Lime Street Station, Liverpool England. The place Brian Epstein would catch the same train to go down to London for business on behalf of The Beatles. Here I am in the heart of Liverpool. The hometown of The Beatles. I took a tour of the city yesterday and was able to visit John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s childhood homes. I also had the chance to drive through Penny Lane and by Strawberry Fields. It was very inspiring to walk through the city that inspired so many of my favorite songs. One of the highlight stops was St. Peter’s church, where Lennon and McCartney first met. I also enjoyed a Guinness in the Cavern Club and had a nice dinner at The Albert Docks. I think I could get used to this Liverpool lifestyle.
I am now taking the train down to London to meet Renee (who has been in Paris). We have a show tomorrow night in London at a place called The Borderline. This is our first time performing in the UK. Here I come Euston station!
If there is such thing as a perfect day, I think I had one in Northern Ireland today. I spent the day in the glens with some of my good friends, Stephen and Mavis Riley. For those of you that are wondering what the heck the glens are (much like I was), they are those picture perfect Irish valleys that roll down to the sea, just like in postcard pictures. It felt like every turn we took on the road, I was driving through a picture, perfect, postcard scene. The sunlight kept changing the shades of green on the mountain sides and the blue ocean would align perfectly with the clearest blue sky (with white puffy clouds that reminded me of the Super Mario Brothers video game). Mavis and I did a 3 km hike up and over a famous glen and I must say it was one of the top five hikes I have ever taken. All my senses were activated from the fresh smell of pines to the gorgeous shadows that were reflected on the pathway after a beam of sunlight was bursting through the trees.
After our hike, we drove into a little Irish town (population maybe 50) and we had a Guinness in this very cool, old bar. The bar was the size of my kitchen and when we walked in there were two guys playing acoustic guitar and singing old Irish tunes. I honestly felt like I was in a television commercial for tourism Ireland or perhaps a cutting edge tv commerical for Guinness itself. We found a small table in the back of the bar and had some great conversations. I loved the smell in that bar. It had this UK, Coal/Peat smell from an old wooden stove and it brought me back a hundred years ago when my distant relatives were probably trying to keep their house warm on a cold, Irish winter night. During the day, there were several times where I could sense the spirit of my grandma Macpherson whistling and dancing in the green old Irish hills. It was magical, really. Although she has passed from this lifetime, I knew she was there with me today. Her eyes were twinkling in the sunlight’s reflection on the Irish sea. I could feel her excitement that I was in her homeland, Ireland. In the distance across the sea, I could see The Mull of Kyntire, Scotland too. I could sense the mist rolling in from the sea and could definitely sense McCartney’s desire to always be near there. I also could see my grandpa Macpherson, (who also has passed on from this lifetime) waving across the ocean at me from Scotland. I wanted to swim across and visit him too. There is such history mixed with a magical spirit here that captures me. I can understand how music and art are so often born and created from these old Irish hills. It feels as if they are singing to your soul.
After our Guinness, we wandered upstairs to a really quaint restaurant that had the most amazing seafood. We ended up meeting some other Canadians during dinner and also made friends with Claire from Belfast. I think she is going to be our music lawyer when we sign our million dollar Belfast deal. haha. It was funny that during dinner, Canadian tunes were being covered by Irish musicians. I believe Bryan Adams and Gordon Lightfoot both got covered. It was a sure sign that Canada and Ireland were coming together for dinner and Canadian Socan fee’s were also being collected.
I have heard stories about wars fought here between Protestants and Catholics, North and South, but I could sense in the air that the new generation here is ready to put those trouble behind and start again from a place of oneness. This is truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth to visit and I hope to return here soon. Cue the Irish National Anthem I think. haha.
Hey everybody. Hope you’re well where ever you are. I’m here!! After a long flight, I arrived in Paris on Saturday morning. It’s beautiful here. The first thing I noticed when coming off the plane are all the gorgeous men! haha But seriously, they are everywhere and they all love cologne. The air is filled in designer smells…..and they love designer jeans and pointy shoes (chaussures…not souliers). It’s so funny, I keep forgetting that you can speak french all day. I catch myself always going back to english since that’s what I am used to but for the next 10 days it’s french full time!! Last night, my sister Corrine and brother-in law Derek (who both live here) took me out for the night- we walked everywhere from la Tour Eiffel to les Champs Elysees. Then we arrived to Quartier Latins where we had la glace (ice cream - when you order what kind you say: parfums -this is new to me too!) After all this, I was wiped! It was about 9pm and I had been up for almost 2 days ( I think) so we headed back to the appartment and I went to bed. This city is gorgeous. I kept hearing from others that it was a dirty city but it’s completely the opposite. You have to come visit here if you ever get the chance. Absolutely beautiful. My favorite part is how you keep your windows wide open morning and night and let the fresh air in. From my sister’s window I can see her neighbor cooking up a storm with a cigarette in her mouth stirring away at the stove dancing to some french latin song that’s blarring in the whole neighborhood! It’s awesome- almost like a movie scene! Leaves you with a big smile on your face. We just got back from getting our croissants and cafe cremes so I leave you now as I begin my Sunday here while you are probably still sleeping as I type this out. I’ll keep you up to date with my adventure over here.A bientot mes amis……bisou bisou (kiss kiss)
Renee
I am gaining a greater appreciation for the simple things in my life. Today in Ottawa, ON (Canada’s Capital city), I encountered a mother duckling and 15 of her babies taking a leisurely walk across the grounds of Parliament Hill. They walked from the east block all the way to the west. It was so entertaining to follow close behind them and take part in the Sunday afternoon stroll. It was so adorable when they crossed the main entrance to the peace tower. A true Canadian moment. As they walked across the entrance to Canada’s parliament, I thought to myself how fortunate we are to live in a country where even Canadian ducklings can be that close to Canada’s Prime Minister. It became clearly obvious that the mother and her ducklings had taken a wrong turn and strayed too far from water. That or they had some important business to discuss with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It was so amazing how they were able to find their way back to the Ottawa river. I was in amazement as to how they instinctively could find the banks of the river, after being so lost in downtown Ottawa.
I am living in a world where mass consumption and production are the emphasis. My culture’s inclination is to always be hard working, productive and gain as much stuff as we can. Today I was simply made aware that there is so much joy and peace in the natural world that we originated from. That world does not focus on evaluating me based on what I do for a living or how much material wealth I have gained. It has become obvious to me today that the way to find inner peace is to simply just be here now and appreciate all that shows up in every single moment. I have started to recognize that there is so much to gain by losing everything I have been working for. I am clearly not what I do or what I have. As my spiritual teacher, Wayne Dyer says “I am a spiritual being having a human temporary experience”. I would like to thank the family of Ducklings that I encountered today, for reminding me about this simple truth that I so often stray from. I think I have found my way back to the water today too.
Metuchen, New Jersey is not where I thought we would be shooting our first music video but today Renee and I went to a backyard party at our friends, Tim and Meg Sullivan’s in Jersey and shot our first music video for “Good Year”. I am now back in Manhattan after a full day of fence painting, shed jumping and Memorial Day bbq’ing and I am feeling so greatful for such a fantastic day and video shoot. Renee and I met some incredible people at the video shoot party and I am so thankful that everyone came out and was part of the fun. I look forward to getting the video up on our site really soon so you can see it.
This morning I watched a bus load of kids go back out into the “world”, their hearts filled with bliss, joy, inspiration and love. What an incredible moment to be part of it all. Over the weekend I was invited to volunteer at a camp north of Toronto, Ontario called, New Heights. New Heights is a Leadership and Character Development Camp offered to youth that have cancer or are in remission or are a sibling of such a person.
There are no right words to fully describe what I experienced there over the course of the weekend but I wanted to share a few highlights. Pure love, honesty, peace, abandonment of ego, heaven, God, spirit, positive energy…these are all words that come to mind. Two intense days filled with group sharing, leadership building activities, camp fire sing along’s and “whispering angels”. I am sitting here tonight reflecting on my personal experience at this camp. I sincerely feel like I met some of the world’s most beautiful people this weekend. I was blessed to witness pure love in its most basic state. It is this pure love that exists at the very core of every human heart, no matter who we are. I was brought to tears several times throughout the weekend and I realized how simple it is to love and to be loved. The New Heights camp gave me an opportunity to truly be me, without any fear of being judged or unloved. I have discovered more deeply what true love is. True love is simply showing up for one another in the best of times and the worst of times. True love is being present to one another no matter what the cost. Please take a few minutes to check out the New Heights website and pass along the info to anyone you think might benefit from this incredible experience. http://www.campquality.com/camps/new_heights/index.html
My best friend (since 2nd grade) Roxanne had a baby girl a couple weeks ago. This is her 3rd child….Her name is Mylène Renée Tétreault. That’s right….they asked me to be the godmother!! I was so honored when she asked me (and still am). I shoked up…..What a priviledge to be this little angel’s godmother. Thank you so much. So now I have 2 nieces and a nephew….. Chloé, Cabrel and Mylène. I love them all so much….what a joy. I always love to see Rox while she’s pregnant and afterwards….she has that beautiful glow and looks so peaceful and calm. Even now with 3 children running around- how do you do it?? Congrats Rox- you are a wonderful mother and have such a beautiful family.
Las Vegas, Nevada. What an interesting place to visit for two nights. I was very taken by how much power is used to light neon flashing signs along the “strip”. I was also aw-struck by how many people are sitting at slot machines come 6:00 am. The primary purpose of my visit to the city was to see The Cirque Du Soleil show, “Love”, based around the music of The Beatles. It was an incredibly inspiring show. I think what I loved the most about the show was how perfectly it mixed the art of music, dance and acrobats all together. The Beatles are truly remarkable artists, who (in my opinion) are still one of the most creative bands we have ever seen. Every time I hear their music, I am reminded of how relevant it still is today. Their messages of love, peace and unity still stand true now. The Cirque show was like standing in front of an ever changing piece of art for two hours. I am in admiration of the work and talents that went into crafting this show. It was a blessing to be there.
I am back in Winnipeg tonight and just got back from performing at an intimate house concert with Renee. I am so greatful for all our friends and fans who have been supporting our music for so long. I love connecting with people at shows. I feel very blessed to be making music and performing it in so many different settings. Tonight, I just wanted to make mention of a couple of friends that came to the show. The call themselves, “The Macpherson Person’s”. I guess that is like my official fan club…lol. They made me this sweet card and also made Renee and I cookies with our names on them. I was so greatful for their support and just wanted to show you a picture of the card they made…cause I thought it was so awesome and sweet…thank you guys so much!
Good morning!
So, not too long ago my friend Cari from NYC calls me up and asks if I’ll be in NY on May 2? I said: ‘I could be- why?’ (wonderful flight passes). She tells me she got 3 tix to see Sarah Jessica Parker do an hour interview at the New York Times with writer Bill Carter (I think). There were only 100 people able to see this special appearance. Well if anyone knows me they know that I’m a HUGE Sex and the City fan- I’m a crazy fan- So needless to say I freaked out and told her I was there no matter what. So Keith and I cancelled a bunch of shows (no, no kidding!!)….actually it worked out perfectly cause it was right in the middle of our LA stuff and we had a few open days so we made our way back to NYC to see the one and only Sarah Jessica!
May 2 (last Friday) finally came around…..it was one of these very funny days where the traffic was insane so to get anywhere in the city would take us forever. Yeah, it would of been much smarter to take the subway rather then our car rental but Keith and I were up for a band fight over parking meters and directions and getting lost- gees, that’s the worst!!
After a full day of madness, 6:30pm rolled around and we made our way to the Times.
Keith, at the last minute, was able to join us since Cari’s friend could no longer make it. (You should of seen how excited HE was!)
So the 3 of us got to enjoy the SJP experience. She’s beautiful- very short and SO tiny….I hope that lady likes to eat. She pretty much looks exactly like she does on TV.
At the end of the interview, Bill Carter gave the opportunity for members of the audience to come up to the mic and ask a question. The line up was short so after much convincing and courage, I made my way up to the mic…..( I was shaking) I didn’t have a question for Sarah but I did have a gift (I’m such a nerd!): Our Revolution cd and my scarf shirt. When my turn came up, Bill said I was the last question so that was a sign that I should be there! I decided to thank Sarah for so many awesome years- I watched all the dvd’s on the road during our tours- she kept my nights exciting-haha
She was really happy that I brought her a gift, I was the only one.
Now, I just hopes she opens it.
Just in Jersey looking out the Hyatt Hotel window at the partial view of downtown Manhattan. I can see the Empire State Building top peeking out above the hill. It has been an interesting week. It started out in Calgary, AB where we played to another sold out audience at The Ironwood. Both Renee and I had been sick all last week so by the time we played Good Year, the audience participation was crucial. I sounded like I was going through puberty all over again…luckily the Calgary memorial choir helped us out.
From Calgary, we went to LA, where it was so hot, I could cook an egg on the front of our rental car. Is it just me or does Enterprise Rent A Car workers really push car upgrades on its clients? haha. This girl kept telling me that my little $10 hatch back would not suffice on the 101 Hollywood freeway. I kept insisting that I didn’t want to make a statement…I was happy with my little car. We set off to the Hollywood Hills in out little hatch back and had a great photo shoot with Jeff Forney. Jeff did all the shots for Revolution. He is truly an amazing artist and such a fantastic person to hang out with. Highlights that day included an American Slurpee break with Jeff (much different texture than the Canadian slurpee’s with Greg Eckler though), an amazing peanut butter and honey sandwhich accompanied by a glass of milk at The Forney’s and a fresh orange off the tree in his back yard.
The next morning we ventured across the continent to New York City for a bowl of soup in Union Square at Republik and desert at Pink Berry. I am looking forward to the next few weeks of traveling. We are very excited about a potential video shoot for “Good Year”. I will explain more when we get the details! In the meantime, I will leave you with a pic from our shoot with Jeff Forney…
