To Do List

More than any lack of motivation, my inability to think of introductions to my writing pieces keeps me from being more productive. I am inclined to quote my sophomore English teacher (oh, wise woman): "How can you write an introduction if you don't know what you're introducing?" The logic being that the body comes before the introduction, the introduction being the last piece of the frame. That's all well and good if you have 3 weeks to write a research paper but when I'm writing a blog, I just don't have time for rough drafts. Hence, the weird, disconnected emotional vomit or pefunctory to-do list. I have a lot of friends who are writers and I'm calling out for a little advice. Any wisdom you can relay to me would be wonderful.

So news of all news: I am touring with Broken Social Scene (aka Kevin Drew, backed by BSS or something like that) this fall. For the first time in a long while, I will simply be slinging t-shirts instead of playing babysitter. In simpler terms, this means a decent amount of money and less than half the responsibility of being a tour manager. It's like vacation but I'm getting paid. What is more exciting is that I finally get to make it back to Europe for the first time in 3 years. I wondered how I was ever going to make it there on my piddly freelance salary - and now, it won't cost me a dime. As far as cost-benefit analyses go, this ranks pretty high on the S&P charts. I am excited to drink cheap (good) wine and not understand what anyone is saying. I have been missing German continental breakfasts, umlauts, weird TV show, and being utterly disconnected from my cellphone (because I can't afford to use it over there). Plus, we'll be touring in a bunch of countries that I missed on my trip over there the last time (Scotland, Germany). And can anyone resist 2 nights in Paris with Feist? For the love of all who sing beautifully... I am also super excited to be selling merch because it's such a nice break from the equal parts stress and doldrums of being a tour manager. I get to talk to people, I get to sweat a little, and I get to tour with my favorite of all favorite ladies, Nadin Brendel (please see the MIKROKULTUR link on the side). Art museums, here I come.

It has been a pretty blissful and productive weekend. I had a champagne brunch yesterday with my lady-friends that included yogurt parfaits with berry compote, caramelized onion and gorgonzola quiche, salad, Veuve Cliquot and Argyle champagne, and french press upon french press of coffee. I have hosted many dinners before but never a brunch and I have to say my preference is leaning towards the latter. I wasn't aware that it got any better than going out to brunch on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, but making a brunch for my favorite ladies actually topped it. For recipes, please email me!

I have been taking a lot of pictures lately as you can tell from my posts. I hope to get the Richard Swift pictures up soon as well as the shots from the photo shoot I had last week with The Hugs. Which reminds me, pick up photos from Pro Photo Supply. Tomorrow is a trip to Home Depot to get supplies for the acoustic treatment I'm giving Walla's studio. Hammers, nails, saws, clamps, and wood - I can't wait!

It feels good to get your hands dirty.

Doin' it.
-Russia