Here’s a little holiday cheer, courtesy of the Dublin Airport. I was especially nervous about flying home because it was storming really badly in NYC – and flying is just terrifying, period. I nearly had a fit when security wouldn’t let me board the plane with the champagne I bought in Paris (even though it was purchased duty-free!). And yet my wire cutters made it through security in my guitar case…. After an hour of chaos, I was able to work it out, so my sister can rest assured that we will be having a very merry Christmas. The whole experience rattled my nerves greatly as, in the process, the lady at Aer Lingus discovered that there were two bags checked under my name and I had only checked one, etc. etc. My imagination is always over-active when flying anyway, and I could imagine myself arriving at customs with a huge sack of cocaine on my hands or something. Haha. All was well, though, and once through security I came across a woman handing out free shots of Jameson and very happily partook. It helped considerably. When I got to the gate I saw that the plane was one of those enormous airbuses. Another cause of panic. Everything is a cause of panic when it involves Laura hurtling through air at 30,000 feet. Over an ocean. However, all that changed when I saw a familar face in line to board – Andrew Bird! Yes, with guitar and violin cases at his feet, he was looking quite panicky himself. After all, he’s the man who brought us, “Fiery Crash.” I said hello and then quickly scampered off as he is far cuter in person and the cause of my nerves quickly shifted to more one of more immediacy. Actually, once I knew I’d be flying with Mr. Bird I eased on the prospect of my fate – I felt like there was no way the plane would be going down with him on it. And, alas, it didn’t. Because the plane took off at 4PM the sunset lasted a few hours, which was really cool! I also got to see the moon rise out of the ocean:
Now home, I have a tremendous amount to look forward to in the immediate future – a new album, new shows, a new year! Yes, I am very busy working on Paris-inspired love songs to be released in honor of Valentine’s Day! Also, I am getting ready for my US tour, which kicks off in early January. I’ve added some new dates (and will continue to do so), which you can check out here:
January 5, 2008
Googie’s Lounge @ The Living Room
New York, NY
Homecoming Show! AND Send-off Show!
(Either way you look at it, it’s a celebration).
January 12, 2008
Uncommon Ground
Chicago, IL
January 13, 2008
TBC
Des Moines, IA
January 15, 2008
Mick’s Music Bar
Omaha, NE
January 17, 2008
The Brick
Kansas City, MO
January 25, 2008
The Blue Pepper
Salem, OR
January 26, 2008
It’s A Beautiful Pizza
Portland, OR
January 31, 2008
Green Frog Cafe Acoustic Tavern
Bellingham, WA
February 2, 2008
Cozmic Cafe
Placerville, CA
February 3, 2008
Brain Wash
San Francisco, CA
February 5, 2008
TBC
Los Angeles, CA
February 8, 2008
Lestat’s
San Diego, CA
February 9, 2008
The Blue Room
Long Beach, CA
February 15, 2008
TBC
Phoenix, AZ
February 19, 2008
The Adobe Bar
Taos, NM
February 21, 2008
Art Six
Denton, TX
Canadian dates will come once the groundhog has declared the end of winter.
I posted a ton of pictures on my website, so please feel free to check those out. Thank you again to all the wonderful people who made my trip so fulfilling! Especially those folks on the 10th floor 
It’s going to be difficult to leave Paris behind… I can’t remember the last time I’ve had a meal without bread, cheese, and champagne. Or Beaujolais. There’s a lot to be said for the European way. In retrospect, here are some favorites from the trip:
Favorite Museum: Louvre, Paris
Favorite Modern Art Museum: Tate Modern, London tied with Centre Pompidou, Paris
Favorite Non-Louvre and Non-Modern Art Museem: Orsay
Favorite Non-Museum Museum: Wallace Collection, London
Favorite Spot to Take a Picture So They Know I Really Came: Vew of Eiffel Tower at Trocadero
Favorite Tourist Moment: Hall of Mirrors, Versailles
Favorite Non-Tourist Moment: Buying produce at Place d’Aligre
Favorite Stage: The Spirit Store
Favorite Show: The Ruby Sessions
Favorite Restaurant: Cornucopia, Dublin (No competition. This spot rocks)
Favorite Waiter: Minim’s, Paris
Favorite Food in the Whole World: M’semen with honey from Tesnime, Paris
Favorite Invention of Humankind: Baguette
2nd Favorite Invention of Humankind: Toasters designed specifically for baguettes
Favorite “Wow, I’m Really Far From Home” Excursion: Carlingford
Favorite “I’d Like to Spend the Night Here” Place: Giverny
Favorite “I’m Really Glad I’m NOT Spending the Night Here” Place: Catacombs
Favorite Purchase: “Cozy Socks”, Penney’s of Dundalk
Favorite Cause for Celebration: Beaujolais Nouveau!
Happy December!
