Six Hours Till 2006

I started this year living in a cozy little basement suite, with a full time Quality Manager Position and a head full of dreams and aspirations. I close out the year, with a van full of experiences, my dreams now my reality, and aspirations on the path to fruition.

Today, the liquor store clerk asked me what my greatest accomplishment of 2005 was, and I told her, it was making myself happy. My greatest epiphany of the year has been how to handle disappointment and change, while not letting my little cart on this rollercoaster of life, derail.

I never was much of a resolution maker and last year I put them online for the world to see. How did I do? hmmmmmm. Should I tell you? I guess so. Lets see.

I took every gig offered to me. I learned the art of busking (it should be called 'Learning how to become invisible in the eyes of City Dwellers!') I played more outside of the northwest of BC. I ran almost everyday, ate veggies more, laughed more than I have in years, bought a tuner I could use on stage, traveled more and did most of the tourist things that I wanted to do around PR but never got off the couch to do in the past.

Where did I fall short?

I am no closer to being a ukelele or piano virtuoso than I was Jan 1, 2005. Ah well, maybe next year.

I think that the only new resolution I am going to add, is to learn more about accounting. Sorry....pretty dry. And I guess to keep following my heart (not so dry!).

Hope you are all having a great evening. I am off to get 'Doll-d' up and hit the town! (In my weakness today I bought a New Years Eve Tiara, equipped with rhinestones and pink feathers!)

Happy New Year Everyone!

Sall

Happy Holidays

It's 1:30 on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. I am sitting in a small coffeeshop in Prince Rupert. I just finished my last minute grocery shopping and am about to head home. It's pouring rain and cold here...no snow for us on the horizon. I realized during my shopping, that although I have spent many Christmas in British Columbia I have not spent one in Rupert. So with open arms I am embracing my first rainy Coastal Christmas!

Tonight I am attending an 'orphans Dinner' hosted by a friend for those without family in town. Tomorrow I am sleeping in and will spend the afternoon driving around town visiting with friends.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Sall

CD Release Party

It's official. The launch party for my new CD Simply Undone will be January 28th, 2006 at the Tom Rooney Playhouse in Prince Rupert BC. I will post more details as they are confirmed. Hope to see you all there.

Sall

Update

First off I have to say Lindsey Donovan you rock! I just got the photo's that the stellar Vancouver photographer Lindsey Donovan took last month for my upcoming cd. I have posted a sample of her work and her website is .

Now with photos and CD master in hand, it's crunch time to get the CD cover layout to the printers for my December 21 deadline. Planning for the release party next month is coming along swimmingly. Life is good, Christmas is just around the corner and I am getting in the spirit of things (no not getting into the Christmas Spirits!). I have a gig next weekend at Cowpuccino's doing Christmas music. I am slack again with the writing, I post more frequently in the New Year. Happy Holidays to everyone.

Sall

The Eye of the Storm

I am experiencing the false calm in the middle of the storm. I have always akin-d life in Rupert to a beer commercial. Healthy people that can party all night and then live the outdoor adventure all day. Since I arrived in Rupert on Thursday Morning, I have been going non-stop, late nights playing at the Crest, dancing all night, after hours parties, early morning gourmet breakfasts and hiking. Yesterday and today have been fairly quite days of R&R (Thank Goodness I am out of practice!). On the schedule for the rest of this week are several potlucks, Christmas Parties and two more shows. This Friday night I am playing in Terrace at CafeNara and then this Saturday afternoon at Cowpuccino's here in Rupert. It's going to be hard to leave here next week and head to the flatlands.

I have started planning my Winter Tour that will take me over much of the same ground that this first tour covered. I will be also adding venues in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Coastal Chaos

Ah Rupert....home sweet home. So far it has been 3 days of non-stop reunion with friends. Rolled into town on Thursday with enough time to check out the amazing house I am staying in, visit a few friends and get ready for the Crest gig. I have always heard musicians state that there is nothing like playing for your hometown crowd and now I understand first-hand why.

This weekend is WinterFest, with tonight the annual 'Sail Past'. The local fishing boats, coast guard etc decorate their boats with Christmas lights and cruise around the harbor. There are fireworks and a bonfire on the water front. It's one of my favorite Rupert traditions. It has been snowing all day making Rupert a little Winter Wonderland. I am off to get ready for the show.

Processed cheese, Cheap Hotels, Prince George

**my spell check is not working and this is a rushed post...I will fix later**

I am back in my stomping grounds. Last night I pulled into Prince George after a 'harried' drive from Cache Creek. Snow everywhere, visibility zero and a car accident(not my car) involving a dead horse (don't laugh it was really sad). The photo shoot on Monday went fabulously. Aside from the photographer having to deal with an emotionally dead subject (I definalty was not my most vibrant self) I think we got some great shots. It was hilarious, wandering around the streets of Gas Town, people stopping to watch...me in the road trying not to get hit by oncoming traffic so we could get the shot!.

After hurried goodbyes I picked up my van and battled rushhour traffic out of the city. I made it as far as Cache Creek that night, stayed in a small motel that only charged me $18 because their hot water heater was broken and ate in a pub that visually gave the impression of a high class food establishment but served their pizza with white processed cheese slices! Nasty!

This morning I am off to reunite with the Terrace contingency. I sure the evening will involve, superior food, multiple bottles of wine and marveling at the lack of snow on the hill, but epic conditions in the backcountry.

Dawn

I have been up since 6:30 staring at the beautiful Vancouver panorama. This morning is the photo shoot. After which I have decided to immediately start my journey to Prince Rupert. It's time for me to go back to the beginning, share stories of my adventure and start the planning process for more. I have learned so many things this past 3 months, about myself, the direction I want to head, the types of experiences I want to recreate. I used to have difficulty seeing myself as an 'artist'. The word would make me cringe. I admire other 'artists'...musicians, photographers, painters. I just found the label did not sit well on my form. I think it is time for me to embrace the title, wear it with pride. I find myself standing at the point of no return, and I am ready to jump in with two feet.

Direction Clear

Sall

Looking Forward

I have so many ideas for the next year I can't wait to get started on them. As much as I love the Christmas season, I can't wait for it to be over so I can start my plans on their path to fruition.

Sall

Not much to report

I am in the city and I should be taking advantage of it, but I can barely keep my eyes open. Damn that jet lag. I'm going to be in bed by 9:00pm.

Not much to report today. I wandered around the streets looking for inspiring places for the photo shoot on Monday. Sat on a bench, read my book and drank tea. Worked on songs for the next album, all in all a nice day. I'm off to bed.

Sleep Tight World

Peace and Quiet

I still feel like I am on the plane, the ground moving beneath my chair. The plane was loaded with Hamilton Ticat Fans heading out for the Grey Cup. While waiting to board the plane I found myself sitting with several free ticket winners, including a women that won the 'Greatest Fan Contest'. Amusing group.

I am back in Vancouver again, enjoying the peace and quiet of an empty condo. It took some creative maneuvering but I found a parking spot for my van and a ride downtown. My new van is now too high to fit in the underground parking garage!

This past week has been a blur. At some point amidst the flying, family and funeral I turned another year older. I wish the circumstances surrounding my trip to Ontario had been different, but it still was nice seeing everyone. I couldn't ask for a more supportive family.

This weekend I am going to relax and enjoy the city. Monday brings a photo shoot for the new cd cover art. Tuesday brings the start of my trip to Prince Rupert, then a show at the Crest Hotel. Right now I am headed for a shower and dinner.

T Dot

Less than 24 hours ago I was waking up in Keremeous BC, now I am sitting at my childhood kitchen table in Ontario. My Dad just left to go back to work after retrieving me from the airport and making sure I was well fed :) The house is really quiet and the kitchen and living room clocks are ticking away in a syncopated rhythm. My 17 years old cat is curling around the legs of my chair excited to see me. She just got back from the vet and I keep trying not to laugh at her 1/2 shaved body (poor thing, LOL). I am trying to decide if I am going to sleep for a few hours or push through. A hot shower will tip the scale one way or another. The backyard and house look as beautiful as ever. No leaves on the trees and it's quite cold. Being home, alone in rooms filled with memories and ghosts is giving me unexpected perspective of the past few months. I found myself humming, walking from room to room with a smile on my face. I peeked into the crawlspace and tried to wipe the dust off my drum set. It desperately needs new skins. I'd forgotten how I used to sit in the basement for hours banging away first at the drums and then guitar dreaming of a music career. It's nice being home :)

Airports

There are three places that once entered immediately make my adrenalin start to flow. Amusement Parks, Hospitals and Airports. I am a roller coaster freak, leary of hospitals and love flying. Maybe not actually love flying..but traveling and the promise of the unknown. As sad and travel weary as I am, walking into the airport tonight I felt that familiar excitement and started to grin.

Sitting here eating dinner I got to thinking about how many times I have sat in airport, bus and train stations off to something or another. I think I have written before about my Dad sending me off at the Union Station in Toronto when I was moving out West...excited for me, telling me of the yet unknown adventures I am going to have. What words of fore shadowing! Hindsight is 20/20. I wish that someone had told me the importance of writing journals. Maybe on the flight I will try to figure out what I have done and where I have been for the last bunch of years. Interesting.

Familiar Roads

I have gotten used to writing in this journal daily. But I find there is not much to report today. I am traveling back to Vancouver driving down familiar roads. My day was 'thought heavy'. Starting with strange dreams difficult to wake from, premature goodbyes and hours of driving in solitary confinement, I am ready to curl up and lose myself in a book.

This past year both my physical world and perception of the world has gone through several stages of expansion and contraction. Summers in the fish plant have a way of focusing your physical and mental reality to the inside of four concrete walls and daily production totals, space not permitted for sentences starting with 'I'. This tour has done wonders for pushing out both the geographic and cognitive barriers to personal growth, allowing for breakthrough and positive regression (this sounds very self-help, yuck!).

As usual, lots on my mind, lot of questions, few answers. Looking forward to seeing family and friends back East. I am also looking forward to returning and getting photos completed for the upcoming cd. I wrote yesterday that I want 'this' more than ever and it's true. If anything, all these setbacks have only strengthened my commitment to seeing this dream through to it's end. What ever that end may be.

The World is Testing Me

My dream and this tour has been tested by temptation, car accident, illness and now a funeral. Regrettably, I have to cancel my last two shows in Nelson and Cranbrook to return to Ontario for a Funeral. I am going to drive to Vancouver tomorrow to catch a plane on Monday returning Friday. My shows in Rupert and Terrace will still go as planned.

Saddened, Discouraged, but still with Hope.

S.

I want this more now than ever!

Nakusp

Nakusp. I like saying the word.

Kelowna to Nakusp on the map does not look very far, but it took me most of the day to get here. Tonight, I pulled up a Topographical Map of this area and had a good laugh. Lots of tight circles stacked on top of each other. The roads were snowy and icy through the mountains, last night it must have snowed 15 cm, so there was a thick white mound of snow covering each of the pines. The first section of road outside of Vernon/Coldwater I felt like I was in a Stetson Cologne meets Ford Truck commercial. Rolling hills, sprawling ranches, horses, cows, snow. Very quickly it turned in to the quintessential winter driving scene from a 'this is why you need Blizak tires commercial'. Twisty mountain road, frozen lakes on one side below a 20metre drop and rocky cliff on the other. Spectacular! Took the ferry from Needles to Fauquler (spelled wrong I will correct tomorrow). Almost stayed at the Nakusp Hotsprings...but it is threatening to snow and I did not want to get stuck there. Its a 12 km drive up a valley road. So I am in a hotel that specialized in winter helliskiing packages instead (poor me:)). Most of the staff ski/board, so it was like spending the evening with long lost family. Looking forward to a few days at Shames when I get back to PR. Off to dream of music and snow.

Oh...from top to bottom the photos in the last post are:
Fountain in Osoyoos at -5c
Storage Locker in Vancouver - The higher the space the cheaper!
Car Accident Damage to my Vanagaon - Does not look that bad does it?
Snow in Osoyoos - My first snowfall with Big Red
Rain from a distance - Outside of Osoyoos 1 month ago - Fingers of God

Nite'
Sall

Van Heat, Christmas Decorations and Proposals

Today was a muck-around day...window shopped down the Main Street of Kelowna, tried to visit one of my new-found friends from the previous evening at the Pawn Shop he owns, but it was closed. Around 2:00 I decided that I was going to head out of town and start my journey towards Nelson. Leaving town I saw a Canadian Tire. Shivering, I decided to see if they could fix my heater. Luckily they had the thermostat in stock and could work on it right away. Van tucked away getting repaired I walked around the store whiling away the time in the Christmas isle dreaming of decorations for a house/ apartment I no longer have to decorate. Adorning the van would move me from being viewed as a girl who lives in her van perusing a dream, to an oddball that gets showcased on 'Weird Homes'... not a transition I care to make :)

One unexpected thing about today was witnessing a couple get engaged at the Boston Pizza. I've never seen that before...a proposal, let alone one at a Boston Pizza.

Different Day. Well the van now has heat.

S.

Miscellaneous Photos

The Grateful Fed and Aquarium Hotel Rooms

It's late and I just got in from the funniest evening. The show at the Grateful Fed was quite enjoyable. After, a group of us went out for a beer and talked the night away. It's always interesting having frank honest discussion about life, love, sex, politics, religion with almost-strangers and then walk away knowing that the odds are you will never see any of them again (or at least anytime soon, I would like to play in Kelowna again). It's free, refreshing insight into other bubbles of reality.

Now I am back in my hotel room, cranking up the heat, Missy Higgins tracks competing with the gurgling of the boiler next door for my attention. This aquarium-like hotel room is really quite nice. Tomorrow I am going to see what gigs I can scare up last minute for this weekend, next week it is Nelson and Cranbrook. Then Rupert! Wow...two and a half months over already...?

Osoyoos

It's Monday afternoon and I just walked 4km to find internet access. Once again I am listening to the hum of a Laundromat dryer and it is making me sleepy. My typing is getting faster as my hands start to thaw...It's below freezing here and the icy wind is sneaky, poking it's fingers into the smallest openings in my clothes.

My new van is a treat to drive through the mountains. V8 engine and 4 on the floor standard lets me truck up the steepest slopes and pass with ease. The gas mileage is great too. The heater leaves something to be desired. Bundled up in my puffy down jacket, hat, gloves and a blanket I was still stiff as a board when I reached Osoyoos. The owner of the hotel used to be a mechanic and is going to take a look at it for me today....Hence the 4km walk.

Played for 5 hours yesterday with out any vocal strain. Being on the road I have definitely honed my 'chops'. Lots of fun playing in the pub. An enjoyable day from beginning to end. Played several games of pool and won more times than not (Thanks Raistlin and LJ, playing on a bar table now is easy!). Tomorrow I am off to Kelowna to play at the Grateful Fed Restaurant.

And I am Off

Concert was good. Starting act Missy Higgins was awesome...can't wait for her album to be released in Canada.

Finally, the next leg of my journey!

Sall

Lugz Coffeehouse with Special Guest Jennifer Zickerman

Foiled Again

At this point all I can do is laugh. Has some great force conspired to keep me in Vancouver? Ugh!!!! Of course the mini-storage would be closed on a Stat. Holiday....I mean, who in their right mind would want to have access to their belongings on a day when they could at their leisure find the time, rather than rushing after work!!!! Ok my sarcasm sucks! Anyhow, I guess I am in town for another night.....I have resigned myself to that fact. Its my own fault for not checking. On the bright side I get to go see Liz Phair without worrying about my stuff getting stolen from the van. Off to check for tickets.

S.

Off into the Sunset

Yippee....today I get to spring my belongings from storage and hit the road. Got the van to the shop yesterday $800 of repairs! Yowsers! Today I need to clean it, load it up and drive off into the East(not the sunset I know).

I have been humming 'on the road again...' under my breath for the past hour :)

Goodbyes

I am usually good with goodbyes. Finding the right words so I don't drive away with regret. This time I was unable to find the right words...

when levee's don't hold...

slippery silence has drifted in to my room. not unwelcome. but not invited. for some, the witching hour leaves room for vivid imaginations to run wild. for me, my over stimulated mind shuts down, leaving me feeling vulnerable and melancholy. endings, beginnings blur together. which way is up? deep seas to sail these days. tomorrow night I sing for the first time in several weeks. why am i on the road again? i hope i will remember. so many expectations. singing is my harbour. big decisions, small decisions, decisions, decisions. what a journey.

Collection of Thoughts

I am drawing to the end of my stay in Vancouver. As I trekked around today I felt myself once again mulling over the 'moving' decision. Here is my critical eye. Vancouverites are a stylish people, not afraid of a little colour....I like that. They are friendly, open doors for you, 1 out of 15 people make eye contact (pretty good for a city and I actually did a little experiment!). The weather is better than where I have been living for the past 7 years (sorry Rupert, Van wins out on that one) the bus drivers speak sentences rather than grunt, there's the SeaBus....to a Torontonian that's so cool!, great shopping (not that I can afford it), good food (again thanks to the kindness of friends I am able to partake) and a pretty good music scene. On the flip side, it's expensive, I would have to be someone's 'roommate again' and I definitely would not be able to live downtown. Other than that I don't have a lot on the negative side. hmmmmm......I went out to North Van tonight to have dinner with a friend (hence the cool SeaBus comment). It's a pretty nice area to live....not quite the bustle of the area I have been staying...but lots more green spaces and better flowing traffic. Well, I don't have to decide tonight.

Speaking of tonight....weird happenings outside my door! For the past 3 nights in a row as I walk up the street to my apartment, the same two street lights flicker and go out. One after another, but not until I am right underneath them. Eerie! I keep expecting to see Dumbledore from Harry Potter standing off to the side with his magical light Putter-Outer. Ok I admit it! I'm a Rowlings fan from way back. Weird about the lights though.

On to musical subjects. Thursday night I am putting on a casual coffeshop show at Lugz Coffee Lounge located at 2525 Main Street. It's free, licensed and starts around 8:00pm-ish. It's kinda short notice...hope to see you there.

Sall

RSS

For those 'aggregate-news-readers' out there, my journal is now available in a RSS Feed.

Sall

Nights Like These

Got home this morning around 6:30 am. Was up all night playing music, eating great food and enjoying stellar company. Had a few hours of sleep. I can't believe how quickly I recoup these days with a solid 4 hour nap. Gary and Jennifer picked me up early afternoon for dim-sum at the Pink Pearl. Right! Gary...Crazy Gary who flew in for a Sunday night dinner and music jam and then flew out 24 hours later. What a guy! Later this afternoon we sat down in the Gaolers Mews in Gas Town and played music in the crisp Fall air. The alley is more of a square alcove created between/ behind the buildings on Water Street. It's beautiful ,with cobble stones, rod iron and moss covered trees. The space is open to the air and is at least three stories high on all sides. The acoustics are beautiful. It would be a great spot to put on a show in the summer months, or a Christmas show with the snow drifting down. I wonder who regulates the space...?

Christmas...I am getting excited for the season....I get ridiculed constantly for saying it is my favorite time of year....I know it has become too commercial, but I can still find the meaning of the season!

It's not raining tonight and I can feel the nip of winter in the air. It's a great night for a walk. I think I might do just that...warm cup of tea in my hand bundled against the chill. Off I go.

Wanderlust

My wanderlust and worn out boots are sitting waiting by the door.
Will I ever know a moment when my hearts not wanting more.
Is there a gene for traveling that is dominant in some.
Or is it from a childhood that us types are on the run.

Lyrics from a song I wrote in college seem appropriate today...I am eager to get on the road again.

S.

87' Ford Econoline Campervan and it's all mine!

Tomorrow I will be the proud owner of 'Big Red' its a standard, F350, has two gas tanks, bed, sink with hand pump, closets, pop top, curtains and inflatable boat with paddles! I am so relieved! The end of my saga! (knock on wood)

Sall

Rupert I Miss You

Got an invite to the Warren Miller ski video 'Higher Ground' showing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre tonight in Van. Now I won't be able to get powder off my mind. Gary and Guido have been sending me photos of their backcountry trips. What's it like on the hill? Someone please let me know when Shames is opening. Still no car purchase yet. Tomorrow I have to make a final vehicle decision. It's nice to know that the time to choose is finaly here. I love staying in the city...but the road calls. Still no confirmed location or time on the show next week. But it will be happening so stay tuned.

Van Owner to Shoelace Express

Gave back the van to ICBC...My tour is truly paralyzed until I find a new vehicle. Several prospects on the horizon. I decided not to go to Seattle so I could utilize the weekend for car hunting. Owners are not home weekdays and I am getting tired of crawling under cars with flashlights at night to look for rust! If the Jeep in Seattle does not get repaired this weekend then I need to have a plan B. On the music front I have decided to put together a coffeeshop show next week sometime. The ever so talented Jennifer Zickermen is going to join me on stage for the evening. We both will be doing originals and covers....I'll keep you informed as the details emerge. I am off to look at an 89 Ford Econoline CamperVan. Once again wish me luck!

Sall

The Great Canadian Car Hunt

Today I thought I was going to buy a car. Not meant to be I guess. I spent $160 to have BCAA tell me that the prospective purchase was a lemon. Tomorrow morning I am going to hit the used car lots....maybe I will have more luck there. Tonight I wandered through Gas Town and up Grandville Street checking out the Halloween festivities. Seems to be a lot of cowboys, draculetts and fairies running around this year. Several creatively bandaged mummies too.

These days I write less and less about my music career. I can't wait to get on the road again and remember why I am on this tour. Keep you fingers crossed for me that I can find a car tomorrow.

Gd' Nite
Sall

4:00am Katherine Wheel

Tired...so tired! Gas Town is not a place to get a good nights sleep on Halloween Saturday night. What a ruckus! Fireworks and Katherine Wheels at 4 in the morning right outside the condo window. Would have been pretty cool if I was not sound asleep, head 4 inches from the glass windows! Could of sworn someone was shooting a revolver in the apartment. To add insult to injury I forgot about the timechange so I left for my first car viewing at 6:45 rather than 7:45. Oh well! Lots of junk on the market. I think I found a keeper though. I am going to have BCAA check it out tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. It is a butternut yellow, 84 Volvo 240 in mint condition. I'll post a photo if I buy it. Just got back from the pool...off for a nap. mmmmm sleep!

New World Disorder, Snow and Car Quest

A perk to staying in Nelson for one more day was an invite to see the local launch of the pro-mountain-bike-video 'New World Disorder 6 - Unchained'. Top world rider and Nelson local, Robbie Bourden is a close friend of the family I was staying with. Featured in the film, Robbie rides some pretty gnarly trail and conquers gap jumps like I have never seen before. I have seen some pretty spectacular feats on skis and boards...I have a new respect for what can be done on two wheels.

Speaking of conquering feats...my drive from Nelson to Van yesterday was 'white knuckle'. Snow! Holy S!%#! Driving through the mountains I realized that it is good I am getting rid of the V-Dub Van...I hope I can trade it in for a more skihill worthy vehicle. Today I looked at a 90 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 and tonight I am going to look at a Volvo Wagon (not really skihill material...but I have always wanted to own one). I should be in Van for the next week and then off for another couple of weeks of shows. Right now I think I am going to go for a swim.

Nelson

Oregano and Hotsprings

I am on to a new herbal remedy. I'll try anything to get rid of this cold! Oregano oil. The owner of the Nelson healthfood store swears by it. An expensive little treatment and it makes you smell like a pizza parlor (I guess there could be worse things), but it seems to be working. Coupled with a trip to the Ainsworth Hotsprings and 3 days of solid nourishment I am recovering quickly. Tomorrow I think I will leave the magic of the valley and head back to the magic of the metropolis.

Grand Forks, Fruitvale and Nelson

I am starting to feel human again. I just spent the last 45 min relaxing in one of those amazing soaker-tubs staring out the window at a beautiful Fall landscape. My spirit is beginning to be repaired, I hope in a day or two so will my body. This last few days my cold has given me a run for my money and I was starting to feel 'broke'. I arrived in Nelson this morning and plan on spending a few days to get back on my feet. There is something about this place that is soothing. Don't laugh, but it kinda reminds me of 'Rivendell' in the 'Lord of the Rings'....a safe-haven for travelers, filled with magic, minus the elves :).

With the deepest regret and frustration I had to cancel my show at the Villagers Inn last night. I spent the day sleeping in the hotel room and tried every trick in the book to convince my body/voice that I could pull off one more show. However, it was not meant to be. We are going to try to reschedule for next month, when I come back to do shows in Nelson and Cranbrook. I want to thank Mary and Len for being so understanding.

To the citizens of Grand Forks, may I say you are people after my own heart. Thank you for all of the support you showed me on Friday night. It is always a challenge to sing when sick, and you made me feel welcome and satisfied with my performance.

After my R&R here in Nelson, It's off to Vancouver again by the end of the week to pick up my new Jeep Cherokee (new to me that is!). Looks like I get to enjoy city life again.

Ginseng = Insomnia

Really...this is getting ridiculous. It's 5:00am and I have not slept a wink. The buzz I have is similar to getting back from a great first date! Except, even then I can't wait to get to sleep so I can dream about the guy! Ok...maybe I should save this entry as a draft first and edit it in the morning. I feel a bit slap-happy or maybe just plain old loopy at the moment, prob sharing too many details. I look like a little hermit sitting here crosslegged at the end of the bed, hood up, in my jammies, hacking away at the keyboard. hmmmm...I have a show in 14 hrs. One sweet thing is that the coyotes are howling like crazy tonight. It makes the hair on the back of my neck stick up and a grin spread across my face. I don't know why they call it howling....it sometimes sounds like women crying. Eerie! Ok....maybe I feel a bit tired now....crashing....should I spell check?....I'll live on the edge. Gd Nite World

Website Dilemma

I spent the day today nursing myself back to health. I am feeling much better...gotta love that Ginseng! Between loafing on the bed, channel surfing and eating takeout soup, I have been looking at my website. I made it myself earlier this year....and I think that it is not too bad for a first attempt. I would like this Winter to give it an overhaul and maybe give it more polish. I suppose it should match my new cd image as well. Anyone have any suggestions?

4:00am

So the pharmacist suggested that I try a new product called Cold-Fx. It is a derivative of Panax quinquefolium, North American Ginseng. According to a recent study taking this product decreased the length of the average cold, I can't remember by how much, but it was significant. It is supposed to increase the activity of 'Natural Killer Cells' or macrophages (cells that consume pathogens, dead cells etc) thereby boosting the immune system. You take 3 pills, three times a day for the first day, decreasing the dose by one pill a day over three days. I'll let you know if it works. The problem is that Ginseng is traditionally taken as a stimulant, it increases endurance and stamina (supposedly...I don't know if there are studies that prove this). When I was in college we would take Ginseng tablets during exams to lengthen study times and Ginko Biloba to help our memory. Did it work? Can't really say . However, tonight I can't sleep. I start to get tired and almost drift off and within 10 min I am wide awake again. I am also taking over the counter cold and flu meds. I should be sound asleep by now. Anyhow, it's late and I feel like I have enough energy to enter all this months receipts into my books. I guess that's what I'll do. As the rest of the world sleeps...I log expenses.

Trip from Hope to Trail

Augh! I have a cold

Yesterday I drove the 500 kms from Hope to Trail. I found out this past weekend, much to my dismay, posters for my Grand Forks and Trail shows had not arrived as scheduled so.....I drove them up there myself. It was a great day sun shining, blue sky and fall colour, not a lot of traffic so I got there in good time. This morning I put posters up around Trail and then drove back to Grand Forks to put up posters here. The weather is rainy and miserable and I am getting a cold. I have learned to sing through most aliments...so unless I get too stuffed up, the shows will go on as planned. I found a hotel that has high speed internet in the room so I can get some work done and keep dry. I have been thinking a lot about January and the CD release party. Rupert has to be the location, as for the venue I am undecided. Well I am off to poster the town.

The Road to Hope

It is remarkable how quickly humans can adapt to new routines or in my case the lack of routine. I have been on the road for over a month. Different hotel rooms, towns, friends houses and couches. In the beginning, I felt that every moment of the day I was making a decision...which was fun, yet frazzling. Tonight I rolled in to a motel, was unpacked in 5 min and was oblivious to my surroundings, lost in my work in 10. My ability to orient myself has either gotten better or is not as important anymore. It has been a few weeks since I have woken up in the middle of the night wondering where I was.

I had wanted to get as far as Princeton tonight, but there was a mudslide that has closed the hwy..so I had to go the long way round to Hope. What a drive...rain pouring....two lane hwy...steady stream of large semi's on one side and a freight train on the other. I am completely tuckered out, but can't sleep. I guess I have a lot on my mind. I have 4 shows coming up and quite a bit of prep to do tomorrow. The TV is on for background noise flicking images of CSI into my subconscious. My guitar case sits open...maybe I should try to write a song. I am happy these days so my creative output is lower. Maybe I should try to write a happy song.

I made a pro-con list last night to weight out the prospective cities that I am considering moving to, once my tour is over. Right now Toronto and Vancouver are tied. I think that I might have to wait until Christmas to decide.

***time lapse 90 min***

I just got off the phone with my closest friend in Prince Rupert. I really miss her and that little town. In that conversation I decided that I will head back up there for December 1 to tie up loose ends. I can't wait to see everyone. Thinking about my pro-con list again, Vancouver is going to tip the scales...it is only one flight to TO or one flight to Rupert. It would be halfway to the two places my heart resides.
Sall

From City to City

I have made an 'executive decision' (hehehe...easy to do when I am the whole company). I am going to Seattle tomorrow morning. I am going to hop the bus and spend the weekend. I will be out of cell range until Tuesday. My next shows are GrandForks, Trail and then Cranbrook. I can't believe that it is the middle of October already! Soon it will be time to brush up on my Christmas Carols!

Cherrio

Leaving the City

Well, today is my last day in Vancouver. I wish I had done more...seen more. I did make it to the Vancouver Art Gallery, although only two floors were open. I missed the Rodin collection by a week and will miss the opening of the Picasso collection by a day. There was a floor of Emily Carr's work that I found interesting. I love her later works...the abstract forest scenes mesmerize me. I think I can appreciate her work much more now that I have lived in BC and have visited some of the places she has painted. The other open floor was a collection of various artists works. My favorite was a photographic collection by Kelly Wood titled "Toronto Garbage at Night". Really it is just a bunch of photos of bags of garbage....but the story it tells about the consumer, disposable practices of today is chilling. I have walked most of the area around Gas Town, visited the YMCA (not really a tourist attraction) checked out the waterfront and sat staring out the window drinking coffee looking at the city at my feet. Last night I had dinner at the Trap and Gill. My kinda place with pitchers of draft beer, table slapping celtic music, long tables and benches crammed with people, everyone having a good time. Today I have to make some choices. What to do about my van, ICBC tells me it is a write off....but that has to be another journal entry, and decide what other areas of BC I want to add to my tour. I also need to start mulling over some bigger decisions, like where am I going to live after Christmas..... can I afford to travel to Europe.....am I ready to shop my cd out to industry. Its a good thing decisions make me feel alive.

Missing Vancouver already.

Sall

Where do we belong?

I was struck deeply today, with the realization that I am, for the first time in my life living with 'no fixed address'. What made the moment even more troubling was the realization that I feel happy, light, and whole for the first time in many, many years. How can it be that with no ties, I feel my strongest? With no roots, I feel my happiest? With no predictable future I feel empowered? Am I deluding myself? Don't we all function more effectively with routine, with a base of constant knowns to build on? Maybe this has been the missing element in my life all along? Maybe I just hit my head on the window harder than I thought :) Troubling though, this realization. For if this is the case how do I hold down a relationship, get married, have children when I am most satisfied traveling? Questions, Questions, Questions.....I guess they are not for me to answer.

Happy, Strong and Empowered
Sall

A new Beginning

A few days ago I received an email that made me look at my life and this journal in a new light. I was reminded gently in the email, that keeping a journal is a great tool for self expression, and can keep friends, family and fans in touch with the stages of my tour, career and life. However, the email also pointed out that I might be naively providing too much information about my sleeping locations....and seeing that I am sleeping in a van, it might allow the 'less desirables' of the world easy access to me. So...being a rational individual, I took this advice at face value...mulled it over for a day or two and came to the conclusion that, yes I am putting too much out there. So this friends, family, fans and incidental readers who have stumbled across my site, is the beginning of a new type of journal. A safety conscious blog about a girl living her dream. I hope you all still find it entertaining.

Cheers,
Sall

Limbo Land

Today I feel a little spaced-out. I think it is withdrawal from the red wine. I am sure that I drank at least 2 bottles of wine to myself over the last week and I am not much of a drinker. I didn't make it to Seattle to visit J-9. I still might after I get the van assessed on Thursday. I am exploring Vancouver. Tonight I think I am going to stay in an RV Park. I am feeling the urge to sleep in the van again. It's funny how I thought that I would resent having to live out of a van...but I am really enjoying it. Sometimes I don't think that I give myself enough credit. When I consider all of the things that I have done in my lifetime....All of the adventures I have had in Canada...Really living in a van for 3 months pales in comparison. The only drawback is that everything is rumpled from being shoved in totes and it's hard to get the slightly sour wet carpet and engine smell out of my clothes. It looks like my schedule is shaping up for the rest of the month. I have to get some work done on the month of November or I will be forced to sleep in the Van everynight! Lets see.....what else is new...hmmmm. I finally had to break down and buy new hiking boots. I went to the MEC in North Van today and bought some gortex boots. On my old leather ones the sole finally broke through today and the grommets for the laces are falling off. I did get 3 years out of them. blah blah blah. This is kind of a boring post. I am off to find adventure (and a Post Office) so I have something more interesting to wite about.

Adventures in Van-Land

I am sitting on the floor of a hotel laundry room listening to the soothing rotation of the rinse cycle and the rumble of the dryer. I could almost fall asleep except the carpet is a bit damp and the room smells slightly moldy. Well I guess I should cut to the chase...at the corner of Main and East Hastings, probably the most notorious intersection in Vancouver, I was involved in a car accident. I am ok...for the most part..... and so is the van. I got (I believe the term is) 'T-Boned' as someone ran a red light. I cracked my head pretty hard on the side window and don't remember much of the subsequent 10 minutes. It was a full fanfare accident with fire ambulance and police, full lights and sirens (I was pretty embarrassed). The other driver is fine...Minimal damage to her truck and none to her. I was pretty shaken up for the next few days. After the accident I had to decide if I could still make it to the show. It was either that or sit at the apartment alone. I have to thank Tim Marr for pushing the coffee and muffin into my hands when I got there. I truly believe that the simple act of drinking and eating calmed me down. The show was great. Sold a bunch of cd's....and saw a number of familiar faces in the crowd. Thanks to all of my friends who surprised me that night. You all don't know how that helped me get through the shock of the accident. The next day was the show at Lugz Coffee, it was a small but supportive crowd and we drew some people off of the street. Saturday night at the Purple Crab was one of our best performances yet. Gary and I are starting to develop a new comfort level on stage. I discovered that the owner of the Purple Crab, Brian is an ex-Rupertite and has ties to the fishing industry. It really is a small world! Sunday brought a chance to sleep in followed by one of the most unique Thanksgiving dinners I have ever had. Its always nice spending Holidays with new people. This week I have scheduled some much needed planning time and a trip to ICBC to have my van assessed. I might head into Seattle to visit my cousin. Then it is off to Osoyoos for a show on Sunday. Life is good.

VIEW FROM APARTMENT IN VANC

VIEW FROM JENS APARTMENT IN VANC
Originally uploaded by sall.

Check out the view of GasTown and the Harbour. If you look closely you can see a film crew shooting a TV show in the alleyway below. Does anyone want to buy me a condo in GasTown....I wouldn't mind...Really!! :)

PLAYING WITH CORBIN KEEP AT THE DUNCAN SHOWROOM

Not the greatest photo...........

NURSE LOG IN VICTORIA

Spectacular example of a Nurse Log.

TOFINO

TOFINO
Originally uploaded by sall.

Sunset from Crystal Cove in Tofino

TOFINO

TOFINO
Originally uploaded by sall.

Crystal Cove in Tofino

Tofino, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Vancouver

Ok....I have been totally slack about the blog thing. So be prepared for a long entry. The Tofino show at the RainCoast Cafe was well attended and an overall great night/ experience. Dinner was on the house and I had a fabulous Tom Yumm Soup and organic greens salad. It is the type of restaurants where the presentation is as much the experience as the food is delicious. The next day I mucked around the area, hiking out to the ocean and exploring Ucluelet. It really is quite a neat place to visit. My show in Port Alberni ended up getting cancelled....Really it was my decision...There were several factors that swayed the decision. I will tell you about it later. I spent the evening with Steves cousins in Nanaimo.The next day I picked Gary up at the Airport and headed to Duncan to open for Corbin Keep at the Duncan Garage Showroom. Again the night was well attended and a good show. The Duncan Showroom is on the upperfloor of a old historic building and it has a retro-urban-coffeehouse charm. Saturday we drove up to Campbell River where we played at the United Church Hall. A group called 'Inclusion' opened up for us, then Grant and Jim did a set, with Gary accompanying on the drum. Then it was our turn. We sold a bunch of cd's that night and I think that everyone enjoyed themselves. Sunday we had a birthday breakfast for Grant at the house and then I taxied Gary 'down-island' to Nanaimo to catch the plane home. Finally, to finish out the weekend I stayed again with Steve's cousin Lori and her husband Glen. They took me out for dinner to a great sushi restaurant called ACME.

Monday morning I boarded the ferry to Horseshoe Bay. It was a relaxing way to start my day. Oh I forgot to mention....the pickup in my guitar decided to pack it in after only 7 months...so after arriving in Vancouver I headed to Long and McQuade to beg for help. Marco who is the guitar tech for the Granville store deserves a public thank you. He fixed my guitar on the spot ($150 later) and my guitar was ready to play with in an hour. I then met Jen outside her condo down in GasTown where she thankfully made arrangements for me to park my van in the secured underground parking lot. She has an amazing place.....the size of a shoebox mind you....but the world is at her doorstep. I will post a picture of the view. We went out for dinner and drinks at a place called the Irish Heather, just across the street and then I was off to play at the Media Club. Tuesday night brought the gig at the Naam Restaurant. I love that place the food is delicious. Wednesday I had the day off and I got a lot of work done. I made Jen dinner at the apartment and we took her beagle Oi for a walk through the streets for an evening stroll. Tonight I have the show at Music and More on Main Street. I promise I will write again more frequently.

Miss you all

Sall

Victoria and Tofino

I am waiting for my sound check to begin. The owner of Raincoast Cafe had to postpone if for an hour. So I thought I should fill you all in on the last couple of days. After much discussion and several reasons, I decided to postpone recording at the Blue Arbutus Studio. So this left me a free weekend in Victoria. I saw the sights and hung out with friends. Monday morning I headed up Island and then west to Tofino. What a crazy road to get there. In most regions of BC when road sign says 60km/ph it means that you can get away with doing 80. On these roads 60 means 40. Crazy! I am going to try to take some photos on the way out of town tomorrow so you can get the idea. I have been feeling a little under the weather today. It is as if a fog has rolled over my brain, making it hard to lift my arms and make decisions. Usually coffee cures this, but not today. I had a quick nap around 1:00pm and tried to busk outside the local coffeehouse to drum up business for tonight. But I was too tired to really put any energy into it. I think that tomorrow I will try to get in a run and do some hiking and sightseeing. All is good.

Sall

Bald Eagle Campsite and Chemainus Dancing Bean

Once again I am in my Van, but this time I can surf the web thanks to an unknown lot-renter at the Bald Eagle Campsite. I have had the most relaxing day and a half yet. I left Thetis Island yesterday with unmastered demo in hand...a very happy camper!...and headed back to the 'Big Island' as people around here call it. Today I spent the day lounging at the campsite getting much needed tour planning done. Tonight I played at the Dancing Bean Cafe in Chemainus. Iplayed to a small but attentive crowd. I got some great feedback and sold some cd's. I posted the track Freedom on the site so you all can hear. Check the music page. Unfortuntaly, on most computer speakers the bass line does not come through. You can hear the Weissenborn Guitar and Gary on Conga, but Tobins beautiful bass line is lost in the crappy computer speakers. But take a listen and tell me what you think. Tomorrow I am off to Victoria to do some more recording at the Arbutus Studio. Life is good. I am not starving yet, but man are the nights getting cold. I gotta get under the covers.

Talk at ya soon. Sall

RECORDING AT THE WATERSHED STUDIO

NANIMO AND WATERSHED STUDIO RECORDING 013
Originally uploaded by sall.

Tobin Frank on Bass, who plays with Spirit of the West and Vince Detrich drummer from Spirit of the West and I recording at David Essigs, The Watershed Studio on Thetis Island. One of the best experiences in my life!!!

Recording the CD

I am at the Watershed Studio on Thetis Island and only have time for a quick note. The recording is going fabulously! This is going to be a fun album to listen to when completed. I will write more when I get back on the main island. Thursday brings the show in Chemainus at the Dancing Bean.

Living the Dream

Sall

Tired in Campbell River

So I am sitting on my van floor pirating WiFi from the local Laundromat. I am 4 days into my adventure and feeling good. A little tired. Tonight I am going to stay in a hotel...give my voice time to rest. Tomorrow I go to Victoria to pick up Gary and then to Thetis to hook up with David and Melina and start recording. This is so much better than sitting at a desk. !

PORT HARDY SHOWS

PORT HARDY SHOWS 003
Originally uploaded by sall.

Always wanted to see my name on a billboard!!!

Port Hardy Show

Hey there everyone...I am sitting in Cafe Guido in Port Hardy having a great time. I just did a free show at the highschool and it was great. There were about 50 kids that signed up to hear me play....and it was so much fun. We had a question period and they asked some really neat, intelligent questions.

The ferry ride from Rupert was mainly uneventful...I played for a bit on the back deck to a beautiful sunset. I have been staying at a small campsite on the outskirts of town. For $18 a night I have access to clean showers and washrooms. I don't know where I am going to stay tonight after the show but thats half the fun.

Your traveling vagabon musician.

Sall

Sometimes I am such an Idiot

I just finished an interview with NTV News. I know the interviewer personally so it was a bit strange being interviewed by him, but at the same time I felt relaxed.
About being an idiot let me explain. I truly believe that there is something in our brain...or my brain specificity...called the Idiot Factor and during times of stress this Factor surfaces and takes over normal thinking processes. For example:

Interviewer: What is your most fun memory of Prince Rupert in the last 7 years.

Sall: Riding the kids rocker cow outside of Juds shop. (cowpuccino's coffeshop)!!!!

Then I ramble on...TRYING TO COVER UP THE COW COMMENT...saying things about all sorts of other shows and end up saying something about hanging out with my friends!!! But RIDING THE COW!!!!!!!!! I had just looked at those pictures before the TV Station showed up....so of course the cow just jumped into my head...but does the rest of the North West know that....nooooooooooo!!! they just think that I am a moron that likes to ride cows!!!

Anyhoooo...gotta go make a salad for a family farewell dinner tonight...
only 4 more days till I leave!!

Silly Sally

new hair cut

new hair cut 001
Originally uploaded by sall.

New hair cut!

TOUR LAUNCH PARTY

TOUR LAUNCH PARTY 007
Originally uploaded by sall.

On the backdeck at Tour Launch Party

Tour Launch Party

Saturday Night we had the Tour Launch Party at my house. 30 friends, tons of seafood and a campfire. The night was a bit of a blur just like the rest of the week seems to be. I feel like I am on autopilot. There is a bit of a reality disconnect going on right now. I am sure that it will come slamming into focus once I am on the road. Friday night I am participating in a final show here in Rupert. It is called Daybreak after Dark. It's a live to tape CBC Radio show at the Tom Rooney Playhouse. It should be a refreshingly different night. I am going to play one of my new songs that will be recorded on the album.

Sall

PS. I just realized that the journey of pursuing a dream is filled with long days and endless nights.

Self Employed Singer Songwriter

I feel supprisingly the same this morning. I slept in until 10:00am...I have given myself until noon today to waffle between worlds. I got up and made instant coffee....(there are no groceries in the house) and sat and stared out the window for 15 min trying to decide what to do next. I need to develop some sort of routine.

Yesterday, was much more of an emotional day than I expected. I got a cake from the office staff that said ' Good Luck Sarah on your Tour' . The headoffice staff all called or sent emails wishing me well. I had my suspicions that the crew were up to something. And as you can see from the photos below......well I tried to bribe them with donuts for their coffeebreak but it did not work. ;) I will never forget walking into the plant and saying goodbye to everyone. It is incredible how far we all have come this past 5 years. What a great experience for a Toronto girl to have....7 years in a coastal fishing community....and 5 years in the commercial fishing industry. I have learned hardwork, patience, flexibility, understanding and compassion and much much more. Talk about a molding experience!

Last Day of Work

Last Day of Work
Originally uploaded by sall.

Last Day of Work

Last Day of Work
Originally uploaded by sall.

Road Rash

For about 15 minutes last night I though I was going to have to postpone my tour. I was lying on Butze Rapids trail holding my knee and ankle after a spectacular, full-speed, running, head- over-heels tumble, down hill, as my toe caught a rock and launched me into the air. I have gravel embedded in my right palm, right knee, left forearm and scrapes all the way from my right wrist to my shoulder. I managed to hobble the last 10 minutes off the trail...no rescue required.

With the gravel extracted, the only long term damage I will endure is to my pride. My whole body today feels like it was hit by a truck!! Who would have thought trail running could be so dangerous.

1 more day of work!!!!

Packing

What do you pack to persue a dream and what do you leave behind?

QUICKBOOK

Today I purchased the bookkeeping/accounting software Quickbooks. I'll let you know how it goes. My Excel spreadsheets were working fine...but a software that will correlate is going to be a nice change. Plus, it will print out the statements I will need to provide my accountant at yearend. 21 days and counting.........

KISPIOX 2005

KISPIOX 2005
Originally uploaded by sall.

KISPIOX 2005

KISPIOX 2005
Originally uploaded by sall.

Playing Mainstage at Kispiox Music Festival 2005 with Gary Maltin on Conga and Lisa from the band 'Tubless Girls' on Violin.

Found Wallet and Kispiox

Ok...I should have checked the car again myself....but both Steve and his Dad checked it twice. Anyway, my lost wallet apparently was never lost...it never left my possession and all of those cards never needed to be replaced. I am a complete fool ;) ! I have to now sit on hold again with the passport office, listening to the droning synthesized versions of 90's pop songs while a computerized voice intermittently announces how many lucky people are qued in front of me and tell them infact my passport is not lost!. But again, it's my own fault!

This weekend is the Kispiox Music Festival. We play Mainstage on Sunday. See you there.

Only 35 days left!

Sall

Swimming in the Ocean

Yesterday I got to cross one item off my "To do in BC List". As pathetic as it may sound I had yet to really swim in the Pacific Ocean. So yesterday after running the Rapids Trail, a friend and I drove out to Ridley Island, hiked up the road past the Coal and Grain Terminal out to this sweet sandy beach and went for a swim in the ocean. It was soooooo cold! Once the numbness set it in it was bearable. I love how salt water makes you buoyant!

This is a quote that someone passed on to me and I love it (I think it was once in a card)

'No one knows at what depth of spirit you wish to be admired'

Van Trouble, 40 Days, 14+ hours

Well, I did not make the Folk Fest Kickoff....van broke down. It's the age-old story of the traveling musician. What a complete disappointment. Moving on from that disappointment to a more pleasant topic, I am at the 40 day mark to self-employment. Unfortunately I can't enjoy this fact too much, as we are in the middle of the 'salmon-rush'. The past few nights I have not been home before 10:30 pm. This summer I am enjoying the eccentricities of this industry.

Today's chuckle: Regarding Paperwork
Location: 10:00am in office

Office: Do you have your paperwork done?
Fishermen: Yes I do
Office: Can you get it for me once you are done taking out your garbage?
Fishermen: Oh this is not garbage...I have the paperwork right here.. (Fishermen reaches into large black garbage bag he is carrying that contains: 1 beer, paperwork and dirty laundry)

I love this place!!!

PG FolkFest Kickoff

Oh Sunny Day! Woke up on the right side of the bed this morning...tired, but strangely renewed. Tomorrow night is the show with Gordie Tentrees and Freeflow. I am stoked to get out of town, play some music and meet some new musicians.

Change of topic. I am thinking about going to Germany/Austria for 3 weeks before Christmas. Anyone have any venue suggestions?

Sall

Cryptic Again

OK I am going to be cryptic again. Have you ever had to make a decision that you might regret for the rest of your life? Today I had to. But I had to follow my heart. Someone recently asked me if I am running to or running from. Still can't answer that one. This past week has been a jumble of new thoughts, great memories and hard work. I know that one decision was the best I could have made. I am not so sure about the other. I guess time will tell.

Sidebar: I know my journal entries have been a bit dry and mellow lately. Those of you who follow my posts have been commenting to me that for a girl about to achieve her dreams I sure seem melancholy. Never fear the old Sall will reappear. Just give me a week and I'll be back. It's just been a lot of change.

Lost Identity

$350 and 20 signatures later I am once again equipped with a full set of ID. I don't know if its a bad idea to broadcast on the internet that lost my wallet, but I am, and the public mockery might do me some good (make me more responsible)!! That behind me I have set my sights on the future. Gary and I had a great practice last night. We had taken a bit of a hiatus since midsummer Festival, and the time off has done wonders, we both feel inspired and excited about the music again. There was a change of schedule for the upcoming Kispiox Music Festival. We now play Mainstage, Sunday at 11:00am. I really looking forward to this. My van is running again and my outlook on life is brighter. This weekend is the gig with Gordie Tentrees and Freeflow in PG. Hope to see you all there.

Sall

Running in the Rain

Drizzling rain today. It's perfect for running. Just got back from a run with my friend Cedar. We did the Butze Rapids Trail. Its 5.4 km of coastal rainforest that meanders through wetland bogs, open meadows and ocean. The rapids are one of the most unique in this area, becoming turbid at both ebb and flow. Most tidal rapids only show with the outgoing tiide. Tonight my plan is to work on putting down rough tracks of the upcoming cd so the session musicians will have something to practice to. We have fish in at the plant tomorrow so I will be in the office all day. Only 44 more day left. I really am going to miss all of the people I have met in my days in the Commercial Fishing Industry.

TTFN

Sall

Spelling

I have spent the better part of the last hour reading over my blog entries. What a horrid speller I am and my sentence structure, grammar and punctuation need an extreme overhaul. I'd better hire a proof reader!!! My problem is that I tend to write late a night....Although maybe it's the wine!

It's gusty, raining and altogether a moody day here on the Coast. The fishing is bad...The production in the plant is slow and I am feeling the winds of change. What is it about blustery, cold, coastal days that make me feel like it is September and it's time to go back to school? It's the feeling of hope and starting again, the promise of a blank canvas, the great unknown. I feel like I am channeling all of the anticipation of Septembers past. I am fast approaching one of the greatest milestones of my life. I rank this life-change up there with marriage, childbirth and death......Ok maybe too mellow dramatic, but it is significant. I need to go write a song!

Philosophical Sall

Kispiox

Just got off the plane from Ontario a few hours ago. Man, was it hot back there! I spent the week with family and friends. It was very rewarding. I have learned that sometimes when you are searching for answers you have to look in your own backyard. Cryptic I know....but I can't divulge all of my secrets online. Anyway, while I was there I got an email that I was accepted into the Kispiox Music Festival. Mainstage 12:00pm on Saturday! Hope to see you all there!

Toodaloo!

Sall

F.A.C.T.O.R GRANT

The Heritage Canada Organization called The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Recordings just granted me funding for my next cd! I am feeling a mixture of the following
a) excited b) shocked c) nervous d) relieved
e) feeling the need to not be sitting at my desk at my dayjob!

Yippee!

Thank you, Thank you, Than you!!!!!

MIDSUMMER 2005

MIDSUMMER
Originally uploaded by sall.

Breakfast set. Sunday morning 10:00am Check out the Viking! As if you could miss it! Nice photo Steve ;)

MIDSUMMER 2005

MIDSUMMER
Originally uploaded by sall.

Women in Tune, Mainstage Saturday.

COWBAY, CEDARVALE, FOLK QUEST

COWBAY, CEDARVALE, FOLK QUEST
Originally uploaded by sall.

On the road again!

COWBAY, CEDARVALE, FOLK QUEST

COWBAY, CEDARVALE, FOLK QUEST
Originally uploaded by sall.

FolkQuest 2005. I came in second Place.

Midsummer Music Festival and Smithers Farmers Market

Took the v-dub van for a road trip to Smithers. Shared the gas with other Rupert muscians/friends Sarah and Frances. Lots of fun....played the mainstage Saturday with singer Yael Wand, the Tubeless girls, Erica Vleigenhart and the keyboard player from La Candala. Had a great jam session....beautiful voices. Got to hear my songs with keys and fiddle. Totally different Festival experience than other years.....Played the farmers market in Smithers starting at 9:00am on Saturday...sold quite a few cd's and then had a breakfast set on Sunday Morning. I don't know if it was my announcement that 'if they bring the coffee I'd bring the bailys' that got all those people up at 10:00am, but there were at least 60 people there. It was nice actually...There are no expectations that early in the morning and I got to pull out all of my slow songs.

I have 60 days until I have my last day at Aero Trading. I am supprisingly nostalgic about the whole experience. The fishing industry has moved me in ways I never expected. What a neat place to work for a few years. All I have left to do now is train my replacement, buckle down and finish out the summer and make some money. Up next is Em's wedding in Ontario and then possibly a few more show here in Rupert then it's Crashing On Your Couch Tour Time!!!!!

SeaFest, Cedarvale and FolkQuest

Busy, Busy.....Jamming outside Cowpuccino's for Seafest lastweekend and Cedarvale Festival and FolkQuest this weekend. We played Friday night under the shadow of the Seven Sisters and then raced to PG for FolkQuest Saturday night. Well, I came in second place...but what a weird night for me. Iwas a little confused. I was told by several competitors that the contest was only for PG people, the MS for the evening kept referring to how amazing the PG Talent was and then in MC's intro for me referred to the fact that I visited Prince George frequently as if it was a justification for me being in the contest. I was left feeling that I was in the contest by mistake. Anyhooo! It was a fun night...heard lots of good emerging talent. Check out this guy...he was awsome! www.colinpearson.com . Landing in second place I got an invite to play at the opening PG FolkQuest Event with Gordie Tentrees and FreeFlow. I guess I will have to meet my idol Sarah Harmer through my own efforts. Next weekend Midsummer Festival.

TTFN Sall

Working Lunch - Tour Prep

Working Lunch - Tour Prep
Originally uploaded by sall.

If it were not for Steve I would exist on a diet of Toasted Tomato English Muffin Sandwiches! mmmm yummy!

Working Lunch - Tour Prep

Working Lunch - Tour Prep
Originally uploaded by sall.

Bundled up in the office, working on the September Tour Schedule!

Winding down and working it out

Well, It's funny this blogger revolution. Millions of people around the world write their inner most feelings in the worlds most public place. I do it, I know people from work that do it, friends and family do it. Whats the most interesting to me is that even though we put these thoughts out there for the world to see, we still are taken aback when the information comes full circle and someone you know or don't know, comments on a posted subject. I have heard more than one person exclaim ' I didn't know that people read that!' and then shrink into their shell, embarrassed. Why do we feel compelled to keep journals? Even more so why are we compelled to place the information where others can see it? Records of our lives..The quest to be immortal, for our stories to stand the test of time? I have been pondering this blogger mania and I felt the need to justify it to myself. What are my reasons for public blogging? I guess...for me I want my family and friends to be able to see what I have been up to in my years 'Out West'. Most of my highschool friends back home would be suprised that I am pursuing a music career. I have always been involved in instrumental music, but it's only been in the past few years that I have come into my voice. I keep these records so that anyone who listens to my music can also get a glimpse into the person that writes the songs. I guess it also keeps me grounded. I titled this passage 'Winding down and working it out'. The winding down part is what I have been doing over the past week, settling back in after the 'mini-tour' and the working-it-out is the realization that I have less than 4 months until I am a full time artist. No more cushy 40-hour workweek to fall back on. It's going to be raw. It's going to be exciting. I am also sure that at several points along the way I am going to be completely frustrated. It is going to be the most exciting adventure that I have started out on and I am looking forward to every moment of it. I remember when my Dad dropped me off at the Union Station in Toronto when I was moving out to BC. He said that he was proud of me and excited for me and that who-knew what the future held, but that I was going to meet great people and have great experiences. In the days before I left TO I watched the East Coast Music Awards and wished that I someday would grace a stage such as that one (except on the West Coast). I have always dreamed of being a singer-songwriter. An who knows? With some more hard work it just might happen and if even if not, it's going to be one hell of a ride! My adventure continues......

Cafe Voltaire and Rotary Fish Dinner

My Mini Spring Tour ended with a fabulously fun show in Prince George and crescendoed with the Rotary Fish Dinner back in Prince Rupert. We left Rupert Thursday evening at about 6:00pm and drove the 8 hours to Prince George arriving at 2:00am. The next day keeping with what was becoming a tour theme, we had a huge omelet breakfast prepared by Garnett (Steve's Dad) and then we were off to help Kat (Steve's little Sister) move. She is heading to Banff to work for the summer. Then it was a quick stop at Costco for Contacts and then R&R before the show. Steve's mom Jackie prepared a yummy wholesome dinner and then we were off to the venue. Cafe Voltaire is an funky coffeshop situated inside Books and Company in downtown Prince George. The opening acts for us that night were a woman named Haley who has a voice comparable to Janice Joplin and a trio of young lads called 'The Wailers' very amusing! Gary was heading to the venue on his Triumph Motorcycle and arrived with 15 min to spare due to an incident involving speeding tickets and the fasted trip to George in history! We had a great show, had fun and sold lots of cds. After the show we retired to Steves Mom's house where we indulged in Roys homemade rhubarb wine.

Morning comes quickly when you drink rhubarb wine and have to be on the road for 8:00am! We said our goodbyes with promises to visit longer next time. Steve and I hit the road back to Rupert and arriced with time to spare. Steve hauled gear and I dressed for the Rotary Dinner. Due to a mix up with the DJ I played for and extra hour, wich was fine with me ( I love being on stage!) Its the first time I played solo in the Curling Rink for 300 people.

Sunday...day of rest....hmmmm did not wake up until 2:00pm .....much needed sleep. I wish the tour was not over. The month of May brings a show in Kispiox and the rest is a mystery.

Special Thanks to:
Books and Company/ Cafe Voltaire
Eric Tomkins for booking us and making us feel welcome
The Wailers and Hailie for doing a great job warming up the audience
Carrie from PR UBrew for making me feel at home at the Rotary Dinner
Prince Rupert Rotary Club
Teddy Music for the PA Rental
Steves Family for understanding about the short visit

SCHNAI DAI - SLUSH CUP

SCHNAI DAI - SLUSH CUP
Originally uploaded by sall.

ISLAND SPIRIT RISING

ISLAND SPIRIT RISING
Originally uploaded by sall.

Queen Charlotte CIty

Queen Charlotte CIty
Originally uploaded by sall.

Sandspit Inn

Sandspit Inn
Originally uploaded by sall.

Show at the Sandspit Inn

On The Rock

On The Rock
Originally uploaded by sall.

Playing on the Rock in Queen Charlotte City

Magic in the Charlottes

Day 1
I just got back from 5 crazy and magical days on the Queen Charlotte Islands. Last Thursday I hopped on the Queen of the North for a 5 and 1/2 hour passage to the QCI's/ Haida Gwaii. Due to a late night of speed packing and laundry my head was dipping into my sandwich so I headed back to the cardeck to have a nap in my Van. Three hours and much rested later I met up with friend and BC Ferry 4th officer Lori Bartlett for a chat and a tour of the Bridge. There is an amazing view from up top and I learned that at certain times during the voyage there is less than 5 feet of water below the ship as it picks a precarious route into the Skidigate harbour. Ferry docked and unloaded I traveled to Tllell to meet up with Frank Wall, Edge of the World Festival Coordinator and organizer of the Saturday Night Show I was on Island for. Tlell is what I would call a artisan community filled with wonderful, welcoming people situated halfway between Skidigate and Masset. I fell alseep listening to a chorus of frog calls.

Day 2
Rising early the next morning it was a short stumble from Franks nice clapboard-cottage-like home across a field to the coffeeshop Dress For Less. When you travel up the Island the shop appears to be plunked in the middle of nowhere. It really is just on the outskirts of the community and is a perfect spot for tourists and islanders alike to stop, rest and enjoy a coffee and browse a supprisingly highend selection of second hand clothes. Coffee and muffin in hand I headed across the road to sit on the rocky shorline and enjoy the sunshine. Later that day Rhea (Franks Roommate) and I headed up the coastline to Massett to pick up Gary who was flying in by Floatplane. We mucked around Massett, doing errands and taking a drive through the Old Masset Village. We sat on the dock in the sun and wind, and watched the float plane carrying Gary swoop in and land on the water. With Gary safely 'on-island' we traveled the 1.5 hour drive down to Queen Charlotte City to have dinner and meet Violette and Melinda the organizers of the 'Island Spirit Rising' Dinner/ Dance Fundraiser that we were scheduled to perform. As we wandered around outside the hall on what felt like a summers eveing we stumbled across Roi and Ryan (two islanders) practicing by moonlight. The two of them have exude nothing but energy as they play acoustic guitar and banjo. The show at the hall was fun and we danced until 2:00am. With minor mechanical problems we headed back to Tlell to sit under the moon and stars next to a huge campfire until the wee hours of the morning.

Day 3.

Not so early to rise. More fuel from Dress For Less coffee and muffins. Gear for the show obtained from Tlell we headed to QC City to set up for the CoffeeHouse at On the Rock. Morgan and Dawn own this funky furniture store that used to be the old legion building. They left the stage intact and the hall/ store is able to seat about 150 people comfortably. The evening progressed with music from many talented locals such as Elizabeth McKinster, Frank McGowan, Roi and Ryan. Gary and I had a the headline spot and played for about an hour. In the Charlottes you have to be aware of the Ferry Schedule and not take offence if people get up and walk out during your set. There is only a set number of sailings between Sandspit and Skidigate and those not wanting to spend the night on the other island have to leave early to get passage home. We spent the rest of the evening at Norms house, listening to Jesse Cook and relaxing by the fire. The night was pretty uneventful in a relaxing-under-the-moon sort of way, except for a run in with a wolf spider in the bathroom.

Day 4
After a gourmet breakfast of French Toast with Cranberries and Whipcream, Gary headed back up island with Frank and Jen to attemp to hitchhike from Tlell to Masset to catch the plane back to Rupert. I relaxed for several hours at Norms, swung on the large pine swing that soars over the ocean. I boarded the ferry from Skidigate to Sandspit and arrived at Kerri's in time to have a quick nap on her back deck in the sun before setting up at the Sandspit Inn. Kerri had decorated the Inn with ferry lights, candles and hung a backdrop for me to play infront of. It was a nice relaxing end to my visit to the island.

Day 5
Got up and took the ferry to Skidigate and then boarded the ferry home to Rupert. Roi and Ryan were heading down to Victoria so we gabbed and relaxed the trip back. I plan on heading back to Haida Gwaii in September to start my BC Fall Tour.

Special Thanks to:
Frank Wall - organizing the On the Rock Show
Kerri Haybittle - organizing the Sandspit Gig
Jen for selling my cds and making amazing egg salad sandwiches
Dawn and Morgan - On the Rock
Suki - Sandspit Inn
Violett and Melinda - Island Spirit Rising
Rhea - Tour Guide to Masset
All of the amazing people that made my trip memorable

Schnai Dai

Ok...so it took me a full 24 hrs to recover from this weekend. Saturday morning we hightailed it to Terrace to pick up my guitar, now equipped with a new pickup. I went for the Fishman Matrix Natural 2. $500 dollars later I had my guitar in hand plus a fender pedal tuner, music stand and a couple of patch cords. We speed on to Smithers where we checked into the new Hostel. Really nice place! Hans and Tina made us feel right at home. The show was great. We played for an hour followed by Shane Phillips. Sunday I got to ski for at least 3 hours before I had to start getting set up. Sweet snow conditions. I have never skied Smithers with fresh before. Highlights of Sundays show was the sexy dance competition. I have never seen 15 1/2 naked gyrating men dancing at Schnai Days before!! Great weekend! Thanks to Jen Gemmel and all the Ski Smithers Staff for making the weekend one I won't forget.

Photos to follow!

Sweet Charity & Painting Daisy's

.....just saw Sweet Charity at the PAC. hmmmmm why don't I try musical theatre...? Good Show! Lots of familiar faces in the cast.

As a side note ' The Painting Daisy's' are coming to town May 20th! Time for some good old Girl Rock! Sweet!

The Best Show, Ski Legends and F.A.C.T.O.R

so very tired........

My head is dipping, eyes slowly closing. What a fun weekend and busy week this has been. Highlights are as follows:

- Show at Cafe Nara a success...most relaxing show I have had in a long time. A special thanks to Sonny for inviting us to play and to Reg. for helping us with sound.

- Met ski legend Dan Treadway and danced the night away at Hanky Panky's.

- Stayed up till 4:00am working on my application to F.A.C.T.O.R, a government grant program distributing $ from Heritage Canada to emerging recording artists for professional demo's (cross your fingers for me). I'll find out in the next 12 weeks if I get accepted.

I am off to the Charlottes and Prince George next month. Cheers Sall

This Weekend Cafe Nara in Terrace

Only time for a quick post today....I am in the middle of booking a Fall Tour (starting Sept) thru BC. I will be in Terrace this weekend at Cafe Nara. Show starts at 7:00 and is free of charge! Hope to see you all there. Then in April I am off to PG and Haida Gwai for a couple of shows! Yahoo I love Music!

Cowpuccino's Grand Reopening

Feb23.04 002
Originally uploaded by sall.

I found this photo yesterday when cleaning up my harddrive. A customer took it and gave it to Jud at the Grand Reopening of Cowpuccino's here in Prince Rupert. He forwarded it to me for my website. Sall

Share the Green

The annual hospital Equipment Fundraiser/ St Patty's Day celebration at the Crest was again a fun filled, green beer drinking extravaganza. The Mix 56 broadcast live from 2- 8pm showcasing local talent. Highlights for me were the young all-girl band Yo Fadda and Irish Song wielding local band Celtic Rain that showcased the talents Chis Vick on Fiddle. Gary and I played around 6:00pm. I was worried that Gary was not going to make it due to miss-communication on my part and a schedule that was running a bit early. He slid into his chair halfway through my first song, perfect timing! It was a great set...Adrenalin was up and the crowd was very reactive. At the end of the night we convinced Jacques Schmitt(sp?) to take the stage for an impromto jam. He pulled over an hour of covers out of his head, accompanied by Gary on Drum, Nancy on back up vocals and myself on shaker/vocals. Its the first time I have ever jammed like that in public. Lots of fun!

Steve Slade in the House (literally)

Had another great evening tonight. Steve Slade was in town to do a show last night. He is a multi-dimensional singer songwriter from the Yukon with a voice like 'whipped butter' with and edge. Not a very adequate description but it's all I can think of right now after 3 glasses of red wine!. Friends of mine Frances Riley and Sarah Foster opened for him at the Tom Rooney and the president of the North Coast Performers suggested that I talk to him about his touring experiences and pick his brain. So over halibut(My Steve Cooked), couscous and red wine we had an enjoyable evening of music and I got some advice from a man who has been-there-done-that!. He will be playing at Cowpuccino's on Monday March 21st in the evening. Its a night you will not want to miss.

sall at prince rupert birthday bash

sall at prince rupert birthday bash
Originally uploaded by sall.

Photo from the Prince Rupert Birthday Bash

Photo by Andrew Hoshkiw

Happy Birthday Prince Rupert

I am drinking a beer, sitting in my little office in the basement, balancing my books and thinking to myself that Mercedes (landlord) painted this room a really cheery yellow colour. It makes it less painful and easier to accept that being an emerging musician means being poor! Well, I am not doing it for the money anyhow! I got to play at the PAC in Prince Rupert again this week. It's always such a treat to be on the big stage! This time it was for city's 95th Birthday Celebration. The City and Musical Community put on a free performance, showcasing local talent and offering birthday cake (mmmmmm yummmy). I always say this town is a musical hotspot and this show made my point. Kate Fish one of the performers is one of the most promising vocalists I have heard in a long time. She has this great bluey, soulful voice that makes you sit up and listen and then relax and enjoy. The evening also involved many of Karin Lljung Music works Kids, Celtic Rain, Patti, Lonnie and Jewel (The Undies Girls)and many more. I played a new my new song ...still untitled. I have got to get better at the song naming stuff. Thursday night Gary came to town and we had a practice, while Cedar dosed in our armchair and Steve made oatmeal muffins (mmmmmm muffins) Well I had better go, I am starting to sound like Homer Simpson (mmmmmmmmm). Nite' Sall

Adventures in Terraceland!

Well.....the van spent Friday night outside the new Liquor Store in Terrace. It did not want to start after we stopped in to pick up some beverages. Nicole graciously picked us up and transported us to the "Spaetzle' Party! 15 people, live crab, German Pasta, great wine and great music, a little hoola hoop and some great musical jamming suddenly it was 4:00am. The next morning it took several hours to get the van started. The Terrace Volkswagen Dealership was too busy to deal with us and sent us to Nappa to get parts (not impressed!) The Nappa guys were awsome and gave us lots of suggestions...it turns out the wire to the starter had come loose. Rather than race up to the hill for 2 hours of skiiing we hit Sight and Sound to look at guitars. I played a $1700 Yamaha guitar that was sweet! The best part of the day was meeting and jamming with Jeremy from the Kitimat band Anything August. We sat in the guitar room and played away....I checked out thier website later in the day. These guys are a band to watch. Great music! After, we checked out some second hand stores and I found a puffy MEC downfilled jacket for 10$ a bit beat up but will be a great camping jacket and found Steve a merino wool, fleece lined jacket from New Zealand for 17$ normally ($300). Had another practice night with Gary and said goodbye to Alex and Andreas they were heading to Hazleton to go snowboarding that night and then they head back to Germany/Austria on Monday. Got up bright and early this morning and I am now back in Rupert getting ready to run the open mic night this evening at Cowpuccinos. Time for a quick nap I think......

Coastal Crab and German Dinner

Well I am off to Terrace again, this time with 6 live crab. Steve, Cedar and I are off to Garys for a practice and an authentic German Meal. All I know is that it involves hand made boiled noodle/pasta, onions and butter...mmmmm sounds good! No gigs this weekend, just practice and preparation, good wine, good friends and a lesson in German Cuisine!

The Speeding Ticket

Today I got my first speeding ticket. I was doing 94 in a 70 zone! It was about 8:45 am I was on my way to Port Edward going down Miller Bay Hill, the speed limit drops from 80 to 70 and I was not paying attention. Next thing I know lights were flashing and I was in trouble! To make matters worse I had forgotten my license at home and I handed the officer expired insurance papers. Finally I found my good papers and he let me off with a $138 ticket, but not before warning me that if his computer had been down and he was unable to verify my license he would have had to tow my van. Expensive Day... I am going to have to leave for work 10 min earlier now.