Promises of Armadillo and Longhorn hide

11/5/10 – Fort Stockton, TX

It sure has been a while since I sat down and started writing. Don't know exactly why I do it right now but it just feels good.
This morning it started in Las Cruces, NM, After a very comfortable bed I woke up rested and eager to start the day...,
My friend Lee made a wonderful breakfast while his three, warm shower, bicyclist guests and me watched him while setting the table. Then we talked about the world and enjoyed Cinnamon French Toast topped with a Butter simmered Apple-Banana mix and, last not least, the classic maple syrup. It was quite a breakfast for me...
Right before I wanted to leave the morning party, my CA friends Bev & Greg messaged that they were only 90 miles South along I-10. We set up a PEC (Path Crossing Event) in a Starbucks downtown El Paso, So off I went...
40 minutes later we were chatting and feeling familiar bonds in unknown grounds. They told me about a coffee and tea place in Van Horn called Crossroads Coffee with two couches and friendly owners. I decided that I'm going to visit them too and make a stop on my way to Fort Stockton. Now this particular stretch of I-10 can sometimes be a little disturbing because of all the border control, and the subsequent stop at a Check Point, followed by the questioning of your Citizenship and destination... Though it shouldn’t, it always stresses me a little, but then I'm tempted to ask them where they come from and if they still have family or a sibling oversea...but then...after all it is only a short moment out of hours passing wonderful landscape, endless horizons, white feathered water blue sky, and the shear endless yellow dotted line that I follow.
Just enough time to let my mind play, let it follow its own way, and be the observer in meditation, concentrated and yet loose, obligated to choose one or the other, and then bouncing of the far peaks of the grey mountain range that spans on my right. Segments of “Lord of the Rings” could have been filmed in the Big Bend National Park, the Southwestern corner of Texas along the banks of the Rio Grande bordering Eastern Mexico. Even in bright sunlight the Mountains almost refuse to reflect the light and keep most of it trapped under their barren, colorless, rocky skin.
To my left runs an endless low horizon, two feet long grass that follows ferocious wind, and dark green bushes that roam as far as I’ve ever been. Then behind me the sun keeps falling down and blinds me throwing pure white rays against my mirrors. The light turns quickly red and the last bit bravely bleeds over the fields and finally fades into a starry blue night, loyal, filled with promises of armadillo and longhorn hide, horses and fires, tents, drums and dances under a moonless sky.

Six months and going...

I'm now six months into my tour and spend the last weeks in bliss driving and visiting the most beautiful places I can imagine - on top of the mountains (Rocky Mountain National Park), in-midst the wonders of the earth (Arches National Park), within sacred grounds (Monument Valley),along humbling vistas (Grand Canyon), and at one of my favorite places in the world (Yosemite) . I took a few days off (well, I was still driving 1500 miles) and just explored and emerged into being an observer, comparing the outer world with the inside and matching my emotions with the weather, the clouds, the rain, the burning sun, and the twilight between the days. What a continent - and I'm part of it - I know it better than my homeland and so the highways float into each other, leaving stripes along their shoulders where hitchhikers entangle themselves in looking for one thumb to expose to the world. Oh my, I'm glad the wheels are spinning and I'm moving. From FL via AL, LA, TX, NM, to CO, and then back through UT and AZ to California - California, oh I missed you!
I picked up my old friend Ralf from the SF airport and he'll be on the road with me for two months. I wasn't sure if we fit everything in my car but I'm a packing monster and did it! Currently we're in Fresno with my family and enjoy the heat and the pool. After this weekends CD release party we're going up to the mountains and spend some time at the Sweetsmill camp. After that we're off to the Bay Area and then the NW.
I have written a few new songs and already tested them on the audience. The reaction was over the top and I'm very pleased with the outcome. I really am looking forward to going into the studio sometime early 2011. By now I have material for almost three new CDs with each song happening - no idea how to select! I want T-Bone as the producer and likely record in New Orleans for sound and groove issues. Let's see, it looks like it is a possibility and with my mind focusing everything is possible!

Fresno, CA, July 9th 2010

Where the heck am I???

This morning I woke up with a headache and had no clue where I was - I mean no clue for at least a minute! The room looked like any other motel room I've seen in the last six months. Finally I got it, I'm in Connecticut on my way to Philadelphia. This time I google it before I put it into my GPS and decide to drive about 100 miles out of the way to miss out on the main traffic close to New York. On top of that I experience various Work Zones. I'm still alright with time but spending it in a car going 15 miles tops is certainly not my idea of fun. I'm still looking forward to the web TV interview with Ray Naylor tonight. He's doing this Grassroots undertaking from his basement in a Philadelphia suburb - you've got to love it. For the first time Ray is doing two interviews in a row, first Christine Havrilla at 8pm then me at 9pm. It's great despite the technical snafu's that keep coming:) I planned on staying but also want to be in Brooklyn tomorrow morning to rehearse with Chris for the evening show in Manhattan. So I drive off into the night towards NYC. Unfortunately it starts pouring down after only 10 minutes and I almost crash the car when a truck passes me and splashes water on my windshield which blinds me for a few seconds even with the wipers on full speed. Hell! now I'm awake - I feel like throwing up and get rid of all the adrenalin that entered my system a second ago. I got to find a Motel soon! Oh, and some food. Dang, it's late and so I'm stuck with Wendy's. Too bad it's on the other side of the street with a divider in between. I have to drive in circles and the rain doesn't make it easier. This is really hard!!! Finally I get there - but now I have to drive back to the Motel. I can't believe that it takes so long for such a short distance!!!. After a long day I finally sit on the bed eating a burger and drinking a coke infused with some Evan Williams and an HBO movie that plays in one of my favorite US Cities - New Orleans:)

Philadelphia, PA, 5/11/2010

Life is Plenty!

What a week!!! From the clear view peaks of the emotional mountains in WV to the deep down grind in the City of the Cities. It takes a long time through the windy roads of West Virginia to drive down into the valley. I'm playing at the Fredericksburg Songwriter Showcase. It is in the same building as an old music store where I'm invited to play a 1936 Gibson amongst other treasures. Before I have to split to get to the sound check I'm invited into the back room to enjoy a cold Micro Brew IPA after a 6h drive - Welcome in Virginia! Nice folks and a great evening that spills over to Bob's house. He hosts the showcase since decades and has developed wonderful listening room. We sit talk, and play music until about 2am.
Early morning rise to drive 9h to Western Massachusetts. My GPS, I trust it since it became very stressful to constantly question its integrity, leads me straight through NYC - over the Brooklyn bridge into Manhatten!!! Oh boy - after some deep breaths I start to laugh - stand up against the beast! I already paid toll and learned my lesson - when on the East Coast have cash in your pocket! After three hours of crawling through Brooklyn, over the bridge into Manhatten and past the East river upstate NY, I finally arrive in Sheffield I was 12h in the car - nonstop, well, a gas Station doesn't count, right?. The concert that night I won't mention, just that it kicked me into the ground and brought me close to tears. Wow, I haven't been so low for a long time - glad I have friends out there and cell reception! The same night I drove another two hours and brought the count to 14h total - a new record! A few hours in a motel before I play at the Unity of Central Massachusetts. Then Chinese take out, Sam Adams Imperial White, and watching Master and Commander:)

Life is Plenty

Worchester, MA, 5/2/2010

Where is a Banjo when you need it?

Just spent three wonderful days in DC. I remember recording at XM radio years ago with "Two Loons for Tea". We played in Manhatten after midnight and then had a night drive to DC and a morning recording and then flying back to Seattle. This time around I got what I needed - some time to look around and explore! I so appreciate the architecture and spacial distributions of the Mall and all the Monuments. Three days of sunshine certainly did not hurt. I played a little show for the staff of the Library of Congress and it was wonderful. I got my own dedicated folder at the American Folklife Center!!! Not to forget a 2h personal tour where I saw the original Gutenberg Bible, The Jefferson Collection, the Gershwin brothers piano and typewriter, Rodin sculptures, and I got to sing at the Coolidge Auditorium, one of the best sounding concert venues in the country:) I was about a feet above ground for the rest of the day and in love with life. Yesterday I drove all the way out to Thomas, WV right into the boonies - Oh my what a change of scenery. I played a show for 4 folks at the Purple Fiddle and for the first time in years I had the feeling that I'm the wrong act - where is a Banjo when you need it...Anyways after three of the four left I had a nice conversation, sold a CD, and made a new fan. John, the owner took me out to a Tavern where they serve the beer in jars and jam mountain music until dawn - great place to do a social study:)
Today the sun is out and I'm sitting at a Cafe listening to J.S. Bach and doing some promotional work besides letting my mind wander around. Got to go back to the venue and pack my staff so I can get on the road towards Fredericksburg, VA where I play tonight.

Thomas, WV 4/30/2010

Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Spätzle, Gulasch, Rotkraut, and Kartoffelsalat

What a weekend! Driving through wonderful West Virginia Mountains Thursday, Friday and visiting Morgantown and the beautiful Lake Floyd for shows. Saturday I was playing in Hampton, VA. Long, long drive for hours over the mountains, up and down and up and down. Kinda like a roller coaster but way slower:) After eight hours I arrived in time for a little food before the concert. An hour before the show the house was buzzing with folks and I was buzzing too. What a great concert and response - I was breaking several personal records and shot myself straight up to the royal blue and soared with the eagles. The after party lasted 'till 4:30 am and then it took me about an hour to get rid of all the adrenalin in my body:) In the morning I had to get up early and drove to Virginia Beach where I played at Christ Unity Oceanside. The fabulous Tom Baker was the speaker and I had a great time playing a few songs. After that I drove back to Hampton and we had a birthday party for Kelly's German friends with Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Spätzle, Gulasch, Rotkraut, and Kartoffelsalat - can somebody kick me and see if I'm dreaming??? Yesterday I drove to DC and was excited driving into the city for the first time. Today I play at the Library of Congress at the American Folklife Center. After that I get a tour:) Live is gooooooooooood!

Washington, DC, 4/27/2010

West Virginia Mountain Mama

I Just arrived in Morgentown, WV after driving 7h through VA and WV hinterland:) It was great though I'm a little tired now. On the way I got myself a gadget that connects my iPhone to the car stereo and for the first time since 5 months on the road I can listen to my music, lectures and books. No idea why I haven't done that earlier?
Just before I got here I was in a big traffic jam when Joni Mitchell came on with her Blue album - my absolute favorite. It never ceases to amaze me what music can do with the mind. Somehow I'm feeling blue now! not exactly what I had in mind but I take it as well as the moments of joy being alive and traveling through such beautiful countryside. I hope I'm able to push the clouds aside a little before I play or even while. The venue (SO.ZO) is right next to the University and the folks are very nice and open so I should have a good concert:)

Morgantown, WV, April 22, 2010

Spring and Family

Last week in NC spring started to draw my attention to its vivid colors and satin like appearances all over the place. While sitting on the back porch of a big log home hidden away in the country I was writing and playing music all day while the sweet scents of white, pink, yellow, and red blossoms tickled one particular stubborn nose hair. It seemed more than the years before or maybe I'm just more open and exposed - I almost felt pregnant for that matter - not that I really would know exactly how that feels but...
Leaving this place was not easy but I knew that I'm driving to Virginia where I have my only family in the US, my niece Sybille - We grew up together and she's the first born of my late brother Wolfgang. We're only a year apart despite the fact that I'm called UNCLE!!! While driving into Virginia Spring seemed to intensify - more? can that be? Oh yes, it can! Especially when you see it day to day how the peach blossoms fill a whole tree and burst out their song. On Easter I was invited to play at a sunrise service at my nieces church. It was very early but I really enjoyed it despite the chill that was still in the morning air. After that I visited a UU Church in Blacksburg, VA and had a great reception and made new friends.
I'll stay until Friday with my niece and her family and enjoy being a real part of it:) Yesterday I baked a bread and made a special salmon dish - oh how yummy:)
What can I say - I think I love eating! Today now I'll be a tourist for the day and check out the Roanoke Star and the D-Day Museum...

Roanoke, VA 4/7/2010

New Harmony and a way of living

Wow, it has been a while since I sat down and found the time to write. Yesterday was my birthday and after getting up way too early in Northwestern Ohio, I drove close to 8 hours to Evansville, IN for an interview at WUEV 91.5 FM. I enjoyed my time at this little University Radio station but boy was I tired! The last days/nights had been kinda rough and I was looking forward to a nice Birthday concert that evening. After visiting with my friend Heidi at the Penny Lane Coffeehouse I drove another 30 miles to New Harmony, an artists community and one of the hidden treasures in the US. Wonderful folks, a sweet little concert space and a coconut cake! What else can one ask for! During the long drive down from OH I was glad that I have an iPhone and could indulge in checking my facebook for Birthday greetings. Usually I don't make a big fuzz out of that but it was the first birthday since 10 years that I was not with my family and I certainly felt that I'm alone now, so appreciated even more all the little comments and it made me smile in between yawning:) I'm on tour now for roughly three months and know that I won't have a home base before sometime 2011. It's my little golden Honda for now I guess. I'm glad that I make friends wherever I go and that I can keep a positive mind set despite feeling lost at times. For that I have to thank my mom I guess - she's a wonderful spirit and always looks at the bright side of things.
Driving through Ohio was a little strange the other day - beautiful yes but the radio!!! I could get three stations - Christian, Classic Rock, and Talk Radio featuring Rush Limbaugh!!!! OMG - It's hard not to want to blow him to pieces!!! Glad I'm a peaceful man with a lot of compassion though with Rush it is failing, that is simply right wing propaganda and hurtful to listen to.
Luckily I do grassroots and meet wonderful folks wherever I go doing exactly what I'm supposed to do. In these troubled times with a lot of confused and angry people out there Music and Arts are more important than ever in our history! We need to heal this rift that keeps us separated from each other and the power of sound can make an angry heart soft and open again to see that we have way more in common than meets the eye.
It's time for a New Harmony!!!

Evansville, IN 3/20/2010

Hardly anybody gets to see that

Ever experienced the Tennessee hinterland? Well - I thought to leave early from Murfreesboro, TN so I get to Murphy, NC early enough to take a walk and get some exercise before playing at Doyle's. About 30 miles before my destination they closed the main road due to a rock slide - I had to triple back and it turned out to be a three hours detour along rural roads with no shoulder and heavy duty holes that could easily destroy even the best tire! Part of me loves that because I know that hardly anybody gets to see that, but I always wonder what folks do out there - I mean where do they work? where do they buy their groceries and in what quantities, where do they hang out together? How is life off the grid in all these run down trailers?
Well, in some way part of me feels just the same driving across the continent in my little Japanese half house over and over again. It becomes familiar when we repeat it, home when we keep it, our own when we take and accept it.

Murphy, NC 2/27/2010

Open for the real adventure

Pictures on walls and figures on shelves, beautiful sounds, a guitar well held, inspire to aspire a walk through the fire and phoenix the desire from the ashes to the flesh. A flash of light is then reversed into the darkness driven by a mass, a great thirst that wants to quench the universe but to burst again and lighten up the sky - why?

How would I know if only my eyes see while my heart watches...

I'm hiding out in a little motel in Jackson, TN and keep decompressing after an ever intoxicating week at the National Folk Alliance in Memphis. I never quite know why I'm exposing myself to such mixed feelings and ups and downs but to loosen my ego and let it slip away for a little time, leaving me open for the real adventure - not knowing - trusting with intend without running after things that always seem like bright orange carrots just a swing away.

After a few days of pecking away 12 hours on the keyboard I'm getting ready to face the world again and am looking forward to my show this Friday in Murphy, NC...

Jackson, TN 2/24/2010

What makes sense in Austin?

Yesterday I left Houston and drove the 3h to Austin for a little gig at Mozart's Coffee Roasters. He would have probably turned in his grave...It's actually a nice cafe right on the lake but boy - why play music there? Can't be the $80 guarantee that is unusual for a Coffeehouse. Somebody shouting "Triple Soy Latte for Isabel" or "Darjeeling Tea for Michael" out of the top of their lungs while at the same time the espresso machine is roaring and three parties of Asian teenagers talk the latest fashion with high pitchy voices that are hard to drone out. Boy do I feel out of place - Why would anybody want to drink coffee at 10:30 pm? I don't get it. I'm glad when the clock hits 11 and I can pack up. Three trips to the car and off it goes back to the Motel 6 I checked in this afternoon. I'm tired and haven't really eaten anything yet. Can't decide to stop and have a bite so I just go back.
Then this darn key won't work - the lobby is packed with folks wanting a cheap Motel. After a while I get a new key - still not working! I'm close to losing it partly because it's cold out there and I'm freezing and tired! They have to bring a black box to surgically let me in my room. By now it's 1 AM and I'm done for the day. I really hope I have a few folks come out to my house concert today. So far I still have to play anything in Austin that makes sense!

Austin, TX 2/6/2010

The Saints of New Orleans

Today is my last day in Florida and I have to say goodbye. One more time does the glowing fireball greet me through the palm leaves while the salty air finds its way to my heart - I sure will be back! The last days I spend at the Paradise Inn in Pensacola Beach and had time to relax and do a lot of work typing away and planning future routes. Now I'm on my way to pre Mardi Gras and Saints crazed New Orleans in football fever. It's an amazing city that takes a token from everyone that loves it. Next time I got to spend a week or so but for this time around I just skim the surface.
This morning I finally got a show for my birthday in March and will visit a wonderful enclave in New Harmony, Indiana. I'm very excited about that and think it's the perfect way to cross over into a new year. Ok - my stomach says it wants some nourishment - now. Well then...

Pensacola Beach, FL 2/2/2010

Mantra of Chenrezi

My thoughts are as dark as the night would like to be while driving along #1, an almost straight dim road down South, away from the blinking red, white, and blue that patrols the sleepless rock-flooded vein. An endless line of streetlamps forces the dark into a blurry twilight and even the Om Mani Padme Hung, Mantra of Chenrezi, does not seem to stop the fall. Tired and exhausted from sitting in a lonely car, pouring out soul on a daily basis does make it easy to get trapped in a never ending monologue.
There in safe distance another coupon run down Motel with a yellow sink, stained with cigarette burns and sad stories you only hear sitting on a wooden bar stool long after midnight, gazing into a rhythmically moving liquid and breathing slowly from mouth to nose. Too many black hours sitting behind a wheel slightly above ground and massive as a full grown Redwood in motion. Action of given forces like gravitation leading the trajectory - oh sleep - oh sleep - oh sleep now...zzzzzhmmm

Homestead, FL 1/24/2010

The old time pyramid set on Adagio

Another day lost in paradise - PLEASE - do NOT send HELP! The days float by between pecking away on the computer, playing music and cooking for friends - row, row, row your boat...I know this can't last but it is just right for now. Let me turn another time and snooze until I absolutely have to wake up. I'm amazed that we sleep one third of our life but hardly know what we dream or take any of it serious. I dreamed up my world that I know for sure. I remember all the hours sitting on the oil furnace during a cold winter in my home town, my guitar always strapped around my shoulders and the gentle breeze of the steady breath mimicking the click and clack of an old time pyramid set on Adagio. Dancing snowflakes in front of the window - a beautiful winter waltz before my eyes, never missing a beat and then, when they were tired they'd land on the white fuzzy carpet that covered the slanted roof, bowing one last time saying "Merci beaucoup".
Deep down in the backyards of our childhood there lies the design of future dreams carefully stitched into the quilts of time - no second guessing, just the desire to embrace and play whatever deck was dealt, knowing there's always another game, another winter, another dream:)

Jensen Beach, FL 1/21/2010

The Artist's Way

There are swaying palm trees just outside the window - I know I can touch them and rub my face gently against the smooth cool orange-green part of their skin. I'm a tree-hugger alright, there is no way around it and I know they like that too.
This morning I woke up in a light flooded room with five different melodies in my head feeling star trecked like Data trying to picard his Captain. There were still images in my head of the coastal route down to Jensen Beach. Open water has such a strong pull on my soul - I must have been a sailor in the past or lived along a shore breathing in the salty air and having the sensation of mussels and clams jumping from bud to bud detecting the six elements of taste perception.
Keeping my heart open and excited is a blessing as well as a challenge - I love my life despite the pains of leaving my family in a place far from here. The older I get the more intense become these fleeting moments of bumps on my skin and the golden hairs pointing towards the sky as if they want to shoot out and play with the wind. Being present is the only way, the Artist's way, means turning away from fear and expectation and embracing the unknown journey of a cosmic millisecond. Having packed my life in a golden Japanese box with wheels makes it easier staying in the here and now - if not now then when? as my friend Freebo sang yesterday enchanting his audience in his kind and gentle way.
It is intoxicating feeling love that is not pointed in a specific direction but radiates like a sun and brings its light to the darkest corners, unfolding the simple beauty of breathing and being alive. There - I see a strange white long necked bird walking across the parking lot - come on - take off, let me see you fly and carry my thoughts with you across the endless water that is all around us

Jensen Beach, FL 1/16/2010

Sleep now Honey Pie

My first breakfast in a Cuban Cafe - One sided Mirror windows and the sweet taste of an espresso Havana style. Toasted bread with a carrot-habanero-onion spread before an island sandwich with fries...
On the table across the room two busy man from different corners of the earth. One is tapping a fast, nonstop beat while the other seems to chew a dark brown cube of beef with big white teeth rhythmically in quarter time. Right behind me facing each other sits police in a mixed pair looking forward to quench their thrust with a glass of ice water. In the open door walk two soldiers of the sky in uniform ready to fly.
Take out lunch can make strangers to friends and you've got to love how a warm meal can start a Union.
Soon I float into the car and down the highway South past farms, lakes, old hippie trees and grooves of citrus. I see blurry water through the passenger window of my golden wagon and it pulls me to the right. I have to stop and breathe - say it again - I have to stop and breathe.
The day has a few more hours and I decide to look for a place to stay maybe even walk in somewhere and play... Maybe not tonight though - I need to enter the digital world and connect dots on a map so I know what to do - at least for a little while. Cheap holiday night a Motel room. I wish I knew what to do to cockroaches. I sure killed some in my life but they're part of it too... well, close enough! I think I'm ready for the Ventura Highway in the sunshine and free wind blowing through my imaginary hair. go sleep now honey pie you legend of the silver screen and don't make me crazy.

Ocala, FL 1/14/2010

Doesn't it always come different then expected?

Today started out great and the highway ran itself into the Sunshine State. Pine trees lined along two lanes and most of the time the only direction visible was towards the East. Listening to how the Universe expands and speeds up into the next dimension, I was cruising along below the limit. Then I called Amelia Island where I was supposed to stay and play this Friday - Joe was sorry that he was forced to close down the Inn for good and I was sorry for both of us. I was looking forward to staying at the Hotel for a few days before playing a concert. I had it all laid out - the mornings I'd work on bookings and promotion - then a walk on the Beach, lunch outside sitting on an old garden stool overlooking the main street, and then back to work... Doesn't it always come different then expected?
At least you can rely on the passing time and now after 8 hours of driving the sun ran out of sky and my eyes started to get tired. It was time to make a decision and quickly get a cheap room somewhere close. I forgot that I hardly watch TV, and only in Motels get sucked into the cable and since yesterday every station seems to report from Earthquake struck Haiti. It really puts things into perspective and leads my thoughts away from little me.

I'm looking forward to waking up tomorrow to a sunny world and hope its star reaches deep inside, giving strength to start again fresh with a lighter pallet of colors.

Jacksonville, FL 1/13/2010

Alabama the Beautiful

I woke up at 6am on a couch in New Orleans. The sun peaked through the curtains and filled the room with yellow light. It's a shotgun she said - a house you can shoot through the front door and poke a hole into the back door. I loved this way to describe architecture...
After breakfast I sat on the street corner and talked to my mom back in Germany. It's a beautiful day and the balconies in the French Quarter lay their first shadow down on Bourbon Street. A walk does good after all that driving. Willie Nelson plays at the House of Blues - dang I'll miss it!
Then it's time to get back in the car and the routine. Crossing rivers into Mississippi then Beautiful Alabama. I'm playing in Mobile and it's a first. Haven't done a Tuesday Coffee Shop for a while and it's a little strange to play for folks that check their email but then I get in the mood and play for two hours straight - oh music is so good for the soul. My highlight though is a conversation with John after the show, another moment to make a friend out there in the unknown. Then a short drive to Daphne and a late dinner in a coupon Motel close to I10. Tomorrow is another 450 miles day, picking up speaker stands for my new PA in Jacksonville and then off to Fernandina Beach:)

Daphne, AL 1/12/2010

Leaving Houston for New Orleans

After a wonderful house concert yesterday at Marti's house, Willie and me go a little lost in the Woodlands but we made it back safe to Houston. We stayed up talking until about 3am. I could certainly feel it this morning while packing the car. Then I started the drive to New Orleans. Still in Houston I got into a major traffic jam and it took about 2 hours to clear the city. It was a long, long drive and when the sun set I was really tired and not sure how I'm gonna get through the show at the Neutral Ground. I got there right before showtime. My energy was low but I was able to get some sparks back and had a nice evening and mad some new friends out there. I love New Orleans - it's so...I'm missing the words, I guess I'm really tired. Tomorrow I'm playing in Alabama for the first time - adventure:)

New Orleans, 1/11/2010

Burning away the dark clouds

I can't believe that I slept until 11:30am. I wore my Peruvian hat (warm and fuzzy) and now have a real bad hair day but who cares. The sun is out!!! it is still cold but very bright. Amazing what that does to me. It's like burning away the dark clouds in my soul - I'm glad I'm in the South at the time. I remember my first seasonal depression in Seattle and never ever want to feel that again. Today is going to be a good day and after finishing my coffee here at Starbucks I'm driving to a Pharmacy getting some Benadryl and Cough medicine for Willie. He's still on the edge and we have a house concert tonight.
Despite the Starbucks Imperium and my mixed feelings about supporting them I must say that they have the best music playing. Between Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, Rickie Lee Jones, Tower of Power, Aretha, and A.C. Jobim I'm in Earvana:)

Houston, TX 1/9/2010

Rocky Start

I'm sitting a a Starbucks drinking a hot chocolate - I never do that, I guess I need comfort:) My first show for this year was canceled yesterday and I was a little down on that but then we got invited for dinner and over some wonderful pasta and wine the world started to look a little brighter. It's really cold here in Houston and I hope it warms up a little! Willie is fighting a cold and I made a Chicken soup first thing in the morning. Tonight we're playing at the JP Hopshouse and I'm looking forward to my first show of the new Year. By Monday I have to buy a new PA system, the one that I'm traveling with belongs to a friend in New Orleans and I return it when passing through next week. I just heard from a good friend back in Germany that he left his wife and four boys before Christmas - dang! another one! Well, in many regards 2010 can only get better!


Houston, TX 1/8/2010

Resting in Houston

After driving 9h for several days I made it to Houston and stay with my friends Willie B. and Mo. It feels good to have a few days without driving. This from tomorrow on I have shows every night until next Tuesday. The Houston shows are all with my buddy Willie and I'm looking forward to that. Last night we had a wonderful 4 course dinner at the Stitelers where we play a house concert this Saturday. We paired every course with the right wine and it was a culinary journey - still thinking about that withe asparagus soup with the Chardonnay - oh my!!!
Overall my energy is a little low but I know I will be back once I start playing. It will take a while to digest all the changes in my life. It is amazing how many folks and friends out there go through similar times. Maybe it is just the way I focus on it right now but it seems that the end of 2009 is not only the end of the first decade in the 21st century but a pivotal point in Life for many out there...
OK - enough philosophy - I got to get back to the real world and get some more shows...

In the middle of nowhere

I left Tombstone early in the morning. After about 10 miles I reached a Border Patrol Checkpoint where everybody is stopped and maybe searched. I have my whole life in the car so I really was not looking forward to the possibility of unpacking... Luckily I was waved through and kept on driving, crossing over into NM and then (after another checkpoint!!!) into West Texas. It's beautiful there but in the middle of nowhere! I was wondering what would happen if I broke down. Most of that stretch of I10 is without cell phone reach - well got to keep thinking positive! After about cruising for 9 hours I reached Fort Stockton, the only stop with Motels for miles and miles to come. I got some Chinese buffet and just mixed Evan Williams with a Coke:) Now I'm on my bed in a Motel 6 watching the third "Lord of the Rings".
Tomorrow I have about 520 miles to Houston and see my friends Willie and Mo:) Looking forward to some company after three days in Motels...

Fort Stockton, TX 1/3/2010

Great Start into 2010

I had a wonderful start into 2010 with a blue moon in Laguna Beach, CA. The corona was spectacular and I've never seen anything like it. The next one will be in 2029 (Blue moon means two full moons during the same month:) We had a great party and I cooked 5 pound of mussels - hmmm yam! The next morning I left the coast and started the drive East. I thought I could make it to Phoenix but was way too tired and stopped in Blythe, CA. Today I'll try to get to Las Cruces, NM but it's a stretch...

Blythe, CA 1/2/2010