Competition is a Dirty Word...

I was talking to someone this morning about our natural tendancy to compare ourselves with other people. Competition or feeling like someone elses success will somehow take away from our own, is taught to us from an early age I believe. Far before we really have a understanding of why it exists we are bombarded with the idea of competing, of beating someone else. Having a trophy, at any cost, is the all consumming goal for some people......that trophy can be anything from a person to a statue displayed on the shelf.

You know, I have never won a trophy. I played sports most of my growing up time and always won ribbons but never seemed to play the sport that gave the trophy. And all the sports I played were team sports anyway.

What I am actually saying though is that I still have my own personal struggle with comparing myself to others. Particularly other musicians. I try to stop myself when I go down that path but it doesn't always work.....especially at various times during the month (ahhm).

One of the greatest gifts another musician gave me came from the lips of Australian slide guitarist Jeff Lang. Jeff is an awesome guitarist and just a good guy. I played a set after him at the Folk Alliance conference in Nashville a few years ago, right when I was starting to play solo. He did an AMAZING set...his fingers were fast, his guitar sounded beautiful, he left the audience with their mouths open. I sat side stage and shit myself. As Jeff walked off stage and we touched shoulders, I looked at him and said 'thanks mate'. He stopped me dead in my tracks, looked me fair square in the eye and said....'mate....this isn't a footy game. Just go, be who you are.'

That moment of truth has helped me sooooooooooooooo much over the last few years. Whenever I have moments of fear that usually comes out in the form of feeling that I am not good enough, I talk myself down from the edge by reminding myself that this isn't a footy game. That I am not competing with anyone...that my only role on this earth, is to be who I am. That there is NO ONE else like me here. That there is NO ONE else who sings like me, plays guitar like me, thinks like me, writes songs like me or plays the silly bugger like me.

My only goal is to do what this card says......that's it.

I think the true purpose in life, is to be who we are. No games. No lies. No deceit. No need for competition. No masks. Us...naked and true. With a profound understanding of the beauty, grace and reverence that we can present to people when we are being our true selves.

And when we do that...when we honor ourselves by being who we are, in all our glory....well, what a gift we give to the world.

xxm

The View From Here....

Hiking above Burbank today...it was a hot day and the type of hike that makes you breathe hard was in order. This is the view from the top....kinda brown and dusty really. But boy was the burn in my legs worth it.... (I was going to say 'burn in my ass' but didn't want to open myself up to any smart alec comments).

So, seems blogger is having trouble with posts from tmobile phones at the moment, hence the reason for this late..from my computer...post. Hopefully it will be resolved soon and I can go back to the sometimes mindless nothing photo posts...lol. As if any of it's mindless....

I love facebook....can I just say that out loud. I love it. I would marry it if I could (figuratively speaking of course). I LOVE that I get to hang out with my mates all over the world on it, that I get to hear about their lives and just shoot the shit. Tonight I chatted with my good mate Alex, in Sydney...KC in Chicago...Dionne at work around the corner...Suzanne in Indianapolis...and I am waiting for Annemarie to come online (umm..hint..hint). The other night I chatted with my mate Rose (velvet janes) and my sister in law Vanessa. I also got to see new photos of my niece and nephew and some other photos of my older nephews that I am sure they didn't want Aunty Mardi to necessarily see. I love technology in this way. In the 'make the world seem like a smaller place' kinda way. Also helps me not miss people so much....

In T update news....we have set up a blog for family and friends to keep people more closely updated...if you fall into that category and I haven't sent you the link, please let me know. It was a bad day today with major breathing problems and his temp shot up again but he was stable by afternoon and had better color. Please keep those prayers and shout outs to the universe coming.....you are such wonderfully, well intentioned, powerful people.

xxM

Don't Hold On...

Me and the wonderful JJ Jones at Uncommon Ground, Chicago. A space way too small to hold the shear volume of what we do together....wait till you see the Indy footage. This is compressed to all hell, but still....here we be:

its just lax.....

Hate to tell my Midwest mates, but arriving back into LA a warm 70 degrees or so greeted us (as we all pulled the layers off) and only a slight haze of smog over the city. It was beautiful to be in Indiana as leaves were turning and falling and the smell across the earth out that way was relaxing and sweet, as only it can be......well, from most directions anyway....but I digress.....lmao (possibly an inside joke).....(as in, only I will get it...ha ha).

Next time I am back there, a new president will be known, snow will probably be falling and I am sending prayers out to all the gods and godesses of healing, that Ty will be awake and on his path of recovery, at least beginning the possible 12 months the drs are speaking of.

Off to a long shower, unpacking, eating some good produce and into the arms of my love.

Xxm

The view from here.....

I know, incredibly creative but its to early for me. Infact, I only just realised we were at the airport. It's been a tough 24 hours and I know we all sit here at the airport not sure if its the best thing to be doing. But jobs and lives await and after 2 weeks of hospital food, playing cards, getting to know each other better and waiting.....we are all heading back to LA together.

We will be back in a few weeks and your continued thoughts and prayers for Tyler are gratefully received. He took a few steps back over the weekend and more surgeries are scheduled for later in the week to help relieve pressure in his brain and still, there is so much unknown.

Thanks mates....

xxm

ps.....can I just add, it's fucking cold here....I have new admiration for my midwest mates who live and thrive through colder than this every year.....I know, I am a wuss. I admit it. Give me 110 degrees any day....

To Cabbage or Not To Cabbage?

so, when did cabbage become a garden fashion statement? Or is it just Indiana? I have seen these plants everyday outside the hospital and even had the great idea of tasting it there coz at least if it made me sick I wouldn't have far to go. I just can't stop myself wondering if it tastes like cabbage too (anyone?).

It's too cold to exercise, at least outdoors, and there is talk of snow flurries. Hmmm. That would all be fine if the array of clothing I brought on this quick..turned into two weeks...trip was sufficiently warm enough. Or hell, even just warm would suffice.

Anyway, considering we have eaten in EVERY restaurant in Indianapolis over the past two weeks, I think it's safe to say I will be rolling out of here. Definitely excited to get back on my bike again....and to play some tunes. Got a great house concert in Venice Beach next weekend with my lovely new mate, Tommy, that I am wonderfully excited about. A great crowd of people are coming together for it and it will be nice to put my head down and play.

For those who have been following, Tyler is still in ICU. It's been a tough weekend in terms of fevers, new operations, tubes and machines and they are still talking about the possibility of more operations in the coming days. I know for the family it feels like every time he takes a step forward something new happens that seems like a step backwards (the dr's keep saying 'it's a step sideways'.....). It's such delicate work and bloody hell, they are working with the brain, so there must be sooooo much they just don't know until it happens. We will be back in a few weeks but I know it's hard to leave when T is still so out of it and they are still so unsure about what will happen next. All the mums and dads have been at the hospital from first thing in the morning until they can't be there anymore at night....and then feeling guilty for leaving or having any fun. I have learn't a few new card games along the way and at one point today D's dad looks and me and says, with his extremely kind eyes, 'it's probably a tough thing to be coming into a new family at a time like this'....and you know, aside from not knowing everyone here very well and wanting to work out the best way to help out, this is.....as I keep saying...the marrow of life. A wonderfully defining time for a new relationship and fuck, I am all about jumping into things with both feet (praise jeebus that is still a part of me after the last year)....and so, I just jump. And if one must think in terms of reward, then falling deeper in love with this sweet wonderful woman who has swept my feet off the ground, is it.....and presenting myself in an honest, vulnerable, passionate way is my own pleasure.

Anyway mates...I am raving on this sunday night....and now I press send

xxM

On The Monon Trail....

message on the Monon Trail half way point with my sweethearts hand in mine.......

Moving day

with all the kids.....some of whom seem reluctant to go. (subtitled....kiss doggies hairy butt)

xxm

Beauty

She takes my breath away...

the day of birth.....

The future farmers of america have invaded Indianapolis and here at the favorite new buffalo wings place there is a pile of them gallon hat wearing future farmers. for some reason, looking over and seeing these hats over the top tickled my fancy.......

tyler is in surgery again today and we are trying to celebrate my sweethearts day of birth in between times. Theres nothing else to do.....so we sit here and play trivia and drink beer with mates. Thankful for the day and I am extremely thankful for this day.

xxm

did someone say obama?

Barack Obama is in Indianapolis today and our police officer friend Pauli, who we are staying with across the road from the hospital, tells me they are expecting 40,000 people to show up. He makes me cry when he speaks sometimes, his passion inspires me. I use to watch and listen to MLK speeches in the same way, listening to the passion well up in his voice..it thrills me, inspires me, makes me want to be better in all ways. Personally, I dont think you can fake that....or maybe I am naive still to the ways of politicians.

Anyway, this is as close as I can get today. (although, I am eavesdropping in the waiting room here listening to someone who went to the speech. She said she was raised republican but will be voting for him...woohoo).

We are on our way into the hospital with food for the masses and its been another tough 24 hours with blood pressue drops, new tubes for brain fluid, talk of feeding tubes and tracheotomys. Its one thing to have faith that things will be fine, its another thing to find the emotional energy to witness and experience the journey of recovery along the way.....and waiting for him to wake up. Everyone is tired and sore from sitting for hours on uncomfortable chairs in the ICU family room. Bring on the masseurs I say....

Thanks for the check ins and love sent this way. You folks who read this that know me and my heart bring moments of relief and connectedness that I am grateful for. Its my sweethearts birthday tomorrow and in between times I am trying to make last minute plans to make the day special for her...trying to be creative in a city I don't know..and hopefully succeeding.

All fun and games mates

xxm

bw3's

ahhhh.....a moment of randomness. its true, you dont want to use it for your underarm. it burns......

morning faces.....

morning from cold indianapolis. we changed plane tickets at the last minute last night. it is the wrong time to leave. shout out sorrys to my mates in san fran coz we wont be coming now.

none of us brought enough clothes coz none of us knew what to expect....so right now.i am freezing my ass off and everyone laughs at me....which of course i dont mind coz laughing is good...at any cost right now.

anyway. we are still waiting for this mornings update and are taking a few moments to just be.

more soon mates

xxm

ps.....this mornings update is that there is no change. T is still intubated and will reman sedated for the next 24 hours.

So.....

Bit of a turn this evening and T had to be intubated again tonight for fear of pneumonia or some kind of other infection that they are not sure of yet. Its been a bit of a worrisome night and hard to watch. Tickets have been cancelled, stays extended. Everyone is exhausted and have gone home early to get some rest, ready for another day tomorrow.

Thanks for the love and thoughts mates.....

Xxm

More good news....

Oh....and while I am sharing joyous good news...I have been holding this back all week, waiting for the right time.

I will be moving back to California in December. I will be based in Burbank to be precise...I said I would never live in LA but have learn't a valuable lesson in never saying 'never' to the universe!!! And anyway, this is Burbank...not LA!! Haha...

Will miss my mates in the midwest, the peeps I call great mates out there but know I will probably see them more in the coming year with my touring schedule bringing me out there more than ever. Strangely enough, I will also miss my bike path, it was my saviour many times over but I am excited about the possibilities. New things to explore and experiences to have....and indeed, a new, wonderful chapter in my world.

Life can turn on the edge of a dime mates......don't forget that.

xxm

Good...good...good

So, morning brings news of T's MRI being clear - which means they believe they got the whole tumor. He is also responding well to motor skills, reflexes and pain testing and they are now talking about taking the breathing tube out....everyone over this way is joyous to the news. Knowing that they still have a lot of tests to do yet but still.....his doctors are really happy. It's hard to be happy in an ICU room when people around are dealing with loved ones being taken off ventilators and others taking a turn for the worse overnight.

But for a moment....we stop and be thankful.

Thank you for the thoughts mates...have I said that enough?

xxM

morning scarey faces

the morning crew here at st vincents hospital.

but seriously, did they use to tell the nurses here to make scarey frowny faces when they took photos?

early morning here in icu, waiting to meet with the doctor and to see how ty is doing today. our bodies are sore and coffee is our god right now.

xxm

The end of this day...

Its been a long day over here in St. Vinnies land....we all spent the day in various waiting rooms around the hospital, talking and trying to keep each other fed, watered and positive. Friends dropping in and offering sustainance and positive words and laughs throughout the day helped. I got to ride in a police car and make it go wooooo.....thanks for indulging me in that moment P.

Its only 12 hours since we all congregated with Tyler and damn if it doesn't feel like 24 hours. It was tough to watch everyone visit with him in the ICU after surgery. To watch them see him all bandaged up and with tubes coming out of him. Yes its all part of the process and hell, brain surgery aint pretty....he is a very loved man and everyone is grateful tonight that the doctors are so positive about it all. Dr. Young was the man who took care of da business and after 5 hours of operating on him (listening to old time blues, jazz and then African sengali music while he operated) (yes, we asked), Dr. Young felt like he got it all, which is great news.

The next 24 hours are crucial as tests are completed and his recovery is monitored. Thank you for your thoughts, we are very powerful beings you know.

See you tomorrow mates

Xxm

Random....

From this morning - Dionne and her little brother Tyler....getting ready to go in...sharing a blurry moment......

Hanging in the waiting room - Mandy, Paula, Me and D....just chilling, shooting the shit.....

The Dr just came out and said T is doing really well...that they still have one part of the tumor to remove from his brain stem but so far the operation is going really smoothly. Yay....! Keep those thoughts and energy coming....I know D is appreciating all the shout outs on here and facebook..it all helps, you know?

xxM

flying nuns

dear flying nun lady.......please forgive me for i have......(oh wouldnt you like to know)

Truely Bored?

of course, for those of us truely bored while in Indy........there's always G-Spot Amplification...and of course a selection of other things that can make life more....umm, interesting?

and then of course there's this look...

so, here we sit. that tired look you see is true. surgery has only just begun for some delayed reason and there are 10 of us here pacing around the waiting room and about another 10 lots of folks sitting on their phones waiting for news. i can feel silly things coming on (as i spy the flying nun statues in the foyer).

all the emails and texts are gratefully received....thank god for saturday night live reruns right now.

more soon . i am sure

xxm

10.50am

So begins the wait.

Its a 5 hour operation at a minimum. Can I just say, brain surgery is fucking amazing. Listening to the doctor talk about what they are going to do and how, is just amazing......awe inspiring. Of course, I would hate to be the one doing it, or getting it done. But I sat in awe of the doctor talk....and of Tyler who just wanted to get into it, get the fucker out and get on with recovery. Damn....

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers....I am certain over the course of the next 5 hours there will be great moments of boredom that will be perfect blog fodder.

Xxm

The View From Here.....

Driving take out food to everyone back at the house, the sunset was beautiful to watch...to drive towards. It's a big night here...filled with jokes about shaving Tylers head with an arrow and words saying 'cut here'...to moments of not so funny...looking at each other and knowing that the scarey is with everyone....secretly..and not so.

Wherever you are tomorrow morning at 10.15am est...your thoughts or whatever good energy you can spare to pass this way, would be welcomed. It's been a lively week leading up to this day....lots of food, wine, laughter, exploring, getting to know each other, hikes, movies, watching as legal 'just incase' documents get made up, being grateful for life and the people who are in mine. I keep looking at my tattoo - 'this, too, will pass' - and realize that it applies to everything. It will never be an outdated tattoo. To live passionately, honestly, with respect and tolerance for people not like us (and even those like us), to walk towards others and experience with curiosity and amazement, standing with both feet on the line ready to jump into the next adventure...this surely, is the quest.

Live a life you love.....and love the life you live my friends.

See you tomorrow....with good news.

xxm

Dear Red States.....

Dear Red States...

We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us.

In case you aren't aware, that includes Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. You get Ken Lay.

We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel, Apple and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama . We get two-thirds of the tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq , and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush' s Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners), 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools, plus Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100
percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia.

We get Hollywood and Yosemite , thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws,
44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties.

By the way, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico

Peace out, Blue States

The Musicality of Life...

It's been a day of hiking with friends, eating frozen custard, coffee, chicken pot pie, talking politics and about tumors that get cut out and run away...like they have a life of their own...and jamming. This is the marrow of life, I figure. The times when you are pulled together with other humans, a common reason between you, even though you would never usually hang out or see eye to eye together. But there is that one thing that causes you all to sit in a room together. It's very interesting..to be new in a family and thrown into such a crisis...I feel incredibly comfortable. Like all my years on the road, and learning how to find the common thread amongst us, and listening and trying to cause laughter.....are all coming in handy right now. I actually feel blessed to be standing alongside the woman I love and holding her hand and stroking her face, supporting her along the way...like there is nothing more important right this moment. I am laying here listening to her sing and feeling my heart swell with pride....you wait till she is out on the road with me, till you hear the sweetness of her voice. She sings like an angel. We are talking 2009 and what that will look like...dreaming, throwing it all out there....seeing what sticks, what feels right.

But right now, we are in the moment....believing and hoping for good things.

xxm

Look Out Indy...

Sarah Palin is in town....just thought you would like to know...incase you wanted to join the protest.

Out this way, half the household is going to hear her speak and the other half is going to watch the opening of the new movie W (pretty much at the same time SP is actually speaking)...which of course is going to ridicule and expose the stupidity of the current president. It's been a long time since I have spent any time with a passionate republican..I just don't get it...probably in the same way they don't get how I can't be one. It's interesting to note that they are actually human too......well, so far.

I figure I still have a few weeks to work on them and then you know....if that doesn't work, I am going to pull out the big guns with a line like 'any vote FOR them, is a vote AGAINST your gay daughter'. (Taking a few hints from Sarah Silvermann). Lets see if that works....

xxm

Out on the Range...redux

Artistically bored...

Out Here On The Range....

Its late afternoon out here just before the border of indiana. Its been a long day of driving and dropping cars (thanks kc) and equipment, quick bike rides, saying hello to kitties and listening to NPR talk about the disappointing debates last night.

Have you ever heard of the term 'professional cynic'? Seems there is such a job. I wonder how much someone gets paid to do that, what the job requirements are and does someone grow up wanting to become one as one does, say a musician?

Its been a few days of catching up with good friends and playing games, while we wait. Getting to know each other better and trying to find moments to laugh as well as moments to take in the gravity of the situation. I have been down here to Indy plenty of times, always for work, and have never walked downtown before. Yesterday I got the chance to walk the canal (I didn't even know there was one) and through downtown. More than that, this was my girls town for 20 years, so its great to witness and experience it through her eyes and on her arm. I love falling for her more and more......its the way it should be, or at least, the way I hoped it would be. Honest, passionate, present, true, inspiring, thoughtful, loving...oh, and did I say HONEST? (capitals for emphasis..yes)

Thank you for the shout outs, the well wishes, the prayers and thoughts. Tylers surgery is set for 10.15am on Monday morning and it will be a 5-6 hour operation, any moments of good energy you can send his way during that time will surely be welcomed and will not go astray.

Driving towards some good mates, some good Greek food and sambuca, which you know, is a favorite combination all the way around.

Xxm

And then...

I am not quite sure this is what the radio station dudes had in mind when they put the life sized cut outs of Palin and McCain outside. I think I was the first one that asked for a photo and I think I sent ripples throughout Indiana....yay. Wait till we do the 'drive by sign stealing' around town (think McCain/Palin signs on peoples front lawns).

The Feast.....

Good food, good drinks, good conversation here at bourbon street.....no beads yet, although there is talk of titties being flashed outside afterward (but I don't think we have drunk enough beer yet).

Dale, Bonny, me, Dionne and Ginny. Hanging out, enjoying the day together..... Hanging in indiana. Waiting. That's the hardest part, no? The waiting....

Xxm

The Bigness of Life..

The smallness of we...Giant sycamore tree in Fort Benjamin State Park, IN

xxm

The Beauty of Here....

The leaves are turning here in Indiana and it sure is a pretty sight. One that makes you sigh with the gratefulness of such beauty.

Looks like I am going to cancel my Texas tour, sorry Texan folks, I am sure you will understand (read last post). It feels more important for me to hang around here and support my sweetheart and her family right now.....and to make some music for and with them to help keep their minds soothed and hopefully bring a laugh on along the way.

Thank you for all the thoughts you are sending their way....surgery is scheduled for Monday and it seems this not so small tumor is a bugger that is going to require a pretty long and involved surgery. So.....keep sending those thoughts..... Thank you mates

Xxm

Those that read my blog know about my sweet love Dionne. She gets on a plane to Indianapolis tomorrow morning at 6am with her dad and step mum and I meet them down there tomorrow after my show. Send her and her family good thoughts if you can at this time. Her bro is in hospital tonight awaiting news of 'what's next' for a tumor that's been discovered in his brain stem, as the family all heads in to be with him. Everyone is positive about it, but you know, sometimes its hard to keep that up with so many unknowns going on.

Any prayers, positive energy and thoughts in their direction is gratefully welcomed and received.

Thank you mates, what a great supportive community of people you are. And so powerful you be.

Xxm

Me and the T

This is me and guitar maestro Tommy Emmanuel, the reason I play guitar. I use to watch him play at my parents pub in Adelaide when I was 15 and knew that's what I wanted to do. He told me tonight that he has been playing for 50 years next year. Think I have a few years to go......

If you ever see his name, go see him play, he is without a doubt the worlds greatest guitarist. No joke. And he's a beautiful man to boot. I have caught up with him in cities all around the world and had the opportunity to share the stage with him in a few of those cities and he's always ready to see me with a smile, a hug and a great story.

Xxm

The Question Of The Day....

What's this?

It came off a big tree, they look like brains and are kinda sweet smelling inside....like an orange almost. I licked the inside of one and then wondered what it was....

Anyone?

Last night...

Singing hallelujah at uncommon ground, sending it out to Am's dad out there in Michigan.

Xxm
(thanks for the photo kc)

Driftwood Fire

Playing at uncommon ground tonight.....

Wednesday ponderings...

So the sun just came out here in Chicago for the first time in two days. I don't do gloomy weather very well, its anti Australian.

I am getting ready for my show tonight.....running through old songs, checking equipment and strings....i had the tv on in the background checking in on the opinions of last nights debates....which didn't last very long coz it was a bit frustrating. Anyway, I was flicking through channels and happened upon an trailer for some horror movie and I had to turn my head away and change it as fast as possible.

Something that is new for me this last year is that my whole being has become really sensitive to things like that. I can't listen when people are telling gory stories or reliving events that were painful to them. I have to stick my fingers in my ears and sing la la until done. I can't watch or read a lot of news and I definately can't watch anything that is gruesome or even on the edge of scarey. Even if I see a trailer for a horror movie, it takes me a while to get it out of my head. I attribute it to the trauma of my year, believing that it changed me on a cellular level. Sometimes I find new things or new reactions that I have to learn again. Its strange. But I am also grateful for it because it means I be more conscious about what I let in....and that's always a good thing, no?

Back to tuning....will send photos from tonights shows.

Xxm

Sending Thoughts out to Michigan....

This is me and my mate Annemarie at the Woodstock Folk Festival earlier this year. Annemarie is in her car on the way to Detroit right now because her dad is really sick and she is going to go be with him. I am hoping she doesn't mind but I wanted to put her face up here so that if you have a moment, you can send a good thought out their way right now.

Sending love and thoughts mate.....

xxm

LAX

The elevator at Los Angeles Airport, just incase you want to go sideways

Here she Be

The first edition, volume one. Poetry book simply called 'words'. They will be available at shows starting this week and I will make it available online if you want it. Drop me an email and I will let you know how to get ahold of a copy.

Yay.....gulp.

Big shout outs to the folks who have been encouraging me to put this out, partic to Dionne, KC and Am, wouldn't have happened without your support.

Xxm

Santa Monica Pier

Sunset after a beautiful day...

Seis Cuerdas

Catch them on 3rd street in Santa Monica, amazing flamenco style guitar that I wish I had sound for, they are jaw dropping guitarists.

Xxm

thegreatschlep.com

So, I think Sarah Silverman is funny as fuck but I do get that this may offend some people. So be warned that this may be a little offensive....but hopefully, you will just laugh hard as I know all my jewish friends are.

xxM

Bbq and barefoot bubbly

Afternoon.....

The best pulled pork in the city, a bottle of bubbly to celebrate, my sweet girl and I sitting outside laughing hard and stealing sweet kisses of gratefullness. AND a guitar sitting at our feet as we prepare to sing together. We are singing hallelujah together at an event on Sunday night and it makes us both a little giddy and a little happy....or that might be the bubbly.

Beautiful Friday to you my mates

Xxm

On the set of Heroes

The floor from Dr Suresh's loft - mostly seen in the first season..




They call this 'the wall of shame' - all the characters that have been killed off throughout the seasons.




In Mr Petrelli SR's office...




Claire Bennett's Bedroom - all on set, not on site.


Area 5

Don't Vote......

Seriously, you have days to register to vote if you haven't already and if you have...send this along to 5 friends who might not have.

Come on, I can't even vote and yet I know how important this one is to the country...

xxm

Heroes

Okay, so more set photos to come later but we have been hanging out watching an episode of Heroes being filmed at the studios on Sunset. Its not kosher to ask the stars for photos while they are in character but I snuck a little sideways photo of the dudes who plays Peter Petrelli and Dr Suresh while they were waiting for the next scene to be set up. They were talking about vintage cars at the time....(evesdropping? Moi?). No Hiro Nakamora unfortunately.

Its such a fascinating world to those of us who don't have to sit and watch the same 2 minute scene being filmed over a 16 hour day. Thought about sneaking my cd onto one of the sets - in 'claires' bedroom there was a pile of cds sitting next to her boom box and I pondered on it for a minute before deciding against it.

More photos soon!

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