Welcome to Sweetland . . .

2015-02-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

February 8, 2015
Toronto, ON

I'm so excited to announce the launch of "Adventures In Sweetland" my first book of photography coming February 28, 2015. The book launch party and gallery opening will take place on said date at the Fleishman Gallery in Toronto, ON. Books will also also be available online. Check back for links to buy coming soon... And visit my tour page for more event info.

Adventures In Sweetland the book ... Coming soon.

Design by A Man Called Wrycraft

2014-12-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

December 13, 2014
Toronto, ON

I'm home at last from my epic journey, and what an adventure it was. I seem to be she of little words these days, but many photographs. For all the details of my trip have a peek at the latest photos from my eternal Adventures In Sweetland as well as my Instagram series. You can follow me all the way across Canada to the top of Vancouver Island, onto the ferry up the Inside Passage, along the Stewart-Cassiar highway to the Yukon wilderness, then far North of the Arctic Circle - and all the way home.

For those of you in Toronto hope to see you at Hugh's Room this Thursday, December 18th for the Ladies In Waiting "Jingle Ma Belle" album release show.

Happy holidays!

xo
Kristin

On the Road ... more photos here

2014-11-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

November 17, 2014

Whitehorse, YT

Greetings from the glorious Yukon wilderness!

Today I'm so proud to announce the release of "Jingle Ma Belle" the Ladies In Waiting collective's brand new holiday compilation album. We're going to put on a big show for you on Thursday, December 18th at Hugh's Room in Toronto.

I recorded a beautiful tune for the album with the amazing Derek Downham and I just can't wait to share it with you all...

Purchase or download your copy of "Jingle Ma Belle" on the LIW website: http://www.liwcollective.com

And buy advance tickets for the show here:

http://www.ticketbreak.com/hughsroom

In other news, last night was the first night of my Home Routes house concert tour of the Territory. Nine shows to go and pointed towards the Arctic Circle! Stay tuned to my Adventures In Sweetland series for all the glory.

xox

Sugarplum

Jingle Ma Belle!

2014-06-19T12:08:00.001-04:00

June 19, 2014
Toronto, ON

Hello at long last,

And happy almost summertime! I know I've been a silent Sweetland for quite a while now... There is much to catch you up on. As the solstice nears on Saturday, I'm getting prepared for all my upcoming plans for the warm season. I have a few adventures in store with Captain Dirt & The Skirt, as well as some sweet solo sojourns.

First on my agenda is Fiesta Flamenca! my year-end flamenco dance recital with the amazing Esmeralda Enrique Academy of Spanish Dance. We've been working hard on our choreographies since September and I have butterflies of excitement just thinking about it. Not to mention I have my very first castanets solo and a beautiful new flamenco skirt I can't wait to show off for you. For more info about the performance on June 28th please visit the ASD website.

My next gig is a Canada Day party on July 1st at my favourite tiniest bar in Toronto, Not My Dog. Joining me for the soirée are dear friends Andy White and Maria Ryan. Because what better way to celebrate being Canadian than with a tall Irishman and a beautiful American? Hope to see you there.

Soon after that I'll be heading out to hook up with my musical gypsy road sister DarlenYa for some shows and shenanigans. We'll both be back to Toronto in time to rock the Cameron House with Captain Dirt & The Skirt and Dede and the Dreamers July 16th. That will be a show you definitely won't want to miss!

And I'm very much looking forward to Captain Dirt & The Skirt's performance at Blue Skies Music Festival this year. That festival is a truly magical place and I can't wait to behold its glory once more. We're on the mainstage Friday, August 1st at 9:30 pm.

After Blue Skies I head East on the train via the VIA Rail Artists On Board program. I'm riding the rails from Montreal to Halifax and back again. In between I set sail for beautiful Newfoundland - a place I have yet to visit- on a seriously Sweetlandish adventure. I'll also be playing the Company House in Halifax on August 14th with local pal Jont.

Upon my return to Ontario I'll be pointing North for a big show in Lavigne, ON, with my magnificent Ladies In Waiting. For more details about all my upcoming performances please visit my tour page here.

And here's some news, kristinsweetland.com is going to be getting a makeover soon! I have some exciting projects coming up over the rest of the year -both musically and photographically- and the new website will make it easier for me to share them with you. Stay tuned.

Speaking of photography, my latest Adventures In Sweetland self-portrait series is called Space and Time and features my recent fascination with Astrophotography. As we know, I've always been a space nerd, but I've really been getting into my studies lately. So keep your earthly eyeholes peeled for new Sweetlandish star photos and an article I'm writing about all my recent astronomical adventures... Coming soon.

Till then,

xo
Kristin

Self-portrait with Meteor.
At the Carr Astronomical Observatory near Thornbury, ON.
More Space and Time photos here.

2014-05-10T11:11:00.001-04:00

May 10, 2014
Toronto, ON

Happy birthday to me. I'm waking up slowly and recovering from the raging party I threw at Casa Sweetlandia last night... Wish you were there. Amazing performances by Melanie Brûlée and the incredible Ventanas, with a serious dose of foot-stomping flamenco dancing in my living room. I am a lucky girl. Today will be mellow with coffees and manicures and a nice dinner at my favourite romantic restaurant in town -Julie's Cuban.

You will be hearing lots more from me in the coming weeks and months. I've got some grand touring plans and really exciting artistic projects coming up over the coming year... So stay tuned.

In the meantime a really great way to keep up with me is via my Instagram page. I try to post at least one magically Sweetlandish photo a day. And of course you can always tell what I'm up to via my eternal self-portrait series Adventures In Sweetland. My latest adventures seem to have taken me to a galaxy far far away... See for yourself in Space and Time.

I've also joined the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, so expect more tales of the Universe to follow soon.

One year wiser!

xo
Sweetland

Thank you... Find more of my Instagram photos here.

2014-03-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

March 20, 2014
Toronto, ON

Springtime is an exciting time for Captain Dirt & The Skirt. We have lots of shows coming up including our April residency at the Cameron House in Toronto. Every week we'll be featuring a different special guest including: Annabelle Chvostek, Megan Lane, Ambre McLean and Katie DuTemple. And if you're up in Capital City hope to see you at the Ottawa Grassroots Festival on April 26th.

See you somewhere!

xox

Skirty

2014-02-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

February 14, 2014
Toronto, ON

Happy Valentine's Day Lovers,

I hope this finds you all well and weathering the wild winter like troopers. I've been in hibernation mode here at Casa Sweetlandia working hard and writing up a storm. I've just finished an article for my brilliant pal Aurora Jane's new arts and culture website mojojunction.com.You'll find within the tale of my recent Polar Adventures In Sweetland and accompanying photographic series. Plus artist interviews, delicious recipes and much more...

I'll be crawling out of my dark hole soon enough however for a big show on February 19th at the Toronto Centre for the Arts (as part of their new Bare Bones and Upfront Indie Music Series.) Joining me on the bill for the evening is the handsome and talented Paul Reddick. Have a peek at the hilarious promo video the TCA shot with me here.

Stay warm out there,

xo
Sweetheart

Hope to see you on February 19!

2013-11-13T12:12:00.000-05:00

November 13, 2013
Toronto, ON

Hello My Pets,

I know I've been a delinquent blogger of late ... Please forgive me. It's not that there haven't been stories to tell (oh, so many.) But some, I suppose, I've decided to keep secret and others I will soon divulge in Sweetlandish story form. These may or may not concern a dingo, a deep dark cave, a jewel-encrusted pony, a fancy magic trick, a walk in the woods, a pair of flamenco shoes, and my new book.

But for now I'm very excited to announce some upcoming shows, and our glorious musical plans for the future...

Captain Dirt & The Skirt are pairing up with Gregory Hoskins and Gary Craig later this month for two dynamic duo double-bill shows in Toronto (The Drake Underground) and London, Ontario (The London Music Club.)

For more dates, info and links, please visit my TOUR page. And stay tuned for even more Captain Dirt & The Skirt winter dates, and a big Canadian tour in the Spring.

We sure hope to see you there.

xo
La Sweet
(The Skirt)

2013-09-09T11:11:00.000-04:00

September 9, 2013
Toronto, ON

Our brand new beautiful Captain Dirt & The Skirt website is live!

Have a peek at www.dirtandskirt.com.

xox
Dirt & Skirt

2013-06-20T18:59:00.003-04:00

June 20, 2013
Toronto, ON

Hello Summertime! The solstice bells will ring tonight at 1:04 am EDT, and I shall be there to pop the bubbly, and eat a celebratory strawberry. Or six.

It’s been a full double-fortnight since I last properly wrote – and for my silence, I apologize. A girl has to keep some of her secrets. But there are a couple grand tales I would love to tell … So get comfortable, gentle reader, and pour yourself a drink.

Once upon a time, in ye olden Italia, there lived a nice poet who was tragically banished from his beloved city and forced to flee to the lonely hills of somewhere-or-other. There he spent the remainder of his years wandering pouty-faced though the Italian countryside, mourning not only his home, but the woman he loved - who had both the effrontery to marry another man, and then also go and die.

Our hero found solace in writing, and his deep belief in the Spiritual realm. And thus, he decided go on a quest through the unforgiving Underworld, up yonder mountain of Purgatory, right to the shining resplendent garden of Paradise. Where apparently the girl was waiting for him with a hot outfit, and a cool refreshment.

I am indeed a great believer in the Joseph Campbell-esque “heroic journey.” This usually starts out with the Call to Adventure and soon beckons some form of Supernatural Aid. Welcome to my life. And as Dante journeyed with Virgil though the many shadowy layers of his unconscious, so have I been guided by dead poets and troubadours on my own hero's journey of late.

This week my Virgil has been a tall, charming Englishman named Jont. I met said pin-stripe suit wearing, often-barefoot, singing-songwriting, master of manifestation at the International Folk Alliance Conference in February. He breezed into town last week on tour from Halifax and together we threw a wicked house concert party at Casa Sweetlandia. It was truly a magnificent time, and may have to become a regular event. We feasted, lounged around the metaphorical pool, and enjoyed a fantastic artistic salon-style soirée of music and storytelling courtesy of: Jess McAvoy, Sarah Burton, Jory Nash, Evalyn Parry, Richard Flohil, Michael Wrycraft, Yours Sweetlandishly, and of course, Jont.

The most magical part of our adventure, I cannot even tell myself. For that, I must direct you to Jont’s blog. He did such a fine job of putting into words something of which I may never have spoken. But it’s too late now – It’s on the internet forever. You will need another drink for that one, I reckon.

And in other news…

The Captain Dirt & The Skirt CD release was a glorious success. A million thank-yous and sweet Sweetlandish kisses to all my beautiful Ladies In Waiting, the folks at Lula Lounge, and everyone who came out to the show. We love you! And there were also a couple photographers who took some great shots … Have a peek at these galleries by Sean Ryan and Levent Erutku.

The new CD&TS website is still under construction, but we’re getting close and can’t wait to unveil it soon in all its glory.

Ciao, xo

Signorina Sweetlandia

They aren't quite Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, but they'll do.

More photos here.

2013-06-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

May 28, 2013
Toronto, ON

THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN DIRT & THE SKIRT is here at last!

Buy it now via Arbora Vita Music. Coming soon to iTunes too ... Stay tuned for more info and purchasing options.

Buy it here.

xo
Dirt & Skirt

2013-05-19T16:46:00.003-04:00

May 19, 2013
Dalkeith, ON

It's finally happening!

Captain Dirt & The Skirt will be releasing our brand new album on May 29 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. “The Adventures of Captain Dirt & The Skirt” is a multi-genre instrumental journey produced by Juno award-winner David Travers-Smith (Wailin’ Jennys, Oh Susanna) and features the musical musings of such accomplished players as Ken Whiteley, Kevin Fox and Gary Craig.

The show will be another glorious Ladies In Waiting cabaret-style soirée, also featuring performances by Scarlett Jane, Sarah Burton, Tricia Foster, Faye Blais and Melanie Brulée, with burlesque by Loretta Jean of Nerd Girl Burlesque.

It's been quite the adventure so far, to say the least. The album took nearly 14 months to make, and apparently so does a baby camel... Come on out and watch us give birth to a magnificent dromedary next week! We are so proud, and can't wait to share it with you.

The album itself will be released to the world at large and for purchase online on Tuesday, May 28. Keep an eye on this page for links to buy the album ... So exciting!

See you soon,

xo
The Skirt

Coming to Lula Lounge on May 29. Eeeeeee!

2013-03-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

March 21, 2013
Farm Heaven, ON

Springtime salutations from sparkling Snowland. I am once again in Farm Heaven visiting my dear Captain Dirt at her famous farmhouse. It blizzarded with a passion on the day I arrived, but I rocked the long drive like an Ice Road Truckers superstar. Today I'm safe and warm by the fire, and quite focused on all my artistic endeavours.

The Captain and I are working out the final arrangements for our last two new album tunes (to be recorded next week) and they sound so good. I'm madly in love with the gorgeous 1978 Larrivée classical guitar my dad gave to me recently. He bought it on a trip out to Victoria, back in the days when Jean Larrivée still worked out of his tiny shop in Market Square. It has brought me new songs. And I am grateful.

Today I've been working on the lead guitar part for my newest instrumental piece "Soul Captain." It was inspired by the William E. Henley poem Invictus - the subject of my latest experiment in the Aristotelian art of mnemotechnics. Piece of cake. And so worthy. I shall repeat it over and over again ... And remember.

I've also been busy with my magical camera in the name of my eternal self-portrait series. From the Great Northern Railroad to the Lake of the Bloody Ice Hole, you'll find photographic evidence of all my recent Adventures in Sweetland here. My latest photography project is my daily Instagram photo, courtesy of my brand new iPhone. I'll be uploading one photo each day with a wee Sweetlandish vignette. Photos will be posted on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. So stay tuned.

And although the land around me is still in deep freeze, I can feel the melt beginning on the inside. It is magical and torturous - but we must incinerate the old to make way for the new. My friends and I have a tradition of making corn dolls on Autumn Equinox. We lovingly call them "The Hag" after the Cailleach, mythological Irish creatrix and Queen of Winter. We care for our Hags though the dark half of the year, and they are said to protect us from winter's wrath. We burn them come Spring - a sometimes bittersweet moment, as one often gets attached. My hag has thoroughly gone up in smoke and I am rising from her ashes. Ready for the next magnificent chapter.

Now it's time to strap on some snowshoes and make a journey into the deep dark woods. There is a cedar forest, a snowy churchyard, and a shimmering snow field with my name on it.

xo

Snow Woods

Perhaps the deep dark woods aren't so dark after all...

More photos here

2013-03-12T14:55:00.002-04:00

March 11, 2013

Cordova Lake, ON

Bonsoir from little frozen lake land, a sobriquet that might not apply much longer if it keeps raining kittens and puppies outside. I’ve been hiding away in the Kawarthas for a good week now. It's just me, my guitar, and the long stretch of white that leads on towards the horizon. There’s hardly a living thing in sight, not a songbird, a fly, or even a frozen lake monster to keep a girl warm on a cold winter’s night. Good thing there’s a nice wood stove in the corner. And I build a badass fire.

I have a few days left in sweet solitude before it’s back to the city for me. And I’m getting closer to checking off all the things on my cottage to-do list:

1.) Take one magnificent photograph every day (or reasonably magnificent.)

2.) Write one last new song for the CD&TS album.

3.) Watch inordinate amounts of Remington Steele.

4.) Remember how to relax ... On the inside.

So far I have one, two and three down. I’m working on four. There’s a bottle of whiskey in the kitchen that might have a suggestion or two for me.

I confess, it's my mind that I just can’t seem to slow down – eternally planning, examining, scheming, and dreaming. Solving mysteries, I reckon. Last night I literally dreamt that the Folk Alliance International conference I just attended was being held in outer space. And I thought I had lots to pack before! That’ll learn me for watching the Discovery Channel before bed. But who can resist programs with flirty, scolding titles like “Bad Universe?” Like seriously.

Speaking of things I am planning and scheming, I am so excited to announce that the official Captain Dirt & The Skirt CD release show will be held on May 29, 2013 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. It will be another grand Ladies In Waiting production with all the trimmings and usual suspects … A glorious soirée to be true. More info coming soon. I hope you can make it!

And now, back to my fire and another new song. This one is an ode to the sea -or the metaphorical sea- and that one sailor you can’t wait to welcome home with a big, red lipsticky kiss.

Wood smoke and whiskey,

La Sweet

More photos from my icy Adventures in Sweetland here

2013-02-28T12:02:00.003-05:00

February 28, 2013
Toronto, ON

It's a winter wonderland once more in Corktown, Toronto. And after the grand deluge of yesternight, a surprise, I suppose, to wake up to anything besides an ark outside my window. Despite the weather, I took myself on a grand wandering date yesterday avec umbrella, boots, and camera. What more does a girl need besides a frothy latté from Balzac's and and a dark romantic library corner with her true love? It's been quite the month of madness for me. Late nights, long days, and lack of sleep make a Sweetypie a shell of her scintillating self. But the fog is clearing at last, and it's time to plan the next great adventure.

This past weekend was an epic one, to say the least. For the first time in five years I joined all the members of my musical tribe at the 25th annual Folk Alliance International conference. This year, the party came to me in Toronto, for which I am eternally grateful. It was a big old Little Red Hen Music reunion with my darling road sisters darlenYa, Jan Bell, and our newest little henlette Dede Alderman. We hosted a magnificent private showcase room, caught up with our dear long-lost friends, and made some amazing new ones.

For those of you who have never been to an FAI conference, the experience is difficult to convey. It is at once awe-inspiring, overwhelming, and surreal. Many things can happen when you gather 2000 musicians together in a hotel for five days, and they usually do. It all culminated on Saturday night in a folk-ish full moon frenzy. I only heard rumours of the fire hose flood on the 9th floor, and the Mexican gangsters in disguise as folk musicians. But I believe. You may or may not be able to watch this little clip by Jay Aymar featuring three of our little hens, and a wee peek inside our showcase room ... But I hope you can. Enjoy!

Next on the Sweetlandish schedule of events is planning the Captain Dirt & The Skirt CD release tour and putting the finishing touches on our new album. I have butterflies just thinking about it. And it looks like we'll be joining together with my gorgeous Ladies In Waiting for a late-May CD release show at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Will have the date for you -and others- any day now. So stay tuned.

Till then,

xo

Skirty

More from my wet wanderings, and eternal adventures here.

2013-02-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

February 16, 2013
Toronto, ON

Good morning my pets,

Hope you all had a delightful and love-drenched Valentine's Day. I spent mine in the reclining position eating gluten-free pizza and watching Psycho. I'm romantic like that. There was some serious R&R required after the glory of the past week ... So much goodness went down with my beautiful Ladies In Waiting, but it wasn't sans effect on my deep sleep reservoir.

Our "Lovesick" show at Lula Lounge was a brilliant success. We sold out and packed the house! Everybody rocked so hard, and I just can't wait for our next adventure. Whatever that shall be. I will certainly keep you posted.

Next on my list is the great Folk Alliance International conference, which has been so kind as to come visit me in Toronto this year. I'll be co-hosting a showcase room for four nights in a row with my dear Little Red Hen Music pals - road sisters and co-conspirators Darlene (darlenYa) and Jan Bell. It will be a grand old reunion with all my musical family, old and new. I feel a little verklempt already just thinking about it.

My agenda for aujourd'hui includes a snow-dusted stroll to the St. Lawrence Farmers Market, and a hot and frothy almond milk latté. How exciting. Tonight I'll be heading out to the Cadillac Lounge to see my dear pal Andy White play. You should probably come too. Come find me in a dark corner, and buy me a whiskey.

See you there,

xo
Kristin

See you at the FAI Conference, Feb 20-24

at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto.

2013-02-08T18:29:00.001-05:00

February 8, 2013
Toronto, ON

Salut from under a scintillating snow blanket ... I reckon that most of you in Eastern North America know what I mean. I've just returned from a wee tromp out in the wilds of the urban arctic, and am once again curled up with my new best friend - the hot water bottle.

The snow storm gave me crazy dreams last night. Zombie apocalypse, anyone? Seriously. Then I was baptizing a baby (not mine) all St-John-in-the-river-like, but in an Amsterdam canal. That was followed by a dream of wandering through an old mansion, where everything in every single room was the colour red: Red wallpaper, red furniture, red glitter fireplace. I suppose it was an unconscious response to all the Valentine's bling of late. But I cannot tell a lie. I would totally live in a monochromatic Valentine's glitter mansion. Obviously.

And speaking of Valentine's bling, I'm so very excited for our upcoming Ladies In Waiting "Lovesick" album release this Tuesday, Feb 12 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this amazing collective of vibrant and insanely talented Toronto female musicians. Performers include Scarlett Jane, Andrea Ramolo, Cindy Doire, Sarah Burton, Melanie Brûlée, Tricia Foster, Yours Sweetlandishly, an ode to currently-touring-overseas Lady in Waiting, Faye Blais, and burlesque performances by members of Love Letters Cabaret. Also be excited for our kissing booth, and polaroids with pinup doll Pastel Supernova.

Get your advance tickets here, and have a peek at our gorgeous new Ladies In Waiting website.

Also, be highly entertained by my latest masterpiece video "Lovesick - A Sweetlandish Melodrama." (And darn that heartbreaker, Remington Steele.)

In other news, we are getting close to being finished the new Captain Dirt & The Skirt album, at last! It has been a long and incredibly enjoyable process for us, and we can't wait to share it with you. Just had a superfun album cover photo shoot with amazing photographer Kevin Kelly the other day. I will not blow any of our secrets, but you simply cannot wait to see!

As for my own photography, you'll find all the latest photos from my eternal Adventures in Sweetland here.

I bid you aurevoir for now, but be expecting my Sweetlandish treatise on love, dark matter, and other such ponderables before aforementioned day of crimson bling.

Snowkisses,

xo
LadySweet

Hope to see you at the show!

Photo by Jen Squires. Design by Faye Blais.

2013-01-30T16:30:00.003-05:00

January 6, 2013
Toronto, ON

I'm Home Sweetland Home after my last great adventure ... It feels good. Nothing like a tromp out into the wilds of the world to remind you of how much you love your own neighbourhood. I opened one suspicious eye this morning, and then the sweet, comforting clang of church bells across the street reminded me it was Sunday. And my bed.

Not that I don't love New York City. In fact, I love it so much I decided to take myself there on a romantic New Year's vacation. My dear friend Juliette throws these magnificent parties in Brooklyn and the theme for her NYE soiree was "Old Hollywood." Seriously, how could I resist? Now, it was not easy for me to decide on a costume for the night. On the inside I feel so Lauren Bacall, but on the outside - perhaps a little more Audrey Hepburn? In the end it was Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra that won out, thanks to my magnificent new emerald velvet gown from Cabaret vintage in Toronto. It's my year to be Queen. Apparently.

And speaking of her ancient royal highness, I also visited her sacred monument, "Cleopatra's Needle" somewhere in Central Park. It was a glorious, frosty day of wandering, bird-watching, and french fry nibbling. (These are a few of my favourite things.) Later that evening I took in a fabulous flamenco show at Joe's Pub, then stopped by Blue Ribbon in Park Slope for my favourite decadent meal: raw oysters and vino. Mmmmm.

On a sadder note, I must report that my famous black and white polka-dot scarf mysteriously disappeared. One day wandering about Soho, NY, I looked down to see it gone ... Sucked right into the vortex, leaving no trace. And coincidentally, it vanished exactly one block from the store from which it originally came. After so many adventures, I guess it journeyed home to meet its maker. At last. (Tear.)

I have prepared a Sweetlandish eulogy video in its name. You can pay your respects here: A Tale of a Polka-dot Scarf.

Sigh.

Love,

xo
K

The new polka-dot scarf in the family!

More photos from all my recent adventures here.

2012-12-08T22:53:00.004-05:00

December 8, 2012
London, ON

It's another grey and rainy day in Sweetland. 'Tis the season. I confess, I've come to secretly love this in-between time of year, in all its glorious sodden decay. My Sweetlandish garden is mostly magnificently dead, with the exception of my brave roses, still blooming surely but slowly. The last bud of the year is threatening to burst on my "Love Grandiflora" rose bush. How wonderful. I am going to take it as a sign...

In another corner of my magical garden I've been enjoying my latest artistic experiment, the Rotten Pumpkin Project. One by one I've offered up all my gourds (mostly left over from the Halloween show) to the great outdoors, and observed with interest, their respective demises. The ruby pumpkin I bought at the farmer's market has been nibbled to its last crumb by Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Fudge - the three black squirrels who live in the weed trees above my patio. All other gourd offerings have disappeared mysteriously in the night, with the exception of the one nobody wants to eat, or steal. Hmmmm. Poison, peut-être? A case for Sherlock Sweetland to solve, I reckon.

And speaking of love, death, and detectives, I've been curled up in front of the television all afternoon getting my Film Noir on. Currently, it's Bogart and Bacall in The Big Sleep. Those two have an eternal place in my romantic little hard-boiled heart. As does Raymond Chandler's saucy shamus Philip Marlowe. I always did like the boys with character best. Fortunately, and unfortunately. And even in the noir-est of classic film sagas, love always seems to win out in the end... sigh.

In the book I've been reading, "A Natural History of Love," author Dianne Ackerman argues that love is not a choice, but a biological imperative. Apparently, just as evolution favoured humans who could stand upright, it favoured those who could feel love. Because love, it seems, has great survival value. It urges us to protect our children from sabre-tooth tigers, and our femme fatales from stray bullets. But we also know, as so eloquently put by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Love makes you do the wacky." Ain't it the truth. I think everyone in this movie would thoroughly agree.

And in musical news, said four-letter word will be the topic of an exciting collaboration between myself and the Ladies In Waiting in the coming New Year... Stay tuned for more info on that front soon. In the meantime, if you're in the Toronto area you should come out to the annual Ladies in Waiting Christmas Show this Tuesday, Dec 11 at Not My Dog. It's sure to be an evening of scintillating bling, with performances by Andrea Ramolo, Faye Blais, Melanie Brûlée, Sahra Featherstone, Tricia Foster, Sarah Burton, and Jadea Kelly. And of course, yours truly. There may even be a secret Christmas pageant performance... Or not. You'll just have to come and find out. For more info on all my upcoming holiday shows visit my tour page.

Until then I'll be hibernating in Sweetlandish Suburbia, puppysitting Ursa the family beast for a spell. I shall be endeavouring to teach her some fancy tricks before my folks get home from their trip. We'll see how it goes. I will keep you posted.

Until then...

Bogey and bourbon,

x
K

I guess I'm in love with you...

P.S. There is photographic evidence of all my latest adventures in love, death, and detective work here.

2012-11-21T15:50:00.000-05:00

November 21, 2012
Farm Heaven, ON

I have escaped the big city for some country air. It was seriously necessary, and quite overdue. I can feel the life force creeping back into me at last... molecule by molecule, breath by breath. It lives! I'm all curled up by the wood stove, coffee cup and laptop, with a fine view of the bird tree through the old farmhouse window. We've had many feathered friends come to visit today, and I'm getting to know them all by name. Two beautiful blue jays abound, one hairy woodpecker, a black-capped chickadee couple (who sing my favourite song...) and our newest little amigo, the handsome dark-eyed junco.

Not to mention the red-tailed hawk I found out in the back field. Well, first I found the wing. Then the other wing. Then the talon. Then the head. Something mysterious happened in those woods, I reckon. And I am putting the pieces together... Last time I visited Farm Heaven the hawk gave me the gift of a tail feather. I have honoured it ever since. This time the gift was more significant. Captain Dirt hauled out the bucket and is now preparing the remains for display in her illuminated bone case. But I claimed the talon as my own. Besides its pointy prowess at putting my guitar nails to shame, I could not help but notice that it formed a perfect flamenco hand.

It was a beautiful drive up from Toronto on the weekend. The stark palate of winter field and sky was magic through my rose-coloured glasses. I forgot how much I love this time of year. It was a celebratory voyage for Ladyship the Van and I, as she just turned 22,222 kms on her one year anniversary of being mine! It's a magical life. We had a fabulous time together and listened to my Amelia Peabody mystery audio books all the way... As always, I am brushing up on my detectival skills for practical purposes. For there may be a mystery waiting just around the corner, dying to be to be solved.

However, I haven't solved too many cases yet this trip -perhaps one or two- as I've been focusing primarily on the revivification of my person. This called for a hearty batch of magical warty pumpkin soup, the cure for everything that has ever ailed me! I have been caring for said magical warty pumpkin ever since I adopted her at the St. Lawrence Farmers Market a month ago. She was the mascot for our Halloween Masquerade show and shall live forever in memory, if not in photographs. She was delicious.

Beyond culinary creations, the agenda for my country convalescence reads as such:

- Take leisurely walk through crisp sunny woods
- Listen to classical music while sipping cranberry toddies (feel rather pleased with yourself)
- Practice guitar
- Set up photo studio for Captain Dirt & The Skirt photo shoot tomorrow night!

I think I can handle it.

And speaking of photos, and detectives, I have just begun my newest Adventures in Sweetland photo series "Sherlock Sweetland." (Obviously.) Thus far the camera has caught me at the scene of the crime, and in transit to my secret agent Russian power plant meeting, or about to get beamed up by a spaceship. You decide. Even more mysteries coming soon...

Scene of the crime. More Sherlock Sweetland here.

This letter may self-destruct, or not.

xo

La Sweet

2012-11-07T10:51:00.003-05:00

November 7, 2012
Toronto, ON

It's been quite a month. One for the books, really. It's my first morning at home alone in as long as I can remember, with nothing to do but drink my delicious black coffee, and tell you all my secrets. And so it shall be done...

I had crazy dreams last night. Fell asleep half-reading my new Nancy Drew book, and half-gazing out the window at the church across the street. Somebody left the lights on in the bell tower again. I like to make up stories in my head about what they may have been doing up there. As I certainly didn't hear any bells ringing. I did get to climb up the tower once before. They even let me ring said bell! And really, there's not too much up there besides a ladder and a rope. Then my brain goes all Hitchcock on me, and I realize I've been watching too many movies.

Yesterday I took myself to see Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder in 3D at the Bell Lightbox. It was officially better than no Hitchcock 3D! And popcorn makes a delicious lunch. It was the first of three exciting dates I'm taking myself on this week to celebrate all my recent victories. Tomorrow night I head to the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts to behold My Name Is Not Carmen, a fusion of flamenco, poetry, and philosophical discourse. (They've got my number.) And on Saturday I go to the Royal Winter Fair! It's one of my favourite events of the year. I get unreasonably excited about the giant vegetables. Not to mention, the cowboys. Will be going to see the Canine-Equine challenge on Saturday afternoon for sure. Because, as we all know, I'm a bit of a dog nerd.

And speaking of my recent victories, many thanks to all of you who came out to A Halloween Masquerade Cabaret, and helped make it a massive success! It really was the best party I've been to in ages. If I do say so myself. Amazing photographer Sean Ryan managed to capture some of the evening's magic... You can peek at his photo gallery from the event here.

And in other news, all has been going well with the new album. We get a bit closer every day! Had the dashing Mr. Gary Craig in to rock some more drums for us, and Ken Whiteley -brilliant instrumentalist/producer of my first two albums- came in for some mandolin, banjo, accordion, and bass harmonica. It's gonna be badass. The tracks sound so beautiful, and we can't wait to share them with you all.

Between now and the holidays our work is to get the new Captain Dirt & The Skirt website up and running, then start in on the album artwork! Soooo exciting. I do love me some costumes. And a camera. More on that front soon...

In the meantime, feast your fabulous eyeholes on all the latest photos from my eternal Adventures in Sweetland here.

Love,

xo
KS

Sweet secrets ... More here.

2012-10-10T21:07:00.003-04:00

October 10, 2012
Toronto, ON

Mes Amis,

My goodness has it ever been an adventurous few weeks - and so busy! I have lots and lots to tell, but sadly not enough time to tell it... Soon, I promise. Today was another glorious day in the studio with my dear Captain, Lyndell Montgomery, in the name of the glory of our new Captain Dirt & The Skirt album. The tracks are sounding SO beautiful, and we can't wait to share them with you soon.

Tomorrow we rock out once more in the stude with brilliant drummer Gary Craig. Then it's off to the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference in Mississauga where I'll be hositng A Sweet Soirée showcase on Friday and Saturday nights. If you're heading to OCFF, see you in room 211!

Till then... Je t'aime.

xo
La Sweet

2012-09-04T12:32:00.001-04:00

September 4, 2012
Toronto, ON

Good morning glorious world! And happy back to school day... It's quite impressive that I appear to be so spunky on this thunder-rumbly morning, as it was quite a late one last night. Seriously. Spent the better part of the evening at beautiful Loft 404 for the Labour Day Underground Art Party! My gorgeous friend Andrea Ramolo put on a bit of a shindig for her birthday, and was it ever an incredible thing. Got to play a sweet set swapping songs with the magnificent Melanie Brulée, and then chilled in the aftermath to the sounds of Sarah Burton, Faye Blais, Scarlett Jane, and Picture the Ocean... Not to mention all the amazing visual artists, burlesque dancers, and other sultry in sundry!

It's sad that it is over, but I'm so happy to announce that I'll be hosting the next big Art Party at Loft 404 on Saturday, October 27th, in honour of Halloween! This time, it's a Masquerade Cabaret. Lineup includes Captain Dirt & The Skirt (of course), The DoneFors, Jaron Freeman-Fox and the Opposite of Everything, the lovely Melanie Brulée with her amazing band, and my magical musical road sister... the one and only Darlene! And there will also be burlesque performances by Loretta Jean and Bella Fox from Nerd Girl Burlesque, as well as additional dance performances by ShoPony, The Skirt & Her Ladies (that`s me) and more! Hope you will all put it in your calendars now, and come be a part of the dream!

Hope to see you there...

As for this month, I shall be celebrating September by going back to school in my own way. I have a couple more weeks of intense study and rehearsal, then it's back in the studio to finish up the new Captain Dirt & The Skirt album. Wooooohooo! As well, classes start up for me again this week at the Academy of Spanish Dance. And I have a gorgeous new red flamenco skirt to go along... Photos to follow shortly. To be sure.

Today my grand Herculean goals include: civilized breakfasting, then a jean shopping mission with dear pal, tall handsome Irishman -and brilliant songwriter- Andy White. Who desperately needs a pair of man-jeans worthy of his glory... and is currently still totally passed out on my couch after last night's exploits. If only I could sleep so soundly! With the streetcars roaring, sirens wailing, thunder rumbling, and the clickety-clack of Sweetlandish nails on the keyboard, it is not a quiet morning in the neighbourhood. However, it's officially time to peel myself off my polka-dot bed and make manifest my fantasy of cheesy eggs. Let's see him sleep though the sniff of softly sauteing onions and cheese... I dare him.

Fromage,

2012-08-19T16:16:00.002-04:00

August 19, 2012
Sweetland, ON

Gentle readers,

Now that I'm back in the blogosphere at last, you shall not be able to get rid of me. Today, I'm taking a load off at the Sweetland family ranch, after an epic excavation down in the basement. An incredibly successful excavation it was, enough to make Indiana Jones and Sydney Fox proud! Up to the point where a framed photograph I took at the Burning Man Festival thirteen years ago, fell from the top of a cardboard box tower right onto my toe ... Ouchy.

However, it did not diminish the joy I felt upon finding everything I had been searching for! Missing photographs from the early days of my self-portrait series, old journals, and a pair of pink sparkly running shoe roller skates. The purpose of retrieving said articles -sparkly roller skates excepted- is for the glory of my new "Adventures in Sweetland" book of photography and magical road stories! In moments like this, I am deeply grateful I have been a record-keeper all my life. Right now I'm focusing on researching myself during the early days of my portrait series, and endeavouring to determine at what moment I evolved from "photographer" into "self-portraiteuse." Although I discovered two very early photographs of "my feet and the scenery" -One in 1994, atop a mountain in Idaho, and one in 1996, enjoying the midnight summer solstice sun in Arctic Norway- I reckon the "first self-portrait ever" award goes to me in a red dress on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, October 1996.

I remember it well... More old self-portraits here!

So now that the Captain Dirt & The Skirt new album project is well under way (and almost appears to be recording itself...) I have some creative time and space to finish putting the book together, hopefully in time for Santa! It's a plan. And I will definitely keep you posted.

Besides the aforesaid excavations, I spent much of the weekend with Ursa the family beast. We like to go out and wander gaiely through the sun-speckled woods of my youth. We venture down under the bridge, along the river, through the forest, and all the way to the secret clearing behind the old Sanatorium. This route has been a tradition with me, and every Sweetland family beast in history. A long winding path lined with wild carrots, creeping jenny, and stinging nettle opens up into a old willow grove... There, in the middle, stands a prehistoric basketball court that has been completely reclaimed by nature. This is where we sit, and I throw the little dog ball, over, and over, and over again...

Ursa and I in the secret clearing... More new photos here!

It's quite the forgotten world down there, and at times I've wondered if I'm actually the only one who can see it. But yesterday, for the first time ever, I came upon someone else in the secret clearing! I saw her from a distance ... A small, round, older woman picking little yellow flowers from a shrubby bush. (St. John's Wort, I soon learned.) Then she, a herbalist with a mysterious accent, then proceed to clear up all my questions about the local vegetation, and its medicinal properties. Thank you stranger! But now that I think about it, I'm not convinced she was entirely human, or even really there at all. Fae perhaps? I did go home with a handful of St. John's Wort, but not to consume for its medicine. Instead, I pressed the little petals in my journal so that in 20 years, when I'm writing the next book, I shall remember that day well. And fondly.

This afternoon it's back to the big city once more! And just in time for my True Blood date tonight. (Fang face.)

More new album info, gig announcements, photos, and other exciting news coming soon!

Stay tuned,

x
K

2012-08-11T17:25:00.002-04:00

August 11, 2012
Farm Heaven, ON

It's one of those rainy afternoons in the old farm house. The kind where you're stuck inside with the cat and start looking for a hidden room to explore... I've crawled inside the old wardrobe in my bedroom, in hopes it may open up to another world. Somewhere beyond these boots and bunny fur coats there surely lies a secret passageway to Sweetland. I've been up in Farm Heaven for the past week, resting, healing, practicing, studying, and engaging in highly attractive farm chores. Captain Dirt, my partner in musical crime, has been putting me to shame with her gardening prowess. But I do a great job of holding the umbrella and taking photographs. At the same time! Mostly, however, I just wander about the garden and contemplate my life. Me and the farm flies, the bumblebees, the blue jays, the blackbirds, and all the little butterflies. My favourite is the ruby-throated hummingbird who always comes to visit. Today I wore fuchsia so she'd think I was a flower. It worked.

Beyond the glorious world outdoors, there has been much action inside in the band room. I've been diligently rehearsing two of Lyndell's gorgeous hymns for our new instrumental album! I'm back in the studio next week to record them, as well as a couple pieces of my own from a Sweetlandish suite I've been composing. The Adventures of Captain Dirt & The Skirt... coming soon!

Tonight, pesto-making and picture-taking! Tomorrow, all roads lead to Toronto... Where I will once again be a dame-de-ville.

xo
Lady Sweet

Farm chores are hot... More photos here.