- The “50 for 50” tour project continues this fall: BC, Utah, maybe even Colorado :)
- Non-stop life learning and the gifts of the Camino
Friends,
I hope the spring and summer months (winter for you in the Southern Hemisphere) found you among friends and loved ones, spending time doing the things that bring light to your days and joy to your hearts.
After my Camino adventure in May (more on that below), I spent time in the UK playing a bunch of shows, collaborating with others and connecting with dear friends. So many good folks over there, beautiful countryside, seaside… One afternoon I laid down on the beach all bundled up on a blustery day, to just have a wee snooze in the fresh air… Woke up 3 hours later. ha!
I hit the ground running once I got back to Canada — flew to a festival 2 days after getting home, and the schedule kinda continued like that. The best part? I got to share music with incredible communities, and it filled my heart. The hard part? I am now exhausted. It's been a very full and busy year overall and while I have loved it and am grateful that this 50 for 50 project has been so well received, I now need to comb through all the experiences, thoughts and ideas from the past 9 months and let it all simmer down into something beautiful. And my body needs a break. So while I have some tours and shows coming up this fall, I'll be carving out time for rest, creativity, writing, recording and more rest.
The “50 for 50” Tour Continues…
Some beautiful one-of-a-kind shows coming up, as well as some workshops and camps. Things kick off next weekend (already! wowza!) in BC. Joining me for a bunch of dates are my dear friends The Doggone Brothers. It's gonna be grrrreeeeat! As the fall progresses I'll be test-running new songs… ooooooohhhhh!!! :) *If you're interested in hosting a house concert or workshop or both, please reach out!
LANGLEY, BC
Thursday, September 19
BEZ Arts Hub
Performance and Stagecraft Workshop
**Before the Open Mic**
https://www.bezartshub.com/
LANGLEY, BC
Friday September 20
BEZ Arts Hub
Concert & Harmony Workshop (*pre concert)
With Special Guests The Doggone Brothers & Russ Rosen
https://www.bezartshub.com/
AGASSIZ/HARRISON HOT SPRINGS, BC
Saturday September 21
Harrison Festival Presents at The Agassiz Agricultural Hall
Concert & Harmony Workshop (*pre concert)
With Special Guests The Doggone Brothers & Andy Hillhouse
https://harrisonfestival.com/
BOWEN ISLAND, BC
Sunday September 22
Tir-na-nOg Theatre
With Special Guests The Doggone Brothers
https://caraluft.com/event/
ROSSLAND, BC
Thursday September 26
Alpine Grind
** SOLD OUT ** With Special Guests The Doggone Brothers
ROSSLAND, BC
Friday September 27 — Sunday September 29
Rossland Acoustic Music Camp
https://ramcamp.wordpress.com/
NORTH SAANICH, BC
Saturday October 12
Grant & MacLeod House Concert Series
mike@acousticguitar.net
MOAB, UT
Saturday October 26 — Friday November 1
Moab Folk Camp
https://www.moabfolkcamp.com/
MOAB, UT
Saturday November 2
Moab Folk Festival
https://www.moabfolkfestival.
Life Learning and the Gifts of the Camino
My experience on the Camino covered the gamut of emotions and physical sensations: joy, pain, grief, wonder, gratitude, frustration, awe, acceptance…. Similar to living life, eh? :) There were myriad reasons why I chose to walk, a lot around life upheaval and changes, and wanting to honour and process these changes. And while the walk wasn't quite what I had envisioned it to be, it was exactly what I needed it to be. Again, very similar to life! We plan for things to go one way and rarely do they ever stay true to the original vision. I practiced being in the present moment, going with the flow, being open to change as needed.
One thing I was practicing each day was listening to my intuition, and honouring it. I've very intuitive, but I don't always trust myself. I don't always believe that I know what is best for me (which is a weird thing to be working through at age 50 but there you have it). Walking the Camino, most of it in solitude, was a gift of time where I worked at deepening trust within myself. Listening. Honouring. The most important relationship we have in our lifetime is the relationship with ourselves. It can be difficult and uncomfortable coming “home” to ourselves. I'm still on that journey.
One other gift of the Camino was a simpler routine, and finding joy in that simplicity. I loved being off social media and emails, being in nature, moving my body, feeling it get stronger every day. I loved my daily rituals, of looking for the yellow arrow to lead the way. Now the work is in finding the balance between the desire for simplicity and the realities of existing in our busy mainstream world.
Before I sign off, I want to thank you all for being part of my life, whether it's as a personal friend or as a music supporter, or both :) And to thank those of you who take the time to write and reach out. I'm not very good at replying, and it's something I struggle with. The ADHD diagnosis has been very eye opening especially when it comes to tasks (like writing emails or cleaning the house!). Anyways, all this to say, please continue to reach out and know that I am grateful!
Love and peace to you --
Cara