Back... sort of

Hello world!!! Omg. I'm back. I've been back for a week now. And I must say, I fell into to old routines pretty quickly. Coffee, Saturday strolls, and afternoon mimosas :)




I'm already feeling much more adjusted than I did last year around this time. I think it's a product of knowing what I was getting into. Before I left, I also set up some tasks/ goals/ things to do, so I wouldn't feel in a complete tailspin when I arrived home again. Going from a rigid daily schedule to NO schedule is quite daunting. It can be hard to pick yourself back up and get motivated again, but I think I've handled things well so far though :)

I hate to just drop in and out so abruptly, but I'm actually going to be gone for another week! Right now, I'm up in a cabin in Maine, working on an amazing project that I'll let you all know about really soon :) I'm sooo excited about it! There may be a few posts here and there... or not. I just wanted to say a quick hello, then I'll be back once more

Farmer's Market Tour

Days off at camp are so far and few between, so everyone tries to make theirs as fun as possible. People plan epic trips, overnight jaunts to nearby cities, and day-long shopping excursions.

I enjoy those activities, but I've also been longing to spend some time by myself. Everyone else seems to be really into hanging out in big groups, so maybe I'm an odd duck :P Even so, I had a really wonderful time on one of my days off recently. I took out the camp car and visited a few farmer's markets in the area on my own. It was a totally rejuvinating experience, after being around people 24/7.




I can't believe the summer is almost over! It's so crazy to think that a week from now I'll be home again. Just like last time, it's been an amazing, life-changing experience.

In the final days that I'm here, I think I'll need a bit of time off from the blog. Much as I've anticipated, it's been a bit difficult to concentrate on blogging while here. I've definitely got a lot a lot to talk about though, and the What I Love About Me Series had a great response, so I plan on continuing it!

I think I just need a little break for the time being. I never feel like I do my best posts when I'm away, and hopefully that will change once I get back in the swing of things at home. Rest assured I will be blogging again soon :)

I love you guys, and thank you to those who have been sticking with me and reading this summer! Your super nice comments and emails have been one of the things helping me through the gritty bits of camp. I promise, I will be back with some awesome posts this fall, as well as being more active in the community again!! xoxo!!

Another new song!!

Hello!! How is everyone today?

As for me, it's hitting me that this crazy summer is almost over. It will be time to get back to reality soon... back to my little life in Brooklyn filled with such joys as late mornings, coffee dates, and endless brunches with friends. So unlike the reality that I'm living right now. But I wouldn't have it any other way :)

Anyway, I wanted to document another really amazing moment from this summer... one more new song debuted at a concert! I was really happy with the way it turned out, and had a great reaction. I really love the way my songs come to life when interesting arrangements are added. I was lucky enough to have some really talented friends play trumpet, cello, and bass with me.

It felt amazing.


Photos by Graham Zinger



Anyway, I hope everyone is doing great! Talk very soon, and some exciting news coming as well!! :) xx

What I Love About Me ~ Janee of Yellow Bird Yellow Beard

This summer, I'm hosting an ongoing weekly series called "What I Love About Me," where I ask a variety of women bloggers what they love most about themselves! This was a project I started last summer, and I'm happy to bring it back.

In our culture, it can be hard for women to think and talk positively about ourselves. TV, movies, commercials, magazines, and even blogs constantly prodding us with messages about how we are supposed to look, act, and feel as women. It's easy to be susceptible to these messages, and it's not uncommon for many to find themselves on a constant quest to be "good enough" in society's eyes. On top of that, those who are confident and vocal about their good qualities are often thought of as arrogant, conceited, and sometimes others even feel the need to "take them down a notch."

With this series, I want to promote women realizing and celebrating the amazing aspects of themselves, without fear or shame. Today's amazing woman is Janee of Yellow Bird Yellow Beard





Hello Friends!

I suppose my story is going to start much the same as many of these other lovely lady's have. When Chantilly asked me to be part of this {genius!} series and write about what I love most about myself it was a difficult subject to breach in my own mind. However, I spent a long time considering it and one thing kept coming up again and again. I am brave.




Not the daredevil go rock climbing without safety ropes kind of brave. And not ignorant of the consequences leap before looking brave. I mean the kind of brave where I don't let what other people will think of me intimidate me. I don't like arguing, but I won't shrink from confrontation. If something difficult needs to be said, I'll say it. If someone has to go ask the hostess why it's been 50 minutes and we still haven't been seated yet, I'm the one who my friends volunteer for the job ;) Even my husband looks to me say or do things in a tough situation when no one else will. My friends rely on me because I'm brave. When I was younger being braver than others meant getting into a fair bit of trouble, but now that I'm older {and I hope a bit wiser} being brave is a quality I've come to really value in myself. Being brave doesn't mean being bullheaded or rude, it means finding the strength and confidence in yourself to do what needs to be done. And to help others do the same along the way! Thanks for reading!

xoxo
Janee

Vegetable landscape

Hey all! Checking in again with some pictures of this cool workshop I was a part of recently...



My friend Lynnette ran it in the art barn. She had the kids make a 2D/3D landscape with both vegetables and a painting that they painted themselves. The effect was supposed to be similar to these. In the end, I think they did a really cute job!

My favorite part was the little broccoli sharing an ice cream. Whoever came up with that idea was a genius. I mean come on... so cute!!




The summer has been slowly moving along, and I can't believe it's almost over! Soon, I'll be back home in Brooklyn again, teaching lessons and making music. I do miss home, but I've been having so much fun here this year. So many experiences and feelings happen in a day. I think it will be really hard to leave this time :/


Anyway, hope everyone has been staying cool and having great summer adventures! Tell me about them :) xoxo

Rock!!

photos by Graham Zinger


Performance!! Such an amazing beast. I get stage fright almost every time. Yet when I'm done, I wish I was back up there, singing more!

I tried a little something different for one of the more recent concerts... Some friends/ fellow music staffers played guitar, drums, and bass, and I sang "Date with the Night" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It was my first time singing a rock song onstage. We went absolutely crazy. Check out bassist Alex in a skirt!!




I have to say, this was the most fun I've had performing, probably ever. I was barely even nervous! And the response was one that I am not used to. The kids were holding out their hands and screaming "Touch me! Touch my hand!!!" (see the picture below) The whole room went insane!

I have to admit though, I forgot most of the words to the song... I just started making them up while singing! Seriously one of the best night ever. This is why I love it here. You get to try out new things with no shame, or fear of messing up :)