Simple as a Flower

 

I had the weekend off, and yet still managed to book a gig.

We played a show at the Luthier's Co-op (our friend Anand pictured above opened) but the in between act never showed up, so we ended up playing non-stop for nearly 3 hours. Music is what keeps me going, so why stop playing when they ask if you can do more?

The next night, Amy and I went to a songwriter showcase event that happens every month, and one (or both) of often show up to sing harmonies. This night was her turn, and I got to enjoy being in the audience with all of our friends.

On Sunday, we rolled into Shelburne Falls as the late afternoon sun was moving fast. We strolled the Bridge of Flowers path once more. A hard freeze had just taken plae, so this is likely the last few weeks before everything gets trimmed and rested for the upcoming winter. Still some lovely colors to enjoy on a sunny October day.

 

It's a Small World

Took one of my regular walks this week, which usually goes for about a mile areound some cornfields nad farm roads. Came across this little friend about mid-way through.

The harvest has been completed and the temperatures drop overnight to reveal some vibrant colors in the valley.

When the sun starts setting and the winds die down, the magic starts happening.

The sound of birds returning to their nests before dark fill the air, and colors in the sky take over for a brief show. 

It's a small town, and I don't run in to very many people, so I find peace in the quiet stillness that fills my surroundings, and tommorow, I get to do it all over again.

 

Storm Church

 The main reason we were staying in the Hudson Valley was to visit two very different art museums: one in New Windsor, and the other in Hudson. Two places 90 minutes apart, so Woodstock seemed to be the perfect middle point.

                                                                          Storm King

Massive sculptures across 500 acres required quite a bit of walking.

On the way back home, we stopped by the Frederic Church house. known as Olana.

Located on a hill overlooking the Hudson river and Catskill Mountains, the house is filled with Church's paintings, and other pieces of artwork.

But the house itself is an astonishing work of art in its own

I enjoyed taking Amy to see Woodstock as well as Olana and Storm King for the first time. The mountain and river views as well as historic art and architecture made for a wonderful combination.

Rockin' The Catskills

We spent three days in the Hudson Valley to visit Storm King Sculpture Museum in New Windsor, and Olana in Hudson. Two places that are 90 minutes apart from each other. Amy had never been to Woodstock, so I made the call and found a cool funky place called the Hotel Dylan.

I booked The Artists Suite, which was basically 2 hotel rooms with a very large bath, vaulted ceilings and a fireplace in the middle.

 Each room has a record player and a small record collecction. We found a Grateful Dead album still on the turntable, so I played it first. 

Then I found this

We met the owner on the second day, and told him we enjoyed the place (he saved an old motel from being turned into a Dollar Store, and turned it into a tribute to the music of the Woodstock area)

Wish I had more tine to spend in the Lobby! But we did get the chance to play at an open mic event in town that is well attended. 30+ people signed up to play and we were the 8th act to go on,

I sill get a little nervous at new venues, because it's an unfamilar crowd and atmosphere, but we were well recieved, and like any of these type of events, it went by very quickly

We stuck around and saw some of the acts that followed, and got a few nice compliments from the other perfoermers, so we started to settle in nicely there. Perhaps we'll return some other Monday night

 

 

Falling Into Place

 

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Summer is officially over. Amy and I played an early show on a Sunday close to home, with cold temps and rain falling most all of the day. Lots of friends and lots of music meant we had strength in numbers, and good times were had by all!

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I was playing out of State the rest of the weekend with shows in Avon (Italian Fest) and South Windsor (Oktoberfest) so we were well fed the whole time. The show on Sunday was a hot dog fest, so a chili cheese dog was certainly an option once we were done playing!

I also managed to return to the Boston area as a special guest playing the Blues with some friends I've known for ages. Always a pleasure after 40 years on various stages.