Sometimes people are just the best.

I love websites that have big long lists of venues and other performers. They're such valuable resources to someone like me, so here's one that's a 'must visit' - http://www.acousticmusic.com/frames/. If this is something that you can use, enjoy!

Traveling is the best.

Traveling is the best way to make new friends. I truly believe this. Yesterday, on my flight back from Connecticut to Green Bay I ended up sitting next to the nicest man. There are times when I definitely don't feel the need to talk to anyone. I open my book, put on the headphones, and tune out the world. I enjoy those flights, but my favorite flights are when I talk to people the majority of the trip.

Yesterday I ended up meeting a very interesting, well-traveled engineer. He's been all over the world for his job, including some of the places that I've been so we had some similar experiences to share. He has children my age so some of the travel time was spent receiving useful parental advice, and the rest of the time was spent discussing current events, music, and pastimes. I had a great time and before I even introduced myself we were saying 'good-bye' at the baggage claim.

Now, I know that I have a bit of a reputation for being a 'chatty Kathy,' but how can you not be when it's so interesting to talk to people? So there you have it. I highly recommend chatting it up on a plane the next time you're traveling, you just may meet someone cool. And if they're not cool, tell them you're on a plane home after being in a correctional facility for the past 10 years. That may or may not send the hint, but it's worth a try just to see the expression on his or her face.

At Crystal Coffee in Green Bay

At Crystal Coffee in Green Bay
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

I can't figure out how to post one entry with two photos, so I had to do two separate entries. Sorry. I played at Crystal Coffee House in Green Bay, and had a great time. It's a cute place and a lot of friends came. If you're ever in Green Bay you should definitely check this place out!

On the big screen at Cup O' Joy in Green Bay

On the big screen at Cup O Joy in Green Bay
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

Playing in Green Bay is always so fun because a lot of people come and say nice things! Cup O' Joy has a video camera, and my mom snapped this photo at a close-up photo opportunity.

Seeing old friends!

Packing up to get home.
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

As you can see, packing up my car and heading halfway across the country was no small task. It has, however, been fun. Playing shows in my hometown of Green Bay is always the best because I get to see people that I have missed (Mary and Laura are back from Europe!) and meet more cool people through friends. I always enjoy hanging out with my family, and I have been getting a lot of work done.

Starting my new business is going well, and I'm thinking about becoming a teacher as well - of voice and piano of course. So all of the important things in my life include music in some form! You can check out my new songwriting website at: www.foreveryoursong.com. Not gonna lie, it is very pretty. For my other passion, please check out www.simplysmiles.org. This is how I spend all of my free time.

A successful tour.

Skylar
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

Well, it is not truly a tour because I have been traveling in a Toyota Corolla rather than a fancy tour bus, but I have been enjoying my trip through New England nonetheless. I am meeting new people, seeing old friends, and getting to know a new area. I will be back in the Midwest soon, and I am looking forward to the arrival of spring. You can see from this picture that I have acquired a back-up dancer for my Connecticut performances only. She has not yet agreed to tour with me, but we are working on the contract. Meet Skylar, the newest and only addition to - Kristen and the Gang.- What a doll!

I have not had too much free time lately because I am starting another new business. This one includes songwriting and singing, so I still get to do what I love. I will be writing individually unique songs for people for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Hopefully this business will be able to cover my rent and health insurance, while still giving me the freedom to play in my favorite coffee shops!

Hanging out in Connecticut.

Last weekend was so much fun! I played a few shows in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and then a showcase in Philadelphia. After a great couple of days, and meeting a bunch of cool new people, I drove through New York City (I was very proud of myself for succeeding in that) to get to Connecticut. I'm hanging out here for a show on Saturday, and I'll be here for Easter as well. I'll post some pictures from the shows soon.
Take care,
kristen

Travels: past, present, and future.

flor
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

I do not have too much to update you all on, except for my past weekend out in Minneapolis and St. Paul. I had a great time visiting friends from school, including my roommate for three years of college, so it turned the weekend into a bit of a reunion. I am now looking ahead and am excited about traveling out east. I will be playing in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York. I have not been there since I was about two, so I am happy that I will actually be able to remember this trip.

As I had mentioned before, I will be posting photos from my past travels. Here is a picture of my friend Flor. Flor lives in Oaxaca, Mexico at the orphanage, or group home that I have been going to for the past few years. When Flor came she had pneumonia, a severely infected cleft pallet, and suffered from grave malnutrition. As a one-year-old she weighed a slight 9 pounds. After three years living with the caretakers at Casa Hogar, Flor is a happy and precious little girl.

My new friend in the Dominican Republic

My new friend in the Dominican Republic
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

Warm sun-shiny days...
I am back in action, playing as many shows as I can, and having a blast! I am not going to lie though, the past few months of warm travel were a little slice of heaven for this starving artist. I was in Mexico for a few months, and recently got back from a trip to the Dominican Republic. I will be updating this journal weekly, so to get things started I wanted to show a few pictures from exotic places. Enjoy!

Kristen

Beginning

Here it is! My new webjournal, or blog. I never had any inkling of an idea that I would need something like this, but it turns out that I do! I will be using this to post my travels, gigs, cool photos, etc., and it will be much more convenient for all of you than a million mass e-mails. I look forward to seeing how this works.
Enjoy,
kristen