Gaudi, Wonderment, & Inspiration...

Ahhh, Barcelona! My sunshine paradise has a cold, wet side and it has arrived. Certainly the rain comes to make things green, but now? Oh well... It's still great to mash with people from all over the world in a foreign country. I'll post a few photos here, but to see complete albums go to www.facebook.com and punch in my first and last name.

Barcelona belongs to Gaudi...

The ceiling of the Salon on Gaudi's estate which is now a park.

Gaudi's house- one of them anyway...

Gaudi's attention to detail can be somewhat overwhelming, although amazing. makes you wonder where he got his energy and imagination. The sheer vastness of his various projects blows me away! I pursued his art pieces around the city and was inspired by his vision. Do you think we might have more modern day visionaries if we killed the television?

Temple de la Sagrada Familia

More Temple. This place is massive!

Temple de la Sagrada Familia is a massive Gaudi project still unfinished. Construction was begun in 1882, given as a project to Gaudi one year later, and he worked on it til his death in 1926-a whole 40 years! There's cranes all around the enormous structure which resides on an entire block. How did he squeeze in so much? Jeez!

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Palau de la Musica will host Sonny Rollins during the 39th International Jazz Festival here in Barcelona. Performers include Harry Connick, Jr., Dianne Reeves, Chick Corea, and Ornette Coleman among others. Unfortunately, the tickets are a bit pricey, but I've introduced all those guys in concert already.

The beach near my house in Badalone, just outside the City.

The mimes here are incredible!

Aman & Andy- 2 kindred spirits...

I have been so blessed along this journey. There have been some disappointments, but a ray of sunshine and random angels always appear just when I need them most. These two gentleman are fellow travelers who met me for coffee and we discovered soul connections. I was touched by their authenticity and generosity. Their life stories are awe inspiring and their beings beautiful. What a day it was to be touched by their magic! The wonder of it all.

That's all I get to say now. I'm moving back to the Center today and need to get the pack strapped on while I'm keyed up to do so. Keep me in your positive thoughts. The full moon is tonight and I need to howl. I'm gonna sing around the Barcelona Cathedral this evening, send a little shout out to my angels for guidance, and put one foot in front of the other on the path I have chosen. the love in my spirit is in my song and the gift is one I must share.

Here's to being blessed and spreading joy!!!!

Tra La La La Li, Ireland Come and Gone..

My house by the Sea in County Kerry

Damn mailman! Can't he straighten that gate? I love this magical place: Tra Li by the Sea. It was an amazing detour en route to Barcelona. I was treated royally and spoiled rotten by my pal MR. Thanks my friend. Guess I have to return now that you've been forced to keep half my belongings. More on that later.

Sweet Little Tra Li Town Center...

What happens in a small town like this? Karaoke! I was doing it again in Ireland. It was fun, of course. I now have fans in County Kerry. Plus I got to sing live in my favorite pub with an incredible guitarist. There was also an offer to do a gig, when and if I return to these beautiful shores. Wayyy cool!!! Mostly I just walked the beach and traveled over treacherous roads to beautiful places along the Atlantic.

Dingle Peninsula...

The water's edge beckoned and I forgot all about the uphill return.

The road to hell is paved, and that's saying something.

I was so content to spend a few days in this part of the world. It's magical when the unexpected happens and you say, "YES!!" Just when the weather began to turn, I did too toward the South. Barcelona on the brain. Not even a marriage proposal could stop me. Well it wasn't real now, was it? The beauty and calm were just what I needed before heading to the Big City on the Mediterranean.

Girona Airport serves Barcelona leaving an hour and a half bus ride to the Metro. UGH!!!

Remember the left luggage I mentioned earlier. Well, my host happily-not- drove me 82km or so to the Shannon Airport for my Southern flight which departed at 6:35a. That's about an hour and a half trek on dark, two lane roads. Scary, except for wildly starlit skies and bad radio. Upon arrival, in the cold, I was informed that my baggage was very overweight, plus I had one bag too many. 100 Euros too many to be exact. Add to this news that I had only 10 minutes to decide which bag I would bring for the journey- the very large backpack or the roller bag containing my leopard boots which still haven't seen the light of Europe- and voila... Good Morning! Fortunately, MR hung around to see that I got my ass on that plane and ended up with my things in the roller bag. Oops!!! Guess I earned the nickname, Calamity Jane after that particular non-reading of the fine print. Now I look like a whoozit with 2 freakin' back packs to cart around BCN. Geez!!!

Southwest Air of Europe. Cheap tickets, but don't even think about a travel wardrobe!

Where I'm writing from right now!

This is a first: a European Hostel. Hhmm! Perhaps I need to step up that million dollar recording project. Actually, this place is cool. Clean, but not cheap. I get a bunk, locker, internet access, and breakfast all for $35/night. At these rates I may make it to the Jazz Fest this weekend. Really... so far, so damned good. I can't complain about a thing. Life is GRAND and I'm finally in Barcelona! Yippee!!!!

Beaches, Airports, & A U Turn Back To My 2nd Home

Miami was grand! I got to hang with my brother, the Uber Artist, and just beach bum it before the rains came thundering down from awesome blue-turned suddenly black-skies. We discovered beautiful landscapes and found we're great traveling companions. Lots of road time gave us opportunities to share recent adventure stories and discuss our dreams for the future. I knew it would be a wonderful send off to Europe to spend time with one of my huge sources of inspiration. Thank you, my brother, my friend for all the treats and sweetness! You always let me have my way. Truth is: I'd love you even if you didn't spoil me. BUT, I'm glad you put up with me knowing I'll never steer you wrong.

Princess at sunset on the Gulf in Naples, Fl. pre-mosquito attack.

The beautiful Keys... Love this beach & its warm, clear waters!

Florida is so beautiful! At least the parts I like are gorgeous. I know. I'm a snob, but why disregard beauty or the fact that I have champagne taste? So funny, but my visit to the gulf reminded me why I usually keep to the ocean-side of the waters: mosquitoes. I was devoured in Naples 'cause Z Free and I lingered after sunset to watch new Americans morph beach volleyball into a game resembling soccer with a single net. We were mesmerized by this playing; lots of head-butting, sculpted bodies, and sundown sweat. Awesome use of equipment!

In Key West we remembered our ancestors and their journey across the ocean in slave ships. All that remains is a sign. Even the graves have been covered by a fort. Nevertheless, there were enough survivors that I can call myself an American today. Though I must admit, there are times when I'm not so proud of the association. Regardless of our so-called freedom many of us are self-imprisoned, choosing thought limitations over mind expansion and true liberty. THINK about it!

A reminder...

Layover lunch with my first friend, Jennifer. (signs of Ice Princess in view if U know where to look)

My long layover at IAD allowed me to meet with my childhood friend, Jen, for lunch. The wine was almost as good as the company. We really don't get to spend as much time together as we'd like, so stealing moments is about it for now. Jen wants to hang with me in Barcelona as soon as I get settled. Oooo... I just now understand the implications of that. Me? Settled? Hhmm... Thanks for postponing that meeting to see me. Nothing like holding court-as you put it-at the airport. Is that blonde with the big old backpack ME? Jen got a kick out of my look. The silver leather converse are here to stay. At least I still got some kinda LAMÉ (lah-mey), baby!

Yesterday I landed in London, gathered my bags, and re-boarded a plane for Manchester. My middle passage was fraught, as usual, with evidence of over packing. The UK has different baggage rules, so en route I had to shove my briefcase into the already overstuffed backpack or pay £30 (almost $70). Yikes!! I stuffed away and headed back to the familiar. Strange, but when I arrived at Manchester Airport I felt like I was home. Loaded down with my stuff, I jumped on the train to East Didsbury-back to my old haunt here. Lucy wagged excitedly-do dogs remember people?- and the boys were hungover from the night before when they sat up awaiting my return. Sweet!!! Cath is on holiday in Turkey, but should be back before I head to Ireland on Monday.

OK. What am I doing in Manchester? I'm flowing, that's what. My final destination is Barcelona, but I had a tempting invite to detour through Ireland and kiss the Blarney Stone (this girl couldn't resist). Making music by the sea... it's all in the mission. So I'm spreading some love to my friend, Cath, and my little brothers (Austin, Antony, & Gibbo), then I'm off to explore some Celtic wonders.

As always, I am grateful for this chapter in my life. At every turn I'm reminded how blessed I am with love and friendship. I'm elated, thrilled, moved, and mesmerized every waking moment, and that's a good thing! Thanks for sharing the journey with me.

Dare to dream BIG and keep believing in love!

Peace & Illumination...