News From Banff - Week Two

Hi Folks,

I know, still no pictures! I have taken lots of them since I arrived in Banff. I can't wait to share them with you but unfortunately, I can't seem to figure out how to download the computer software I need in order to get them on my blog! In due time, I promise as it's driving me nuts not to share the visual beauty.

So my time here is still as magical as when I first got here although I heard some bad news last night that has made today a little tough. Since I like to be open about my personal life as an artist, I must share the good and the bad with you...

Last night, I found out that I didn't get the Professional Development Grant that I had applied for through the Canada Arts Council. I was asking for $5000 to help me get through my time here at the Banff Centre for the Arts and am now stuck with the reality of only having $80 left in my bank account until I start making some money. Funny, it's the same amount of money I lost when the Ear to the Ground festival was cancelled last September. Losing that money last September has really created problems for me in regards to my current financial stablilty. I get frustrated even thinking about it...

It's so frustrating at times being an artist. We are always striving to be in an environment where we can thrive, create and share our art, yet so many times as artists, we're forced to work jobs that have nothing to do with creating or sharing our passions. I know, some of you are thinking, well, that's what the real world is all about. I know that most people I know think that having a day job as an artist is the only way to go when it comes to achieving a bit of financial security. I want to believe that there will eventually come a time when I am able to focus on my art without the financial worries haning over my head. I don't believe that artists should always struggle financially in order to do what they love. There must be a way to find a balance somehow. I am determined to find a way...

On a different note, I must get back to happier things. I am learning more and more with each new day and just love it here...There's just no way to put how I feel here into words although sharing it all with you through my music seems to be working well.

Here's a taste of what my life is like here in Banff this week:

- Three deer greeting me at my music hut one afternoon when I went to practice
- Being inspired by all the amazing conversations I am having with musicians from all over the world as well as discussions with poets, visual artists, aboriginal storytellers and recording engineers. I heard a wonderful story today about the Zulu people from South Africa that made me want to experience the beauty of the people there.
- Performances galore! I went to four concerts last week and performed at one as well. The audiences are so supportive here and they get really excited about new ideas and new music. I saw The African Guitar Summit perform on Saturday which was a real treat.
- The magic of the full moon, high above the mountains...simply breathtaking. We had a party in one of the Leighton Studios last Saturday night and I kept going outside in the cold just to catch another glimpse of the moon...
- Lots of fluffy white snow that remains white (unlike the major cities)! I made a teddy bear snowman during a snowy afternoon hike and later discovered that two other snowmen had joined him after he was created! (pictures coming soon...)
- Sculptures in the woods, made from materials of all sorts and discovering a swing hanging from a tree which I had so much fun swinging on in the snow! (got pictures of this that I will share soon as well)
- Writing lots of new music, a new happy song called, "Life's Gonna Turn Around For You." (I'll share the lyrics with you in my next post)

So much more to share but that's enough for now...

Warm Wishes,

Love Rozalind

Greetings from the Banff Centre

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a good one. I brought in the New Year with my best friend Conor at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Elliott Brood rocked the house as always and I had a blast performing as Mystery Flute Girl with The Sadies. One of the best New Year's I have ever experienced. Think this year's going to be an exciting one.

I am writing to you from the Banff Centre for the Arts, my new home for the next three months. Does it ever feel great to be here. You can check out the Banff Centre website: www.banffcentre.ca

This place is more magical than words can express. I have a wonderful music studio in the woods and have been practicing lots, writing two new tunes in the past few days. My first performance here happens next week and I'm getting really excited about it already. I am meeting the most talented and inspiring people here from all over the world and am learning so much. There's lots to take in. In the next few days, I will post some pictures that I have taken with my new digital camera (which I absolutely love) so that you can all experience the beauty for yourself.

Today I saw three elk searching for food right outside our dining room window. Such beautiful animals. And tonight, as I was walking home from my music studio, the winds were so powerful and the moon was shining bright above the Rocky Mountains. I was wondering what the winds were telling me as the energy felt quite strange. My friend Greg told me that the strong winds are from a Chinook. That means that we will be having much warmer weather tomorrow. You gotta love that about the mountains...

On that note, I got to get to bed. I'm still adjusting to the new altitude. Lots of us have been sick this week from altitude sickness. Sore throats, headaches and nausea are some of the lovely side effects. For myself, I have been feeling quite out of breath and very tired which is apparently very normal. You'll hear no complaints from me though as I love it here already.

I'll write more soon,

Love Rozalind