HELLO FROM MONTREAL

What a sad morning. Bless you, Renee Good. I honor you and your family with my whole heart.

I am not here to talk about the Minneapolis shooting, but I cannot not mention it, as I am infected with it, as I am sure you are too. In America we are all “next.” I am not open to any performative outrage here in my feed as it’s far too late in coming, so let’s leave it alone, respectfully.

It’s been the busiest of weeks; getting ready for tour, moving in a new tenant, working on many projects, shoveling snow, you name it… so landing in Montreal for our first date of this New Year’s winter tour is a gift. I love the gorgeous city of Montreal in all seasons, but there is something about it in winter, all covered in snow, that is just magical. I have so many great memories here. It’s a balm for my soul. I am so looking forward to the show tonight, as well as our reunion with Des Demonas!

It was one of those rare exits from home to a tour where I did not need to get on an airplane. I only live three hours from Montreal so the tour bus just came and picked us up. Carrying my things onto the bus at 10pm with Christmas card snow falling all around was surreal and soothing. My dog, Coco, followed me back and forth, on and off the bus as I loaded stuff on. Coco even tried out my bunk for me. She is always thoughtful that way. Time slowed down and we packed everything not in a rush for once. I wish every tour started this way! The only thing that sucked was saying goodbye to Coco. Ugh… I wanted her in my bunk, and on tour with us; with her loving eyes and her pushy snout to boss me around. She keeps me sane. But after we pulled away and got through the border crossing I slept so hard I didn’t even bother to wake up to go to the hotel to sleep. I woke up in a snowy alley behind the venue to a coffee ManFriendJeff had bought for me. My heart was full.

When I met up with my bandmates at the theatre for rehearsal my heart exploded. What a sight for sore eyes they were! It’s a kind of love I can’t do without. It is a galvanizing camaraderie that makes you feel not just loved but useful. Our shared purpose generates joy and silliness, which is something I need to keep me going. I value the band and crew more than I can say.

I always feel a bittersweet tinge coming back into Canada as I miss it. My college days here were some of the best of my life. I wanted to stay in Canada after my fourth year as that’s where my life had really started for the better, but I was poor so I had to go back to the US. I felt rather defeated. I could have stayed illegally, past my student visa’s deadline, but I didn’t want that. I just couldn’t risk being permanently banned from a place I loved so much. I still feel like a dual citizen in my heart; a North American.

Tonight Montreal, tomorrow, lovely Ottawa. I am lucky indeed. I will be posting a lot more on this tour so stay tuned. Peace and love to us all. XO

My sweetheart says “hi.”