Sunday, December 27, 2015

Two days after Christmas. It has been a quiet holiday for me. Since my mom passed, my sisters and I do not gather any longer. I do have bunches of  'orphan' friends, and we talk every year about maybe having a dinner together, but it doesn't happen, usually because one or more of us have OBLIGATIONS.  I am not sure if people feel better or worse after they tend to their OBLIGATIONS. I suppose it matters how the obligation goes....

I notice that I do not have many folks around me who are traditional.... Traditional being people with extended families who gather on holidays, eat together, socialize, pass out gifts and go home. Most of my peers are folks who struggle with the way it is SUPPOSED to be, that Hallmark card dream. I also don't know many people who 'live the tradition', who are happy with it either.... many seem to be uncomfortable, and most certainly don't talk of looking forward to a good time at the gathering!! BUT- the thought that those of us who live alternative lifestyles are somehow missing out on something, we are to be pitied somehow, is a pervasive one.

I think that it comes down to expectations. Expectations of how a certain holiday is supposed to play out. Ideas regarding what a successful life contains. Thoughts regarding our worth as humans compared to other humans.


I am happy to be a Creative Person who doesn't fit into the Standard Ideas for a Successful American Life. I am pretty committed to finding my own way through life, although every once in a while I look around and wonder if this is really my chosen direction or a reflection of some inner lacking that I live alone. Then I remember, and then I know. And I don't have to apologize or explain. I LIKE being my own person. I LIKE what that brings me in the way of travel, friendships, musical opportunities, creative pursuits.

I very much look forward to a Happy New Year and much music to create....

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Rick Warren and Marilyn Miller

Wow.

It has been a long time since I have paid any attention to my blog here. Inexcusable.

You may think it is because I haven't been making music. Nope.
You may wonder if I have anything to say. Yeah, I do.
Perhaps I have Just. Not. Blogged.

Yep.

Over the past year, I have been concentrating on a new collaboration with a wonderful guitar player, Rick Warren. We like what we do, and it seems that other people are pretty happy to hear it, too. We have been developing our sound, trying things out at local open mics, playing some benefits and farmers markets, and we have even had a few standard gigs!!!

And now, it seems, we are ready to come out and about and share our music. Loudly. And often.

Watch for us. You will see us at Helsinki on Tuesday nights, Savoias on Wednesday nights and even sometimes Stewart House on Thursday night. We will also start venturing out in the Open Mic world, looking for stages that appreciate our unique mix of original and covers, with Ricks guitar expanding on the story introduced in Marilyn's vocals and giving you sounds to dance to, listen to, let move you......

We would love to come and play for you or have you come and listen to us.... let us know how you want to arrange it!!!