The 5th of July
It's the 5th of July... last night I watched a spectacular light show from the heart of the city. High above the streets of Seattle, perched on a balcony, I felt the explosions from the fireworks punch me in the chest, a jolt of adrenalin, then brilliant pyrotechnics, flowering colors, cascading lights dripping down through clouds of gunsmoke. It feels so fine to be in love...
feels so good to make new friends, extending myself, reaching out and in, doing the work, as I learn to let love in my life again, as I learn to trust once more, shedding the shrouding pain of heartbreak and loss. I feel brand-new.... It is amazing how the heart can truly heal...after the terrible punch in the chest comes the flowering explosions of Love.
It's been my honor to have played three Womens' Festivals, each different, each completely unique, but linked by the ongoing stream of culture made by and for women. The Tri-State Festival was in Kentucky on a hilltop ranch populated by women and other exotic animals, including a peacock perched atop a roof peak, which vocally kept me company and made me laugh throughout my set...There were horses and llamas, a baby camel, dogs and ducks and zebras, and lesbians too!
Then I drove to Muncie, Indiana for the National Women's Festival (see photos above). Holly and I (and Janet) did our show together which continues to be so much fun to do. After the show, after the signing of the CDs in the lobby, Holly and I drove through the night back to Indianapolis anticipating the next days' early flights...rolling down the dark highway, we spoke of so many things...the past, the present and the future. We've both been at this for a very long time...there are places worn thin in both of us, but still the undeniable love for what we do remains, thankfully.
The 13th Alaska Women's Festival was outside of Fairbanks near the literal end of the road. Fires burning outside the city rendered the atmosphere smoky, but all was clear and bright at the festive event beyond the city limits. It felt so refreshing to be there, and I recalled the look in my Dad's eyes after he had returned that last time from Alaska. I could tell he'd finally seen enough wilderness. It's still there, Dad...miles upon miles of untrodden landscape, rivers still teeming with fish, tales of bear and moose in the everyday life...I saw two foxes, red tails plumed out behind them, glancing over their shoulders as they ducked in the brush...so much to see there, so many women who truly appreciate the wilderness they have found. They waited for me, and while the rain poured down upon them during my set, they stayed, they listened, they were glad to have me there. At the end, I brought up my friend, Marty, who is Yupik, and together we did "Lullabye," she, dancing with her fans in the gentlest, most beautiful dance you ever did see. Many tears on many faces, coming down like rain. At the end of the day, the light still as bright as noon, I sat in the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs, along with many people from Russia and Japan, taking the waters as people have done forever. Bless the water which makes this Blue Planet so special...sometimes it takes a rainy day...
Until next time, from my heart to yours, I send loving thoughts and much thanks for those you have sent my way. Oh, and as for the new CD, the graphics are nearly finished, the CD itself is ready to be manufactured, and I am aiming, with the help of so many, for a release at the Michigan Womyn's Festival in August. With love from here...Cris