Madrid... Where's the Ocean???

Barcelona dreaming came to an abrupt end. The weather turned cold, the cool crowd left their holiday revelry to return home, and I was left with a decision: to remain or go. There had been so many wonderful people who stayed at The Dream when I resided there, it just didn't feel the same when one by one they departed. One of our last nights together we all hung out in the common area laughing, drinking, and being silly. I sang for some dancers from Budapest and they danced for me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE18OlRPGV8 Love it when artists share with each other!

Things began innocently...

Then, as we know... the controls are loosened!

Most wanted the travel mood to last forever. Since I'm not on holiday, it was a kind of break to be in their energy, and noticeably time for me to return to my mission. I had been waiting for word from a producer friend in the States about a singing tour of Spain. Alas the little violin was stroked when we heard there was no funding available. Literally the tide turned overnight. I had dinner with 2 gentlemen I met thru my couch surfing network. We melded on many deep levels and they both encouraged me to continue conquering my fears. I woke up the next morning with renewed determination, packed my bags to return to the center of Barcelona, but purchased a ticket to Madrid instead.

My courage corner around the Barcelona Cathedral.

Rui, the guitarist who sang & played with me all night to a small, but adoring, group of fans.

I am blessed to have met and performed with Rui around the Cathedral. When we parted at 6am one Saturday morning he gave me his email, but the disconnect came and I couldn't find him again. Miraculously as I circled the public market exactly one week later, we bumped into each other and planned a last rendezvous. Last 'cause I had already purchased my Madrid ticket a few hours earlier. Funny, but the final meeting wasn't meant to be. Thank you for the beautiful music at the Cathedral. I returned and sang alone in the alcove just hours before boarding my bus. Guess I needed to go it solo one last time.

Center City Madrid

As usual, I roamed the city to get the feel of it.

Madrid is beautiful, but I couldn't get a sense of my place there. I always miss being near the ocean for one. The other thing was the Big City Mean came crashing down. If there's just one thing I've noticed during my travels it's this: people in big cities are stressed to the max and unhappy. Now that's a generalization to be sure, but for the most part fairly accurate. I met kind folks there too. BUT... watching a car break-in midday while no one else cared kinda soured my taste for the place. I even stared the guy down and took photos and still he persisted!

Gotcha! Nobody to help...

The best part of being in Madrid was Nicole. She's a friend from Seattle who's studying Flamenco there. It was wonderful to reconnect with her, meet her friends, and catch up on all the happenings. She inspired my expat dreams! Keep on dancin' beautiful lady!!!

Christy, Laura, & Nicole my last evening in Madrid.

Its been difficult to decide where I belong at times. Seems like many of my moves of late have been last minute guttural ones. At one point I thought to return to Barcelona; I had a new place to stay with a friend of a friend, some musical pals to seek out, and a city I felt I knew. Then the 9th hour found me purchasing a bus ticket to Paris. After all, it was the place I intended to check out before Barcelona was even a blip on my radar. So... here I am in gay Paris!!! Don't quite know what's here for me, but she was calling, "Katt! Katt"!

I'll tell about my first day off the bus and my crazy hike through the city, bags and all, the next episode. Keep sending me love and good vibes. I can feel it & your faith in me helps me continue to put one foot in front of the other even when I feel lost.

Love You!!!

A Fall day in Paris...

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...

Festivities, NYC Goodbyes, & Following the Sun...

Friends from NYC and Arizona gather for family-style dinner in Little Italy

So funny how our true friends are never really far away. Having just spent 2 months performing with Kevin in Seattle, I joined him and his partner, Enrico in NYC. They welcomed me at their cute Lower East Side townhouse for the balance of my stay in the City. Labor Day weekend some of our dearest pals came to visit and we all had a blast! Kevin, an official walking tour guide of NYC, lead us through Central Park-known by me as the Human Zoo. We also enjoyed an evening in Little Italy followed by drinks at the bar where I worked: cute, small bar at La Fayette & Grand on the edge of SoHo. I may not have mentioned my good fortune in landing a bar tending gig when I flew in from Texas. If you take a trip to the City, visit the La Fayette Bar and say hello to the gang for me.

Central Park on a hot holiday Sunday afternoon. Oops the statue's head is missing...

I was lucky to have substantial time in NYC. So many people, so much trash, so little personal space. However, the City has a rhythm and diversity like no other which clarifies why people from all over the world head to its shores. After about a month of walking the streets in the famed City, I finally scheduled my flight(s) back out into the world. Before I spew about more of my gypsy adventure, here are some more photos from NYC...

The boardwalk at Coney Island.

Change is great, but sometimes the new replacing the old can suck. Rumor has it Coney Island is losing its carnival attire to become a sprawl of condos for the newly rich who want beach front property not too far from NYC action. So I headed out to the beach one last time. It was an amazing day of boardwalk music, sunshine, wind, and lots of dancing. The DJs were were spinning and everyone else, too. The community was out for an all-ages bash on the water. FUN!!!

Thought I'd get to ride the Wonder Wheel, but the sun sank quickly after the dancing and I was freezing in the breeze.

The Pickle Festival~LES 2007...

Whoa, a pickle extravaganza right in my neighborhood! Who knew I was living in New York's Pickle District? It's not what it once was, but what is? The lines formed around the block for fabulous pickled treats at the 7th Annual International Pickle Festival. I waited too long to get a cool T-shirt, so I settled for a pickle button. We know how I hate lines, but I cued up for the little green delights.

St. Nick's Jazz Club in Harlem...

Harlem called out to me one weekend. I hadn't traveled very far out of my various hoods and decided to check out this famed small jazz dive. Lady Day on the wall was a good sign. However, I was too early for the real music. Nevertheless, I soaked in the vibe and felt a bit of the Harlem hey-day spirit as I walked the boulevard.

I had a wonderful NYC adventure for which I am grateful. As I look over the months I've wandered the planet thus far, I'm reminded of the huge role my friends and family play in making this portion of my dream come true. Everything I've been blessed to do has been simplified due to your love and support. I love you and am ever grateful!!!

On the beach in Miami with The Uber Artist...

New York is behind me now. I flew into Miami yesterday to visit my brother before I leave the States again. Z-Free is such an inspiration! When the roads pointed here, I knew we needed to energize each other before the physical distance became greater. Today we swam in the warm Atlantic Ocean and visited one of his healing friends, Kai- an older Asian woman who makes magic potions from her garden and drinks homemade wine in thimble-sized dixie cups. When asked if I was "good at drinking", my brother and I both laughed heartily, simultaneously echoing the answer to let her know the thimble wouldn't do.

Projects & Passion...

I'm in the City again! NYC, that is. I've been so busy since I arrived from Texas I haven't had a chance to write about all the craziness going on here. Still don't have much down time today, but I needed to send some love out into the world. We all have to have love to keep pursuing our dreams. So here's to lovin' yourself and spreadin' the joy inside you to everyone you meet.

I'll do a longer post with photos soon.

Love & Illumination...

Poets, Pricks, and A Candle with No Wick...

The National Poetry Slam in Austin, TX was a hoot. Poets like to party! There was so much activity one would think all would be exhausted come late night. But NO... poets don't sleep, or require very little when they gather for the National competition.

The Capitol Bldg from the bridge where the bats take flight at dusk.

Austin is a pretty city, but the heat kept me inside except when moving from venue to venue. I never got to see the bats take off from the bridge. My volunteer schedule was so crammed. No matter. I was there to immerse myself in all things SLAM.

Austin...a river runs through it.

After the bouts, showcases, and post show feeding frenzy we would gather at a gazebo adjacent to this river to play slam tag in the moonlight. It was awesome, although my body was a banquet for mosquitoes, and I worried a bit about the other creepy crawlers lurking nearby. The poets graciously allowed me to sing my songs in their midst. Thanks gang!

Seattle Slam Master Daemond getting a prenuptial lap dance from fellow poets.

Daemond was flying high Friday night after Seattle poet, Danny Sherrard, won the Indie Finals. The ladies & gents gyrating all over his person and pouring copious amounts of liquor down his throat helped broaden his grin, too. Told ya the poets are a wild bunch. It was a fun night, despite the pricks who tried to ruin it for me. Had a taste of 'good old boy' meanness in this venue. Oh well... their karma, not mine. Just let it roll...

Final night party complete with shot serving ice sculpture.

Congrats to team Slam Charlotte who won this year's competition. I saw them perform a couple of times throughout the week and they were inspiring. There were so many amazingly talented people in Austin for NPS 2007. I am blessed to have been among them for an entire week. The energy and non-stop partying nearly killed me. My candle needs a new wick. Geez! I thought I was hardcore. Guess not.

Thanks to Sharon, Danny, & Barbi for Austin hospitality; Mona-Jean for the chica connection and the reminder of why I love L.A. ( U left some treats in my bag!! I noticed.)

Dallas is my refuge for a few days while I recover from Poet-itis. I'm sleeping, playing with the babies, and reading Harry Potter's last adventure before heading to NYC and Barcelona. Anybody got any United or American Airline miles? I could use a few for this last leg of my gypsy journey.