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!!!!!