Last night at The El Rey was very hectic. Ten minutes to set-up, and GO, GO, GO! Wonderful audience, though, and it was completely full. But I left my hair curler in the dressing room! (*wail*) and my looping station did not get set up properly, so I did not get to do my two songs with looping on them. Disappointing. On the other hand, the costume that Missy Washington put together for my performance was amazing. Peacock feathers and such. I had people coming up to me, asking who made it and if they could get it somewhere. Success! Special thanks to Sally Guillen, who did my make-up and is absolutely amazing. I have to say I have no idea now how actors sit through hours of make-up sessions every day. I get itchy, restless and grumpy after 30 minutes. And apparently to do something remarkable, flawless – never mind artistic – it takes much longer!! I have renewed respect for someone like Lady Gaga now, who takes so much care in the presentation of her act and her appearance/make-up are a big part of the art she puts together. It takes a LOT of time and PATIENCE. This weekend I am cleaning up and packing.. and moving.. once again. This makes.. my fifth move in two years. I was happy about some of the moments in the performance last night. There were a few instants where I felt I really connected with the throng of people out there. Andy Grammer was amazing, he is such a dynamic performer. I can't wait for the next show, so I can FINALLY unleash my looper in full force and this time actually have it work. Listening to Bach on an overcast morning and thinking about August. A friend sent me this excerpt from a Capricorn horoscope yesterday. Yes, astrology. Don't roll your eyes. Like anything, it can hinder or inspire.. I don't live by anything except my heart and my wits, but this one spoke to me, and I guess she knew it. Imagine that you are standing at the top of a skyscraper. You have climbed out of a small access window and are now balancing on a tiny ledge. As you look down, you experience a sense of terrible vertigo, which you are perfectly entitled to feel – there would be something very wrong with you if you did not experience this. But if you are now back inside the building, looking out at the view through a sheet of toughened glass, there is far less need to fear anything. You are much safer than you think this weekend. If you're ready for it, it can be a time of unparalleled opportunity.

It is a funny thing. For a long time I have felt like I have been balancing on that ledge. And sometimes I still do. And yet, recently, I have also been increasingly realizing that I have always been safe in a way. Safer than I would ever believe.

Now listening to Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, who was one of my favorite professors at USC..

August is a mystery ready to unfold. A bit like a flower about to open: you know what it will look like, but when the shades of colour become apparent, you realize that you really had no idea.

Photographs of El Rey to follow..