Hi all,
It’s been over a month since my last post, and I am happy to be home from traveling, through the holidays (though they were lovely), and familiarizing myself with the energy of 2012. I just got back from California (Santa Barbara) with family – it was a beautiful place…Highlight of the trip was definitely the Channel Islands just off the coast – my sons and husband and I took a ferry over to Santa Cruz Island…we saw whales on the way! Big Beautiful Grey Whales! We hiked the island and had an almost private tour with a naturalist volunteer who was wonderful. The vegetation, the wildlife, both of which have varieties that are endemic to that island alone – were beautiful – the cliffs offered stunning views of the Pacific blue waters and the mainland – The island itself looked like what I imagine Ireland or New Zealand look like, though I have never (yet) been to either. It did look like St John USVI – Gorgeous! The best part by far was on the way back on the ferry, the boat slowed and they announced we were heading into a “pod” of dolphin – over 1000 of them!!!! They lept and glided right next to the ferry – in large groups – they looked SO happy and SO happy to make all the people HAPPY! Every person on the boat (including a large group of middle schoolers) had a huge smile and look of wonder and amazement. What a gift! I have some amazing footage (video) but no good pictures of them. We also visited the butterfly sanctuary and enjoyed soooo many beautiful sunsets!
Now I am ready for painting and music…I am now singing with the band Sonoma Sound for a change of pace and we will be performing at the Coffee Beanery in Media for second Saturday Feb 11 – at around 6 ish. I will be showing a few of my paintings there as well for the month.
In March, I will be showing my paintings at Values to Action in Media PA, near the Indian restaurant – more info to come…
And finally, after a year break from playing out with my band, while we waited and hoped and prayed for the recovery of my dear friend and band member Rama Bala’s health…sadly that was not to be. As some of you know, he passed into the next world Dec 10. He is sorely missed.
The band and I are starting rehearsal again next week, and we will be chanting/playing (and I will be the featured artist) for Gallery Night in Swarthmore at the Creative Living Room April 13th – 6 ish I think but check back for more details. We are delighted to announce that amazing guitarist Jay Popky will be joining us for this gig and others! YAY Jay!
And the BIG news is that I was invited to play at Bhakti Fest in Joshua Tree National Park, CA in Sept! For those of you who don’t know what Bhakti Fest is, it is the “Woodstock” of all chanting events, a 4 day festival with hours and hours of yoga and chanting /workshops, classes concerts all under the sun/stars. It will be a blast! (go to YouTube and search for bhakti fest to get a taste). The trick now is to figure out how to get the band out there! Please send me your fundraising ideas!
I had a lovely note from Wah! regarding my latest album Lila – first I shared just Asato Ma Sad Gamayaa with her – she knows my son who wrote the chord progression and played the instruments on that one – she says:
“Asato ma, that’s all I’m listening to, I’m on the 3rd hour so far… just
that one track. Thank you for sharing peace thru this song. Hooray for
Caleb.”
Then I sent her the rest of the album…
“Lila is fun, upbeat and shows Clair Oaks surrounded by talented musicians
and production. Rasa Lila is a great track, love the Radhe Govinda
transition, and my absolute favorite is Asato Ma – what incredible healing
comes through that guitar and vibes combination! Jai Ma blessings for Clair
and her group. – wah!
I leave you with some photos of my travels in the last few weeks and the latest in my painting adventures – Hope you are starting off this new year with love in your heart and ease in your body/mind and if not – I wish you the power of NOW – to be with whatever life is offering you at this moment with gratitude and equanimity ~ ok well at least equanimity. LoVe to ALL! ~ Clair
Gorgeous photos, gorgeous paintings, gorgeous family, gorgeous you!
THanks honey!