I Remember U...

As I ready myself for the next wandering, I give thanks to Cath, Austin, & Antony-her 2 beautiful boys-for choosing me as a family member. It was great to have such trust and immediate acceptance! Funny, 'cause I'm the same way with others so the reflection of openness wasn't lost on me; just more validation to continue my journey with arms wide open. Each time I set foot into the "unknown" it's clear how familiar everything really is: we're all connected.

Cathy, Antony, & Miss Lucy

This trip brought to mind the first time I left North America. I traveled to West Africa on my own. What a trip-trippy too-that was. All my efforts to blend in were futile. Blackness aside, I was an American woman. Perhaps my renegade nature pointed the finger of "other" at me? Rules are made to be broken or bent, especially if they make no sense. Or maybe I just stick out 'cause that's the kinda gal I am? What came back to me in the UK was the name my African friends gave me: Remyleku Yata- born to bring joy to the world. Don't know what in particular made me think of Remy, but I remember being joyous, carefree, and bold!

The train has left the station...

Goodbye Manchester. The Bard is calling my name. The Evil Queen coming next...

Crown & Glory...Cinderella's Lost Coach (Bus not Bag)

As the Manchester portion of my adventure winds down, I'm reminded to be grateful for all that happened on this trip! Life is truly AMAZING!!! When I began this gypsy journey I had my dreams & wishes, but prepared myself to flow like the fish. We know I resemble a salmon in that regard; always swimming upstream, and against the current. This time, however, I've really been just flowin'. Feels damn good, too!

Thursday night I bid farewell to the Crown Gang, for I will not see them again before my departure. We had a fab time at my final karaoke, all egged on by the energy of spirits unseen and abundant libations. Camera ever ready, we sang, danced, drank, danced some more, and ended the whole affair at Rick's & Nicole's pad where we, unwittingly, delved into the esoteric. Boy! Somethings are universal.

Before eyes crossed & monkey business began: Ellie, Simon, Nile, Tom, & a sliver of Kasha.

Simon's 1st time ever- with the karaoke mic, that is.

Transformed into a karaoke whore. Just like that!

Simon a bit timid for I had just spanked him on the dance floor; Rick contemplating his turn for a wallop; I am innocent, as usual!

Singin' my song!

End of the night ritual. I wondered why karaoke DJ Jamie was always so thrilled to see Nicole.

A good time was had by all! At the after party we talked about God & religion, of all things! Geez, pour me another!! True to form, I start a ruckus with my "no such thing as death" theory which always leads right into how we are connected to ALL THAT IS. The esoteric pushed the clock to half past 2am. My goodness!!! Aah, sweet bird of youth...Cinderella had nothing but a pumpkin to take her home! Luckily, a valiant Prince offered to escort her and they all lived happily ever after. At least I slept like a baby with delicious thoughts swirling my brain!

Thanks to the Gang for entertainment galore and sweet remembrances!!!

A Girl & Her Dog/ Singing My Songs...

Lucy & Me on our daily walk along the River Mersey Trail.

Remember Miss Lucy? She has decided to demand a small trek from me daily. According to Cathy, her Momma, Lucy won't go alone with her for daytime walks. So I guess I'm loved, because Lu literally follows me around the house, jumping at my ankles til I take her on our favorite trail walk. The Mersey River Trail goes for 28km from Stockport to Trafford. We haven't done the whole thing. Though I hear these little pooches can walk quite far. Just don't thing my own stumpers would appreciate the shock. We do manage to get to a lovely horse farm and sometimes a bit beyond with Lucy leading the way. It's on this trail that my newest song, Absence, was born.

Yesterday while walking with Lulu the tune plus lyrics just came to me. I always carry a little writing pad, much to Lu's dismay 'cause it means I have to stop for a minute. Poor Girl!!! The diddy was written on the way out and sung all the way back home. Since it was Wed., I had the bright idea of presenting my new piece before a live audience at the Fuel Cafe-I misnamed it Fuse, blog post 23 Mar. Sorry there are no pix from last night. I was focusing on the task at hand-to debut my new song!

Although I'd had my daily exercise dose with Lu, I decided to stroll to the Fuel. Guess it's about 3 miles from where I stay. Oops! California's still in my blood! I tried to practice along the way as to be "off book" (actor's lingo for sans script) for the show. Bret, who runs the open mic, was very kind. When you sign up at the Fuel, you're asked what time you'd like to perform. Generous, I'd say having run these types of sessions myself.

I plopped myself down among the guitar slinging singer songwriters and awaited my turn. Fortunately, I was joined by a sweet couple, Leslie & Drew, who were checking out the night for the first time (thanks guys for the beers!!!). Drew was just about ready to slit his wrists from the melancholy, but he & Leslie wanted to hear me. In fact, Leslie told me to sing 2 originals instead of the new song & a cover. Without fanfare Bret motioned me to the mic. Obviously I wouldn't be playing a guitar since I had none with me, but the voice is the first instrument so I introduced myself and delved in for the ride. My nerves were off the hook!!! Years of performing taught me to use that energy. So...after informing the audience that I had just written the song that day and might need to refer to my little book, I sang. Then, emboldened by the response I broke into Let It Rain, my other unfinished tune, and fused it with my rap/spoken word piece, Baby It's Just Your Dick In My Mouth. Phew!!! It was all going so well and so quickly that I threw in an inspirational piece at the end, Not To Worry, written by my pal Abbey Lincoln. The song says, "everything imagined is you". I figure we can all remember that truth!

I'm on a song high! I'm so grateful for all who appreciated my music! Leslie let me know she was proud to be sharing a table with me. She & Drew said my music uplifted the whole mood of the room. Love to hear that, 'cause music is the ultimate healer. DJ Tim, www.myspace.com/makeshiftstudiomanchester, you ROCK!!! He and Bret were wildly impressed by my songs. They couldn't believe I wrote a song so fast. To tell the truth, I was amazed I could write it and sing it in one day! Feels like the material for my debut album is coming together. I may be cash poor, but I'm happy! Speaking of which... any money out there for my project?

Absence

six days and sixty bucks left

in a country where my money sucks

you asked me here

then you just disappeared

two weeks I waited for you

now I know the saying's not true

that "absence makes the heart grow fonder"

'cause I'm mad at you

though I can make it on my own

I don't want to be alone

especially not here

in your hometown

the days go by and i hold on

the nights come to make me strong

and I'm still here

in your hometown

your absence lets me know

I need to let you go

too late to take it back now

got my ticket & I'm all packed

you asked me here

why did you disappear

going where the sun is shining

not to worry

there'll be no pining over you

no time for the blues

'cause I can make it on my own

just no fun to be alone

especially not here

in your hometown

the days go by and I survive

grateful to be alive

and here

in your hometown

where absence lets me know

it's time to let you go
© K Tait 2007

Well that's all she wrote. Sometimes the dream leads to a whole other journey. For me, this time is about self-discovery, confidence, and spreading the love inside me. Enjoy life and remember it's how you deal with the curves in the road that create the quality of the life you live. It's your life, your own big picture to draw. LIVE, baby, LIVE!!!!!

Karaoke Queen & Ye Olde Cock

Still on a jazz high from Wed., I sought out a place to do my own blowing-so to speak. Down the road from where I've been staying is the cute village of West Didsbury. Pubs, shops, fishmongers, yuppies, and old neighborhood establishments all coexist wonderfully here. I headed to The Crown Inn, an old pub with karaoke on Thursday nights. Cathy didn't wish to venture out, so off I tromped alone. The place was rather quiet when I sat down to see if there were any songs I wanted to sing. Funny thing about karaoke, the music is regional. Even in the States, the songbooks vary from bar to bar, town to town. A young guy broke the ice with a Beatles tune and the night took off like a rocket. The karaoke host didn't sing much himself, but his banter was fun, and the crowd was a diverse mixture of folks.

New pals from The Crown-Rick sang 1st...Nicole asked me to join them

I sang a couple of my favorite songs and won over the room with my versions of familiar tunes. I even won the lottery at the end: the pub was ready to close (11:30p) and only two more singers could sing. The host put the little pieces of song requests in a pile and had 2 randomly chosen. I WON!!! I couldn't believe out of all those little slips of paper and all the hopefuls hanging about, I got to sing one last time. To my surprise also, the room was excited too and chanting my name!!! Ahhh karaoke!!! Where else could I have had such instant success? The advice- do the American Pop Idol. Just can't away from Simon. Fun!!! After the kudos, my new X factor status, "you gave me goosebumps", and comments about my potential for stardom, I walked home alone in my reverie. Although I turned down Rick & Nicole's invitation to continue the party in the City, I did promise to meet up with them the next day.

Our destination...Ye Olde Cock Inn. OK, minds out of the gutter.

The beer garden with more new pals: Simon & Ellie. This was the start of a long day...

When have I ever turned down a chance to party? Once I met up with the gang Friday afternoon, I knew I had chosen wisely. All were hanging over just a touch, yet eager to begin again. Easter week is a big deal here. No one had to work Good Friday, the weather was gorgeous, and the outdoors beckoning to all. We had some libations in the garden, cruised into Ye Olde Cock for a couple rounds of pool, then off for more... KARAOKE. My goodness! Who knew the weekend would be so filled with drunken song revelers? It was a blast nonetheless, and it's nice to spread a bit of joy through song!

Happy Easter!

AND a very Happy Birthday to one of my best pals, Kimi (http://www.mzconduct.com/), who celebrates her 50th today!!!

Kitty In The City...

Having spent a week in the burbs-lovely neighborhood, just not urban-it was time to venture into the center of all things Manchester. My boots weren't made for walkin', but I opted for style over sensibility. Never know who a girl might run into in the BIG city!

Chauffeur driven on the Magic Bus

About 40 mins. later...let out at Piccadilly, Kitty was in the City. Certainly I had the tourist air as I sauntered about sans direction amidst the indigenous hustle 'n bustle. My main missions were to locate a piano bar & to seek out the jazz club I'd read about online. Since all was truly foreign to me and I hadn't bothered with a map, I just roamed about organically. Unfortunately, my camera settings were funky, so some of my photos are crap! (they'll not be included here)

Canal Street-aka The Gay Village...should be a freakin' piano bar here somewhere!

Where would you look for a piano bar? Besides, y'all know I gravitate toward the laissez-faire, live, live, live vibe assured to be found anywhere the rainbow flag hangs! Think again. Just discos here all along the canal. The cafe tables are barely visible in the photo, but they're jam packed on this most gorgeous day. Best day so far, weather wise!

I can always sniff out a Jazz Club. Found it! Matt & Phreds!!!

Too early for jazzers, but they kept the light on to wink at distant travelers like me. Good job fellas! I never would've have found this gem otherwise. Streets in this older neighborhood haven't had a face lift yet, and I could sense a hint of danger in the cramped alleyways between the sex shops, head shops, music shops, pawn shops, and a cute vintage/tea shoppe getting a head start on the coming gentrification. The jazz doesn't begin til 10p. Hhhmm... wonder what it's like at night around these parts? A little sightseeing anyone?

Manchester Cathedral where the Queen will visit tomorrow for an ancient ceremonial Maundy Service. According to the clock, jazz worship won't begin for hours!

Seems like I'm drawn to old religious buildings. I literally stumbled upon the Manchester Cathedral looking for the ever elusive clove cigarette. Bam! There she was in her glory. The evening paper noted tight security for the venue in preparation for the Queen's visit with Prince William. Looks like royalty just got delivered to my doorstep! Good thing I'm not into babies, 'cause their version of tight security could be breached by any Princess trying to snag her Prince. Where are my slippers? On with the details... The Maundy is a ancient ceremony dating back to the 12th Century where the Sovereign distributed Alms and washed feet on Holy Week Thursday. Certainly, the foot fetish thing has been abandoned, since the gifts of food & clothing have been replaced by a bag of specialty Royal minted silver coins. . The coin-filled pouches (contents equal to the Sovereign's age) will be presented by the Queen to 81 women and 81 men- specially chosen in recognition of their service to the Church and the community. This is the 1st time the Maundy has come to Manchester. The feet washing could add some real spice here!!!

The old and new juxtaposed, City Center

Town Hall-just before the shadows fall

Did I mention the Queen's private lunch at Town Hall Thursday? She and Willie Boy will walk from the Cathedral to Town Hall for a special reception. Maybe my misdirection made that walk a bit trekkish? Could it have been the boots? The Queen will undoubtedly be wearing sensible shoes. Any way, enough about HER...back to me, me, me!

Matt & Phred's sign said they opened at 5pm. With a little more than 1/2 hour to wander, I checked out the canopied market in St. Anne's Square. Sorry, didn't whip out the camera for this. Perhaps I spent to much time in Pike Place Market and am a tad jaded by allure of photographed produce & crafts? On the other hand, could I have been just a wee hungry for a snack? The latter sensation brought on by the sight of handmade, provincial sausages with small sample cups on hand for potential buyers had me drooling ever so slightly. I looked around for the toothpicks. There must have been desperation in my eyes-not to forget the drool-cause the seller dude lifted the little sample cup in my direction. As I squeaked out a barely audible, "toothpick?", the guy next to me shoved in his chubby little fingers, munched, and purchased a couple of the little darlings. He & seller glanced in my direction as if to say..."what's the toothpick for?" When in Rome... I snagged a couple of varieties. God, they were fantastic! Everybody knows I love my meat, but at £3 ea. for a smallish wiener I decided to slip away in the crowd. Geez, just get me to Matt & Phreds!!! Up til now Starbucks has kept my ice supply flowin' and jazz tunes in my ears. Pitiful, isn't it? I've come full circle.

5pm...iced out and ready for a real libation, I head back to the jazz den. The place is beautiful! Not in a fancy way, but more upscale than the whole-in-the-wall I'd expected from the look of its' exterior. I know! Can't judge a book by the cover (and Stevie added, "can't judge the look by the lover"). Great stage, baby Grand Yamaha, full bar, sound system! You know I was in heaven. I sat down to a 1/2 pint of Red Stripe and chatted with Dave the friendly bartender who convinced me to venture back out later on my Magic Bus to actually catch the music. At this point it was only 6pm, and though I'm more than capable of hanging out in a watering hole for many hours I thought better of it and went home to grab a snack & a To Go (Princess is on a budget!).

Finally...the comfort of a dark, smoky jazz club!

Like I said earlier, Dave pep talked me into a solo City Center nighttime adventure. Boots still strapped on, 3rd time's a charm on my Magic carpet, a To Go in hand... I go for it. The photo doesn't really tell the story. Didn't want to use a flash and ruin the atmosphere, but the joint was jumpin'!! Gilad Atzmon's Quartet was innovative, funky, and pretty hot! http://www.gilad.co.uk/ The charismatic & talented Gilad will be in Denver for lectures on his book and to play music later this month. Apparently, he's politically opinionated and worried he won't last long in the States. Don't know about that, but the man can blow!!! Top off the tremendous music with meeting new pals, Chris & Ron, who saved me a Cinderella run for the Magic carpet home at ten to twelve. I got to stay out later, got door to door transport, and I had a blast of an evening! Tonight...karaoke???