Canada So far...

This is just a quick check in.

Marty and I are still in B.C., heading south. The trip has been delightful, the shows have been well attended and I feel proud to have done them solo.

Marty has been a huge help and it's been wonderful doing this trip together.

We left Rock Island resort yesterday, complete with ferry trip across Arrow lake. It is always hard to leave there and harder to say good bye to my brother and sister.

We stopped in to visit with my ex in-laws the Peets in Sicamous. Bonnie and Keith were very welcoming and we had a very sweet visit after almost 11 years. The farm looks bucolic, well tended, the barn as solid as ever. There were cows and burros, happily living beside the Eagle River.

Now we head south towards Seattle and points south.

Here is a photo of Marty outside the Yurt at Rock Island resort with my sister's husband, Ivan Munro of Sicamous, B.C.

www.rockisland.ca

Okay, back on the road now

best,

Ginny

Remembering Bill Monroe

Years ago on a summer's eve, my friend and producer, Mark Schatz asked me along to a potluck at Bill Monroe's house in the woods. We were to be joined by a few musicians, it was casual and I was excited to meet the legend and the man.

We entered the property by a gravel drive, The house, as I remember was a single level wood frame house with a covered front porch. It sat among a some pines and birch, as we got out of the car it seemed the place was filled with a sense of folks who had lived in this place.

It was a country home, with the simple things of life. Yes, there was a bible on the mantle as I recall.

Just about 10 of us. Mandolins, guitars fiddles and singing. Bill was happy to be surrounded by trusted friends. Two of my Nashville favorite people were there with me so I was in heaven, Kathy Chiavola and Mark Schatz. Ginger Boatwright was there as well. There was dancing and a whole lot of laughter. Mostly I remember the music.

Here is a photo I took of Kathy Chiavola singing with Bill Monroe. I have had some memorable nights, and this is certainly one at the top of my list.

Randall Kane and Catalyst

Hello one and all,

Two days ago Randall Kane passed away in his sleep. Randall has been a Santa Cruz fixture for as long as I can remember. In high school the old Catalyst was on the North end of Pacific Ave and was a testament to everything alternative in Santa Cruz in the 70's. In the 80's Randall built the new Catalyst which rose from the ashes of an old bowling alley. With it we saw acts the calibre of Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and hundreds more. I had the honor of opening for Asleep at the Wheel, Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell and k.d. lang, among others. The crew at the "Cat" (as we like to call it) were like family in those days, and Randall was the father figure.

Every Wednesday for two years my band and I played in the Garden room to a loyal and sometimes less than well groomed crowd. We played whatever we wanted, mostly bluegrass and country, songs that grew from our loyalty to KFAT radio. We had players sit in from all over the country and the county.

Only one time did Randall ever say anything to me about the tunes I was choosing. I was going through a bad break up and every song was pretty much a downer. On a break, he patted me on the shoulder and said, "Ginny, maybe that's enough sad songs, any more of those and we're all gonna slit our wrists". There was no judgement , just a suggestion to steer to the lighter side.

I remember well the night we opened for Ray Benson and Asleep at the wheel. They had brought the old black grand Piano down from the rafters. In my excitement I had left my brand new Black leather fringed jacket on the piano after our opening set. When I returned for it the next day it was gone. A few weeks later Randall came to me and said, "I heard about your jacket, Ginny. It shouldn't cost you to play here,"  He handed me $200.00 cash, with a smile. When I tried to thank him and give him a hug, he seemed suddenly shy.

The Catalyst Christmas parties are legendary. I remember sitting briefly on his lap at one, right after the earthquake, when the Cat was closed for repairs and we had it at the mexican place across the street. We all had a lot of tequila that night and there was a lot of merry singing of Christmas Carols.

There will never be another Randall Kane. Rest in Peace.

Reverb Nation

Hello friends and family,

Well as Marty and I prepare for our road trip next month to the Pacific North West, I have been looking at ways to help promote the shows and connect with more of you.

So I have been exploring the ins and outs of reverb nation. Here is a link, and perhaps it will help us connect! It has songs and a video as well as all kinds of news. Please check it out.



See you all very soon.

Love,
Ginny

KKUP Marathon

Yesterday was a sweet Valentines day. 12:00 noon at KKUP, Cupertino. Many musicians, friends old and new.

Community radio alive and well. Mary McCaslin sang like an angel. As I was driving back to Santa Cruz I heard Lisa and Marty Atkinson , beautiful harmonies, so lovely.

Storms brewing

people staying in

Wind howling

I wrap myself in the warmth of musical community

Blessings of the heart

Mr. President

I was up 3 times the night before he took the oath that would make him our 44th president. I was so excited for that moment to arrive, I could barely sleep. So I finally awoke at 6:00 am to watch all the goings on up to the actual swearing in.

Tears of joy and an indescribable feeling of pride in the entire American experience this time around.

That same evening we hosted an inaugural ball at our Digital Media Factory. I post a jpeg of the beautiful friends and family who joined us in the celebration.

Hand on the Bible

A song

A speech

Tears of joy, we hug each other

One big group world hug

Hope

Home and renewal

I am four days late in this posting...

My favorite moment of any journey is my arrival home.

Winston began standing up to look out the window as we began our ascent up Highway 17. Only 19 miles to go.

My sweet husband was off singing at an open mic, so Star was there to greet us. She wimpered a warm greeting, I knew she was saying, "Oh Mom, I am soooo happy you are home". The house was clean and quiet, two good words that go together well. When Marty got home there was so much catching up to do. Isn't it a lovely thing when you are so anxious to see your husband after being gone only one week?

Ocean air

drizzling rain

West Coast homecoming...

Northern Composure

The quiet here in Puget Sound is thick, as thick as the velvet black night outside. My constant companion, my little Yorkie, Winston has sat mostly still as we have driven in the rented Toyota 4-runner. We have driven to and through the cities of Portland and Seattle.

Two days ago I drove up to my friend Julie's house. It was a quiet, thoughtful journey. Pulling into her drive to retrieve her beautiful bird bath, I felt the sadness that she would never again be there, or anywhere to greet me with her familiar " Ginny!!!!!!...". Just a black crow on her roof to oversee my careful gathering of one more item of her worldly goods. The house has had most of the wild and wooley overgrowth pruned back. The steps are cleared of the potted plants and whimsical chimes she had to greet you upon arrival. No cats or birds...save the one lone crow still warning me that he was watching.

I was relieved to have a good destination ahead of me. A ferry ride to Julie's mom's house. A lovely dinner with beautiful reminiscing. We laughed and cried some. Then home for a few songs with her husband. Last night I slept with Winston close by my side, and a deep sleep with the sweet sound of a quiet night in the countryside.

Aaaah morning and low hanging clouds. A chill in the air. Coffee, cereal and more conversation. CNN and then watching videos of Julie... each of us savoring the sounds of her laughter and each familiar gesture. Then more items to treasure, packed carefully into the 4-runner. Sad to say good-bye, and a promise to return. 2 hours and 45 minutes later...7 PM at dinner in Gig Harbor.

It is 10:45 PM now...tired and very relaxed.

Now we are staying with Julie's sister and will greet the morning with a view of Puget Sound , the Northern waters...out in the front yard. What a journey.

Eagles sleep in the cedars beyond my door.

Northern Exposure

Early in the day. Portland in January. Green lawns iced with frost. Large houses in beautiful tree lined neighborhoods.

First day of this trip Winston and I made it to Medford. Then on to Portland. Two nights with an old friend. Her kids are in grades 6 & 8. So grown up.

Woke this morning before dawn to listen to a house full of kids getting ready for school, breaksfasts and coffee. Lunches made.

The light of the day long gone before 5 in the evening. Last night Lil and I got a chance to have a bite to eat and see a movie. Slumdog Millionaire. Wonderful.

I remember now the feeling of long cold winters. it is a fresh look at an old memory.

I am grateful for the life and choices I have made and created.