Thanksgiving...

Here I am, yet again - abroad and far from America on Thanksgiving. *sigh*

I can't say I am terribly homesick for it but that is only because I have grown accustomed to Thanksgiving and every other holiday (except Christmas) away from my family for many years
now.

Last year I spent Thanksgiving touring England - and before my show that night, had a chicken wrap from KFC. Exciting I know. :)

In any case, next year I will be hosting a big, fat Thanksgiving to introduce my Tyrolean and International friends that don't celebrate, to the food portion of the tradition.

But this year - this year is going to spent with friends, tonight - in a matter of minutes actually, down at the Christkindmarkts...i.e Christmas Markets.

Helli and I went down last night for the first time and were completely blown away how much further they went with it this year. It seems this awesome tradition only gets better, more organized and more spectacular as each year passes. yay!



Here is a link if you'd like to see what it's like and looks like here in Innsbruck during my absolute favorite time of year here. Honestly, when winter comes and we browse the markets, drinking Glühwein and eating roasted chestnuts, I have not one ounce of homesickness or regreat for living here. :) I hope someday you my friends, will be able to join us in December for this magical time.

http://www.christkindlmarkt.cc/

In the spirit of feasting everywhere - Happy Turkey Day my beautiful friends. I love you.

love,
Chris

p.s On that note, tomorrow - I am hosting a big South Tyrolean traditional dinner called Törggelen! I have invited good friends and new friends (some becoming good:) from my Innsbruck Expats group I started. It's a full house and should be great. It will replace my Thanksgiving as the feast is just as large, if not larger! :) Here is link to the restaurant where you can find the link to see the crazy menu & also a link about what exactly Törggelen is.

Restaurant: http://www.buzihuette.at

What is Törggelen?: http://www.suedtirolerland.it/suedtirol/siteSLenSLe2wSLarticle.phpQMQidEQQ4787NNDcategory_idEQQ138.html

"Arnold" the Incomparable- written Nov. 20, 2007

Ok - this is just too funny! While shopping at our local supermarket a few month back, we saw this. We passed on buying it - figuring a euro was too much. Boy was I wrong! The fun factor alone is worth the box. Ah well. Danke to our Oregon and Italian friends David and Ilenia (by way of Oregon, Padova, Italy and now here in Innsbruck) for buying it and posting this photo and text... Enjoy!

Apparently, someone has decided to use Arnold Schwarzeneggers's image to sell Austrian apples for a Euro a piece. On the side, they write:

Healthy and Strong

"Arnold" the Incomparable

This apple grows and ripens at the foot of the Austrian Alps in Styria with the fertile soil and unique microclimate of warm days and cool nights. Lovingly tended by skilled and dedicated fruit growers in their small and medium sized orchards it is a rich natural source of health, strength and flavor.

Ramblings ... Written Nov. 16, 2007

Hallo!

Greetings from snowy but lovely Innsbruck, Austria!

I just wanted to update everyone...
I know it's been sometime. Danke for being so patient and sending such sweet emails. It means so much to me. <3

The new CD is FINALLY (I swear, you can mark my word!:-) coming in the New Year - along with "Tumbleweed... the live album" and a live DVD of a sold-out Theatre show in Scotland in Nov. 2006!

I will at some point before my touring madness begins, be launching a new web site - as well as new merchandise; pins, t-shirts, you name it. :)

Life is beginning to make sense again for me - after quite some time of unfortunate and always unexpected health issues.

I apologize deeply for the continuous cancelations of shows this past summer/fall - and promise to make it up to you with both new songs and stories and CD's you will hopefully keep on repeat!

Life in Austria is amazing and slowly, I am beginning to acclimate and adjust.
I am in German school now and can have a reasonably good converstion which definitely helps in making this home! :)

I don't know if you know - but I actually got married this past April. <3
It's pretty common here to have 2 weddings though - so the BIG official wedding isn't taking place until July 5, 2008!

Between that, new touring schedules, CD's and merchandise, web sites, family - holidays, travels, home remodeling and my Innsbruck Expats group, I am keeping well and happily busy!

While going through my mac and deleting old emails, answering the backed up email (sorry) waiting forever etc.. I came across so many journals I never posted. I thought about saving them to include in my book but instead, I will begin to post a select few of them in the next few days.
It was intersting, sometimes bittersweet, to read some - dated back over a year ago before Helli (my husband) even entered the picture. Wow, life sure moves fast.

I hope you are keeping well and loving life & those close to you. It's so precious & beautiful.

with so much gratitude and love,
Chris