Notes of the Times...
So, it is now January of 2024, and no doubt, it will be another crazy, difficult, emotional, fun, amazing year. How does time pass so quickly?
It's been over 5 years since my daughter and I moved to my home state of Oregon from Tennessee. Very long story short... we needed a fresh start, new memories, and new adventures before she graduated high school and was out on her own. We also wanted to be closer to family while they're still around. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through in my adult life, and that's saying a lot. No wonder not many people do it! But we are safe and sound on the west coast, snuggled in between the sea and the trees, and we love it. We love the town, the water, the people, the food, the activities, the nature, the weather, the mindset (of most), the color of the state... almost everything here. It's just been really hard being apart from our family/friends and the life we built over 17 years in TN. The feeling of loss and missing folks never seems to subside. It's a strange thing, being this happy and this sad at the same time.
My daughter, Kaydance (Boo), is now 20 and recently finished her freshman year of college.. in Hawaii! I am so proud of her for going after her dream college!
She is studying Marine Biology/Science. I had the pleasure and honor of moving her there, but as of this past June, she is back on the coast with me and will be figuring her next steps locally for a while, hoping to finish her degree back in Hawaii one day. She is working as many hours as she can, following her heart, and even singing harmony for me at some of my gigs! She is still the light of my life, the reason for everything I do... my heart.
I couldn't be happier for her being back near me again and for whatever her future holds. ♥
As for me? I am adapting to life with Boo (and her cat) being back home, working a great new job, spending time with good friends, dating a wonderful man, playing quite a few gigs, drinking plenty of wine, traveling when it's possible, and trying to fit everything else in when I can. It is now the thick of winter here on the coast,
so I continue to look forward to lots of rainy, foggy days, more darkness, cozy nights, movies and Netflix, storms and king tides, fresh veggies and soups to cook, holidays, continued music gigs, friends and family visiting from near and far away, and hopefully, slowing down a bit (ha!).
I am heavily involved in Newport Oregon Pride, so that takes a lot of time throughout the year also.
I am also slowly starting my own kayaking business, called Rainboats! I have so much ready and done, but still need a few things to get going full-time,
hopefully in the next few seasons. I appreciate all the support so far. If you're interested in any aspect of that (kayaking with me, partnerships, investments, etc.), please let me know and check out that website at www.rainboats.net.
I am still writing songs once in a while and have played quite a few gigs in the past year- about one a month- and will book more as they come and are a good fit.
I have a fantastic bass player named Don Nelson and we are having a great time playing together for the past 2 years. I'm so grateful for him. Also, I just recently got my wish granted- to find a guitar and cajon player! Sport Thompson is now on lead/electric guitar and Rian Martinsen is on cajon/percussion. I couldn't be more excited to have them join the band! Check out the Upcoming Shows tab above to find where we're playing next. I sure hope to see y'all at any upcoming gigs;
your support and friendly faces really make it worth playing out! Please let me know if you'd like to book a gig or a house concert with me. :)
♪♪ It is still a curse and a blessing, this songwriting thing~ but it continues to help with the therapy bills!
Give me a shout if you're ever over this way in the PNW. We'd love to have you visit. The coast is calling...
All my love, friendship, weirdness, and support in return,
Cheers~ xoxo
Kathy Marie :)
So, it is now January of 2024, and no doubt, it will be another crazy, difficult, emotional, fun, amazing year. How does time pass so quickly?
It's been over 5 years since my daughter and I moved to my home state of Oregon from Tennessee. Very long story short... we needed a fresh start, new memories, and new adventures before she graduated high school and was out on her own. We also wanted to be closer to family while they're still around. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through in my adult life, and that's saying a lot. No wonder not many people do it! But we are safe and sound on the west coast, snuggled in between the sea and the trees, and we love it. We love the town, the water, the people, the food, the activities, the nature, the weather, the mindset (of most), the color of the state... almost everything here. It's just been really hard being apart from our family/friends and the life we built over 17 years in TN. The feeling of loss and missing folks never seems to subside. It's a strange thing, being this happy and this sad at the same time.
My daughter, Kaydance (Boo), is now 20 and recently finished her freshman year of college.. in Hawaii! I am so proud of her for going after her dream college!
She is studying Marine Biology/Science. I had the pleasure and honor of moving her there, but as of this past June, she is back on the coast with me and will be figuring her next steps locally for a while, hoping to finish her degree back in Hawaii one day. She is working as many hours as she can, following her heart, and even singing harmony for me at some of my gigs! She is still the light of my life, the reason for everything I do... my heart.
I couldn't be happier for her being back near me again and for whatever her future holds. ♥
As for me? I am adapting to life with Boo (and her cat) being back home, working a great new job, spending time with good friends, dating a wonderful man, playing quite a few gigs, drinking plenty of wine, traveling when it's possible, and trying to fit everything else in when I can. It is now the thick of winter here on the coast,
so I continue to look forward to lots of rainy, foggy days, more darkness, cozy nights, movies and Netflix, storms and king tides, fresh veggies and soups to cook, holidays, continued music gigs, friends and family visiting from near and far away, and hopefully, slowing down a bit (ha!).
I am heavily involved in Newport Oregon Pride, so that takes a lot of time throughout the year also.
I am also slowly starting my own kayaking business, called Rainboats! I have so much ready and done, but still need a few things to get going full-time,
hopefully in the next few seasons. I appreciate all the support so far. If you're interested in any aspect of that (kayaking with me, partnerships, investments, etc.), please let me know and check out that website at www.rainboats.net.
I am still writing songs once in a while and have played quite a few gigs in the past year- about one a month- and will book more as they come and are a good fit.
I have a fantastic bass player named Don Nelson and we are having a great time playing together for the past 2 years. I'm so grateful for him. Also, I just recently got my wish granted- to find a guitar and cajon player! Sport Thompson is now on lead/electric guitar and Rian Martinsen is on cajon/percussion. I couldn't be more excited to have them join the band! Check out the Upcoming Shows tab above to find where we're playing next. I sure hope to see y'all at any upcoming gigs;
your support and friendly faces really make it worth playing out! Please let me know if you'd like to book a gig or a house concert with me. :)
♪♪ It is still a curse and a blessing, this songwriting thing~ but it continues to help with the therapy bills!
Give me a shout if you're ever over this way in the PNW. We'd love to have you visit. The coast is calling...
All my love, friendship, weirdness, and support in return,
Cheers~ xoxo
Kathy Marie :)