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