http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/ RSS feed of KimMcMechan.com / Diary en-us sBLOG 0.7.1 Beta (Build 20051202) Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:39:16 GMT Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:39:16 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=171 Literary Mama called The Passion Project. The winner of the contest receives free coaching, consultation and editing for a book manuscript and there will be more contests like these to come.

If you're a writer, spread the word on this amazing site!

CHECK IT OUT! ]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:39:16 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=171#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=171 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=168
I love how the summer routine takes on its own new rituals: I wake at five am to open the doors and turn on the fans. The absence of an air conditioner makes this a necessary practice. I make tea and sip it on the front steps while I watch the sky lighten and my small flower garden blow in the breeze. All the daisies wilted in the heat and have been clipped back. The red poppies that bloomed so wildly in July are done. What’s left is mostly yellows—brown-eyed Susans and Tiger Lilies and other flowers I don’t have names for—tall, lanky stalks of pale yellow—and others with dark brown and red centres.

After that I go to my desk at the window and write for awhile before morning kicks into full swing. Afternoons force us down to the water—by this time of the summer I’ve become a bit tired of, or at least accustomed to, beach days. We go not necessarily seeking pleasure, but simply to escape the stifling heat in the house, and this is nice too—being able to wade into clear, cool water even if it has become just a practicality. Maybe it’s because long beach days with kids are often disappointing—someone always gets sand in their food, water splashed in their eye. I often forget the beach toys or a floaty tube or SOMETHING, and someone ends up in tears. Walking down to the beach to cool off before returning home for dinner is far simpler, and with much lower expectations comes more enjoyment somehow. These quick beach stops have become the best part of the day.

Then the other ritual: the killing of mosquitoes before bed, after we’ve closed all the doors for night. The bugs are worse than usual this year and my walls sport little grey splatters of dead mosquito matter which I will get around to cleaning eventually.

There are so many good things coming. Brand new song downloads soon to be up on CD Baby, a brand new record in the works, a small fall tour.

]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:21:47 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=168#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=168 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=166

When my first daughter was born, I decided to take the whole year off. I had spent the first few months of her life resisting my new reality: that I now had very little extended time with which to be creative, that what little time I did have was frequently interrupted, and that I didn’t seem to have much of an appetite or the attention span for anything more than reading.

I remember how radical this decision felt: You’re going to what? In our fast-paced product-valued society, it felt almost self-destructive to give a year to not accomplishing. But there was a very clear call inside me to take a year of rest—of focusing on just this new life in front of me and taking good care of myself—and as I said yes to it, I felt my whole body relax into the possibilities of cherishing each moment without the pressure to create anything or work on ideas. The year was, looking back, the best year of my life. I didn’t try. I just lived. (Ironically, after several months of this, I hit my most creative stride EVER, which lasted a few years. Coincidence? I think not.)

During this time, someone gave me a Bjork CD and I fell in love with her song “Undo”.

It's not meant to be a strife
It's not meant to be a struggle uphill
You're trying too hard
Surrender
Give yourself in
You're trying too hard

It's warmer now
Lean into it
Unfold
Unfold in a generous way
Surrender

Undo
Undo
If you're bleeding
Undo
And if you're sweating
Undo
If you're crying, darling
Undo

I danced Iryn around the living room to it, and it helped solidify a new perspective that was taking shape inside me: maybe there was a more effortless place from which I could live and still give birth to my own life; that I could live a bit more openly, more intuitively, and trust the rhythms and intuitions to take me where I needed to go.

This past June, I felt another one of these inner calls for rest and “undoing”. Half-way through July now, I see how much I’d been spinning my wheels all spring. I’ve been sitting on the deck in the evenings watching the colour drain from the sky, reading novels, getting up early just to sit and breathe, sleeping a lot. (Actually, I’ve been doing that for awhile—in May, Ella brought home the Mother’s Day card she made for me at pre-school. It was one of those cards where the kids fill in the blanks: “My mommy has GREEN eyes. My mommy has BLACK hair. My mommy likes to REST .

So I have been resting. And all those papers that are all over my desk of things I should be working on, all the good ideas I keep thinking I should get around to pursuing, they will have to wait. I feel myself filling up, warm liquid pouring into the places that, I realize now, had been feeling very desolate.

I love what my friends Jen Lemen and Andrea Scher are doing over here at Mondo Beyondo.

Dream Lab! What a great concept for a class! They’re all taking the summer off to rest and dream, to let go and see what comes up.

It’s so hard to put on the breaks, and I resist, quite violently sometimes. I’m always shocked to find, after a few days, that I haven’t fallen off the edge of the world, that, in fact, a whole new world starts opening up to me when I take an extended time to call off all the so-called important things I thought I needed to be doing but that were feeling perhaps a bit too heavy to carry. It turns out I don’t do better work when I am trying to carry and balance it all, but that I actually do better work when I operate from a more empty, flat place. Is everyone like this or just me?

Happy summer, everyone. May rest find you for long hours and days no matter what you are doing.
]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:25:23 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=166#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=166 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=165

Ella to her friend: Do you know why they call this stuff Kraft Dinner?

Friend: No, why?

Ella: Because you can eat it for dinner or you can make a craft out of it.]]> Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:00:42 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=165#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=165 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=162

I am delighted and honored to be the guest blogger over at the WishStudio Blog today. (You might have to scroll down to find the post.) Thanks so much to Mindy Tsonas for inviting me! I love her little creative space over there and could spend hours (if I had it) reading all the posts by the great writers and artists she has taking part. ]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:03:48 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=162#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=162 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=161 HERE'S A NEW LITTLE TUNE called "Blackbird Sitting on the Line". This was filmed live in May at the Streaming Cafe with my band The Floorbyrds]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:01:26 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=161#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=161 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=160 The Floorbyrds in a live internet broadcast at the Streaming Cafe on Saturday, June 19th.

It's easy:
Just make an account (really quick and easy) and then tune in at 7pm EST on the 19th. Kim will be performing 3 brand new songs.

~Mgmt.]]> Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:39:16 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=160#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=160 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=159 Because it HAS.
The sun peeks out for a brief while, only to be covered in dark almost purple storm clouds. I sit inside with tea and listen to the windchimes. Days like this, I miss my old screened in porch. I plan to get me another one someday soon.
If I really want to be outside, I can go sit on the front steps with the bit of roof hanging over. The rain sprays a little off the sidewalk, but it's June and it's warm, so I don't mind. Black birds and orange-streaked woodpeckers pick at the grass.

If it's just spitting, or if the sun is out, which happens in the evening every now and then, I ride my bike along the water and usually see something wonderful--the Blue Heron crouching in the marshes or the beaver swimming up the creek under the bridge or a racoon eating on the shore or a long line (is it a gaggle?) of baby geese.

With all this rain, my garden is exploding and looks like a wild and crazy jungle. I have more red poppies than I could have imagined and the peas are climbing up the chicken wire almost so fast I might be able to watch them if I sit still long enough.

But I've been busy. And I'm sorry I have been out of touch....
I've been occupied with so many good things. Shows and band practices for upcoming shows and the Lilith thing and the long, arduous process of applying for a grant for this next album. Songs are slipping out of me easily these days and I am writing a lot too. I have found a few teachers that are helping me through a rough patch and words are coming a little more easily lately.

I am excited about a small fall tour in the works with 5 other members of the Lilith Talent Search Top 10, including Aspen Switzer and Genevieve Rainey, two lovely ladies I can't wait to meet and hit the road with. If you're a BC-er, keep your eyes peeled for tour dates.

~
]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:19:58 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=159#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=159 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=158 www.WISHSTUDIO.com and you can go directly to it by clicking HERE. Please do leave a comment for me there, as I don't get to hear from you much here (pesky spammers...)
Many thanks to Mindy Tsonas for inviting me into her lovely creative world and all those who have contacted me via the post!

Today is Saturday and the sun is shining and I made carrot-pineapple muffins and am still floating from finding my new MOST FAVORITE BOOK in the world, which inspired the muffins and so much more. Now we're off to see the newborn ducklings and the turtle at the Japanese Gardens and then to a puppet-show and later maybe a nap because I was up too late reading. Sigh.]]> Sat, 15 May 2010 16:55:49 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=158#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=158 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=157
I keep seeing the Blue Heron. He seems to be everywhere—on the rooftop a few houses down one morning, then sailing above Bernard Avenue as I walked downtown. A few evenings ago, while the sun was going down, I watched him for a long time down on the sand where the creek pours into the lake.

This is what it's like around here these days:

I am applying for a grant to make another record, which a hero of mine, Colin Linden, has agreed to produce.

I am plunking away a little every day on my borrowed banjo.

I am reading Sharon Olds poetry and a lovely book of modern Sonnets called "Jailbreaks".

I am trying to figure out what to do with this cat that has recently plunked itself in my house and doesn't want to leave (purring this very moment on my bed beside me as I type).

I have jars of lilacs all over the house.

I am getting up early in the mornings because I'm so glad for all this light.

I am thinking of what kind of cake to make for my daughter's 8th birthday, and trying not to weep at the swift passing of time.

I am taking pictures of puddles in the back alley.

I am WORSHIPING the new trampoline.

I am getting really really quiet at least once a day.

I am remembering that everything, even the hard things, are a privilege.
]]> Tue, 04 May 2010 04:18:16 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=157#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=157 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=155

Freak hailstorm today.

All morning I drank tea continuously and kept cartoons on for Ella for way too long so I could read Mary Karr. (It is one of those books where I start scribbling down the really lovely lines but then it starts to get ridiculous and I realize that if I were to write down every nice line, I'd be copying down the whole book, so I just sigh and go on reading, hold the book up to my chest every now and then as if it could soak into me.)

I picked two white and two purple hyacinths. They are in a vase on the windowsill.

I took a photograph of the cat in a rectangle of sunlight on the floor and then accidentally deleted it.

I will be singing with my friend Dean this Saturday night at the Kelowna Folk Club, and doing a solo show here - on their lovely grand piano - on Friday April 23nd.

Despite the hail, there is Wysteria blooming on various sides of the yard and I feel as if I might burst forth into song like they do in those old black and white movies because I made it through the winter in one piece. ]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:54:48 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=155#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=155 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=154
1. Waking early this morning to a quiet house.
2. Little rainbows floating across the white walls of my kitchen from the suncatcher in my window.
3. A big Bluejay that swoops down at the birdfeeder every once in awhile.
4. The banjo my Aunt Miriam lent me.
5. Little sprouts coming up in the flowerbeds.
6. A bike ride downtown later, after breakfast.
7. My big, blue pottery mug from Cortez Island
8. The Vintage Brownie Camera I found for $10 on eBay
9. The faint smell of woodsmoke.
10. Stripes of sunlight on the floor.
11. Time today to get lost in a really good book.
12. My daughter's paper kite on the railing, blowing in the breeze.
13. The dishwasher repair guy coming on Wednesday.
14. A pot of tulips on my windowsill ready to bloom any day now.

~]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:57:19 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=154#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=154 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=152
So drum roll please as I unveil the final love tips....

Idea #58
Plan a midnight picnic inside or outside your home. Choose an unusual location: in your car, trailer or in front of the fireplace. If you choose to go outside, put a blanket on the ground and put lighted red tea candles around you both in the shape of a heart. Enjoy!

Er, yeah. First of all, I'd be way too TIRED for a midnight picnic. Second of all, my hair would probably catch fire from all those tea liights.

You know what this reminds me of? Remember those Bridal Magazines that girls liked to look through in high school? My cousin Mel and I used to make up ridiculous names like Fiona Geutenchnafel and Grindalin Beringawanger and fill out those 'free sample' cards inside the Bridal Magazines and send them to each other.

There was always this ad for honeymoon destinations, and one in particular for the Pocanos where there was a couple sipping wine in a red heart-shaped hot tub. There was another picture of a hot tub shaped like a champagne flute.

I know the lady who wrote this book would enjoy both of those things.

I'd like to close with what I think is just about the cheesiest idea in the book... it sounds like my Grampa made it up.

Idea #101
Cut out a large set of red lips from construction paper and put in an appropriate place for your mate to find. Attach a note: "if your lips aren't busy tonight...why not bring them on over to my face?

C says, "That one's not even funny. It just makes me angry."

Construction paper lips indeed.

]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:52:20 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=152#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=152 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=151
Idea #93
Had a few disagreements? Some heated discussions? Wrap up a bag of Werthers butterscotch candies. Attach a note: "Werther we agree or disagree...I'm still in love with you and am committed to you."

Yup. Definitely grounds for divorce, that one. ]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:30:51 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=151#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=151 http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=149
Idea #71
Cut up little pieces of red or yellow yarn and leave them on a trail throughout the house. Attach a note to the first one: "Follow this string and you will find a beautiful thing!"
]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:59:37 GMT http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/comments.php?id=149#comments http://www.kimmcmechan.com/sblog/blog.php?id=149