Tour update (started to write June 24, 2008) video, photo’s, podcast...
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Blogging
This will be an ongoing PODCAST w/ both audio from the road, from home in the alps to wherever the path takes me. It will be rambling about my touring, my life, inspirations and obsessions, rants & of course live music, recorded music, guests etc... You can listen to it while you read this or just hit pause and listen to it later. There are quite a few videos in here you may have already seen. I will be posting video podcasts within my podcasts as well. You can hear it here and subscribe:.. Subscribe FreeAdd to my Page
Spencer the chocolate lab is snoring loudly as I type:
I'm in Wales... the South of Wales in a beautiful cottage in the middle of nowhere. Absolute heaven. Thanks to Tom & his beautiful family for hosting me. <3 And thanks to "Daisy," my Sat Nav for getting me to this extremely remote farm in Wales:
p.s When you hear that beep, it's because I am speeding... Love how she keeps that in check. Annoying.
This is the gorgeous mostly from their farm dinner (and only home cooked dinner on round II of touring) waiting for me when I arrived:
Oh wait, let me show you the video of getting here... Um, a road that REALLY only fits one little car. I'm not sure how they decide who backs up and who doesn't but in my case, I looked so freaked out every car I came across backed up for me. heh:
Tom kindly offered to host me. He's a friend from my Innsbruck Expats group now back home in Wales and with his family while figuring out his next adventure. He's the real deal. Spent a year traveling the world by himself and along the way, met a girl in Spain which is how he had ended up in Austria... long story short.
So... I don't even know where to start really. Where did I leave off last time? In Sheffield I think, on some days off? Early June?
So much has happened since then, I'll try to summarize it without leaving anything out.
During my days off in Sheffield (I guess that was around June 6-10 or something...?) I took a train up to Lancashire for an extremely fun BBC radio show called "Ladie's at lunch" where I not only sang of course but to my surprise (and only horror because I thought it was live radio) there was a live audience for this regular BBC talk show. Unfortunately I looked like I'd been run over by a truck:
I've seen better days:
Unexpected morning audience:
I sang a couple of songs but even more fun talked about a wide range of topics with the hosts and a couple of guests on the show:
We covered everything from health care in our own countries to health care abroad (which unfortunately I know far too much about) snoring & more... I even talked about my husbands snoring and considering he was listening from Austria, I'm not sure how well that went over. :-) My dad also listened in but from America. Nice except for the part about me mentioning him marrying Cindy (his new wife) to get on her insurance. Not exactly what I meant (at all actually) as they are in love but just an example of the health care in America and the both of them having do it a little quicker than they had planned. He didn't get it:
I headed back via train to Sheffield and the following day or was it the day before? Geesh, I'm losing it. Had a really fun live interview and performance on BBC Radio Sheffield. My dad listened to that too and even heard his, "Angel you've come too soon" song played off the record for the first time:
Pete and Jane (and Pete's dad visiting from Florida Eric) were wonderful hosts and fun to be around. They made fun (lovingly) of my crazy raw food diet and were sweet in every way to both accomodate it and in general go too far out of their way to drive me to my radio show, the train station and most importantly, later that week host an excellent show at Pete's new venue The George. Sweet people all the way around. I picked up a kettle at the start of my tour which came in handy that night so I could keep refilling my throat coat tea without bugging the bartendar. I got some loving grief for that too but it was all in good fun and you're not touring England unless you have yourself a cuppa or two.
The Bury show was also great and the co-bill with an excellent British songwriter named Steve Gifford. He reminded me a bit of James Taylor and overall was just so pleasant. Thanks for watching my salad while I ran around Steve! :-):
I ended round 1 of touring with the highlight of that tour - an incredible couple of days with friends just outside of Liverpool in Birkenhead. It was absolutely amazing to see and hear Jim Rae again and as treat this year, two other excellent songwriters he's currently collaborating with; Phil Chisnall & Joe Topper. Jimmy you are so bloody talented in every way and I love you. Come to Austria OK?!
This is us during the encore song. A last minute (that day) addition to the show:
And this is a snippet of me singing one of the first songs I ever wrote. A fan got me into singing it again, "Bus to the ocean.":
What an unbelievable night we all had - truly. A stellar way to end round 1 with very good friends and a reminder why I make music in the first place. Seriously. Thanks to my beautiful friend Vicky and her gorgeous daughter Anabel for hosting me and if you try to give me your bed next time V, I won't let you! You're so sweet, thank you again:
I got back to Innsbruck for a much needed 5 days off but regrettably didn't get much of a break. Spent most of time shipping CD's out to pre-orders, family, agents etc... running off posters, had another call-in BBC radio interview. My poor husband took the remaining time which sadly wasn't much and said he was happy. It was hard being home for such a short amount of time. It almost made me miss him, my friends and home even more. Euro 2008 was in full swing and the streets beautiful chaos. That was fun to see anyway and we did have a nice last evening together overlooking the city from a gorgeous panoramic bar. I don't eat dairy anymore but I decided to deal with the pain after and go for a gelato to top off the night. Oh yeah!
Glimpse of Euro 2008:
Round 2 of touring started off with the usual 3am rise, 4am dash to Munich for a 7am flight. The first half from Munich to Heathrow was better than a couple of weeks ago when apparently the tower didn't "expect" our plane on the schedule. Craziness.
While sitting behind the counter waiting to pre-board for my puddle jumper to Newcastle I met a man. He started the conversation by asking, "Singing yer' way round' the world are ya'?" and we began to talk about the hardships of life on the road. He told me about his version of traveling from here to there and the difficulty of getting around since his hip replacement. He had a cane and while traveling through the airport. He was using an airport wheelchair which he was quick to point out was the way to travel through the madness. I told him about my illness and hospital stays last year and the long break I was forced to take because of it. How I felt apprehensive to be back on the road but here I was... redefining and reshaping my life in music, as a tumbleweed.
We're really getting philosophical now when I asked him what kind of work he did that laid him on the sometimes hard & dirty road and do you know what he replied?
"I'm Darth Vader."
Seriously. Dave Prowse, THE Darth Vader. After he told me, I tried to listen close to his voice. I later found out his voice had been dubbed. He's taking singing lessons now, working on some co-writing and a record, manages a few bands on the side. Who would of thought Darth Vador would be in the music business. . His autograph sure came in handy later at the rental car company at the Newcastle Airport when I realized my credit card had been drained (not by me but the evil on the internet!) and we couldn't get the card to work to get my car! He said, "The force is with you!" and it was...thanks Darth!
And thank god for those words because for some crazy reason, my friends at the airport whom I am beginning to see every other week it seems, sorted things magically so I could get my hire. *whew* Thanks Dave and thanks Desmond & Brian. I can't wait to see you all again.
My first show was that night in Reeth. I had a shorter set than usual but a good one. I decided to do tumbleweed which I choose carefully when I don't get a long set time (most of you know what I am talking about:-) My hosts John and his wife were adorable and hard-working with the show. Totally welcoming in their home and my god, what a beautiful little village Reeth is. It's in Cumbria and if you have never been in England, I suggest you get your butt there. Wow:
It was rainy and cold and after Reeth and I really just froze the whole time & HAD to get this handmade by a local hat to keep my poor little cold head warm:
My sweet hosts layered the bed with an electric blanket which was super helpful and cozy.
Although John Wright passed away recently, his band is continuing on with his 2008 booked shows. Pete from the band took over the lead and did a wonderful job. A gorgeous singer in his own right and the band were so talented it made my stomach hurt. The band each played no less than 6-7 instruments. I stopped counting. I can't wait to get back to Reeth and out and about to see the guys again. Here are a few photo's the day after before I headed out:
Doesn't the ivy look like a heart?
Tea house I thoroughly enjoyed:
That day I took a GORGEOUS drive through Cumbria along rivers and old villages, falling apart stone houses scattered throughout and pulled over to indulge in a bit of clotted cream fudge, watch the rolling hills and of course sheep for days - to meet and play for another great set of hosts Penny and Paul. What a totally gorgeous couple, with a great daughter, Rosie the dog and venue they have built up all these years:
I had a night to remember. I made up a funny song on the post about Penny and Paul's sweet doggie Rosie but to my horror, sang about the dog and used their daughter's name Daisy instead! It was pretty funny though and Penny came on stage with me and got the audience howling. I wish I had that on video! Here's a photo from that moment anyway:
Penny and I stayed awake pretty late chatting it up below their house in their antique shop. I must say it was pretty cool sitting on the antique couch at the window of the shop in the middle of the night. Surrounded by my favorite things...old things.
It was pretty cold and rainy heading out when I left to drive to my friend Dave's house about 45 minutes away in Wigton but what a gorgeous drive anyhow. Cumbria is now on my list of must see every tour and for sure, come back and really spend time when not working. I stopped here to have some MORE tea and indulged in a big no-no, fudge...i.e "clotted cream":
When I got to Dave's we had planned to visit the Lake District but with the late arrival and the weather, we opted for take out instead. Something else I don't do anymore so it was a big treat to eat chinese! And true to his nature David had a water bottle to keep my feet warm waiting in my bed. The kicker? It was wrapped up in a furry stuffed animal dog. He's onto me and my obsession (dog envy) while on the road:
I spent some time on Skype as well (internet is hard to come by on the road lately) and unfortunately, the business side of music along with the stress of touring, the cold maybe... threw my body into a fever. It was on and off through the night and although I was with a sore throat in the am, I still had a great show that night in Wales.
I drove 6 hours down to Swansea which compared to the ridiculous amount of driving I used to do in the states is NOTHING but it wrecked me. In and out of hired cars and planes, homes and hotels, stages etc... day after day, starts to wear you down in general. I was pretty out of it when I arrived and although was dying to get through soundcheck and to my hotel to rest, really only had enough time to eat my salad beforehand and get in the shower. My friend and promoter David drove me to the hotel allowing me to leave my car til after the show which was great. And Dave... I don't know where to begin with this beautiful man except to say we have for sure met in another life - or were supposed to meet in this one. A true soul friend I am utterly in love with and will treasure. Love you D:
I had a great show and a few people turned out after reading the Maverick piece, word of mouth from other shows... yay:
In all the years I've toured around these parts, this is my first in Wales. It really is different from England and without offending beautiful England which I love, the people just seem a bit easier. When I drove in it was sunny and much warmer too - by as much as 10 degrees celcius actually. A huge difference. So that could have been part of the fresh and new feeling I got when I crossed the border. I'm not sure. I just know I adore Wales and the Welsh and absolutely cannot wait to get back here.
Bulith Wells was another gorgeous, gorgeous village and the drive even more incredible:
I was awstruck. Despite the fact I was expecting to see a petrol station and I didn't and well, ran on fumes through the hills - I loved every second on the scenery. The welsh are known for their sheep and they did not disappoint. Everywhere. On the streets, laying around as you turn the bend, roaming, hauling ass to cross, grazing just about everywhere. Truly a sight.
The view from my b&b:
Caravans are in their glory this time of year and Wales delivered in a huge way. Not so great for the speed of one way traffic but since I give myself so much time each day to travel, I didn't mind. Passing the little snack trucks that seem to come every few minutes was nice, the rolling, rolling green pastures and flowers, farms and cottages, villages dotted along the way. I listened to the new Emmy Lou all the way there, ate the fresh strawberries they sent me off with in Swansea and definitely hit my hobo stride.
My soundcheck with Ian, Tony and Alan was almost as much fun as the show! The bursitis in my shoulder is really acting up lately & the fun started with Ian suggesting we hang me from a rope to stretch it. It turned into a Madonna'esc sound check from there and all I can say it was really the most fun I have had:
Despite not being huge numbers, it was a good-sized crowd and incredibly fun. A beautiful centre like a castle inside and nestled right next to the river:
We really had one of those nights.. me and my audience. The kind that make me want to cuddle and hug them all afterward. I loved every minute of that stage. And as a bonus I made friends with Cath and Eileen at the b&b I was housed at and cannot wait to return as a tourist and really get to know Bulith Wells.
Speaking of my hobo stride...
I am in it 100% and although happy to be getting 2 weeks off coming up here, will be a bit sad that it's getting interupted. It seemed to take longer to hit this time around & breaking it up is like doing to show sets - I hate that.
WIth that said, I have to admit the logistics of what I do are disheartening more often than not, exhausting and sometimes downright depressing. But I am happy to report all of the shows have been stellar and the souls I have been lucky enough to meet and call friends have made the other bits disappear slightly. Those 90-120 minutes on stage take a lot to get to but at the moment I can say they are feeling mighty fine and the worth the hefty price. Mostly. Sometimes. I say that today.
This feeling of road...show bliss comes and goes. It's a never-ending thing with me I guess. The road, being home, the road, being home.
The other day I was in tatters over the business, with a fever and totally wiped out from the politics that don't go away in this soul-crushing business. Then the next, I am happily cruising along with just the right song on, the remainder of the show from the night before still in my body, the thought of the last hug I got from the new most likely life-long friend I just made, humming whatever song of mine that seems to be stuck in my head.
Today was a harrowing often hilarious drive down roads that I kid you not fit ONE car. No more than one. And barely that. Roads that meant someone had to back down and hit reverse on the other end. Lucky for me it was clear I didn't know what I was doing and most backed up. Don't believe me? See for yourself :-):
I am sitting in bed after spending time with the kindest Welsh family, eating food mostly grown here at the cottage, having great conversation and feeling more relaxed than I have felt since hitting this pavement again.
The show reviews have been great, lots of videos and photo's, live BBC interviews, invites to new venues. feedback from the new CD have been very positive and along with the usual newspaper online articles etc.. I got a great on tour write up in Maverick again.
I'll admit I'm not 100% convinced. Money is tight and logistics are sometimes paralyzing. But I'm not going anywhere... Exactly how it will even out only time can tell. But I can feel it beginning to smooth over the way it was always meant to be. Music AND a life. Wow, who could have imagined?
If you happen to talk to me on one of those days where my tires blew out or it was pissing rain and I was late for a radio interview, maybe lost on those crazy backroads somewhere, having a go with someone in the business, not getting enough sleep or food, had a night before of singing to hand-crossed punters who'd rather drink a pint and I'm a little cranky ... I hope you'll understand it's just a passing moment and I still believe... and am pretty much a happy camper, hobo, gypsy, wanderin', traveler, wife, friend, daughter and stranger. Remember, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.
Sending you love from a cold footed American girl in Wales. I need warmer socks!
love, Chris
Currently
listening
:
Watermark
By
Enya
Release date: 1989-01-10
April 2008 w/ my niece in California...
Category: Life
After finishing up my new record in Texas I flew back to California to see family. While my nieces and I were cleaning their house for a party my sister was holding - my heart broke in the most beautiful way when I heard my niece Maya blast my CD Little Lighthouse and sing along as she cleaned. THIS is why I do what do and I don't know what else to say. love, Chris
A fun video of me learning to yodel & play spoons in the alps...
Taken May 24, 2008 after returning from doing my new record in Austin, Texas and before my UK tour started in June... On some time off now (2 weeks - yay!) and wanted to share this with you... love, Chris p.s Yes, this means a yodeling, spooning song in German IS coming... stay tuned!
Friday at 19:00, the new CD arrived at my doorstep. By 4:00(am) I was in the car heading for the Munich airport ready for my tour to begin.
It's been a whirlwind and I'm not sure where to start. I haven't had a minute to sit down and catch up with myself yet, let alone write any blogs.
So although today isn't a day off either, I do have some time before I head to the BBC for my next radio interview.
The first flight in to Heathrow Terminal 5 was interesting to say the least. Nowhere near the level of frustration of March 27 but wait until I tell you this....
As we sat in the runway (not pulled up to any station) the pilot announced he was sorry for the delay we'd be experiencing. He informed us the tower did not have us on the schedule. A morning flight MUC via LHR everyday of the year, at the same time and they didn't know we were coming?? After waiting nearly 45 minutes on board, it did throw me into a tail spin running for my puddle jumper to Newcastle.
I made it only to land on the other end and wait no less than 3 hours to get my rental car. Not only did their printer break which is necessary or renting but they ran out cars even though everyone in line had reserved one.
So that's how my tour started and getting in the car exhausted from no sleep the night before and getting lost wasn't exactly my idea of fun. My phone hadn't been topped off so I couldn't call my agent. Fortunately I found a nice couple when I pulled over that let me call Helen and figure out where the heck I was. And it's pathetic to be honest... South Shields is not huge and I should know better. I was just so tired already.
Saturday was chaotic in my head. I couldn't make sense of anything and the shock of the world I used to live in right there in front of me, kind of freaked me out.
Living on the road is something I used to do. It started as a real honest pull to it and somewhere along the way turned into of course not only a job but a sort of duty to my fans as well as proof to my family.
It all sounds complicated and it is really so I can tell you after 1.5 years off the road and the cold, hard business of music, I was nowhere near prepared for the harsh reality of it. People think what I do is glamorous and see it through romance red glasses. Sorry to shatter the illusion but if it's your job and you are a folk singer, the roses are in short supply and the money, that's another story.
I had a well expected mini breakdown and was on my way. Back to the business I mean.
My first show in Newcastle was a success and I even surprised myself by having a really, really good time. My agent and publicist were both there (which admittedly I'd love to have on the road with me always...*sigh) and my friend Dave videotaped it. So hopefully along with some other video footage and photo's, I can get that posted here.
I headed down South a bit after and had another great show that topped Newcastle. The folks in Beverly were adorable and attentive and the show was my favorite of the tour so far. I really could have gone on for hours. Although getting to radio beforehand in the pouring rain then straight to the promoters house was somewhat challenging, I made it and went close to straight on the stage in good spirits.
The downside is we discovered I had a flat as well as slow leaks in both tires as someone had smashed in the back rims from the inside. I guess that meant I was close to having 2 blow outs had it not been noticed and just changed. There were no extra cars for hire nearby so the good guys at the Fix it tyre shop banged out my rims intent on getting me to Edinburgh, Scotland for my next show.
Edinburgh although a let down in attendance was also a good show and out the blue a girl I met at a show in Modesto, California in 2003 (my first CD Little Lighthouse CD release) was there! Small, small world I tell you.
Oh I failed to mention that after being lost most of the first few days I decided to invest in Sat. Nav... To those of you in the US, GPS. Oh yeeeah. I could go on and on and on about how much easier this had made my life but instead I will just say I call her Daisy, I love her and never want to lose her.
The following show in Kircaldy, Scotland was made even better by my fantastic hosts Davey and Mary. Their spirits soared and the love they share for each other very contagious. I hope Helli and I are like them when we grow up. We formed a very nice friendship and it was the first time on the tour I really felt comfortable and could relax a little. After the show, Davey talked me into a gorgeous smokey flavored single malt whiskey as a night cap. I don't drink on the road anymore but I could hear my husband voice in my head telling me to turn down a whiskey offered by a Scottsman would be mad... I had my first ly in nestled in their gorgeous cozy house, indulged in some caffeinated with cream coffee the next morning and was on my way to where I am now, Sheffield.
Pete asked me last minute Friday if I wanted to play the Village Hall outside of town with Jez Lowe and the bad pennies. And since Kate Bramley (his violinist) will be joining me on some dates this summer, it couldn't have worked out any better. What a lovely hall and the other Pete running it, was absolutely the sweetest man. Jez and the band were much better this time around then when I saw them come through Innsbruck. Could have something to do with not even 10 people in attendance the first time I saw them compared to last nights packed hall.
So there is a lot of in between stuff but nothing is jumping out at me at the moment. Just a lot of driving from one place to the next, arriving just in time for sound checks the almost straight to the stage. It's been pretty hectic so far. I'm losing too much weight which coming from me sounds absurd I know. Living off the raw food I bought at the start of the tour but hardly having a stomach or time to eat it properly. Not good.
I definitely feel jolted and loopy being back out here but I have to say, knowing I have a home and a wonderful husband and good friends to go back home to, is keeping me centered.
It feels more like work than ever and I surely haven't hit my hobo stride the way I used to. I'm not sure or will but if I do, I am guessing it'll be a whole nother shebang since I get to fly in and out of Austria for rests in between. No more of this 6 months straight touring... just me and guitar and 100lb bag. I don't miss those days not for a second and if offered all sorts of money to get them back, I wouldn't even think about it. I don't envy a musician that loves it. Hats off to doing anything in life you love if you do but I can honestly say I have no desire to live on the road the way I used to. And having experienced it hard for far too long, I have had enough of my share and am content to pass the baton to whomever wants it.
Having a life other than music is something I never even wanted but now that I have it, I'm sorry to confess I prefer it over the life of a folk musician.
There's room for both in my life but at the moment, I am still thinking about the next hike, the next picnic, my husbands cooking and friends waiting in the alps. Maybe I will catch up with myself out here and land. I'm not sure. Maybe not. Either way, I'm enjoying the roundabouts, the lovely people, the little backroads, the satisfied feeling after a show well done. I expect I won't hit a stride so much as anticipate times passing.
Now that I've figured out how to be happy it's hard to drive in circles and know it's in another country altogether.
1000 "Dust & branches...songs from a wanderer delivered... !
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Music
The first 1000 of, "Dust & branches...songs from a wanderer"
The delivery man literally was home and going to come the next day (when I'd be in the UK already!) & only came because my duplicator called him at home! Then he left them outside the building and was only caught by my husband coming home. Barely got him to help us get them inside the building. Getting them up to the top floor, that's another story. :)
On a recent hike I organized for and with my Innsbruck expats/locals group, Thomas, the son of our good friend Gaby, broke his foot. For the third time this year. Our good friend Dr. Douggl checked him on scene and my husband Helli ran down the mountain to get the car, drove them down, then ran back up to join us. Wow.
On a hike days later with my husband, we passed two middle-aged women taking their donkeys out for a walk. I took a pretty terrible photo but I'll try to post it.
The following Friday on a hike with our friend Gaby, we watched a farmer nearly beat up a cyclist cutting across his fields. When I say beat, I am not exaggerating. The cyclist was minutes away from the trail but for fear of being beat, quickly turned around and went all the way back. Don't mess with Tyrolean farmers. I'm serious.
On a hike last weekend, we made friends with locals playing guitar and accordian at the beer house we hiked up to. We drank radlers, I sang my heart out, Helli used his finger to make a capo for me so I could play Whiskey Night and I learned to play spoons and yodel. The family that owned the house were so happy we got free hats and shirts and were invited to return with our friends and play the house instruments whenever we want. I have video which I'll try to post. We'll for sure be back.
All in all, hiking in the alps is more than just good shoes and sunscreen. I'm looking forward to my breaks in between touring. I should have my yodeling skills down by then.
Dust & branches... songs from a wanderer is almost here!!
It's almost here .. the new CD! A little over a week left in duplication and it's in my hands ... yeesh!
If you would like to see me live, I'll be all over the place this Summer.
Starting with the UK, Scotland & Ireland ... moving on to Scandinavia, Australia (this may reschedule-we'll let you know) Eastern Europe and the USA...
Feel free to pass my information on to anyone you think might want to come out for a warm & cozy night of song & stories.
http://www. ChristeneLeDoux. com
The site is being updated constantly with new shows, music etc... and the link to buy the new CD will be up just as soon as it's released...!
Thanks for coming along for this ride.
I'm so happy you are here and hope we meet up out there on the roads!
Working on printing/office tasks here in Austria is a riot.
Ok, I'm lying.
It's annoying as ....
Well put it this way. There is no Kinko's where I live.
A gorgeous little city in the alps (that as we speak has fully blossomed into Spring - yay!) but nowhere near as cosmopolitan as our big bad Wien. Which admittedly, I don't want anymore so that's the upside.
The downside?
The printer around the corner is A. Not open all night which does not lend itself well to my back to vampire hours while working on my CD graphics. (Confession again; I'm glad things don't stay open all night here but I do miss this one little thing when I am working *smile*) and B. It's run by if you are lucky 2 half-way clueless college students (sorry guys, I do love you).
More often than not it's one guy with his cute little vintage t-shirt and dark jeans, converse and hair in his face. And as sweet as he is and to look at (um, sorry honey) he's usually so overwhelmed it can take as long as 20 minutes just to be seen. Really.
And most times, especially at the busiest which with a place that closes at 6pm I believe means alway they (he) usually asks you to come back in an hour. Well, if you're lucky.
But really?
2-3 hours and sometimes he has even asked me to come back another day altogether.
Yikes.
So as I have just spent the past 14 hours straight finishing designing every last detail in my 12-page CD book, I am wondering how all this will pan out when I mosey on over to see the printer for a practice run before going into duplication.
Helli has the day off and although it's nice having him here during the day, I must say while trying to work it's a bit maddening. Love can be a great big time consuming distraction. Nuff said.
Anyway, it should be fun to to have him work with me tomorrow. He can get a good laugh and see just what it is I am talking about. He's been to Kinko's with me in the US - my favorite past time next to Office Depot. I know, I'm a little sick. I mean, an office store is like a toy store to me. Geesh.
Ok well I made a vow to slow down on the journals because I am spending more time on them than writing songs. That's not good. And I don't even post half of them which is downright scary.
My head is spinning from layers and fades, bleeds and cutting and pasting. I think some ranting was called for.
There. So getting office tasks done in Austria is no small deed.
Christene LeDoux * little pumpkin music* NEW May 2008!
WELCOME to the.....
Christene LeDoux * Little Pumpkin Music Newsletter May 2008 (!) NEWS for songwriter Christene LeDoux Issue No. 89
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- Message from Christene -- Dust & branches...songs from a wanderer available in JUNE! -- PLUS *bonus* "tumbleweed...live, unreleased & rarities" CD coming soon after... -- Tour dates this Summer/Fall in England/Scotland & Australia! -- Want to host a concert with me in your home? You host in any country, I come to you! Help organize or host a show in general anywhere in the world? -- Quote for the month...
Hallo (as we say in Austria)!
You may be wondering if I am still alive... ! I am here! :-)) If you didn't already know, I want to share with you that last year health-wise, was probably the most challenging I have personally had. I am doing really well now - completely on the mend - and charging full (ok, a little slower than that to preserve my health!) speed ahead back to finish the new record and touring this Summer and Fall.
The hospital stays, time at home and struggle to make it out, changed a lot of things for me, mainly how I was living my life out there. For a long time, it was music only, at the expense of my mental and physical health, my family and more - so I am not surprised that at the end of that particular road, I had a good old fashioned break down.
It's just like the children's fairy tale humpty dumpty except I was lucky enough to get the pieces of me, back together. :-) I apologize for last Spring/Summer/Fall cancelations and thank you for understanding through it all.
Onward... The new CD's are absolutely and miraculously coming this June 2008! You have been so patient and loving to me through the years and I want to say thank you for that. It means a lot to me to have such amazing friends, family & fans in this world. Please note CDbaby has been re-stocked with more Little Lighthouse CD's and the first 45 are autographed! Thank you for waiting so patiently.
I have just returned to Austria as of a few days, as we speak - preparing to put "Dust & branches...songs from a wanderer" into duplciation! Recording in Austin with Mark & friends was challenging due to allergies but aside from that, amaaaazing! I am sooo happy with the outcome and cannot wait to share the CD and all the surprises that come with it!
Another CD, "Tumbleweed... live, unreleased & rarities" is also coming this summer (albeit a bit later as it's being shipped from the US) and was mastered by my good friend and Little Lighthouse producer BZ Lewis at his Studio 132 in San Francisco/Oakland. I just picked up the master while in America last week and will be putting that into duplication as well. Thank you so much to Vic & Reba Heyman for allowing this CD to happen!
Starting in June, I'll be all over England and Scotland as usual and later this year am excited to take my first of many tours to come of Australia. If you would like to host a house concert, help organize a show or can house me while I am in Australia, England & Scotland and well anywhere in the world, please send me a private email. I will happily come to you and give you a private show we will both remember for years to come.
House concerts have been in my schedule for years and are the most intimate, comfortable and best way to see me perform. They have and will always be my favorite way to perform for you. We pick a date, invite some of your friends, family, co-workers etc.. some of my fans if space permits, either have a potluck or offer snacks (if you'd like) and wala! I love playing acoustically and do not need anything more than a warm place to sleep for the night and even if we can't manage that, I can find one! Feel free to hit reply and let me know your thoughts. I am happy to tell you more about house concerts, how easy they are to host and help you every step of the way.
You can view my current but ever-changing schedule: http://www.ChristeneLeDoux.com
I hope we cross paths soon & more than anything, I hope wherever you are, you are happy. I miss all of you and that crazy, long, tiring but calling to me road...
love, Chris p.s If you sponsored Dust & branches... way back when, please send me a private email with your name and the amount. This is important so I can include you in the thank you's! :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote for the month... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"...To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common- this is my symphony..." {William Henry Channing's Symphony}
Nowhere near my 5:00am bedtime last night but dogonnit, nothing close to the wonderful early to bed, early to rise hours I kept while in the states. *sigh*
Believe it or not, my emergency sleeping pills were robbed in Austin, Texas by none other than the maid at the hotel I had to move to the last 3 nights there. *geesh* I had a hunch that day to hide everything as I had 3 guitars and a ton of luggage at that point (from clearing storage) as well as my mac...so thank goodness for that. Still. I sure could use those suckers now.
Anyway....
I have wanted to write so much for so long and have really had no time. I still don't but since I can't sleep and I'm really not up for taking cold medicine to get it, here I am.
It's unbelievable how much I accomplished in the nearly 5 weeks I was away in America.
I had hight hopes and expectations and despite not being entirely done yet, I met them all. Exhausted but boy do I feel good about the progress.
Amazing how last year was such a stink for me. Hospital stays and canceled tours. It's like I am making up for the past year in a few months. *yikes*
As of today, I officially located a duplication company I will use for the new CD.
This is big news for as I spent months and weeks agonizing and researching the best options. Since I am living abroad, it's a bit complicated with shipping and customs and timing. I have none of that now. Time I mean.
So what a relief today when I met and formed an instant what I know will be lasting career relationship with a local duplicator.
Speaking of making up for things... It dawned on me on the flight home, after coming out of some heavy family drama, that maybe when you live far from it all, your siblings somehow keep a sort of "family credit card account" on you. Like when you return, since you've been gone, it's time to pay up. But the kind of credit card you will never pay off and without the usual perks that come with it. Just a bottomless American family express card.
I never noticed this before this last trip but I must say, after a very uncomfortable confrontation with my always hard to get to older sister, I realized that I am the one that has changed and not her. I could see it all so plainly even while it was happening (albeit after a brief but necessary losing it moment) but it wasn't until the homecoming flight home that I could put it into perspective.
And after it all was..is said and done, it helped to close some much needed doors and fears I had about growing old and further away from my family.
It looks like I was right all along that America is not where I belong and being that I moved out a little over 16 years old and began my life on the run at 20, it definitely opens my eyes to maybe why I left and stayed away in the first place.
As good as things are with the rest of the family, I can still see this so clearly now. Which was necessary to bring me to the peace I needed to feel, at leaving it all behind forever. Or at least for what now feels like forever. I suppose there really is no forever.
I was the happiest arriving home than any other time and calling Innsbruck and Europe home, I mean a real home and what an amazing feeling.
Getting on that crazy autobahn, stopping at a beautiful little village in the alps before home, by the sea, watching the sunset with my husband. Driving into my little city with the pretty snow-capped alps, driving up to our 100 year old apartment then walking in and smelling the 100 year-old wood floors, was nothing short of amazing. Even having the real wife moment I had been waiting for.... my husbands pile of unanswered mail, laundry and dead plants.
I have never in my life felt a sense of home or belonging anywhere. And although life is still life and I will always be a tumbleweed, I realize how good I managed to make things. Now after my wanderings, I get to come back to a real home, with a beautiful man and real friends, a life. Something I never thought I would get to see in well, my lifetime.
It's late and I've definitely rambled. So I guess I'll save the story of playing at my 7 year old niece Maya's school for the next one. That's whole nother' epiphany altogether and boy did that give me new wings to fly on.
love from a happy but sleepy jet-lagged and happy wandering homebody, Chris
Hitchhiking back home because we walked too far and we were late for dinner. Six and seven years old.
Staying awake all night, going to 7-11 to buy junk food. Stay up, eat it, wait for the milkman to come and run around the neighborhood stealing milk. Sometimes mom waking in the middle of it all telling us to get inside and us running for dear life, laughing and saying, "noooo" (giggle, giggle) Around seven and eight years old.
Ditching school with our big brother as the ring leader. Going to the laundry mat where my sister said, "there was all kinds of fun to be had." Putting our little brother in large dryers, pushing each other around in the laundry carts. Eleven, seven, six and four years old.
Having Cinemax in our room growing up, getting a way too early lesson by watching movies like "Lady Chaderly's lover." Always.
Toilet papering our neighbor's house across the street and realizing she'd know it was us, so toilet papering our own - then getting caught.
These are the stories I am falling asleep to. These are the tales my sister told me tonight and despite the fact that I am supposed to be the storyteller, I can't remember a thing about.
If you asked me what my childhood was like, I would say not tragic but ignored. I would say we raised ourselves. All five of us and that's sadly the truth. I would sigh in relief we all turned out pretty good considering.
There are so many more that even now as I sit in bed, I can't remember.
Everytime I come to Merced and stay with my older sister by one year, Nettie, I get a glimpse into my past, a childhood that to this day, I cannot remember.
There are little bits here but hardly anything really. And as far as long stories about scenarios and moments both mischevious and hilarious, I couldn't tell you.
It's a strange thing I never really explored or that has seemed to bother me. Not remembering I mean.
But I suppose the older I get, the more I realize if I can't remember not only the stories but my childhood now, I never will. And like my sister said, without siblings, I'd have no history.
So after a belly-laughing conversation and bonding with my wonderful sister, I am excited to see what I will dream.
I am kind of hoping she planted a seed and maybe some great story or memory will just play itself out like a movie.
I would love to know what it was like to be me as a kid. I have no idea, no recollection at all.
Anyway, what were we doing staying up all night going to convenience stores, stealing the neighborhoods milk and hitchhiking back home at six and seven? Where was everyone?
Sitting in the hot tub with my first glass of red wine (or anything alcoholic for that matter) in nearly 2 months, was next to being with my husband, a wonderful celebratory evening.
I'm with my sister and her family and finally, even though still buried in work, beginning to feel the stress of the last months lift. *ahhh*
It's surprisingly chilly in California right now (which I admittedly love) and was the perfect night for a hot tub. It made me miss my sauna's with one of my best friends Patri but was a good distraction until I make my way home this weekend.
My intended day of departure was Wednesday but as it turns out, I have a lot to do here before I go, including a photo shoot as well as a reunion with my friend and producer of Little Lighthouse BZ.
So although I am dying to get home, I went ahead and changed my plans to fly out Saturday instead. And because of all the March 27 Terminal 5 stress, the wonderful British Airways specialist Dave changed my flight 2 times free of charge. *yay* (Thanks Dave!)
I have mixed feelings, as always, about leaving America and heading for Austria.
On one hand, I am with my family and just as I get into the zone, it's time to go. On the other hand, I am completely missing my husband, friends and life back in Innsbruck and can't wait to fly home.
As always, I can never figure out what I want or what is right or... So I just go with the flow (as usual) and let the universe figure out the kinks and make it right.
At least Dave informed me today the British Airways Terminal 5 in London kinks have been worked out so that's something. And after shipping a container from Austin to Austria via an International shipping company, giving away the last of things and hauling the leftover bits here, I am not exactly jumping for joy at the thought of hauling all of this through them. We'll see but I'm hoping for the best.
It has taken me some years to get this point. This point of everything (nearly) I own in one place, one country. And although it's been time consuming, expensive and sometimes very troublesome, I am very excited at the idea of not attaching one more Uhaul...ever again.
The days of taking everything I owned from state to state, country to country either in a big truck, car towing a Uhaul or suitcase, does not appeal to me in the least bit. Not anymore anyway.
Dreaming of the peaceful days that await me in Innsbruck, in between the hectic touring ones, keeps me on my toes and waiting to see what comes next.
At the moment, at least until the next nearby wave hits, I am relaxing the night away feeling accomplished and proud of all my hard work.
After driving over the bridge every night from the studio, watching the locals and tourists alike line up to watch the bats wake, last night I finally "caved" in (get it? lol) and stopped to watch.
It was fun to join in the crowds lining the bridge and the river banks below with picnic baskets, wine and cameras. It's cooled down a bit the last few days and the weather has been absolutely glorious. Though, as a self-confessed cold-weather lover, I will admit I missed the mid-late 80's - 100% humid weather we had the first week I was here.
It was like a warm blanket wrapping around you, making your skin silky soft. I actually started to enjoy it. What I didn't enjoy living was (and never, ever will) were the long late-spring/summer and fall unbearably HOT months. No siree.
On a new note...
Today was both productive and fun. I had my first day off from recording, it is Sunday after all.
I started the day by waking WAY too early, 6am. Nonetheless, it got me to a great start and I got a lot done for a day off. I was too early for Austin Java, they weren't even open yet. So I logged into their free internet in the parking lot waiting for them to open. *smile*
I enjoyed my first cup of coffee with cream since leaving California. That was by far the highlight. Oh yes, I am already imagining it again after Tuesday when I have no more vocals. *yay*
I skyped with my husband for a couple of hours while working in between on graphic stuff, emails, trying to cut down the never-ending to do list while I am here this last week.
I met with my graphic designer and we got a really great start to the project. I can't wait to meet again this week and see how it's going.
On my way out, I decided to hit up my storage unit which was something I have been dreeeeeeaming about for a long time now. Wow! It was like going shopping! I had soooo many clothes that I forgot how much I loved just waiting for me. I really feel like I went on a shopping spree. So great. And the best part? I FOUND my favorite, old fishing hat with all the pins I have been collecting since a child. I though I had lost this when the UK postal service lost, then destroyed a package of my things my friend tried to send me from the UK to Austria. *yay*
After digging through all my goods (very joyfully) I made piles and decided what I will ditch, ship and try to haul in my extra 3 (yes, I said 3) bags I plan to take on the plane. Is this even possible? I have no idea. But dammit all if I am leaving my old Martin guitar, mandolin, vintage suitcases, box of old lyrics from here and there and all those wonderful clothes. No way sucker. Not this time. I'll find a way.
So I am back at the condo now. My plan to sit poolside went far out the window but that's ok, I made the most amazing spinach salad yet, cleaned up before I pick up Karen tomorrow (I've been lucky to have it all to myself) went through some discs I found with old demo's I had forgotten about that I will add to formerly named, "tumbleweed the live album" to the newly named, "Odds 'n' ends... live, unreleased & other oddities." Don't worry, the tumbleweed live album will for sure be next.
Now I am getting ready to work out my song part on a beautiful co-write I did with my very talented Norweigen friend.
I guess I am trucking along now and despite the past week being a total vocal nightmare for me, I actually feel pretty close to normal today. Go figure. Just toward the end... On well.
I may end up in there doing a marathon re-recording of vocals if need be but despite my voice, Mark tells me it's great and sounds great... so maybe I will have to re-listen and decide. We'll see.
All I know is the steriods have calmed a bit. I am still suffering the D word (sorry, gross) and the last 24 hours had a slight, dry nose bleed but otherwise, I don't feel too weird. And it seems the weight gain I had last time I took the pills isn't coming. That's nice because although I am far from vein, I have been losing weight with my super healthy eating and giving up all things booze and sugar to prepare my voice for the record. A lot of good it did me in the long run but the weight loss was a nice surprise.
I'm looking forward to hearing Karen's mandolin on the record, having a surprise vocal guest *smile* and driving through this weird, beautiful town.
Austin never ceases to amaze me. On the ride home from storage (oh yes, this was after my quick stop at my favorite Goodwill on S. Lamar) I saw in a matter of minutes; a man that looked like he should be on the cover of GQ with only shorts and flip flops on a harley, a homeless "cowboy" who held up a sign saying, "Howdy, I'm just an old cowboy," two grown men in front of a toy store on the sidewalk playing an array of toy instruments to entice people in and a runner that looked to be 80. He was hauling butt too. And the smell. Oh, I can't describe that but I'll try. Why don't I say it's just like a never-ending barbq smell everywhere.
I don't think I will ever "really" live in America again. I adapted well to the slower, calmer pace of European life and realized it's much more suited to my neurotic nature. Being in a busy country just blew me in circles all the time. I don't miss that at all. Family and friends, that's another story.
But I do love Austin and have a new appreciation for it when I blow through town.
adventurous
accomplished
