Settling in.

Well, yesterday's blog was way too long, so I'll keep today short and sweet. Now that I'm living in this cottage my office is less than a mile away. It's a gorgeous walk, especially in this fall weather. Yesterday, I paused when I got to the public beach and took this picture. This is such an incredible place to live, and we are very lucky to be here. Tonight I'm playing a set at a Coffee House held monthly at the Bethlehem Congregational Church. It's a great evening with food, wine, and tea. Not much more to ask for. I'll post some pictures tomorrow when I have them, but for today I'll just leave you with the beach. Have a great day.

Great story.

Ok, so I told you that I have moved to a cottage near the beach. Well, I love the water, so this place is perfect for me. (That, and the fact that I now only have a 1-mile commute to my office – sorry, Bryan.) The other night I was bugging Bryan to come and play catch with me on the beach – I still have an old softball that was signed by my entire 6th grade team as well as the glove that I used in middle school, and Bryan has a glove that my dad gave him – so we were all set. Anyway, after a little convincing, Bryan agreed to come and play for no longer than 10 minutes.

We crossed the street and started walking along the sidewalk that would lead us to the beach with about 15 minutes of good daylight left on a gorgeous night. As we were hopping off of the sidewalk to get to the beach this attractive, very Southport-looking, blond woman came frantically running up to us with her little pug dog named Chester. (I won’t tell you her name simply due to privacy, but she was very friendly.)

Anyway, she came up to us asking, (yelling, really) “I lost my keys, could you please watch my dog? I was out on the jetty and I fell, and I lost my keys, could you just watch him for a minute I just need to go and look where I fell…” I’m sure she said more things but Bryan and I tried to settle her down, he watched the dog, and I helped her look out on the jetty. Basically, we were just looking down big cracks between huge boulders, and it was getting darker fast. We looked all around the jetty (as she repeatedly yelled at herself and kept reminding Chester that his mother was “an IDIOT,” the tide was really low, so we even walked down to the dirt ground and searched around. Bryan got the dog out on the jetty (which made him a little nervous, Chester, not Bryan) and started helping us look. The dog was barking, two little kids and their babysitter showed up and started helping, - it was an all-out search.

Long story short, we looked for at least 45 minutes and couldn’t see anything. It was pitch black and we finally had to admit defeat. As we had been searching we received more information from the woman. She had just moved to Southport from Manhattan, hadn’t owned a car in years, so she had gone that day to buy a car. She had picked it up a few hours earlier, and thought it would be nice to bring the dog to the beach, so she put all of the dealer keys and keyless entries in her pocket and took Chester for a walk. As they were walking he needed to relieve himself, so she was carrying his waste (which she kept referring to as doo-doo – it was KILLING me!), the keys, his leash, and her glasses. As they walked back on to the jetty, she slipped on one of the boulders. She fell in a crack on the right side, and he fell in a different crack on the left side. (This was the area we were looking in almost exclusively.)

At this point in the evening, we invited this woman to walk back with us to our house so she could use our phone, or so that we could give her a ride to her home. She was nervous about leaving her brand new car alone at the beach because it had her phone and her purse in it (with her ID, credit cards, etc.) so she walked back one more time to make sure it was really locked and there was no way in. We started to follow her and decided that rather than walking across the parking lot we would just cut across the beach. About halfway to her car Bryan looked down, and there were the keys! It was unbelievable. There was hugging, yelling, good karma wished upon us (100,000 pounds to be exact), and introductions made. We hadn’t even introduced ourselves until we had spent an hour with this woman and Chester. But we’ll never forget her, and I don’t think she’ll forget us either.

So, I didn’t get to play catch on the beach, but we had fun anyway, and made a new friend. Plus, with how well things have been going for Bryan and I (the new cottage, I have a bunch of shows, he’s been speaking a lot for Simply Smiles) if anyone needs any good karma I think we’ve had more than our fair share, and would be glad to pass some along. Have a great day.

Moving Sucks! (But it's totally worth it)

Well, Bryan and I just finished moving the last box into our new cottage that we're renting near the beach in Connecticut. We are living in a gorgeous town, about an hour north of New York City. Things are going great! I have to tell you though, I don't want to move for about 10 years now. It was too much. I can't believe how much stuff we have! And that's even after we were selective.

I've set up a music corner in the living room, and I have an office less than a mile away where I can book shows, teach lessons and choirs, and update my website. Things are going pretty great. We need a little bit longer to get settled in, and then you're invited for a visit!

Game for a Cause

Today I took a break from music, and went to the UCONN football game. I had a great time! I got to tailgate, hang out with friends, and cheer on a successful team. What more could anyone ask?

A little over one year ago, we lost a passionate and loving friend, Eric Nagrabski. Today was the second annual memorial football game, to celebrate his life with good company, good food, and great team spirit. Today's update is dedicated to Eric, you will not be forgotten.

For more information about Eric, or to contribute to his scholarship fund, please visit: ericscholarship.com.

So...what did you do this summer?

I spent the first half of my summer in Oaxaca, Mexico, as I have been known to do. This summer was particularly exciting because of the projects that we had lined up. In June and July we built six homes for families that live and work in a garbage dump (and I don't mean a nice sanitary dump like the ones we have here in the U.S.) and we started constructing a second children's home in a small village named Cuicatlan. The reason that I thought of this today is that I was going through some photos from the summer and this one stood out. On one of our visits, apparently I decided it would be great to give one of the boys, Jorge, a death hug, and Bryan thought it would be just as entertaining to do the same to me. Good times. It is easy to see from the photo why I continue to spend a lot of my time in Mexico - we have so many laughs and such a good time with these kids. For more information you can visit: www.simplysmiles.org .

Law & Order for brunch

Those of you who know me at all, know that I love courtroom drama. Law & Order is my addiction of choice. I also love sports dramas (the whole underdog thing) but today is all about the law. Yesterday, I was eating brunch in the middle of nowhere Connecticut at a nice place on a lake, and who walks in? Christopher Meloni, a.k.a. Detective Eliot Stabler. I spoke with him for a few seconds (and didn't even stutter!) he was very friendly, and I'm pretty sure that he now considers me one of his closest friends. Have a good day everyone, and if you run into my buddy Chris, tell him I said hello.

Back in the game...

I'm finally getting myself in gear and ready to play some music. I am still living in Connecticut and am just getting started with making connections and playing some shows. The last few years I've been focusing on other things, and I am definitely glad to be back here. My next show is on Saturday, October 13 at 9 p.m. at a Coffee House in a church. It's a great evening, there will be three featured performers and the food is great! When I know more details I'll post them so you have the most up to date information. As for today, it's brainstorming time - I've been writing and I'm ready to head back to the studio.
Have a great day,
Kristen

Playing at Powerfest

Playing at Powerfest
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

My last show before moving was on August 13 at Powerfest in Porterfield, WI (pictured). As festivals often work, everything was way behind schedule and I didn't begin playing until 12:30 am. Needless to say, the crowd was a little sparse and the CD sales were a bit lower than expected, but the people that did stick around were extremely friendly and supportive, so really, who could ask for anything more?

I have since picked up and moved to Connecticut where I am trying to get my feet back under me. There are a lot of things to learn (like where the heck I am and how to get to the nearest open mic night or Target).

I am currently setting up gigs out here, giving private music lessons, and working as a substitute teacher. Life is good!

The mean little moped.

The mean little moped.
Originally uploaded by kristengraves.

What is red, silver, and hurts when it falls on you?
This moped! (Please see photo at right)

I have not been very attentive to my website or updates lately, and I apologize. It has been a full summer, so I have plenty to update you on now! I spent the first month of summer (mid-May to mid-June) working in Mexico. We were painting, doing crafts with kids, singing songs, and working on the updates for our sponsorship program, (for more info visit www.simplysmiles.org) which have taken almost two months to complete. We decided to do DVD updates on each child, and we got in (WAY) over our heads. The last weekend of staying in Mexico we took off for the beach. Mopeds, jet-skis, suntan lotion, the ocean, it was excellent. The city we were in is on the southern coast of Mexico and is not yet a tourist attraction, making it much more appealing. If you are reading this and feel up for adventure, head down to Huatulco. I promise you that it will be well worth your while.

It was during our stay in Huatulco that I had my unfortunate accident(s) with the moped pictured above. I was cruising around on a dirt road searching for the ever-elusive "Playa Calcutta" (honestly, there were signs everywhere for this beach, and it was impossible to find) and my tire got caught in the center part of the dirt road that had been washed away by the rain. I crashed, and my moped had me pinned to the ground. Funny fall #1. Luckily, nothing was broken, and I didn't even have too many scratches, so we continued on. Literally 45 seconds later I was on the ground underneath my moped again! I don't even know what happened! I did provide everyone else with a good laugh though, and I have discovered my new love for mopeds, so it was all worth it.

I'll be moving out to the east coast in mid-August, so I've been working hard scheduling shows for the fall and winter. I have declared the rest of this summer time to practice and write, so hopefully this fall I can begin recording my third album. If all goes well, it will be ready for next spring/summer.

I have made a resolution to myself to continue updating my website weekly, so keep checking back to www.kristengraves.com for more pictures and updates!

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