Au Revoir, Mes Amies

By the time you read this, universe willing, I will be holed up in some French chateau, trying to shake the jet lag and dive into the memoir I’ve been (not exactly) trying to finish for the last three years. You would think I’d be more prepared for a trip I’ve known about since February, but here I am with about a week to go before departure and feeling very much not ready.

:Since securing this artist residency, I hoped to revisit old notes and write new notes for my book, revise the structure, create a new outline, read books, take writing workshops, and develop a daily writing schedule. Instead, I’ve run a household, parented a toddler, and hustled for dough while simultaneously battling chronic fatigue, perimenopause, meds that made my brain feel like steamed cauliflower, and the incorrectly named “health care” system, all while live-streaming a technicolor genocide that won’t quit and an election season that felt more like a drain-circling event than a president-choosing one. (Not to mention ocean aliens?!) At this point, I’m too exasperated to be disappointed about any of my shortcomings and will choose instead to pat myself on the back for managing to:

• Renew my passport.

• Create a storybook for River called “Mama Goes to France” to help her process the experience of a lengthy separation from me for the first time in her life. (It’s part of a series that includes critically acclaimed page-turners, such as “Water Helps River Poop,” and “River Goes to School”.)
• Secured a grant from The Steam Engine Foundation that will help offset some expenses for the project/trip.

Take that, dystopia.

Whatever comes of this trip, whether it’s a completed book draft, a two-week nap, or something in between, know this: there will be cheese and bread. In all seriousness, I’ll close out the year with a thank you to Liz at the Troubadour and anyone who took the time to read this column, support my work, and attend Songwriter Sanctuary this year. Now excusez-moi while I go pack my suitcase. Wish me bonne chance!

December Songwriter Sanctuary: Holiday Edition!

Do me a favor while I’m gone, will ya? Grab your ugliest sweater and prettiest friend (or vice versa) and hit up Songwriter Sanctuary’s Holiday Edition on December 6—our final show of the year! We have American treasure Mark Montijo pinch hitting for us, who will be joined by Kimmi Bitter and Bobo Czarnowski in the round. Bring some money for the tip jar and merch table. As our host Jeff Berkley, always says, Wouldn’t it be nice to go home with all of your holiday shopping done?

When: Friday, December 6 | Doors 6:30pm, Music 7pm
Where: Normal Heights United | 4650 Mansfield Street San Diego, CA 92116
Lineup: Bobo Czarnowski, Kimmi Bitter, Mark Montijo

RSVP/Info: tinyurl.com/songwriter-sanctuary-sd

Thanks for Talkin’ Craft with me!