Quickie:
Point things where you want them to go now. You have more influence than you think.

Overview:
Incorporate some regular form of meditation or relaxation into your life. A regular massage or ten minutes of scheduled downtime can do wonders for your quality of life. Self-care expands your definition of self.


This was my horoscope today, Monday July 17 2006.

I am not a huge astrology buff, but I do believe in the power of the universe and things being set in motion and the more we resign to ride the wave the easier things become. Today I found myself in the unexpected position of discussing some pretty sensitive issues pertaining to my music. Finding myself trying to speak up and really say the truth. Which effing sucks sometimes. But I did it. And I’m proud of myself. And I’m going to go get a massage. Thanks horoscope genie!

Learning to communicate has by far been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. And you’d think I’d be better at it considering it was my major. I don’t know how many of you are out there and bite your tongue all the time like I do. Great diet trick, but lousy for getting your point across. Today was just me and my bare bones and my truth. And to be honest, it felt great. I had a great heart to heart with my band mates and another with my producer…and while things that get said can be uncomfortable or difficult to hear… they are so powerful, because they are true. And we ended up coming to some really powerful realizations that will only make things better and stronger in the long run. And now I’m on a truth kick. So don’t ask me if you look fat in those pants, cause I just might tell you. ;)

To bring all of you up to speed in some form, (as I am well aware of how absent I’ve been)
I have been in the studio for at least some chunk of almost everyday working with my producer on editing and cleaning up and finishing these tracks. I am really proud of this album and feel like at the end of the day I can look back and say I worked my ass off at being really true to my own vision. My heart and soul is in this project (cliché and all) and I can’t wait to share it with you.
But I must say that I have lovingly started to prepare myself for the possibility of a gentle rebellion against what this album will be. I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ll hear a few versions of
“I liked it better when this song was that way.”
And
“why’d you sing it like that?”

I know they will come…but I’m choosing to look at it as testimony to how invested my listeners can be. Not every artist can claim fans who care enough about that artist and the music to actually get pissed off about it. I’ve decided that pissed off fans mean love.
Silver Lining? I think so.
It was a challenge to give these songs a clean slate. I have just as much history with all these songs as any listener does, and I completely understand being attached to things being a certain way. But I tried to really open my mind and let these songs stretch and become a little different. At the end of the day, I am really proud of this and I think the majority of you listeners want to grow along with the music. So mark a new little notch on kitchen wall, we’re headed for the big-kid rides now!

I’m aware that I’ve pretty much lied to your faces and said everything would be out in the summer.
I was hopeful.
I was wrong.
We’ve all seen the summer sale at the Gap come and go. …Sorry khakis, see you next year. To give everyone an idea of when to expect the new music…I will tell you what I have been told. While the actual release of the fully packaged and finished album may happen as late as next year (insert wild and raucous angry mob noise here) I’m really pushing to get something out by late fall. It may be an EP or sampler of the album itself, but if I can get the music to you in any form, I will. Believe me, nobody wants this done and done more than I do.
Well, Will Ferrell might be more anxious than me but I think he’s the only one.

At this moment in time we have two more days of recording cellos, and one more day of some vocals, but then we are in mixing heaven. Which is similar to doggie heaven, but with less kibble, more bits. Once we turn in the mastered mixed recordings to the label, they all listen to it and tell us to change everything and then we change a bunch of stuff and then they get happy and then they give us the green light. Then I meet with a product manager from the label who will help me formulate the visual aspects of the artwork for the cd. Then I put on a bunch of makeup and I tilt my head and we take some photos and they put them and the music in a big computer somewhere and out comes the cd.
Then you all have to buy it. J
But no pressure., My mom signed up for at least fifty. And my neighbor said she’d buy one. The label’s gonna love me.

But I love you all already. And I really appreciate that you forgive me for not writing more. I feel like we’re closer because of that. That and the fact that you promise to buy the cd.
Well, those two things, and the fact that you never wear that speedo anymore. I fell like we are closer because of all those things.

I will try to be better at writing. Or at least I promise to work on my cursive.
Loving you,
s