terracotta walls make for warm musical sounds

The lights were dimmed low. The rust terracotta colored wall behind me set the mood and cast a cosy glow over the packed room. Only slight murmurs were heard and the wonderful buzz of anticipation palpable. The first show of the mini tour is a house concert in Prince Albert hosted by music lovers Brenda and Lew. Located at the end of a quiet leafy street, the owners of this vibrant and funky home immediately make you feel welcome. All house concerts are held in the basement. A cosy room, the ceilings are low and painted black with cedar shingles covering three walls. Although you actually are in the basement, you feel like you are outside, with the warm terracotta glow of a fire and the dark sky to ground you. The cedar walls feel once again like a forest. If you have never been to a house concert, I really recommend you do go to one. As a performer, it can be an intimidating experience in some ways but so rewarding. You are so up close and intimate with the audience....and this is what helps to create the magic. No packaging or posturing. Just the song, the music and you.... the listener. And thank you for listening...and closing your eyes..and sinking into the wonderful evening that it was. It was a wonderful send off to a great week of music and big sunny skies ahead. Just in time for the leaves to bloom and green.- Cathleen

This house concert was self booked... but for more information about house concerts in your area, to go to one or even host one yourself - check out this website based out of Winnipeg:

http://www.homeroutes.ca/

A Frugal state of mind

In this part of the country, garage sales and flea markets are in full swing by May long weekend. the tell tale sign is the scattered peppering of posters and signs on every busy corner. I'm a year long scavenger so the added fresh air and sun on my face while looking for a new treasure is a treat. I was looking through my closet on the weekend and was amazed and impressed by how much is actually secondhand but still in great shape and well...a great deal. This stool in the picture came as a pair for $5. A black coat of paint later, new seat cushion and some great vintage fabric ( purchased for one dollar! from another successful scavenge) and I have a pretty chair...now one of my favorite and she will travel with me on my "Gypsy As I Go" tour next week. The secondhand table cloth covering my table and the stool will make a nice place to perch in the sun amongst the flowers this summer, planning my next flea market outing.