By a show of hands, who LOVES Parks & Rec?  I've always kind of prided myself on the fact that I don't watch TV, but dang Netflix, you make it so easy!!  Plus it really makes the time fly when I'm making "Oh, My Stars!" covers or knitting hats, scarves or the like.

But I digress, and I haven't even started yet!  My oh my this past month has been PACKED full of exciting things.  Since I last wrote, I volunteered and networked like a crazy woman at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.  It was there that I also took my first run.  That might not seem like a big deal to some of you, but to those closest to me, one of my defining characteristics has always been that I don't like exercise (am I proud of that? Maybe not but it's still true!) so the fact that at 30 (almost 31! March 7th, wooohooo!!) I purchased a pair of shoes with the sole purpose of using them for running is a pretty big deal :)

I've been talking about it a lot.  The running.

After Florida I had the pleasure of playing 3 shows with Doug Mains and the City Folk (Louisville, Evansville, Nashville) and let me tell you, what a treat!  The band, usually 5 piece, is currently on the road as 3 and they are rocking cities left and right.  We met last summer on the road playing Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, TN and I have a feeling there will be many more stages to share in the future.  They also asked me to collaborate on Doug's song "Pennies" for a video, and it turned out beautifully!  Keep your eyes peeled for Miss Otis and Maybellene's paws.

Jet setted north (why not?!)  for a couple Wisconsin shows (we can check playing at the Woodville Senior Citizens Arena off my bucket list) and my 3rd Stageit show, and now I'm waiting impatiently to hear if I've been selected to play at one of Nashville's bigggest songwriting festivals, Tin Pan South.

Through a series of random moments, I got a hug from Amos Lee, chatted with the producer, engineer, multi instrumentalist  Jay Joyce and met Tom Hemby (father of Natalie Hemby, one of my all time favorite songwriters) and had the opportunity to enjoy some jazz fusion music by my very talented friend Bernie.  Nashville.....what a magical city.

HOWEVER, in the midst of all of this wonderful stuff, one thing sticks out.  If you didn't see me sharing and reposting it on Facebook, please take a moment to read this incredible review by Jeffrey Kurtis.  Jeffrey has met me once and seen me perform once.  I can't find the words to say how flattered I am that this is what someone takes away from my performance.  I couldn't have asked for a better summary.  I'm on the right track folks, and thanks for all of the encouragement to keep me truckin'!

Last thing, I said "bless her heart" in a conversation to a new friend last weekend at the Steeldrivers album release show.  I'm morphing into a true southern belle.

See you on the road! bring your friends :)

3/16 - Ebeneezers Coffeehouse, DC

3/19 - Red Lion, NYC (with Vintage Language Trio)

3/20 - Cafe 9, New Haven CT (with Marjory Lee and Mike Clifford)

3/21 - Burlap and Bean, Newtown Square PA

3/23 - Purple Fiddle, Thomas WV

3/24 - Purple Fiddle, Thomas WV

3/26 - Natalie's, Columbus OH (with Eric Nassau)

SLR 

Amber Falls Winery, Hampshire, TN photo credit: Becky Jane Newbold