The Next Chapter . . .

Welcome to a new episode of "Confession Corner," my friends. For a while now, I've been flat-lining in my life. Hormones? Burn-out? Maybe nothing? Frankly, I haven't felt excited nor have I been down about having a new baby in 8 weeks. I've just been neutral. But today, for the first time, I had a little glimpse of excitement as my baby was turning around in my tummy like a small bundle of laundry in the dryer. Then I got out pictures of my boys when they were brand new. The photo above (taken by my sister, Jenny Winkel), is of the last time I had a baby. I was 22. And then I got all teary-eyed and so grateful that I get to have this adventure all over again. Life doesn't stop when you have kids. It gets better, like when the plot thickens in a really good book. I'm eager for the next chapter.

Demo Songs

I have been writing some new songs lately. But I am rusty and it has taken me a few months to write four songs. FOUR! ¡Sí! ¡CUATRO! Today I took them into the studio to demo them up.

Ryan Tilby is such a pleasure to work with, I must say. He can learn songs on the spot, switch instruments and transpose anything at the drop of a hat. Sheesh!

I sent the songs to my producer today and he thought we could use two of them. TWO!

And I think he was probably right to pick two. But me oh my, I need a miracle to write some new songs by mid-next week. Songs that will slay you. Can those of you with supernatural, energy-healing, crystal-reading powers send your good vibes in my direction? Much obliged.

Bridal Veil Falls

I recently spoke of how I often miss all the beauties that are right in my back yard. On Memorial Day, we visited Antelope Island just north of Salt Lake City. On Sunday, the boys got stir crazy and we headed down the trail to Bridal Veil Falls.

The dress I'm wearing (compliments of Lilac Clothing) was so comfy and stretchy to walk in and I have never had so many compliments in one day on the cut of a dress. I recently discovered Lilac after a determined search to find flattering maternity clothes and I love them. More on this soon.).

The boys played in the water until they were soaked and muddy; just the way I like a little boy.

Nature brings out the best in kids - and me too.

Up On the Rooftop

If you came to the Rooftop Concert on Friday with Ryan Innes, myself and Meaghan Smith, then I would like to kiss you. Thanks a million to everyone who volunteered and who showed up to formulate a vibrant crowd of almost 3,000 people. Such a dream!

My guitarist, Joe Corcoran, is such a gem. He came all the way from L.A. for the show. Thanks Joe!

What a crowd! I especially loved it when people stood up and danced.

And I would pay money to have Cjane join me onstage anytime, anywhere.

Meaghan Smith was such a delight and so cordial. Her voice is the crème de la crème.

Provo fell in love with her right away.

Thanks so much for coming, Meaghan! Come back soon, ok?

P.S. Next month's Rooftop Concert will be an Abbey Road, Beatles cover band comprised of some of Utah's most amazing artists and Sarah Sample (a favorite of mine) will be opening! Don't miss it on Friday, July 1st at 8 PM, 100 W., 100 N., Provo, UT. I'll see you there.

P.P.S. Here's a little clip that someone uploaded at the Rooftop Concert. It makes me laugh for so many reasons. I think the guy who tries to hurdle the police barricade with his kid is my favorite.

Good Things for Free (or Cheap)

I think it's something that females just do, but when we find cool stuff for a bargain or even better, for FREE, we like to share. So I'm feeling kind of inspired to share some neat-o free stuff that I have come across.

1.) April Meeker, who designed the illustrations in my Anchor music video, has designed a very darling desktop wallpaper, which you can view and download for FREE, right here.

2.) Don't wanna spend the money to discover rad new music until you've heard it? My friend Marilyn Lott has the best playlist of stellar music streaming on her blog. She has a new playlist every month. This is where I go to discover new music, then I buy my favorites on iTunes.

3.) I've said it before, and I'll say it again, my all-time favorite beauty product for summer is Natural Glow by Jergens. This isn't a full on self-tanner. It's very mild and gives your skin a lovely color without the Oompa Loompa effect. Around $8.

My favorite bronzer for face is Liquid Bronze by Clarins and sadly, will basically cost you your firstborn child (or $32.50). But it lasts for a very long time.

4.) Lastly, I am shamelessly promoting this FREE concert on Friday night in Provo, UT for 3 narcissistic reasons:

1. I'm on the committee for the whole concert series.
2. I'm opening for the oh, so darling Meaghan Smith, who just won a Juno for Best New Artist. (Congratulations Meaghan!)
3. It's my last show before I have my baby this summer and I want to bow out with a bang until I return in the Fall.

The Rooftop Concert Series is the first Friday of every month in downtown Provo, UT, May-October and is always FREE. Bring your lawn chairs and blankies, Aunt Hilda and Cousin Vern. See you there!

O Christmas Tree (in June)

Momma's Christmas tree. The crown jewel of her life's efforts.

Here in Utah, we have all been dying for the summer to come. I'm pretty sure Spring snuck through here undetected because it has felt like one big, fat, winter. Even so, I am writing some Christmas songs at the moment and I need some inspiration. Do you have a story or memory you could share with me about Christmas time? Perhaps you have experienced a birth or a death or a hilarious series of events during the holiday season. It doesn't matter. I just need stories! Leave a quick one in the comments, or send a more lengthy one to my manager, Joe Meservy at joe@hungrytigeragency.com. He'll make sure that I get it. Thanks and Feliz Navidad!

P.S. This reminds me, once my little sister tried to poison one of my older sisters with some holly berries when they were kids. There's a Christmas song for ya!

Antelope Island

Over the weekend, my husband and I took our boys to Antelope Island. Sometimes I crave world travels so much, but I forget the treasures right here in my backyard. This little gem of an island is located on the Great Salt Lake in Utah and is home to many wonders of nature.

Fuzzy flakes drift down from the Willows like down feathers. The boys play pretend in a grove of trees, blanketed in white.

We have a staring contest with a baby owl.

Every Memorial Day weekend, an old, retired ranch on Antelope Island is the perfect backdrop for a cowboy poetry festival.

We cap off the day by getting very close to some buffalo grazing on the hillside. Now I am trying to remember all of the other beauties in my state that we can visit soon. Summer plans are churning around in my head. Timpanogos Caves? Lake Powell? Moab? Goblin Valley? What am I missing out on?