From Spain we flew to Manchester and then onto Warrington, where we met Michael’s extended family. It was a lovely visit and afforded me the chance to see another part of England.

Michael’s Uncle Les went to school with Paul McCartney (what are the odds) and we heard tales of a family member getting married in Majorca, where they chose “Pour Some Sugar On Me” (the new version) as their wedding cake-cutting song. Again, what are the odds? I told Joe about it and said, “You know, this is going to keep happening”

Early in the visit, Michael’s Uncle Les handed me a beautiful, handmade cigar-box ukulele. Turns out he crafted it himself. He happens to be quite skilled at these sorts of things, despite not playing the creations himself. I was incredibly touched by the gift and have promised him I’ll record something with it and send it to him.

Humans can be so surprising and lovely. Handmade things are so incredible.

The next day we made our way to London. The train station was closed because there had been a fatality on the tracks at the Warrington Train Station. Police and fire and paramedics were on the scene and we had to take the train from Manchester Station instead. It was very sad. The trip ended up being very long, but we eventually arrived back at our idyllic little loft outside London.

The next day I met with the UK Chapter of Coralus, a women’s only “alternative economy”…women bond together to fund women-only ventures. It was incredibly inspiring to hear about a few of the members’ own businesses they have launched, as well as their plans for the UK chapter which is just getting off the ground.

Over to Soho House for a hang with Rob from High Wire and our drummer friend James.

I’m not sure it’s the best idea to have a gig on your birthday but maybe it’s the best thing ever. I got my hair done, then makeup artist to the stars Kirstin Piggott (Joss Stone, Courtney Cox) came to do my makeup. Michael and I got into London and I had my photo taken by Jimmy King (who took Bowie’s last photos and was our stylist for a lot of our time together). It was SO good to see him. I always try to squeeze in a photo shoot if I’ve gone to the trouble of hiring a makeup artist.

Then - the show.

It was incredible to see so many fans and people I love. JOANNE! from Scotland. And lots of Bowie fans and longtime friends. There was one chatty bloke in the audience and I looked up from my last song of the first set (Sugar) to see that things were starting to escalate. One of my fans had gotten out of his seat to have a word with him and a whole argument was happening. I thought someone might get punched. My peacekeeping self showed up and I tried to “befriend the enemy” from the stage. I asked this man his name (Patrick) and we talked about his favourite Bowie song, “Starman”. I told a story about singing it on British TV and the next thing I knew he was gone and everyone’s cortisol’s level returned to normal. Moral of the story: find out someone’s name, hear what they have to say, make them laugh and move on.

We had a great band for the gig and I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful night, scuffles and all.

Now it’s back to Canada where I would like to sleep for a week.

I’ve realized on this trip that it’s probably worth it to slow down a little. To take a breath. Although I would never change one thing that happened on my UK/Europe trip it was not a vacation for me….and we all need rest to see clearly, to regenerate, to love deeply and to hold space for what is important. I’m thinking it means that the way I plan my days will change. It will be hard to pivot to including more patience, because I’ve been a chronic busy-worker my whole life. But sometimes you have to ask yourself: Why am I being busy? And at what cost?

If at any time you suffer from FOMO….or you feel things are boring, or quiet or you’re stuck in a rut. Fear not. From this place of stillness and silence, you can channel all the things you desire. Because you and your mind are the most important things. The ability, the time, the space to dream can never be underestimated. Sure, we need to take action, we need to do and pull the trigger on making life happen. But maybe today, for even 30 seconds or 1 minute, you just breathe deeply. Focus on your breath and the sounds around you without your mind jumping ahead to what’s coming, or reminiscing on what went by.

I will do this with you…as a survival tactic, as a gift and as a thank you.

For being alongside with me….through every twist and turn.

Hope I see you on the next Zang….I’ll be writing you a love letter soon.

PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW LAST NIGHT!!!

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June 6-8: End of a Magical Trip