Gluten Free . . . That’s ME!!!

It started as an innocent attempt to cleanse. Every January, I try a different fast or cleanse to purge myself of any habits or addictions: sugar, coffee, etc. I have done this for the last three years - and I love starting off my year this way. I have done liquid fasts, liver and colon cleanses, and this year, decided to try "eating right for my blood type". Now, without getting into the dirty details, eating right for your type eliminated a few main staples from my diet. Wheat, Corn, and Potatoes. It also eliminated some other things like Coffee, Alcohol, and any dairy that comes from a Cow. In exchange, I was supposed to increase my Meat intake. Now, being close to vegetarian for much of my adult life, this was a challenge: But I took it on like a Champion. For a solid month, I completely changed how I eat . . . and (drum roll please) . . . I started to feel Fantastic!! I didn't know why. I just did.

Fast forward to the end of the month please. I decided it was time to slowly add things back into my diet to see how I felt. Let's go by list. Potatoes. Check. Felt great. Corn. Check. Felt great. Cow Dairy. Check. All good! Coffee. Check, Good times!! Wheat. . . I said . . . Wheat . . . Cue the Wheat!! ugh . . . Sick. Tired. Stiff. Achy. Grumpy. Bloated. (I could go on, but do I really want you to know everything about me?).

And there it was . . . the truth. I discovered that I am Gluten intolerant. What is gluten you say? Let's just say it is in everything. Everything. Soy Sauce, Most breads, cereals, pastas, beer, fake meat products. Everything. I was devastated . . . and yet I felt better than I had in years.

I realized that I had spent the last few years of my life with something I call "Wheat Cheeks". I had been in a constantly puffy state. I had also thought that I was getting early arthritis from so much joint pain. I had a regular and constant fatigue - and had many other symptoms that you can know about if you inquire within and promise not to judge :)

In short, I read books, articles, internet posts, and talked to people all over the place about what I discovered. I have Celiac disease. Now - this sounds bad, but friends, it is FANTASTIC! I can run and jump and play again. I can have skinny cheeks again! I have found Gluten Free Pizza crust, Brown Rice Pasta, Gluten Free Bakeries, and most of all, a really supportive community. I can't tell you how many folks have offered up recipes to help me get my fill of pie crust or brownies - made of quinoa or amarynth. I have discovered so many alternative grains - and continue to find wonderful Gluten Free options. In fact, one day while shopping at a local grocery, a man told me they had an entire Gluten Free section - and I was so excited, I yelled "Gluten Free! That's me!!"

Aside from a few odd looks, most people giggled that one messy haired girl could be so happy on a grocery trip. So - here's to new life.

:)

Camille

P.S. A couple of good books if you are interested:

"Wheat Free: Worry Free"
"Gluten Free Girl"

9:54 AM - 10 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Mailing List Update: New Everything!!!
Category: Music

Hello dear friends, new and old:

I have 5 pieces of news to share - and they are all important! I promise.

1. Mark your Calendars! The first CD Release party weekend has been scheduled. Please mark your calendars for June 20th & 21st. Tacoma @ Jazzbones on the 20th and and Seattle @ The Tracor Tavern on Sat. June 21st. Early show at 6pm. I will be playing both shows w/ local standout Ian McFeron.

2. I have a new band name for my wonderful comrades! We will be billed as Camille Bloom & The Recovery when we all play together.

3. Now for the important Donation update. This is going to be my last update for this purpose. I first want to thank all of you who have donated and tell you that so far, your contributions have covered the cost of recording, mixing, mastering, and authoring the CD and DVD. Next comes the big expense, and I am sad to say that we are still $6,400 away from our goal. This money will cover the duplication / distribution - which as you know is the most important part to get the music to the masses. If you have been considering making a donation and have not, you still have a chance. Please visit http://www.camillebloom.com to see great packages - where you will receive a lot of great merchandise for your contribution. You can pay via paypal or also send a check / money order to Camille Bloom: 2400 NW 80th St. 227 Seattle, Wa. 98117. I thank you in advance for making this record possible. We are soooo close to having it paid for - and your donation can make all the difference in the world! I also listed the package options below. :)

4. I have just posted a brand spankin new song from the new album "ten thousand miles" The track is titled "Before You Told Them" - and it will only be up for a week. Check it out new at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/camillebloom

5. I have also posted a new Blog . . . um . . . but you already knew that. :)

To recap: There is a lot of New News. New Blog. New Song. And, I need your generous donation.

I look forward to seeing you soon!!!

Camille

http://www.camillebloom.com
http://www.myspace.com/camillebloom

PACKAGE OPTIONS

Package A: $50+ Donation
JUST ONE OF THE MANY CHARITABLE CAUSES I DONATE TO
With this package, you will receive a Signed Pre-released copy of Camille's DVD recording, a t-shirt and a signed poster!

Package B: $100+ Donation
A C NOTE FOR NEW NOTES
With this package, you will receive 3 Signed Pre-released copies of Camille's DVD recording, a t-shirt, a pair of undies, and a signed poster!

Package C: $250+ Donation
STUDIOPLAY, ONE MORE DAY
With this package, you will receive 5 Signed Pre-released copies of Camille's DVD recording, 2 t-shirts, a pair of undies, a signed poster, and your name in the Liner Notes of the CD.

Package D: $500+ Donation
HEY BIG SPENDER
With this package, you will receive 5 Signed Pre-released copies of Camille's DVD recording, 2 t-shirts, 2 pair of undies, a signed poster, signed glossy press photo, 2 backstage passes for the CD Release Party and a Free House concert when I tour through your vicinity.

Package E: $1000+ Donation
MARRY ME!
With this package, you will receive 10 Signed Pre-released copies of Camille's DVD recording, 2 t-shirts, 2 pair of Undies, a signed poster, a signed glossy press photo, your name in the Liner Notes of the CD AND - a Free House Concert when I come through your town on tour. You will also receive two front row tickets to the CD Release party for FREE and two backstage passes for after the show. In addition, you will be invited to a Private dinner party with Camille and Camille's top tier investors for an evening of incredible food and wine tasting, to be held on an agreeable date.

4:22 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

The Beauty of Rest

What's that you say? You are wondering why I haven't written a tour update? Well, let me tell you why. I was sleeping. That's right, between shows, I was sleeping.

The tour was a success and I am finally home. I don't know how much or little I should share, but I will start, as all lame story tellers do, with the beginning.

Gaelen came along with me on this tour for your basic do it all, back-up singer, tour manage, merch table designer and seller, change deliverer, driver, and all around companion. It was awesome to have her along on the whole trip. We started out flying on a red eye to Cambridge to play a house concert series called the Co-Ho Concert Series. It was a beautifully warm day and so a nice walk through the neighborhoods was called for, followed by a nice unplugged show w/ some really sweet friends of the host. The next day took us to Albany to play another concert series called "Progressions Concert Series". Originally, I was to open for a well known act that shall remain un-named. The day before the show, however, I found the "un-named act" had in fact, cancelled their show - so I was the only performer. As it was my 2nd time in Albany, I worried a bit about attendance, but lo and behold, a really wonderful group of listeners came to the show. The concert promoter and all around star, Carrie, showed us a wonderful time and fed us breakfast the next morning before we headed to Ithaca to play one of my favorite places, Felicia's Atomic Lounge. The weather never failed to be beautiful, and we had a great show there - playing to many new and some old faces. We were hosted by the lovely Maggie O. and her clan -and slept just long enough to rise and drive to Burlington VT.

We stumbled into a little place called The Radio Bean. It was fantastic, and a bit empty, but by the end of the set, we had a nice size group. We left that evening to head straight to Montpelier, VT to stay w/ our new friends Stephanie and Chris and their two lovely kids. It was here that I finally woke up. And by woke up, I mean slept. You see, the whole tour, it was if I had been sleep walking. I had played 4 shows, and couldn't hardly remember them at all. It was not until my day off that I realized what was happening.

We were exhausted. We finally had a day to rest in town - and we made the most of it. Gaelen, Stephanie and I decided to go to a Yoga class that morning - and it was fantastic. In fact, here is where I will share the lesson I learned on this tour.

The teacher spoke about energy. She told a story that circled around the idea that you can only receive as much energy as you have to give. It sounds simple, but it was genius. It was just what I needed to hear. In fact, I felt myself tearing up a bit when thinking about it. You see, the whole tour, I had felt depleted. I had just come off of a 14 show in 12 day West Coast tour, followed by 5 rehearsals and a DVD Recording concert - which had been incredibly exhausting to organize and put on. In addition, post production work for both the CD and DVD were done at a ridiculous pace so that I could deliver it before I headed to the East Coast. Essentially, I had left Seattle w/ no energy. I played the first 4 shows of the tour with nothing to give - and in return, I received very little energy back - and very little money to boot. It all made sense. What I needed, was rest. And so, I rested. I napped. I read in the sunshine on our day off. I replenished myself w/ lot's of water and breathing. And that night, I had a great time. It was true. I had more to give. It was the first show that I felt present.

We ate wonderful food and headed then to Portland Maine to one of my favorite venues of all time, The North Star Music Cafe. Here is the thing about this place. Not only does it have incredible food, but they make GLUTEN Free items for people like me. I will have to write a blog soon about Gluten and my recent discoveries around it. In short. It is the devil. So - this cafe nourished me w/ wonderful food, and great kindness and put us up in a great artist suite / office upstairs. I had opener Denise Dill who sang really charming heartfelt songs and brought lots of friends. I felt rested and energized, and once again, saw the return.

The next two days, I had taken off for us to venture to Provincetown / Cape Cod. I had never been -and let me tell you, I plan to go back. It was beautiful. It was sunny. It had a wonderful neighborhood feel. And . . . I slept. I awoke and spent time in the sun and then slept again. I read. I slept some more. I am not kidding. In just over 2 days, I slept well over 22 hours. It was divine. I was happy. I also spent the best $95 ever on a healing treatment at the Chi Wellness Center. If you go, please treat yourself. I did acupuncture, energy work, and craniosacral. It was magic - and I left feeling great.

The last show was in Providence RI - playing at girlspot RI - which was fabulous. We shared the bill w/ local standout, Chelsy Lau. She and her bluesy band were awesome - and I was incredibly happy to be finishing the tour w/ a bang. I am not kidding. I felt so energized - and rested at the same time. We also got to spend the night w/ two of my new favorite friends, Robyn and Kassie. They treated us like Royalty and fed us incredible food - and we laughed a lot. Did I mention that I slept a lot while there? A good nap or two. :)

And so, after a flight home yesterday, it is the first time I have come home from tour feeling more rested than I feel at home. I have learned an incredible lesson from this. I am going to take a few days and enjoy and savour having no deadlines, no shows, no booking work etc.

Good night and good napping to you.

11:10 AM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Wow. Words can’t express.

I wrote a bulletin a minute ago and intended to paste it into the blog area - but upon sitting for a moment, I realized it wasn’t enough.

I am silenced. Floored. So inspired. The Live Recording Concert in Seattle on Saturday was more than I could have ever asked for. The theater was candle lit and packed - full brick walls, great sound, and incredible crew. It took about 6 camera operators (run by Josh Hodgins) , 2 sound engineers, 1 interviewer, 6-7 piece band w/ cello, hand drums, and back up vocals, 1 door person ("bob" the great!), a wonderful MC "Funny Carrie", 2 wonderful Raffle organizers, Io Billingsley and Falen Wilkes, 2 merch people, Aeva Wilkes and my Lovely Sister Madison Bloom, one lovely assistant to the entire evening / back-up singer, Gaelen, and make-up and hair, photographers, and of course my newly named Band - The Recovery.

Wow. I had so much fun playing for the audience. They were warm, attentive and loud - and were made up of people ages 6-65. Thanks everyone.

We are now on the path to trying to release this record. I will keep you posted.

I am going to go sleep for a few days now. But first, read below to see the latest news on my East Coast and European tours, donation update, and CD Release Parties.

***********************************************************************

1st. The DVD / CD Recording was a smashing success! We had a packed theater and an incredible night. Thanks to everyone who made it so special. We raised close to $2000 toward the album - and walked away with an incredible recording! This week, we are doing post-production work. The DVD will be released in Tacoma and Seattle in June. Keep an eye out for news!

2nd. I am getting geared up for the East Coast tour starting in two weeks. Please check out the dates and tell your friends!! It will be a blast!

3rd. We are getting closer every day to our donation goal. At this point, after many incredible donations, we are about $10,600 away from being able to get the new album duplicated. So far, recording, theater, and mixing and mastering costs are covered. Now, we need to get it to the public. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please consider doing this. Check out the package options at http://www.camillebloom.com/donation_packages.html

or send a check payable to Camille Bloom 2400 NW 80th St. 227, Seattle, Wa. 98117 Every single dollar counts, even if it is only a $3 donation, it helps.

4. Lastly, I just got word last week that our European tour has been postponed due to some scheduling conflicts w/ our European agent. We are pushing our tour back to the fall - and hope to be in touch w/ more news about this in the coming months.

I am so looking forward to this coming record and tour. Thanks so much for your support!!

Talk with you soon!

Camille

http://www.camillebloom.com
http://www.myspace.com/camillebloom

1:35 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Computer Crash, Donation Update, and European Dates Posted

Hello there,

I have so much to tell you - and so little time. I am sitting in a cafe in San Luis Obispo before our show - and had to share with you the following:

1. The worst nightmare of a touring musician has happened. My hard drive crashed. This means many things, including losing all of my pertinent files for music, pictures, and most importantly, the list of donors on the album. I am trying to re-configure the list - but I need your help! If you have sent a donation, please send me an e-mail w/ your name, address, and donation amount. This way, I can thank you and make sure you get your packages.

2. On that note, so far, I have raised enough money to record the CD and Mix the album. I am still about $11,500 short - which will cover the mastering and duplication of the album. If you have not had a chance to donate, but you want to, please visit http://www.camillebloom.com/donation_packages.html to check them out - or send a check payable to Camille Bloom 2400 NW 80th St. 227, Seattle, Wa. 98114 Every single dollar counts, even if it is only a $3 donation. 3000 people on the mailing list, donating $4 would be $12,000 total!! I will be taking donations through April 30th.

3. I am so excited about the DVD recording next weekend. If you have not purchased your tickets, please do so in advance or you might not get a seat. tickets are available through http://www.brownpapertickets.com The show is about 2/3 sold out already!! Sat. April 5th @ The Columbia City Theater in Seattle. 7pm Doors. 8pm Show. $12 in advance, $15 @ the door. http://www.columbiacitytheater.com

4. Lastly, I finally posted European tour dates (not all of them quite yet). If you get a chance, pop by my website - or the myspace page below.

I am so looking forward to this coming record and tour.

Talk with you soon!

Camille

6:48 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Back that Thang Up!!

14 shows in 12 days. Can you spell C-R-A-Z-Y?? Even I can’t believe the pace of this tour. I am sitting in an apt. in Laguna Beach California, getting ready for the 8th show of the tour - and we’re still going strong. I must say, however, that it has not been without it’s devastation.

You see, this tour has been the most logistically challenging tour I have ever had. Carrie and I started out in Flagstaff after a 12 hour drive - only to have both (YES, BOTH) of our computers crash on the same day. Hers: Logic Board Mine: Hard Drive Gone. No e-mail, no documents, no power. I could not even get my computer to turn on for 3 days. And of course, I didn’t back up any of my information - and everything is lost: pictures, songs, lyrics, press contacts, future bookings, everything. This has caused both of us incredible stress.

In addition, many other technical things have gone wrong, including a blown up sound system in Phoenix. Just after sound checking, Carrie and I were getting ready to start the show, w/ a nice room full of people, when the system just shut off. Shortly after that, I tried unplugging it and plugging it back in - only to hear crackling and watch sparks fly. That was it. Sound system - GONE. So we scrambled to get my amp out of the car and all things set up again. Luckily, my amp worked out just fine and we made it through the night.

Last technology glitch: My cell phone. I can’t seem to get it to work, charge the battery, hold numbers, or let me know when I get a voicemail. Is there something wrong w/ the moon? Is it me? Did I offend the Great Gods of Techno-land? I am confused.

And then I think . . .

Technology. Can you believe our complete and utter dependence on such a thing? I remember when I didn’t even have a cell phone. I used a land-line - or we paid the quarter to call a friend. I remember when the only computer I knew was one w/ a black screen and green lettering that allowed me to play "Oregon Trail". I remember when I kept an actual paper calendar that had dates on it - and the only way to lose it was to actually, physically misplace it - or burn it.

Don’t get me wrong. It is incredibly convenient. It is nice to be able to type notes instead of scavenging for lead from the earth - but do we really need to be reached at all times? I feel that our technology is just another way to make sure we never stop working - and that we are always supposed to be available. Sometimes - (like right now) I feel like crawling into a dark cave w/ a pencil and notepad and my guitar and having no dependence on anything but maybe food and water.

At first, I was completely panicked about my computer. I DO have a lot of things on there that are sad to lose. I had lyrics and contacts that I have been collecting for years. But I also noticed right away that when my computer crashed, I was suddenly free from the huge To-Do list I had created. I couldn’t check my e-mail 22 times in a day -and that I actually could survive. It freed me up to enjoy the company with those people around me, instead of sneaking in a "refresh" when they went to the restroom.

In short, it has really made me think about the fact that it is NICE to have technology, but it is also important to separate oneself from the constant barrage of e-mail, text, and instant messages. Since when was it required that we respond immediately or it means something is wrong?

I think I am going to appreciate the lesson this has given me. It has taught me to let go a little bit. It has taught me that all said and done, I might have lost a lot - but I have gained a sense of serenity. Maybe I am supposed to start over somehow - and build and save only what is necessary. Perhaps I purged my computer of clutter and an over-abundance of things I don’t need. At the very least, I learned to back up my information - so no need to remind me of that :)

The great news is, we have had incredible shows. Carrie and I are enjoying the heat of the southwest and we’re both looking forward to 7 more nights of fun. I hope to see you out there - and in the meantime, stop everything you are doing - and back that Thang Up.

5:32 PM - 4 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

My Head Nearly Exploded and Other True Stories.
Current mood: adventurous

On the road again . . .
I can’t wait to get on the road again . . .

Wow. Here I am. Flagstaff Arizona. I just thought I would do a little writing about the first couple of days back on the road. First of all. Wow. (Did I say that already?)

I have spent the last few months recovering, resting, writing, working hard to book and promote the tours this Spring - and apparently, I completely forgot what it is like to be out here. I LOVE IT! But first, let me fill you in on the great adventure so far.

I have just recently recovered from a pretty bad cold / flu bug and was still quite congested when I boarded the plane. I had given Carrie all of my gear, merch, and luggage to haul in the car as she wanted to leave a few days early to see family. I was traveling lightly, backpack as my only accompaniment. Upon reaching high altitude in the plane, I suddenly started feeling a tingling in my upper lip. Just a mild tingling. And then . . . it started getting worse. My upper right lip
started getting numb (and I mean NUMB). Like dentist numb. I had been eating an apple and thought, "Perhaps I was eating to vigorously. I will stop". That didn’t work. Soon, my nose started tingling, and then my cheek. My teeth. My gums. Everything on the right side of my face. I decided to go back to the bathroom to see if my face looked as wierd as it felt, but stopped short as the "flight crew" was blocking the aisle with that famous question: "Would you like anything to drink sir?" One look from the attendant and she knew something was funny. She loudly whispered, "I think we need to let this one by". I stopped to tell them that I was having a strange sensation and was heading to the bathroom because my entire right side of my face was numb. They went into a little panic - and I told them I would be fine.

I headed back to the restroom to check out my tingly visage. "Looks o.k. I guess" I thought to myself. I spent some time looking inside my mouth, having panics that my teeth were going to fall out because they had started pounding. I considered many possibilities, including that my recent sinus infection could be giving me trouble w/ so much pressure. Could my sinuses explode on the plane? Would I die?

Just then, a pounding on the door from the panicked attendants. They escorted me to my chair and began asking questions, and wanted to page a doctor. I insisted I would be fine, as the eyes around me peered curiously to see what the fuss was about. My head was pounding and my teeth were seriously aching. But - through all of this, the numbness was what freaked me out the most.

As the plane finally started to descend, the tremendous pressure began to let up and my numbness started to fade. It was then that i stopped a stewardess to put her at ease and tell her of my recovery. All too soon, I am afraid. About 30 seconds after telling her, I suddenly felt the first pang of lightening enter my face. And I mean - LIGHTENING. It took me everything I had not to scream in pain. Again, an ice pik through my right eye. And again, this time worse. I decided that my life was ending. THIS must be what death feels like. My brain is going to EXPLODE.

But - two minutes later, I had recovered. I took my hand away from my eye to look around and see that everyone was just as they were before, pre-occupied with their books, i-pods, or sleep, while I was about to perish. How COULD they? I thought.

This, all before I had even landed.

I landed in San Francisco to meet my lovely tour mate Carrie - before heading out the next morning on tour. We spent a wonderful evening eating a homemade mexican dinner w/ freshly pressed corn tortillas, grilled plantains, and Katie’s famous Cowboy Caviar. (Don’t worry, it’s vegetarian). Anyway, we awoke to hit the road for a 12 hour drive to Flagstaff AZ, where I forgot what 7,000 elevation does in one drive. Several hours of driving up steep terrain - stopping once for my throbbing skull, we finally made it - at midnight . . . on St. Patricks day. Wow. What a hopping place this eve. We met up with our friend and host Matt (who fortunately was sober) and spent some time catching up and drinking good fruit smoothies before collapsing in his living room.

Up and about today, I am reminded, um . . . I am on tour. I am in Flagstaff AZ. I could drive to the Grand Canyon right now and see the world. I am playing music. This is what I do for a living! I love it!

So - there you have it. Touring is clearly a life risk. I have nearly died already and I am only a day in. Aren’t I brave??!! I will press on my friends, through good couches and bad -and see you in your town soon.

1:49 PM - 7 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

New Recording and a Long Road Ahead

This is the 4th time I have started this blog post, as I am not exactly sure how to get the attention of you - my dear audience. I have many ways I have thought about . . .

I could shout.
I could cry.
I could pout.
I could lie.
I could gripe and complain
I could poke you in the eye.

You see. None of those sound right. The bottom line is . . .

I NEED your help.

I am trying to put out a new album - and let me tell you, it will be my best one yet. I have written new material which I think is better than ever - and I have 30 days before the live recording is scheduled on April 5th in Seattle.

So why do I need YOUR Help?

Simply because, I can't afford the $20,000 it costs to make the album.

In the past, I have dried up savings, borrowed money, and put the majority expenses on credit card. This time, I decided to ask the people that matter most: My fans. I created some really radical packages to help compensate you for your generosity: Things like, house concerts, free pre-release DVD's, T-shirts, back stage passes, and front row seats to the big show. The packages range from $50 - $1000 - but if that is too much, no problem!! I will take donations of any amount. I am also working on getting this donation to be tax deductible - as I have applied for non-profit status.

I have about 4000 people on my mailing list. I figured if everyone even contributed $2 - I would come out with enough to at least record the album. Unfortunately, I have not raised nearly enough to make it happen. So - I am sending out a request. If you have a minute, check out the packages offered through my website - or on my last blog entry. I would be so grateful for anything you can spare.

Donations can be made through paypal on my site - or by sending a check to:

Camille Bloom
2400 NW 80th St.
227
Seattle, Wa. 98117

See packages here: http://www.camillebloom.com

Hope to see you out on the road in the coming months. :) I'll be headed through Arizona, California, New York, Massachussets, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont - and finally, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, France and more!!

Take care and talk soon,

CB

6:12 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Life is a Muse and other Music News

So much to say, I am not sure where to begin. I am about three blogs behind - and it seems I can't find the time to write them. I could write about the trip two weekends ago that started out being a 3 hour drive to Wenatchee for a show - and turned into a 15 hour drive to Wenatchee the long way around through Oregon. That would be a story. I could broaden the tale to recount how I was so obsessed about keeping my word about a scheduled show that we would drive all the way to the closure of Highway 2 just to see if the men working the snow plows would give us a lift. I could expound on the details that I had a pair of Saucony's and $60 cash and was determined to walk the 5 miles to the other side of the closure, but w/out proper snow gear and a car-mate that warned me against the idea, I chose differently. Instead, we postponed the show for a day and headed through Oregon to arrive 15 hours post-drive, exhausted and dirty. I had a great time playing the show and I almost cried with relief when I-90 opened the next morning.

I could also inform you that I just spent the last 4 days in Palm Springs, where for the first trip in nearly a decade, I did not take my guitar. It felt strange, and somewhat light. It felt like a breeze in the airport. It also felt a little sad - but I strangely felt like I was on a real vacation. Warmth and sunshine make me happy. I could blather on about the trip, the fine frozen yogurts, and the beautiful beach in San Pedro that I read by for an hour, but that is old news now.

In music news, I have lot's of great things going on - and for those not on my mailing list, I have included the short version.

1. I recently had a song chosen for a documentary to be put out by AOL / Netscape. The song is a new one called "This Life" and the movie is a part of a series called the Propeller Sustainability Series. I have the song up on the home page of my website now. Link is at the end of this e-mail.

2. I am getting ready for a huuuuuuge project, which is the recording of my next album - LIVE and w/ a DVD double disc set. This is going to be a super cool concert and tickets have already been selling at a great pace. This show will sell out - so grab em now. Sat. April 5th is the date. Columbia City Theater is the place, in the great city of Seattle. Details can also be found on my site - and tickets are on sale now through brown paper tickets.

3. I am attaching this next section as a plea for help. In the last 4 recordings, I have invested many dollars, drained savings accounts, and accrued some financial dept. to put out records. For this record, I have finally decided to seek assistance.

Recording can be ridiculously expensive - and at the low end, costs around $20,000 for production, mixing, mastering, artwork, and duplication. This is not including costs to distribute and market them. As many of you know, the past CD's have been put out w/ much investment in credit cards on my own. This time around, I am asking for your help. The coolest part, however, is that I have come up with an AWESOME way to make it a win / win for everyone involved. You will receive a sweet package of materials, including signed pre-release copies of the DVD, signed posters, free t-shirts, undies, house concerts, signed pic's, a chance for front row tickets in the Live Studio Audience and a private dinner w/ the top tier donors and me. Read the packages below and please consider donating to this Project. I am currently working on making it tax deductible for you also. You can make any amount donation, even if it is $2.

Check out these babies!

Package A: $50+ Donation
JUST ONE OF THE MANY CHARITABLE CAUSES I DONATE TO
With this package, you will receive a Signed Pre-released copy of
Camille's DVD recording, a t-shirt and a signed poster!

Package B: $100+ Donation
A C NOTE FOR NEW NOTES
With this package, you will receive 3 Signed Pre-released copies of
Camille's DVD recording, a t-shirt, a pair of undies, and a signed
poster!

Package C: $250+ Donation
STUDIOPLAY, ONE MORE DAY
With this package, you will receive 5 Signed Pre-released copies of
Camille's DVD recording, 2 t-shirts, a pair of undies, a signed
poster, and your name in the Liner Notes of the CD.

Package D: $500+ Donation
HEY BIG SPENDER
With this package, you will receive 5 Signed Pre-released copies of
Camille's DVD recording, 2 t-shirts, 2 pair of undies, a signed
poster, signed glossy press photo, your name in the Liner Notes of
the CD, 2 backstage passes for after the show and a Free House concert when I tour through your vicinity.

Package E: $1000+ Donation
MARRY ME!
With this package, you will receive 10 Signed Pre-released copies of
Camille's DVD recording, 2 t-shirts, 2 pair of Undies, a signed
poster, a signed glossy press photo, your name in the Liner Notes of the CD AND - a Free House Concert when I come through your town on tour. You will also receive two front row tickets to the DVD recording for FREE and two backstage passes for after the show. In addition, you will be invited to a Private dinner party with Camille and Camille's top tier investors for an evening of incredible food and wine tasting, to be held Friday, April 4th, the night before the concert or another agreeable date.

Donations can be made through PAYPAL on my website - or by check
made out to Camille Bloom - and mailed to:

Camille Bloom
2400 NW 80th St. 227
Seattle, Wa. 98117

Every donation makes a big difference - and I can say with sincerity, I would not be able to make this CD a reality without your support. Thanks so much for contributing to the realization of my
dream and the pursuit of my music. I hope to see you in your towns soon!


Camille

http://www.camillebloom.com
http://www.myspace.com/camillebloom

11:42 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

You Put Green in my bucket??!!

Ok friends. It has been way too long since I have blogged. I have a short sweet story to tell you for the start of 08'.

It all started w/ a very long car ride to Sebastopol California, where I was visiting w/ dual purpose. The first purpose was to enjoy the sunshine and see my friend Tara who moved away awhile ago. The 2nd purpose was to play a show for her and a handful of other fans who have been asking me to hit Napa.

The drive was beautiful until Gaelen and I took a wrong turn that nearly led us to Nevada. It is true people. We ended up two and a half hours out of our way in the wrong direction. Silly me for not bringing a map - or mapquesting before we left. I thought I had a better handle on the west coast, but apparently not. So - after an 18 hour drive - spread over 2 days, we arrived. ahhh . . . the beauty of Tara's place, amidst a vineyard, w/ a wood stove and lot's of good food. It was wonderful.

The next night, I was scheduled to play a place that shall remain un-named, (though if you look at my schedule you can find it ;) The venue was actually really cute and had a sound system and served great cider and food. The guy I was supposed to play with (who shall also remain un-named because I have since forgotten his) did not show as he had the flu. This left me the evening to play. I decided to play for an hour or so and got started. The set was just fine - aside from the owner stepping on stage when he felt like it to introduce me, sing praise, turn the lights down (that's right, down), or shush me to not rock so hard. Shortly after my set, I had a guy approach me and tell me he put some green in my tip jar. I said I had seen him approach the jar and thanked him for his contribution to my career.

Later that evening, after the show clothes were off and pajamas were on. After post-show brownies were made and tea was steeping, we were all back at Tara's re-capping the show when I said. "Yeah, those guys by the pool table were characters. At one point, one guy made sure to let me know that he had put some green in my bucket." So strange. He seemed intent to let me know he had given me a couple of dollars. I have never really had someone so insistent in letting me know.

"Oh My God!" Yelled Gaelen. "Is that what that was?!!"

"What do you mean?!" I asked confusedly

"The Green wad in your bucket! I thought it was just a big piece of lint!" She said

We asked Gaelen to clarify and found out that when she had taken the money out, she had found a green wad of some substance that seemed like it could have been an herb - or pocket lint. Turns out it was "Green"

We immediately broke out in laughter.

"What did you do with it Gaelen!?"

"I put it on the dishes to go back to the kitchen staff."

So there you have it. The first time I have ever been tipped with drugs. Unfortunately, I don't really have a lot of knowledge of such things and neither does the company I keep. We certainly got a good laugh out of it for the next couple of days. So - for future reference, it is the dollar green that gets me down the road to the next town- not weed. :)

3:45 PM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment