one year later

I think I may start blogging again. Writing fluidly and with honesty is like a learned language, and unless practiced, one quickly forgets. It’s been a year since i've done this. The words will come back in not too long a time, I hope. You’ll be able to recognize me, and my tone again.

So, here I am. laying in our bath tub, listening to this music, and reconsidering things. Bath tub? Yes, the one spot I find perfect wi-fi in our house. It’s actually quite tranquil, sitting, typing in this oversized tub.

I've been in Portland, Oregon, officially, for just over a year

now. I've accumulated a few more material treasures since moving cross country -- the ones of most value to me now, are the musical ones. I came with a suitcase of clothes, and a few instruments from New York (true immigrant style, might I point out). Now I have a violin, some drums, a glockenspiel I nervously played in front of 20,000 people, my electric guitar, a secret musical room of my own, and in our living room-a lovely piano in tune with the plumbing of the house. With all this, i've written about 5 songs, that I can sing for people, and that feels mighty good.

I feel more brave this year than I have in a long time. Brave because I remain true to myself. Brave because I feel like a woman now, and no longer a child. Brave because I've walked away and forgiven some difficult things; brave because I’m facing myself. Brave, because I’m not afraid to admit that I’m having the time of my life, but also going through some of the hardest days-as I look deep into my Memory Box, and heal the brokenness (props to therapy, and an amazing community of friends and family on the far east coast for that one).

Anyway, this bathtub is starting to get a bit uncomfortable, and I've listened to his song about 5 times in a row now, and it’s hard to be vulnerable for my readers at this point. It will come easier the more I write... with time, dear friends, with time. Thanks for reading. More to come.

PS: My hair is considerably longer since I last wrote. And I think I’ve earned my first wrinkle since then, too. Sweetly, and generously it’s a laugh line...

Ukrainian Doom!

Doom Metal in Ukraine? Big surprise to me.

I had heard a few rumors, but didn't believe it. What I remember of Ukraine is storks on chimneys, summer kitchens, mushroom picking, and folk songs. I knew my dad to be a secret AC/DC fan, but I never imagined we'd have our own stuff. This type of music would be considered "sataneenska" (satanic) music by my grandmother, and I always considered Satanism to be a luxury of the West! So, Yes, I am surprised AND impressed (and laughing a little).

Turns out Doom/Death Metal bands are taken pretty seriously in my motherland. I came across a little tribute video, when a Doom Metal recording studio friended me on my music page. Behold the list:

A co-ed Ukrainian band, known as Polynove Pole (The Wormwood Field) even played with fancy Swedish Doom Metal band Lake of Tears! Here's one of Polynove Pole doing an "unplugged" set. Where the hell did they get rain sticks? Come on. Really?

It's news to me... and now I have a lot of catching up to do...At least I wear black 95% of the time.

the GOOD news is Folk Metal aka Melodeath aka Viking Metal. Now this is stuff I can appreciate. here's a run down of the top ten.

enjoy!

PORTLAND BLISS

living in portland! blog on temporary hiatus on account of limited internet access and my limited interest in the internet. do that makes a sense?

like is really grand and treating me all too well.

i'm feeling really freaking blessed.