one teacher who has inspired them in their lives, and to talk a little about thatn and I spoke about many teachers who have helped me. We sang together, we took some time to breathe and be silent. It was a really nice experience for me (and hopefully for others). I hope to do it again.
I also was the "Wedding Pianist" for the daughter of a friend, whose main request was for the cocktail hour after the ceremony: "Bob Marley, Bob Marley, and Bob Marley". Well okay - it could be a lot worse! Of course, playing an hour of Marley tunes on solo piano, no microphone, 400 people, no vocals, is a little challenging, but I did get to work up 11 or 12 Marley tunes, which were fun to play. Hope everyone enjoyed them! Nice wedding too, sweet couple, lots of happiness! I wish them well! So I am opening up to more types of performance opportunities as I continue to focus on music as a means of living (is that an oxymoron?). Well, slowly slowly, and it's fun!
And I have this special concert coming up June 5 at Marigold Studios, with Andy Frank and his team coming in to record with 3 HD video cameras. So hopefully I will finally have some professional quality video of my tunes that I can post to the web and get out there a little further. Andy is with Roots Music Canada, a great organization with Andy and Dave Newland as main inspirational leaders. Check out rootsmusic.ca to see some of the great work they are doing to champion Canadian original music artists. I am getting more involved with this group, seeing if I can assist with sales and marketing initiatives. I think they really have something!
I also wanted to share that since my return from India, I have managed to keep a piece of that light alive - though it sometimes is hard to feel. I have deepened my Yoga practice, doing more daily, sitting to meditate daily, and remembering to breathe and be in that state during the day wherever I am as often as I can. This is making a real difference in my outlook on life and its ups and downs. When I tune into that space, everything is good, problems are not of the moment, only in the past and future, and now is perfect. So this is my practice. I am not a yogi! I break lots of yogi rules (whatever they are), but I do practice Yoga in many forms and it is an important part of my life. I highly recommend it!
So that's what I wanted to share today. Above: Pic of Amy, me and our grandson Oscar at the ROM in April. Speak soon!
I have been remiss - haven't posted in weeks, and lots has been happening, so let's get up to date:
Musical activities have included coaching my students, which is fun and rewarding for me, and I hope for them too! I am learning as I teach, and each student has their own goals, desires, strengths and areas of weakness or lacking experience really. So I am trying to help them to strengthen those areas and enjoy themselves as much as possible. I would love to see this little practice grow, so any of you out there who play or sing and want to grow your music, individually or in little groups, please contact me and let's talk...
I led a little musical service at our synagogue - Darchei Noam - last Shabbat, featuring lots of Shlomo melodies, and stories about our experiences in India related to spirituality, teachers and the oneness of all beings. We also talked (it was really interactive) about how it is more difficult here in Toronto to openly talk or display our spiritual energies, outside of religious places, yoga, meditation classes and so on. And how even saying hello to people can connect our spirits together (thanks Amy!). I asked everyone to think about one teacher who has inspired them in their lives, and to talk a little about thatn and I spoke about many teachers who have helped me. We sang together, we took some time to breathe and be silent. It was a really nice experience for me (and hopefully for others). I hope to do it again.
I also was the "Wedding Pianist" for the daughter of a friend, whose main request was for the cocktail hour after the ceremony: "Bob Marley, Bob Marley, and Bob Marley". Well okay - it could be a lot worse! Of course, playing an hour of Marley tunes on solo piano, no microphone, 400 people, no vocals, is a little challenging, but I did get to work up 11 or 12 Marley tunes, which were fun to play. Hope everyone enjoyed them! Nice wedding too, sweet couple, lots of happiness! I wish them well! So I am opening up to more types of performance opportunities as I continue to focus on music as a means of living (is that an oxymoron?). Well, slowly slowly, and it's fun!
And I have this special concert coming up June 5 at Marigold Studios, with Andy Frank and his team coming in to record with 3 HD video cameras. So hopefully I will finally have some professional quality video of my tunes that I can post to the web and get out there a little further. Andy is with Roots Music Canada, a great organization with Andy and Dave Newland as main inspirational leaders. Check out rootsmusic.ca to see some of the great work they are doing to champion Canadian original music artists. I am getting more involved with this group, seeing if I can assist with sales and marketing initiatives. I think they really have something!
I also wanted to share that since my return from India, I have managed to keep a piece of that light alive - though it sometimes is hard to feel. I have deepened my Yoga practice, doing more daily, sitting to meditate daily, and remembering to breathe and be in that state during the day wherever I am as often as I can. This is making a real difference in my outlook on life and its ups and downs. When I tune into that space, everything is good, problems are not of the moment, only in the past and future, and now is perfect. So this is my practice. I am not a yogi! I break lots of yogi rules (whatever they are), but I do practice Yoga in many forms and it is an important part of my life. I highly recommend it!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Catching up
I've been a recalcitrant blogger - I apologize. I will try to be more regular in my posts.
It's not that there isn't a lot happening. In fact I've been feeling overwhelmed by activity over the past couple of weeks. But this time of reflection and sharing is important for me, and there is lots to share, after all.
First of all, we had a really nice gig at The Annex Live last Saturday night, April 10. I debuted some new tunes and some new band members. Les Hoffman added his amazing guitar parts and excitement, and even pulled out a banjo for one tune (Sing for Your Supper). Ed Ham was excellent on the drums and vocals, and the energy was there with everyone including Dave McManus on bass and Shira Gellman on trombone vocals, and a little set of her tunes on guitar and vocals. And each of the other members did a tune, including a swinging Django Reinhart tune from Les that allowed be to pull out the fiddle for some gypsy licks, which is a lot of fun for me.
And it was a very good turnout too! I sense momentum building in my humble offerings, and it is gratifying to have so many friends show up and enjoy the music. I reconnected with a couple of people from my youth who came - I hadn't seen them in over thirty-five years! And this is happening more and more. In the past week I have reconnected with at least four people from high school days, and it feels like a flow is happening in this direction, which leads to more and more connections and so on. Great stuff! And the people who came represented four generations, from Muriel Silverman at 88 years old to my cousin Hanlan who is 11. She loves my CD, and I watched her singing along to A Love Like Yours. How great is that? Thanks to everyone who comes out to share this music! I truly appreciate your support, and your enjoyment sparks my enjoyment even more.
It is a creative time for me. I wasn't too worried about not writing songs all through last year. There were ideas, a couple of instrumentals, but the words got stuck. (See my blog post of Nov 10 called "Song trapped in my heart".) Through this period I remembered that creativity takes many forms, and that at the right time, the words will flow. And so they are. I am currently completing two new songs and a third is started, plus a new instrumental.
I am also growing this music coaching practice. I have a few students now, and am really enjoying this work. I am also offering group Music Workshops to put people together to play and learn music, so slowly slowly this is gaining momentum as well. And I am staying focused on music as my work, which is great in every way except financial. And I believe that this too will come! I am trying to remember to create and coach and perform and give and give and give, and not be too concerned about results and receiving. As we give, we receive, and the universe will provide.
Lastly, I am finally getting out of lone wolf mode and starting to connect with like-minded people involved with music, like my friend Andy Frank and my new friend Dave Newland of Roots Music Canada. These guys are true champions of Canadian independent music and musicians, and have created presence for us all through their web site, their wonderful video work and social networking expertise. I have met with them a couple of times now, and we are looking at developing a deeper working relationship, where I can offer them my services in a sales and marketing role in exchange for their help in video, social networking, and so on. Stay tuned. I am excited about this opportunity! These are "real" people who are doing it for the love of music and musicians, and support for their work is definitely growing. Check out http://www.rootsmusic.ca/.
Back at you soon! ~P
It's not that there isn't a lot happening. In fact I've been feeling overwhelmed by activity over the past couple of weeks. But this time of reflection and sharing is important for me, and there is lots to share, after all.
First of all, we had a really nice gig at The Annex Live last Saturday night, April 10. I debuted some new tunes and some new band members. Les Hoffman added his amazing guitar parts and excitement, and even pulled out a banjo for one tune (Sing for Your Supper). Ed Ham was excellent on the drums and vocals, and the energy was there with everyone including Dave McManus on bass and Shira Gellman on trombone vocals, and a little set of her tunes on guitar and vocals. And each of the other members did a tune, including a swinging Django Reinhart tune from Les that allowed be to pull out the fiddle for some gypsy licks, which is a lot of fun for me.
And it was a very good turnout too! I sense momentum building in my humble offerings, and it is gratifying to have so many friends show up and enjoy the music. I reconnected with a couple of people from my youth who came - I hadn't seen them in over thirty-five years! And this is happening more and more. In the past week I have reconnected with at least four people from high school days, and it feels like a flow is happening in this direction, which leads to more and more connections and so on. Great stuff! And the people who came represented four generations, from Muriel Silverman at 88 years old to my cousin Hanlan who is 11. She loves my CD, and I watched her singing along to A Love Like Yours. How great is that? Thanks to everyone who comes out to share this music! I truly appreciate your support, and your enjoyment sparks my enjoyment even more.
It is a creative time for me. I wasn't too worried about not writing songs all through last year. There were ideas, a couple of instrumentals, but the words got stuck. (See my blog post of Nov 10 called "Song trapped in my heart".) Through this period I remembered that creativity takes many forms, and that at the right time, the words will flow. And so they are. I am currently completing two new songs and a third is started, plus a new instrumental.
I am also growing this music coaching practice. I have a few students now, and am really enjoying this work. I am also offering group Music Workshops to put people together to play and learn music, so slowly slowly this is gaining momentum as well. And I am staying focused on music as my work, which is great in every way except financial. And I believe that this too will come! I am trying to remember to create and coach and perform and give and give and give, and not be too concerned about results and receiving. As we give, we receive, and the universe will provide.
Lastly, I am finally getting out of lone wolf mode and starting to connect with like-minded people involved with music, like my friend Andy Frank and my new friend Dave Newland of Roots Music Canada. These guys are true champions of Canadian independent music and musicians, and have created presence for us all through their web site, their wonderful video work and social networking expertise. I have met with them a couple of times now, and we are looking at developing a deeper working relationship, where I can offer them my services in a sales and marketing role in exchange for their help in video, social networking, and so on. Stay tuned. I am excited about this opportunity! These are "real" people who are doing it for the love of music and musicians, and support for their work is definitely growing. Check out http://www.rootsmusic.ca/.
Back at you soon! ~P
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