25 Things about 2010:

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR?

Stef & Jill usually get this but they’ve been knocked off their throne! This year’s honor goes to Ted Russell Kamp. While we didn’t do much drinking, when we were drinking it was usually at some show or some gig somewhere!

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD – LONGEST FRIEND(S)?

Nicki & Stacy! 29 years and counting! Although Facebook has allowed me to connect with Pilar, John, Toby- kids I’ve known since grade school!

3) NEWCOMER AWARD – FAVORITE NEW FRIEND?

John Schreffler! I met John through Ted on tour and we became instant friends. I love this cat.

4) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?

New Year’s Eve/Day was a great kickoff, Acoustic Christmas at Cinema Bar was a songwriting challenge- and I did it! Recording “Just Me & The Mistletoe” with the boys at Compound Studio, Births of Lennon and Willa!

5) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?

Losing my Uncle Larry

6) BEST HOLIDAY?

Idyllwild. My sacred space.  A magical week with stars, brooks, clean air and giant trees.

7) SONG FOR 2010?

“I’m Goin On” by Gnarls Barkley. Used as an ad for World Cup Fever for Puma it also became my go-to workout song and my anthem. I LOVE this track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAX1UCpLBoA

BEST CONCERT?

Ladies and Gentlemen…THE BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD! Best show ever! Road trip with my girls to see the most amazing band ever! I still get chills thinking about it. Paul McCartney at the Bowl was pretty spectacular, too! Levon Helm, Black Crowes were special.

9) BEST FESTIVAL?

Coachella rocked it this year. I only stayed backstage though. I must get out into the crowds more! Hootenanny was fun…spending time with Rhett Miller is *always* fun!

10) BEST BIRTHDAY?

Well I liked my Superbowl Bday Party. Those Sagittarians know how to do it, too. ( Jill, Stef, Shell, Jaimi).

11) BEST WEDDING?

No weddings this year!

12) FAVORITE OUT OF TOWN EVENT?

Does Joshua Tree count as “out of town”?  That’s as far as I got! Well, all the roadtrippin with Hierophant- Coachella, Hootenanny, House of Blues. The Buffalo Springfield in Mountain View.

13) BIGGEST REGRET

That I didn’t travel more…and the seven months of unemployment didn’t help much.

14) BEST NIGHT OUT?

Any night involving roller skates. World Cup US VS England was a good day/night!  The Brits In LA people know how to throw a good party. Memorial Day weekend. Best night out usually is followed up by best night in. Blissmas/Pittsmas.

15) WORST NIGHT OUT?

Well saying goodbye to old friends leaving home is never easy.

16) WHO DID YOU SPEND V-DAY WITH?

Stefani, Heather, Jill and Lauren. Chinese food in Chinatown.

17) BEST RELATIONSHIP?

My Mom and my girlfriends.

18) WORST RELATIONSHIP?

My relationship with the gym.

19) FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?

The Compound Studio Jam, Jan 1!…but technically, Old Californio at the Press in Claremont.

20) LAST GIG OF THE YEAR?

Purple Melon at Crazy Girls, of course!

21) BEST DECISION IN ’10?

To write a song, record it! Do it again!  Ritual to let go of the old to welcome the new.

22) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?

MORE TRAVEL! Greece or Hawaii, something tropical. SXSW, roadtrippin, songwriting, singing, more of my own gigs, saving money, and finding a good solid loving companion.

23) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK?

What are you? 22?

24) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?

My Mom- and all my girls.

25) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?

The major shift from “talking about it” to actually “doing it”.

25 Things about 2009:

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR?

Stef & Jill usually would get this but we didn’t do much drinking this year!

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD – LONGEST FRIEND(S)?

Nicki & Stacy! 28 years and counting!

3) NEWCOMER AWARD – FAVORITE NEW FRIEND?

For as social as I am I didn’t really bring any new people into the fray this year. I stuck with the old ones, the ones that work- and I got to reconnect with so many amazing old friends here on Facebook.

4) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?

Mustachio Bashio, Halloween with Michael, Blake spending two months in LA, Groveland, Dodger playoffs!

5) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?

Just coming up for air from Carol’s death this year. Christmas in the hospital with Mom was not easy (but she’ll be fine). It was a hibernation year. Mellow yellow. I didn’t do anything, didn’t go anywhere.

6) BEST HOLIDAY?

Groveland, CA! Rockin out with the boys at the Iron Door, swimmin holes, lima beans, ghost madams, family picnics, good friends.

7) SONG FOR 2009?

Ok, it’s not my kinda music but no other song reminds me more of “this year” than Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”. Weddings, parties, birthdays, Oprah- it was everywhere. “Bourgeois Shangri-La” is probably my fave of this year.

BEST CONCERT?

Ray Davies at Orpheum – AMAZING! Them Crooked Vultures, Wilco, Allman Brothers/Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan- I didn’t see many this year but the ones that I saw were amazing.

9) BEST FESTIVAL?

Coachella sure was a lot of fun- even without my girls! SXSW was fun too.

10) BEST BIRTHDAY?

Greg, Tita, Stefani & Fiona all had amazing 40th’s this year. Oh, mine too!

11) BEST WEDDING?

No weddings this year. Just a whole lot of pregnancies.

12) FAVORITE OUT OF TOWN EVENT?

Groveland Roadtrip and Palm Springs weekenders.

13) BIGGEST REGRET

That I didn’t travel more

14) BEST NIGHT OUT?

November at the Falcon and the nights when I was wined & dined….which then leads to “best night in”

15) WORST NIGHT OUT?

usually involves a bass player.

16) WHO DID YOU SPEND V-DAY WITH?

Stefani & Heather at Morton’s. Steak, red wine & girlfriends.

17) BEST RELATIONSHIP?

My girlfriends.

18) WORST RELATIONSHIP?

The one with “the One” who is very very late. I HATE tardiness!

19) FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?

Shooter Jennings/Ted Russell Kamp at El Cid

20) LAST GIG OF THE YEAR?

Sin City at Molly Malones.

21) BEST DECISION IN ’09?

Walking the Avon Cancer Breast Walk, making better calls when it comes to my love life, letting someone come in a little closer. Allowing sweetness in.

22) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?

Songwriting, singing, saving money, more traveling, and a deeper love.

23) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK?

Apparently, I don’t drink much anymore so this won’t be a problem.

24) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?

My Mom- and all my girls.

25) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?

The whole year was rattling the chains from last year- love lost/gained, friendships deepened/lost. I stayed home and in a lot. I kept to myself, didn’t really reach out and dropped the stuff (and the people) that weren’t working. Realizing I have to do a lot of work to make the changes I want to see to get to where I want to be. This was my “hibernation” year. I think I’m ready to get out there again.

 

25 Things about 2008:

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR?

Stef & Jill- 3rd year in a row!

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD – LONGEST FRIEND(S)?

Nicki & Stacy- 27 years and counting!

3) NEWCOMER AWARD – FAVORITE NEW FRIEND?

Well, I met Tita Ortega & Heather Shepard & sweet Ted Russell Kamp in 2007 but we grew richer in our friendships this year. Neal Schofield was a highlight. Joe Bourdet is a sweet sweet angel. Daniel Rogers. Matt Henson, Jason Daniels- all good folk I will know a lifetime.

4) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?

Aaron & Annette’s wedding- our dearest friends gathered in hot steamy Mexico dancing to 70s tunes in the rain over a cliff; exclusive lunch dates in NoHo; love confessionals; photobooth makeout sessions, backstage at the Ryman.

5) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?

The waiting for and the death of my darling Carol.

6) BEST HOLIDAY?

Labor Day- Stef, Heather, Jill & myself treking up to June Lake. Hot Springs, Mobil Station fine dining, Creek side skinny dipping, German bakery shopping.

7) SONG FOR 2008?

Beck’s “Gamma Ray” & “Youthless”, Ting Ting’s “That’s Not My Name”, MGMT’s whole album, Black Crowes “Evergreen”

BEST CONCERT?

Ah yes- hands down- Wilco & John Doe at The Ryman! Although I loved me some Dolly Parton at the Greek. Lindsey Buckingham, Glen Campbell & Jay Farrar also made the list.

9) BEST FESTIVAL?

Stagecoach Festival wins again. And it never has anything to do with the music!

10) BEST BIRTHDAY?

I’d like to say MY birthday because I loved my little cozy Idyllwild cabin but Jill outdid me with her fancy-shmancy Palm Springs weekender!

11) BEST WEDDING?

Aaron & Annette’s! A smashing good time. San Diego gelato. La Mujer Escorpion Diablo. Penthouse suite. La Fonda open bar. Yum.

12) FAVORITE OUT OF TOWN EVENT?

Nashville! SXSW was exhausting but fun. June Lake rock tuning. Making out in the van outside of Pappy’s. Idyllwild birthday weekend. Hmm. No world travel this year

13) ANY REGRETS?

That I didn’t travel more!

14) BEST NIGHT OUT?

Mustachio Bashio, Oh the night at the Shortstop with Brian and the Electric Shadows!, The Scene with Dead Rock West, any Whispering Pines gig, The Roadhouse with Bingham & Marc, any night at Pappy’s, backstage at Stagecoach, Jim Morrison’s 65th birthday party. Jason Falkner at the Roxy (lol…Bobby!)

15) WORST NIGHT OUT?

Jan 3, 2008.

16) WHO DID YOU SPEND V-DAY WITH?

Sadly, I can never remember this day. That’s going to change this coming year.

17) BEST RELATIONSHIP?

My girlfriends.

18) WORST RELATIONSHIP?

The one that I have with my Blackberry. I’m like Pavlov’s dog when you BBB me.

19) FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?

Marc Ford at the Mint.

20) LAST GIG OF THE YEAR?

It will be tonight. Sin City at Molly Malones.

21) BEST DECISION IN ’08?

Moving. Breaking old habits. Letting go of what does not work in order to make room for that which does. It’s “Own Up Time”- to quote my dear Small Faces.

22) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?

Keeping my eye on the prize- and winning. I want it all.

23) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK?

Blackberry messaging.

24) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?

All my girls.

25) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?

The whole year was change- death/loss, residence/home, love lost/gained, friendships deepened/lost. Smarter choices bringing me closer to my truest higher self. We’re just now getting to the good parts, folks- stick around!

 

25 Things About 2007

 

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR?

Stef & Jill- this doesn’t change. Chris was a lot of fun too. He dribbles.

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD – LONGEST FRIEND(S)?

Nicki & Stacy

3) NEWCOMER AWARD – FAVORITE NEW FRIEND?

There are quite a few who’ve made an impact: Kim Grant! David J. Carpenter! Tita Ortega! Austin Hartley-Leonard! Lexington! Lee could be some troublesome fun! Like I said, it was a GOOD year!

4) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?

Tender moments, legs wrapped over his in the comfort of a loveseat, a parked car chat or tea on the couch…and watching my niece turn from little girl to extraordinary jewel.

5) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?

Ha! it’s all been in the past two weeks. The irony of it all. Carol’s getting worse and I long for what I lack…..(Name That Tune!)

6) BEST HOLIDAY?

Labor Day- Stef & I were “working” on our tans in Costa Rica!

7) SONG FOR 2007?

“Rehab” (Amy Winehouse) “Golden State” (John Doe) and “Pretty Disaster” (Dead Rock West) will always bring me back to this year- and although it’s a 2006 release Mickey Avalon’s “Jane Fonda” will always remind me of the Lemonana Party…hmmm. hot summer nights!

BEST CONCERT?

Oooh toss up- Neil Young at Nokia Live or The Foo Fighters at the Henry Fonda.

9) BEST FESTIVAL?

Ah, Stagecoach Festival of course!

10) BEST BIRTHDAY?

MY birthday. I throw ridiculously fun parties.

11) BEST WEDDING?

Johnny & Jewels’!

12) FAVORITE OUT OF TOWN EVENT?

SXSW and my travels to London, Barcelona & Costa Rica. Oooh and my visit back to Austin with the Lacey-Bakers and sharing Cap Rock, Pappy’s and Joshua Tree with Phil!

13) ANY REGRETS?

No regrets.

14) BEST NIGHT OUT?

Jeeez. So many- Jewel’s birthday party, The Rainbow with Jesse, Post-Lemonana party, every night of SXSW, underneath the lemon tree at the Stagecoach afterparty, Gordon Lightfoot with Stef, Chris & Paul. High desert fun with Chris & Little Bear at Sneaky Pete’s Memorial. Shame on us.

15) WORST NIGHT OUT?

Anything involving too much love & too much liquor. Bad combo.

16) WHO DID YOU SPEND V-DAY WITH?

David- at Ireland’s.

17) BEST RELATIONSHIP?

My girlfriends.

18) WORST RELATIONSHIP?

Hahaha. Deleted by author.

19) FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?

Oh, I know I was in JT and it was probably Thriftstore All Stars at Pappy’s.

20) LAST GIG OF THE YEAR?

I think it was last night- Michael Mazochi and The Digs at Crane’s.

21) BEST DECISION IN ’07?

Writing it all down (thanks Pamela). Picking up that guitar. Letting go of what does not work in order to make room for that which does.

22) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?

Dig deeper. Ask for more. Get what I want. Love.

23) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK?

Myspace messaging.

24) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?

All my girls. And Chris.

25) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?

Acknowledging that I can’t do it all by myself. Sometimes I need someone to turn to.