What a strange few weeks this has been. I’m still in New Orleans, not back in Vancouver as I had planned. The tour was wonderful, but at the same time left me feeling somewhat discouraged about a career in the arts and really questioning if this is the path for me. And while I feel strongly that I’m supposed to stay here for a little while, there is a lot of sadness and confusion that goes along with that.

In the meantime though, I feel like there are parts of me stirring that I have been trying to find for a long time. Last night I had a great jam session with a neighbour and we almost finished a song I’ve been working on for ages. And as much as I’ve been dragging my heels to finish the reporting for the Inside Journeys Outside concert, I’m remembering now how cool it was and starting to ask myself what’s next. Today I wrote a letter to Gary Snyder, one of my favorite poets, something I’ve been meaning to do for years. I’m also going through The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron for the second time. All this in between these intense bouts of sadness and feelings of hopelessness, that sometimes overtake me even in the greatest of moments.

So I don’t know where any of it is going right now, all I know is all bets are off in terms of my plans beyond the summer. Chances are I will be back up North, but perhaps with a slightly different agenda and outlook, who knows.

Did I ever mention that now is a great time to order an Inside Journeys outside cd? I’m sending a postcard to everyone who orders one before March 17! You know you wanna!

Right now we are in New Orleans, but we’ll be passing through some other stops on our way back to Los Angeles as well. Being on the road is expensive! Thanks for the support everyone!

Out with Max in Austin, TX. What a great city! We played at a very cool gallery called the Wardenclyffe and met some very cool musicians, namely a very fun band called Sour Bridges and a very sassy lady by the name of Jezebel Jones. We also stayed with Flip’s friend Katie who turned out to be a kindred spirit extraordinaire. So delightful. Plus, there are some pretty stellar hiking trails right in the middle of the city. In conclusion, Austin, you’re doing alright.

Out with Max in Marfa, TX. A few moments later, I watched a deer chase the entire flock along some farmland in the desert.

Having Max on the road is both a struggle and a joy. I have been meaning to introduce you all to her for quite some time, and since she is a big part of this adventure, this seems like a good time to give you the full scoop.

I adopted Max over a year and a half ago from the Great Slave Animal Shelter in Yellowknife, NT. She had been brought in (apparently) for having rabies, but after putting her in quarantine it was determined she didn’t have rabies. Instead of putting her down, my friend Wade agreed to foster her and help her work through her aggression issues and fear.

I wasn’t in a place where I could adopt a dog, but when I sat on Wade’s couch and she came over and put her head on my lap my heart pretty much melted. She eventually went back to the pound, where I started walking her every day that I could. When my dear friend Chris and I were about to embark on a roadtrip and I was leaving my apartment, I adopted her and she same with us.

This was our first adventure and our first bonding experience. Chris brought his elderly dog Barlow with him, and the two got along well enough. We slept in tents, and the dogs chilled out in the car whenever we went places they couldn’t come along. Max had issues, particularly when left leashed and unattended, but otherwise did alright.

Some triggers did start to come out though. She is still very protective of me and quite jealous, especially of other dogs. She sometimes has a hard time warming up to men. I’d be lying if I said sometimes I didn’t wonder if she’d be happier in a quiet home with few visitors, but she and I are so bonded now that I can’t imagine it any other way. Fortunately, Wade and my friend Tia (who runs Happy Pooch in Yellowknife) are both great trainers and have helped me figure it all out. There’s still a lot to learn.

She is okay with flying. I always fly Westjet when I have her. She is kennel trained and this helps immensely. She loves the car. When we stay at people’s houses, I get the feeling she is afraid I am bringing her to a new home and will leave without her. She’s happiest when we camp, but if we didn’t have a car it would pose its own challenges. Overall she is most comfortable when we are out of the city and there’s a backseat she can hang out in while we do errands, or play shows, or whatever it may be.

Out with Max in Bisbee, AZ.

Returning to East Jesus was wonderful and necessary. The people taking care of the place have a solid vision, good hearts and have kept the spirit of the place alive. I believe Charlie would be happy to see what is happening there now.

I have to admit, it has been a struggle to stay on top of communications this trip. Flip and I are trying to get an indiegogo campaign up and running, and it’s taken me over a week just to get my phone working here. But we are getting there, finally!

Flip and I arrived in East Jesus a few days ago, finally bringing this project full circle and a bit of peace to my heart. There are great people here, and the art space continues to evolve and grow. I remember Charlie saying how he felt this place was taking on a bit of a life of its own, and it feels very much like the case now. The sculpture garden has grown immensely, and there is a steady influx of interesting people passing through. Max has also been enjoying it, with big walks along the canal every day and lots of socialization with people and dogs. Max even has a boyfriend. It has been wonderful to see old friends in the Slabs too – Builder Bill, Marty, James and Mike. It’s crazy to think it’s been five years since my first visit here.

Out with Max at the canal, Slab City.

Decided to take a little break after all the craziness of the past month. Launched my first album and screened my first film, all within a couple of weeks of each other. And all the while doing my regular contracts too. It’s been a wild ride, let me tell you.

I am visiting some friends in the Vancouver area to decompress, mostly staying with my brother on Bowen Island. It’s a beautiful, restful spot and I am enjoying it immensely. And so is Max! Andre’s dog looks suspiciously like Max as well, and we often wonder if perhaps our dogs are related as well.

Today I am heading further south, Max’s first adventure south of the border. I am returning to the desert, seeing dear friends and spending as much time as I can outdoors. It’s a spiritual journey and also one to recharge, gather my energy and figure out what’s next. I can’t think of a better place to do that than where it all began.

These are from a hike with my brother Andre, the lovely Yana, Max and Maric on some cliffs: