Coming Home (December 4, 2007)

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 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, 2008Googie’s Lounge @ The Living RoomNew York, NYHomecoming Show! AND Send-off Show!(Either way you look at it, it’s a celebration).January 12, 2008Uncommon GroundChicago, ILJanuary 13, 2008TBCDes Moines, IAJanuary 15, 2008Mick’s Music BarOmaha, NEJanuary 17, 2008The BrickKansas City, MOJanuary 25, 2008The Blue PepperSalem, ORJanuary 26, 2008It’s A Beautiful PizzaPortland, ORJanuary 31, 2008Green Frog Cafe Acoustic TavernBellingham, WAFebruary 2, 2008Cozmic CafePlacerville, CAFebruary 3, 2008Brain WashSan Francisco, CAFebruary 5, 2008TBCLos Angeles, CAFebruary 8, 2008Lestat’sSan Diego, CAFebruary 9, 2008The Blue RoomLong Beach, CAFebruary 15, 2008TBCPhoenix, AZFebruary 19, 2008The Adobe BarTaos, NMFebruary 21, 2008Art SixDenton, TXCanadian dates will come once the groundhog has declared the end of winter. All of my travel is offset by Native Energy! Please see www.nativeenergy.com for information on how you can reduce your impact on the environment.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, ParisFavorite Modern Art Museum: Tate Modern, London tied with Centre Pompidou, ParisFavorite Non-Louvre and Non-Modern Art Museem: OrsayFavorite Non-Museum Museum: Wallace Collection, LondonFavorite Spot to Take a Picture So They Know I Really Came: View of Eiffel Tower at TrocaderoFavorite Tourist Moment: Hall of Mirrors, VersaillesFavorite Non-Tourist Moment: Buying produce at Place d’AligreFavorite Stage: The Spirit StoreFavorite Show: The Ruby SessionsFavorite Restaurant: Cornucopia, Dublin (No competition. This spot rocks)Favorite Waiter: Minim’s, ParisFavorite Food in the Whole World: M’semen with honey from Tesnime, ParisFavorite Invention of Humankind: Baguette2nd Favorite Invention of Humankind: Toasters designed specifically for baguettesFavorite “Wow, I’m Really Far From Home” Excursion: CarlingfordFavorite “I’d Like to Spend the Night Here” Place: GivernyFavorite “I’m Really Glad I’m NOT Spending the Night Here” Place: CatacombsFavorite Purchase: “Cozy Socks”, Penney’s of DundalkFavorite Cause for Celebration: Beaujolais Nouveau!Happy December!