Clarification

After re-reading my post from yesterday I just wanted to calrify that this weekend's watercolor sitting was a wonderful thing to be part of. I'm in awe of any man, woman or child who has the stamina to be a model. It takes so much patience and concentration...the latter: no problem...the former: ugh. I love a challenge and I live for new experiences. I'm grateful to James for giving me the opportunity to be a part of his artistic vision.

Mr. Manager and I enjoyed a Happy Hour at a friend's house last night...we probably enjoyed it a little too much come to think of it. Music, Friends and Jack Daniels...what more could a girl ask for : )

Art

One of the nice things about the art world is how incestuous it is. Andy Warhol painted Marilyn Monroe, Gracy Slick painted Bob Marley, Tracy Chevalier wrote a book called, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” from a Dutch painting she saw, inventing a story behind the portrait. I’m always inspired by art, whether it’s another musician or a beautiful sculpture or just a simple sketch; art makes me want to create more art. So I was sweetly surprised when, following a show, I was contacted by a painter, James Poff, who was interested in my posing for a watercolor. Intrigued, flattered and curious to say the least, I accepted. After sending me a few scans of his artwork I was convinced this would be a beneficial experience for the both of us. On a cool Sunday afternoon, I drove up 94 West to St. Cloud for the 3rd weekend in a row for a sitting at James’s place. I arrived early, we deliberated over outfits and finally sat down for pictures and initial sketches. Very quickly I got caught up in the excitement of posing. The quiet focus involved is practically overpowering. I felt almost smothered in silence. Weird I know. Finally, we got down to some serious immobility; I had to maintain my position for 20 minutes, then a quick 2 minute stretch, repeated over and over again. James was kind and patient throughout the ordeal, but the minute he mentioned a finger or ear being the “center of attention” for the next few moments I instantly needed to move that part of my body. I itched in the strangest places, sweat was running in rivulets down the center of my back, soaking my poor little bottom which was precariously balanced on a fragile bar stool. Accustomed to the strain and stress of yoga, boxing, walking and aerobics, I had mistakenly assumed this statuesque pose would be a breeze for my healthy carcass. I was sadly mistaken. A mere 60 seconds into the sitting sweat began to trickle down my back. The loose and languid pose James had tried valiantly to manipulate was becoming a mockery. There wasn’t a serene bone in my body; I ached from head to toe and every crevice in between. My mind was focused on remaining still so my body was reacting completely opposite. I was a miserable failure. I seriously hope the sitting was productive for Mr. Painter man and I'm glad I got to be a part of it, but I'm just not cut out for this kind of physical labor. Oh well...chalk it up to a new experience I guess : )

Two at once

I began reading "My Dream of you" by Nuala O'faolain because I misplaced Lucky...so two books at once. Not confusing in the least but I'm not as absorbed by the stories as usual. Makes sense I guess. I'm headed off to be painted - watercolors - this weekend. I'm pretty excited about it - I'm a virgin portrait girl, never been painted before, not even sketched for that matter. But it's guitar/music focused so I'm intrigued.

Mr. Manager and I are off to see a freaky movie this evening and to catch dinner in Uptown. More songs after the weekend. Now, to completely annoy you...I'm almost done Christmas shopping. Disgusting I know, but if I ever find a present that's perfect for someone close to me, I buy it, right then and there because it might be gone when I come back in December. Plus, wrapping things all year long makes me happy.

Have a nice weekend.

Nightmares

I had a nightmare about going to a wedding as a guests only to have my date turn out to be the groom marrying someone else. The boyfriend dreamt I cheated on him with his brother. Isn't that weird? Why do you suppose we're projecting the same fears in sleep?

Mr. Manager saw No Doubt at the Xcel last night...I forgot to ask how the concert was. Hmmm. I didn't feel like reading last night so I wrote some lyrics, but nothing solid. Dreams unsettle me sometimes...today is one of those days. I hope it passes...or that the dreams explain themselves in a timely fashion.

Lucky

I'm reading "Luck" by Alice Sebold. Harsh, painful, addictive, much like "The Lovely Bones" which I raced through earlier this summer. I started writing down some songs that were stuck in my head since September. I'm pleased, I hope others like them too. I've received a slew of fabulous e-mails overflowing with support and well wishing as a result of my touring and I want to thank everyone who has taken time out of their day to send me a quick note. I appreciate the feedback and definitely the encouragement; I will try whole-heartedly to live up to any and all expectations.

Much Love. Anne

Home

So, I'm back home again and I'm trying to catalog everything that happened on the road. Zhedos Cafe was wonderful, quiet, attentive, warm...all the things you hope any one person in the audience can be and here it was an entire group. I hope to head back sometime soon, but also stop into Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor maybe. I lived near Detroit when I was in Kindergarden until 4th grade, some neighbors from 15 years ago showed up to say hello and it absolutely made my week!

I have a ton of songs to write that are simply floating around in my head at the moment, but I've been driving so much or playing live that there hasn't been time to purge it all out : )

I raced back to Minneapolis to catch Edie Carey and Melissa Ferrick at the 7th Street Entry on Saturday night. Tired and elated I soaked up the music and tried not to get squashed by the energetic, and disturbingly talkative audience crowded into the small room. The show was interesting and I made it home in time to actually sleep on my on pillow for a change instead of passing out in the foyer, which was definitely an attractive option.

St. Cloud was last night; it was a beautiful venue with sweet supportive patrons. Damn this is a good year.

No music news

I lost my license this weekend at First Avenue...I think. Anywho, I've been in DMV hell for 2 full days now and it doesn't look like it's going to end. You see, I never got a MN driver's license when I moved here so now I have to go through hoops and more hoops and it might take up to a week for me to get a license. Doesn't bode well for the travel/gig plans starting this Thursday, huh?

Ugh. Bye.