It’s strange and yet wonderful to be back in New York after all this time. I’m currently sitting in Starbucks (yes, have totally succumb – lured in by their promise of free WiFi) looking out the window at a small tree covered in white flowers, a sea of pansies at its base and a sign that reads “Save our trees, curb your dog”. That pretty much sums up New York for me.
I played a last minute gig at this cute little bar called Wicked Willy’s the other night which was so much fun. There is something to be said for the audiences on this continent, they’re nothing if not enthusiastic and supportive...have been drinking way too much coffee and spent countless hours browsing through little eclectic bookstores in the West Village, reading up on Zen and Art History – I found this great book yesterday on artists and their muses. Have also bought an unprecedented number of rings from Tibetan stores. Found one with a Dragon Fly, which I’m so in love with. Not sure why.
And went to the most awesome little cupcake shop called Marlo’s. I’m not sure if I loved it so much because the cupcakes were just that good or whether it was the fact that they served me champagne at 11am without looking at me as a raging alcoholic. Saw a great French film called ‘Kiss Me’ about the power of a kiss – about how once pandora’s box has been opened, it can never be closed again. I love the French. They somehow embody the perfect ratio of existential reason and senselessness : deep romanticism and connectedness. Besides, it’s always great to see something that puts passion and life on a pedestal instead of trying to stamp it out with a series of don’ts, can’ts and be carefuls.
Have quite a few gigs and festivals coming up when I get home which is exciting. I wish I could live in a tour bus. I wonder if that makes me insane. Although, perhaps not, I read a cool quote from Alan Watts in one of those West Village bookstores about insanity: “No one is more dangerously insane than one who is sane all the time: he is like a steel bridge without flexibility, and the order of his life is rigid and brittle.” I wish this was shorter so I could stick it on a t-shirt.
Anyway, off to the Vintage markets this morning...
Pip xxx