I Refuse to Live in Fear

If you listen to the media, chances are you will get a heavy dose of all of the scary, awful and tragic things going on in our world. Marinading in that day-in and day out can really alter your sense of safety, security and your ability to be at ease.

Well, I believe that fear is the opposite of love. Fears, (such as insecurities, compulsions to control, paranoia, fear of failure, fear of someone becoming more than you are), can rob you of joy, happiness, security and love and can also, in-turn, damage others around you. There have been many times in my life where fear has halted me from going after something that I truly wanted or stolen my courage to walk forward towards what my heart ached for. I refuse to live in fear.

I choose LOVE. That is what I want to live in. I want to always live in love...not in fear. Whether it's hugging people, listening, giving them help whether it's money or a lift to work, cooking a meal for someone, complimenting them, encouraging them, being patient...The more that I learn to walk in love and not in fear, the more I am amazed at the rewards that follow this kind of living. Loving someone purely can dissolve past wounds & scars, it can encourage others to follow what is in their heart because they know that they have your support. Love can reverse damage and bring tons of joy. I pray that I will learn more and more about how to love.

Love love love,

Tammy*

Michael, the wonderful private tour guide-Trinity, Queens' & King's College

Queens' College & Malcolm Guite

Malcolm & Me with a bike & two guitars on the walk home after the show

Today was cool for many reasons:

1. I went to a cool church and saw my new friend Maggie preach. She spoke about being generous, consistent and about having good character.

2. Met some cool American and Danish people & went to a Chinese (now British) woman's place for lunch and I got to hold a sweet 5 month old baby for a long time :0)

3. Went to my new friend Dave's Birthday party and sat on a blanket in the garden jamming with 4 guitars to Dylan, Paul Simon and a few other greats. The community I've been longing for. Refreshing!

4. Played a gig at Queens' College with Malcolm Guite (he's a fabulous poet/singer/songwriter!!!) . Click here to hear his music. We each did a set and then sang a few together spontaneously. He did some of his stunning poetry, told a story about his poetic hero that he met today, we walked home with two guitars in the basket of a bicycle and then finished the evening off with Indian order-in at the house.

Fabulous day...I am exhausted. BBC Radio Monday evening. Yes, please.

Night,

Tammy*

Dropping my toothbrush for the 100th time!

So, folks!~ Howdy from Cambridge...that just sounds wrong, doesn't it. Well, let me tell you what is actually wrong..hehhe :0) It is wrong that there aren't any countertops in the bathrooms in England. I mean, I love almost everything I've experienced in England, but I have dropped my toothbrush for about the 100th time. Basically, there is always just a free standing sink, which is perfectly functional...except that there isn't any top space to put toiletries, toothbrushes, etc while you are using the sink. Therefore, I have balanced my toothbrush on the edge of the sink while washing my face (every morning and night...of course, because I am a person of hygiene..hehhe :0) and it never fails, I always bump it while I have my eyes closed and it hits the floor..and there is none of that restaurant "two-second" rule thing, because I am usually in the middle of washing the soap out of my eyes, so it's on the ground for approximately 10 seconds. (all of this info IS important, there will be a QUIZ later).

Anyhow, so, I guess if I was a freak about germs I would have purchased lots of toothbrushes already...but since I am not, I just rinse it off and keep on going. My theory is that ingesting germs as regularly as possible builds up the immune system...so, what I am trying to say, is that one day I will actually be encouraging my kids to eat dirt & such! Wonderful! Now that we've got that sorted, off to another topic.

The Acoustic Routes show @ CB2 was lots of fun tonight! I even was given some extra unexpected money. Cool blessing! Edwina Hayes (check her out) http://www.edwinahayes.com was fabulous! We hung out after the show and we are trying to play a little more together while I am in England. Pavlov's Cat was also brilliant! Very beautiful and heartfelt music.

BBC Radio Cambridge rescheduled my live interview for this coming Monday! Yea!

Thanks to you who came out tonight! Thanks for your kind words and support!

Goodnight & bless you!

Tammy*

London to Cambridge! Acoustic Routes

Westminster Abbey

The Tower of Big Ben

Today I arrived in Cambridge.

I took a 4 hour bus ride from Canterbury-London-Cambridge.

Malcom, Maggie & family are awesome.

We had dinner.

Went to BBC. 

The Live Interview has to be rescheduled :0(

We came home and jammed for a few hours.

Life is good.

Acoustic Routes show tomorrow evening!

I will post photos of Cambridge.

Here are some photos I took of London today from the bus that I took via mobile phone.

Good night and God bless ya!

Love,  Tammy*

---------------------------------------------

Details for the Acoustic Routes Show: http://www.acousticroutes.co.uk/program.html

Saturday, June 27, 8:30 with Edwina Hayes & Pavlov's Cat

CCB2, 5 Norfolk St, Cambridge, CB1 2LD. Map.

The concerts are held in the air-conditioned basement underneath the restaurant. We recommend booking a table for a meal in the restaurant before the concert. You should allow at least an hour and a half for the meal to leave enough time to get down to the cellar for the start of the concert at 8.30pm. To book a table tel. 01223 508503.

In Honor of Michael Jackson

Well folks, sad news today about Michael Jackson dying.  Here is a little tribute to Michael Jackson.  I have always loved the Jackson 5.  In College I used to include Michael Jackson in my prayers...because I felt like it must be hard to grow up in "show business", not knowing who is your friend because your are "somebody", or who is your friend because they love the real you. I know, there's been lots of negative press on MJ, but he is truly  a musical inspiration.

There is a song that I have always loved that he sang-"You Are Not Alone".  Cheesy or not, here it is for you to read the lyrics and sing aloud :0) if you so desire.  You can also watch him sing this song live by clicking on the youtube link here

Goodnight.  Tammy*

"You Are Not Alone"

Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone

'Lone, 'lone
Why, 'lone

Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
For you are not alone

Whisper three words and I'll come runnin'
And girl you know that I'll be there
I'll be there

You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone...

New Paintings :0)

Here are a few new paintings that I've done. They are abstract acrylic.  I hope that you like them :0)

Goodnight ALL!

Tam*

Promoters Taking Advantage of Artists

It's late and I am exhausted, but I wanted to quickly state something.  I have had SOOO many great experiences with venues and promoters.  I am very grateful for the kindness and hospitality that I have been shown.  That's been such a blessing.

However, for the few times that I have not been treated as kindly, I would like to say something.  "I think that it is absolutely ridiculous for promoters to take advantage of artists by-making money off of them and not paying them, by treating them like they should work for free, and by assuming that it would be such a privilege to play an establishment, and for treating them as if the venue has done them a favor to let them volunteer their services. Respect artists! Pay artists! They deserve it."

Artist's write the songs, play the instruments, travel to the location & possibly drag around heavy equipment, think about what to wear, what songs to play, what to say between songs, record and pay for CDs, practice with other musicians and teach the other musicians the songs, bring folks to the establishment to watch the show, promote the show, book the show, do the research to even find out about the venue, talk with folks after the show, print flyers, get photos for the flyers, and not to mention that they have to get up in front of unknown people and expose their heart, then pack up their stuff, book a train, plane, bus, or get mapquest directions to get home to unpack and do it all again....and on and on.  I am not at all complaining about the job. I love doing music. 

So, for crying out loud, treat artists with respect and pay them for their services. Otherwise, don't invite them to your establishment. Set up a karaoke machine or a jukebox.  Now, I am off the Soapbox :)

Have a nice night!

Love,

Tammy*

BBC Radio-Live Interview-Cambridge, England & Acoustic Routes Show

Greetings!

 

Hey! I am really excited about this coming weekend. On Friday, June 26th @ 8:20 pm, I will be performing & being interviewed on BBC Cambridge Radio.  On Saturday, I will be playing at Acoustic Routes in Cambridge. Click here to see the venues' website.

The address of the venue is:
CB2
5-7 Norfolk St
Cambridge
CB1 2LD

There's a map on the web site at
http://www.acousticroutes.co.uk/map.html showing the location of the venue. 

The concert starts at 8.30pm. 

It would be fabulous to see you there!

Love,

Tammy*

Bus to London-Tonight-Cavendish Arms

Man, today was a whirlwind of emotions, GEEZ.

I said goodbye to Leeds and the cool people there (sad), got on a bus heading to London (tired/expectant), dragged my luggage around on the London buses trying to find the music venue (lost), found the venue (very happy), played for the folks at Cavendish Arms-London and they gave me SUCH a warm reception (elated), my friend Christina from Germany that I haven't seen in 6 years showed up to the gig (very surprised), the venue owners were being very non-compassionate about me leaving before the last act was done so that I could catch my bus and not get stranded in London in the middle of the night (upset/crying), Christina drove me to the train station and we bought my train ticket for an hour and a half to Whistable @ 11pm (relieved).

See what I mean...lots of emotions in one day. I am spent.  So, when I am tired and worn out I start thinking that things are falling apart (girl/musician(can)=emotional).  BUT, then I thought about all of the fabulous things that have happened! I just finished a whole freaking album this past week and I had LOADS of fun recording with Paul, Ben and Kenny.  Also, I played a show and it went really really well. Also, so many people were extremely helpful to me all along the way.  When I start thinking about all of the lovely people that I have met and how gracious they have been to me during my stay here, I become more and more grateful.  

Here are a few pics of the last day in the studio and also from my trip and show today. I hope that you enjoy!

Happy Father's Day to any Father's who may be reading this!

Love,

Tammy*

Check out this New Video from the Studio!

Hey! Here is a video from the studio in Leeds, England.  Please check it out!

NEW IN STUDIO VIDEO!!    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KkQ14PiNI8

Click on the link above :0)

I hope you love it!

Bringing you new music soon!

Goodnight,

Tam*

Yay! The recording is completed!

Recording for the new album (still looking for the right title) is finished! Ten tracks, some guitar tracks, some with piano, and then we have drums, percussion, bass, some electric guitar, some organ and harmony vocals :0)  The songs are:

Loud & Clear

Going, Going, Gone

Liberty, Spoke to Me

Fire in the Night

Stranded in Nostalgia

I Will Trust You

Only in You

Baby, We Belong Together

Beautiful, Everything I Want

I Am Yours

At the moment, I am trying to get the graphics together, and Ben is working on the videos so that we can put up a little somethin somethin from the studio.  

Working hard working hard! 

love and hugs,

Tam*

Tracking the songs LIVE

Today started out in the studio with Ben and Paul tracking percussion & Kenny laying down some bass parts.  Then I started in doing a few harmonies on the tunes. Then Paul and I ended up tracking two new tunes-Going, Going, Gone & Only in You.  Sweet! 

I am really stoked about the songs and how they are coming together.  These guys are fabulous! They are making the songs shine! We've recorded the drums, my acoustic guitar/or piano and vocal simultaneously for the "live" feel!  Today we filmed a few of the takes and I will put them up on YouTube tomorrow.

Goodnight!! The Album is coming together! We are tracking the last two songs on Friday :0)

British Folks+Making Music in England=Fabulous!

British Folks+Making Music in England=Fabulous! Yes yes! It's absolutely true! I am really glad to be here in Leeds. I sure wouldn't mind living in England someday for a while :0)
Today in the studio was lovely. We tracked 2 piano songs and one guitar song-Fire in the Night, I Am Yours & Loud and Clear. I'm exhausted, but so thankful and happy.  The guys that I am working with (Ben Mosely, Paul & Kenny) are good folks-lovely to be around and to work with.  I am fortunate & grateful.  I can't wait to let you hear the new tunes!!!

Stroppy & Cheeky are great words.  FYI.

Oh, and hug someone, tell them you love them...you could get slapped, but you could feel da love!  Obviously I am delirious, so I am going to sleep now.

Thanks for reading!
LoVe,
Tammy*

What Would Title My New Album?

Greetings to you! Thanks for reading.  I was supposed to go into the studio today, but I was feeling pretty under the weather.  Ben (friend and recording engineer) went into the studio and added some lead guitar and got Paul to track the drums for the 3 songs that we did on Monday. He brought the tracks home for me to hear.  These songs have a real life and uplifting feel to them. Tomorrow I am heading into the studio to track some more tunes-"Only in You", "My Bags Are Packed" and "Loud & Clear" and perhaps more, depending on how the day progresses.

So, I am thinking about different titles for the album.  What would you title the new album? I am recording in Leeds, England.  I was just curious to know what you would name it...something based off of the songs on it...or just some random-inspired idea.  I want to hear what you would call it :0)  Here is a list of the potential songs to give you an idea.   Please just comment at the bottom with your album title.

Going, Going, Gone

Stranded in Nostalgia

I Will Trust You

Loud & Clear

My Bags Are Packed

Only in You

Liberty Spoke to Me

Kenya

We Belong Together

Something in My Bones

Wake Up Girl

Fire in the Night

Bless ya*

Tammy*

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3 New Songs! Studio, check 1, 2

It was a really lovely day-Sun shining down for the early part.  Ben and I sat on the lawn and had a coffee, then off to start recording.  The beginning was slow going for me...Once I got into a groove (a few hours in..haha) we got several great takes of 3 new songs!  We tracked vocals and guitar for "Stranded in Nostalgia", "I Will Trust You",  and "Liberty Spoke to Me". Here are a few pics.  I will get some video footage this week and put it up for ya.  I've been sneezing all day...so please say a prayer that my body stays healthy.  Thanks a ton!

Blessings and Goodnight!

Tam*

UP the HILL in OTLEY

Hey! I am in Otley, England, in Yorkshire, right outside of Leeds. My friend, Ben, came home tonight and we hiked up a massive hill. I found out that I am out of shape, and he seemed patient with my whining :0) It was a stunning view at the top of the hill.

In the morning we will head into the studio and start recording. First, we have to stop and get some fruit, cheese and snacks for the studio. Gotta have the snacks!

I will be get some video footage from the studio to put up so you can see how it's going. Goodnight and thanks for reading!


LoVe,

Tammy*

Taking Candy from Strangers & National Express Trip

Greetings from Leeds, England (close to it, that is)! JJ & the family took me to Canterbury this morning. Then I took a National Express Bus Trip from Canterbury to London to Leeds and then out to Otley. I'll be doing some recordings with my friend Ben Mosely up here.

It was a long drive-6 hours. On the last bus an elderly lady named "Brenda" started talking with me. That was great! She noticed my guitar and my semi-big suitcase and she said, "My, you are heavy laiden". All I could think of was a Bible verse about "All ye who are heavy laided, come unto me and I will give you rest" However, she didn't go into that, hehe. She was in her 70s and a very classy looking women.

Then, she did the unthinkable!!! She handed me candy..not just any candy..but a licorice/menthol hard candy and she said "sweets?" Now, I know that you aren't supposed to take candy from strangers (hehe) but I was conflicted because she was SO kind (attention *children, do not follow this example and take candy from strangers please. Thanks). So, I said "thank you very much". (extra information-*although, I appreciated the gesture, I do not necessarily recommend any candy that is a combo of licorice and menthol) :0)

Then 10 minutes later she gave me another one and told me to keep it for later. I felt weird, so I pulled out the Rhubard/Custard Hard Candies that I bought and gave her one. "Oh dear, you didn't have to do that" and then she smiled and said "Cheers!" and took one. On her way out of the bus I smiled, gave her a bag that she almost left behind, and then watched her pause and give a licorice candy to the bus driver. She waved to me from outside the bus.


I finally made it to my awaited bus stop. I had the printed out walking directions from my friend to the house. So, I was lugging my suitcase and guitar up the hill and through a supermarket parking lot. People were staring at me..some scratching their head and some like "what in the samhill?"...it's was a funny journey. Mission accomplished. I am hear. Let the recordings being!

Love,

Tammy*

Nudist Colony? I am naive.

Greetings to you from Whistable, England! I am still enjoy this lovely seaside town.  It reminds me a lot of Emerald Isle, North Carolina.  Today, my new friend Dixie (see photo :o), took me for a tour of the Whistable art shops/galleries, handmade jewelry shops & took me by the Whitstable Playhouse Theatre.  We went through a tiny ally-way called "squeeze gut alley" where you literally have to suck in to pass people in it.  Dixie and I talked about life, relationships, music and traveling over a coffee, and then at her house over a cup of tea.  I let her pick out a pair of earrings from my "jewelry collection" (that sounds formal) and she gave me a whole bag of fixings to make more earrings with! Glorious! Plus, she let me have this wonderful folk music magazine that tells the info for all of the folk festivals & music happenings in England! Thank you Dixie! You are the best!

So, Dixie was the one who invited me to the Faversham Folk Club this week.  We were sitting next to some very lovely people.  They were a couple perhaps in their 50-60s.  We started chatting and then went to go and get a drink in the intermission.  The husband of the couple was telling me about this fabulous place that they went to in West Virginia to camp.  He said that they were naturists.  Great, I thought! They love nature.  So, I ask "so, do you study nature or do you just like to camp out in the woods?" He responded, "Well, do you know what a naturist is?" I said, "not really".  He said, "In the US you call them "nudists".   We like to hang out in the nude".  "That's great", I said with a face a little blushed.  Yea, awkward moment.  I felt just a little NAIVE.  He was great fun.  I love learning new terminology & walking into awkward conversations! --makes life interesting!

Well, I am catching a bus early in the morning heading north to Leeds, England to get ready to record the new album!! Thanks for reading!

Love,

Tammy*

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Europe Tour Dates-Got Your Tickets?

Greetings to you! 

Here is a look at the upcoming shows for this European Tour.  

More will be added soon, too :0) Congrats to Sara & Josh who

won will be getting a postcard from England (from previous blog)

Upcoming Shows

Jun 15 2009 6:00P Recording the New Album in Leeds, England for the week! Leeds, England Jun 16-19 2009 8:00P Studios-recording new album Leeds, England Jun 21 2009 7:00P Cavendish Arms London, England, London and South East Jun 26 2009 8:15P Cambridge Studios (BBC Radio interview) Burwell, England Jun 27 2009 8:30P Acoustic Routes Burwell, England Jul 5 2009 4:00P Gernsbach Gernsbach, Germany Jul 9 2009 7:30P Provisorium Nuertingen, Germany Jul 24 2009 7:00P Lausanne-TBA Lausanne, Switzerland Jul 25 2009 8:00P Grub Cafe East Grinstead, West Sussex, England Jul 28-29 2009 7:00P SOZO Festival Snitterfield, Stratford upon Avon, England

Saturday I am heading up to Leeds (up north in England) to

begin recording the new Album! I will put up photos & videos of

the studio time for you to see.  Thanks for reading.

Love,

Tammy*