Love

What The Funk?

Good day, wherever you happen to be reading my note, I wish for you, that it is or has been a pleasant one. In such crazy, uncertain times, moods, I am sure are fluctuating. Let us all hold on to a little bit of good faith and to the knowledge that we have come THIS far, surely we can keep moving in the forward direction! When I put my energies into worrying, time and experience tells me that it really doesn't do any good. But still, we worry. When I look back at my life, I see that everything, even the bad stuff, has brought me to where I am right now, and any regret I have is really only something that I haven't done yet. Basically, I am here, I got through, and you, reader, are also here and you, too, got through. We humans can be quite resilient and we forget that sometimes.  It has been a bit of a murky month for me, but with the Spring flowers, my colours, as well, are starting to reveal themselves. 

Stealing_sunshine_in_song

Stealing_sunshine_in_song

To be honest, I have never really been much of a "sharer" of my problems. I have always been more of a listener, and as early as the age of nine (from what I remember, maybe even earlier) I have been trying to help others in figuring out how to live. My Mum's nickname for me in this case "Dear Abby" rings true, even to this day, there are three women, living in three different countries who are on my radar to check in with. Mostly, I have been lucky in life, and I am very grateful for the great chances I have been given and for the rare opportunities I have allowed myself to take. Life on the whole has been very good to me, and I feel guilty when I don't recognize this, daily. Sometimes though, there is an emptiness that tries it's best to hollow you out. And the big "E" was working on me for the past few weeks. So I reached out.

Street_art_in_Bern_where_E_has_won

Street_art_in_Bern_where_E_has_won

It isn't often that I vent on Facebook. It isn't what I like to do. There is SO much crap on there, trying to bring everyone down, that I do not want to add to the pile of suspicion that it sometimes is. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing articles that add light and knowledge to my life, as well as MANY things that inspire a giggle or two. Also, I think it is a wonderful way to connect with people, even in "little black letter" form, a hello is always nice. Not to mention learning new things about my friends and seeing how their life is unfolding through photos. There are many reasons why I like this Social Media platform, and of course the ability to share my music is number ONE on that list. Reaching out for personal "healing" advice is not my forte. But I did. I let myself be vulnerable out loud. And I am writing today, to thank each and every one of you who responded with some good ideas, giving me a few rays of your light.  The question was "How do you get yourself out of a funk?" The response came in for days, and all that Love, lifted me up. To know that I have people supporting me from around the world, means endless life possibilities. Sometimes you need another person's perspective to fit your "ducks" back in line. 

Sign_of_Love_in_a_tree

Sign_of_Love_in_a_tree

What ARE the best ways to get out of a funk? Some say, dive INTO the funk, get to know it, find out all of it's distinct details, get to know the WHY and work on it, bit by bit. Some say PLAY the funk! Find some good music, turn it up loud and get busy moving to it's rhythm, shake it out! The most common piece of advice in my "Funk" thread was to get out into Nature as much as possible (which is pretty easy around these parts, I must say!) As you can see from the above photo, I received a pretty Lovely message, some may say a sign of sorts, that indeed, I am on the right path. So, once again, thanks for beaming some light at me, it has NOT gone unnoticed... 

I received a pretty sweet video during this time, one that we recorded a couple of months back featuring a new song of mine "Electricity." The theme behind the song is one of First Love, those sparks that happen between two souls who have found True Love. My friends join me in the harmony of it all, and I think you might like this little ditty *Live off the Floor* just click on this link for a dose of sound! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrnnnFtEuVA&feature=youtu.be and please, share away!

Screen_shot_Lindsay_Live_in_Tonstudio_Wattwil

Screen_shot_Lindsay_Live_in_Tonstudio_Wattwil

Thanks to Christina (Rykka) and Timo (Timothy Jaromir) and to Tonstudio, Kawaii Sessions and Patric Menzi for the sweet little recording of some 'Lindsay Live.' Thanks for listening and reading. Onwards and Upwards HO!!!

An Orchid and A Song

My_First_Orchid_Bloom

My_First_Orchid_Bloom

I was gifted an orchid plant a few months ago, a friend was moving her office into her home and had too many to keep... Sure why not! I was always under the impression that orchids were hard to take care of. I was wrong! Just one bath a week for a couple hours and presto, healthy plant. Fast forward a few weeks, to Valentine's Day....We found out (yesterday) that most roses, imported to here (Switzerland) are grown in Kenya, Africa. A place where water is sacred and scarce, is using said water to grow roses to be imported to Europe. So a few people get jobs, tending to and growing roses, but so many more are fighting for fresh water. Money over water is never a good thing. I would choose water, every time. The same day we decided to "say NO!" to these 'Fair Trade' roses, our Orchid bloomed for the first time. Timing is everything, and once again, we were given a sign that we are on the right track.

The_begining_of_bloom

The_begining_of_bloom

2017 has been good to me, musically speaking. It is always tough, finding the time and discipline, the inspiration and creativity to sit down and really focus hard on writing a song. I seem to get halfway there, and then a new idea comes up and I put aside these quarter/half songs, and soon there are over a hundred halfsies just waiting for completion. Well these days, I seem to be able to focus more and entire songs are born. As an example of my first song of 2017, you can see it and listen to it here: "Flip Side"  it was inspired by having to leave (loved ones, loved places, whatever, leaving something over on the other side and we'll see you on the flip side!)  It isn't easy, bouncing between two countries, always having to say good-bye, but on the other hand, always having to say hello!

Still_shot_from_Flip_Side_Video

Still_shot_from_Flip_Side_Video

Sometimes opportunities present themselves. I had the fortune of recording a music video with Kawaii Sessions, a wonderful studio concept, live off the floor, video shoot in Wattwil, Switzerland. Some musical guests joined in and we played two songs, two takes each. We had an hour and it seemed to go alright! One would think that singing/performing two songs, live off the floor (twice) that an hour would be long enough! Alas, we were finished with only seconds to spare! What you see here is Art in itself, raw and live. The first video: "Two Minds" was released yesterday, Valentine's Day, so that was a nice surprise. Thanks to Patric Menzi and all those at Tonstudio, Wattwill for the sweet recording. And a BIG thank you to my special guests: RYKKA, Timothy Jaromir and Nicci on Electric Guitar.

Behind_the_scenes_at_Tonstudio

Behind_the_scenes_at_Tonstudio

Sometimes you wonder if anyone is listening at all! It has been YEARS of trucking through the ups and downs of a music career... Ultimately I do it for the music, in and of itself. As Sting once said, Music is it's own reward! Thankfully though, it does seem like some are on board with me. What a waste if I had to do it all alone! So when I woke up yesterday (again, Valentine's Day,) to being recognized by an acclaimed Swiss Music Website, I was feeling pretty good! A nod in my direction (regarding the music I create) is always welcome. So thanks for the SHOUT OUT Mx3...  "Love yourselves & each other folks, happy valentine's day with our great 'HOT TODAY' artist Lindsay Ferguson, listen here!"A fitting day to be a HOT artist ;) Once again folks, it's all about the timing. Thanks for reading and we shall see us next month? 

Where DOES The Time Go??

Good Day, fine readers. It is a good question and one that we ALL ask from "time to time." I will not try and explain it away, surely not, as it is one that I too ponder on, more than just occasionally. There was a blip in space where we weren't thinking of the speed or the flight of moments... ahhh to be a child without worry once more! But let us not go back nor look back too often, and instead let us go onwards and upwards!  

Life has been generous and kind as of late. I wonder sometimes if writing that out loud will screw up my serendipity but in the same breath, I have to wonder why we 'shouldn't' speak of our proud moments, and the greatness that life brings? In a world filled with 'bad news' being the norm, something inside me feels sheepish when discussing my rewards from seizing the days. More often than not (truth!) I am a listener and a helper to those in need and discussing the wonders of "me" doesn't always seem to be the right time. So, today, on MY blog, I will write about the latest flow in my life stream....

Firstly, I have to reminisce over one of my favourite nights in a long time.... It isn't always that I collaborate with another singer/songwriter, not sure why, but after our performance at MOODS in Zurich I really must change things! Thank you ever SO much to Peter Finc (and to Nicole Johänntgen for the suggestion.) I have said it before and I will say it again, having a SUPERB room fitted with a great sound/light system and an attentive audience is one of the BEST. THINGS. EVER for a musician. What a great spot and congrats to Nicole for getting residency at MOODS and having us as the Special Guests. We each played 6 of our own songs, which meant I had to learn 6 new songs! As you can see from the next two photos, there was Joy, to be sure!

Lindsay_and_Peter_on_stage_smiling

Lindsay_and_Peter_on_stage_smiling

View_from_Above_photo_credit_Seraina_Kurt

View_from_Above_photo_credit_Seraina_Kurt

Music isn't the only thing that drives me. FIRST thing is Love. Could you tell? I am also a fan of the arts & crafts, markets and all things nature. So this is what I do, mostly; Love, create, be in nature, cook and try to find things to stimulate my eyes and senses. Every year there is a market in Bern called Zibelemärit (here is a brief WIKI on that!) but if you don't wanna click I will give you the short of it. After a fire destroyed a large part of the downtown in Bern in the early 1400's, it was allowed that other cantons be able to sell their farmer's wares in Bern while it was being re-built. The Onion Market is renowned for it's chains of decorated onions and happens every November. Kids and adults throw confetti and the entire old town is COVERED in the stuff. They also sell (fresh/soft) Nougat, which is the main reason I went in to the BIG and WAY over-populated market. Here are a few snaps...

Insanely_amazing_nougat

Insanely_amazing_nougat

Decorated_delish_colourful_onions

Decorated_delish_colourful_onions

Onion_art

Onion_art

What a unique experience indeed, and filled with colour and amazing vibes. It is the third Monday in November, every year, so come to Bern, eh? In the meantime, if you are reading from Canada, I have a gig coming up in Wakefield at The Legendary Black Sheep Inn. It is a rare gem of a music venue, along the banks of the Gatineau River and a place filled with all sorts of Magic residue. Pints are pretty good too!!! I was listening to CKCU (Ottawa's Loveliest community radio station which is near and dear to my heart!) and heard the music of Lora Bidner and thought JEEPERS, I wanna hear her live!!! So I invited her to come along and SHINE on the same night! We play on Thursday, December 22nd. Show starts at 8:30pm and I am on first. So please come join us and we will give you some Light on a dark and cold Winters' night... Can't WAIT!!!

Show_Poster_designed_by_Lora

Show_Poster_designed_by_Lora

Thanks ever so much for reading. I hope to keep up with the monthly blogging, and in turn, hope you will keep on stopping by for a short glimpse into the life of this Canadian Songstress living abroad! In the meantime, I am counting the HOURS now, til my return to my home & native land, Canada. Hugs and Love xoxo

Good Things.

Lindsay_on_a_hike_refreshed

Lindsay_on_a_hike_refreshed

Well hello there everyone! Happy November! I always liked November, most likely because my Mum used to make sure my Birthday celebration was epic and it was always something I looked forward to. It sits perfectly in the middle and my brother's (and as it turns out, my husband's) sits nicely at the end... There were always parties in November, so having fun in this (otherwise dreary) month (for most!) is something I have become accustomed to! Not that I am forever looking forward to my birthday as I get older (and wiser?) but the habit has just somehow stuck. And lucky for me, I suppose! 

As I may have mentioned before, due to the lack of inspiration to write, weekly, I have decided to write monthly (for now) instead! Tuesday nights used to scare me and I would wake more often in the night, wondering about what words I would choose to string together and similar questions would always arise... What is the point? Why does it matter? So, rather than stress about subject topics and self-deprecation, I decided to let it go a little. I feel much better for it and now look forward to sharing some tidbits with you, instead of that weird feeling of being forced to (which I conjured up all by myself!) Isn't it funny how we are given this gift of life and we try to sabotage our very own happiness through excessive over-thinking and over-analyzing? I wonder if this creepy disposition stays for life and I wonder where it and when it started growing from!! Enough about that. Today's post is about good things. There are so many of the opposite trying to penetrate and drown my brain (our brains!)daily, so why not focus on the light instead? At least for today. At least for now. At least for the duration of this letter...

My_First_Ever_Home-made_Pumpkin_Pie

My_First_Ever_Home-made_Pumpkin_Pie

I may have mentioned previously that we had our very first (Permaculture) garden this year. My husband researched this type of garden (which, after initial set-up) does not need to be (or very rarely needs to be depending on rain) watered, and no weeding has to be done! It was a food forest to be sure (thanks to Geoff Lawton of Australia for the immense inspiration and to Sepp Holzer of Austria!) and we ate from it for months. Among many of the delicious edible and life-giving plants, spices, fruits & flowers to be consumed were PUMPKINS!! We grew many of these big round and heavy gifts, and I have been creating so much greatness with them! I tried my hand at baking my first pie (which soon turned into PIES plural) and had great success. I used a tip from my Uncle who mentioned that his Mama (and my Granny) used to put maple syrup in to give it that extra magical flavour, and it worked! Thanks Uncle Peter!

Coprinus_Musrooms__Edible

Coprinus_Musrooms__Edible

One of the most delightful things to do while hiking in the forest, is to stumble upon a patch of edible, wild mushrooms. Truly, this simple and natural thing just gets me right where it matters! Isn't it funny that my Great Grandfather, Dr. Hans T. Gussow published a beautiful (hard cover) book all about mushrooms?? I suppose some things (passions!) DO run in the family! Well, pictured above is the "Shaggy Mane" or the "Inky Cap" mushroom (or in Latin, Coprinus.) I posted a photo of one that I had come across, and was quickly tuned-in by many that it was indeed an edible (and delicious) mushroom but... There are rules to this one.... For instance, very quickly it become in-edible. When it starts to turn "inky" or that dark purple -you see the beginning of that in some of the mushrooms in the photo above- they lose their deliciousness. Also there are some very important characteristics which it has, to determine whether it is the real thing or an intruder! When you find the good ones (all white and shaped in a VERY phallic symbol I might add!!) all you need is a frying pan, some butter, salt and pepper. Voila! A delicacy! Thank goodness for Social Media, otherwise I would not have been enlightened to these small wonders!!! 

A_bench_on_a_lake_with_Mountains

A_bench_on_a_lake_with_Mountains

Sometimes you have to go out in search of stimulation all by yourself. I find being alone can do me wonders. I Love some alone time, being alone does not always equate with being lonely, to be sure! This bench, along the shores of the Lake of Thun is a spot that I Love to sit in wonder and breathe in all that is right about the world. There are just so many things to be proud of, happy with and inspired by, sometimes you just need to search for it and remember! Clarity comes to me beside the water, more often than anywhere else.

Lindsay_Live_at_a_House_Concert

Lindsay_Live_at_a_House_Concert

And, of course, the stage. Or rather, Home Sweet Home. When I have a listening crowd and we are together within a musical journey, this gives me the most feels. There is something about that secret and silent energy that flows between the musician and the music Lover. It arrives in the form of Goose Bumps or heart pumps but when it comes, I am at my soulful-est. I am ever so grateful to have been blessed with the gift of music, and even more so at the acceptance from my family, peers and fans, who continue to encourage me to keep going at it. And go at it I do! There is a deeper feeling now, as I get older and surface things no longer matter as much. The music will and always does speak louder.

 

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