All the Crayons (courtesy of Jen Diamond)
It's been a whirlwind. So many new opportunities coming my way, and I'm loving ALL of them. I got to go to Houston (before the Hurricane) and work on some songs with Joe Sample. He's been working on the idea for a musical for over ten years now, and I'm lucky enough now to be in on shaping up some lyrics. More on THAT soon.
Eric Bazilian and I tweaked our little theme song for Joss Whedon's new show "DOLLHOUSE" which I'm just DYING to see. I think the pilot is OFF THE HOOK. The show premiers in January with the new season of "24." (nice company.)
My little Tinkerbell song is supposed to come out on a gorgeous new Disney Records compilation on October 14th. It's called (my song) "Be True." I love trying to see things and write them from an innocent perspective. It brings out this whole different side of me. But I find it incredibly powerful. I think everyone who played on the track got a little misty. Big classic concepts like 'being true to yourself' are always in vogue!!
My love affair with Philadelphia continues. Apparently "More True Lovers Than One" is doing quite well there. I got to tape a "World Cafe" session recently with the ever enigmatic, fabulous David Dye.
David Dye and JB
My pal and rock god hero Eric came and sang and played on our little duet. Always such a treat.
Then back to LA to work on one more song with the gorgeous Nolwenn Leroy. Just can't get enough of her.
And, as if that wasn't enough...
I just got back from an artist's retreat in New Hampshire. I think I've never been around so many inspiring, like-minded, creative, joyful spirits. EVER.
Squam Art Workshops Here is Elizabeth, the Squam mastermind and sprite
I was there mostly being an assistant for my friend Andrea Scher.
She was teaching courses on photography and life coaching. I got to perform a little bit throughout the week, (Yup, it was my first gig at a bonfire) but for me it was more about connecting with kindred people, re-electrifying the mojo, and participating in Andrea's beautiful sessions.
Well, CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. First of all, I've never even had a grown up camera, so I ran out last minute and bought one. Our photo assignments were addictive. I fell in love with trying to capture the essence of a person. It was a revelation to me that within five minutes of meeting someone, I could see their beauty, some kind of deeper self.
Or total goober alter ego!! Andrea as Janis Joplin
(wigs were the revelation)
At the same time it felt like a week of being deeply SEEN.;)
Not for what I do, the songs or my history, but basically for my core self. The goofball 11 year old with a treehouse and braces and the wrong blue suede clogs. Or way too many necklaces and that crazy fro wig and an apron!
The aprons were another FIND. Liz Elayne Lamoreux had us all clamoring for her fabric brilliance.
There were no divas, no weird defenses. Yet so many exquisitely talented artists there. It was pure joy. And such an honor to be there. So, a few pictures of the sirens of Squam Lake!!
Kelly Rae Roberts, Mati Rose and JB
Kelly Rae also has a beautiful new book out about creativity and possibility. BUY IT.
Mati Rose makes incredible necklaces and other ART. I had to have her sock monkey pendant. Beauty AND humor.
Christine Castro Hughes everyone needs a superhero helmet!
Sunday, Christine Mason Miller and I did a little in-store in Center Harbor New Hampshire. She has a stunning, astounding new book: "Ordinary Sparkling Moments" BUY IT. Christine Mason Miller
JB, Jen Gray, Christine Mason Miller, Elizabeth
The most beautiful little boy, Miles, was there, rapt with the music, and we all lost it in the middle of "Sweetest Angel." It just doesn't get any closer to home than singing that song to a perfect new soul.
love muffins. Andrea, Denise, Jen, Thea, far right, goddess, photographer helmet hero.
Now, I'm just revving up for touring. Ever psyched to sing. I fall more and more in love with these new songs each time I sing them. I'm still just full of the whole last few weeks. Absolutely inspired, writing like crazy. Life is Good. I can't wait to see you all on the road.
Bring CHOCOLATE!!
Jonatha
p.s. did you catch "careful what you wish for" and "eye in the sky" on the hills? OMG
