Montreal Airport

Montreal airport Current mood: excited and a little tired Category: excited and a little tired Travel and Places
internet terminals,
odd keyboards,
and going to paris.....
je ne parle pas le francais
mon dieu

Nifty Nixa

Nifty Nixa
I am enjoying a fantastic sunset in Nixa, Missouri. Hope to part of my extended family and five newly deep-fried turkeys.call me converted.Rolling hills, beautiful skys, charming accents and antiques.Did I mention the deepfried turkey.Holy crap.Happy 'Merican Turkey day.well yesterday
Currently listening : Around the Campfire By Peter Paul & Mary Release date: 28 April, 1998

surveys are for suckers

surveys are for suckers..... Current mood: headachy Category: headachy Quiz/Survey
Please please excuse this i am not a big fan of "surveys" but i was weak 12 Months of QuestionsJanuary1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year?No2. Who kissed you at midnight???? Um, maybe Andy or Jamie, probably no one.3. Does it snow where you live?hell yes4. Do you like hot chocolate?yes, all free trade and chillified5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop?noFebruary1. Who was your Valentine?um, no one.2. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class?no i think my mom bought them3. Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not?more like if it sees its reflection in the ice palace still frozen around it's little looky outside hole.March1. Are you Irish?part2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day?a special shirt reserved for the occasion, stained with cinnamon from an iowa boys party, something to do with applie pie shots and whip cream and ya, an iowa boys party.3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2006?let me check my calendar..... I saw the D.Rangers at Times!4. Are you happy when winter is pretty much over?I like winter, but I really really like to see the sun.April1. Do you like the rain?I love it.2. Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year?no, too busy chasing spring melt3. Do you get tons of candy on Easter?no4. Do you celebrate 4/20?hack hack, still am.May1. What's your favorite kind of flower?wildflowers2. Do you like the spring?yummy3. Finish the phrase "April showers"means high water4. What is the first color you think of when you think of Spring?pinkJune1. What year did/will you graduate from high school?19952. Did you realize nothing special happens in June?june is lovelyJuly1. What did you do on the Fourth of July?recover from the 1st of July and prepare for the Folk Fest2. Did you go on any vacations during this month?Folk Fest Cabin3. Do you blast the A/C all day?yes, AC/DC rocksThunder ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!August1. Did you do anything special at the end of your summer?more fishing, trout forest music festival2. What was your favorite summer memory of '06?skinny dipping off the rock3. Did you have a sunburn?I wear sunscreen 4. Do you go to the beach a lot?beach, lake, gravel pits, as much as possibleSeptember1. Did you attend school/college in '06?survival training for work2. Who is/was your favorite teacher?Nature3. Do you like fall better than summer?do you like sex better than chocolate?October1. What was your favorite Halloween costume?Bear Holding a shark - watch for it next year....2. What's your favorite candy?toffeeNovember1. Whose house do you go to for Thanksgiving?canadian? the cabinamerican? Belligerint Dave, me and my new uncle is deep frying the bird.mmmmm mmmm.deep fry a buffalo in 60 seconds? but I want it now!2. Do you love stuffing?stuffing pumpkin pie in my mouth, yes.3. What are you thankful for?my family and friends.December1. Do you celebrate Christmas?Sure2. If not, what do you celebrate?Solstice3. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?yes.4. Get anything special last year?monkey hear no evil see no evil speak no evil socks5. What do you want this year?something warm
Currently listening : Tradition Masters By Odetta Release date: 03 September, 2002

House

House Current mood: a little cloudy on a sunny day
I bought a house.I am moving in soon.Does this mean I have grown up?Or that living spontaneously is dangerous when you actually have an income...I probably won't kick myself out...Probably.There will be pictures soon.Pictures of rooms and renovations and backyard fires.I love backyards.And tea partys.and backyard tea partys.and bar-b-quesmmmmmm ribs.
Currently listening : In Concert/I Put a Spell on You By Nina Simone Release date: 07 August, 1990

House

House Current mood: a little cloudy on a sunny day

I bought a house.
I am moving in soon.
Does this mean I have grown up?
Or that living spontaneously is dangerous when you actually have an income...
I probably won't kick myself out...
Probably.
There will be pictures soon.
Pictures of rooms and renovations and backyard fires.
I love backyards.
And tea partys.
and backyard tea partys.
and bar-b-ques
mmmmmm ribs.


Currently listening : In Concert/I Put a Spell on You By Nina Simone Release date: 07 August, 1990

Times Blues Cherry Jam

Times Blues Cherry Jam Current mood: quixotic
Finally.
I got over myself and got up for a few at the Sunday night blues jam at Times. Backed by the wildly talented house players, Jay Nowicki, Ryan Meynard, and Danger Steve, who not only made it sound like I could end a song, but seemed to enjoy themselves.
The old adage don't shit where you eat didn't come into play last night, which felt pretty darn good. After a weekend of rollicking good times and a couple of hazy eventides, it felt good to end it all on a high note. Or a gravelly note in my case. Plus it was an extra special back to back double header of Miss Laura followed by Miss D. You can't help but wanting to watch that train roll through the station.
With the advent of a new way of life, homeowning, and the blizzard that hit town while I was hidden in cubicle land, I feel a sense of strong music pulling into town. Winnipeg "isolation" and the end of this Ruddy October have a couple fistfulls of inspirational fodder in my pocket. Or was that my other pants.
Always remember to check your pockets on laundry day.

Currently listening : Gas & the Clutch By Perpetrators Release date: 05 April, 2005

An Effie'n Good Time

An Effie'n Good Time Current mood: exhausted
Effie Minnesota
Population 91
The Neighborhood Tavern Jug Band Boogie
Population fantastico!
I travelled about five and a half hours southeast on Sunday morning to attend the 7th (or was it 8th... no one remembers apparently it has something to do with Tequila) annual Jug Band Boogie. Originally I thought I might be performing with some of my site crew family, but alas we were in small numbers with key members missing, so instead I got to be a judge! The best thing about being a judge, not the power and influence to cause great changes in the jug band circuit, but the bribing(with baked goods, tasty treats, smoked goods,liquor, back rubs), the copious and blatant bribing of the judges, encouraged by Marshall (the owner and perpetrator of the event) from the stage. Needless to say, from 3pm to about 9, I kept increasingly sketchy notes, and maintained an air of serious drunken paying attention to the bands so I can give them as much as they gave me.
After the competition, we raced the state troopers back to Marshall's property on Red Deer Lake. Some stopped off at the dome, Charlies Bar, but we decided that driving at night on unfamiliar roads is best done sober, so we stayed around the camp fire, picking tunes, stoking the fire, and telling strange stories. A charming feller named Al let me drink and drink again from a bottle of Old Crow. Sadly the border crossing and race for breakfast at the Effie Cafe left the Canadian contingent rather unprepared and dependent on the Americans for smokes and drinks. (I feel so ashamed for this gross oversight)
The next morning after a quick dip in the lake and a short sauna to warm up for the ride home, we raced again to the Effie Cafe for brekkie. Now, breakfast is served until 11am at the Effie cafe. There are other delightful things on the menu, but there is something about having breakfast which is so important there. We made it by 10 minutes, on Sunday morning, but despite waking up at 8 or 9 in the morning on Monday, we were two minutes late. The fellas resigned themselves to lunch, but Tiff and I greased the wheels with Cathy the cook. Once she heard of the wayward Canadians up for the jug band boogie, dying for one last breakfast at THE Effie Cafe, she let us order breakfast. Unfortunately then 4 more people joined us, and she had quite the order. One guy was even giving super specific directions on his eggs. we overrode his order, but she still gave him what he wanted. What a great sport.
Needless to say, I made some great new friends, heard some incredible musicians, who I later got to jam with... and maintained a rip roaring good time on the banks of Red Deer Lake.
Next year, I think I may even stay for the whole weekend, instead of a quick one night stay over. Plus, then I can get duty free liquor... woo hoo!

Perpetrating in Broad Daylight

Perpetrating in Broad Daylight Current mood: needing a nap
Thank you folk festival for another lovely noontime affair.
The Perps played a last minute show on the Market Stage in the exchange today at lunch. Windy like last week for the D.Rangers, but it kept the wasps from hovering around me soda. Yarrr. Me soda. Great show. As always with the perps. I loved watching the little kids dance to the music, in about 15 years, they'll probably be at Times too.
I keep getting reminded how much I love this city. Be it the many many talented musicians kicking around, hiding in nooks and crannies, or maybe the incredible character of the streets and people and buildings, looming high buffetted by wind and snow. The free lunch time concerts within walking distance of my day job. Walking streets and looking at buildings my great grandfather walked and built. It definitely feels like home here.
I need a nap.
Currently listening : Murder Ballads By Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Release date: 20 February, 1996

Noontime D.Rangement

Noontime D.Rangement Current mood: restless
How lucky am I, that over my lunch break I could hustle over to old market square and catch a tasty ear-treat of the D.Rangers.
Sweet blowing wind taking the leaves from the trees and blowin' em all around while listening to some good ol amplified acoustics.
An hour long or so set, with some familiar faces in the audience not often seen by the light of day. So THATS what you look like.
I found a sweet tree to lean against and absorb the experience. Great view for me, hidden in anonymity.
My only woe was that I had to run away without saying hello, I guess that makes me seem aloof, instead of painfully shy.
Well I guess I have another woe, I was gonna stop at tasty Mondragon for lunch, but crazy busy it was, so lunchless for today. But damn they have a fine vegan caesar salad. mmm mmm good.
The D.Rangers gave her good, and even broke a few strings for our noontime amusement. Romi Mayes jumping in to restring the backups with speed, aviators and a smile.
What a treat.
The farmers market was also going on, something I haven't checked out here before. Smaller than I am used to, but nice to see it out, I will have to hit it up next week for sures!
I miss the Arcata Plaza on Saturday morning...

Currently listening : Paw-Paw Patch By D Rangers Release date: 08 August, 2006

grease filled angst

grease filled angst
so there is an occasion not often recorded in history that seems to be an overbearing source of relative sadness or perhaps just a feeling of malaise I may be currently experiencing.
the death of a crush
perhaps due to lack of assertiveness on my part or just the gradual closing of the window of opportunity, my heart(maybe just libido) moves on. kind of in a sinking in the belly sort of feeling. Or maybe its just the crappy grease I had at Hooters for lunch.
having a crush is a joyous experience filled with pleasure and woe, peaks and valleys, and a whole lot of self delusion. The best kind of escape I tell ya. then through someone or somehow, reality peaks in and suggests some truths that are best left on the confessional floor. Or maybe I just got over it.
Being a single woman is a mixed bag I tell ya.
I can still smell remnants of hooters hot sauce.

what a world, what a world - Yogurt (Mel Brooks)

Carl

Carl Current mood: sore head tired body
Elliott Brood blew my mind last night
So did Jim Beam
which was reintroduced in honour of my friend Carl.
Some people live hard for so long you figure they ain't ever gonna quit. But you figure wrong.
He was a sweet sweet man. He was so used to rough side of things that he was always grateful for the little things. Your time, your friendship, a beer. When really it was me who should be thanking him for his time, his friendship, his wisdom and his music.
Thank you Carl.
I had the pleasure of picking and singing with him quite a few times around the fire and on the porch at the crew house, even a couple times on one of the stagey things. He lived, played and sang hard and with emotion.
I am not sure if I ever saw him without his guitar, 'cept for the brief period when his got wrecked in dubious circumstances.
I am not sure if I ever saw him without a beer, 'cept for in the morning when he woke up on the couch, and the store wasn't open yet, or maybe he needed to busk for some change to rectify the situation.
And I know that everytime I saw him, he had a smile for me, he always seemed so happy to se me, and I was always happy to see him.
The last time I saw him was at the crew house around the camp fire, where this picture was taken, but not by me. It was brief, but sweet, with a closing of, I'll see you next time I am in town.
Who knows, maybe I will.
I miss you Red Carl.

Waning and Rambling

Waning and rambling Current mood: Many mooded mama
I am sad....
The braemer pit stop open mic is no longer being hosted by my buddy Roger, so now I guess I need to find a new spot. bah.
I am happy...
I walked a whole bunch this weekend for the "weekend to end breast cancer" very positive enlightening experience (groovy groovy vibes Y'all). I saw parts of the city I had never seen before, parts of Langside with tiles of religious figures adorning the front wall, streets with no streets only front yards reaching a sidewalk which then leads to another front yard. pavement, cobblestone, gravel. Definitely a mind over matter sort of experience rounded off with...
A fantastic show by Andrew Neville and the Poor Choices and The Deep Dark Woods at a place which seems to lead me to the heavy drinking. With bound feet and a slow determined swagger I watched the bands, the people, and then the sun rise with the happy folks of Times. Blathering in my verbiose state about how on Sunday I will make it to the jam and play, but when Sunday rolls around I am lying in bed trying to control the evil demons with the jackhammer living there, surfing the waves of nausea, in no way making it out the door. where is that mind over matter when you REALLY need it?
I am philisophical????
to completely mis-quote some guy named Ghandi, apparently the way to find oneself is in the service of others. I don't think that I had ever really lost myself, I was there all along being drowned out by the busy. (self-inflicted of course) Even with the occasional bout of the lonelies, (did I mention the long walk was on my onesys? ) I have found myself to be surrounded by some really good hearted peoples. I just need to remember to keep an open heart, which is scary with the world full of evil heart breakers lurking behind bar stools and light posts and smiling faces. I guess it's better to have a beat up inner wild flower that everyone can enjoy, then a perfect one no one can.
I am so outta here....
So sometimes my work takes me outside to the banana belt of Manitoba, other times it keeps me trapped in a cubicle with conditioned air. While my buddies are tearing down the kids fest, in the beautiful out of doors. I am departing this land of flourescent, river bound, for a cold one. Gotta love the cold ones, with the good guys.
(I finally have taken Kent McAlisters Cd out of my car, and can listen to it here in the world of temporary walls, perhaps a revolution will be inspired to tear down the walls, or maybe build a whiskey still)
Currently listening : Memory Replacer By Kent Mcalister & His Band Release date: 05 May, 2005

So I think I might be crazy

So I think i might be crazy Current mood: ack
So
I am back from two weeks of exciting Manitoba travel. From Killarney, Morden (love them perogies), Bruxelles, Boissevain, Melita (two nights of horseshoes & BBQ), Napinka, Pipestone, Souris, Wawanesa, and a little of the Big City of Brandon, thrown in for good measure.
Brandons summer fair is kicking off, and I was lucky enough to experience the explosive fireworks from the room below. holy bang bang!
I got a touch of the sun, a bit of the road crazys and an insatiable ocd habit of tick checking. Those little fellas (and ladies) LOVE me. all this tick checking has made me much more aware of my body, which is a plus, checking oneself out thoroughly is a must, at least three times a day to truly appreciate ones awesomeness. Lets just hope that weird mark isn't lymes disease....
But now I am here, in Winnipeg, about to brave the wilds of the city streets. For the past three months or so I have managed to raise $2000 for breast cancer research and tomorrow I kick off for the 60 km over two day thingy ma-bob I seem to have gotten myself into. yikes. I am sure I will have words when I am done, hopefully inspiring ones.... maybe just really tired and sore ones. I am bailing from the overnight camping experience due to important back concerns, like a good nights sleep, to also check out a KA show at the times. The DeepDark Woods and the Poor Choices, doing her right. Here's to burning the candle at both ends, and not pissing off kind Johnny Scoles.
on another tangent
when in souris, if you hit the chocolate shop for some yummy gyro or maybe the baked spagetti, check out the back alley shanty town.
It has doorways reminiscent of windows wallpapers.....
or maybe i just like doorways.
Currently listening : Nina: The Essential Nina Simone By Nina Simone Release date: 23 May, 2000

The Winnipeg Hotel

The Winnipeg Hotel Current mood: not drunk
what a fantastic place to spend a lunch hour
shiny slippy shuffleboard tables
a kind of not quite smoky atmosphere,
the grumpy cook in the next room,
and a parade of characters to keep one entertained.
Sure across the street is Earls with its hungry waitresses and posh patio,
give me the jukebox and cheap draft beer on my lunch hour
also remarkably reasonable for those lean in the pocket
I recommend the breakfast for lunch
always safe and full of the protein
comes with two shiny slices of tomato
mmm mmm good.
Today however I stuck to vodka and diet carbonated caffeine
hows that for healthy
Currently listening : Honky Tonk Girl: The Loretta Lynn Collection By Loretta Lynn Release date: 13 September, 1994

thursday morning blues

thursday morning blues Current mood: lethargic
its thursday morning and somehow despite my best intentions I made it to work.
wow.
seems they are spraying for the nasty critters that like to eat up trees and my throat is killing me. Should make for an interesting open mic this Friday.
I am waiting for the inevitable, "don't you know any other songs?"
I must share a super secret find with y'all, the library! In my search for a Loretta Lynn classic, I discovered the local downtown library has her box set. when I went to pick it up, I discovered a Muddy Waters box set, and even a random blues box set. Sweet.
At the very least I have me some listening music for the tons o' driving that will be my life for the next two weeks. ahhh the field.
The lazy spring heat has really taken life in Winnipeg to a whole new level. The office bound crap sucks, but the late evening walks bring a quiet solace to my day. It's just the sun going down so late, keeping me up, making me sleep in, is gonna git me in trubble.
Maybe I should get a louder alarm clock.
Or someone to wake me up in the morning....

Currently listening : O.C.M.S. By Old Crow Medicine Show Release date: 10 February, 2004

oh to have a job

oh to have a job Current mood: cheerful
man, sometimes the real world has a way of sucking you in.
yes, i have a great job
but now that spring is here i have this strange urge to hop into a caravan, or perhaps on a sailing ship and travel to far off lands in search of the perfect falafel pita.
first stop
Italy, a little town dedicated to the worship of Diana, they would probably greet me rather joyfully.
then maybe somewhere with a sacred energy site, maybe Macchupicchu (sp?)
then to Sweden for some swedish massages.....
and then to Nashville, to hear my buddy Ryan record his new album.
i am definitely using up all my vacation time.
D
Currently listening : 867-5309/Jenny By Tommy Tutone Release date: 16 September, 2003

Banana Belt Melita

Banana Belt Melita Current mood: possibly crushing??? Category: possibly crushing??? Travel and Places
A little town in Southern Manitoba called Melita has a sweet little hotel that takes you back to the 50's. The Melita Inn by the River. Charming wood panelling and light switches Frank Sinatra would know how to use. With a riverside view (just watch out when the waters high :) ) A couple of grills in front, which I think will cook up a nice portabello steak next week....
A little alarming to be woken up by gunshots at one in the morning, I thought I left that shit behind in LA. Guess those damn coons are causing chaos again....
Good grub can be found at the Chinese food joint, Happy Chopsticks, the combo is a monster platter of sweet and sour meat treats...
I'm partial to the wonton soup....
however happy chopsticks is closed on Monday, so we headed over to the other hotel in town, where they have a restaurant.... a word to the wise, eat in the bar, the service is much better.....
I saw a little muskrat in the river, just scooting along...
yay for spring.
On to Souris....