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*

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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*