Annie Wenz: News/Blog

Hello Very Beautifuls!

Happy Belated Spring/Almost Mayday...
I hope this time finds you all full of Hope & Joy & Green...
The usual apologies... I know I've been remiss. Again.
(I am shuffling my feet & my eyes are downcast)
I know y'all just love a gazillion emails constantly updating every
wee bit of whatever;)



I do hope Y'All have been enjoying life's little curveballs &
pitching in spreading the bliss of random acts of anonymous kindness
just cause giving is good.

It's been a whir for me between gigs & visitors from the North & the
New Years Concert in Costa Rica (WHICH TOTALLY ROCKED & we're already
planning next year!) & recording & attempting to place some of my
songs & politics & fundraisers & Florida termites & last of all I was
chosen to be on a jury for 3 weeks. (more about all this in News
below)

But I have some REALLY fun performances & workshops coming up
(I do hope some of Y'All can join me!)
& that's what Y'All have been asking me...

SO ON TO THE SCOOP

1~ RECORDINGS
2~ CONCERTS
3~ NEWS
4~ MYSPACE.COM/ANNIEWENZ
5~ JOY & BLESSINGS & TATA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1~ RECORDINGS

THANKS to XM Radio Personality/Diva Mary Sue Twohy, my music has been
in regular play on satellite radio!!! It's been SO EXCITING to get
emails from friends all over the country telling me they heard my
music on XM! That brings more folks to downloading or buying the songs
or CD & that means it'll be sooner that I can do another recording.
(Wahoo)

So, if it moves you, you can rock my world by simply clicking on this
link & requesting a song from my "POETS DANCE" CD.
<http://www.xmfan.com/guide.php?q=Annie+Wenz&mode=artist&sort=Channel>http://www.xmfan.com/guide.php?q=Annie+Wenz&mode=artist&sort=Channel

I also sent "TIME IS MAGIC" & am waiting to hear if that's moved onto
their shelves. I'll let you know if/when that's also available for
request on XM.

My all instrumental recording "WINDS OF THE WORLD" is still doing
great & being used by massage & yoga folks, wellness, health
practitioners as well as being played for mellow background music for
all sorts of interesting spaces. So if you're looking for that
"special relaxing music", please think of me!


CD's can be purchased...
* Via my website : http://www.anniewenz.com/products.html
where there are links to CD Baby for purchase of the actual CD

*or for just Digital Download via iTunes- Quick/easy/cheap~ ONLY
$9.99!
http://www.anniewenz.com/products.html

If you live in SW Florida, you can purchase the CD at:

*WildChild Gallery on Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL

*Pine Island Variety & Gift Store on Stringfellow Rd,
St James City, FL

*At Ada's Natural & Organic Foods~ S. Cleveland Ave. Ft Myers, FL

A brief info-a-rama about the CD's...

"Winds of the World"~ All instrumental w/ Indigenous/Native flutes on
each song, 60 min long peaceful journey to nirvana type recording.
Folks are saying they love using it for massage, yoga, dinner,
romance;)

"Poets Dance"~ "A Magical Musical Travelogue" songs about life, love,
travel to far off places like Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Bali &
Saskatoon Skies". I call this my "Story CD".

"Time is Magic" ~ Full on band production, produced by Grammy winning
producer Norman Blain. With Annie Burns, Brooks Williams, Duke
Levine, Glen Velez!


2~ CONCERTS & Special Workshops~

Of course I'm always available & delighted to personalize/sign CD's
at performances... Just ask me!

There are always additions to my schedule, so you can always check
this link for updates.
http://www.anniewenz.com/calendar.html

Sunday, May 4th
Wildchild Gallery 1-4pm
Michael Mahan's Musical Birthday-A-Rama!
4625 Pine Island Road NW Matlacha FL
239 283 6006
Price: Free (Donations) ~ Hope you buy a CD
I'm joined by the Island's Favorite Sister & Brother Duo~ Sarah &
Michael Mahan in the courtyard gardens in Wildchild Gallery Heaven!

Thursday, May 8th
Tarpon Lodge 6:30- 9:30pm
13771 Waterfront Drive Pineland Fl
239 283 3999
Price: Free (Donations) ~ Hope you buy a CD
I'll share new & favorite original songs about life, love & seedy
island characters as the sun sets over Pine Island Sound! Dinner
Reservations always encouraged. Luscious full dinners or pub fare!

Sunday, May 18th
Woody's (Formerly the Double Nichol) 8:30am- 11am
Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser!
3051 Stringfellow Rd St. James City FL
239 283 5555
Price: ONLY $5 for a LUSCIOUS BRUNCH
Please join me as I serenade while folks eat shovels full of brunch
to benefit Pine Island's Habitat for Humanity!
Tix available at the door... please help spread the word!


Friday, May 30th
Kerrville Folk Festival Kerrville Tx
Price: See Website http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/
I'll be sitting in as guest percussionist with my AMAZING buddy
Freebo & the STUNNING Band "Sam Lardner & Barcelona" AND I'll join in
campfire music till I drop at this WONDERFUL INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED
FESTIVAL!

Thursday, June 12th
Tarpon Lodge 6:30- 9:30pm
13771 Waterfront Drive Pineland FL
239 283 3999
Friends, Huge Fun, Great Food, Sunset, Songs about Life, Love, Smarmy
Island Characters

Friday, June 13th
Wildchild Gallery
Non Art Night Matlacha - 2-5pm
4625 Pine Island Road NW Matlacha FL
239 283 6006
Price: Free~ Hope you buy a CD
I play in this gorgeous funky gallery as the Islands celebrate ART!

Sunday, July 13th- Thurs July 16th
Kerrville Folk Festival~ Songschool for Teens
http://www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com/ & email for details
Kerrville TX

This songschool is such a SPECIAL event for me. (my 3rd year
teaching) Also teaching this year are my buddies Tom Prasada Rao, Futureman/Roy Wooton (of Bela Fledk Fame) & Sarah Hickman!
Sponsored by Girls & Boys Clubs of America/ Microsoft & The
Kerrville Music Foundation, we bring young folks from the most diverse
backgrounds together to play & create music. It is SO JOYOUS &
EXCITING to watch these kids blossom & beam. For more info, email
info@kerrville-music.com & put "July 12 Songschool for Teens" in
the subject line.


Sunday, August 10th- Thursday Aug 14th
The Song School- Lyons CO
800 624 2422
Price: Check Website http://www.bluegrass.com/songschool/

I return for the bazillionth year (12? 13? !!!) to teach the art of
songwriting, percussion & morning yoga at THE BEST school of
songwriting in the US! Stellar faculty. Amazing community, Gorgeous
setting surrounded by bubbling river & red rocks. Limited spaces fill
quickly- so register NOW!


Friday, August 15th- Sun. Aug 17th
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Lyons CO
800 624 2422
Price: Check Website http://www.bluegrass.com/folks/
I get to perform at 1 of the best festivals in the country following
a week teaching at The Song School. YAAAAAY!

------------

3~ NEWS

The Islands...
As I mentioned, life's been the usual busy whir for me. Living on the
most generous island on the planet keeps all of us busy. So many great
fundraisers... hats off & hugs & smooches to all those here who give &
give (& thanks for including me!)


Politics... Yes WE CAN make a difference. I hope those of you in the
US have been voting & doing your part to help make a well needed
change in our government! We can raise our voices & stop the insanity.
500 BILLION dollars! That's what we've spent so far! I'll say no
more.

Both my VERY talented dear dear activist friends/sister/bro Eleanore
MacDonald (of Paul Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald & music bro Freebo sent
me links to this Utube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY
"Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video"
& I cried tears of Hope that we the many who've felt voiceless for so
long can maybe really just maybe see change in our lifetimes. It's
based on Barack's own inspiring words.
I urge you to take a minute to check it out & forward it if you'd
also like to spread the word. Change is critical. Please help make a
difference.

Jury Duty~ Almost EVERYONE I know does all they can to blow off jury
duty. But I was sued once along with 5 other top notch, passionate,
professional, conscientious practitioners...And I hoped & prayed for
unbiased, intelligent, thoughtful jurors. And the system worked. I was
fortunate & we were found not guilty. Yea, it's a HUGE inconvenience,
but it could be you. So I just served on a 3 week trial. It was an
honor & a privilege. (yea, it was a commuting pain & emotional jolt &
some of the lawyers wanked on & on...) But if we all blow it off, you
get what you get. (& yea- there will be a song about the wank parts;)

Songs~ I'm still pitchin & waitin & will keep y'all posted if
something wonderful falls from the sky. If not, I still Love my Life.
So There.

New Instrumental CD???~ To my special Friends in India & Pakistan,
Yes, in this lifetime I will do a new instrumental CD sooner than
later... And the music will be flute songs inspired by music from your
countries!
I am SO EXCITED.

Song CD???~ Yes. I am also writing for a new "song" CD which YAll are
telling me way overdue. So stay tuned. (& THANKS FOR THE nudges!)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4~ MYSPACE.COM/ANNIEWENZ

Yes... I have a "MY Space" page...
My primary postings & such are still at my website though.
But I'm told it's a beautiful thing to be linked to those of you who
link.
So Go figure. I guess we should link.
Note- I post my schedule only at my website. It's easier.

My goal is still to have a gazillion "friends"
So by the time I die there are enough people to pick me up & dip me
in chocolate...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5~ JOY & BLESSINGS & TATA

Time to go...
Please keep keeping me writing & playing & sharing in the joys of
music.
Music truly can be a road to Peace.
I Do Believe!

Heartfelt Thanks to Y'All
Peace, Pura Vida, Oneh, Namaste, Nasdorovia, Assalam-O- Alaikum,

Annie
Http://www.anniewenz.com
Http://www.myspace.com/anniewenz
annie@anniewenz.com

Hello Y'All

Thought it would be easiest to check in via this space since it's been waaaay too hectic to reply to individual emails (so sorry).

I've been working my fingers off preparing for tomorrow's New Year;s concert in Monteverde. As some of you know 2 days before coming here I was stricken with absolute laryngitis... nada zip- barely even a painful whisper. Of course after preparing for months for this show, I'd never forgive myself if I wasn;t able to sing... so I took every remedy known to humans & animals over the past days....

Finally yesterday my voice began to return. I didn't realize how much I sing all day long. I am grateful!

The band is just AMAZING!!!
There are a few new members (Arturo on Bass & a few additional folks singing individual songs) but the previous band members are back & stronger than ever...

Robert our fearless,extremely talented & whipcracking leader is making sure we do all of the original parts as close to perfect as possible, Alan on vocals, leader of string section (which totally blows my sox off) , & banjo, Frederico on tight as hell drums (new kick butt kit) & Walter floating & wailing on rhythm guitar (his new shiny baby which I'm sure he takes to bed) Needless to say I'm honored as hell to be amidst such wonderful & careful artists.

I'm doing 12 songs on keyboard which is a bit of work for me as I'm striving to do all original parts and haven't played this much keyboard in a while...

After the new yrs show, the band "Chanchos de Monte" which consists of the major players in the new yrs show, will rock the rest of the night away... I'll be able to sit in there on percussion & whatever.

So, that's the scoop...

We've rehearsed day after day & when not rehearsing, we;re going over parts on our own...

I had to cancel a gig yesterday at Moon Shiva (2nd i've ever cancelled in 20 yrs) & Robert & I will do that Jan 4th...

I promise I'll reply to your notes after the big show...

Big Love to All

Annie

Hello Again Gorgeous Folks

As many of you know, last year I have the honor of performing in the earthquake zone in Pakistan for the most amazing people I've ever met in my life. Despite empty pockets & incredible loss, these beautiful souls picked up the pieces & helped those who had even less. They have become my barometer for what's really important in life!

Anyway, both the children's refugee/tent school and the women's craft collaborative have had terrible setbacks even since I was there.

Instead of buying someone in your loop another sweater or pair of mittens for the holidays, please consider making a donation in their name to the school or collaborative. Email me at the email address on the 'contact Annie" link for easy onfo on how to make a donation.

I promise it goes right into the hands of the kids & women in these terribly needy areas.

Thanks SO SO SO MUCH!
Annie

Hello Very Beautiful People!

Happy Season of Giving Thanks!


On Thanksgiving morning, as I do most days, I awoke just before
sunrise & headed down to my dock where I sat quietly & played wooden
flutes as the sun rose orange & red. I play to ground myself, & also
play for the usual crowd... which varies...26 ducks, 8 ibis, 1 white
egret, & assorted eagles & osprey which circle & seem to call to me. I
think a lot... (sometimes too much) And I give thanks... HUGE thanks.
I ask for strength to deal with the things in my life which are
painful. I try to understand. I try to make things better. I try to
make a difference. I cry. I laugh. I question & I try to think of the
full parts of the cup as opposed to the not so full. Then I give
thanks again.

So, I must Thank All of You for the gift of friendship & support
you've given me. Yes, I'm always grateful for my gift of music, but
I'm also incredibly grateful that you all are so open to me sharing it
with you. So picture me shaking the hand of each & every one of you!
In the past months when I found myself questioning everything, dealing
with sick family members, stolen credit card, dead-as-a doornail van
at 4am on 4th of July & then the theft of my motorcycle while on a
charity ride in NY., it was the heartfelt letters & calls from y'all
that pulled me thru. I also thought a lot about my friends in Pakistan
who after last year's earthquake, gave & gave even when their pockets
were empty. Yes. There is good. I have Hope.

ON TO THE SCOOP

1~ RECORDINGS
2~ CONCERTS
3~ NEWS
4~ GETTING OFF
5~ OTHER COOL LINKS
6~ MYSPACE.COM/ANNIEWENZ
7~ JOY & BLESSINGS & TATA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1~ RECORDINGS
Last year, so many of you gave handfuls of my CD's, particularly my
instrumental recording "Winds of the World" as gifts, I've decided to
drop the price at CD Baby to make it more do-able. So if you're
interested in giving the Gift of Music... you can do just that...
(I'm also planning to have my biker song "Ride" available very soon
as an individual song for internet download only- so stay tuned)

CD's can be purchased...
* Via my website : http://www.anniewenz.com/products.html
where there are links to CD Baby for purchase of the actual CD

*or for Digital Download only via iTunes, go to
http://www.anniewenz.com/products.html and follow the simple links
(quick/easy/cheap~ $9.99!) I finally tried this yesterday & it took
minutes!

If you live in SW Florida, you can purchase the CD at any of my
performances (schedule below), or:

*At WildChild Gallery on Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL

*At Pine Island Variety & Gift Store on Stringfellow Rd, St James
City, FL

*At Ada's Natural & Organic Foods~ S. Cleveland Ave. Ft Myers, FL

A brief info-a-rama about the CD's...

"Winds of the World"~ All instrumental w/ Indigenous/Native flutes on
each song,
60 min long peaceful journey to nirvana type recording. Folks are
saying they love using it for massage, yoga, dinner, romance;)

"Poets Dance"~ "A Magical Musical Travelogue" songs about life, love,
travel to far off places like Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Bali &
Saskatoon Skies". I call this my "Story CD".

"Time is Magic" ~ Full on band production, produced by Grammy winning
producer Norman Blain. I have only 1 left at CD Baby & will be
producing more in the next week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~


2~ CONCERTS & A Special Flute Workshop~

Of course I'm always available & delighted to personalize/sign CD's
at performances... Just ask me!


This Tuesday, NOVEMBER 27th
TARPON LODGE http://www.tarponlodge.com/home/
6- 9:30pm Pineland FL 239 283 3999

I'm so excited about returning for the season at this peaceful &
beautiful historical lodge. Reservations recommended if you're having
one of their 4 star dinners. *Note they have a luscious new affordable
light pub menu available in the music space!
-----------------

Sun., DECEMBER 2nd, 2007
WILDCHILD GALLERY http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/
Songwriter Sunday/Chocolate Sunday - 1-4pm
Matlacha FL 239 283 6006

Join me if you can as I host nationally touring award winning artists
"Jenning & Keller" at this wonderful gathering celebrating original
music & art in the heart of Beautiful Matlacha. Cocolate & wine
available with proceeds going to The Calusa Land Trust or BYOB, join
in the BLISS! Please help SPREAD THE WORD about these gatherings at
the gallery on the FIRST Sunday of each month.

Also note the gallery has all sorts of great events, workshops &
artist demo's every weekend, so check the website for the scoop!
-----------------


Fri., DECEMBER 14th
WILDCHILD GALLERY http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/
Art Night Matlacha - 2-5pm
4625 Pine Island Road NW Matlacha FL 239 283 6006

Always such a fun fun celebration! I get to twirl about this
beautiful gallery playing flutes & dulcimer as the Islands celebrate
ART NIGHT!
------------

TUEADAY. DECEMBER 18th
TARPON LODGE 6- 9:30pm
Pineland FL 239 283 3999

Pre Holiday kick back! Get away...Come on down & watch the sunset
with me at this gorgeous historical lodge. Reservations encouraged if
you're having a luscious dinner, or try the new pub menu! We always
have a blast singing together & talking behind our neighbors backs!

-------------------
MONDAY DECEMBER 31st, 2007
BROMELIAS New Years Beatles Tribute Concert
Santa Elena/Monteverde Costa Rica

WAHOOO! Join Me, Robert Dean (Sinead O'Connor's former guitarist &
founder of "Japan") & THE MOST BRILLIANT band in Costa Rica as we join
forces again for the 2nd annual New Year's Beatles Tribute Concert at
Bromelias Amphetheater! Last year was so amazing, they just had to do
it again! (I'm practicing my hands off!)
---------------------

FRI. JANUARY 4th, 2008
MOON SHIVA http://www.moonshiva.com/
Santa Elena/Monteverde Costa Rica Price: TBA

Annie Wenz & Robert Dean~ Special Holiday Season Concert!

Musical Wizard Robert Dean (Sinead's former guitarist & former
founder of "Japan") & I return for a special appearance/concert.
Double check date & time as it's Costa Rica... they may change, but
we're definitely doing a show!
--------------------

SUNDAY JANUARY 13th, 2008
WILDCHILD GALLERY http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/
4625 Pine Island Road NW Matlacha FL 239 283 6006

• Think about this as a SURPRISE GIFT!
Native American Flute workshop - 10am- 12pm

Price: $65 (Does not include flute, but Ray Wood flutes are
available. I use Ray's gorgeous flutes for most of my recordings &
performances these days!)
I'll be teaching a long awaited Native American flute workshop at
this beautiful gallery. I've been teaching these workshops for a few
years now, & folks who've struggled with wooden flute playing for
years are saying they're FINALLY playing & loving it! It CAN be done!
Please call the gallery or email me if you'd like more information!
annie@anniewenz.com
-----------------

SAT. JANUARY 19th & 20th, 2008
MARKHAM PARK, Ft Lauderdale FL
http://www.southfloridafolkfest.com/
16th Annual South Florida Folk Festival

YAAAAY! Great Lineup. Huge FUN is always had. Music, Partying,
Florida Friends! Don't Miss it!
My "Official Performance" is on Sunday Afternoon. Hope you can join
me!
----------------------

THURS. JANUARY 24th, 2008
TARPON LODGE
Sunset at the Tarpon - 6- 9:30pm
Pineland FL

Back Again! I Love playing at this very special historical lodge
overlooking Pine Island Sound as the sun goes down. Best to call in
advance for dinner reservations... or just come on down for dessert &
a glass-o.
-------------------

SUN. FEBRUARY 3rd, 2008
WILDCHILD GALLERY
Songwriter Sunday/Chocolate Sunday - 1-4pm
4625 Pine Island Road NW Matlacha FL 239 283 6006

I'm joined by the incredibly talented Wendy Webb! We'll grace the
stage & share original songs at this "Do Not Miss" special event.
------------------

FRI. FEBRUARY 8th, 2008
WILDCHILD GALLERY Art Night Matlacha - 2-5pm
4625 Pine Island Road NW Matlacha FL 239 283 6006

I twirl about this beautiful gallery playing flutes & dulcimer as the
Islands celebrate ART NIGHT!
----------------

3~ NEWS

I FINALLY recorded my biker tune "Ride"! Yaaay & YaaaaY. It was such
an amazing experience! It was produced by Ben Wisch, most known for
winning a grammy for producing Mark Cohn's brilliant song "Walking in
Memphis". I was accompanied by buddy the amazingly talented Walter
Parks, who's Richie Havens full time guitarist. When Walter's not
playing with Richie, he plays with the rockin/bluesy/swampy trio
"Swamp Cabbage" (do check them out!)
http://www.swampcabbage.com/HONK.html I'll be pitching the song to
Harley for compilation consideration as well as pitching myself with
Swamp Cabbage to Harley for performance at events! (wish us luck!)
That much fun just should be illegal! Stay Tuned!

-----------
As a result of 3 motorcycles being stolen, 3 children were adopted
due to all of the press we received. Yaaaay! At that "price", I'd do
it again in a heartbeat! I also just found & finally replaced My
Sweet Ride with a Purple & Red 06 Heritage Softail Classic! It sure
is a "Throbbin Hunk o Love & Chrome" (yes- that's a line from my new
song "no Ride") with 12,000 fewer miles & Reinhart pipes. (after all,
it's all about percussion;)

----------
While in the studio, I also recorded guitar/vocal versions of my
songs "Life in Harlan" & "Promised Land" to pitch to other recording
artists, so wish me luck. Special thanks to songwriter extraordinaire
Darrel Scott for his wonderfully kind words, input & hand in "Harlan"!

----------

Super Extra Special THANKS to WMNF Tampa Radio Pubah Randy Wynne;
Women's show hosts Mary Glenney & Arlene Engelhardt & the whole WMNF &
Skippers community for such a warm & wonderful welcome & reception at
my 1st performance at Skippers. (as well as y'all who came out in
kind droves to be supportive) I had an absolute BLAST! You're all THE
BEST!
----------
4~ GETTING OFF

There's a link at the bottom of this note if you'd like to be
removed. If it doesn't work, email me & I'll see to it!

-------------
5~ OTHER COOL LINKS
Author Robert Macomber
http://www.robertmacomber.com/

Author Randy Wayne White (I'm LOVING his new book "Hunters Moon)
http://rwwhite.com/


Songwriter Performer & Good Buddy Sam Lardner
http://www.samlardner.com/

~~~~
And don't please don't forget my 3 amazing sponsors (whom I TOTALLY
ADORE!):

Rocky Mountain Slides

http://www.rockymountainslides.com/

Elixir Guitar Strings
http://locator.elixirstrings.com/locator/elixir/StartLoc.jsp

Island Flutes
http://www.islandflutes.com/

And for those of you who love to travel...
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this lovely family farm/cabinas just a wee
walk outside the cloud forest of Monteverde/Santa Elena Costa Rica.
(write & tell Raina & Leo I sent you!)
Cabinas Valle Campanas
http://www.vallecampanas.com/
------------

6~ MYSPACE.COM/ANNIEWENZ

Yes... I have a "MY Space" page...
I don't "live there", but I visit... so feel free to do the same.
Note- I post my schedule only at my website. It's easier.

My goal is still to have a gazillion friends by the time I die, so
there
are enough people to pick me up & dip me in chocolate...
----------------

7~ JOY & BLESSINGS & TATA

Well... That's all I can think of now, so I won't bore you with any
other news... I wish you all a healthy & peaceful & happy Holiday
Season...wherever you are in the world.

Special thoughts & blessings to my friends working so hard towards
peace in Pakistan & India. May we all continue to move closer together
to each other in celebrating the many things we have in common.

Peace, Pura Vida, Oneh, Namaste, Nasdorovia, Assalam-O- Alaikum

Annie
http://www.anniewenz.com
http://www.musicforyoga.org
http://www.musicformassage.org
http://www.myspace.com/anniewenz

Performing Artist/ Songpoet/ RN/ Educator
Player of Indigenous Flutes & Percussion
Guitar, Piano... Harleys... & LIFE!

hey all

flight thundered out

back a day late


this bites

xo
a

Hola Todos

Once again, I must be brief, as the clock (this time in a library) is ticking...
The trip is almost at an end. I sure would´ve written sooner if there had been any slice of an internet cafe. Not easy...

Anyway... It´s been quite a trip. After leaving Barcelona, we made our way up to La Rioja wine region where there were grapes as far as the eye could see. Life in Spain is a bit different than what we´re used to. Folks sleep till 9am or so, have coffee & crumpets... putz a bit (or work) then lunch which includes a bottle of wine starts about 2pm. Needless to say, between the time zone difference, the difference in sleep schedule & the lunch scene, we found ourselves dragging ass by 4pm!
We are enjoying the wine, cheese, chocolate & other delecacies which abound.

In between some hiking & eating & drinking, the mountains & scenery were of course breathtaking!

After 3 days in Laguardia, we made our way up to the N. coast to small villages near San Sabastian.
(doing much of the same)

After that, we decided to head into France where believe it or not, we decided to go to Lourdes (yes that Lourdes) where I managed to steal a pair of rosary beads for my mother. (if Bernadette could see what they did to that pristine grotto!!!)
I do smell a song however.

We passed thru Andorra which is a shopping Ho´s dream (too bad about those mountains)

We´re now back in Spain, in the Pyranees in a small town called Puicgerdia. Tomorrow it´s back to Barcelona to return the rental car & to a hotel close enough to get us to the airport at the crack of wenzday...

Thanks for travelling with us!
xoxo
Annie

Hola Amigas/os

Just a quickie to let you all know we're still alive & having an absolutely wonderful time here in Barcelona. After several more days riding through the high, steep, swirly mountain roads (in clouds & fog & rain the last day... like enough wasn't enough!), we found our way to Barcelona where our friend, musician Sam Lardner & his beautiful family (lovely wife Katherine, 4 gorgeous kids & the best inlaw/friends on the planet) George & Lucy have been showing us what life in Spain is really about. Sam's band "Sam Lardner & Barcelona" http://www.samlardner.com
played & rocked the town in Sarria town square in celebration of their huge annual festival. Katherine's father George Semler wrote all of the tour books on this region & is certainly filling us in... we sure feel fortunate... Lucy is a teacher and also an authority on all we need to know about the area.
So we are safe & in THE best hands we could be in.

We leave here tomorrow & head (we think) up into wine country (someone has to do it)

I'm working on a few new songs...
& of course missing you all!

Many Thanks for being there.

Hugs & Smooches from Barcelona,
Annie

They say ignorance is bliss & that which doesn,t kill you makes you strong...
So I guess I,m a strong moron.

Here I am in Spain, & what a journey!
We arrived in Barcelona on sept 27th tired as hell (who sleeps on a cramped plane) at noon and searched for an hour as instructed for the guy from the motorcycle rental place who was supposed to be holding a sign. Nada...

Freaked & tired, though all appeared to be on the ¨up & up" when we checked & reserved bikes, I assumed we were ripped off & now stranded in spain with no means of transpòrtation, no phone, no ride from the airport. zip.

I made my way to ïnfo" booth & the kind woman assisted me in calling ¨moto espana". Evidently the person picking us up had car trouble, so we had to wait an additional hour plus for a ride to get the bikes. (finally got the bikes after 3pm)

The bikes! We ride huge harleys in the US... but though the bikes we rented are much lighter, they are balanced MUCH differently. They are more the type of sport bikes one uses to rip about corners. My bike was incredibly difficult to balance and tippy as hell.

SO... we rode briefly to the hotel for nite 1, slept fitfully, and set out up the "Costa Brava" having NO CLUE that the trip we were about to take is one of the most difficult rides in all of Europe!

When we told the guy we rented the bikes from that we,d ridden the "Dragon,s Tail" in the US (360 curves in 11 miles) he said "yes, and???".

That should,ve been our clue.
So off we rode...
First getting out of Barcelona was INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT... They have rotarys "rotundas" every half mile where cars, busses, trucks rip around jockeying for position as you attempt to figure out which turn to take.
After that we wound our way up the twisty rocky coast with HUGE CLIFFS and minimal guard rails. I truly thought I wouldnt make it, but I also didnt want to turn back & redo the rotaries!
Riders from all over Europe had come to do the ride, decked in full leather, on racing bikes...

ANYWAY... Weŕe alive... I was truly scared to death and I feel strong having stuck with it and continued (like i had a choice!)
I feel as if we,ve earned some fancy pants biker,s tatoo...

After day 1, we ducked off the coast into the Pyranees Mts where the roads continued to be twisty as hell, narrow and dangerous (with wreaths & flowers from those who didn,t make it!) but the scenery is some of the most gorgeous I.ve ever seen. As to the riding, I know bikers travel the world in search of rides like this, so in retrospect, we couldn,t have chosen a better trip...

We,re now high up in the mts, in a breathtaking village called "Ribes".

Life is Good...
Ride on

Annie

Hello Beautiful Peeps

I just heard & had to share.

Due to all of the publicity related to the theft of 3 motorcycles...
3 kids were adopted!

What a great trade!
3 Bikes for 3 Kids

I'd give up my bike again in a heartbeat!

Life is Good!
Annie

Hello Beautiful People

Since so many of you asked for a brief report...
& tuned into the Today Show hoping our group would get to talk about
the plight of Foster & Adoptive Kids...

We never made it to the show.
I didn't have a ride.

Yes- it was STOLEN

In NY during the night, along with 2 other women's bikes.

If any of you happen to see the beautiful Yellow & Purple Harley that
used to be mine... :(

(i'd say, watch out for it, there are photos at my website & part of
me thinks someone will spot it & it'll be recovered, but that doesn't
happen with bikes, it's already chopped up)
I will still record my song "Ride" (& maybe I'll write another song
called "Rideless") If I have any energy left.

Peace, Joy, Hope,

Annie the Disheartened
(I know I do sound quite pitiful... sorry... you lose springback
after a few hits)

Hello Shiny Beautiful People!

A last minute new development has popped up in my life, so I'll try
to be brief...

Talk about dichotomy...

The story... There's a group of women bikers here in Maine (that
would be motorcycles not bicycles), led by Sue Pollard, author of the
book "The Alternate Survivor" who've decided to create awareness &
raise money for children in Maine who struggle in foster homes...
hoping & praying for adoption. There's just not enough money to
support keeping them protected and finding them safe homes. They are
the true survivors!

So the group of 40 women bikers will be leaving Kittery Maine
tomorrow (Sunday 9/9) & riding over 250 miles to New York's Madison
Square Garden to grab front row seats on the Today Show Plaza (this
Monday 9/10) and the organizers are also hoping to meet with Oprah
after her show in hopes that she may be able to take up the cause of
the plight of foster/hopeful adoptive children onto her busy plate.

A great deal of money has been raised already- close to $100,000,
much donated by small businesses in Maine, but if any of you know of
any other folks who may want to contribute, here's the link to where
you may make a small donation. (tax deductible of course!) I'll be on
the ride & as always, hope a song will come from this amazing
experience!

Here's the link to the events... then you can click more to read
about the Adoptive Foster Families of Maine & the entire event, &
where to send a donation if you feel so inclined.
http://www.mlachapelle.com/daretodream/index.html

For those not in Maine, I know there are chapters in every state
equally as in need!

(& BTW~ The "Survivor" connection... Sue was last alternate for the
show Survivor-Amazon, wrote a book about her experience/story related
to that journey & became chummy with some of the folks who were on the
show. They're helping her with this project/fundraising effort.)

~~~~
Other Brief Bits...

Last weekend I had the honor & privilege of participating again in
the Penobscott Indian's highest holiest annual spiritual journey...
100 mile relay from the reservation on Indian Island, ME to their
sacred mountain, Mount Katahdin in Maine.

It was as always an amazing journey... I think this was my 12th run.
I ran 12 miles before my right knee decided I'd done enough... oh
well... Larry rode 100 miles on his bicycle! & Dale ran about 18 mi.
before his ankle fought back! I was the only woman, & only one on our
(Dale's) team of 5 who wasn't a marathon runner, so I guess I did OK!

After those running, bicycling & paddling up the river finished their
journey, we sat around the ceremonial fire where many of the elders &
young alike sang traditional songs in Penobscott & other Native
languages. We danced & then afterwards began to tell stories about
dreams & journeys. It was such a once in a lifetime experience & once
again I was reminded about what we miss when we substitute possessions
for simplicity...

When I journey with the Penobscotts, I always asking for guidance & a
"message for this year's journey", the light shined, as it does when
you ask.

I started thinking about all those who've given so much to me in life
with no strings attached, just to be kind.

Despite my occasional thoughts about "throwing in the towel" &
hopping on the line of "takers", I've come to the realization that
giving stirs the waters & creates a ripple effect.

So this year's message... walk towards the light & don't give up...
Keep trying & giving & change will come.
~~~~

My last bits of news...

I have a few weeks off before a busy fall & winter music schedule. In
that time I've decided to record my motorcycle/biker song "Ride" which
so many people are loving (thanks folks!) with New York producer
extraordinare, Ben Wisch http://www.benwisch.com/  who recorded,
produced & won the grammy for Mark Cohen's killer song "Walking in
Memphis". I just know Ben will help me get the perfect sound for the
song.

I'm also ecstatic about the musicians who will be joining me on the
recording... The kick butt band "Swamp Cabbage"

http://www.swampcabbage.com/  comprised of my buddy Walter Parks
(Richie Havens guitarist) , Jagoda the percussion/drum wizard, & the
last but not least member of their trio, bassist Mark Lindsey!

I'll be pitching the song about for various projects and it will be
available for download & with Tshirts once it's done, so stay tuned (&
wish me luck!)

That's about it for now. In a month or so I'll fill you in more on
fall concerts ...

BUT don't forget early bird tickets for Magfest!

http://www.magmusic.com

& I'll be returning to Monteverde/Santa Elena, Costa Rica for the
Second Annual New Year's Extravaganza Beatles Tribute Concert at
Bromillia's Amphitheater with my buddy Robert Dean & the rest of the
absolutely brilliant band!

To my dear friends in Pakistan & India, I am still hoping to return
sooner than later! I'll let you know when the article about me & my
thoughts on Peace through Music will be running in the "India Times".

Sending special thoughts & prayers to my dear friends in Abbotobad
Pakistan at the DMC! http://www.dmcrelief.com/

Many Thanks as Always for Your Love & Support
Assalam-O-Alaikum, Namaste', Peace,
Annie
--

Annie Wenz
http://www.anniewenz.com
http://www.musicforyoga.org
http://www.musicformassage.org
http://www.myspace.com/anniewenz

Performing Artist/ Songpoet/ RN/ Educator
Player of Indigenous Flutes & Percussion
Guitar, Piano & Harleys

Sponsored by Island Flutes http://www.islandflutes.com/
Elixir Guitar Strings http://www.elixirstrings.com/
Rocky Mountain Slides http://www.rockymountainslides.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We're too tired to sleep, too wired to dance
So we sway with the heavens in crystal blue trance
We are naked & threadbare & tapping our feet
We touch without touching & savor the heat...

Annie~ "And We Wait" (on art & life & music)


--------------------------------------------------

Hello Very Beautiful Peeps!

As always, I hope all is wonderful in your lives, or if not, I hope you are finding ways to reach out & locate the little glimmers of light that help get us thru...

Once again I apologize for not sending this out more frequently, but... I don't know, sometimes I feel we're better off planting flowers in our gardens or writing songs or eating crumpets with friends than reading email... Call me wrong... I just find my feet in the dirt dancing... & then time's gone... & it was good. I AM grateful for y'all's patience in keeping track of me & of my music despite my... bouts of silence!

On to the scoop!

1~ CONCERTS
2~ RECORDINGS
3~ NEWS
4~ GETTING OFF
5~ OTHER COOL LINKS
6~ MYSPACE.COM/ANNIEWENZ
7~ JOY & BLESSINGS & TATA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1~ CONCERTS
I've decided to fewer but larger, more special shows/festivals/teaching in the next months as I'm back to writing a bunch & I am expecting delivery of a new resonator guitar & 2 Pakistani flutes which I want to melt down over & learn... (yaaay) Hope some of you can join me if you're in the area of any of my shows or workshops! (& always feel free to let me know you're there!)
~~


Thursday, July 12th
Kerrville Folk Festival~ Songschool for Teens, Kerrville TX
I know it's too late for any of you to attend this year, but it's so wonderful you may know of a young person who may be interested for next year. Anyway, I'm SO EXCITED about returning to teach at this very special song school for teens, sponsored by Kerrville Festival Productions, Boys & Girls Clubs of America & Microsoft. For more info- check the Kerrville website & contact the festival office. http://www.kerrville-music.com/

~~
Thursday, July 26th- Sunday, July 29th
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival   Hillsdale NY   WaHOOO!!!

I Love Falcon Ridge!!! It's truly one of the premier festivals in the US...
I'll be busy playing all over several stages... so check the schedule!
The lineup includes Arlo Guthrie, Dar Williams, Jimmy LaFave, John Gorka, Lowen & Navaro, Lucy Kaplansky, Marshall Crenshaw, Tracy Grammar & Me!!!

Weekend tix are totally reasonable. It's just a BLAST.
http://www.falconridgefolk.com/

~~
Sunday, August 12th- Thursday, August 16
Rocky Mountain Folks Fest. Song School,  Lyons CO
http://www.bluegrass.com/
I return to teach at the BEST songwriting school in the country... Stellar faculty, including Darrell Scott (who's written for Garth Brooks, The Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw), Steve Seskin (Waylon Jennings, Peter Yarrow, Alabama) ,  Catie Curtis, Ben Wisch (produced "Walkin in Memphis for Mark Cohen) many others... Oh Yea... & ME! Gorgeous setting, huge heart. Limited enrollment, so don't wait too long!

~~

Friday, August 17th- Sunday, August 19th
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival  Lyons CO
The festival which follows the song school... http://www.bluegrass.com/
I'll be performing on the "Wildflower Stage". Other performers include Judy Collins, Gillian Welch, Darrell Scott, Cheryl Wheeler & MORE!

~~
September~ looks like Larry & I will be riding motorcycles thru SPain! Any performance leads/suggestions??? Love to hear them!

~~
Thursday October 25h- Sunday, October 28th
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park~ Magfest 2007!
Live Oak FL
Get your early tix soon! http://www.magmusic.com/
I return to one of the most joyful festivals on the planet. ALWAYS a brilliant lineup, HUGE FUN, BURSTING with heart on the gorgeous Swannee River. I perform & teach percussion (dance & party too!) There will be a huge Pine Island contingent, so please join us in the BLISS!

~~

As always, be sure to check venue websites for any changes!

I'm sure there will be additions to the schedule, so check my website for updates too!

~~

2~ RECORDINGS

Thanks to Y'all, my recordings... older & newest continue to sell (Yaaay!!!)
Many are giving the gift of music & in turn that enables me to continue to create new music. You SO rock!

As always, you can buy my CD's:

"Winds of the World"~ All instrumental w/ Indigenous/Native flutes on each song, 
60 min long peaceful journey to nirvana type recording used for massage, yoga, dinner, romance;)

"Poets Dance"~ "A Magical Musical Travelogue" songs about life, love, travel to far off places like Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Bali & Saskatoon Skies"

"Time is Magic" ~ Full on band production, produced by Grammy winning producer Norman Blain.


* Via my website : http://www.anniewenz.com/products.html
where there are links to CD Baby for purchase of the actual CD

*or follow links to download via iTunes (quick/easy/cheap~ $9.99!)

*At WildChild Gallery on Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL
*At Pine Island Variety & Gift Store on Stringfellow Rd, St James City, FL
*At Ada's Natural & Organic Foods~ S. Cleveland Ave. Ft Myers, FL


& FYI~ RN magazine http://www.rnweb.com/rnweb/ has a new addition to their very cool online mag. at the "Lifestyles" section called "The Break Room" which lists products for nurses by nurses. They have a link to my instrumental recording "Winds of the World" & it's bringing my music into the ears of nurses & those who are finding music healing! YAAAY Nurses!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3~ NEWS

Well... since I last wrote, it's been the usual swirl of life & art. So many wonderful things happening right close to home on Pine Island (2 mi from Sanibel Is.) They call us the "Arts Coast" for a reason! I was very busy at WildChild Gallery teaching percussion & hosting Songwriter Sundays... we will continue in the fall, plus there are many folks requesting a flute workshop, so I promise we'll let you know as soon as we set a date! 

Other gigs~Performances in Monteverde Costa Rica again were just a Blast as usual (thanks SO MUCH to Federico, Walter & Richard for joining me!) Susquanna Music & Arts Fest in May/Havre De Grace, MD- WOW WOW. Check it out next year! Wilfest is a sweet FL musical home away from home & of COURSE Springfest is ALWAYS just SO SO special...



My music bro & friend Alan Rowoth, founder of folkmusic.org, the folk music listserv, & brainman behind the "Internet Quartets" which launched the careers of dozens of artists, amazing human & computer wizard is now doing ALL sorts of freelance music related computer business. If any of you are in need, or know of someone in need of any of that type of service, please DO contact him at the following... (he's THE BEST!)
Alan Rowoth/Internet Guru
alan@folkmusic.org (315) 474-4800




My dear friend Nancy Glickman continues to bring a wonderful variety of music to the Tarpon Lodge in Pineland (also on Pine Is.) http://www.tarponlodge.com/home/
So be sure to support the artists if you can (& be sure to tell Nancy & the general manager Nancy rocks!)



I am SO SO SO excited that my sister/friend & cohort Dr Jerri Nielsen of the book & movie "Ice Bound" (remember the doctor who discovered a breast lump while working at the S. Pole who had to do her own biopsy, have meds air dropped since she was too iced in for evacuation, & was finally airlifted from the pole???) decided it was time to collaborate on a song! I took some of the lyrics from words & ideas in her book, & we both added to make it a song we really love & I am proud of!
It's called "Laughing at the Hurricane" & it's about a coupla wild goilz who keep on keeping on when the chips fall, pushing the edge, laughing thru it all (who could that be???;)
I do hope to record it soon & in the meantime, Jerri's book makes an amazing gift!
(& she also travels the world speaking & inspiring folks if you need it!)
http://www.nationwidespeakers.com/speakers/jerri_nielsen.htm




My other dear doctor buddy & sister Batool Kazim with whom I went to Pakistan last year decided it was time for me to dive back into Pakistani & Indian music, so she connected me, my wonderfully talented musical bro Tom Prasada-Rao & world renowned tabla (Indian drum) master Jerry Leake with Pakistani & Indian friends of hers who wanted something multicultural & special for their international wedding! We learned, played & all felt we did justice & more to some instrumental music by the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, & Tom & I sang the beautiful love song "Rahe na rahe hum" by Lata Mangeshkar in Hindi! I really plan to continue to work on that music so that I may return to India & Pakistan someday to continue to use music to bring people together...




AND speaking of that... Doctors Samina Ahmad, & Salman Ahmad (Salman of the band Junoon who performed with me at last year's Philly Fest) along with their friend Bono (yea- that Bono!) have a new Tshirt fundraiser project... The shirt features the Sufi words "Ghoom Tana" which mean co-existance/interconnectedness... It has pictures of symbols of all major religions and a dark & light hand intertwined in a circle... the back says "we are all connected". All money raised goes to the group of women with HIV/AIDS in S. Africa who make the shirts. The message hopes to promote religious & cultural tolerance. It's 1 of those ways you can make a donation as a birthday or other gift for someone AND get a shirt as thanks! I LOVE my shirt! http://www.junoon.com/home2.htm




Other newz... since y'all have been asking me... yes, there will be a new CD...
what & when exactly, I'm not sure, but your urging has me starting to plan!
I owe you a new "song CD" & a new "instrumental CD" (which will have rhythms from Pakistan & India all over it, I promise!) and I haven't forgotten a kids project...
Things always find their way & so it goes & so it will...




& I still want to record my biker song "Ride" & pitch it to Harley for their compilation & then do my own version of the "Motorcycle Diaries" riding & playing from ralley to ralley with my little Martin in my saddlebag & my hair in the wind!





My journey last week from FL to ME with my soulsister Lynn Holdsworth included some adventure... including my van croaking at 4am July 4th in Jacksonville, FL loaded down with a motorcycle trailer, hundreds of pounds of mangoes, guitars, drums, a bird & duffelbags of other gear. As always, we laughed it off, as we juggled lack of sleep, coffee & chocolate with taxi's, rental cars & traded vehicles. We towed, got covered with grease & mango goo (so sorry for the rash Lynn!), waited & waited some more & decided the message in it all is that "stuff happens" & you may as well find something in the ride & breathe & push on.
What kept it all in perspective was the beautiful people I'd met last year in the earthquake zone in Pakistan who experienced a REAL tragedy & somehow rose above it all...
You all still bring tears to my eyes, inspire me & fill my heart.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4~ GETTING OFF

There's a link at the bottom of this note if you'd like to be removed. If it doesn't work, email me & I'll see to it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5~ OTHER COOL LINKS

As I mentioned, Pine Island is a virtual MELTING POT of amazing internationally acclaimed artists...
I encourage you to check out the work of these folks I'm honored to call my friends:

Author Robert Macomber
http://www.robertmacomber.com/

SongGoddess Wendy Webb
http://wendywebbmusic.com/

Author Randy Wayne White
http://rwwhite.com/

~~~~
And don't please don't forget my 3 amazing sponsors (whom I TOTALLY ADORE!):

Rocky Mountain Slides
http://www.rockymountainslides.com/

Elixir Guitar Strings
http://locator.elixirstrings.com/locator/elixir/StartLoc.jsp

Island Flutes
http://www.islandflutes.com/

And for those of you who love to travel...
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this lovely family farm/cabinas just a wee walk outside the cloud forest of Monteverde/Santa Elena Costa Rica. (write & tell Raina & Leo I sent you!)
Cabinas Valle Campanas
http://www.vallecampanas.com/

6~ MYSPACE.COM/ANNIEWENZ

Yes... I have a "MY Space" page...
I don't "live there", but I visit once in a while... so feel free to do the same.
My goal is to have a gazillion friends by the time I die, so there are enough people to pick me up & dip me in chocolate...



7~ JOY & BLESSINGS & TATA



As always... I THANK YOU ALL for your kindness & support...
& I urge you to do what you can to be kind...
& to work for PEACE & EQUALITY for every single one!

Peace, Pura Vida, Oneh, Namaste, Nasdorovia, Assalam-O- Alaikum,
Annie

--
Annie Wenz
http://www.anniewenz.com
http://www.musicforyoga.org
http://www.musicformassage.org
http://www.myspace.com/anniewenz

Performing Artist/ Songpoet/ RN/ Educator
Player of Indigenous Flutes & Percussion
Guitar, Piano & Harleys

Hello Again Beautiful People...
Winds of the World is now back on the wearehouse shelves. YAAAAY.
AND CD Baby is just GREAT about sending them right out, so you can now go for it!


Since many of you have asked... yes, I am an RN.
This recording was part of a long and wonderful journey which began many years ago when I found myself playing flutes for my patients at the Westfield Area Mental Health Center Crisis Respite in Westfield, MA where I had the priviledge of working as Nursing Supervisor for about 13 years. I used music in conjunction with movement exercises, guided imagery and also aromatherapy with amazing success. As a songwriter and performing musician, I already had 2 recordings completed, but I hadn't yet recorded an all instrumental one. After much support and love from my colleagues, friends and music listeners, I finally produced "Winds of the World"...
I am honored that many nurses, health care workers, hospice facilities, yoga and massage practitioners are using and recommending it...
Many Thanks for Your support as well...
Please email me with any questions or comments...

And oh... last of all, I went to Pilgrim Psychiatric Center School of Nursing in New York! YAAAAY.

Be Well,
Annie

Hello Beautiful & Patient People!

My SINCERE apologies for leaving the US and running out of CD's in the warehouse!
I was incredibly fortunate to have the CD listed in RN Nursing magazine which evidently created a much bigger wave of purchases than I could have expected (YAAAAY)
However I am quite embarrassed not to have them available in the usual immediate manner in which CD Baby sends them out.
So Please accept my humble apologies and know that I was the one with my head in the ozone...

They are enroute as I write & those of you who have ordered & are patiently waiting should receive them shortly.

Thanks SO SO SO MUCH!
Annie

Hello Y'all
Yes... it's been a while since I've written & sent out an update. I will soon. I promise! Until then, I just wanted to THANK ALL who participated in Sunday's Percussion workshop at Wildchild Gallery in Matlacha, FL. It was truly A BLAST!!!
We will be scheduling another February beginner and intermediate workshop in the next few days so stay tuned! Again MANY THANKS TO ALL for sharing their wonderful energy, spirit & expertise...
Annie

Here's a copy of the latest update I sent to my mailing list 11/28/06
(If you'd like to get an automatic copy in you own email box, just fill in the little box at the bottom of this page where it says "join annie's email list".

HELLO EVERYONE!!!
Peace, Assalam- O- Alaikum, Namaste', Nasdorovia, Shalom, Ajo,
(& So On!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HAPPYDAYS!
(& to my friends outside the US who don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but
have a different version of a day of thanks... Happy That!)

I know I have so very much to be grateful for...
Especially YOU All...
MANY heartfelt thanks for bringing such joy into my life
& for being so supportive of me & of my music!

It's been an interesting & blurry few months.
Summer somehow morphed into winter & now the holidays are upon us! WOW!

So on with the update...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1~ NEWS
2~ RECORDINGS (HOLIDAY GIFT SALE!)
3~ CONCERTS, SONGWRITING & PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS (Dec, Jan, Feb)
4~ GETTING OFF
5~ THAT OTHER ANNIE
6~ LETTER FROM THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE IN PAKISTAN
7~ JOY & BLESSINGS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1~ NEWS...

It took a while to recover from my very humbling & powerful trip to
Pakistan. There are notes & many photos at my website, so please do
visit & comment. I recently received a beautiful thank you note from
one of my now life heroes, Dr Noaman Siddiqui in Pakistan. I will
paste it at the end of this newsletter so those of you who helped
make my trip possible may also read how much our gifts meant.

~
MANY thanks for VOTING! We must now continue to raise our voices!

YES we can make a difference! Peace WILL COME!

~
Summer festivals & song schools were a blast. The incredibly talented
Salman Ahmad of the Pakistani band Junoon (which has sold over 25
million records!) joined me at Philly Folk Festival singing songs of
hope & peace in English & Urdu! He is now en route to Pakistan &
will be returning with a traditional flute for me. YAAAY.
I look forward to future collaborations with Salman & his amazing
wife Dr. Samina Ahmad.

~
Magfest (http://www.magmusic.com) was as always SUCH a joy! In
addition to performing, I taught a percussion workshop & a Native
American Flute workshop with my buddy Ray Wood of Island flutes...
I'll be returning to the park for Suwannee Springfest in March.
Earlybird Holiday Tickets are NOW available at
http://www.magmusic.com/ticketsforspringfest.htm

~
Nurse Zone online Nursing Magazine recently interviewed me for an
upcoming article about doing therapeutic music in Pakistan. I'm not
sure when it'll run, but here's the website.
http://www.nursezone.com/

~
Yes~ I plan to record the biker song "Ride" soon... so stay tuned!

~
If any of you happen to be in Costa Rica over the holidays, I'll be
performing at a really really snazzy theater in the mountain village
of Monteverde with my great friend Robert Dean (Sinead O'Connor's
former guitarist & also founder of the band "Japan" (check schedule
below)

~
Since I'm finally back in Florida, I've decided to celebrate by
performing & teaching workshops close to home for a while (minus my
few weeks in Costa Rica). In addition to returning to the Tarpon
Lodge where you can enjoy a 4star dinner while listening to music,
I'm also REALLY excited about teaching songwriting & percussion
workshops at Wildchild Gallery in Matlacha, AND I'll also be hosting
"Songwriter Sundays" which will feature me, plus another songwriter,
on the 3rd Sunday of the month at Wildchild!

We are also welcoming any of y'all who'd like to sit in with a song
or instrument to come on down!!! Check the schedule below for
dates/times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2~ RECORDINGS ~ HOLIDAY GIFT SALE!!!!

It sure makes me smile when Y'all share the gift of music!

Last year many folks told me they sent my relaxing instrumental CD
"Winds of the World" as gifts & people said they loved them. (YAAAY)

SOOOOOO I've dropped the prices of my recordings...
to make it even more possible.
Just go to http://www.anniewenz.com/products.html

& you can buy the actual CD,

(AND if you buy more than one copy of the CD,

you get an xtra 10% off)
OR if you prefer to just gift yourself, you can just download the
songs from iTunes for just $9.99.

OR if you live in the vicinity of Pine Island Fl.

you may purchase a CD at:
Wildchild Gallery in Matlacha,

Island Variety in St James City (by the former Hardware store)
Ada's Health Foods in Ft Myers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3~ CONCERTS, SONGWRITING & PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS (Dec, Jan, Feb)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2nd, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL
Christmas Bliss/KIDS Percussion Jam - Time TBA Price: Free!
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006
I'll be bringing kids together in a percussion jam-a-rama.

Build a shaker, learn to be part of a band!

Part of an entire day of the islands holiday celebration

for kids of all ages!
~~~~~~~~~~~

THURSDAY DECEMBER 7th Tarpon Lodge, Pineland FL 6- 9:30pm FREE!
http://www.tarponlodge.com/home/ 239 283-3999
I return to this gorgeous historical lodge nestled in the heart of
paradise... please join in the bliss!
~~~~~~~~~~~

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8th, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL
Art Night Matlacha - 2-6pm Price: free~ Hope you buy a CD
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006
Wildchild Gallery is SUCH a FUN place to be on Art Night! Come join
me as I float through this beautiful gallery playing flutes &
dulcimer... sip wine, dance under the moon to drums & celebrate!
~~~~~~~~~~~

SUNDAY DECEMBER 10th, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL

SONGWRITING WORKSHOP/Dancing with the Muse~ A Songwriting Journey. -
1-4pm
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006 Price: $45
Spend your Sunday afternoon in "Wildchild's Garden Paradise" learning the art of songwriting...
from what makes a great song to catchy rhythms & rhyme,

creative editing, song structure & more! You'll be HOOKED!
~~~~~~~~~~~

THURSDAY DECEMBER 28th, Bromeia Amphetheater!

Monteverde , Costa Rica
I will be part of a huge musical hoot & Beatles Tribute which my good
buddy Robert Dean is putting together in this wonderfully cool
mountain village in a gorgeous new performance center! Exact time &
details TBA- so stay tuned!
~~~~~~~~~~~

FRIDAY JANUARY 12th, Wildchild Gallery Matlacha FL

Art Night Matlacha - 2-6pm Price: free~ Hope you buy a CD
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006

Another AMAZING ARTNIGHT!
Come to the Islands & share in celebrating the arts... I play
flutes, artist demo their art, music, food, wine, chocolate...
doesn't get any better!
~~~~~~~~~~~

SUNDAY JANUARY 14th, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL Price: $45
PERCUSSION WORKSHOP/
"Plays Well With Others... The Art of Drumming & Percussion"

1-4pm
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006

This hands on workshop promises to be both FUN & educational! Yes-
you CAN do it!
For anyone who'd like to learn more about the art of drumming &
percussion ... from simple individual rhythms & drumming/percussion
techniques to playing in a group and creating you own poly rhythms.
I will lead a hands (& feet) on workshop using shakers, claves,
brushes, drums, & found objects...

(just like "Stomp!")

Bring your own "whatever" or use something from my bag of tricks.
For adults or mature young people... Also GREAT for teachers!
~~~~~~~~~~~

SUNDAY JANUARY 21st, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL

SONGWRITER SUNDAY!!! - 1-5pm
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006

Price: Free~ Hope you shop at the gallery
Join me & songwriting Diva Sarah Mahan in Wildchild's beautiful
garden for an afternoon of music. Sarah's music & voice are SO
soulful & bluesy!!! She's great! Bring your own (???) , bring a
friend... shop at the gallery... gather... sing a song... just BE!
~~~~~~~~~~~

THURSDAY JANUARY 25th, Tarpon Lodge, Pineland FL

Sunset Music at the Tarpon - 6- 9:30pm
http://www.tarponlodge.com/home/ 239 283 3999
Watch the beautiful sunset, enjoy a 4 star dinner or coctails &
listen as I sing about life, love fishing & bungy jumping! You may
want to make a reservation...
~~~~~~~~~~~

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9th, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL

Art Night Matlacha - 2-6pm
http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/ 239 283-6006

Price: Free~ Hope you shop at the gallery
Artnight is SO SPECIAL!
Join in the music (I'm on flutes), wine, chocolate, friends, fun...
~~~~~~~~~~~

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18th, Wildchild Gallery, Matlacha FL

SONGWRITER SUNDAY!!! - 1-5pm
http://www.tarponlodge.com/home/ 239 283 3999
Price: Free~ Hope you shop at the gallery
Join me & Songwriting Diva Wendy Webb as we rock you in the garden
all afternoon... Wendy's stunning lyrics are featured in NY Times
best selling author Randy Wayne White's books! Please join in the
bliss... bring your own whatever, tell a friend... float through the
gallery... share a song...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4~ GETTING OFF
If you'd like to be removed from this list or ned to change your
info... Please go to the link at the bottom of this note & voila...
byebye... (or if that makes you paranoid- send a note to me

annie@anniewenz.com
(but don't ask me to marriage you) (see below)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5~ THAT OTHER ANNIE

Despite the fact that my name is Annie and I have visited & performed
in Pakistan, I am not the Annie of the song "Mahia". (sorry folks;)
Evidently when one googles "Annie" & "Music" my name comes up, as
does the other "Annie". I know some of the guestbook mail I receive
is intended for me from my new friends in Pakistan, but I do however
receive some additional interesting emails because of the confusion.
"I love you will you marriage me please call my cell phone..."
Anyway- for those wondering... that's the scoop!

(& no thanks I don't need a bunch of husbands;)

(but thanks for the thought)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

6~ LETTER FROM THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE IN PAKISTAN

This is the letter I received from Dr Siddiqui in Pakistan the day
before the anniversary of the Earthquake...
This especially goes out to all who helped make that journey
possible. It's for all of us!
....................
Dear Annie
God bless you my friend.

May I take this opportunity to thank you once again for helping our
people in need.

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the earthquake. I don't want to
remember that day which was full of misery and pain. I feel contented
that during the past one year we have at least tried to make a
difference... difference from Pain to Relief, from Sorrow to
Happiness, from Poverty to Progress... and all this was possible
because of people like you and the wonderful friends like Nadeem and
Co. (our "team of doctors")

Thanks for being there for us in the moments of grief and sorrow and
trying to heal the wounds by those
wonderful sessions of music therapy..

Yours sincerely

Dr. Noaman Siddiqui

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

6~ JOY & BLESSINGS

AT THIS REFLECTIVE TIME OF YEAR & ALWAYS...
I KINDLY ASK THAT WE ALL CONTINUE TO TEACH KINDNESS,

AND DO ALL WE CAN TO SPREAD JOY & LOVE & PEACE

& BE EXAMPLES OF GOODNESS.

WALK TOWARDS THE LIGHT, GIVE, SHARE, BE THANKFUL...

PEACE
Annie
Annie Wenz
http://www.anniewenz.com
Performing Artist/ Songpoet/ RN/ Educator
Player of Indigenous Flutes & Percussion
Guitar, Piano & Harleys

Sponsored by Island Flutes http://www.islandflutes.com/
Elixir Guitar Strings http://www.elixirstrings.com/
Rocky Mountain Slides http://www.rockymountainslides.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We fight & we crawl,

following visions & mountains of people
We've just got to have it all,

but life is what's precious,

possessions get heavy
We can circle & rearrange all that surrounds us

from simple to large as the sky
After searching & searching for something majestic,

the treasure's what touches inside.

By Annie~

After Backpacking Around the World in 2000.

This is the final writing about my June journey to the earthquake zone in Pakistan. For those interested in the story in its entirety, I suggest scrolling below to my brief entry June 19 once I entered Pakistan & then just scrolling up the timeline. The notes “Pakistan 1” through 4 (this one) tell my story. As always, heartfelt thanks for joining me & supporting me through this very difficult, but powerful period. I promise I will share all I’ve learned in hopes of making a difference!

After we left the “First Step School” we continued along the winding road through the Kashmiri region. Hearing about the conflicts in the area, I guess I expected to see soldiers, destruction, something very different peeking around every corner, instead I saw children playing, women going to markets, men working in fields & people just going about their daily activities. We pulled over at the top of a hill, parked & carefully teetered our way down a narrow gravel & dirt path, to a village of small close stone & cement houses, all standing, but some with huge gaping holes from the quake. We entered one house & a young woman named Zaphia met us with beaming smile & warm welcome. Twenty-four old Zaphia had lost her husband in the quake, but his body wasn’t found until weeks later while she was in the hospital recovering from a broken pelvis. She returned to her village after months of rehab. & decided to start a craft business with other women like herself who lost husbands. The “Village Of Hope Collaborative” was born. From outside, through the missing parts of her half present living room wall, we could see women & children coming to greet us. We were immediately surrounded as the floor was covered with absolutely stunning handmade clothing, bedspreads, pillow covers & beadwork. I purchased a bed set which I will be raffling off so that I may send them additional seed money, & I am still attempting to help them find vendors for their crafts. Zaphia hugged me close & said goodbye, & I tried not to think about the abyss over the side of the mountain as we worked our back home to the setting sun.

We returned to Islamabad the following day to present separate workshops for teachers & young boys, all from remote schools in the earthquake zone, at Fazaldad Human Rights Institute, founded by Naeem Sarfraz, who’s son in law died protecting a woman from (illegal) honor killing. During our workshop with the 40 young boys, Batool asked, “if you could make one wish, what would it be?” We swallowed hard, holding back tears as the boys went around the circle, eyes down, then looking up as one after another they said, “to have my father & sister back”… “I wish that my mother is in heaven”…” I wish for my old life”. Later when we met with the teachers group, we began as usual, talking about posttraumatic stress, depression & strategies for recovery, when one courageous teacher quietly spoke, “tell me, how do I get this picture out of my mind?” He went on to describe digging through rubble of a school with other teachers as fading voices pleaded for water & help. Hours later, by the time they were able to scrape through & reach where the voices had been coming from, they found 26 children clinging to their principal… all dead. One by one heads bowed & tears began to finally flow… for all of us. Such numbing pain… We thanked each teacher for being there and doing so much to help each other heal.

Still attempting to process our own emotions, we were immediately swept into cars & driven to our “home” in Islamabad, the guesthouse of Mr. Soomro, senate chair/acting president. When we left the guesthouse in the morning, we noticed tables & linens being set up in the huge gathering room, and suspected the luncheon Mr.Soomro had mentioned holding in our honor would be a bit more grand than we originally envisioned. We arrived to a stunning catered affair, as we were warmly met by a roomful of government officials and their spouses. There was a great deal of discussion about our work, future work, & more recommendations made, then Larry, Batool & I were again swept away via motorcade, screaming sirens & all to the train station where we three, Mr. Soomro, & his personal assistant were led through a human bodyguard alley to Mr. Soomro’s private train car, where we could see bodyguards protecting us outside our bulletproof windows at each stop, we spent the next four & one half hours together discussing everything from family life, to dreams of peace, to assassination attempts, to the earthquake, to Mr. Soomro’s mother’s work as a labor/union advocate, to music, to Mr. Soomro’s 13 years in the US as president of Bank of America! Through it all, Mr. Soomro’s kindness shined through, and I promised myself to share my story of a country & people so misunderstood by most Americans. People asked if we felt safe in Pakistan, especially being with government officials. I guess in one-way we were in the safest, most guarded of positions, & in other ways, we were most vulnerable. I was also learning more about Islam & how similar the basic beliefs of each of the major religions are. It is so very unfortunate that many people are not able to separate radical extremists in any group, be it Muslim, Christian, Protestant, Israeli, Pakistani … from those who’s practices & beliefs are as most of us feel & live, about just being kind, honest & treating others with love.

Our train car uncoupled from the rest, & we were brought to a safe space where we disembarked & again, surrounded by guards we were assisted into cars & driven in a flag waving, horn blowing motorcade to a beautiful, restored historical area of downtown Lahore where after 7pm streets are blocked off to allow pedestrians to walk through the streets & eat at outdoor café’s. As we exited our cars, we were surrounded by people warmly greeting us & absolutely stunning leis of roses & jasmine were placed around our necks! (I was given 2- I assumed because I was later to perform!) There were drums beating out steady rhythms & white horses “dancing”, keeping time, amber lights were illuminating the scene & I felt as if I had stepped into a dream. Mr. Soomro leaned over to the three of us & whispered, “This is for you!” Feeling a bit stunned & overwhelmed, we were again introduced to various dignitaries & friends of Mr. Soomro, all educated people working for a free, tolerant, safe & just country. Our entourage was ushered down the street as guards parted the crowds & Larry, Batool & I were seated at the center of a banquet table in middle of the street in front of an incredibly talented traditional Pakistani band playing haunting music. After eating & listening for about half an hour, I was asked “are you ready to play?” My heart pounding, I donned a brass bell covered Pakistani ankle shaker (gifted to me by Nadeem’s sister) on one ankle & an African cocoon rattle shaker on the other. I ran through the scales I’d use on my cedar Native American drone flute, & tapped out a rhythm, showing the band what I’d play, as mics were placed at my feet & flute. They didn’t speak English & I spoke no Urdu, but as always, through music, our language difference was not an issue. All was quiet as I then slowly began to stomp a rhythm & blow into my flute. I nodded & the whole band kicked into a full groove as we danced in & out & around each other’s melody lines & rhythms. The temperature had to be over 100 degrees, & though I felt as if I was going to faint, I continued playing. It was one of, if not THE most exciting musical experience of my life… After what seemed like a lifetime, I exited the stage with tears in my eyes as the musicians touched their hearts, nodded to me… I beamed & nodded back as I touched my heart watching them as we walked back through the parting crowd. We returned to the guest house with Mr. Soomro & thanked him for sharing the heart & beauty of Pakistan…

I only slept that night in half hour increments, if even that. Between the excitement & the “queasy stomach” of 2 days ago which erupted into a full blown GI situation overnight, I awoke exhausted & was able to eat only a few bites of dry toast before setting out to teach our last workshop at “Fountain House” which is a wonderfully progressive mental health facility & host site for the 2007 World Mental Health Organization Symposium on undeveloped nations. I pushed ahead as we met both staff & residents & before long, Batool & I were teaching & demonstrating our exercises. About 10 minutes into my stretching routine, the room began to spin. I turned to Batool & whispered “& now, you will finish, as I am going outside to faint”. I moved towards the door as Larry asked me “What are you doing?” I awoke on the floor surrounded by those I was supposed to be instructing, holding my head & sprinkling drops of water on my forehead. Fortunately the newspaper photographer did not use that photo for the paper! I was ushered into the staff office where I was given a tray full of beverages & rice & understanding. Later that day it was Larry’s turn to be sick & re all realized our western bodies are just too wimbly for even the water used to wash fruit & dishes. We thought we were being carfeful… Oh well, we’ll survive! We rested & packed up the next day for our long journey home…

We said our goodbyes at the airport as so many thoughts & pictures raced through my mind. My life has been forever changed not only by witnessing such devastation, but also by spending time with those beautiful souls who selflessly rose above to help others. I have seen up close & personal a people who, most here in the west do not know or understand, and I have vowed to attempt to educate to make change. Pakistan, like every other country I’ve visited is mostly filled with people who are hard working & kind & loving, overworked, underpaid & struggling to just be. It’s time for me to go now as I have much work to do.
”I will return…” Assalam-O-Alaikum…

Pakistan Part 3

It’s been a while since I’ve written. I think… no… I know I needed some time to process. I’ve been finding myself drifting back & forth between here & Pakistan, missing the smells, the colors & tastes, the smiles of the beautiful people there… thinking of the bone dust sadness, & the white light joy, & the flowers in the rubble. People ask me about the trip, & at times I’m able to calmly speak about our journey. Other times I find myself holding back tears as I talk about the tragedy of the quake & picture the faces of those who so affected me. Then later of course, the holding back takes its toll on my body, or my sleep, or my attitude about those who complain about their cable TV bleeping off for an hour, or the ‘annoying rain water that’s pooled’ in their driveway...
And I was just in Pakistan for a short time. How are those who were there back in October surviving?
On to my story…

We began the next day at the crack of dawn, stopping along the way for a roadside breakfast of roti, very sweet tea & eggs which almost slid off the plate. Later we would vote on the eggs as the guilty party in causing Batool’s GI problems. The ride was truly a white knuckle affair as cars, trucks & busses vied for position on the thousand plus foot high, winding 2 lane road which was totally crumbled & narrowed in parts, due to the quake. I flashed back to my trip in a plywood boat ripping up the Mekong River in Laos 5 years ago, with full face shield, helmet & life jacket, where I finally said “If it’s my time, it’s my time. Nothing I can do, so I may as well just give it up!” I took a slow breath & relaxed for a few minutes until Larry announced “this is nothing. We’ll be in the outside lane on the return.” I asked our driver “Will we go back another way?” He said, “Of course not. This is the only way!” … “OH*&!!!@_)*!”

After about 2 hours, we found ourselves staring at mountains which appeared to be sheared in half. We had reached the epicenter in the city of Balakot. It was then that the reality of the devastation hit me. Entire villages were gone… buried, and under the mounds & mounds of cracked, tossed earth, I knew… there were people, families, children who’d been sitting in school rooms… never, ever to return home again. My breath was literally sucked out of my body. There were remnants of buildings, some blue plastic roofed refugee tent structures still dotting the hillsides like frozen soldiers, and saddest of all, bits of clothing & tiny shoes, just one alone, here & there, in the rubble… & mass graves, & raggedy, attempting to peek through the dust flowers, & silence, & nothing.
We stopped to pay our respects, but I couldn’t bring myself to take photos of the mass graves, even though we were photographing our journey so that we could hopefully use those photos later to raise money. Noaman pointed “That’s where the school was. That hillside was covered with houses. The town square was there.” I blinked. I took deep breaths. I swallowed hard. We walked about in a daze wondering how this possibly could’ve been & continued on…

We arrived in the village of Muzzarrabad, at the tent/refugee camp which was situated in what I was told had been one of the most beautiful flower filled parks in the region. It was now a dusty camp village of tents, plastic, metal sheets & gentle faces. We were introduced to a stunning very young woman, I assumed in her mid to late teens, dressed in soft pink shalwar kamiz, with shawl covering her head. I later found out, she is 20 years old, and is the principal & founder of the “First Step School”, which was (another program) supported by the Abbotonians. Zaira, a college student, was in class when the quake hit. She describes tripping & falling as she ran to exit down the building’s spiral staircase, landing on bodies of other women who’d been trampled to death. Her friend yanked her up by the hair and pulled her along as the other leg of the staircase crumbled, crushing & killing everyone on it. She was one of the lucky ones who got out of the building alive. Six hundred did not. Zaira’s mother had also been killed in the quake, and she, her father & brother, like hundreds of others, found themselves living in the tent village. Since there was no clue as to when a new area school would be built, she decided to start one in a canvas & metal structure at the village. Now there are about 80 children at the school & several hundred people in the village who are waiting to decide where to relocate. After the quake, there were hundreds more, but they’ve moved to other parts of the region with kind relatives, or have rebuilt with whatever they could scrape together, but only outside the “red zone” where the huge fault line exists. After walking about the camp, our team of 5, plus Zaira & all of the teachers & children crowded into the dirt & scavenged plywood floored “classroom” to sing & dance & do whatever we could to bring some joy. We did group percussion & chants & I taught the sign language to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. Then the children took turns singing & dancing for us! One little girl of about 7 proudly pointed to the sky as she danced & sang a song about child labor “the sky is not too high, put down your brooms & pick up your pencils”. I stood up & danced along. It was incredibly moving & powerful. Another child sang a song “I will always love you. You will always be my friend.” Batool whispered, translating into my ear. At this point, I cried openly. Every time I met Larry’s eyes, I turned away. I knew if we connected, we’d totally lose it. We needed to be strong for the children. I also played my cedar Native American flute while the children clapped along. They were mesmerized by the flute & I knew it was something that needed to remain behind, so I gave it to Zaira to share with the school. One teacher who had lost 23 relatives was also taken by the flute & promised to learn to play it. Since most of the children had lost everything including clothing, several of the teachers chipped in their own few rupees to buy them uniforms so that they would not feel singled out. Batool pulled money out of her purse & contributed to the “clothing fund.”

Many children in the village still suffer with horrible memories & nightmares of losing all their friends and family, some of whom were pulled out of the rubble hours & days after the earthquake hit.
Batool said "I asked them if they sleep at night. They said yes, but with their hands over their ears because they can still hear the screaming of their friends who didn’t make it in their heads.” As we spoke, sang & played musical games for the children, one little 5-year-old girl held tightly onto Batool’s clothing. We were later told by other children ’don’t mind her she lost her mother and her family and she just likes to hold onto other mom’s clothes,’". Some in the village are still waiting for those who will never be found…

I shall finish for today, & I promise I will write my final entry soon. But I am far from finished, Pakistan is now a part of my life & will forever be in my heart. I will return!
Love To All~ Assalam-O- Alaikum~ Annie

Our first real day of “rolling up our sleeves” began with an early breakfast of tea, eggs & roti. I am now starting to feel very comfortable & natural in shalwar kamiz, & out of respect, am covering my head when I hear the very beautiful & haunting voices chanting the “call to prayer”, or Azaan over the loudspeakers from the mosques (4 times per day).Our first stop was to the center of our operations, the Disaster Management Center of Abbotabad http://www.dmcrelief.com/index.asp ,which was formed just after the earthquake. FYI, there’s a great deal of photo & written documentation about the early relief efforts & donation info… at the website. The actual space had been some sort of abandoned warehouse, but through the hard work & metamorphosis wizardry of the DMC staff, it is now a shiny, spiffy bustling heart & soul of community relief. They are still renting it, but hoping to raise enough money to purchase the space. The dedication & passion of every single person we met there was enough to light up the city alone! From there we spent the remainder of the morning at the Ayub Medical Center & Medical College, where we took a tour of the hospital & facilities so that Nadeem could assess medical supply needs. He is a member of International Medical Equipment Collaborative [ IMEC],which is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that distributes donated medical equipment to hospitals, clinics, and orphanages in underserved locations worldwide. What a gift! The medical center’s involvement after the quake was crucial, as it became one of the primary centers for virtually every type of “walk in” “carry in” or “copter in” care. (they used an adjacent field to land the helicopters) The hospital itself sustained severe damage, so field tents were set up where hundreds of victims were operated on, bandaged & kept there to heal. By the time of our visit, tents were no longer there, but the quake still leaves cracks in the walls behind at just about every corner. It was very difficult seeing broken delivery tables, few autoclaves, & much lacking in equipment. Hopefully the “wish list” Nadeem compiled for IMEC will bring the very needed supplies quickly. After a short lunch break, we returned to the DMC where Batool & I presented a workshop about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which included a segment about music, stretching, movement, guided imagery & aromatherapy. We had initially intended for the seminar to be for doctors & medical students, however, since the earthquake, the DMC has become a “drop in center” for those in need, so we invited those earthquake victims/survivors who came by to join us. This is where we really began to see & feel the earthquake’s effects on the entire community. Both survivors & first responders shared tragic tales of irreplaceable loss & nightmares which still haunt them. One young boy still hears the fading screams of his friends who were entrapped in the collapsed school building as a few others were able to run to safety. His sister is afraid to go inside any building. I will never forget the sad dark circles around their searching eyes. After urging all to speak about their fears & losses, we urged them to do healthy, community things to move forward. We did a group percussion exercise which had everyone laughing & clapping… Many said it was the first time they laughed since the quake. We went back to our rooms later & cried… As I still am now…
More to come…
Love To All~ Assalam-O- Alaikum~ Annie

We are back from Pakistan… and as the saying goes, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I am sitting in Maine, listening to a hypnotic chanting Pakistani love song, wearing orange shalwar kameez, (very comfy long bead & embroidery adorned tunic with scarf for shoulders or head, over loose bottoms) just to bring myself a bit closer…
But before I attempt to write about what floats in my mind in a space between reality & a dream, I must once again send Bursting Heart Thanks to All who helped in getting me over there. There is absolutely No Way I could’ve done it without you, so your gifts were certainly a Godsend, & I know you’ll be so proud of the work we did over there. As you’ll read, so many others gave in other ways as well, & I guess the most powerful message I brought home from my journey is that we are truly not alone in this world, especially when there is tragedy. We are also so much more alike than not. People are people & hearts are hearts & we are really just one big world.

Since there is so much to tell, I’ll give us all a break & write in a few parts. I’ll also put some photos at the photo section of my website, & will add more as time passes…

Pakistan… Part 1~ Though I knew about last October’s devastating earthquake, when it hit I was on a tour in Germany, & hurricane Katrina seemed to be the focus of most of the English speaking news, so I’m ashamed to say, most westerners had no idea as to its magnitude, myself included… In fact, October 8th 2005 brought the worst earthquake in the history of Pakistan & one of the most tragic in recorded history of the world. It was a crushing & powerful magnitude of 7.6, leaving 90,000 + dead & 3.3+ million homeless or injured. Of those killed, over 35,000 were children who died in schools. An entire generation… gone.

The first inkling of my going there began with an email I received June 1st from my friend Doctor Batool Tauseef, a psychiatrist now living in Boston area, with whom I worked several years ago at a crisis clinic in W. MA. She now works/has affiliations with MA General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, & she is also a member of APPNA, the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America. “Hey Annie my Friend…I was thinking of you as I prepare to go for ten days to Pakistan to help in the earthquake zone in June. I was asked by one of the top Government officials (Mr. M. Soomro, Senate Chair/Acting President) to come and help. I thought of you and our discussions of
wanting to make a difference and using music as a means. I know it is a short
notice, but any chance you'd like to travel with me ???” Apparently Batool spoke with Mr Soomro for only 5 minutes at an APPNA symposium at which Mr. Soomro was speaking about Women’s Rights & also the earthquake. They discussed PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, & Batool suggested, “yes, you must deal with the emergency medical & housing needs related to a crisis, but then unless you also deal with the mental health needs in the aftermath, I believe you will not move on.” Later, Mr. Soomro would tell me that it took only 5 seconds, not 5 minutes for him to see that we could help his people.

So our team of four, Batool Tauseef MD, a psychiatrist (& former Pakistani women’s badminton champion!), her friend Nadeem Afridi MD, a cardiologist, also originally from Pakistan, but now in the US & also a member of APPNA, my husband Larry French, former Westfield State College professor (who taught team building, adventure challenge education & first aid), & me, psych RN/musician/writer, touched down at 2AM on June 18th in Islamabad, Pakistan after almost 2 days travel. We were met, swept away & brought to Mr. Soomro’s guest house by a man named Mohammad Asalm, who’s strong, capable hands & dirt road no guard rail above take your breath away thousand foot drop driving skills were to amaze me for a week. After too few hours of sleep, a luscious breakfast of roti, eggs, fresh mango, tea & warm hospitality at the home of Nadeem’s sister & family (where I was gifted with a set of traditional leather & brass dancing ankle bells) and a brief visits to Batool’s aunt’s home, we drove 5 hours, which included a rare pounding hail storm, from Islamabad to Abbotabad. The 2 lane paved road was turned into a 4 lane at any time, per the clanging discretion of the largest truck passing the “take it or take a dive” smaller vehicles & occasional gasping saucer eyed foreigners, like me. The terrain was a beautiful patchwork of deep clay & soft brown steep peaks, some forested, much not, due to clearing for heating wood. I was first totally enchanted by of all things, the trucks & busses, each a virtual Pakistani Picasso Carnival, proudly, painstakingly & lovingly hand painted in every color of the spectrum with flowers, birds, knowing eyes, landscape scenes, folk motifs & poetry in Irdu.
We arrived in Abbotabad, a bustling, dusty, whirling city, alive with thousands of people in colorful shalwar kameez, with beeping cars, trucks, busses, rickshaws & mule pulled buggys, at what was left standing of our hotel & home base for the next several days. The other section of the hotel still frighteningly… just not there, & being rebuilt with cement & rough posts & wooden scaffolding, after being tumbled by the earthquake.
We were then introduced to Dr. Noaman Siddiqui, a pathologist & professor at the Ayub Medical Center, and Program Manager of the Disaster Management Center http://www.dmcrelief.com/ (where you can see some photos & read about some of what we did there) truly one of the most unsung heroes I’ve ever had the honor to meet. In Pakistan, as in the US, there are schools provided by the government, & then there are private pay schools where those who can afford to, or those sponsored by various charitable groups attend. These, odd as it seems to me, are called “public schools”. It was at such a school, the Abbottabad Public School and College, where Nadeem & Nauman spent their youth, & continue to live true to their school philosophy, treating all humans with dignity, love, kindness & respect. “Everyday I shall do at least one good deed that will please a fellow human being without distinction of country, class, colour or creed… Character is Destiny”. It seemed at every turn of our journey, we’d meet another member of their alumni association, the Abbotonians Old Boys Society & visit clinics, schools & organizations which they sponsor. Such a glowing example of “those who have” doing so much to help those who are less fortunate. We spent the evening learning more about the devastation of the quake & about all of the organizations who came from all corners of the globe to help, about those who lost so much and are attempting to rise above & create a new life in a place where nothing will ever be the same. We planned for our upcoming tasks, took a drive about to see the city, & then slept for a few hours before our real work began…