Well, Kerrville was amazing. I had no idea how incredible of a time I would have, even though many people have told me for years how special it is. My first time out there, a "Kerr-virgin," and I had my "Kerr-version" experience that very first weekend. I just sat there, in the middle of a concert, with happy tears.

New Folk was a big honor, and I was completely humbled to be chosen. No one could have made me believe, when I sent in those 2 songs months ago, that I would stand on the stage a winner. It was wonderful though, and Dalis and Rod were so kind, along with all the stage hands, sound crew, and hosts (like funny and wonderful Steve G!). Jimmy LaFave even came backstage during the contest/concert and wished us well – very sweet.

I got to see lots of my musical heroes on the stages out there performing each night. Sara Hickman had the crowd going nuts, and Eliza Gilkyson's new material was breathtaking.

And then on top of all of this, there were the incredible campfires and song circles! The Rouses hosted us in their camp and made us feel completely at home. They fed us, housed us, directed us – basically, we were like middle school kids again, and they were our chaperones. And then Camp Cuisine, Camp Coho, Synchronicity, Sweetness & Light, etc. etc. were all so wonderful and welcoming and full of amazing music. I'm especially grateful for the new friendship forged – too many to list here.

I know I will have to carve out time in my calendar next year to trek out there again; it was too good an experience not to return.

So…this weekend was fantastic. I was fortunate enough to open for one of my big musical heroes, Jimmy LaFave. And yes, I stole the title of this entry from Griff, who called Jimmy "Austin's LaFavorite." It was too good a title to disappear forever, so I borrowed it.

Anyway, Jimmy's whole band was gracious and accommodating, not to mention *great* (whew, fingers were flying over keyboards, and John Inmon plays such a mean guitar!!). Mark was excellent on the sound board – not to mention patient and considerate. The weather was great, I got to hear Lisa Mills (who was new to me and a joy to watch) play the first part of the show, and the Threadgill's staff is the best…pretty much the makings of a perfect night.

It was all wildly inspiring. Jimmy stayed in Austin to play, despite his loss of his close friend, songwriter Bob Childers. And good grief, he and his band played an AMAZING show. And as it does every time, his voice absolutely broke my heart with every ballad only to revive it again with every up-tempo.

I'm grateful to Lauren, Stephen, Paula, and everyone who came out to support the show – it is so fun to see friendly faces there. And I'm grateful also to all the folks who said such kind words to me Saturday night.

Blah blah, this is starting to sound like an awards speech.

Mostly, I just needed to post SOMETHING b/c my spirit is still soaring from such a great night. And a little over 3 days later, that says a lot.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2007-11-09-mr-toilet_N.htm

really, you must read this.
i haven't laughed so hard in a long time. please tell me what you think of this...um, achievement.

last night we heard some great shows at momo's. the salingers, gina chavez, jeremy nail, jay thomas...and we were somewhere in the line-up too. :)

everyone's band was really great. we had such a good time. i haven't enjoyed just sitting in a place with the whole line-up in a long time. and the leinenkugel's was delicious too.

anyhoo, so i was listening to these other bands, reminded of what i really want to do with my life when i grow up. i want to sing harmony. if i could do anything in the world, i would be a back-up singer. my friend said i have to move to los angeles. eck.

i just drank a strange beverage. why add vitamins and minerals to diet coke? i don't know. does it actually make a difference? also, funny to add vitamins to redeem a drink that sells because it doesn't have anything in it. (calories...)

it was in the fridge. and it was free for the taking. so i drank it.

on another note, i am a huge new fan of jeff plankenhorn. i know, i know, a lot of you are out there saying, "a new fan? you dummy!" i know. i should have known about him much sooner - he's played everywhere with everyone. but i just heard him live, and he's so great. bruce hughes is also a stinkin' genius on that bass and vocals. it's almost sick.

okay, today is random, but i was feeling the itch to blog. so i did.

more later.