July was an absolute whirlwind! Falcon Ridge was beautiful, sentimental, and amazing. Teaching melody-writing and “getting unstuck” down at the Swannanoa Gathering (North Carolina) was incredible… it opened me up to the rewarding world of teaching and also helped me focus my own thoughts on songwriting, besides the added bonus of being able to play some tunes with Peter Mulvey and dance up a storm with Vance Gilbert. YAY!
I’ve gone from one tour to the next, breaking handles off my suitcase and learning how to really live on the road. I’m really getting to know what foods don’t spoil or leak in the car! Our first international tour, up to Nova Scotia, was a beautiful way to break in our new band member- Molly Venter. She’s amazing and so fun to be around. I feel very lucky and inspired these days. I’m hoping to use that inspiration to carve out a regular practice routine while on the road. Easier said than done, I know, but there are so many melodies my ears hear that my hands don’t know yet (on the Dobro). I guess that could seem frustrating, but right now it’s just inspiring me to practice more (and practice BETTER). Every time I figure one melody out, things feel a little more right in my world and I get fired up to figure out more. Ah, Sally Van Meter told me to work on this like 4 years ago! I’m getting there, Sally! Actually, I think I’ll put the computer down and get to it!
Photo by Ginger Fowler
Here’s my summer uniform- red rubber boots!
Abbie