Cultural Cruise 2012: Wrap Up

Redding City Hall was buzzing with art fans last Friday evening. They were enjoying a fun stop on the 2012 Cultural Cruise, where artwork is displayed on all three floors.  There was much oohing and aahing over a variety of works - paintings, photographs and sculptures. It took me awhile snap a picture of this amazing piece by artist James Freeman, because so many people were swarming around it.

Several North State Songwriters provided musical entertainment.

Folk-rocker, Nick Ciampi:

Paul Howell:

Cottonwood duo, The Pine Dogz:

And Craig and I - Still Married -- had fun with local tunes:

Grab a cup of coffee and spend some time exploring the exhibits on all three floors of Redding City Hall - they'll be there through May. You will be delighted, I promise.

Redding Cultural Cruise 2012

A city-wide event celebrating art and culture -- it's a Redding tradition and we love being part of it.

Craig and I will be joined by several other North State songwriters at Redding City Hall on Friday, January 27th.

On the bill are:  5:00  Nick Ciampi
                          5:45 Paul Howell
                          6:30 The Pine Dogz
                          7:15 Still Married

Come check out the new artwork on display, enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. There are several venues on the Cruise - maps are available here: Cultural Cruise Map

2012 Word: Discipline

Last year, I took Christine Kane's advice regarding New Year's Resolutions. Kane is a singer-songwriter and "Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World."  She explains her philosophy on her blog: "Choose a word for the year and let it guide you to take action." You can read the whole piece on her website: Christine Kane: Resolution Revolution.

I procrastinated about what I was going to commit to for 2012, but I decided there was no way around it. My word for 2012 is discipline. That's not an easy word for me, because I tend to be relaxed and laid back.  "Let It Be" has worked well for me. But at this age, at this moment, with my goals and aspirations, discipline is a requirement.

• I've just begun fiddle lessons, and it's challenging my middle-aged brain to the limit.  Practice doesn't make perfect - at least not so far - but the discipline is slowly easing me out of the "screeching cat" phase. 
• I'm working on a 10-song CD project that's only half written. Discipline (and coffee) will get me into my studio for the necessary early morning writing sessions. 
• Last summer, I started running and preparing healthy meals and I managed to lose 20 pounds. That weight is not going to stay gone without a little -- or most likely, a lot -- of discipline.   

So, with this handy-dandy word tucked into my pocket, I'm ready for whatever the New Year has in store.

Do you have a word for 2012? Share, please?

New Year's Eve in Hawaii -- No discipline here, just aloha....