It has been a while since I have last updated! I hope you've all been working through the winter. The weather this past weekend was amazing-and a very good chunk of it was spent walking around the city I love (Marquette!) and enjoying that sunshine on my cheeks, the glisten of lower harbor, the slush of the streets and wear of the buildings. The snow we have been getting the past couple days is also exciting: It keeps melting on my nose and making me sneeze. Does that happen to anyone else? Now that the snow is falling again, my sinuses are getting the best of me...and I had a mishap with my neti pot and it took a dive into my sink, breaking off the spout. I'm having neti pot withdrawals.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to play two shows: One in Meg's basement and one in Kingsford, MI. I shared the night with Kerry Yost, Troy Graham and Zada Doyle, The Paper Hearts (Troy and Sam), Zach Lancaster, Luke, Gratiot Lake Road AND I Love Cats! Friday night could not have gone better for me. I felt incredibly comfortable. The atmosphere was very intimate--and speaking to everyone in between songs put a big smile on my face and more energy into my soul for the sharing of the next song. I enjoy making people laugh so much--Thank you for looking past my inner (and outer) dorkiness and sharing laughs with me, everyone! And thank you so much for being so attentive and enjoying yourselves. It's a different experience when I can see the audiences facial expressions and eyeballs! It makes sharing with you incredibly enjoyable. I find myself putting new energy into old songs that are empty of the truths they once held. There's a transition happening: I used to connect with the songs by feeling what they meant to me at one time. Since we are changing every day, it's become difficult to find truth in them for myself. Seeing your reaction every time I play a show gives me new and fresh reasons to keep playing! It's a trip to hear what you take out of the experience and songs. Your interpretation is more important than what I ever meant to project. Thank you, everyone!
I would love to play more music at that basement, anytime. I can easily say that was my best show so far. I hope I keep meeting and re-meeting you in the near future :)
Saturday night in Kingsford was also a learning experience. I very much enjoyed listening to all of the bands and musicians share. My set did not go as planned and I found my patience being tested. I could barely hear myself through the monitor and getting the attention of the audience was a difficult task. My set was shortened because of this, and I was looking forward to listening to the other performances. I have a mind set that I can always do better--and so for the next performance (I believe in March!), hold on to your trousers. I'm learning!
On a sidenote: I was gifted a (working!) ukulele by my friend Robert L. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such great people, here, who not only look out for one another but share and care for one another. Sometimes I feel undeserving of all of the kindness that's passed around!
I am looking forward to writing some material, using the ukulele. It's difficult to feel the weight of every day stressors when I am surrounded by such supportive people. Thank you, from the bottom of my mugs heart.
In other news, the recording session that I stocked hope in fell through. However, new opportunities have opened up for me that I am feeling real good about! A couple people have contacted me, giving me amazing options. Thank you so much, everyone. I apologize for my delay in "jumping" on the opportunity (which I really should be doing)! I am trying to come up with a couple songs/new material before I record! I will be contacting you soon. Thank you for your patience with me--i'm so green :)
Until next time, smile away!
Mary Mugford
A snapshot from the The Big Red House.
Touch/No Touch! in Houghton, MI 
Dan Daniels & The Southern Gents in Houghton, MI 
