I survived the holidays. Now it’s time for a new year, and I think it’s going to turn into a lovely one. I just started putting together show dates and linking it all up. My sister in New York just called saying she found a place we can share. Dates with the Spikedrivers, a new record on the horizon; shows with the Hopefuls and a new record on the horizon as well… shows with Luther Wright, shows with Eric Nassau; songs to write with fellow songwriters… love to be found; so much to be grateful for; a new president as well!!! Blessings to all! There is much work to be done! Peace be with you!

In so many ways, I notice. I want to keep my heart open. I want to help the world be better. I want to keep making music. In wanting, there is waiting. And the learning of patience…. something I learn and re-learn. It never seems easy. But I do believe, in many ways, that with positive interactions, we can slowly start to engage one another in peaceful living. We can only start with ourselves. So, now I will continue… to learn what this all means. peace and love and hope to you today…

I just took a jog around Schiller Park to get exercise and also have a look at the aftermath from yesterday’s windstorm. It was one of the most powerful windstorms I have ever witnessed. I was working at the hospital yesterday, on the 6th floor overlooking Columbus during the storm. The breakers kept sparking and we continually lost power forcing the generators to kick on, our monitors to go blank, and work mostly in the dark. Even though that may seem a little nerve-wracking, there was a calmness about the place. We continued to do our work and try to remain even-keeled despite the harsh winds kicking up around the cityscape.

When I got home, I was one of the lucky ones - I had power and also no damage.

I started thinking about what it must be like to endure a hurricane. Or to have no electricity for days, weeks, months. To lose everything in a flood. To have to leave home, possibly never to return…

So today, at the park, I paid respect to the trees. So many limbs they lost as nature rearranged herself. Trees older than me; seeing their insides, smelling the burnt wood, taking note of the strength of these tall beings, some still standing despite the wreckage. I thanked them for reminding me about truth, beauty and goodness.

i’m cleaning out my attic so I can consolidate my life. I’m moving out of my place in Merion Village/Schumacher place to another lil house around the corner… not a big stretch necessarily… but it makes it easier to be more available to other parts of the country/world… but i have a lot of stuff that i haven’t gone through in ages. My attic alone could fill up my new space! I found a box of pictures that documented my early 20’s. it’s funny to think about how in my early 20’s i didn’t think i was hot. i hope when i do this again at 40 i’ll think i was rockin the 30’s. we’ll see…. but i don’t know if i’ll have any physical pictures to look at since we are so digitally inclined.

but moving isn’t really that fun. i’m a procrastinator. i always have big ideas to get stuff done, then I come across a journal some crucial point of my life that provides insights into my character…

all right - back to work. i’m moving stuff around, painting, cleaning, loving, smiling, dancing and petting addie….
peace!!!

dreams flying around me, it’s hard to know if they are real, when I am getting so much sleep… coffee is secondary. every once in a while life slows down a little and the slow motion appeals to me.

I’ve been reading lots of books. I just finished the Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. What an awesome book. I just googled to see if it had been made into a movie, and guess what, the movie comes out in December. I just think that book would be a great movie. I read it in about 2 days, while the Spikedrivers were in the studio. Yes! The studio. We are making a studio album at Sonic Lounge, the new place opened by Joe Viers. So far so good, although I haven’t laid down my parts yet. But we have 14 good beds that should make for a good album… with that said it makes it hard to know where to be, since I seem to be enthralled with New York City, and now I have dreams of the West Coast too… I must be some kind of gypsy-woman, who is always ready to go someplace else.

Yesterday the Wahoos went into the studio and we recorded Dan’s song ‘The Surge is Working.’ I can’t get it out of my head. Last week on Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert actually uttered that exact phrase. Which motivated Dan Dougan, leader of the Wahoos, to record the song. We are hoping it can get through the red tape and make it on to the show. I really have a lot of faith that it will.

If you are interested in reading about my Aruba trip, go to my blog at www.myspace.com/meganini i don’t have it in me to rehash that story again.

peace and love!

Join Global Gallery and the Sierra Club for a house party!!!

Thursday, July 17
4:30 - 8:00 PM
Global Gallery Coffee Shop
190 E. Whittier St. in German Village
FREE

This July 17, citizens throughout the nation will gather together in solidarity over concerns about global warming. Not only can we change our lightbulbs, we can change the way that Ohio uses and creates energy. Global Gallery is partnering with the Sierra Club to celebrate the passing of energy efficiency standards in Ohio and to educate about ways every citizen can make a difference. The event is co-presented by the Sierra Club Lightbulbs to Leadership Campaign, the Ohio Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Global Gallery. Come find out how Global Gallery and Fair Trade are green, how to participate in ensuring that Ohio aggressively reduces its reliance on coal, and how you can make Ohio and your own home more energy efficient.

Beginning with a special performance by Megan Palmer!!

Bring a friend (or four)!

It’s the time of year of summer fun and adventure, as well as reflection from summers’ past. Comfest 2008 was peaceful and lovely. Spikedrivers, Wahoos, Jen Miller, Elisa Nicolas and finally the Hopefuls all performed despite a few rain challenges. Most of all I was able to enjoy seeing many friends partaking in the wonderful Community Festival. It is a wonderful feeling to be part of such a community — of caring, concerned individuals. I am humbled and honored and most of all, grateful.

This week I learned of a fellow friend and musician’s passing, Noel Sayre. He is a member of the Black Swans and former member of Pretty Mighty Mighty. We were kindred spirits, and sharing the same main instrument, the violin, we had a lot in common. In addition to the shock and sadness I feel, I also have a deep appreciation for all he did, and I already miss him on the earth. I am sending my love to the Black Swans and Noel’s family and friends…

Peace be with you!

happy summer solstice~ tis the season of summer festivals, road trips and a few lucky moments of dipping into cool clear water… summer projects too! the hopefuls have been in the studio making the record we have wanted to make for a long time…

see you at comfest!

I’m back to Ohio for some good times and catching up…Addie is happy to see me.  Life is energetic and shifting constantly. I’m holding on to my hat and catching up on mail. New York was certainly fabulous. I left about 8 inches of hair behind… more later, xo.

it has turned into spring and the lull of gray march is passing… witnessing people coming out of the woodwork, more falling into pace, and the fruits of our labor that we shed during the winter in hibernation starts to bud and soon bloom…

I just went through all my pictures from the past six months - and posted some highlights… i have beautiful people in my life… the pictures are only a fraction of the goodness I have.

I’m reflecting on all the leaders of the world who have supported non-violence; they weren’t always the most popular folks but they made a lasting impression.

when I came back to Columbus last weekend I felt so happy to see so many people I love. It was so overwhelming but so amazing to realize the feeling of ‘coming home.’

I was re-energized and came back here to NY with a deeper appreciation for where I’m from. Somehow that has made NYC a friendlier place.