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!!!