Tacos are better on Tuesdays

h i b e r n a t i o n - s t a t i o n

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:35:21 -0700

h i b e r n a t i o n - s t a t i o n

like one thousand of the most beautiful breaths you ever did...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:20:03 -0700

like one thousand of the most beautiful breaths you ever did hear

ooooooh. yes. please.

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:11:31 -0700

ooooooh. yes. please.

is it summer yet?

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:07:54 -0700

is it summer yet?

Dont look back, you’re not going that way.

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:48:51 -0700

Dont look back, you’re not going that way.

i forgot to post this, i still love you the same...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:05:28 -0700

Please note: It’s been a whole nother tour since I wrote this, but my contents are still shifted…especially after this night:

Please be careful when opening the overhead bin, as contents may have shifted…

Hey y’all, I’m currently on my way back to San Diego. We just wrapped up our 3 week tour: Denver, Santa Fe, Dallas, Austin, New Orleans, Birmingham, Nashville, Athens, Atlanta, Charlotte, Carrboro, Washington DC, New York, Philly, Boston.

What a handful that was haha… I’m always amazed at how much can happen in 3 weeks, and I always take note of the space I was in before tour, and space I am in when its over.

Right now, words cannot express my gratitude for all of you who took the time and energy to make it to our shows. I have never headlined before and had such packed sold out shows like the ones we have had this year. I’ve said it a lot from the stage, but I really mean it: When I walked away from music to take a break, 1 year quickly turned into 4…I went from uninspired to super inspired and made Cedar + Gold. It was therapeutic enough just writing and releasing that album, I needed it for the sake of my heart and soul. But to see that aside from all that, it has provided peace, love clarity for others, that is really, truly all I could ever ask for. And that you on top of that come to show! It doesn’t get much better. I remember something Chis Martin said in the Coldplay documentary: “Remember what it was like to throw parties as a kid and people showed up? Imagine that, but with a stadium full of people.”

For me…I was barely allowed to have friends over as a kid, let alone parties, so as you can imagine, I definitely freak out a little bit inside, every night, when I see all your faces.

At the end of the day, music resonates the deepest with me when I am making it because I need an outlet, a safe space to get my thoughts out… It’s easy, when it turns into a full blown career, to feel rushed, and forced. You start trying too hard to write the perfect single, hook, and melody. It’s easy to loose sight of what the music wants. I believe for all of us that choose a path in the arts, the medium (whatever it may be) knows what it wants from you. Cedar + Gold knew exactly what it wanted to be, it just needed me to tune in and do the work, and I’m just happy that I could focus enough to make it happen.

As for the road…The road is always a test for me. Its easy to get distracted, there is so much time for the mind to wander. I get glued to my phone and high on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Facebook, etc…I start reading into comments, and allowing self doubt to creep in. Plus, I’m extra hard on myself if my voice wasn’t particularly strong during a part in the show. If I am tired, and the someone says, “Yeah, you seemed a little off”. It’s easy to turn a comment into a chapter, and make it mean all sorts of wacky shit.

This tour, I left home with a lot of personal stuff up in the air. And, at times I let it get the best of me. I made up a lot of stories. Couple that with a lot of long travel days sitting in a van for 4-6hrs at a time. There is a lot of time to think, and it can get a lonely. Oh ya, don’t forget to add in mercury retrograde…and shark week.

This is where having my amazing gal pal, Anya Marina on tour with us was a heaven sent. I’ve known Anya since I started playing music, one of my first shows in San Diego was with her nearly 10 years ago. Anya and I shared a hotel room almost every night, and I cant even tell you how stupid this sounds, but to put on a face mask, make some tea, and watch the bachelor, while gabbing with one of your best girlfriends was THE BEST THING EVER.

I was also really impressed that every morning Anya would wake up early and meditate or hit the gym no matter how late we went to bed the night before. Its no wonder she is so calm, cool and collect. Usually, I am trying to get as much sleep as I can, but Anya was a great reminder that it is so important to take care of yourself, and stay connected to the source.

This seems so obvious to me, but somehow I let it slip past me. About half way through tour I had a very emotional meltdown. Some tissues, time and a pep talk later, I got my shit together. I also managed to get myself to a yoga class in NYC with Elena Brower at Viroyoga, which was HUGE -man did she blow my heart right open! It was like all the sudden I remembered everything that I had somehow forgot. That night we played one of the best shows of the whole tour, to a sold out crowd, at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC.

I probably would have gone even more crazy had I not been able to sing my heart out every night. Either way, this tour was a great lesson: There is always work to be done. And always contents in our overhead bin that could use some shifting.

I also picked up a book on my iPod, by Gabrielle Bernstein called “May Cause Miracles” - Its already proving to be a good tool to help me stay on track, positive, and focused while I’m out on the road.

I realized, I’ve been learning how to master the happy life, at home, in my little bubble. I have to remember that I have not been on tour in nearly 4 years. It’s gonna take some adjusting, and some more letting go. And surely some bumps along the way are to be expected. As I find my footing on the road, it leaves me even more grateful for your patience, your kind words of encouragement, and your support. One of my favorite things that fans say to me, is that my shows make them feel like we are all on the same page, like we could be best friends. I love when I see you guys in it together, helping and looking out for each other. It makes me so happy.

So thank you for being awesome, and inspiring me to keep being awesome.

You have my heart.

All my love,

Ps. I gotta give a shout out to my amazing band and tour manager: Steve Miller, Josh Dunahoo, and Chris Nunnari…and all their lovely family and friends that we met up with along the way.

my idea of a good time…

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

my idea of a good time…

why you gotta go make things so complicado…

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:57:30 -0700

why you gotta go make things so complicado…

I just cant get enough…

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:05:25 -0700

I just cant get enough…

FUN TIMES AT MINER WINERY :)

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:51:09 -0700

FUN TIMES AT MINER WINERY :)

My darling friend Leah shared this with me earlier, and I felt...

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:50 -0700

My darling friend Leah shared this with me earlier, and I felt so giddy after I read it, I just had to share it with you all. Especially if you have felt the wackiness lately from all the planets having a dance party in the sky. I def had a “Ahh… Exhale” moment after reading this. Enjoy. And, welcome Spring!

We find ourselves on the precipice of a new season. Here in the Northern Hemisphere we observe the Spring Equinox, the moment when the light of day and the darkness of night are equal. Today, if but for a single moment, there is perfect balance.

And there is meaning in the balance.

The Equinox is more than just a scientific fact, an observable reality; it points to the shift that we are making toward a time of new growth and new life. The outer world — the thawing soil under our feet, the budding branches of the trees, the new sounds of the new offspring mingling with the bustle of the city — is all an indication to us that we are changing, too. We are breaking open and coming to life again.

That is, we can be. It is a mindset for us to embrace, should we choose to.

And now, standing at this moment of balance, we have the opportunity to demonstrate these characteristics. We can embody this experiential ethos by asking ourselves:

Are we in balance?

Are we willing to thaw, to soften, to allow for new growth in our lives? What does that look like? How does that feel?

Will we stand in our own sovereignty on this day of balance and accept that there is a good and meaningful work for us in the coming weeks and months?

This is the opportunity offered to us on the Equinox.

Whether we are gardeners, or farmers, or city dwellers, there is a planting to be done in the spring. This is a time to take the plans you made while waiting for warmer weather — those ideas about new projects, new endeavors, new steps toward a realized dream — and begin to put them into action. It is a time to start doing.

The world is an example. It is showing you how to start. You need only open your awareness to its unfolding, and you will see how you might begin to manifest the changes of spring in your own life.

-Teo Bishop

L is for…

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:48:00 -0800

L is for…

A hybrid cookie collaboration from my gal pals Britta &...

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:32:52 -0800

A hybrid cookie collaboration from my gal pals Britta & Vallie - Errrebody love a cookie on Valentines day.

DO EPIC SHIT

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:25:00 -0800

With Valentines Day tomorrow. I cant help but think about Love. LOVE! What is it? What does it mean to you?

I have read a couple quotes lately that I just love:

Love is something that is within you, not something you fall into…

The more love you give, the more love you get…

Love is the ultimate. Of. Everything.

Its why we eat, breath, sleep, smile, frown, glow, reflect, inspire, aspire. It truly is the end all be all.

Today I am so happy. I tweeted that earlier: I love this day.

I read a comment back where someone said: I hope your today celebration is about something awesome for you…

I couldn’t help but think: Nothing special. I woke up, I didn’t sleep all that well. but I walked outside and I said its beautiful out! The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, the birds are signing, and I am alive!!!!

And then I made a cup of tea, and I ran some errands about town with my friend who I haven’t seen in awhile, and I had a photo shoot with my friends at Vuori, who are about to launch their awesome line of yoga pants, tops, recycled tees, and amazing spirit. And when everyone left, I was left to myself, and silence and I thought. Wow. Life is epic. So simple. But epic. And there really wasn’t nothing so special about it, but at the same time everything was special about it.

I am so in love with home once again. Today I was surrounded by people who dream big, want a simple, happy life. And know that, that is has nothing to do with obstacles or money, or new beginnings or stepping into something or someone you have never been. These are the people that inspire me to live my life so open and free.

Its true. I cant even begin to count the ways.

I have one friend who moved to Portland to pursue a change of scenery and graphic design, and she just landed herself at an even bigger and better firm, with amazing clients. Earlier this year, she took me camping into the woods for my first time and introduced me to the amazing group of friends she had made, over dinner at one of Portland’s best kept secret local restaurants. But at the same time, she just loves her dog, who digs up the yard, and that her darling sister, who recently moved to town, after a divorce (the best definitely hasn’t happened yet) and hell of a year, but through that started a brand new venture in being a nutritionist, has an amazing blog and some of the best recipes I have ever seen/tasted.

I have another friend, who married the love of her life, went to school for hair, and moved to Boston. (Her husbands job took them there). She found a job assisting at one of the most coveted salons in Boston. She’s the most adaptive, adventurous girl I know. Despite the recent snow storm, she is kicking major ass, and making the most of it, staying positive, with the best sense of humor even though she misses the shit out of home.

I have another friend who has taken her event planning business to soaring heights, the top of the top in San Diego. Her passion for success and her go big or go home attitude inspire me everyday. Despite many obstacles, she remains to kick life’s ass, instead of letting it kick hers.

Then there is my friend who took his t-shirt clothing line, and turned it into a dream, of expanding and creating yoga clothes designed and based on the active and care-free lifestyle of coastal San Diego. He recently quit his full time job and now calls me with surf reports in the AM, and lets me borrow his Vespa in return for free photo shoots!

And, I cant even forget my darling friend Leah, who I make my “Maybe The Best Hasn’t Happened Yet” bracelets with, who works 4 jobs, single mom, raising 2 kids, and still has the loudest, contagious laugh I know. This woman has the most giving, loving heart of anyone I know. She gives and gives and gives, and you know what, the universe miraculously always takes care of her. She is a manifesting magician this woman. She blows my mind. She is amazing.

I could go on and on, I feel like everywhere I look, I know people that just kick ass at life. From my Yoga Tropics family, to my friend Lisa at Beaming, who started the heaven sent beauty, superfood, vitality bar down the street from my house.

And some of the letters I get from fans, holy shit. You guys are rockstars. You uproot and change shit up like the best of them. I tell ya, I am inspired, non-stop everyday. Sometimes I feel like I am in the middle of a love revival its so nuts, everyone just wakes up and decides: Today is the day where I do it for me! And, Bam!! They do.

And its not because they have all the right cards in their deck or infinite amounts of money, but its because they have a passion burning inside of them, that they can not, do not, ignore. And they go after it.

I don’t know about you, but I know, I CAN FEEL IT, when I am surrounded by people who either A.) fuel my creativity and passion, or B.) Kill it completely.

I go back and forth. I am so free and all over the place, that sometimes I have moments where I fall into relationship and patterns with people who completely turn my faucet off. I don’t notice this till months down the road. I try to carry my positive ‘well’ into their territory. I try to see the best in everyone, the potential, the good stuff. But, eventually the well runs dry, and I find myself just stuck in a rut.

And then I have moments like today, where i look around, and I see all these people doing amazing shit. Making shit happen, not making excuses, not complaining about what they don’t have, but really making the most of what they do have.

I would like to dedicate this blog and this Valentines day to those people, who are KICKING LIFES ASS! WITH LOVE!

This is this kind of love I love the most. Because this love is infectious beyond belief. This is the LOVE that spreads, multiplies, divides and conquers. This Love starts from within, and flows outwards. This love inspires, reciprocates, and is unconditional.

This is the kind of love, that I have been working on.

I realize when I surround myself with love, and people who are doing epic shit, it inspires me to do epic shit, and hopefully inspires everyone I encounter to do epic shit.

So this is my message to you for Valentines Day. Do epic shit. Cause you, YES YOU! Are super amazingly capable of doing the most epic shit of all of them.

And I love that about you.

Each and everyone of you, inspire me to do epic shit, everyday.

Like a drop of water, that just keeps rippling out, and out, and out.

Make the most of what you have. Do epic shit. Don’t settle. Be awesome.

I love you.

For reals. I love the shit out of you.

Japan Day #2 Soundtrack provided by Jim James “Regions of Light and Sound of God” Currently on the...

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:10:00 -0800

Japan Day #2

Soundtrack provided by Jim James “Regions of Light and Sound of God”

Currently on the train from Osaka to Nagoya.

We landed Thursday night. We left early Wednesday morning. I have always been fascinated by time travel. Last week we did a short west coast tour, at one point, we drove from Santa Cruz to Portland in one straight shot. 12 hours and change. That’s also how long it took, flying, to get from San Fran to Osaka. That’s just crazy to me.

This is my 7th or 8th trip to Japan. I’ve always enjoyed coming here. It’s like the future. Another planet. Disneyland on acid. Animated, colorful, fast paced and highly organized. Everything compact, and cute. Precise, and advanced. At least that has always been my experience. It would be an understatement to say that I love it here.

I’m here with my guitar player/bourbon aficionado Steve Miller and percussionist/keyboard player Justin Glasco. My manager is also here, along with my most favorite promoter: Kurisawa “Chris” Shinichi from Smash. We had our first show last night and it went awesome sauce.

Getting the opportunity to play shows here never gets taken for granted. I always feel very lucky to be invited back. I am honored to have fans here that connect with my music. They sing every word. They clap in perfect time, and they smile big. They wait afterwards with handwritten notes, and gifts. They jump up and down, laughing loudly, hugging tightly, giddy, like kids. It is these moments with the fans that I am most grateful for.

I have so much respect for this country, and the people of Japan. They are of the most kindest, strongest, most loving people on the planet. Most of the time I am speechless. In awe. I want to sit back, and with a deep breath take it all in.

One of these days, I will learn Japanese. I always think how cool that would be, to be here and be able to communicate on my own, without a translator. That would be bad ass. But for now I will just say, “Arigato Gozaimas…So much!!!”

Yatta!!

Last night was such a dream. Thank you again San Diego, for...

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:01:00 -0800

Last night was such a dream. Thank you again San Diego, for giving me a place to call home, and sing my heart out <3 Photo by: Tyler Huff

pretty obsessed with this song. yep. happy sunday to you, my...

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:50:46 -0800

pretty obsessed with this song. yep. happy sunday to you, my pretties!

Photo

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:49:56 -0800

perfect

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:48:43 -0800

perfect

"Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes..."

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:47:01 -0800

“Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.”

- Robert Tew (via sorakeem)