Journal

Tuesday -March 14, 2006 - Whew! what a month it has been. I'm back from Cincinnati. It was a great weekend. The recording went amazingly well. I really enjoyed myself and pretty much finished the first three songs. I know it's going to be a slow process. I really would like to continue to work with this producer and like anything of value it takes money. It's all good. I'm really happy with the results.

Got some music written on the drive out to Ohio. I'm going into the studio Sunday to record a song for my friend Paul Harrison. It's this absolutely breathtaking tune called "Float." I'm very honored that he asked me to record the vocals.

Thanks to all who came out to Corky's. We had a great time. Andrew Luttrell is always fun to play with. He's such an easy going and fun musician. And he can play on anything. I only wish I was as versatile.

Peace to all of you. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. Janet

Wednesday -February 15, 2006 - OK don't faint. It's only been a little over a week and I'm writing again. I'm happy to be writing music also. I'm working on these songs with my friends. Learning to use my Mbox (it turns my computer into a recording studio). Shoveling snow and altogether feeling good. My gig at the Pour House was cool tonight. These friends of mine bring both their daughters and their mom out to see me when I play there. I love it. It makes me feel so great to see them smile and enjoy the music. That's what it's all about.

Stuart worked the motorcycle show this weekend in Timonium. I went on Sunday to help and the different sides of bikers always astounds me. I know a fellow who recently joined the Hells Angels. I saw him at the Bike Show and he came over to ask me about the new CD and to tell me that he listened to my CD on some recent trip that he took. I just don't think of my music as Hells Angels material and yet, that's the twist. Music is a universal language. That's what makes it so amazing. I have to stop thinking that I know what appeals to people and simply write about what I feel and think.

What a great way to live life. Thanks to all of you who make my life so amazing. Peace.....Janet

Tuesday -February 7, 2006 - I go into the studio on March 10th to record vocals and guitar parts for 3 songs. It's all pretty exciting. I think you all are going to like the versions that we're doing. I'm excited and nervous as always when it comes to recording. Ric has a really interesting style that compliments mine really well.

All else is well. Feeling a little stuck when it comes to booking. As always, I'm looking for suggestions of places to play. I also find myself being a little lazy about it. Peace. Janet

Sunday -January 15, 2006 - We started recording this week. I'm very excited! This process will be very different than any I've done before. All the music will be done and I'll just be showing up to record my vocals and guitar parts. It's so amazing.

I've played some wonderful places lately. The Severndipity House concert was so great. The folks that came were wonderful. I'd love to do a show like that every week.

I'm also co-writing with a couple of people. Jay Turner and Jeff Gerlach. I'm looking forward to that process. Jay and I worked on a tune last spring that turned out really well. It'll be going on his new CD sung by a friend out of Denmark - Tim Campbell. I've never written anything specifically for someone else to sing. It's been a challenge. This next tune that we're doing is for the same project. All is well. Busy as usual. Thanks to all of you who've signed up on the mailing list lately. Welcome to my world!

Sunday -December 18, 2005 - I have really had a hard time writing since Berry died. It seemed to have simply shut me down for a while. I really have made some space in my life and as a result good things are happening.

Recently, I got contacted by Ric Hordinski whom I met at a David Wilcox concert. He was the opener. He has produced a couple of David's CD's and after listening to mine, has expressed interest in producing a new CD with me. I'm very impressed. You should go and look at his website. Anyway, we're in the planning stages at this point. I'm hoping to go into the studio in late January, early February. It's all very exciting.

Also, I'm in the process of talking to the group Symbiont about some collaboration. The guitarist, Jeff Gerlach, is something to hear. I'm very excited about that also. We're going to see what happens. I'm not planning on stopping my solo stuff and I would love to work with some other musicians. I think it will be a real challenge. This is a different kind of music for me and at the same time, very familiar.

Life is good right now. Lots of choices, lots of decisions and just staying open to what the universe has in store for me. I will certainly try to write more often now. It's really good for me to do. Peace, Janet

Sunday -August 14, 2005 - Well, my friend Berry died on Monday. It's a very sad time right now. I got home from Avalon Resort last night only to find out that another of my friends, Steve Wentz, was killed on his way home from the memorial for Berry. He was broadsided by someone while he was on his motorcycle. He died on the way to shock trauma. Steve has a young daughter that I've seen with him everywhere recently. It simply breaks my heart.

It's feeling like one of those years. 10 years ago I went to 13 funerals in a year. This makes it 8 so far. Most of them in the last 6 months. The difference for me is that I have not attended all of the services. I just can't. I'm struggling not to be completely shut down.

Please pray for these families and their friends. Just send the light along and everyone will benefit from it.

Thanks to all of you for your generous support of our Benefit for Berry's children. Please continue to spread the word and donate. You can click here to get to that page.

Sunday -July 31, 2005 - How does the time go so fast? Things are wonderful in Janetland right now. And things are sad at the same time. Music is kicking. A bunch of gigs and festivals. August 12th I'm competing in the Rising Star contest at the Avalon Resort Music fest. I am one of 6 finalist chosen. I'm pretty excited about it. The prize is $300 and a 45 minute set on the Main Stage on Saturday! That's worth competing for.

We just got back from Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. I made lots of good contacts there and sold some CD's. That's always good.

The sad news is about my friend Berry Griebel Sherman. She is very ill. I've known Berry for 16 years and I've watched her go through some really tough stuff during that time and it's hard for me to accept that after being so triumphant in so many ways that cancer might kill her. We're putting on a benefit to raise money for daycare for her 4 children under the age of 8. I can't even imagine how her family is coping with it. My dad passed when he was only 52 and all of us kids were at least in our teens. Anyway, if I type much more about it, I'm going to start crying again. I'm really happy to be able to give something back.

In these 16 years, Berry and I haven't always gotten along. We have, however, had a mutual respect that kept us caring about one another as time has gone by. It's nice to know people for so many years and get a chance to see their lives. I just wish we could skip this part.

I had a really wonderful gig at the Pour House tonight. Thanks so much to all the folks who showed up to support me. I love all of you so much. You have no idea how it makes me feel to hear you sing along with me. It's especially cool when it's songs that I have written. Although I must admit you guys were wailing on Mercedes Benz. Keep it up! I love it.

Thank you for bringing such light into my life! - Janet

Monday -May 9, 2005 - It's really spring here in Maryland. It's my favorite time of the year. Not just because it's my birthday season, although, that's a good reason. It's all about new beginnings.

I'm going to have the opportunity this summer to officiate at 3 weddings. I know, most of you don't know that I'm a minister. That's right.... the Rev. Janet. It's a little scary if you think about it too hard. I can pronounce you man and wife and follow it up with a killer version of Mercedez Benz. :) Just kidding.

It's really such an honor to be able to help two people declare their committment for one another in front of all the people that love them. I hope to continue on in that capacity on a more regular basis. Peace, Janet

Monday -April 18, 2005 - What a great week it's been. I've taken off a couple of weeks and celebrated my birthday down in OC. We had a great time with 5,000 of our closest friends. Time to start booking for the summer though. I looked at my calendar and things are looking sparse. I better get busy. Peace - Janet

Friday -March 18, 2005 - It looks like the band is not going to come together as I had hoped. Jay Turner got a great offer from Nashville that he couldn't refuse. You'll have to go to his website to see what's happening. Anyway, we'll see what happens. I'm still interested, so we'll see if the others are as well.

It's starting to be festival season. I'll be sending out songs to the various song contests and we'll see if anything happens this year.

I've got a few new venues coming up that I'm excited about. The New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, St. Elmo's in Alexandria. I always love playing new places. Peace, Janet

Wednesday -February 23, 2005 - I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. I apologize. Life is so full right now. I've been working on getting together a new project with Jay Turner. You may remember him from my CD. He played some amazing bass tracks on it. We've just finished co-writing a new song for his upcoming CD. It turned out really nice.

Now the really exciting news. Jay Turner and I are forming a band with Dave Glaser on guitar, Andy Hamburger on drums and Mookie Seigal on keys. I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with such amazing musicians. It's going to be southern rock with a hard edge and lots of groove. I can't wait! Peace - Janet

Wednesday -December 29, 2004 - Christmas was interesting as it often is in the Griffin family. We like to laugh and that always makes it good. I'm going into the studio to record some background vocals for my friend Jay Turner. The most kick-ass bass player you ever heard. You should check him out. I believe this is his 4th CD. It sounds like it's going to be great.

We went and looked at puppies on Sunday. They were so cute. Although nothing can fill the void left by Shaina's passing, I know that a puppy will help all of us including our big baby Woody. He's really missing his "mom" Shaina.

I've written another new song. I'm hoping to finish it up to play this weekend at the gig. It needs some tweaking.

As always thanks for your support and especially for all the kind words of comfort over the loss of our 14 year old yellow lab Shaina. She is being thoroughly missed. - Peace, Janet

Wednesday -December 22, 2004 - 3 days left until Christmas. I wrote a Christmas song this year. It's called "Christmas in my World." I love that concept. If I could only keep it in my head. I create my own reality. I also wrote another song on Sunday for my friends Bob & Sue's 25th wedding anniversary. It was fun. I'll probably modify it some and keep it. It's got a good groove. I may start working with a band this spring. I'll keep you posted on that. It'd be a side project. Definitely not to replace my solo thing. I've got bookings until January of next year at this point. Although they are sparse for the next couple of months, I'm really hoping to push and get a lot more. As always, your suggestions and help are greatly appreciated. I'm working on a couple of new venues as I write this.

More than anything else, I want to say thank you to all of you who support me in this endeavor. Many days I wouldn't be able to do it without the love and encouragement I get from all of you. Have a wonderful holiday season and may 2005 be the most love-filled year of our lives. - Peace and blessings, Janet

Tuesday -December 7, 2004 - What an amazing weekend we had! Lots of music all over the place and making of some great contacts. It didn't help that I was struggling with a cold. I got some great advice on all that from another songwriter, though. The folk community is so supportive. I really like it.

Stuart's Art Show was amazing. So many people came out to see his work and to hear me play. He sold a large amount of work. That's always a good thing.

I'm struggling to write a Christmas song. I know its in there. It's just being shy about coming out. I'd like to have it ready for some of my December gigs. Knowing me, it'll be ready by the first of the year and then I'll have to wait to play it until next year. I certainly hope I can begin work on the new CD in the upcoming year. I've got some tunes to go on it. And I can feel a writing splurge in the wings. I would love to get a partner to work with. I think that would help me stretch out musically. Playing with Paul Harrison really reminded me of how much another person can support and push you. - Peace, Janet

Monday -November 29, 2004 - As usual life is as full as it can be. I had an interesting weekend. Stuart and I went on "tour" with David Wilcox on Friday. We went to Philadelphia to join him for his Tin Angel shows. We were supposed to head on to Polling, New York with him as well but our dog Shaina is very sick so we came home early. It is always wonderful to spend time with David and his wife Nance and their son Nathan. I learn a lot every time I watch David's process of getting ready for a gig and then performing. It's always felt like he invited me into his space. Even before we were friends. His process of writing is even more amazing. Anyway, I got to get up and harmonize with him on one song. I'm looking forward to doing more on Wednesday, Dec. 1st at his Ram's Head show in Annapolis, Md.

I got a last minute call while I was in Philadelphia from Kaufmann's Tavern. They wanted me to fill in for Saturday night. Since I was coming home anyway, I said yes. It's such a nice space. I don't always enjoy performing in bars and these folks are always so nice that it's a pleasure. The crowd is so friendly and the folks that work there are as well.

I'm slowly but surely filling up my calendar. Cravings closed for good this week. I really am going to miss that place. The folks who came to see me week after week really helped me to hone my solo performance skills. I am so grateful to Linda Chapman and Melissa Moore for believing in me enough to trust that I could bring in a crowd week after week for well over a year. - Blessings, Janet

Tuesday -November 9, 2004 - It sure felt strange to have an entire week off. Even when I was traveling this summer I was playing somewhere during the week. This week I did rehearse a lot. I also spent the weekend at a Master Alignment workshop. That was awesome. That work is absolutely transformational. I can't explain how much it has helped me over the years I've been involved.

It's a gorgeous fall morning here in Maryland. Most of the leaves have fallen. Now it's time for raking. Peace, Janet.

Wednesday -November 3, 2004 - I played the Austin Grill in Silver Spring last night. What a nice venue. The host is wonderful, Rob Thorworth. I enjoyed myself immensely. I've been really trying to get out there and work. Thanks so much for all your suggestions of places to play. The musicians that I've been having a chance to meet and talk to have been wonderful. Really helpful and giving. Some days I feel really discouraged and other days I feel filled with hope and excitement. Kind of like anyone else's life, don't ya think? Peace and blessings - Janet.

Wednesday -October 27, 2004 - I sure have been busy the last couple of weeks. Networking my little buns off to try to find new gigs. Thanks so much to all of you who have sent me suggestions of places to play. I really appreciate it.

I played Steve Key's music showcase on Monday in Frederick at the Frederick Coffee Company. That was so much fun. The other musicians were awesome. I met Kym Tuvim who I know from my indigrrls newsgroup. She's a songwriter out of Seattle and what a wonderful, friendly person as well. I'm going to find a link to her website and post it on my links page.

I got a chance to meet the owner of the Austin Grill as well. Chris Patterson is also a songwriter. He performed that night along with Rob Thorworth who hosts the songwriter's showcase at Austin Grill on Tuesdays. They were both very nice folks and good songwriters at that. The most amazing part is that all the musicians who were going to play that evening...there were 12...were all there from the beginning. That never happens. My past experience is that the performers show up right before their slot and then leave as soon as they see they are finished selling CDs. 10 of the 12 were still there listening when the last performer finished. That was awesome!

The Saturday before I went to the Just Plain Folks meeting in DC. I got a chance to spend some time with some very cool songwriters there. Check out Illyaimy. They are fabulous. They are also going on my links page. What a cool duo (sometimes quartet) they are. Very friendly, wonderful to network with.

That's it for today folks. Thanks for everything! - Janet

Sunday -October 17, 2004 - What a gorgeous morning it is. The perfect fall day. Last night at Cravings was a blast. I'm going to be sad to not play there anymore. That little cafe has given me the opportunity to really hone my skills and feel at home. The folks that come out and support me every week are so precious. I can't explain how much it means to see the friendly faces. The same thing happened this week at the Pour House. To see those faces come in the door really helps to put me at ease. And some new faces stuck around and really listened this week. That is always wonderful. Thanks so much to all of you. - Peace, Janet

Wednesday -October 13, 2004 - Wow, I just got that news that Cravings won't be having music after October 30th. ASCAP has struck again. They have demanded that she sign a music licensing agreement that would cost about $1000. So instead, she is stopping the music. It's not cost affective for her to continue apparently. I've heard of this happening to other venues but I had hoped that it wouldn't happen to Cravings.

I'm scrambling to book the dates that this has opened up. One good thing, I am now booked at The Pour House in Westminster, MD the third Wednesday of every month. I really like that place. They just started a music series there on Wednesdays. The first Wednesday is Karyn Oliver, second wednesday - Paul Harrison, and fourth Wednesday - Doug Alan Wilcox. That is a great line up, believe me. Please come out and support it. As I found out this week, live music venues are precious.

Friday -October 8, 2004 - What a great week this has been. I played with Michelle Shocked last Friday at the State Theater in Fall Church, VA. I got to stay on stage for about an hour. What a gracious performer she is. I had a blast! I wish I could do it every week.

Have almost finished a new song. The first one in a while and this one's a little different for me. I think I'm going to add a page for lyrics on the website. I want to make sure you guys have enough to look at when you're surfing here. I'm feeling great about the new music. Have a new monthly gig that I just booked. 3rd wednesdays at the Pour House. It's always good to have a regular gig. -- Peace, Janet

Wednesday -September 28, 2004 - The days just fly by. I've been rehearsing like a mad woman lately. Learning some new cover material. Just trying to mix up my repetoire and also learn some new chord combinations. I've been working on a set of Michelle Shocked's music. I'm sitting in with her on Friday, October 1st at the State Theater in Falls Church, VA. I'm nervous and very excited. I haven't had the opportunity to learn the music ahead of time before so this is awesome for me. She is always very kind when I sit in. I've played with her 3 times before. Maybe I can talk her into letting me open for her one of these days. That would be fun.

I quit my part-time job this month. I've decided to focus on the music full time and simply rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. I'll pull together the gigs somehow and work on writing. I've spent some time with Meg Murray lately. What an inspiration she is. I'm going to start recording at her studio. People have been asking me when I'm going to release a new CD. I keep replying, when I pay for the last one. I think that I'd like to start recording and see how that goes. It's an exciting time. Thank you all for your love and encouragement. - Janet

Thursday -September 9, 2004 - Wow! I read the paragraph from August and I think how different life turns out than we expect. I have a friend you tells me all the time that expectations are premeditated resentments. I came home feeling resentful until I realized that it's because I was not open to what ever happened.

Hurricane Frances put a damper on my Florida trip. We got there just fine. We were staying in my friend's grandmother's house in Melbourne with the intention to drive up to Jacksonville on Friday to catch the gig there and then do the last gig on our way out on Labor Day.

The Monday after we got there was nice. We were tired from the drive and went out to Melbourne beach to lay in the sun and bounce in the waves. The water was beautiful and salty enough for anyone to float in. We saw schools of fish on top the waves. It was wonderful. Made some new friends while we were there.

Tuesday we decided to head up to Cocoa Beach to check out the waves there and see the sites. It's amazing how different the water color can be 30 minutes up the road. Anyway, we were bouncing in the waves and my friend Melissa was about 10 feet in front of me. About 15 feet in front of her there was a wave breaking. Along the top of the wave swam a 6-7 foot shark. She looked at me and asked "what was that?" I said, "that was get the hell out of the water!" I was so scared. I like the feeling of glass between me and sharks. Just like at the Aquarium here in Baltimore. Not just randomly swimming along near by. 25 feet doesn't seem very far away when there's a shark involved.

By Wednesday it became obvious that we were going to have to evacuate. I also contacted the restaurant and found out that they had a delay in opening because of the Health Department not coming to do there final inspection. They were going to let me come play for the staff while they were working, which I thought was very kind but under the circumstances I declined. We were packing up the sentimental stuff out of grandmom's house (Grandmom's living in MD now) and planning to leave the next morning and I felt it would be too complicated to come back down to Jacksonville. My friend's mom was kind enough to offer to pay for a hotel so that we could spend a couple more days in the sun. The only place we could find a hotel in the entire state of GA was on St. Simon's Island. What a bummer, we were forced to stay on a resort island off the coast of GA. At a lovely hotel with a beautiful pool.

We drove to GA on Thursday, it only took 9 hours to make a 3 1/2 hour trip. We actually did better than most people because we got off 95 for the most part and took back roads. We met a man checking into the same hotel on Thursday evening who had left Melbourne 3 hours before we did.

On Friday, we basically had the pool to ourselves. Melissa commented on how the whole hotel was filled with evacuees from Florida and that must be why we had the pool to ourselves. If it had been folks from Maryland the pool would have been jammed. At one of the restaurants that night a waitress fondly referred to us as the Hurricane Hostages.

Met some awesome folks in GA: Bill, Milton, Jay and Michael. They treated us like queens. Told us where to eat and where the good coffee was and introduced us to a whole lot of great folks. I ended up in the hospital on Friday night with some gall bladder attack or an esophageal spasm or some such nonsense. Scared the hell out of me, I can tell you that much. Nothing a shot of Demerol didn't cure. Can't understand why people like that stuff. There's nothing attractive about not being able to focus my eyes. Spent Saturday recovering and walking around St. Simon's Island. Ate at a great restaurant "Barbara Jean's" We loved it. Sunday was probably the least eventful day. We drove home quickly.

I need a vacation from my "vacation." Anyway, I just gave notice on my parttime job so I'm looking to start really pushing gigs. Thanks for reading along and for all the support you guys give to me. - Peace and blessings, Janet.

Thursday -August 26, 2004 - I'm getting ready to leave for Florida after my gig on Saturday night. I'm really excited about it. A new venue for me and the opportunity to spend some days simply lying on the beach with nothing to do but play my guitar and read. I've found myself feeling really blocked in the last few weeks. I hope that this working vacation will give me the ability to hear the muse once more. I'm back to work every week starting in September. No more time off for a while. So I am really going to enjoy this beach time and the opportunity to find some new fans and build a following in Florida.

Peace to all of you - Janet

Saturday -August 14, 2004 - What a beautiful morning it is. I'm sitting here feeling exhausted for some reason. The open mic was lots of fun last night. Some new people came out and that was a blast to listen to them. Some of our regulars came out again including Sarah Fridrich and Rene Drell.

I'm going to try my hardest to get some new photos up on the site from the open mics we've had all year. It's been so great to have such a variety of folks playing. I really enjoy hosting it.

Wednesday - July 28, 2004 - Wow, I can't believe it's been a month since I wrote anything. It sure has been a busy time. I just got back from Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. It was a blast. We got seriously rained on Friday. I felt bad for the emerging artist showcase. They played in the rain to a resultingly small audience. I got to play for Vance Gilbert at the Performance Critique Workshop. He gave me some great ideas on how to rework some of my tunes. I learned alot.

Vermont was beautiful! I've never seen anything like it. I don't think there's a large town in that state. It was all windy two lane roads through lush green mountains. Our friends George and Maryanne put us up for a few days. It was amazing.

I played at their restaurant "The Mad Mexican" in Waitsfield on and an open mic in Burlington on Monday of last week. That went well in both places. Over all I'd say that the trip was well worth the time.

Sunday - June 27, 2004 - I went to a great Master Alignment Gathering today in Frederick. Once a year all the Awakeners and Practioners gather to share information and learning. I really feel renewed. I got a chance to touch base with some folks that I really care about and who have taught me an enormous amount about myself. Some days it is hard to believe in myself and that god has a plan that includes me. It's wonderful to know that the doubts and fears I have are common to most of us.

Hope your day has been blessed. Janet

Thursday - June 24, 2004 - Things are going well. I had a gig with the band, Jeff Muller (bass), Josh Howell (percussion, harmonica), Jim Greenfield (guitar), Laura Gryphon (backup vocals) on Saturday. What a treat that was. I love playing with the band. And having played with Josh, Jim and Laura before made it easier. This was Jeff's first gig with me since we worked together in a band called Dirty City. He really makes some good choices on bass. The gig started out a little rough. We were late being able to get onto the stage to set up and then of course, because we are in a time crunch, the sound system wanted to have its flukes. Once we got underway and I calmed down, it went great.

Josh has this amazing memory when it comes to the songs. My brain doesn't work that way. Sometimes I'll be playing a song that I've done many times and I'll simply blank out on it. It's as if my brain short circuits. It's something I've learned not to panic over. If I breathe and let myself relax into the music, it comes back.

The Sober Tramps were great folks to work for. They treated us well and threw a really nice party.

I'm looking forward to working with Sue Trainor on some kids music. I think that will definitely expand my horizons.

Peace to all. Janet

Tuesday - June 15, 2004 - I heard from Hot Soup last night. I checked my email after rehearsal and they've decided to go with someone else. I'm pretty disappointed. I looked forward to working with them. I'm going to continue and pursue the kids' music with Sue Trainor. I think that will be lots of fun also. I guess I need to keep looking forward while staying in today. Now that's a skill I don't have a lot of.

Rehearsing with the band was awesome. It continues to amaze me that I can play guitar with other folks playing with me. I spent so many years as simply a vocalist, it's so refreshing to play with others. Josh Howell on percussion and Jeff Muller on bass with my sister Laura singing harmony.

I worked with Jeff Muller years ago in a band called Dirty City. He played guitar in those days. He's a good bass player too. I'm looking forward to Saturday. It should be a blast. Hopefully the weather will be great.

Monday - June 14, 2004 - I heard that Hot Soup's final audition got postponed. I've moved into patient mode now. I'm going to be working with Sue Trainor starting in July doing some children's music. I'm really looking forward to that.

Have rehearsal tonight with the guys in the band. Working toward the gig on Saturday. I haven't played Sober Tramps in years. In those days I was with a southern rock type band. It'll be fun coming back with my own band and doing originals as well as some covers. I have to work on the set list today.

Things are going well. I've decided to not play at the Hodle anymore. They moved me into the bar a few months ago and it became a really smoky, difficult gig. It was always somewhat smoky but not like in the bar. And I really felt like a juke box in there. I don't need a whole lot of attention but some would be nice. Maybe a little applause now and then. That just wasn't happening anymore. I've approached a booking agent. We'll see how that goes. I've also contacted some places in Northern VA in the hopes of expanding work down there.

Peace and blessings, Janet

Thursday - June 3, 2004 - I sure have had a few busy weeks. I still haven't heard from Hot Soup. I don't know if that's good or bad. I guess I'll know when I know. I just found out I'll be playing at Artscape in Pearlstone Park (across from the Meyerhoff). I'm happy about that. I'm playing at the Baltimore Songwriters Assoc. stage. It's been kind of crazy lately. I'm working on some new tunes and trying to continue to write. I watched a J.K. Rowling special on A&E last night. She said she didn't clean for 4 years while she was writing the first Harry Potter book. I know it takes that kind of dedication. I'm just unsure if I can do it. The cat boxes sure can't go for a month much less 4 years. We'll see. I'm getting to that all or nothing point.

Peace to all of you, Janet

Sunday - May 16, 2004 - Wow, what a great week I've had! Last Saturday night my friend Harry Walker came out to sit in on bass with me. That was so much fun. I love those moments when the music connects for the first time. Most of my stuff was unfamiliar to him, so the charge when it came together was intense.

Thursday I auditioned for Hot Soup What fun that would be if I was to work with these talented ladies. One of their members is moving out of the area and I hope to take her place. They have wonderful harmonies. I have worked in acoustic, harmony-driven trios before. It's so much fun. A nice change of pace from the solo work I'm doing now. I also think it would expand my writing ability. I'm always looking for ways to stretch and learn. I'm definitely going to explore working with Sue Trainor to present some children's programs. This will happen regardless of whether or not I'm the person chosen as the third voice for Hot Soup.

I'm feeling really blessed to even have this opportunity. The universe can be so amazing if I simply sit back and do what's in front of me.

Friday was open mic night at Cravings. What a blast. We had some new folks as well as some favorites. Check out a duo/trio called Daze of the Weak. If you get the opportunity to see these guys, take it! They are wonderful and really nice folks as well. We are always happy to see the regulars like Nathaniel, and Alex Colvin, who is getting ready to head out west for the summer. Greg and Treasure joined us again this month. Those two certainly can sing. And more than I can remember or name at the moment.

Then last night, Saturday, Paul Harrison stopped by to play the first set with me. That was so much fun. We haven't had the opportunity to play much together so thank goodness Paul had a few hours free.

When I say you never know who's going to come out and play... I mean it!

Saturday - May 8, 2004 - I had a fun gig with Paul Harrison last night. It's always so great to play with other folks. I'm very blessed to have the community of musicians that I do. It grows all the time.

It's such an amazing process...........music. Where does it come from. I've been rather discouraged lately and then something will really pick me up. I have songs that flow through me all the time. The hard part is getting them down on paper. Or to my guitar. There seem to be so many things in the way of it all.

It's looking to be a beautiful day today. I'm looking forward to playing again tonight. Thanks to everyone for being so supportive.

Peace to you all.

Tuesday - May 4, 2004 - Wow! how did we get into May. I had such a great week just past. I went into the Note Factory Studio on Wednesday to record the vocals for Paul Harrison's tune "Teach Me with a Whisper." I hope Paul loves them. I really enjoy working with Mike Zampi and Paul Harrison. Go to my links page to find out more about both of them.

Saturday was a cool day, I got to work in my garden and just spend time with the earth. I love that. I believe that god lives in the garden. Then played at Cravings that night. You missed a great time if you didn't come out!

I spent Sunday and Monday at the Future of Music Coalition Summit at GW University in DC. What an amazing time that was! I thought I would be bored and I was fascinated. I got a chance to run into Meg Murray, Jeff Muller and Steve Lowe. I spent Sunday with them and what a treat that was. Once again go to my links page and press the link for Meg Murray and it'll give you info for all of them. They are such amazing musicians. I really feel so grateful to have such inspiration in my life.

I am getting ready to audition for Hot Soup. A female trio that is looking to replace one of their members (she's moving). I'm excited about that. If it works out, I think it will be a great time. I'll keep ya posted.

Peace to all, Janet

Monday - April 26, 2004 - Another weekend goes zooming by. Had a fantastic time. I was on WRNR on Thursday and got to spend some time with Damien. He is such a nice man. The whole gang down there is great! Jarvis helped us get setup. I got a chance to sit in with Paul Harrison on his amazing song "Teach me with a Whisper." I'm proud to say that I'm recording vocals on that song this week at Mike Zampi's Note Factory studio. I love the way some musicians are so inclusive. Not territorial, just welcoming. Paul Harrison is certainly one of those.

I spent the day Thursday re-writing my new song "Teach me to fly." I'm very pleased with how the song flows at this point. I think it has some resolution now.

Saturday I was at my usual gig at Cravings when a couple of the guys from the open mic two weeks ago came by. I was happy to ask them to play awhile. They were wonderful. Dave and Dominic, known as "Daze of the Weak. They play a little of everything. Dave does most of the singing as well as playing a mean harmonica. Dominic is the guitar wonder! What a touch this guy has, as well as a beautiful koa Taylor guitar. Nothing sounds like koa wood.

I'm feeling so blessed to have music and friends in my life. Thanks to the Divine for this amazing gift that is my life. Peace.

Wednesday - April 21, 2004 - I've spent this morning thinking about passages. There are folks in my life surviving cancer, losing parents, getting married, getting divorced. It just reminds me that life is a fluid concept. One in which we show up for the direction that the Creator has to give us. There is joy and sadness in all of our lives. It's what we do with those things that truly makes a life worth living.

To believe in something greater than ourselves is essential to growing through all the events that touch our lives. I have struggled many times until I was reminded that I don't know the Plan, the Plan isn't all up to me. I am on this earth to learn to live. That's all. Some people learn it when they are physically dying. Some people are born with the ability to live life and find the beauty in everything. Some of us must be broken before we can be healed. The thing that I try to remember more than anything else is that we are all in this together.

May you learn to live! Peace.

Tuesday - April 20, 2004 - Boy the time sure does get away from me. I've spent the last 5 days in Ocean City, MD. Relaxing, enjoying the waves and photographing some bald eagles and ospreys. Seeing those magnificent birds just reminds me how important it is that we maintain habitat for all living creatures. There is no feeling like watching a bald eagle fly over your head. No picture could ever replace that sight. Peace to all of you.

Monday - April 12, 2004 - Today is my birthday! I love birthdays. Everyone's, not just mine.

We had a wonderful weekend of gigs. The Open Mic on Friday at Cravings was filled with a diversity of talented musicians. It's great to see how music thrives in so many people.

For me, I couldn't live without it. It is so much a part of my being. Every day reminds me of a melody. No matter what happens, I find myself at some point in the day humming, singing, writing lyrics. I used to get in trouble for it at school. I'd be in Art class and get reprimanded for singing. I wasn't even aware I was doing it. Each year that passes, I feel the music grow within myself. I can see why folks like Doc Watson, at 77 years old, are still touring. There's no denying it. I just have to do it.

It's really about reaching within myself and not being afraid to bring out the feelings. To access that part of myself that needs healing. Peace.

Thursday - April 7, 2004 - The days have been difficult lately. Wondering what I am doing. The writing has been hard. I'm in the midst of re-writing my new tune "Teach Me to Fly." I played it for a friend of mine and his suggestion was that the subject matter was too broad. That I needed to narrow it down. I've been working on it. And I have to say that re-writing is always difficult. This journal is going to be a kind of "let it all hang out" venture. If you don't want entrance into the inside of my head - read no further. It can be dark and scary in here. It can also be full of mush. Ah well, at least I can say that it's mine. Peace.