After 5 months of travel, I've landed in Austin for the Winter. So far I'm enjoying my community: the coffeehouse, Irie Bean, where they know everyone's name, walking to the Saxon Pub for good music, and catching up with old friends from college.
I'm working to find people to play music with and places to play. I'll have some dates on the calendar in January. Let me know if you're interested in hosting a house concert.
I miss all my friends in D.C., but I don't miss the weather, I'm quite happy to not be wearing a coat on the first day of December.
Love,
Jen
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Saturday, August 06, 2011
What My Heart Missed
 |
| By Audrey Kawasaki |
This year, I spent most of my time building relationships instead of going deeper with some of my oldest friends. Relationship building is important and fun, I mean, let's be candid...
There is a certain amount of "sniffing each other out" (for lack of a better reference) that takes place in a new or building relationship. Getting to know someone, learning their unique "scent" is exhilarating. I use the term relationship in its simplest form, the human relationship, the continued interaction one has with an other.
This focus on new relationships left me wondering. How does one 'go deeper' with established friendships? How can you make a deeper and stronger and ultimately more joyful relationship with another person?
Why go deeper?
To experience more.
To suck the marrow from the juicy orange moon
and spin in its heady intoxication.
In a word: Joy.
To go deeper, people need to "check-in", talk and pay attention to one specific person. Hopefully that check-in will lead to a real moment: a one-on-one connection when the eyes lock and there is the realization of congruity of thought.
I try to have these "check-ins" in my life and I tend to call them dates. Not necessarily a romantic date, but a meeting, where the goal is to pay specific attention to another and experience things together. I realized at SUUSI, too late in the week, that I wanted to re-connect in that way with some older friends, but I just didn't schedule the specific time.
Now there is a voice in the back of my head that says, "Oh relationships are not that complicated, you don't have to be so calculated in your approach to intimacy and plan something like that."
True, relationships are often easy, not requiring of check-ins or specific dates, people can just see each other when they see each other and take it as it comes and have joy all the same.
But my goal here is to intentionally go deeper. To deepen a relationship, to experience more joy or a new level of it, in synergy with another being. There's always the idea in the back of my head, "what's appropriate to share?" There are so many people in this world who I love totally and completely for the imperfect mash of divine energy that they are. It makes me want to eat them. Lick them and praise their being.
That being confessed, I need to call a few people and see if we can push a bit deeper. It's real and honestly somewhat scary to me, but I do believe it will bring me more joy. That's the intention I bring to it, would that I be blessed to receive joy back.
Those are my post-SUUSI thoughts, and now I'm off to sing about it.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Travelling through Space & Time
It all goes so fast! Let's review:
*click on the photos for the full album of that trip
New York City
In the middle of June (after an awesome Father's Day) we spent a few quick days in NYC. The highlight, and most of my pictures, are of the New York Transit Museum. It's an actual subway station that was converted into a museum and filled with old cars from 1908-present. We were fascinated by all the replicas of old advertisements.
Kisses and thanks to:
Fireworks!
After finishing up my final week of work at WAMU (as full-time, I'm part-time now), we headed to see some patriotic Independence Day Fireworks just outside of Richmond.
*click on the photos for the full album of that trip
In the middle of June (after an awesome Father's Day) we spent a few quick days in NYC. The highlight, and most of my pictures, are of the New York Transit Museum. It's an actual subway station that was converted into a museum and filled with old cars from 1908-present. We were fascinated by all the replicas of old advertisements.
Kisses and thanks to:
- Amit Gulati for the fun and the hospitality
- Austin Leach for the awesome food & fun at Kingswood Restaurant
- Rose Vincelli & Dave Gustine for a home-cooked meal, a futon, and all the love.
After finishing up my final week of work at WAMU (as full-time, I'm part-time now), we headed to see some patriotic Independence Day Fireworks just outside of Richmond.
It was put on by Jake Walther and Southern Exposure Pyrotechnics.
Daniel & I are friends with Jake, so we had the opportunity to get up close and personal with all the preparations, fuses and wires. I'd never seen how pro fireworks are set up before and this was AMAZING. Thanks Jake!!
The Mountain
Our American desire for shiny things that explode sated, we headed for the hills. Well, they were a bit more than hills. Daniel put the spaceship into double low and we trekked up to The Mountain, a UU retreat and learning center just outside of Highlands, NC.
We volunteered in the kitchen a bit and stayed with the gracious Julia Jamieson. It was a week of cool refreshing weather, guitar playing and yoga on the porch. Daniel has been going to The Mountain since 1989. They recently changed management and he said, "I was my first visit since the new management, the difference in the vibe up there is staggering. The Mountain is just as beautiful as ever. Add to that the new feeling of hope and possibility and, for me, it's the happiest place on Earth." I'm pretty sure Daniel will be heading back there next Summer.
Asheville
Andrew, Daniel's brother, lives in Asheville, NC, so we spent a few days there prepping the ship for further adventures, slaying watermelon and visiting with friends (like the awesome Molly Nagel). Since we were there during the weekdays, there weren't many music shows to hit up. But we did manage to catch some Django-style jazz at 5 Walnut wine bar with Jon Corbin and Hank Bones. I also tried to play an Open Mic, but word to the wise, just because it's a Monday does not mean that you can show up at starting time. The signups were full for the entire night when I showed up right at 8pm. Not to worry, SUUSI made up for it in the coming week... an adventure that deserves it's own post, so stay tuned.
love and hugs,
Jen
ps we updated the MAP, so you can see the crazy squiggles we're making on the continent.
Our American desire for shiny things that explode sated, we headed for the hills. Well, they were a bit more than hills. Daniel put the spaceship into double low and we trekked up to The Mountain, a UU retreat and learning center just outside of Highlands, NC.
We volunteered in the kitchen a bit and stayed with the gracious Julia Jamieson. It was a week of cool refreshing weather, guitar playing and yoga on the porch. Daniel has been going to The Mountain since 1989. They recently changed management and he said, "I was my first visit since the new management, the difference in the vibe up there is staggering. The Mountain is just as beautiful as ever. Add to that the new feeling of hope and possibility and, for me, it's the happiest place on Earth." I'm pretty sure Daniel will be heading back there next Summer.
Andrew, Daniel's brother, lives in Asheville, NC, so we spent a few days there prepping the ship for further adventures, slaying watermelon and visiting with friends (like the awesome Molly Nagel). Since we were there during the weekdays, there weren't many music shows to hit up. But we did manage to catch some Django-style jazz at 5 Walnut wine bar with Jon Corbin and Hank Bones. I also tried to play an Open Mic, but word to the wise, just because it's a Monday does not mean that you can show up at starting time. The signups were full for the entire night when I showed up right at 8pm. Not to worry, SUUSI made up for it in the coming week... an adventure that deserves it's own post, so stay tuned.
love and hugs,
Jen
ps we updated the MAP, so you can see the crazy squiggles we're making on the continent.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Adventures So Far
Oh me, oh my, it's been a doozy of a trip so far!
We had an amazing send-off week with our friends in DC. Between an awesome Monday happy hour and an amazing Departure Party at TomCat's we felt so so very loved and supported. Thank you for that.
Blastoff did in fact occur on Sunday May 22nd (it was so very convenient that the world didn't end on Saturday), not at the crack of dawn, but more like 12 hours later around 6pm. We headed just a few hours South to stay with Jake Walther and family in Fredericksburg.
By the end of day 2 we made it to Athens, GA for a brief stop. We visited with Marty and Megan and made sure to get our fill of the amazing biscuits at Momma's Boy before heading out the next day.
A few short hours later and we made it to Montgomery, AL and the home of Whitfield Foods. Louie Whitfield, syrup magnate and good friend showed us around the place. Alaga Syrup was started in 1906 and the old building is still used for the offices, but not for production. I took a bunch of photos.
Unfortunately because of the lighting I couldn't get a shot of the curved room where the train used to pull right into the building and unload sugar cane from Texas.
Parts of the old building have been remodeled, like the boardroom.
Other parts are simply being used for storage and we found a dusty old miniature model of the production line, apparently it was used in the 80s for a court case that Alaga Foods won regarding faulty equipment.
The new building was fascinating as well. The line wasn't running, but Louie still gave us the grand tour and explained all of the machines.
By the end of Wednesday we had made it to Austin, Thursday was spent putting items in storage, preparing for the Hill Country and meeting up with Daniel's sister and family. After a windy and hot drive to the West on Friday, we finally made it to Kerrville Folk Festival.
Immediately we were put to work on the recording crew (we were only two days later than expected). Daniel captured a bunch of the quirky parts of Kerrville, you can check out the photos here.
Despite the extreme dust and heat, the first weekend of Kerrville was good fun. You can hear audio from some of the New Folk Songwriting competition on this coming week's Capital Americana (Sat, 2pm ET, Wed 8pm ET) .
In fact, that's what I'm working on right now. I made my way back to Austin on Memorial Day evening to get a break from the heat that was giving me a migraine and do some work. I head back Thursday for more music and fun. I'll be interviewing MilkDrive on Monday the 6th and hope to get that on the show for the 11th.
Plan is to be back in DC by the 10th and head to Bluegrass Country's Stars at the State Concert on June 11th. It'll be the first bluegrass concert for WAMU in 11 years! You should come join me, I'll give you a big hug (and a kiss if you have sweet cheeks).
Love you,
Jen
We had an amazing send-off week with our friends in DC. Between an awesome Monday happy hour and an amazing Departure Party at TomCat's we felt so so very loved and supported. Thank you for that.
Blastoff did in fact occur on Sunday May 22nd (it was so very convenient that the world didn't end on Saturday), not at the crack of dawn, but more like 12 hours later around 6pm. We headed just a few hours South to stay with Jake Walther and family in Fredericksburg.
By the end of day 2 we made it to Athens, GA for a brief stop. We visited with Marty and Megan and made sure to get our fill of the amazing biscuits at Momma's Boy before heading out the next day.
A few short hours later and we made it to Montgomery, AL and the home of Whitfield Foods. Louie Whitfield, syrup magnate and good friend showed us around the place. Alaga Syrup was started in 1906 and the old building is still used for the offices, but not for production. I took a bunch of photos.Unfortunately because of the lighting I couldn't get a shot of the curved room where the train used to pull right into the building and unload sugar cane from Texas.
Parts of the old building have been remodeled, like the boardroom.
Other parts are simply being used for storage and we found a dusty old miniature model of the production line, apparently it was used in the 80s for a court case that Alaga Foods won regarding faulty equipment.
The new building was fascinating as well. The line wasn't running, but Louie still gave us the grand tour and explained all of the machines.
By the end of Wednesday we had made it to Austin, Thursday was spent putting items in storage, preparing for the Hill Country and meeting up with Daniel's sister and family. After a windy and hot drive to the West on Friday, we finally made it to Kerrville Folk Festival.
Immediately we were put to work on the recording crew (we were only two days later than expected). Daniel captured a bunch of the quirky parts of Kerrville, you can check out the photos here.
In fact, that's what I'm working on right now. I made my way back to Austin on Memorial Day evening to get a break from the heat that was giving me a migraine and do some work. I head back Thursday for more music and fun. I'll be interviewing MilkDrive on Monday the 6th and hope to get that on the show for the 11th.
Plan is to be back in DC by the 10th and head to Bluegrass Country's Stars at the State Concert on June 11th. It'll be the first bluegrass concert for WAMU in 11 years! You should come join me, I'll give you a big hug (and a kiss if you have sweet cheeks).
Love you,
Jen
Monday, May 09, 2011
Summer Tour
Perhaps you’ve heard bits and pieces of this story…
Things are changing in my life this Summer. Logistics are a starting point, so let’s begin there, shall we?
I will be uprooting myself from familiar surroundings this Summer. My duties at WAMU are changing and I will soon be working just part-time. My lease at the beautiful Eleven Twelve Lounge is ending June 1st.
A lovely couple with children will take over the space. I’ll be storing or giving away my assortment of furniture, books, art, and random detritus. Figuring out my shoe collection may prove to be the most difficult part…
A small amount (I promise, Daniel) of clothing, instruments, electronics and camping supplies will move with me into The Spaceship: a ’79 GMC van chassis with a 350ci Chevy V8, Edlebrock carb, ignition, and gages. Wrapped in a one-of-a-kind RV body (It has a full shower, folks!). Daniel McCormick has adopted the roll of Logistics Captain, and Space Engineer, and is excited to chase sunset all summer long.
Once I’ve dealt with my pile of physical possessions, we’ll hit the road on roughly May 22nd. The first stop is Kerrville Folk Festival, in the beautiful Texan hill country, West of Austin and Northwest of San Antonio. I’ll be down there working on the recording crew, interviewing and recording for my radio show, Capital Americana, and creating music of my own.
June 8th, I’ll be back in the DC metro area for the Bluegrass Country Stars at the State Concert, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. In mid-July I’ll hop on The Spaceship again and we'll soak up some SUUSI, Wanderlust, Left Coast in general, and even Burning Man.
If you’re curious about the calendar, check it out the map, where we’ll be keeping track of our progress and drawing little lines across the US. There are sure to be changes, alterations, redirections along the way and we’ll keep all of it on the map.
To What End?
I will use this space and scenery and energy to create and perform music, to deepen my yoga practice, and to open myself to people, places, and things I can’t imagine yet.
Where will all of this exploration lead me? I’m excited to find out!
There will be things I will miss about living a regular life in DC: the flowers, the museums, the intelligence and world-view of the people. I will significantly miss the amazing interaction of friends that so very often leaves me grateful and amazed and remarking, “wow, the people in my life are amazing,” by the end of the evening.
Blast-off is scheduled for the crack of dawn on Sunday, May 22nd. Apropos for this digitally enhanced world we inhabit, Daniel and I will be posting updates on jenhitt.com and the Facebook.
Love,
Jen
Things are changing in my life this Summer. Logistics are a starting point, so let’s begin there, shall we?
 |
| Eleven Twelve Lounge |
 |
| The Spaceship |
A small amount (I promise, Daniel) of clothing, instruments, electronics and camping supplies will move with me into The Spaceship: a ’79 GMC van chassis with a 350ci Chevy V8, Edlebrock carb, ignition, and gages. Wrapped in a one-of-a-kind RV body (It has a full shower, folks!). Daniel McCormick has adopted the roll of Logistics Captain, and Space Engineer, and is excited to chase sunset all summer long.
Once I’ve dealt with my pile of physical possessions, we’ll hit the road on roughly May 22nd. The first stop is Kerrville Folk Festival, in the beautiful Texan hill country, West of Austin and Northwest of San Antonio. I’ll be down there working on the recording crew, interviewing and recording for my radio show, Capital Americana, and creating music of my own.
June 8th, I’ll be back in the DC metro area for the Bluegrass Country Stars at the State Concert, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. In mid-July I’ll hop on The Spaceship again and we'll soak up some SUUSI, Wanderlust, Left Coast in general, and even Burning Man.
If you’re curious about the calendar, check it out the map, where we’ll be keeping track of our progress and drawing little lines across the US. There are sure to be changes, alterations, redirections along the way and we’ll keep all of it on the map.
To What End?
I will use this space and scenery and energy to create and perform music, to deepen my yoga practice, and to open myself to people, places, and things I can’t imagine yet.
Where will all of this exploration lead me? I’m excited to find out!
There will be things I will miss about living a regular life in DC: the flowers, the museums, the intelligence and world-view of the people. I will significantly miss the amazing interaction of friends that so very often leaves me grateful and amazed and remarking, “wow, the people in my life are amazing,” by the end of the evening.
Blast-off is scheduled for the crack of dawn on Sunday, May 22nd. Apropos for this digitally enhanced world we inhabit, Daniel and I will be posting updates on jenhitt.com and the Facebook.
Love,
Jen
Monday, April 18, 2011
Hitt House Concert, 3/25/11
Love was the theme of the latest Hitt House Concert. Athena Radford was visiting from Portland and I played an opening set...
We have Heather Fox to thank for the photography.
Recent Capital Americana Guests
So many wonderful musicians have visited the WAMU studio in the past few months!Listen to the entire Capital Americana performance and interview
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Hitt House Concert, 1/21/2011
Thanks to everyone who made it out to the Hitt House Concert on Friday, 1/21!!
There was lots good food and good friends, hope to see you at the next one.
If you'd like to keep up with the visiting band, Roustabout, here's their:
- facebook
- regular website
Meeshsypants took some nice pictures of the evening:
And if you'd like to continue to support local music:
Big Chimney at IOTA on 2/5,
Big Chimney features Avril on guitar, who played a tune with Roustabout on Friday.
There was lots good food and good friends, hope to see you at the next one.
If you'd like to keep up with the visiting band, Roustabout, here's their:
- regular website
Meeshsypants took some nice pictures of the evening:
And if you'd like to continue to support local music:
Big Chimney at IOTA on 2/5,
Big Chimney features Avril on guitar, who played a tune with Roustabout on Friday.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)