I think I’m starting to recognize Toronto airport staff…..

Tuesday my Valentine was one Ms. Edie Carey. She and I made our feet sore but rested our voices (minus a lot of laughing) from a full weekend of singing singing singing – my first Folk Alliance conference. It was warm at 6:30pm in Austin.

My life is more complete after meeting one of my singer/songwriting mentors, John Gorka. I will be opening two shows for him in Boston in April. I met Darrell Scott, amazing player, songwriter and incredible singer. Both of these gentlemen have memories of coming to Halifax many years ago!

I’m tired all (y’all) the way through, up and down, but fully satisfied, motivated, and in love with this little city. Bought myself a cowboy hat, a guitar shaped magnet and I’ve eaten brisket at Stubbs (happy bday matt s.), had Mexican breakfast at Las Manitas, a pancake the size of my head at Magnolia Café. I think we may have just missed the bat colony hoedown but maybe I’ll catch that next time. Star sighting report: Lily Tomlin.

These are some of the amazing people I met/played with this weekend: Kyler England (Los Angeles), Po’ Girl (Vancouver), Ana Egge (Austin,TX),Ellis (Minneapolis),Trina Hamlin (Minnesota),Meg Hutchinson (Boston), Melissa Ferrick (Newburyport MA), Jan Krist, Rachael Davis (Boston), Sam Shaber (Los Angeles). Peeps I saw from a distance and loved Eliza Gilkyson (Austin TX), Red Stick Ramblers, Duhks (Winnipeg MB).

My mostest favouritest = Edie Carey….muah.

There is a sweetness in the feeling of having learned so much in only a few days. It is hard when your job is all about you and you have to find ways to sing when you’re really tired and write when there is so much noise and know that it is ok when you need to escape from the world for a while. I’m hoping for patience and love from those I love.

This weekend will be equally as great with the first In The Dead of Winter Festival happening at the Khyber Club in Halifax.

pics: Ana Egge, Po’ Girl, Davy Crockett, Jess Willoughby who has perfect pitch

In my player: Kyler England, Jan Krist

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I did it………… www.myspace.com/rosecousins

Gah I can’t stop sneezing…the bug has found me and we are nestled into our yearly visit…I hope he doesn’t stay long, the pest…he’s all up in my nostrils.

Who is in control of the weather around here? It’s been more like spring than winter. The news talks about gusts of cold cold air that are hanging out in Russia, having missed us completely. I have no lack of faith in our Canadian winter…

I’m hiding in my little apartment getting to some tasks that are months old. Just got back from a wicked trip to Boston. Highlights include a smokin’ Tim O’Brien show at Passim, Jennifer Kimball’s CD release at Lizard Lounge with guests Rose Polenzani and Kris Delmhorst followed by the Resophonics and great company. Also 3 great house concerts with songstress Edie Carey..yess.

A new Halifax music fest called “In the Dead of Winter” is birthing this month. Not unlike Passim’s Campfire, it will be a bunch of great local artists (Jenn Grant, Amelia Curran, Joel Plaskett) and some peeps “from away” including Boston’s Meg Hutchinson.

At the end of the month is the East Coast Music Awards in my lil Prince Edward Island ….check out the shows page to see where I’ll be playing…

In my player: Jennifer Kimball, Tim O’Brien, Anais Mitchell

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