Leather & Lace (Ode To My Shoes)...

When I first slipped inside you
I knew it was the right thing to do
Other ones tried to catch my eye
But I knew it would be a lie
To think they could walk the world

Six months have now gone
And we're still going strong
People smile when they see us
Leather and lace
We can go any place
What would this Tomboy Diva do
Without you, silver converse shoes
©Katt Tait 2007

Christmas In Paris...

I celebrated Christmas with my friend's family in Paris. Typical of many sybilings, they live in the same city and rarely spend time together. So it was a real treat for me to finally be in the same room with them. It gave me a new understanding about my friend, François with whom I live in this city. We had a lovely meal along with a few other friends, including an incredible 96 year old woman, Simone, whose very presence was a reminder of the importance of living well. Then we destroyed the house with one of those cracker things that has a wick which when lit, blows the cracker's lid and confetti and small toys escape.

François in Christmas Drag giving Simone a twirl!

Paris itself is amazingly lit up all the time and during this season it is incredible. My camera isn't the best for night photos, so I'll only post a couple to give you a sense of it all.

A small street near my house.

The Champs D'Elysee has showy lights in the trees.

It's pretty wild how many people walk the boulevard to see the lights. I could hardly move. All I wanted was one photo. Oh, and there are no Christmas or after Christmas sales here. The holiday is much more commercial in the States. People are happy for a bit of time off from regular schedules. Many people travel to visit family and friends. It's festive in a different way.

I had a bit of holiday magic the evening I decided to wander around the Champs D'Elysee. I was looking for a club an acquaintance wanted me to check out near the L'Arc de Triomphe. It was extremely cold that evening and I had already been walking for 3 hours when I finally found it. The lights were out and a sign on the door said closed til 2 Jan. Not to be undone, I decided to go to a piano bar I had passed by several times in St Michel. I had been wanting to stop in, but I was always heading somewhere else when in the neighborhood. Le Relais de la Huchette (www.relaisdelahuchette.com) is in an area similar to Pike Place, except every establishment is open. Lots of bars, clubs, restaurants, & tourists on little cobblestoned alley ways. I asked the cute bartender, Ivan, if the pianist allowed people to sing with him. Ivan spent some time in Miami so his English is impeccable. He told me to sing if I wanted. Well... I thought it best to introduce myself to the pianist, Chris, first. All went over well. Chris has a different repertoire than I do, but we found something in common. The owner was present that night and asked if I wanted to sing New Year's Eve. Yes! Another venue in which to spread a little Katt joy!!! I left there on cloud nine headed to one of my favorite jazz jam clubs, Caverne des Oubliettes. When I first arrived in Paris, I thought I'd be able to locate a Seattle jazz singer, Frederic Tuxx, who had moved here 10 years earlier. Everywhere I asked people knew of him, but couldn't help me connect with him. I even wrote to mutual friends in the States with no luck. So I let it go knowing I would see him one day. I walked into the basement where the jammin' was happening and who's head was in front of me? Tuxx! I wasn't certain so I followed behind him til I could tap him on the shoulder and get a look at his face. Oh my God, the look on his face when he turned to see me staring up at him was priceless! He spends most of his time in the South of France which is why I couldn't find him. Ahhh... magic!!! He was surprised at how many people already knew me and how many of the hip places I had found. You know me: woman on a mission!

Cashiu will sing New Year's Eve too.

Willie, Pierre, & Me up to no good til the wee hours.

As the end of 2007 quickly approaches and my Gypsy Year is coming to a conclusion, I am so grateful I have had such wonderful adventures and met so many incredible people. I'm not certain what's next, but I am charged with optimism that 2008 will continue to fill my world with song, laughter, & love. I open my heart to it all!!

As always, I love you & hope your life is just what you wish it to be.

Synchronicity, Gypsy Music, & The Land of Fabulous Shoes...

Whew! I've been a busy little wanderer. Opportunities to do what I love keep coming my way. Sometimes there's money, sometimes not. At the latter times I'm reminded of a friend's sage words, "There's a time to sow and another to reap." When we feel as if all we've done is sow, we can be very impatient for the harvest time. As my adventure continues here in Europe I keep my heart in the right place, remember my mission, and keep on singing. Like the Fool in the Tarot deck, I jumped off the cliff with the support of the Universe into the unknown in river of life. Believing isn't always easy, but believe I must and the surprises keep on coming. My friend Aman Bloom calls it synchronicity: letting go of the limits of reason, going with the flow, and noticing how little decisions lead to bigger, more significant happenings. Everything is connected!

Potzi & Moundine played with me at the Mini Bar

My Paris debut was bizarre, but a blast, too! Firstly, I relearned a lesson I thought I had gotten long ago: don't pin all the hopes in one direction; make choices that allow for flow and freedom. Usually, situations that create stress from the onset will produce stressful outcomes. After procuring a guitarist from myspace, exchanging emails, phone conversations, and an attempt at a rehearsal which left me nervous about putting on a show for several hours, a last minute decision saved the day. Potzi and Moundine play gypsy jazz at the Mini Bar twice a month. The week prior to my own gig they had played the venue and asked me to join them for a couple of tunes. Thankfully they were available to accompany me again. Our styles are vastly different, but we managed to find commonalities. Funny, but small incidences keep me aware of how important the music is to me. At the end of the evening Potzi invited me to sing with them at some of their other shows. I would be a guest, but the exposure to other audiences in Paris is just what I need.

The next evening I boarded the train for my first trip to Italy. I've been blessed to move about quite often in this part of the world, usually by bus because it's less expensive on short notice, so it was a real treat to finally check out the European train. I could write a whole other tale about that trip, but I'd rather focus on Bologna and the wonderful afternoon I spent singing with kick-ass musicians at an outdoor festival. Christian (www.dirtysoul.net) & Michele (www.micheledonivento.com) were amazingly talented, as well as generous with their stage. (You can check them out on myspace too.) They rarely play in Bologna and said that it was just by chance they were there. I just happened to be walking along when I heard the music and detoured to investigate. My Italian journey was a spontaneous gift from a friend who was otherwise engaged that afternoon, so I was on my own. Talk about synchronicity!!! We had magical music moments and true soul connections. I can taste future associations. At the very least, I have an invitation to join them at a major music festival in Northern Italy this coming Spring.

Chris singing his butt off with Michele playing a mean Hammond.

Princess of shoes in the shoe capital of the world and not a euro to spare. Hear the violins? I didn't torture myself too much about buying new shoes. I've never worn the same shoes everyday in my LIFE til now and my silver converse are tired. REALLY tired!!! The shoe lover in me wanted to part with some of the money I'd earned soooo badly, but the practical Capricorn that I am kept me in check. There'll be more Italian visits and other opportunities to get some fabulous feet treats when I'm better able to be frivolous. For now, the converse and I will remain true to each other. My buddy, MR, might visit me here in Paris and bring the bags I had to leave behind in Ireland. Then I can tromp around Paris in leopard boot style for the New Year.

Beautiful Frederica who poured me mulled wine and warmed my heart with her kind words.

Due Torri- 2 Towers built as the result of a quarrel in 1100.

I didn't do a big tourista thing in Bologna, but I did wander and get lost many times. One day I trucked out to find the City's most famous attraction: Due Torri. I didn't bother with a map because I could see the towers from my starting point and figured I just follow the skyline straight to them. WRONG!!! I got so lost that day, I actually had to ask for help back to the hotel. Got lost again- the streets here are covered in the old part of the city-looked up and there were the towers. Viola!!!

One constant about Europe: my voice is loved here in a way that I experienced in LA and DC and it continues to amaze me. People are visibly touched when I sing. Sometimes there are tears or I'm told about their goosebumps. Then there's the "congratulations" which I don't have a direct translation for the meaning of yet. So why was I surprised when my friend Remo took me out for drinks and informed me the crowd was expecting me to sing. Apparently, he had told the owner about me and the anticipation was high. The Chi Chi Bar (www.chichibo.it) is a chic, but down to earth place with an out of tune upright piano in the corner. One guy was there who said he could play Chicago Blues- Stormy Monday-which I never sing, but have heard enough times to put a tone to it. So off I went. My goodness!!! Just say yes! The experiences can't be repeated.

Father & Son, Chi Chi Bar proprietors, working side by side.

The Piano...

California Girl in Italy...

It's hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner and my gypsy year time line is quickly approaching its end. Remember I began this journey in February. I have no idea what will present itself in the next couple of months, but I'm open to the possibility that I may stay in Europe. I love it here!!! Plus, I don't have a plane ticket to anywhere yet, so I'm completely free to have my next destination unfold. Floating or landing?!!!

As always, thanks for your love, support, friendship, and non-judgement. Wishing you the happiest of holidays!!! I hope to post again before the New Year.
Joyeux Noel!!!