March 30, 2008
London, ON

Dear Ones,

I am home from the great beyond, and once again returned to the land of the ice and snow. I cannot believe I drove all the way to a 94 degree Texas heat wave just to return to winter again! Am already planning my next adventures so stay tuned for more info soon . . . In London for the Jack Richardon Music Awards tonight and then heading to Toronto this week. Glad to be rested up and laundry done and full of homecoming doggy kisses! Although, must admit I simply can't wait to head out on the road again. The world is calling! More soon.

xo
Kristin

After the "Jacks" at Prince Albert's Diner with Gina Farrugia
(hooray childhood haunt!)

March 17, 2008
Austin, TX

Happy St. Paddy's, with late night love from this Austin motel just off I-35. Had a great night with Andy White and his fine band rockin' it Irish core at Opal Divine's tonight. Played a couple shows with the dashing Mr. White over the past two days, both as opener and back up singin' hammertone mama. SO MUCH FUN. I want to do this forever . . . goddess deliver me a band! I have to say I am in love with Austin. SXSW was a blast. It was certainly an assault on the senses from all directions and I had to take it easy to avoid exhaustion overload. However, I am so glad I made the pilgramage to Texas. It was worth every second of that long drive. Didn't actually see that many bands this weekend though, but an honourable mention goes to Laura Stark whose haunting vocals and sultry sexiness sucked me in at the "Invasion of the GoGirls" night @ Trophy's. Also, to the BoDeans (who I loved so as a teenager!) who rocked Bourbon Rocks and brought me back to my youth in all it's nostalgic sweetness. Still my beating heart, boys. Yum. Although, I must confess I get an F in photography this trip and have very few snapshots as evidence of my exploits. You will just have to take my word for it. Except this one below... live from an Austin alleyway . . . Am sporting my new love-at-first-sight purchase: a leather shawl from Blackmail, courtesy of brilliant Austin designer Gail Chovan. There will be more photos of said fashionable item shortly, I am sure. Till then nighty-night as the sounds of the wailing trucks fade and my head slowly descends to the pillow. x

With Andy White @ Momo's, Austin TX (Photo by Pete Harris for Indie Sounds NY) 

March 5, 2008
Asheville, NC

Bonsoir from the side of a sweet Carolina mountain . . . I am hiding away in the hills. Been visiting with my dear friend Jenny and her two little white kittens Evil and Maddie, resting up and working 'till I hit the road to Texas. I am so happy to be here and I feel alive again. Shedding all those frozen layers of my dark Ontario winter has proved to be most excellent and I am thoroughly springing! Last night my friend Pierre Bensusan came through town and we went to see him play at the Grey Eagle Tavern. C'était magnifique! J'aime beaucoup parler Francais, et je dois pratiquer for my tour to France this summer!

Mmmm délicieux,
xo
K

Austin alleyways . . . c'est mysterieux 

March 20, 2008
Dallas, TX

Happy Spring! Am spending equinox morning at the Spanish Trails Inn just south of Dallas, dreaming of coffee . . . good coffee. Hope I may find something strong and delicious somewhere along the interstate, soon. Made a little equinox altar in my motel room last night out of a candle, a cell phone a motel phone, some car keys and a plastic cup of wine. Offerings to the goddess. I am so hilarious. But, looks like I did it. Swore I would not return to frigid Canada until it was officially spring. Now I can make my way home! My time south has been nothing short of incredibly magical. It was so sweet in fact I can almost not speak of it, dear reader, and surely I will never forget . . . Love and thanks to my amazing pal Katy Rose Cox for letting me spend some time sleeping on her living room floor. Also immensely enjoyed meeting Katy's roommate Mollie King and beholding her in all her majestic glory. Think it will not be long before I return to Austin again!!

But, for now onward ho!

x
K

February 26, 2008
Nashville, TN

There's nothing like a night in a sleazy motel with your best friend and some smokin' hot pairs of new shoes! Graphic designer/writer supreme Jenny Brodsky and I had to decompress after Folk Alliance at the mall in Nashville. All I can say is, at least they were on sale . . . And we both feel SO much better!!! Tomorrow morning it's operation pancake and then we're on the road to North Carolina. I'm heading for the hills . . . x

Sweetly shod in the sleazeball motel
 

February 23, 2008

Memphis, TN

Greetings from the depths of the annual musical mania that is the North American Folk Alliance conference! This year I've been co-hosting the Little Red Hen Music showcase room with my dear pals Darlene and Jan Bell. We've had a most fantastic and successful year, oh glory! Played some damn fine showcases too, drank some supremely delicious Scotch and most importantly saw tons of my dearest pals I hardly ever get to see. Made some new pals too that I am so excited about (smile.) More on all that later. Now, it's nearly 6 am and it's definitely sleepytime. Nighty-night. x

Andy White came to visit

February 13, 2008

London, ON

Sweety Sweetland reporting for duty from the outer-reaches of suburbia. Have been house sitting for my parents while they are in Egypt -- ohhh so jealous I am! But, Raven the dog and I have been having the best time ever and I certainly have no lack of work to do. The weather has been positively beastly of late and I've had quite enough of this whole winter thing. Not to mention -I must confess- I seriously suck at starting the snow blower!! Tried so hard and just ended up collapsed in a defeated snow angel pile at the end of the driveway. . . Time to call that nice man with a big shovel on the end of his truck. Bring it on. Hitting the road south tomorrow. Hooray! It's Memphis is the meantime, baby!

From beneath a mound of snow,

Yours truly xo