Collision… that is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. The songwriting courses I am working on are focusing on a topic that uses the descriptor ‘collision’ a lot. I am in a new city (only a couple weeks under my belt)… I think I need to rephrase that I am not in a new city. The city itself has been around a long time, rather, I am new to a city… stupid semantics.

This is how it went. On April 29th I came over for my cousin’s bridal shower stayed an extra day and rented an apartment (the first–and only one I viewed). I went back to the island with this urgent motivation now, I had paid rent for May. I quit my job, recorded 2 ruff cut demos, packed my bags and headed to “THE BIG CITY” (After all, I have had to come to terms –finally– with the fact that I am a small town island girl…)

So here I am, sitting at my desk that I have positioned strategically in my 500 sq ft loft style (which is a fancy way of saying bachelor on the top floor of a house) apartment beneath my loft bed and in front of the window that overlooks the giant trees that line my street (E 10th). All these details in my head seemed the perfect brew to stimulate my creativity, which is the main goal of the move. Ironically, I have moved away from Saltspring Island to pursue music and writing and other creative endeavors–very contrary to the status quo.

I don’t have a job… that is the main thing to note… I have a few bucks in saving but otherwise this is truly flying by the seat of my pants. I am going to have to stop spending money soon… but I am so out of the habit after working as a server for so long now.

My theory is that I will freelance my whole life and build an empire based on the diversification theory of mutual funds. I have spent an absolute pile of hours in front of this computer writing, hunting for like minded musicians, and looking for writing gigs that scream out to me. (I suppose to be honest and fair I should mention the time spent on facebook and myspace–which I qualify in my head as ‘building the network’ but really?!) I have invented alteregos, entered contests, answered random ads… even acidentally one that wanted “nude modeling for a new independent pay site.” Yikes… you see I am a naive small town girl when it all comes down to it… but come on people that is part of my charm, yeah? I think this odd thing I am building is working… I am now a probationary writer for Beyond Robson… not a writer of things that are probationary but one who is on probation… hopefully I can hang onto that one… I don’t even know if they pay me, but I hope so!!

I have also wrangled an acoustic gig at a newly opened gallery on E Hastings — the Hasty Hawk. This is one of the coolest things I have stumbled upon so far. Mad Dog Gerry Dallmann has opened this gallery with the intention of showing very counterculture underground art. Right now there is a 3D art show — first of its kind!! Really neat and psychedellic… (as if I should know, right?) This guy is doing it all. He has created a magazine that will be launched a few days after my first show (which if all goes I will also be playing at) with all manner of formats: sketches, photographs, newspaper ransom note style, handwritten… anything goes short of racism is what he told me. Wow! Very excited to tap into my inner gothic depressive and come up with some innovative darkness… we shall see.

So hey, I am trying this writer thing out… sign up for my blog and help me out. Leave me comments and suggestions… criticisms and curses if you so desire. I am into hearing all the thoughts that spring to your mind!!!

I implore you to collide with me.