Mile 11,286 Back in Austin, TX

Ah, it is so good to be back. All in all, I had a wonderful time. If I had it to do over, I would take 2 weeks, not 2 1/2 months. Boulder is a beautiful city, almost too beautiful. I had a great time visiting my friend Jeff. We took a tour of the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory. I got to wear my first hairnet. Very fun. We had a lovely time at Kara and Chad's wedding as well. They led all hundred or so guests with flowers to a birch grove clearing on this mountain ranch. It was wonderful. On our way back to Austin we hit a crazy thunder lightning and hail storm. It was pretty scary to drive through but we made it home in one piece. I'm thrilled to be back in my own house. Back to life in Texas. Yeehaw!

Mile 8, 645 Still in Portland, one more week

It's hard to believe I can count my final days in Portland on my fingers. Not that my math skills are that crappy, but the month here has flown by. The job with Wells Fargo didn't end up working out. Even though I made it very clear that I was only free for a month, they seemed put off by my short term availability. But I found a little work painting the rental house of a friend in town which worked out nicely. I have decided that my non-temping status is a sign for me to take this time in Portland and really focus on finding myself some better work in Austin for when I get back. I have been applying to many jobs and also doing some research into grad school programs at the University of Texas. Yes, it's time for this gal to get a masters. Now I just need to decide on a field and I will be good as gold.
I have played a few songwriter showcases in town and met some very cool people in the process. Everyone seems very envious of my being on tour. If only they knew the trials and tedium that comes with the driving and constant living out of a suitcase. This summer has been an eye opening season for me. I know that I would like to do this again in the future but I think I'll wait until I have a new album to sell. CD sales really pulled me through some of the unpaid gigs. I think next time I would like to take a band with me as well. Some of the shows could have been a lot better if I'd had some backup. There are only so many 3 hour shows I can do solo without hurting my voice. But these are the lessons I take with me. Send fewer but nicer posters to venues. Always bring your own tip jar. Find out ahead of time what equipment will be needed. Don't play at the Caffeine Coffee Bar in Nashville unless you know people in Nashville who will be there. Lots of people.
I hear CBGB's in New York is closing. I'm glad I got to play there. Even if they weren't so nice. Still no word on the video from that show. That may be a lost cause.
It has re-come to my attention just how lovely Portland is. I don't think this is the last time I will be here on an extended basis. Atleast, I don't plan on it being so.

Mile 7,595 back in Portland for a while

Even though the Seattle audience was small, they seemed to be enjoying the show. A handful of those kids had seen Steve's show there a year ago and came back to grab a copy of the new album and hear some new tunes. It was a quick trip but we got to spend the night at Steve's uncle's house about 45 minutes south of Seattle and I have to say, he's got the best view from his back patio of anyone I know. I didn't even realize sipping my coffee from the kitchen that right behind me was Mt. Rainer (for you east coasters, it's the largest mountain in Washington). Nor did I realize there was a baby goat chillin' by his pool. Or that I would be crashing in a nursery by a crate of My Little Ponies. It was an adventure. I will set up pictures for sure.
So Adam and I finally got to move into our friend's house yesterday in Portland and we are thrilled to stay put for a while. At my show last night I met a very cool woman who is setting me up with some temp work for Wells Fargo while I'm out here which is great since I would be broke as a stale cookie in a month otherwise. Something about vendor setup for morgage loans. I'll let you know how it goes.

Mile 7,036 Portland, OR

Yay! I'm back in Portland! The shows have been amazing. Playing in Eugene was lots of fun. Lots of people dancing. It's been such a treat performing with a full band the last 2 nights. We had a pretty good turn out last night and I can't wait to play in Seattle on Sunday. It is cold and raining up here in Rose City and I am loving it.
Adam and I had a blast at the High Sierra Music Festival out in Quincy, CA. I was blown away every day by a new band. I recommend checking out Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (Aretha Franklin bluesy soul) and the Soul Rebel Brass Band (New Orleans style hip hop zydeco). They had a radio station broadcasting the performances on different channels for each of the stages and in the mornings let people sign up to play a 15 minute slot. I got to play one morning. It was my radio debut and very fun. Man, it feels good to get the bulk of the driving over with.

Mile 5,650 Evanston, WY

Holy smurfs, I am road weary. It's been a beautiful trip. The map isn't totally accurate, as we ended up going through Canada and Michigan to get to Chicago. We stopped at Niagra Falls for lunch which was just lovely and have been doing some full days so that we can get to California by nightfall tonight. 18 states (and 1 Canadian province) we have passed through, saw Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, crossed the Continental Divide, 2 time zones, and even got our customary Wall Drug bumper stickers. Last night after a very full day of driving we pulled into Rock Springs, WY only to find that every hotel in town was booked due to a natural gas boom. Nothing was available within 60 miles. So back on the road we went until we arrived here in Evanston. Only one more crazy day.

So the last 2 shows of the east coast leg were lots of fun. The venue in Saratoga Springs is the oldest folk music venue in the country where many musicians got their start. There was a wall of fame inside that was pretty much a wall of all my musical influences. It was great knowing I had shared the stage with all of them. The Belhurst Castle was just breathtaking and I would definitely play there again. Well, it's just about time to hit the road. Back in the saddle again!

Mile 2,820 Back in Barrington, RI

Happy Summer everyone. Tonight is the last night I will ever spend in this house. I found out today that, after 27 years at 48 Lamson Rd, my parents have accepted a bid on the house, and will be moving into their new house in August. So many memories, but there's not enough time to really be sad. Tomorrow Adam and I begin our journey west and don't stop till we hit California. Actually, we have a couple stops along the way, including a show tomorrow with an old friend I haven't seen in 11 years.

To back-track a bit, the show in Portland was lots of fun. The owners of Acoustic Coffee are very sweet and I would happily recommend the venue to any aspiring musician. The day after the show, we buzzed back down here with grandma for a surprise birthday party for my dad. He was very surprised. It was fabulous. Cousin David and I wowed him with a joyful rendition of one of his favorite tunes, the Rainbow Connection. I think it went over pretty well. We even drove back up to Boston for an evening of catching up with college friends. This evening we had a lovely dinner out with my parents before enjoying the Summer Solstice Water Fire in downtown Providence. It's lovely and now I smell like camp fire. Well, I best be getting to bed. Tomorrow we are heading to Saratoga Springs, NY with a little stop over in the Berkshires for a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Ah, life is good, no?

Mile 2,360 Ogunquit, ME

This is my week off. It's good to have a break. The show in Providence was wonderful. I got to see the parents of many of my friends growing up and hear what everyone has been up to since we lost touch. Then, in Boston, I got in a bit of college reunion time. It was great seeing all you guys. To my dismay, many of my favorite haunts have since closed down(goodbye Disc Diggers!) but such is life. I did get to see Frankie Vallie at the Hatch Shell (I didn't know he was still alive) and his voice is still amazing. I felt like I was right back in (late December) 1963. I have been in Maine less than 48 hours and already had two naps. I love that about this place. We got a little sun yesterday but it's supposed to rain for the rest of our time up here. Better than the Texas heat, I suppose. I'm looking forward to playing in Portland on Saturday. It will be the first time my grandmother has ever seen me perform (besides family functions). I think she's going to bring a few friends out. I bet the owners of Acoustic Coffee will wonder where I picked up this 80something fan base. For now, more reading, napping, and walks on the beach. Happy Birthday Mom!