Well, I thought I’d actually write a new blog…before they boot me right off their website for my lack of updates….
There are SO many things going on in my life right now…some of them just amazing, some of them a challenge.
For those of you who don’t know, I went out to Vancouver back in February to try recording with a producer by the name of Roy Salmond, he’s a VERY talented producer/instrumentalist, but in the long run, it was decided that the fit wasn’t exactly right, so the new cd is being recorded here in Winnipeg. We are mid-process right now. Finalizing arrangements and ideas for each song. They’ve been growing and changing in our minds for months now and we’re really excited now that we’re into June, as June is our recording month. I’ve decided to hire producers Jordan Jackiew and Brian James. They produced the last album, and we’ve all been through a lot together in the last year, and I couldn’t be happier working with them. The album will be finished by august, so that I’ll be ready for fall tour.
I got some amazing news fairly recently. I’ve been invited to join Steve Bell and his band this fall and early spring on tour as his opening act! I can’t wait! What a great opportunity! So - hopefully I’ll see some of you then! I believe some of the dates are posted under Steve’s upcoming dates page. I don’t know how many details are posted yet, but I can’t wait!
I’m in the process of recovering(??) from about 8 weeks of laryngitis. That has been a really hard thing for me. It put me in a pretty vulnerable state. As someone who walks around their house singing non-stop, and it’s such a BIG part of who I am, I’ve been pretty shut-down. Frusterated at this seemingly endless silence. I played at the Back 40 Music festival yesterday with Brian James, Gilles Fournier & Daniel Roy. They are SO fantastic! I loved it. When I woke up, I had no voice. For some reason it totally worked at the festival. It made me happy. Now here I am, sunday morning, NO voice. it’s really really weird. I have a specialist appointment coming up in 2 weeks, and I’ll be excited to find out what’s going on. It’s hard b/c recording is right now, and I have quite a few shows or rehearsals….reasons to be using my voice lots lately….so - if you get the chance…a little prayer for my sad vocal chords would be AMAZING. thank you so much.
I am working a fair bit with a guy by the name of Brent Warren. We have been doing some co-writing and rehearsing for a few hours every week. He has a lot to offer, is quite an incredible guitar player and has a great voice. I appreciate his constant hard work and dedication. I’m excited to play a show with him, as it’s mostly been working on the songs to get him totally familiar with all the songs, and I’m beginning to think he’s now more familiar with them than I am. hah.
My family is good. They are sweet enough to let me type this as they make me breakfast in bed. They’re really sweet.
I am surrounded in good people. I love where I live. It smelled like rain yesterday, and I stood inside for SO long just breathing it in as strong as I could.
Anyhow - that’s a bit of the update. I’ll write more soon - I promise!!!

Hi all.
I haven’t written in this for a while…
Well - in 5 days I fly out to Vancouver to start working on album 2. I’m really excited about it!
Brian James & I will be working with acclaimed producer Roy Salmond out at his great studio called Whitewater Productions.
We’ll start with 3 songs, then come home, then go back….come home…go back…you get the idea!
Anyhow - It’s only been a year since the release of our last record (almost to the day) and I already feel so excited to get these new songs out there…
This new record is going to be a bigger reflection of who I am, the searching within myself I’ve had to do this past year, and I hope that the new album is really relateable and honest.
I really hope you like it.
I can’t say when the release date is going to be - b/c to be honest - I have NO IDEA!!
I’m thinking about releasing it early September (The official CD release party anyhow)
Well, I’m sitting here, typing this and drinking Chai tea…my new favorite tea…I think…
I’ll fill you in on studio life while I’m there…I’ll take recording photos..I’m so bad at taking photos sometimes. Even though I’ve had a professional photographic business for 5 years, I’m still bad.
Anyhow - what a great year last year was - I’m going to point form the highlights…

- January 15th/07 - embarked on 1st ever music tour with friends Laura Kolisnyk, Jeremy Remple (his music is great!) and Jane Martens and had a GREAT time.
- Feb 2/07 - Had cd release party in Winnipeg at the West End on the coldest night of the year - had a great great evening!
- April 07 - Went on a greater Toronto area tour with friend/music partner Brian James and met and played at some great places
- Summer 07 - Was nominated for a Western Canadian Music award (Outstanding Christian recording) and 2 Covenant awards (Roots/Folk album of the year & Cd Artwork)
- Embarked on Western Canadian tour 2 with Brian James and had Great shows and Great feedback! Can’t wait to get out there again!
- Am now with Signpost Music (Steve Bell) and the guys/gals at signpost have been SO supportive and have brought me to a place I couldn’t have NEVER gotten to the rate I was going. I love them SO much. This artist in development thing they have going on here is SUCH a great program. It gives little unknowns like me a chance to build a career doing what I love and I am SO honored that I get that opportunity. Love you guys!!

So - 2007 was such a great year. I saw most of this beautiful country, got in 2 car accidents on the road, blew a tire on the highway, realized that most car rental agencies really really suck no matter what type of insurance you have, survived 5 provinces numerous times, met amazing people, memorized every word to “gettin jiggy with it” saw some GREAT old friends, met my new nephew and had a lot of fun on the way.

Thanks to my support guys…(Brent - husband and Kai - son) for all that you’ve given up for me to chase my dream…I love you and couldn’t do it without you) thanks to great great friends Brian James - for travelling with me and putting up with me and learning raps and dance routines with me….and for all the laughter on the road….

Matt Epp - you’re the best. You are SUCH a great friend, SO supportive and you really believe that ANYTHING is possible! It’s inspiring. check out Matt’s music - he’s going to be famous. he’s incredible!

Laura, Jane & Jer - what a great first tour. Thanks for giving up so much and coming away in a crappy van for 2 weeks. Love you guys.
anyhow - I know it’s not supposed to be a speech - just started thinking about 2007.

Bring it on 2008 - I’m ready for you!!
kw

Hey all.
Thought I’d update you on the current goings on here….
Well, I have taken a part-time job at Starbucks to help out around this festive season, and while I don’t have many shows this month (due to the Christmas season and the fact that I don’t know any christmas songs….)
Man - I feel too old to learn all this stuff at Starbucks…like how many espresso shots go into a Venti cup, and how many go into a Venti Americano….agh. Crazy. It’s fun though - and I think if I have to have a REAL job (not a job that involves lazing around and writing songs, traveling and playing shows)(which, don’t get me wrong, IS real work!) but I think Starbucks is a great fit. You can’t be grumpy and work there….that’s for sure….It’s all about the customer there….I remember this job I had where I worked in a dark warehouse with no windows and typed up work orders all day, and I needed one of those mugs that said “Don’t talk to me…I hate conversation” or something, cause I was UNHAPPY. So - atleast I can be happy. I also find the people that order their “really special” drinks really interesting…..like where is the first time they ever tried a drink with that many modifications? There are a LOT of people out there with a LOT of different tastes…..Its great.
Well, we had a fundraiser not too long ago - and I wanted to thank everyone that came out for the evening, and everyone that was generous enough to donate - Thank you SO much - you are VERY appreciated….more than you will ever know! (Thanks also to Steve Bell and Dave Zyglinski and the other folks down at signpost music for making it all happen - man - you guys are AMAZING! (Sidenote - It’s really crazy b/c I grew up listening to Steve Bell, and LOVING his music, and dreaming about meeting him and even just TALKING about music with him, and now….here I am…..sitting at his desk…stealing his internet. crazy how life takes unexpected turns. haha.)
Mid-February, Brian James and I will be flying to Vancouver to record a few songs with Roy Salmond (an award winning producer) and head of Whitewater productions in Surrey, BC.
We are REALLY excited to go and get working on it - and see what comes of it - if it all goes well, we’ll be finishing up the album in spring and hoping to get it back from press for a fall tour! How exciting!!
I’m trying to write like mad right now - a friend of Brent’s and mine is staying at our house right now - his name is Matt Epp, (he’s an AMAZING musician - check him out! www.myspace.com/mattepp )and he LOVES writing - so this has been very beneficial to me trying to finish these songs - we can sit around and jam and write, and sing…..good times are had.
well, - I hope all ya’ll are doin’ well - I have a gig out in Niverville tonight that I have to prepare for - but take care and keep in touch - or keep reading!!
kw

Hi all.
Well, I was doing so well at writing blogs on the road, and then I didn’t have internet service for a few days, and became really lame at it….I apologize.
Tour was great. I really had a great experience, met amazing people, and had a great time with Steve & Dave at the CGMA’s.
I’ll write a bit more of a tour journal soon, but my laptop battery is running out…so - I’ll get to the point for now.
I’ve FINALLY (after 2 years) been able to update my photography web site…
it has some pics of the western tour, a video of Brian, Matt Epp and I doing a dance in Taber, AB and also has photos of the photographic exhibition that we did on 10 women who have either survived or are currently fighting breast cancer. There are photos of opening night, photos of the actual photos and photos of artist promo, etc….
Anyhow - check it out if you have the chance!
The link is: www.kwphotography.org
Well, I’m off to bed. I have to get up at 6am tomorrow (I don’t function that early) and do a taping on It’s a New Day. (I’m not sure yet when it’ll be aired….but - if I find out - I’ll post it.
Have a great night…
kw

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