Calendar Updates and Explanation to Changes

Important Info


Boundin' and Reboundin'
Calendar Dates (See Schedule For Changes)
Boundin'

Boundin' and Reboundin'

Dear friends,

I've had to make changes to my calendar quite a few times these past several months. This has been in part because of my mother's health and in part because of my own. We both have a seizure disorder.

I've been dealing with Epilepsy my whole life, and for the most part have been able to manage it holistically. This involved everything from meditation to probiotics, acupuncture, yoga, and diet. I've poured so much time into research, I feel like I should practically have my own medical degree by now - in both Western and Eastern medicine. But despite all my studying, unless you have Epilepsy, I still don't think I can fully explain how difficult it can be to manage this condition. There are more misconceptions about Epilepsy than I can possibly list. For starters, it's not a disease. It's also not something that can be "fixed" with just a snap of the fingers, breathing exercises, and lots of rest. Believe me when I say that I'm well rested. Sure, there are things that can trigger seizures but more often than not, in my case, my problems in regards to my seizures have been hormones and genetics. Trust me, if maintaining my health was as simple an issue as pulling off the road to teach and relax on my porch, I would have saved myself the thousands and thousands of dollars I've poured into getting well and just retired from performing a long time ago. Honestly, it's not that simple, and I feel that my purpose is still doing exactly what I've been doing for the past 19 years. And that's making music, hopefully creating positive energy, and perhaps being part of a soundtrack to your life.

So, this brings me 'round to why I'm divulging this information to you. I'm having the time of my life right now making music - so much, in fact, that due to our schedule, I felt it wisest to return to medication after years of trying the au natural approach. My rush back into the world of pharmaceuticals was further expedited after a seizure my mother had last November permanently damaged her brain. Although returning to medication was something I felt I had to do, for my own future, the fact remains that I've never handled medicine well, and this year's been no exception. It has not affected my shows, but this past month, it has been a challenge for me. After a series of doctor visits and changing of medication, I rebounded. I was feeling fairly good until recently. My worries were compounded after I spoke with my doctor yesterday, who issued me orders not to travel via airplane and to cancel shows until we have time to get my medication adjusted. I also have to undergo further testing, with the goal being that eventually the medicine combined with my holistic lifestyle will work for me, and not against me - so that even if I have a seizure in the future, its severity should be less intense, thus enabling me to enjoy the quality of life I'm used to living.

I beg you not worry, as I'll be just fine. I view myself as handicap-able and not handicapped. There are blank pages I've yet to fill with lyrics, chords I've yet to learn, melodies I've yet to sing, shows I've yet to play, and - most motivating of all - new friends I've yet to meet, people whose lives I can perhaps positively impact by sharing my music and story. Thinking about all these things, I can happily say that I've never been more inspired and driven to create and "bound." So please hang with me as I "get my goat on."

Your friend in music, Terri Hendrix
Read on...

Calendar Dates (See Schedule For Changes)

This weekend, the following artist's are taking my place at these venues. Both of these artist's are fantastic and both of these venues have a wonderful atmosphere coupled with delicious food.
SAT. June 13th Kyle Hutton @ Dosey Doe, Houston, TX
SUN. June 14th Seth James @ River Pub, San Marcos, TX

As of now, these shows are on, but my calendar for June and July have been altered. I hope to pick things back up in August and my calendar will be updated accordingly.

Shows listed below, and shows that are still on my calendar, are still on and include,

FRI. Jun 26th @ 8:00 PM
Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse, Dallas, TX
www.unclecalvins.org
Northpark Presbyterian Church, 955 N. Central Expressway
214-363-0044

SAT. Jun 27th @ 7:00 PM
Kios Concerts, Edmond, OK
405-285-5995 or 405-833-7781
kiousconcerts@cox.net
myspace.com/kiousconcerts

THUR. Jul 9th @ 7:30 PM
San Marcos Performing Arts W/Band
San Marcos, TX
Summer in the Park San Marcos Plaza
Free Series: W/Band 512-393-8400 Corner of Hopkins and CM Allen Blvd. (401 E. Hopkins)
Double Check Dates Here

Boundin'

"Boundin'"
By Bud Luckey
(From the animated short "Boundin'," as featured in the Pixar movie "The Incredibles")

Here's a story on how strange is life with its changes and it happened not long ago. On a high mountain plain, where the sagebrush arranges a playground south of the snow, lived a lamb with a coat of remarkable sheen. It would glint in the sunlight all sparkly and clean, such a source of great pride that it caused him to preen.

And he'd break out in a high steppin' dance. He would dance for his neighbors across the way. I must say that they found his dancin' enhancin', for they'd also join in the play.

Then one day, a-boundin' up the slope came a great American jackalope. This sage of the sage, this rare hare of hope, caused to pause and check out the lamb. "Hey kid, why the mope?"

"I used to be something all covered with fluff, and I'd dance in the sunlight and show off my stuff. Then they hauled me away in a manner quite rough and sheared me and dropped me back here in the buff. And if that's not enough, now my friends all laugh at me, cause they think I look ridiculous, funny and pink."

"Pink? Pink? Well, what's wrong with pink? Seems you've got a pink kink in your think. Does it matter what color? Well, that gets nope, be it pink, purple or heliotrope. Now sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down. When you find that you're down, well just look around: You still got a body, good legs and fine feet, Get your head in the right place and hey, you're complete!

"Now as for the dancin', you can do more, you can reach great heights, in fact you can soar. You just get a leg up and ya slap it on down, and you'll find you're up in what's called a bound.

Bound, bound, and rebound.
Bound and you're up, right next to the sky,
and I think you can do it if you give it a try.
First get a leg up, slap it on down"

So every year, along about May, they'd load him up and they'd haul him away. And they'd shave him and dump him all naked and bare. He learned to live with it, he didn't care. He'd just bound, bound, bound, and rebound.

Now in this world of ups and downs,
So nice to know there are jackalopes around.

June 6th - Private Party for HAAM

Coming soon ...

June 5th - Mansfield Arts Festival

Coming soon ...

May 28th - 31st Teaching @ Kerrville Song School and Playing @ Kerrville Folk Festival

Coming soon ...

Cool Stuff

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy li ngerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Tomato "Dave" ...

I was watering Dave and cleaning his leaves when I felt something in the palm of my hand. I screamed with delight. He only has one, but ain't it pretty?

5/20/09 to 5/22/09 Indigo Girls

There's just no way to explain how wonderful this opportunity was. These women, including their bandmate Julie Wolf and guitar tech Sulli, were true gracious professionals. I was so sad when it was over, I cried. There's something truly magical about their music and their shows. I will be writing a GoatNotes about it. I'm still frankly in shock. They've been my favorite band for twenty years. Their new record, "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug" is an amazing collection of both acoustic and band versions of their songs. Their musicianship is over the top. And to get the opportunity to have a glimpse at the depth and warmth of the people behind the music was a beautiful experience. They had Lloyd join in on a few songs and I joined in on harmony and harmonica (yes, in the right key ... smile) (see below).

On a side note, I need to add this because it's just the way things happen sometimes when you perform. We were at the Verizon Theater, in Houston. During my opening set, I felt like I was in the zone. Performing for crowds that large and adjusting technical things on my end took some doing. So, by show three, I was more comfortable. For example, I needed to set my monitors where it pulled my skin off my face as the sound changed that much from sound check to show time. Once that many people pack into a place the sonic dynamics change considerably. In spite of this though, I was having a hard time hearing my harmonica. If I got too close to the mic, it squealed. If I got to far back, it did not pick up. Anyway, as I said, I was in the "zone" feeling good about the show. At ease. Someone from the audience shouted out "It's a Given," Terri play it!" I chuckled to myself and answered, "I told you to wait in the truck." The audience erupted in laughter. I was feeling all cocky then. I grinned. Self assured, we readied ourselves for the closing of our set. I threw on my harp, and we launched into Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty." I hit the harp driven solo with guns blazin'. I looked out in the audience and saw that the entire front row had their heads cocked sideways. I looked to my left and saw that Lloyd was giving me "the look" as only he can give me. My heart raced. I knew that SOMETHING was wrong. I just did not know what. The song continued. We neared the end. Here it came again. Harmonica solo. I was off, ripping through it, I was gonna shred it that time. I opened one eye and saw that one lady on the front row was actually covering her ears. I glanced to my left and saw that Lloyd was accompanying me but with a concerned look on his face. SOMETHING was wrong but I just did not know what. I could not totally hear the harmonica through my monitors, but what little I heard, I knew it was ... off. After the song, I looked down and saw my A minor harmonica glistening on my tray attached to my mic stand. I looked inside my holder. Although I carefully mark my harps to avoid accidents, somehow I had used the wrong harmonica on that song! I had played it with my damn D harp. And I had played cross harp as well! For those of you that don't play harmonica, let's just say that's like playing football with a hockey puck. Normally, this would have kept me in tears for a couple of days. For sure, it made me mess up on my next song too as I was pretty mortified, but I still made it through my set. I did not do as good as I wished I had, but it's not for lack of trying. I did my best, and well ... I goofed. I fumbled. In front of several thousand people. And it's okay. Like I said I'd rather be out there on the field of life taking hits and making touchdowns than bitching about the game (or covering my ears) in the bleachers.

Happy Trails,

Terri

5/14/09 - 5/16/09 Jammin Java and Spring Gulch Festival

The one purchase I've made this year, that has already payed for itself ten-fold, is my Tom-Tom, a GPS system that gets me to and from my destinations. After staying lost in MA last month, I vowed to Lloyd I wouldn't be leaving Texas again without a GPS, and I was true to my word. No more simultaneous navigating by way of iphone and Mapquest. If it's one thing that insured a rough trip, it was total lack of a sense of direction. As my friend Cathy says, "Terri, you should turn the opposite direction of which way you think you need to turn, because you ALWAYS turn the wrong way."

I picked a soft, calm, female voice programmed as "Samantha" in my GPS. The girl got us from the airport to our hotel and to the venue in a blink. With NO mess ups. I was thrilled. I did my nails, drank coffee, fiddled with my ipod, and she did all the work in getting us to the gig. Lloyd drove, but even he could relax a little. Life was good.

Jammin Java was fun. It's a premier listening room on the East Coast. After the show we headed towards the Amish country, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania countryside.

I know you are not supposed to take pictures of the Amish. And I had to sit on my hands to refrain from doing it. There's something about seeing an entire family in a horse drawn buggy that is so appealing you want to capture it to look back on it as proof that you indeed saw what you saw when you saw it. Their farms were perfectly manicured with clothes drying on lines high up in the air from one side of the house to the other. Their children looked like something out of a fairy tale with their rosy cheeks and wide smiles. You'd see the young boys playing baseball with the young girls who though in skirts, seemed to be winning the game. Most of the kids pushed themselves along the side streets on scooters with little baskets attached on the the front carrying odds and ends. The entire area smelled like fresh cut grass.

I know that this area in Pennsylvania is not only famous for the Amish, but for the quirky names of their towns. With names like "Intercourse," "Blue Ball," Virginville," and "Bird-In-Hand," well you can see why. I'm sorry, but I about doubled over with laughter when I saw the, ahem, "Intercourse Pretzel Factory."

I did a little shopping in the downtown area of Intercourse ... and lucked into a shop that made handcrafted wooden signs. I've been wanting a Wilory Records sign for years, and I finally had one made. I was excited and clapping my hands while it was being made. For a fact, I totally annoyed my sign maker. Look at his face (pictured). After I got my sign made I rolled in the grass and kissed the earth.

I headed back to the hotel early so I could catch up on the kids songs as I had a kids show to perform at the Spring Gulch festival the next day. I also had to change strings in preparation for our regular show as well. We had a good time as the festival. There were many musical highlights.

We headed home Sunday and I tried to catch up in the office, but I just could not. I had to sleep. Happy trails,

Terri

5/09/09 Bugle Boy, La Grange

Lane, owner of the Bugle Boy, in La Grange, has turned her state of the art performance center into a non-profit. The night we played, they were "official," having received their paperwork with all their credentials back in the mail. She was glowing with excitement. She has busted some serious tail to turn her dream into a reality. I know many of you who read this, are no where near Texas, but if you are in Texas, and looking to find new roots music and/or a place to visit should you venture to Texas, you gotta check out the Bugle Boy.

The night we played there, Lane showed me her eco-car (pictured), a solar powered "truck" she had specially built. I really wanted her to take me for a spin around La Grange, but we were running short on time. So, I ran inside and did sound check and before long ... Lloyd and myself were hitting the stage and the downbeat of our first song.

Happy Trails, Terri

How to NOT run a record label by Terri Hendrix

Truth be told, I don't really have business sense. I started and continue to run my own label out of being too stubborn to bend and too diverse to change. I also have a good work ethic. Or I did, till a little thing called life happened. All at once. So, I took some photos for you. It's kind of funny ... but due to these photos and the fact that postage is going up, my postal list is past the point of making me postal. I'm doing a mandatory intervention and am officially deleting it. It's eco-friendly, less expensive, and easier on me (and the folks that help me here) to send out GoatNotes. I'm thinking it's a good thing. Change is good. Saving a few trees in the process, even better.

T

Dave, as a Child

As a child ... (see teenage funk below)

5/07/09

Last weekend we played Dan's in Denton on Friday. Dan Mojica is one of a kind. I like him and his venue so very much. It's the little things that a concert promoter does that make our lives easier. For example, when we pulled up, Dan was there to greet us and move an orange cone out of the way to park so we could load in easier. There's just two of us, but we carry four guitars, a dobro, a mandolin, a papoose, two peddle boards, two backpacks, two clothes bags, and a merchandise bucket. So, when we have someone block us off parking so we don't have to make repeat hikes to the car, we appreciate it.

The next night, we played for Greg at the Blue Door who's a whole lot like Dan. Beloved in the musical community. Simply cherished. Rhett Butler opened. You have to see him live to appreciate his artistry. He's up there with the best. Look him up on You Tube. It will blow your mind. And here's the kicker, he's a real nice person.

We then ventured deep into the country for Faye and Scott at their Harmony House series in Bonham, Texas. I'm working up a surprise for these folks. I'll tell you at a later date exactly what it is. For now, you can read up on what we did here:

http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_54081.shtml

At the top of this blog I'm showing off my tomato plant, Dave (named after the gentleman working in the garden center at HEB, who said "If you name your 'mater plant and talk to it, it'll growwww!").

Well, it seems he was right, in spite of all the obstacles, this little plant's growing. Which is why, I was startled to discover a few days ago, that Dave has some serious funk on his leaves. So if you can advise some organic way to clean him up, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for your help in advance. If Dave lives, the garden goes in this July.

Your friend in music, Terri Hendrix

From 4/09/09 to Right Now (I should be asleep)

Okay, I have fallen way behind on my blogging. I actually enjoy doing this. It's fun to write about the things I see, places I travel, and what I hear along the way. I must admit though ... I do not enjoy Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter. It's one more thing I have to handle. Really, I have not decided what to do with all this social networking yet. I feel like anything that gets in the way of me being able to find the time to create is not good for me. I understand how it's nifty and all, but for now, rather than "twitter," I'll call.

So it's blog time. Let's see ... we flew home on April 5th, from MA. We then readied ourselves for shows the following weekend.

On Friday, April 10th, we played this cool show with Daniel Makins (check him and his series out here: danielmakins.com). It was held at a funky artsy theater from the 50's in San Angelo. Although my old stomping grounds at the Steel Penny were quite fun, playing this theater was gratifying after well over a decade since my last show in the area. The people were so nice. It's hard to stop playing sometimes. When all the elements are there and the sound is good and the audience is with you. This was one of those nights. And Daniel, he was fantastic. He's beloved in his hometown and respected as well due to his guitar skills and songs. It was a joy to work with him.

On Saturday the 11th we played Casbeers at the Church. It's an old church, in San Antonio, that's been turned into a mexican food restaurant downstairs and a performance area upstairs. It's one of my favorite places to play in Texas. And San Antonio is my hometown, even though I live in San Marcos. It's still my "home." The Karen Wells band joined us on stage for some fun. Man, can she sing!

After Casbeers and before the Arts Fair in San Antonio, I decided to go DIY on my hair and turned it orange by mistake. It was fixed, by my hairdresser who had but one question, "Why?"

I had no good answers. I'm busy and on a budget. Will that suffice? I'd get dreads if I thought I could pull it off. I've always wanted them. Here's a secret, I do not like fixing my hair or spending money on it.

On Sunday the 19th, we played the Fiesta Arts Fair in downtown San Antonio. I was working on new songs all week and different ways to play old songs. I do this from time to time. For instance, I bought a 12 string and it sounds better in an alternate tuning. So, on this show, I played the 12 string and had to work up new arrangements with the tuning I had in mind on a few tunes. It was hard, but it came off okay. The School of Arts and Crafts is classy. The people putting this on are gold. And well, The Swindles ... who played after we did, were GREAT. Oh, and before I forget, I heard LeAnne Atherton play as part of her new group called "Gypsy Heart." It was world music and off the grid good!

On April 25th, we headed towards our show in Baton Rouge for Chris and Liz at the Red Dragon Listening Room. After staying more lost than found in MA, I purchased a Tom Tom and broke it in on this trip. Our voice is "Samantha." She's pretty polite given the fact that she told us which way to go and we did the exact opposite of what we were told. I kept waiting for her to cuss, but she remained in check. So, I did it for her. "Hey dummy, I said LEFT at the LIGHT," I shouted over her voice. When driving to Baton Rouge, one must find ways to occupy time.

Before showtime, after driving for well over an hour in search of dinner, we took our chances and ate at a place called (drumroll please) "The Chicken Shack." It was either that, or starve. I was tired of eating the food we'd brought. I was a cashew away from insanity. I needed something with substance. But after looking at the menu, the only healthy choice was leaving, and I was too hungry for that and besides, the people behind the counter were nice. So, I ordered my food fried (so whatever was on it or in it died). It was pure fat, starch, and oil with ketchup on the side. I thought about a health guru I know who simply insists it's easy to find solid good meals on the road if you try. I thought about her in her tight pink yoga pants slurping down a wheatgrass and probiotic superfood high antioxidant shake. I thought about her some more as I wobbled out of the chicken shack wiping the grease from my mouth on my sleeve. If she traveled anywhere else but to and from yoga, she'd know what us musicians already know ... good eats are hard to find.

We burped our way towards our gig, where I was soon surprised by the "Sister's," who are two of the coolest young artist's I've had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. I was still digesting my "Chicken Shack," when Melanie (the older of the siblings), handed me a painting she had done for me. It read "She Owns Her Own Universe and She Walked Away With the Moon" on the back of it. Pictured, is a woman carrying the moon off through the water. I'm not often surprised, but their kindness and this painting took me aback. This year has been somewhat like riding a mechanical bull, and it was the first time I've been totally stopped in my tracks by something beautiful. These unexpected moments are what I live for. As I was making sure my painting would be safe on stage (I wanted to show it off), Martin Flannigan and his band began to play before our set. By the end of his show, my cheeks were hurting as he had me smiling so much. Then, we played and had a wonderful time. The 12 string sounded like and orchestra and we tried some more new songs out with it. Backstage, the Maxwell's surprised us some more by providing a veggie tray for us. They are some of the most kind and hospitable people in the business. After the show, I thought about sticking the veggies in my back pack, but resisted. It was the last healthy food I laid eyes on (aside from the dead alligator on the road we saw on our way out of town) till I made it home late Sunday night.

Sunday the 26th we played the Houston International Festival. We played it as a trio with Glenn and had a ball. The sound was real good and it was a pretty magical time. They had recreated the 42nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival we'd played in DC for the Houston International Festival in Texas. So, we had the chance to see the Tex Maniacs again from San Antonio. I gotta admit, I was way happy I did not have to follow the Jones Family Singers again. I was sad I missed their show though. After we played, we simply had to head home. We used up our tickets on festival food (there's healthy eatin' ... NOT) ... and made our way with Tom Tom in tow towards San Marcos.

We met with Riley today, (keys and arranger) for the jazz record. I have most of the songs picked out or sketched out. I'm thinking we will knock this out in June and July. So, needless to say, I have my work cut out for me. Some of the music is way over my head and it will require lots of woodshedding.

Pictured is me with my "Sister" friends ... they are the cutest (Melanie and Melissa)

Well that's all & happy trails your way too!

Terri

Photos

From the tour through MA, NH, RI to right now ... 4/09/08

I just got back from the East Coast. Here's where we played ... and what we did.


The 26th we flew out early in the morning. We lucked into sitting next next to Joshie who at 70 was experiencing her first flight. Lloyd hates to fly and made me privy to her situation. I leaned across Lloyd to get a good look at her. She shot me a look out of one eye and smiled my way. She told us she had 14 grand kids and was heading to a family reunion. I envied her self composure as I wiped the sweat off my brow and readied myself for take off. I peaked at her again when we were in mid air and she gave me another smile. That's when I noticed she had a hint of a gold filling which made her smile all the brighter. Something about her charmed me, and I gave her my cross. You know, the one I keep in my pocket for some "peace of mind." She thanked me and I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes. The flight was uneventful except for a little turbulence. As the plane rocked, Joshie clutched her purse, which she held on her lap, even tighter, Lloyd noticed her worry and explained what was happening. She was forever grateful and seemed to relax a little. We all laughed a bit. When we landed, I had my picture taken with her. I wish her and her family well.

After the flight we grabbed our bags and made off like turtles. We found our rent car, which was non-descript but which had a dent in the side the size of a deer. The only car they had left at the rental facility was bright red and gawdy looking. I did not complain. We loaded our stuff and were off, like snails.

We drove, drove, and then drove some more. I got us lost. I cursed my iphone and Mapquest. I ate some weird fried food for dinner. I rented "Slum Dog" ... and cried with joy when it ended happy.

Then Friday we met up at Me and Thee Coffeehouse for a song swap W/Brooks Williams in Marblehead, MA. We got to Eastham early and hung out with "The other Bob," a wonderful radio DJ and fan of all things music. He took us on a hike where I saw some MA cows that had long hair. What worried me was that their hair looked better than mine. Lloyd was just about to bring this up, when "The Other Bob" offered, "You might what to check yourselves for deer ticks when we get back." Fearing all types of diseases, I tried to keep my feet off the ground by hopping in place without anyone noticing.

"The Other Bob" cooked up a dinner for us of pork, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. It landed good! But, truth be told, I looked for deer ticks while I ate (just joking). I was even looking for ticks at the gig that night (not joking as I mistook a pimple on my neck for a tick) when we hooked up at the First Encounter Coffeehouse/The Chapel in the Pines in Eastham, MA to play with Brooks again. Brooks is a delight. I cracked up when he talked about just how lost he got driving along the East Coast. Could it be a reality? Have I met my geographically challenged counterpart? He's fun and a good person. We can't say enough nice things about him and it will sound trite if I continue, so I'll venture onto what we did come morning. We got lost.

Our rental was a bright red knock-off of a knock-off which made it odd looking to say the least (as I tried to explain earlier). In spite of it being BRIGHT red, I still could not find it in the parking lot at the grocery store. Then we got on yet ANOTHER rotary and that really freaked us out. We stayed lost some more. Drove in circles. Then we began the portion of our journey that'll I'll call the "Dunkin' Doughnut" tour of 2009. The franchise was everywhere.

We left early for our show on Sunday and made it to Dan and Liz's series called the Roots Hoot Concert Series, in Peace Dale, RI. Dan's a longtime DJ, and through him I met several other DJ's I've been communicating with throughout the years. We had a blast, and the evening was over much to quick. True to form, we backed out of their drive, turned left and within minutes, got lost.

We had Monday off and I slept in. Then, on Tuesday we hooked up with Amy Speace and her guitar player James Maestro for a show at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA. What a cool downtown area. I wish we had all had more time to visit and stroll through the funky shops before showtime. What we lacked in time, we made up for in music and had a good gig swapping songs. Amy sings like an angel.

After the show we headed towards Boston. The next day, Stephen (a turn-table pro and professor at Berklee), loaded us up and took us to Berklee School Of Music, where we sat in on classes, taught about mistakes and what to avoid as an indie artist, and played a show with other wonderful students on campus at Cafe 939 "The Red Room." There are too many highlights to list. I have to get the names and spell them right. Let's just say that it was rewarding and these "kids" play fantastic and were a joy to play with on stage and off. After the workshop/clinic/show I was beat. We were gone 12 hours.

I slept in, and the next day, we played for Laurie and Neale's series called the Fox Run Concert Series in Sudbury, MA. They are both beyond generous and kind hearted. The series they run raises money for several charities throughout their city and beyond. Seth Glear started the night out and soon, Lloyd was returning the guitar he borrowed back to its owner, Lauren, whom I have known since she was 7. She's now about 6 foot tall and in the midst of high school.

The next day we loaded everything up in our rent car, and made our way back to the airport. Soon, after yet another doughnut, we were back on a plane and heading home.

This was a long trip for us. We were gone 10 days. My laptop is still in the shop and my work here has back logged. But it's okay. I have songs to learn and music to write. The "Part That Ain't Art" will just have to wait. One can only wear so many hats at once. And ... aside from the songs on my mind, I have to replace the cross I gave Joshie, I need a cross before this weekend's gigs. You know, the one I usually keep in my pocket for some "peace of mind."

Warm Regards,
Terri
(P.S. I did not have time to edit myself. Pardon the spello-s, typos, and ect.-'os)

Getting Ready ...

We are playing lots of shows coming up with Brooks Williams on the East Coast. You can see where and when on my calendar (homepage):

Check out this blog on Me & thee:

http://www.meandthee.org/

Tyler Texas (W/Adam Carroll) & Jefferson Freedom Cafe

This took place last weekend over the 19th, 20th, and 21st.

I like SXSW (in my rear view mirror). I'm signed and can't be dropped. Well, truth be told it's my own label, but still. At SXSW, I did the Gibson bus and played some songs for the Gibson party. Then I was out of town. I know it's good for careers and good for Austin. But it's a challenge to play. The city is packed and getting from point A to B is hard. Also, I think it's more fun to go as a "fan" and not as a "musician" if you get the chance.

Tyler ...

We played this show with Adam Carroll at a Museum in Tyler Texas. The crowd was great and all these folks had something to do in making this show come together. RBC Wealth Management, Ken Dunn, Cludia and Otis Carroll, Sandy and Goe Shepard, Tyler Junior College, Starbucks in Tyler, Ron Gleason (Pope of Texas Music in Tyler), Sherry Dunn, Robert Owen, and Katie Powell.

It was one of those magical nights. I adore Adam. He's a musical and spiritual brother with a different mother. We are like minds and if you know us (that's a little freaky). For example, only we could get lost backstage and spend the better portion of five minutes trying to find the stage. We chatted while we walked in circles. I enjoy him, his family, his better half (Amy), and his music more than I could ever write in here. He's a Texas treasure.

Last night I made several discrete trips to the appetizer bar. It was a fancy reception. But you see, when I spy food that's not preserved and I'm on the road, I'm gonna eat it. I rolled up my sleeves, opened my pockets, picked up some side boards for my plate and dug in. I was glad I wore my stretch jeans.

Fort Worth ...

Come Saturday, I was one Egg McMuffin shy a full blown case of heartburn. So, we ate at Denny's instead. I still got heartburn. I blame it on the yellow eggs. Nothing is that yellow. They were so preserved, I'm still kind of tasting them.

The show at Jefferson Freedom Cafe was a real good time. The shows have more energy. I don;t know what's up. I just feel good playing and more in the moment than I used to. I think that's the secret ... being "present." It's a gift. Kate opened (from PA) and Steve (from CA) played guitar. They were sweet and it was a pleasure to meet them.

More notes than sense:

1. SXSW ... what I saw and heard on the streets ...

Men in skinny jeans with dyed black hair and curled lips. Women looking tough or wearing skirts shorter than most of my underwear. Cell phones everywhere. Can you really talk, smoke, text, and drink a cola at the same time? Bustle. Noisy. Guy in my way at Maggie Mays (where we played the Gibson party). He would not move, he was planted in front of my instruments, and was a little too cool for school. He had curly hair and skinny jeans (sorry I'm old school) (Clint Eastwood would never have worn skinny jeans!). Okay, anyway back to the dude ... he's a guitar player. Or used to be ... for someone who used to play ... I hope he had fun. He looked like he'd been eating pickles. I sincerely like Mark at Gibson and think he works hard for the Austin community. I like my Gibson and she's playing better and better (any problems are with me keeping it in tune and in time). Lloyd does not wear skinny jeans.

Other:

1. Talk radio gets on my nerves. They are all talk and no solutions. I like the BBC though, and when they complain, at least they have accents and sound somewhat educated.

2. How can Capitol One change the rules on a credit card and start demanding a yearly fee? And then, when you cancel the card because you think it's bogus and don't want to pay the fee, why should this hurt your credit score?

3. Why does Capitol One even have banks everywhere now. I mean, are they not some of the reason why our country is in this mess?

4. How can Citi Bank be getting all this money when every time I have a question about my mortgage I have to talk to someone in India who can barely speak English?

5. Rush is Mush

March 14th, Fort Worth Texas

Lloyd's the world's most humble person. But this is my site and my blog and I'm gonna spill the beans.

On this date, he was inducted into the Pedal Steel Hall of Fame. Pictured is him with his friend and mentor (who gave him his first steel), Frank Carter. I snapped a shot of Lloyd being "coach" to the band on stage, and Lloyd accepting his award and induction.

T

Back to Health: Private Function

I played for my friends Nnacy and Chris for their grand opening. The place is called "Back to Health." It's a chiropractor business that will get you in tip top shape and keep you walkin' straight. Here's some photos of the event and you can see the facility.
It's in Fort Worth, Texas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9381179@N02/sets/72157615392881978

P.S. We ate at the best italian food place right before showtime. Our waitress knew more about music than most writers for major papers. She was 22. I about fell out of my seat when she mentioned "Sneaky Pete" the famed steel player from days long gone.
Then she sang (this place has singing wait staff) and she sounded fantastic. Oh, to be that educated and composed at 22.

Old Number Nine in Waring, Texas

It's been a real long time since we did a workshop in Waring, Texas. It was fun to return to the place where we started these workshops. I'm pretty picky about where I like to do these. The setting has to be right to pull it off. And I don't like to take chances with other people's money. I mean, we have folks that fly in from all over for these creative workshops, so the set up has to be fantastic. And, let's just say it was wonderful. We had such a good time.

The more I do these, the more I learn how to do them better. Teaching is a good way to learn. Think about this. It makes sense (smile). T