Entry Three

Well, the pals have been all over the west! They've been on top of mountains, in the midst of desert winds, dipping cool refreshment from mile-high streams, photographing majestic orange sunsets and sunrises, hiking, discussing the finer points of a life lived long and true. They have been making beautiful music, writing up a storm (Johnathon is having a whirlwind of a time writing and playing new tunes), taking time to breathe in deeply (to their toes of course), and making the most of a summer vacation tour doing what they love the very best.

The challenges have been few yet many. The roads have been clear, the people receptive and friendly, the company more than enjoyable; but it's not so easy being away and on the road, in such close proximity to your bandmates for days on end. There is some homesickness. A few pondering moments where the guys have wondered if they fully remember the curve of their women's spine, their smile. They have enjoyed the road, created new memories, and endured the road trip of the summer, but they're anxious to reacquaint themselves with home--and to entertain some familiar folks with the tunes they've been working so hard on these past months, and maybe a new song or verse too.

Chloe is certainly anxious to smell those familiar mom and dad smells--to be tossed the tennis ball by someone other than me. The new house on the hill is also awaiting a walk thru and approval of the work done thus far. The daisies in Jamie-Sue's flowerbed are weeping a bit with all the recent humidity, but are vowing to stay upright until the early part of next week.

I'm very anxious to see my Benz. The crazy fool shaved his head during a stint of over 100 degree heat in I believe Arizona (or New Mexico). He has since shaved all facial hair as well, so, essentially, I'll be reacquainting myself with a new man next week!

Before they departed Arizona, the band came upon a very interesting place called Arcosanti--"a project of the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation, is a prototype arcology under construction that when completed, will house 5,000 people by combining combact urban structure with large-scale solar greenhouses on 25 acres of a 4,000 acre preserve. (It) rises dramatically from basalt cliffs near Cordes Junction, 65 miles north of Phoenix". Very, very cool place. Ben sent me a brochure, so that I could better understand the description he gave over the phone. The concept is extremely ingenious, the architecture starkly beautiful. Very forward thinking and hopeful in the world that seems dismal many days of the week.

From Arizona, the band ventured into Colorado where a few of the group ventured into Telluride to see what kind of trouble they could get into. Trying to get tickets to a sold out Bluegrass festival, Johnathon and Ben lost Andy (who made it into the gates) until sometime mid-morning the next day. From what I gather, Andy did a little soul searching in the mountains, and watched the sunrise. Quite the adventurer that young man. Ben has been taken a bit under the wings of the adventure seekers Greg and Andy and as of today looks forward to camping and climbing in the near future (well, wonders never cease!).

Ben and I want to make a special hello and thank you very kindly to Chris and Jaime, who are adeptly caretaking for our darling kitties--Asha and Isley. Thanks guys.

After Telluride, the pals ventured up to the Utah area where they had a morning gig at a park with lots of flowers, and then went onto where a good friend of Jamie-Sue and Kirks lived (Joni and Bob) in Salt Lake City for a couple of gigs. Much to the bands liking, they spent the weekend in an actual home and in beds (not the RV). They enjoyed a delicious vegan meal prepared by Joni (muchas-gracias from the band!) and got a little R&R in.

Yesterday and last night, they drove onto the Reno and Lake Tahoe area. I called Ben last night and he was out looking at the beautiful sites at the lake, a bit mesmerized with the beauty. Today, I spoke to him and he was perched up on a rock, doing a bit of climbing.

So tonight they've got a gig and were going to get something to eat and make there way over for set up. Tonight they play their last electronic gig, with a few acoustic performances wrapping up the westward tour of 2003.

I'm headed out east myself, so am not sure if I'll be able to drop another entry prior to their return home. If not, it's been a pleasure, and on behalf of Jamie-Sue Seal & Kirk Eiseler and the Icebreaker Band, a big hello and I love you to all of those special people who have supported the trip and who miss them back home.

Don't forget to join the band for the gig at the Lake Lansing Band Shell on Friday, July 11, 2003. They'll be playing from 7-9p with a 30 minute intermission.

Also, check the web site www.jamiesueseal.com for all of the upcoming summer performances to come.