involves many things. But at this moment in time, i can only acknowledge that alcohol has been involved tonight. The worst thing about leaving the south is a great Marguerita. And the feeling of my hot skin with every satisfying sip.

Playing music is an experience like no other and for all the perception of great times, there are dark corners where we live in-between. Oh my, that is pretentious. But how about rolling into Tuscon, Arizona and running into the Calexico boys. And how about playing a show that most certainly should be turbulent to find Blue Rodeo sitting stage side. And how about barely being even to catch your breath at 8,000 feet in front of only 60 people in Aspen, Co., but having the best time ever.

All I am familiar with now is this bus, our repulsive yet undeniable environment where we get to be 15 at summer camp again. From the plains to desert to seaside to near tropical mountains in Northern California. This is where we sleep and where we live if only for a moment in this life, I am eating every second up in the highs and lows in the company of my great friends.  Also, I recently saw the Suburban of my dreams.  Nothing short of Fucking spectacular in Madison, WI.

I swear to GOD i will post about the video in the next few days with some photographs that still give me chills. Tomorrow Portland, a city on my top 5. Can’t wait. Oh shit it’s late. Goodnight, small town Oregon.g13.pdf

My newest merch item!

I decided after getting my dirty little hands on some vacuum tubes I would make Martha Stewart proud and create a fun and recycled art project……  A tube fridge magnet.  I personally hand glued every magnet, assembled and numbered every box and there will only be 1000 made.  Gary Houston who makes my hand silkscreened posters is responsible for the super cool sticker design.  They’ll be at the shows for sale until they run out!

good morning. Another bumpy ride through the night on America’s highways. It’s 8:30am, I’m wide awake, but one step shy of happiness without my morning coffee yet. I woke to find my mind racing about all the things I’ve neglected and the blog seemed like the easiest to attend to, as it involved not moving. The last 6 weeks have been busy and full of wonderful and strange things. The earliest memory I have is at the Black Sheep Inn where it all started. My friends Jeff, Leigh, and Mark bought and run a great spot down the road from the Sheep, and it was there that I realized my Dad and Jim look similar, but more importantly, I finally found the world’s best dill pickle. I’m not joking. Here it is.

In Northampton, we had a day off where I met a wonderfully groomed dog. Inspired by the vision, I watched “Best in Show” later that night. I’m still trying to figure out if this dog enjoys its life.

In Nashville there was a great party happening at one of the country’s best independent music stores, Grimey’s. Part sale, part outdoor bbq, part flea market of the best kind, I found this amazing tshirt. Not eating much chicken these days, but fun no less, plus the shirt is pink, a possible first in my wardrobe.

And finally, a day off in Roanoke, VA led to some excellent shopping (I’ve never been introduced to a Bath/Body store by a boy before, but Tom the tour manager has quite a knack for girly endeavors!), and we had giant beers of Bud and a small diversion named after a Madonna song (which might have been better named “Like a Virgin”).

We are all in fine form, slightly lonely for our loved ones, but excited no less for all the great things to come. Arriving in Philly and coffee awaits. Goodbye x

It doesn’t get any better than this.  Happy Easter!

 Is how I feel right now.  Actually, it’s been a few weeks of insane traveling, since February 25th, I’ve been to Paris, London, Stockholm, home to Ottawa, back to Toronto, a weekend in Denver, and now home.  I think.  I remember the plane taking off at one point a few days ago and I was trying to remember where I was.   It took me about 60 seconds to recall, which is eternity when you’re thinking hard, ha.  I was in Calgary.  My horoscope in the United Airlines magazine said that on March 4th I would have a big break through, and the rest of the month would be a continuous stream of exciting moments.  I might be allowing myself to read into the ever-vague astrology column, but so far, it’s been bang on.  I’ve filmed a video, played on national Swedish and Canadian television, taped a special for CMT, did a showcase in London and in Denver, I can’t recall the rest.  Oh, I did get one day to have a snowshoe.  Me and my dad at the farm.  Eastern Canada is currently being punished because of my song, “oh Canada” where I sing, “the snow don’t come”.  Well, it did this year, and I’m sorry for those of you who are fed up, so am I.  It isn’t the cabin fever talking, it’s having to haul gear through it.  Two different people came to my door this morning offering snow removal services, I guess my efforts look pathetic.  Kudos to my parents in Ottawa who have never seen this much snow (and they’re OLD!!) and this picture from last night is incredible.  (Newfoundlanders are currently laughing at me like the time Toronto called in the army to remove snow…) . My new record came out this week (i’m sorry those of you not living in North America - i had little say over the release dates overseas) and in all my uncertainties and doubts, I am feeling reassured that I put out a record I can be proud of.   It’s true that for the most part it is better NOT to read what people write about you, but when people who buy your records say they can feel how much has been invested  in the work, and can connect with it, that’s the compliment of a lifetime.  I feel like I’ve put myself out there and it has been humbling and intimidating.  So thank you.  Also, for those of you who heard about the iPod auction, the highest bidder was a lovely gentleman living in (or near) Glasgow, Scotland.  I’m not sure if kids go to canoe camp there, but his generosity has enabled lots of deserving and struggling kids to have an experience that they otherwise wouldn’t.  The iPod sold for $1100.  Yay! The Cheapest Key video is going to be out this week, there will be two versions since some people don’t have a sense of humor (that too is a joke) and here’s a backstage shot of me and my extras!  Think “School of Rock” meets ….. um….. i don’t know,  but i wear a tutu and my brother thinks that in itself is fucking hilarious.   Also, I was caught practicing in pyjamas playing a guitar few girls get to.   Hm…. Les Paul Forum boys, what’s THAT???! Okay, a week down and 51 more to go.  Kathleenxo   p.s. one other hilarious and strange moment was getting pulled over between Seattle and Portland.  Paul Langton was the driver, and was not actually speeding very much, but in the picture you’ll see some strange coincidences about driving and rock and roll.  The rearview mirror captures the lame ass state trooper.  Luckily, no rubber gloves were necessary. 

Why is Austin the best place in the world?   1.  Torchy’s Tacos.  As a Canadian, I find it particularly facinating when you can buy a taco out of an airstream trailer in early January and sit outside eating it, then run into Charlie Sexton also eating tacos.   2.  Chicken Shit Bingo.  Quite possibly the most cultural thing I did in Austin.  What is chicken shit bingo?  If you go to Jennie’s on Sunday afternoon, Dale Watson and his band will be crooning away in the corner, you get to buy a Lonestar (and then another and then another) …. and a nice lady hands out ticket stubs each with a number on it.  A live chicken is brought in to the BAR to much applause, placed on a  wood board with squares drawn on it.  A wire cage is placed over the chicken to let it roam.  Wherever (and whenever) the chicken shit lands, a winner is declared, losers are left to drown their sorrows in another beer and whatever song Dale is playing.   3.  Played a show at a yoga studio in Dallas.  No downward dogs were part of that show. 4.   The Continental Club.  What a great place, a room that is loved by its patrons and they make marguaritas from scratch every time!  yumyum.  And Redd Volkaert can be seen there twice a week.  Played two mini sets there during our stay.  Free pour bourbon.  Need I go on?   5.   Met a roadside hippie.   She wouldn’t give me directions.  6.  The shopping.  It’s hard to find 50’s Lee coveralls these days.  But two and matching hats??  Austin IS the best place in the world.  Today, at least.  Also, I got recognized at Petco holding a bag of kitty litter, which really blew my mind, my ego hasn’t recovered!!!     The End 

Well, here it is. After a long hiatus from blogland, I’ve returned with some exciting new updates.First, I’ll be touring soon. Dates will be posted as they are confirmed, and there are some western Canada, U.S., and European dates just around the corner. Second, the record is out in a month from TODAY! I’m sure it is floating around on the internet by now, so good luck to those of you searching, I’ll be sneaking songs onto myspace as much and sneakily as possible… tee hee. I just saw the vinyl version for those of you who refuse to update (or downgrade) your stereos…. I salute your tubes and mono fixations. I’ll be going to Boulder to perform on eTown, a widely syndicated radio show in the “Prarie Home Companion” vein. More music, however.

One other BIG announcement, sad as it is, Kevin McCarragher has left his bass post.  His decision to pursue a different path after so many years of playing music together is similar to someone breaking up with you…. actually, that’s what he said during our phone conversation…, “I feel like we’re breaking up…” . Luckily, we were able to secure the lovely and talented John Dinsmore, who will never actually replace Kevin, but continue the legacy of Guinness-drinking and shit-disturbing. 

Actually, I had to fire Kevin after I discovered this picture.

And here is a picture of John Dinsmore, sorry, it’s the only one I have. Trust me, he’s handsome, ladies.

Well….. welcome back, and see you soon.

Kathleen

xo

I’m sitting here at home on the sofa after a flight home from L.A., Bad Santa is on (wow, what a movie!!!!) and I’m still on California time, which means I’m sipping a celebratory martini. It was nothing short of a great week for me in Cali, Jim Scott sure is a prize and so are the musicians i’ve been lucky enough to play with. Here are some quick picks and more soon when this buzz wears off….

- k