Just booked my ticket to Owl Eyes at Northcote Social Club. She's amazing

Sumo

Currently house-sitting and looking after an adorable Chihuahua named 'Sumo'. How gorgeous is he!?

Sunset drive home from the Island

Went up to Phillip Island to help out with a school camp this week. Look how lucky I was to drive home with such a beautiful sunset!

There's a silver lining behind every cloud

Taken on a magical day in St Kilda :)

I know, I've been slack..

Was out for a lovely lunch along Southbank today with my friend when she reminded me I hadn't updated my blog in a while. So Laura, here we go!

Since I last touched base a few things have happened - exchange got approved so I will be in the UK towards the end of the year! Had a singing/guitar sesh with my friend Rod tonight, was very productive!

Ah I really must run, but I PROMISE there will be some pictures up here before the end of the weekend =)

Jess xo

Essays and cover songs..

It's been a week! Wish I could tell an intriguing story about why I haven't posted for so long, but the truth is I've been busy writing an essay and preparing for my upcoming Philosophy (yeah, Summer unit..) exam. Managed to find a bit of time to sit down with my beautiful guitar, and have been working on a few covers which are always a lot of fun! I wonder though - to what extent can you change a song before it becomes too much like your own, rather than the original? How true to the actual song do you have to be? I have loads of ideas for a few songs, but I really want to do them justice to their true form. Interesting thought! 

How has everyone been? 

J 

FebFast

Today I began 'FebFast' - yes I am proposing to give up my beloved pear cider for one month (coincidently the shortest month), to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs amongst young people. Encouraging you all to get behind this great cause and support, donate and 'fast' with me!

For more information, please go to: http://febfast.org.au/

Women of Letters

Super excited to be going to 'Women of Letters' at the Thornbury Theatre. Some amazingly inspirational women, including my personal favourite Missy Higgins are lined up to speak. Pure brilliance!

Get On It!!

Sisyphus

I found this interesting.. Perhaps you will too. I like the idea of the repetitive notion, the process and experience rather than the end result.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus

Current Obsession: Megan Washington

This chick is seriously amazing...

Australia Day @ 'Soul Mama' Vegetarian Cafe, St Kilda

Spent the day with my best friends by the beach - it doesn't really get much better than this. The afternoon was rich of laughs, ciders, music and the most amazing food going round! Think we've found a new favourite spot. 

Setting a Sunday Precedent

What a lovely day! Spent most of the morning writing a new song - really happy with how it's turning out.

This afternoon we headed to Southbank to watch my beautiful and talented friend Alanna play her set at World Bar. I also finally got to check out the 'Rock Chicks' exhibition at the Arts Centre - was very cool and is definitely worth a quick look if you have some time to kill in the city. We decided afterwards that St Kilda beach would make a nice end to an already lovely night. And it did - got some killer sunset photos!

Enjoy my friends!

Missy Higgins Part II

Had to do a separate post dedicated to the lovely Missy Higgins. It's a love affair!

Corner Hotel Flood Relief Show

Managed to get two tickets to the sold out Flood Relief benefit at the Corner. What an amazing night - such a small venue filled with so many wonderfully talented Aussie artists. With close to $50,000 raised for our QLD friends, the night was a huge success. Missy Higgins, Megan Washington, Dan Sultan and Clare Bowditch were part of the incredible line up. Thank you to the Australian music industry for nurturing such unique talents!

 The beautiful and mesmorising Clare Bowditch

 Megan Washington

Mr Dan Sultan

Night minds

 Test driving Sam's new Mazda with the girls - we named him Salem cos he's black (get it, like Sabrina's cat in 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch').

Full moon :)

1960's Bicycle

Anyone want to buy me a big 1960's bicycle with a basket on front? I need one!

Dinner with some lovely ladies

Indulged in way too much chocolate, laughed countless times and shared many great (and embarrassing) stories. How I love catch ups with these ladies :)

Go Green!

Everyone can do their little bit for this planet. Turn off the light when you leave the room, switch the TV off at the unit, unplug your chargers when not in use. These little steps can make a big difference. GO GREEN!
http://www.un.org/works/sub5.asp?lang=en&id=20

Missy Higgins

Just got back from Missy's 'Save the Kimberley' benefit and am completely awestruck - what a talent! Such a beautiful stage, setlist and entire vibe. Ah! 

Where to start..!

What an incredible past few days I have had. Plenty of live music, beach time and so much inspiration! Last night I wrote a new song which is probably one of my favourites so far. Electric feeling!

Anyway, here are some pictures to sum up my weekend. Enjoy.

M. Higgins

"Most songwriters or artists begin their art because they need to find a way to express themselves - because they have trouble doing it the way everyone else does, through conversation.

"Then we get put in a position where we have to try and explain ourselves - whereas that's the very reason we're in that position in the first place.'' - Missy Higgins

This woman is probably my biggest musical influence these days, she is truly remarkable and ever so talented. I'm seeing her play on Sunday - can't wait for some new inspiration.

Kofi Beans Cafe

Had a quick coffee today with some friends one of my favourite local spots. It's called 'Kofi Beans' and is a Moroccan-style cafe which serves amazing food and beverages. Check out the pretty decor inside! Cannot speak higher of this place.