California Day 3 (Redwood Adventure)

I don't know if you've been to California before, but the trees are different. I wanted to check them out a bit, so yesterday my friend, Matt took me on a hike in Redwood park in Oakland. It was amazing!

(We also brought three dogs.)

The trees were amazing and so tall, and I had to remind myself to look down so that I wouldn't trip.

And of course, you all know how I feel about dogs. It was great to have them along.

We were having a blast and it was so gorgeous and then we realized that we hadn't seen one of the dogs in a while. (Ella) We backtracked, and still, nothing.

Long story short- Ella had lost her way and was freaked. A kind hiker took one look at the howling dog and realized she was lost. We got her back and didn't even have to start the show late!

The house show was awesome (I want to move to Oakland now) and I met so many wonderful people. We laughed, shared stories, and sang together.

Even the dogs hung around to listen! (This is Angus- he stayed at my feet for a while.)

I love many things about house shows- the listening environment, the no-electricity vibe, the sing-alongs, I love it all. But I think I love the conversations the most.

I love talking with people and sharing each other's stories, I really think it's the best.

Oakland stole my heart yesterday! Kristen

California Day 2

Have I mentioned that I'm really loving this trip? Yesterday (since I had slept a mere 2 hours the night before) I slept awesome and woke up to sunshine and dogs. Does it get better than that?

Charlie and Ella.

Angus.

I had the morning to get a bunch of work done, (the new cd goes to print on Monday) and enjoy an afternoon jog.

I used to live in Naugatuck, Connecticut, which I thought was the hilliest town for running...well, Oakland is right there with you. But my hosts suggested this route around a lake, and I just couldn't pass it up. It was pretty great.

Like I need a reminder to run slower...

Last night I sang at a diner in San Jose. I wasn't sure how I was going to fit in at a 50s diner, but things all started to make sense when I finally saw the menu. At this diner they offer things like a portobello burger topped with kale and peppers. (Which I ate...and destroyed.)

Checking out the menu and seeing people smile as they walked in for the show as I was setting up, made it seem like folk music wouldn't be so crazy in a place where the walls are lined with photos of Marilyn and Elvis.

It seems that I'm surrounded by hippies out here. I really like that.

Returning home last night, I hung out with my new friends and hosts, and I just kept thinking about how lucky I am.

I meet the most wonderful people. And I really wish that all of you could know each other.

Someday I'll figure out how to make that party happen.

Today is a hike, final album artwork, emails and a house show. I'll report back again tomorrow!

Have a great weekend, Kristen

California Day 1

Yesterday was my first ever day in California. Anyone that I told, from the cab driver to the rental car guy, to my hosts, to the other musicians at Bazaar Cafe immediately welcomed me.

I think all of this sun gets to people out here and makes them really happy. That's my first observation anyway.

PLUS- I had two surprise guests show up and freak me out! My friend Gordon from Connecticut was hanging out on the sidewalk when I arrived, and then my college friend Mike, who I haven't seen in nearly 10 years came. Talk about feeling at home.

Also- it's so strange to see people in different environments. I always think I'm imagining them.

In going to get out a bit more today and I'll report back on what I find!

Kristen

The snow-capped Salt Lake City mountains

My beautiful accommodations in Oakland.

The pretty tree I saw as the first thing this morning!