Xanadu

Sometimes....when I'm working on my art....I like to jam out to some old school favorites -- Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Silly Love Songs, Wonderful Tonight. This week, (YES! I've been working this week! Go me) I'm all about Xanadu. Just CAN'T seem to get enough Olivia Newton-John. And sometimes....when I'm doing something mindless, like painting the rim of a bowl, I like to make up rolling skating routines in my head to songs like "Magic" and "Suddenly" (but I save my most rockin' moves for "Xanadu". Obviously). In these daydreams, my skating moves are always smooth and FLAWLESS, and somehow, I am stunningly beautiful (think Olivia Newton-John circa 1980). If you have no idea what I am talking about, say no more....



EVERYONE needs to see this terribly wonderful film at least once. I haven't seen it since I was about 8, but it's so *special* you never forget it.

Oscar's Shining Moment

My favorite moment of the Oscars last night BY FAR was Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard's win for Best Original Song (from the film Once). It is such a beautiful thing to see artists who are truly talented, yet so genuine and humble in their gift being honored in such a way. If you missed this moving moment, or their heart-felt acceptance speeches, I've attached the clip below for your viewing pleasure :) (which also includes Marketa's speech -- thanks to host Jon Stewart, she was brought back on stage after being cut off by the music before the commercial break). Her words were the best of the night in my opinion:

"This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible."

Amen, sister.

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still dreamin'

in between stamping checks and typing up contracts, sometimes i read the etsy featured seller interviews, and ... sigh ... the inspiration hits and it hits HARD. all of these lovely artists creating such lovely things -- it is so motivating. unfortunately the motivation only seems to last between the hours of 9:30-5:30, as i sit trapped behind my desk at the Day Job, and there's absolutely nothing i can do about it except make lists for later. woohoo lists. i always think (foolishly) that i can hang on to that inspiration for a few more hours. i practically skip home, brimming over with ideas, believing that TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT! tonight i will create! i get into my cozy apartment, change out of the work clothes....and then BAM! i'm suddenly zapped. with tiredness. with laziness. sometimes with busyness, if i have a gig (like last night) or other obligations. and there goes another night. another idea.

there are nights here and there when i am able to find the energy and motivation to get things done, if i'm up against a 'deadline' for example (like this birthday gift for my roommate):


(only one of two pieces i've worked on since Christmas)

but i looooong for the day when these ideas will have the ROOM and SPACE to breathe and GROW! when i can create for a living, whether it's words, music, bowls or collages....i want THIS to be my Day Job!! which is why i am so inspired by these artists on etsy. many of them are doing it. living the dream. living off of their art. as discouraged as i get sometimes, i think it's going to happen for me. i really do. whether it is art by day and music by night or vice versa (or all at once!) -- it's gonna happen. the nocturnal, tired katie may not believe it to be true, but the Day Job, inspired katie -- the katie that hangs on to every word of those etsy interviews, believes it with ALL her heart!

music & stuff

lately i have really been getting into ingrid michaelson's music. her story is such an inspiration to the rest of us independent singer-songwriter, super-star wannabes (well, i don't really want super-stardom. just moderate success....having a song played on grey's anatomy wouldn't be so bad...and getting to sing my heart out on a semi-regular basis would be pretty darn cool, too)...ah well...i guess all you can do is keep pluggin' away b/c you never know what might happen. and in the meantime, i will sing my heart out whenever & wherever i get the chance...like, say...on february 20th at 8pm (see how i slipped that in? sneaky am i.) come out and support The Dream. [details].

and since we're talking about independent artists and such, here is a list of some really super-cool singer-songwriter friends of mine that also happen to be *extremely* talented:

erin k hill
rachel zylstra
jenny jones
jodie manross
matt manzo

in other non-music related news, it is snowing bucketfuls out there and i l-o-v-e it.

:)

...If I can make it here, I'll make it anywhere...

Well, folks, it's been a busy week of traveling and gigging and traveling some more. I had two shows last weekend in Northern Virginia, which, aside from the RIDICULOUS-ness that occurred in trying to get from here to there with all my gear -- in the pouring rain -- went really well. I am thinking of trying to do this more often -- as long as I can come up with a plan B for getting from here to there which includes more convenience and less stress.

Seriously, between the heinous weather, transportation issues and Random Acts of Rudeness (ie: last night I was steamrolled by a very large woman on Lexington Avenue. STEAMROLLED I tell you!!), I feel like I've been taking a good beat-down, NYC style, lately. After the Steamrolling Incident, which was so startling that even strangers gasped on my behalf, I felt like shaking my fists at the New York skies and yelling: "COME ON New York!! Is there a giant "KICK ME" sign on my back?? What is the DEAL?!?" Maybe she heard me....b/c today was better...warmer, for starters, with the scent of spring in the air (I'll take it even though I know it's a tease)....and I had another ride in the elevator with Star Jones....AND I caught a man singing Journey at the top of his lungs in his car on third avenue and 40th.

(See? It doesn't take much.)...thanks, New York. I needed that...