well, today was alright. On the way to our show our tire blew. On the number 1 highway. That wasn’t very fun. But we were 5 minutes outside of abbotsford and an hour away till showtime - so definetly pretty bad timing. I called roadside assistance - but they said they were going to be atleast 2 hours, so Brian went to town changing it. Now - he told me he had changed one before - but admitted after that he had watched his dad do it once - and this was officially his first time. Yay! Brian saved the day, AND the gig.
so - he got it done pretty fast and we were on our way - getting to our gig in time to quickly soundcheck and then take a quick mental rest before the gig started. It went really well, and Sharee’s band was great. It was definetly a fun evening.
So - we officially have 10 days left now - and atleast 10 gigs left….(I think we actually kind of have 12 gigs in 10 days) so - we play every day. whew. Pray for us. That will feel really busy, and that’s great - but it gets really tiring.
Anyhow - I’m off to bed….I have to get up as my ride (my brother) is getting me up at 6:15am to go to the church. BOOH that’s early!!!
Anyhow - till then!!
kw

well hello all. I’ve been away from the internet for a little while, so unable to update my blog. So I’ll fill you in on the last few days….
We just spent a few days in Vernon, BC. It is such a beautiful place….lakes everywhere….very relaxing. We played a show at the Talking Donkey on Monday night. That started out with the venue forgetting that we had a show - ha, and me being super grumpy. I realized that I over did it on the cough syrup. I had no voice and was upset at my lack of with-it-ness. We didn’t play very many songs and I headed straight home after the show to get to bed. Due to my apparent overdose of cough medication, I drove around absent mindedly, taking every wrong turn and not being able to figure out where I was going. I can’t believe I made it back. The mix of medications and 4 hours sleep the night before did not bode well on me. I cancelled the next days’ show (rescheduled it for the next week) and took the day off…..lazing around….going to the doctor (who happened to be Daniel Powders dad - “Had a bad day” song.) crazy.
The next night we played at the Vernon Alliance youth group. This was so great. My voice was on the mend - but not 100%, but the kids were great, and we had a super time.
So, yesterday we headed out of vernon, and drove west to Vancouver. We had to drive through the mountains, and a blizzard which kept me quite alert, as the thought of dying only hours before meeting my new nephew was just NOT an option. Agh…..driving through a blizzard in the mountains is just NOT cool. I’ve been through this before….but in January…not in October. Anyhow - the snow turned to rain the lower altitude we were, and made it safely to Vancouver.
McAllister Winston Stephens. That’s my new nephew’s name. He is so sweet. Just sits there, totally content. he does this little half side smile that is SO adorable. Man. I get to spend the day with him today.
We played last night at a great little club on main street in Vancouver called Cafe Montmartre. It had a really cool vibe, but no sound equipment. they had one microphone…..so - there happened to be someone there with one…that let us use it - it was super nice of them. anyhow - it ended up going really well. Guess what - I opened up my voice - and I had total control again. YAY! it’s a bit shot again this morning, but I think it’s back!!
That means smooth sailing hopefully for the rest of tour…..actually being out here to do what we’re supposed to do…that would be amazing.
Thank the Lord.
well, I miss my boys immensly. Wish they were here with me. Another time for sure….and its cool, b/c it’s still going by fairly fast.
Oh - haha - this is pretty funny. Brian and I and a few good friends in Calgary are going to go karaokeing next week, so - Brian and I want to blow people’s minds with our songs…so - Brian spent all day yesterday working through Gettin Jiggy with it. Man - it’s tough - have you ever tried it?
wow. so - it was a productive day all in all. Just wait till you hear us do “Don’t go breakin my heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee. Take that fellow karaokiers!! We’re going to blow minds!
hahaha.
see ya!
Today - day off!
Tomorrow - big concert with Sharee Plett in Abbotsford.
H&M - here I come.

well, today we had a day off - due to my lack of voice. So - the day started off with Matt’s GREAT brother making me tea before I even woke up. Awww. so nice. We went to Tobin’s church with him and Matt, and I found myself at the E-Free church in Lethbridge. It’s a big church. After that we had lunch at this great little place, and headed back to Calgary. We decided to meet our friend Bill and go for a hike up to Grassi Lakes in Canmore. Word of advice…..don’t try hiking at night. haha - I thought we were going to be mauled by mountain lions. We weren’t sure how much further up we had to hike - and it was really steep with VERY HIGH cliffs, and it was dark…..we made it. I learned that in the dark, maybe it’s not the best to take the “more difficult” trail option, than the “easy” one. haha.
What a workout. haha. That was the hardest I’ve worked out all tour.
We followed that with a dinner at the Olive Garden. Yum.
so - my voice is still not great, but for some reason I feel more encouraged. I’m drinking straight olive oil now….we’ll see if that works. I feel like I’ve been ringing out fries and drinking the grease. My throat just feels SO dry…..I’m not sure how to get that feeling away…..thus the oil.
Church was awesome this morning. some of the things they were saying I was like “yeah - thats being said for me for sure…..”
Funny how that happens hey? You look around cause you feel like it must be obvious to everyone else around you too that the sermon is directed towards you.
crazy.
well, I’m off to bed. It’s 1:00am, and we need to drive to Vernon tomorrow.
kw

hello all.
well. I have full blown laryngitis. full out. can’t even talk. Brian suggested we still play, and I’m glad he did - b/c we made it through like 6 songs or so, but very painfully. hah.
poor lethbridge. I’m sure they don’t want us back any time soon.
Well, we’re taking tomorrow off to let it rest for the next day and a half, and we’re going to go check out some mountains tomorrow.
I honestly am feeling really discouraged about it, but what can you do I guess….I just hope I’m over it very fast. I’m not going to talk for a while (haha - yeah right hey??!!) Brian will get to live in peace and quiet in the car atleast - haha - and I’ll watch Arrested Development! YAY!
We’re sitting in the Slice right now - our Lethbridge gig. Billy Manzik and Billy Zulach are rocking out as we sit here. They sound great.
well, back to listening…I’m sure it’s rude that I’m on a computer while they play.
Matt Epp played tonight….wow. Make sure you check him out….www.myspace.com/mattepp
he’s so amazing - his songs and his voice are so engaging. CHECK HIM OUT…..you won’t regret it.
Oh - and one more music plug….I bought the new Harry Manx & Kevin Breit cd. It’s AMAZING. Harry Manx plays some crazy sitar (citar??) guitar that he makes, and Kevin Breit plays some incredible guitar. Harry has an amazing voice and it’s this bluesy/rootsy/sitary music. It’s great.
well…I’m out for now…..
have a great night….and pray for my voice if you think about it….b/c Brian and I can’t make any money if I can’t sing. BOOH.
see ya’ll.
kw

I slept on the couch at my friend Andy’s house last night. I had a pleasant surprise when I woke up that I didn’t expect. My friend lives on the very edge of Calgary(The last street to the furthest west you can go), and I’ve only ever seen his house at night, but when I woke up, I was looking straight out the window to this pinkish sky with field as far as I could see…..and beyond those fields were silouettes of the upcoming mountains. What a view to wake up to.
I remember a friend of mine from college (I may get to see him this trip) and I were talking on a drama/music tour thing we were on in college. I had never seen the mountains or the ocean before and I was really excited about the possibility of it. When I did - I felt sad about where I had come from, the prairies, b/c they were just so blah, and the mountains were so breath taking. I remember saying something to the extent of “Why would God put so much time into the mountains, and we’re stuck with prairies” I felt ripped off…..like God had given up when he got to Winnipeg. My friend replied with “In my opinion, I feel that God shows too sides and what He’s capable of with both the mountains AND the prairies. I think He shows his power and His strength in the Mountains, and His peacefulness and gentleness in the prairies.” Anyways, I’ve always remembered that for some reason, and it made me appreciate where I came from…..how many stars you can see at night….this beautiful place we live. It also made me appreciate that God has more than one side…..that this God I try to picture in my mind, everyday, can be capable of so much more than I can humanly fathom.
But, I’m definetly excited to see the mountains again…..
I’m out.
we’re off to Lethbridge this morning, so I need to get ready…….if I can leave this view.
kw

Hello All.
I sit here in my friend Andy’s basement, listening to Andy, Brian and Bill jam. It’s so great.
I love this part. watching talented friend musicians create. It’s so beautiful.
My head is pounding. My eyes are tired. it’s 2:30am. My voice held up. It went over really well. Billy’s band (the musician we opened for at the Ironwood tonight) sounded great. He had the wickedest violin player….he was crazy.
Tomorrow morning - off to Lethbridge to meet up with our friend Shamus and do a radio interview and then to play at the Slice tomorrow night.
We get to see our good friend Matt Epp tomorrow….we’re so excited about it.
well, I love you all, I’ll write again soon…..
I’m finding it hard to find internet the last few days - so I’ll update as often as I can.
see you.
kw

Well, we made it safely and quickly to Briercrest last night. I must say, a lot has changed since I was a student here. For one example, I’m staying in their Co-Ed dorms.
Can you believe that? Those of you who went to Briercrest back in the day will be shocked by this I’m sure.
I remember the trouble we got in when we had boys lift something heavy into our room once. (We couldn’t leave campus for 2 weeks, and the boys had to do work discipline (shoveling snow etc), so this co-ed dorm thing kind of blows my mind.
So far, I’ve just visited with a couple friends (Kyle & Kiersten) (you guys are great – sorry to crash your anniversary) and other than that, slept.
I woke up early – isn’t that always the way when you allow yourself the time to sleep in – and I’ve been killing time in my room for the last hour and a half. It’s been good though – I have my own shower – so I’ve had 2. Ha. And I did a workout, (my goal – do one everyday) and I watched a bit of Blood Diamond. It’s been a nice morning.
I just gave Brian the wake up call, and we’re going to meet at the car in a few minutes.
There is one thing though……when I woke up, I had no voice. Like nothing. I am sick, and it’s sitting in my throat right now – that kind of tickley, pain…..anyhow – I spent a fair amount of time praying b/c at this point, it’s horrible, and I can’t do anything about it….but the thought of being on tour and not being able to sing is one of the worst thoughts right now….anyhow – slowly my voice started to re-surface, so I think I can make it though the 2 songs I need to sing in this morning’s chapel. Then I’ve got all day to worry about tonight. So – if you think about it – please wish well thoughts my way – as I’m not a strong enough guitar player to play instrumental if my voice goes – nor am I a closet rapper, so basically – if I can’t sing, game over. I need to get better.
Any ideas? I did the cold fx thing – but it obviously hasn’t helped too much…..now I’m doing the Ricola thing…I like those –but they just mask it. I’d love any hidden household remedies you might have.
Have a great day – and I’ll fill you in on the adventures of (hmmm….still no code names) – Brian and I - I guess.
See ya’ll!
kw

Hello!!
I’m writing this 4 days before I head out on a Western Canadian tour for a while.
I’m going to attempt to blog as much as possible, so those of you who know me, and those of you who don’t know me, but are bored, can read them, and know what we’re up to on the road….
we’ll see where I’m able to steal (sorry….BORROW) wireless internet, and I’ll update it often.
I’ll fill it with weird tour stories, neat adventures, and deep thoughts..(or just thoughts…of some kind)
I’d love any comments as I’m going to be rather sad to leave my family, so any contact with the outside world is fantastic, and I welcome the thought of comments….whether good OR bad, to let me know that there are some of you out there that might enjoy my daily ramblings…OR not enjoy. Your call.
well, I’ll start this off on Thursday, when we are off to briercrest to play our first gig.
Oh -I also think that Brian (banjo) and I should have code names. Secret nicknames. That way my blogs will be more fun…and more interesting for the reader to read. (reader to read??)
I’m open to any suggestions from you……and maybe we should give nicknames to Brent and Kai too so they don’t feel totally out of the loop while I’m away…..
Wish us luck!!
kw