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
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 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
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
Saturday, January 16, 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
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
Thursday, January 14, 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
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
Wednesday, January 13, 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
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
Tuesday, January 12, 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
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
Monday, January 11, 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
New Orleans, 1/11/2010
Saturday, January 09, 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
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
Friday, January 08, 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
Houston, TX 1/8/2010
Wednesday, January 06, 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...
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...
Sunday, January 03, 2010
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
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
Saturday, January 02, 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
Blythe, CA 1/2/2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)