Kakadu Camping Day 4 Much Later!

Aaaannnddd here we are almost two months later back home in Canada since October 4. A crazy October followed by a mournful November. More about all that in later blogs, or perhaps I will just move on. However, I do want to finish writing up our amazing trip to Australia July 26 to October 4. So let's start with a very simple summary of Day 4, the final day of our camping in Kakadu. I have quoted here the review I wrote for Trip Advisor. 

A wonderful and moving experience, not to be missed! As soon as Locky picked us up at Jabirru we were in for a treat. He obviously loves the land. We saw jabirrus, brolgas, a sea eagle and other birds. At the Cultural Centre, he introduced the artists - it was a honour to meet them and to watch Glen work. The print room is brilliant. Norma explained how the women were splitting and dying pandanus leaves. (Our aboriginal guide) Michael, who took us up Injalak to see the extraordinary galleries of cave art painted over the centuries, was patient and kind with me as I tested my new knees on some of the more daunting paths. Locky met us for lunch high on Injalak. When we descended, he gave us plenty of time in the gallery where I bought beautiful fabric items and admired the paintings and weavings. Locky delivered us safely back to our Darwin Hotel in the Lords Tour van. I am so glad we chose the 4-day Kakadu camp trip with this tour as our 4th day. What a great day!

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g255066-d1367822-r420688002-Top_End_Day_Tours_Arnhem_Land_Day_Tour-Darwin_Top_End_Northern_Territory.html#

My package of leaflets and guides for the rest of our trip is here in front of me, ready to prompt memories that I will want to share with you. But right now, I have to make dinner, pick up a friend, and head for Toronto and 120 Diner. My producer, Chris Bikett, and his wonderful band, play for his Tuesday night residency 10-11:30 p.m. I can't miss that. Talk to you again soon. I promise.

SAC Songwriting & Blogging Challenge #2 - A Story Song Blog 1

Of course. Because I just finished recording the best story song I have ever written or likely ever will. The most important new song for me. And just heard the mix today. So the idea of writing another story song just now was a little daunting. I surveyed through my brain for the songs I have written before that might be story songs. Let's see. Stay Down Here With You...yep. That is the story of someone going to Australia, falling in love with the land, finding the love of a lifetime and deciding to stay. And my song Reunion, it's a story of meeting an old flame, remembering how it was, and admitting to having been in love at one time. But what will be the first song on my new EP, to be released in the fall, that song, Swing Daddy, is my father's story, started the summer he would have been 100. It's the best I can do.

However, I did think of another little story. So I have drafted the verses and chorus. It will take the rest of the week to get it in shape for recording. This time, I will get it and the post to my blog submitted well before the Saturday midnight deadline. Maybe even a day in advance!

Singing at 120 Diner July 12 at 10 - Special Guest of Chris Birkett

So this is exciting.

My wonderful producer, and brilliant songwriter and musician, Chris Birkett, invited me to appear as a special guest for indie night at 120 Diner, July 12, at 10 p.m. If you haven't been to 120 Diner, you must go. The food and ambience is great! The music will be wonderful. Chris performs with Shari Tallon on keyboards and flute and with the amazing Jeremy Erwardes, who plays every sort of harmonica or clarinet. It remains to be seen who and what will be playing for me.

You see, I am an a Capella singer-songwriter. There is nothing quite as exciting as hearing music played for recording one of my songs - it is fantastic that I can sing it and they can get it. However, when I perform, I usually stick to a Capella - singing the sounds in my head. However, I have sent Chris the potential song list, so come on down to 120 Diner and see whether anyone will play for me, or if I have the mic to myself, singing my words and melodies on my own.

Hope to see you there!