All in a day's work

We just got done backing up our friend Laura for a label showcase. Aaaaand it's safe to say she rocked it. In the few hours leading up to the big show, I had a moment while Chris and I were sharing a Corona.* (Not true, we each had our own, but the word 'sharing' indicates camaraderie, of which this particular moment had much). I saw the six of us hanging around enjoying each other's company and the delectable day and realized, "We are at work." This is our job. These are the appointments we have to keep clear in our calendar. I'm not saying all that we do is 'easy' or 'simple' but I'd be remiss in saying it sucks. I love my job; I love that Sonos takes up most of my time. I love sharing music and moments with this bunch of humans. I am grateful. That is all. Message stop.

*This anecdote does not condone performing under the influence. But c'mon, one beer.

Aloha :)

Aloha Everyone, and greetings from the beautiful town of Kihei, on the island of Maui. I've been vacationing here since Tuesday night with my boyfriend, and we've been staying with a couple of friends of ours in a condo right across the street from the beach. I've never been to Hawaii before, and I'm very very glad that I was able to have a small getaway in this amazing place. We've been at the beach almost everyday, and got some great snorkeling in - Yesterday was the best snorkeling day, because we saw tons of little colorful fish, AND we saw a turtle, which was definitely on my to-do list. He was sooooooo cute! We watched him for a little bit while he chilled on the sand next to a rock with coral all over it. Awesome.

Earlier this week we went to this crazy bamboo forrest for a hike. We hiked the two miles to this huge damn with a waterfall that we jumped off of. It took me a little while to grow the balls to jump - I don't like heights, and granted this wasn't that high, but I'm a wuss. Finally I jumped and it was awesome but FREEZING! These bottom two pictures are from the bamboo forrest.

Yesterday we took a drive up to Lahaina, had lunch, and then continued driving to the north coast. One of the things that has really fascinated me about Maui is that both the weather and the climate and countryside can change so much depending on the time of day and where you are on the island. Kihei is on the western coast of the large half of the island, and its description would match what you'd immediately think of when imagining Hawaii. Lahaina is on the western coast of the smaller half of the island (northwest of Kihea), and it's a cool little town with shops and restaurants. After lunch we drove up the coast and around to the north, which honestly looked like Ireland - It was cloudy, and it's tall cliffs dropped off to a much more rough sea than what we found down in Kihei. Maui's weather changes throughout the day - it may be sunny in the morning, but could be super cloudy at night - Everything is full of surprises. That third picture was from our drive up north - Doesn't it look just like Jurassic Park!?!

That second picture is the beautiful sunset here in Kihei, and the top one of course was sent to my Mum for Mother's Day - Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommies!!!

Anyways.... I'm flying home tonight to continue with Xmas work this week. Yes. I know you're all sick of us talking about Xmas in May, but it's gonna be awesome I promise. I arranged the carol "I Wonder as I Wander", but it's got a little surprise in it that I won't tell at the this time - You'll just have to buy the Xmas album to find out ;)

much love, Kath

Xmas in May? Yes.

It's that time of year, and the focus has now turned big-time to the xmas album. Time is tight, and we have a small window to punch this out before touring of some sorts begins this summer. We set today as a deadline for most of us to have xmas arrangements done, and Paul and I have been hermits this past week trying to meet it. I think I left the house just to go to the gym (infrequently.......ok once.) BUT, it is done. Paul, my roommate, is stir crazy and loopy. (to which he will attest) I will try to drag him tonight to go shee Shtar Trek....sorry let me take out my retainer.....Star Trek. I hope it lives up to my nerdy ass expectations.

Benjamin Bunny

my room/mind clutter

ever notice how the state of your bedroom reflects the state of your mind?
insofar as clarity, organization, etc?
well, if you haven't noticed, go notice it. it's true.
my room is unbelievably messy. like there was an explosion. or a hurricane. or like a hurricane exploded.
my brain = same way.
if they're actually linked, i should probably clean my room to attain some peace of mind.
or better yet! i should see a shrink and get my mind clear and maybe my room will miraculously become clean!

at any rate, i arranged a wordless version of "greensleeves" yesterday.
it's weird. i think i like it.

Steps forward

We had our first Santa Barbara gig tonight. For being out of town, we managed a good sized crowd; made a lot of new friends. It was a good check point for me. The car ride home allowed us lots of conversation about the next steps. I feel like we've been taking "next steps" for a while now, but we've cleared the brush from the path and it's clear where we need to go.

I never thought I'd be in a band. Can I say that? Is this thing on? Acting was my passion, that's the road I was taking when Sonos hopped up in my lap and starting panting. Its face was too cute to deny, but it has since brought to my attention a string of challenges I never thought of before. What I'm saying is Sonos is a new puppy. A puppy that sometimes pees on my carpet, but that also brings me great joy. Being a musician, a performer, a new dog owner - requires a lot of a person. New challenges all the time.

First step: Time for a haircut.

Actually, the first step is to finish my new arrangement. Haircut can be fourth step.

Katherine's Bday Bash

Last night.....was good times. Sonos, and some amazing friends, hit the town in a limo (what?) to celebrate Katherine's B day. I don't know if you're like me, but I feel cool just seeing a limo. I've come to the conclusion, via last night, that alcohal brings people together. We are constantly working so hard together that we rarely get to spend time playing. I sometimes forget what cool people I get to sing with :D Anyways...last night was rad, and I hope there will be many more opportunities to party hard with the Sonos brethren.

Benja