Hart 2 Heart

The saga continues. . .

On this most wonderful Inauguration Day, and Martin Luther King Day, I thought I'd FINALLY get back to my blog and share my adventures back east. . .  

i arrived at the home of my childhood friend in Silver Spring, Maryland, just in time to celebrate New Year's Eve. On the 2nd, Karen took me down to the mall to see the White House. I was SOOO sad to see that they had already taken down the Christmas decorations. A security guard heard me whining and explained that they had just taken them down early in the morning. Too early in my opinion! Fortunately, the National Christmas tree was still aglow.

On the 3rd, Karen and I took the bus up to Brooklyn. I am in love with this city! I adore the row houses, the restaurants, the whole scene.

We stayed in the Park Slope neighborhood, and within a few blocks you could eat almost any ethnic food you desired. We had great Middle Eastern, Italian and Columbian food, where we started with avocado fries! They were surprisingly delicious!

The main purpose of my trip was to play with the Pittsburgh Collective again. As usual it was beyond fabulous! We played at the ShapeShifter Lab. The sax section was awesome!

When my time in Brooklyn was sadly over, we hopped on the subway, back to Manhattan, and took the bus back to Maryland.

Though I had my new cape from Anthropologie, a wooly hat from a handmade shop in Brooklyn, and crocheted wrist warmers, I can't remember being so cold! And that's coming from a girl who grew up in Wyoming. Maybe my pipe dream of living in Brooklyn isn't all that realistic. So back to So. Cal. I came, where we had record low temps for a couple weeks (and New York got up into the 60s!). Whatever! We're now back to our comfortable 70 degree winter weather. I do love it here! Now that I got all that off my chest, I promise to move on and keep up with my blogging a little better. 

 

Mile high adventures

The big reason for my trip to the real west, was the concert I got to play with the Pittsburgh Collective. I didn't get any good action shots (too busy playing my saxophone), so here's the gig poster. That's me with the long blonde hair from an earlier show we did. 

As always, it was an intense musical experience. Wish we could play together more often. Our leader and composer, David Sanford is truly gifted and the best to work with. 

A whole slew of my "people" came to the show, including my mom and dad (above). It was a wonderful evening. Denver is a great city to visit, so during our spare time, mom and I got to visit some shops and eat a lot of good food. 

Christine Haynes turned me onto this amazing craft store. Fancy Tiger Crafts is a gorgeous boutique in an up and coming section of Denver. 

It's so spacious, beautifully merchandised, and holds a great selection of craft supplies.

This is where classes are held.

Is this awesome or what? Me thinks this marvelous pink antlered creature would look lovely in my living room. 

I have another stop on my Denver tour to share next time. . . stay tuned!

 

ugh.

I've been doing a lot of this lately. . .

. . . tea and honey. My family has been passing around a wicked virus, highlighted by a vicious sore throat, followed by a painful cough. I thought I had licked it, but it remains. My son painted the special mug seen here, for mother's day when he was just 4 or 5 (almost 10 years ago!). My dear friend Angela snuck him away and surprised me. It's the best gift I ever got from him. And it comforts me when I'm sick. Not that the tea has helped. My hair dresser suggested I switch to tequila and lemon. She says it should do the trick, but if it doesn't I won't care. It's a thought. 

 

At least I can rest and be productive. I had a couple shows to prepare for, so I parked on the couch with my favorite HGTV and gathered up some dresses. I love my home "office".

 

Dresses done. There's so much more to tell. It's been a busy spring. I'll be posting some of the highlights soon. I've hardly had a chance to breathe, which is probably why I can't get well. 

Tomorrow I'm headed to Denver with the boys for a much needed vacay. Of course there is work involved. I'm playing a concert with the Pittsburgh Collective, a most amazing big band, led by my old college friend David Sanford, who happens to be a musical genius. It is such a gift to be able to play with this group. The concert is Tuesday night at Dazzle. Wednesday night we are going to see the Denver Rockies play the Boston Red Sox. Then we're headed north to Cheyenne to visit the grandparents. I plan to sleep on Thursday. 

Time for more tea, or. . . ?
 
 
 

Saxophoning

In my former life, I played the saxophone. A lot. I got a little burned out, took a break, immersed myself in motherhood and my home business. 

 

Now, when I get the chance to play, I REALLY enjoy it. To my delight, I got a call to play for a composers forum, debuting  seven original pieces for saxophone sextet and harp. I'm playing sopranino, the very highest pitched saxophone. 

 

It's a little torturous to listen to solo (just ask my cats and family), but when you put it with the whole range of saxophones, it can be magical. If you like saxophones, and are in the Pasadena area, and are so inclined. . . here's where I'll be playing ($15 donation):

Sunday, May 23nd 

3:30

Firefly Bistro

1009 El Centro Street

South Pasadena, CA 91030-3117

(626) 441-2443

www.eatatfirefly.com