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Monday, December 29, 2008

The Farm





Fresh air, Monarch butterflies, fruitless hunting trips, corn field forts, art projects, giant hay bails, late nights spent around a bonfire, endless debates, tears, laughter, love, understanding and a sky full of stars. This place and the friends that live here have given me some of my most cherished memories. Though there isn't much more than snow this time of year, here are a few of the pictures my sister and I took at the farm this weekend.









Saturday, December 27, 2008

I Can't Help Myself


The mind is a powerful thing and for the past few days I've chosen to relinquish my control and allow it to wander free. But now I'm driving myself mad with thoughts of you. Endless daydreams of romantic, and entirely unrealistic scenarios, fading in and out like a series of short films interrupted by brief intermissions of sobriety when my abandoned logic scolds me for wasting time. And for a moment I begin to snap out of the trance, but I quickly slip back into fairytale land, drunk and distracted with you. It feels too good to leave. And I could stay here forever if i didn't have reality rearing its ugly head, pulling me back into a lonely existence and reminding me that you haven't called, or written, or returned so much as a text message since I saw you last.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Gift of Giving


Taylor and I spent the day shopping for our parents and man did we stretch our little bit of money! The gifts we chose may not be the most expensive, but we did our best to be thoughtful : ) Now I'm way more excited about watching them open their gifts on Christmas day than I am about getting anything. Oprah is right, to give is the most rewarding gift of all — and don't be fooled, EVERYONE can do it! I know of a few people who have said they don't have the means to give this year. That's total crap! Giving and being thoughtful doesn't have to cost any money at all, so no excuses! Whether it's the gift of time, a thoughtful handwritten card, a poem, or a song, try a little tenderness this season.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Home Sweet Home

Just checking in...

I've been home for a couple days now and I can't believe I thought it was freezing in NY before I left — it's unbearable here!
But the snow is beautiful.

My little sister is grown all of a sudden! Feels like it happened overnight.
Our relationship is changing and, while I'm happy we are starting to understand each other better, it's definitely taking some getting used to. I've been watching her interact with friends and I must say it's funny seeing how similar we are and, yet, she's developed her own special brand of sass ; )

I remember thinking I had it all figured out at her age, and I wouldn't believe anyone who told me otherwise. Now I know better (sort of), but no matter how much I wish she could learn from my experiences, she has to make her own choices and face obstacles on her own two feet. Sometimes I don't think parents can remember back that far, and they've forgotten how important it is to have the freedom to make mistakes during your adolescence.
I also realize I may change my tune after having kids of my own...

Anyhoo, this afternoon is family gym day — off to yoga!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A short poem


The time is nearly here
less than 14 hours to go
Now I'm rushing like a madman
folding and packing dirty clothes
...do the laundry for free when I get home!

lol. the things I do to entertain myself.



Monday, December 15, 2008

"holiday party with wrapped figs and mulled wine"



What a difference a day makes!
Even though I lost the last button on my winter coat, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside after the holiday party my roommates and I threw last night. A small crowd gathered in our kitchen and living room and we spent the evening sharing lots of laughs, more than a few bottles of wine and beer, homemade eggnog one described as "liquid pumpkin pie," a mountain of fudge chunks, Angela's experimental sweet AND savory chex mix and Kev's meticulously wrapped figs. Food and drinks led to a rousing game of taboo and a few late night rounds of charades with Josh, Harmon and I, the last remaining stragglers of the evening. Now I think I've finally got that holiday cheer! It's amazing what a few Christmas lights and a full house can do. 

Enjoy the season : )




Sunday, December 14, 2008

Bah, humbug!


4 days until I go home to Minnesota for the holidays... 
It's freezing. I'm broke.
Too broke for Christmas shopping, 
too broke to do my laundry,
too broke to eat anything besides spaghetti and prego.
And to top it off, I'm having writers block,
I can't find my holiday music
and I've lost all but one button on my winter coat!
Where is my holiday spirit, you ask?
I think it may have slipped through my numb fingertips last night
while I scoured my purse for quarters and dimes to pay for a single ride metrocard.


Friday, December 5, 2008

Re: Keep your head up


I wrote this to a friend today, and thought I would post it. After I wrote it I realized it was probably more therapeutic for me than helpful to her lol...

I know what you mean. We're all still so young, but it's like we're expected to have everything together, know who we are and make it happen. Things don't work out, we pursue things that we later discover we never wanted at all, and I know I've had my fair share of what-the-fuck-am-I-doing moments — maybe for different reasons than yours, maybe not. Sometimes we do need to toughen up, but sometimes we need to go with the flow and let life do the guiding for awhile. I don't know which one of those moments this is for you, but I am not worried about you finding your way. You are strong, beautiful, gifted, and one of the most grounded people I've ever known. I know it's hard to see the silver lining sometimes, but whenever I get really discouraged with my music, when I doubt myself, when I wonder if this is what I really want, if this is worth it, I have to remind myself that I'm alive and I'm living NOW. Right now. Not yesterday, not tomorrow, not an hour from now, but now. And now is the only thing that is real. Just yesterday a friend of mine said to me, "The time is ALWAYS now." Wise words. So I switch my focus and start seeing the beautiful things that are around me. And there are always sooo many. I may not be exactly where I want to be in my career, but I can still write a song and sing my heart out, and I don't need any label executive to validate my talent or my passion because they are simply truths of who I am. Find the truth in your situation and things may start looking a lot clearer.


Monday, December 1, 2008

Show Tues, December 2nd @ 7:00 pm - Rockwood Music Hall


Just me, my guitar, a piano, and a few friends to accompany me...
I want to share my songs with you as they were written
Stripped down, without all the bells and whistles
and the Rockwood is as intimate as it gets

So if you can pencil me in, this should be a really cool show and I would love to see you there!

Dec. 2nd @ 6:45
Rockwood Music Hall (169 Allen St. btwn E. Houston & Stanton)

And it's free : )

Peace.
Charley


Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave




Here are some pictures from my first trip to Washington DC earlier this month. I'm not sure if it was the recent revival of my patriotism or my desperate need for a getaway, but I absolutely loved it there. I stayed with my friend Phil on the most charmingly quaint tree-lined street I have ever seen and, though my stay was short, the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The following is an excerpt from my journal:

This city, whose old buildings still stand rooted and venerable, and whose streets and avenues have long existed both physically and symbolically as roads leading to revolution, equality and freedom, is also a final resting place for many. Memorials remind us in haunting beauty that, while we are beneficiaries of the glorious victories of our past, this nation rests upon sanguinary soil,  and every American life that has been taken is equal in sacrifice and deserves to be honored. The feeling in the air is one of solidarity and responsibility, of being connected to history and being a part of it. 










Monday, November 24, 2008

The Moral Paradox of Unclaimed Leftovers


Okay. It's the weekend and you're at home with your roommates. 
Hunger strikes.
You don't have any food because it's the end of the month, you're broke 
and you don't *ahem* CAN'T cook anything that requires more than 
boiling water or heating a saucepan.
Still, like the conditioned machine you are, 
you make your way to the kitchen
and open the refrigerator door.

Right away you see the delicious lasagna that has gone untouched
since one of your 'mates made it over a week ago.
You smell it...
it's still good!
And there's just enough left to assuage one hearty appetite.
You need it in your belly NOW

But you're no Hamburglar;
You wouldn't take someone's food without permission,
so you go to ask said roommate if she wouldn't mind you taking 
the last of the leftovers.

But hold the phone. 
Before you speak,
there's a dilemma:

If you ask to eat the leftovers, 
you will be reminding her of the yummy food she has neglected,
causing her to crave it for herself and, in all likelihood, deny your request 
(leaving your stomach empty and grumbling).
No bueno.
On the other hand, leaving them untouched would be a loss for all parties 
as forgotten leftovers always end up going bad and getting thrown out.
No bueno.

What to do?!

Well, behind door number three is the unethical, yet oh so satisfying alternative of eating the leftovers in secret, washing the incriminating evidence (tupperware), and retiring to your room before anyone knows the difference.

Ahhh, their ignorance is your carnal bliss.




Thursday, November 6, 2008

Pics from The Knitting Factory!




Bennett rocking out!

Our drummer Casey, as calm as can be : )

Josh, working those mallets. Yes, we have a glockenspiel!






*photos by Nick Wolf

"Just Act Natural"


I just started working on an EPK and tonight was the first night of filming. We shot an interview in the live room of the cozy recording studio, appropriately named, the Log Cabin. Okay, I don't know what it is about being in front of a camera, or just knowing that I'm being filmed, but it flips a switch in me and suddenly I don't know how to be myself! It's so silly, I mean how is it possible to forget how to be yourself, right? It doesn't matter if it's a home video, if I'm in a crowd of people or if it's just me in front of my computer ALONE in my room, I get weird lol. 

Other times I've gotten frustrated, even angry, but tonight I just had to laugh. And it's not that I get all nervous and fidgety, it's like I actually become another person. And this new person, she's nice and friendly and answers questions thoughtfully — but she's not Charley! Fortunately, everyone in the room was really cool and Andrew, who interviewed me, actually ended up making me feel more "myself" than I've ever felt in that situation. At least tonight, I think I might have shaken it.


Wednesday, November 5, 2008

November 5th: A New Beginning


Last night I stood among strangers and friends and felt the power of hope.
Together we watched as the results came in and the election was called;
We watched as the man we voted for spoke to us and for us.

Barack Obama. 

The first African-American president-elect, and worthy of the title. 
Proof that, while our dark past is not completely behind us, 
we have come so far.
Last night, alongside countless others, I wept tears of joy and relief. 
I saw the faces in the crowd around me and across the nation — 
a true melting pot.

Today, my faith in the American people is renewed 
and I am committed to the spirit of change that has brought us to this historic moment.

I am proud to be an American.


Monday, November 3, 2008

And It All Comes Down To This


Okay people, this is it. No excuses. Exercise your birthright and VOTE!!!

You can show your support however you'd like —
remind your friends and family to get to the polls,
wear your campaign shirt
or say a prayer,
but let YOUR VOICE be heard. 
I'll be holding my breath until a winner is declared.

OBAMA '08
Let's make history.



Saturday, November 1, 2008

Another Great Halloween Parade


So yesterday I ended up with an assortment of red, white and blue clothing, and what started as a wonder woman costume quickly became another excuse to publicly proclaim my LOVE and support for Obama (whoo hoo!! Obama '08!!!). I ran around the parade in a red tutu, starry skirt, blue leotard, red tights, my Obama pins and a spirit of change. What could be more patriotic? Unfortunately, I forgot to bring along a camera, and so did everyone else, so I don't have any pictures to post. But I'm thinking about wearing it again on Tuesday for Election day. Heck, maybe I'll throw it on later just for fun.

Tonight I'm going to support a fellow artist, John Eichleay, who will be performing at Arlene's Grocery. He's awesome. If you have a moment, definitely check him out! www.myspace.com/johneichleay


Friday, October 31, 2008

Halloweeeeen


Right now, scrambling to put a costume together (on the cheap)
and trying to decide whether or not I want to get political tonight...

pics tomorrow!


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Pics from The Annex!


Update: 2:47 AM


I just licked the inside of the wrapper clean
is that gross?
because it was totally worth it.

Now I think I'll go to sleep and let it marinate : )


2:35 AM


I can't sleep
It's freezing in my room
and I've been eyeing a milk chocolate truffle bar for about an hour now.
Should I go for it?
yes
...
omg I wish you knew how amazing this tastes right now
sooooo good



Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Beyonce is EVERYWHERE!


Last night I dreamt Beyonce and I were good friends. She came to pick me up in a beat up old station wagon, and as soon as I  jumped in the front seat, she told me she had just finished writing a new song and wanted me to hear it. Of course I wanted to hear it. So she started singing, a capella, as we drove... 

It was the most beautiful song. 

I'd never given Beyonce much credit as a writer, but these lyrics were poignant and clever, the melody was beautiful, it was perfect. I started to cry, partially because I felt guilty for underestimating her, but mainly because the song was so moving. We arrived at our destination, she cut the engine and we just sat there in silence. Finally, she looked over at me and asked if she would see me the next day; I said yes, we hugged and that was it. 

It's weird because this is the third dream I've had where Beyonce has made an appearance. In the first dream, she was observing me from a distance but we had no interaction. In the second dream, I was presented with an opportunity to work with her but I totally choked, and in this last dream we were like old friends. I'm not really sure what it means, but if Beyonce symbolizes success and/or my musical aspirations, maybe I'm getting closer...

Oh, and I spent all morning trying to remember the song. No luck. 

Monday, October 27, 2008

A Broken Record


boy meets girl
girl meets boy
girl falls in love and gives boy everything
boy wants to keep his options open
boy leaves girl
girl is blindsided
boy makes sincere attempt to appear concerned
girl is still in love with boy
(repeat)

boy is genius.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Where to Start


For those of you who don't know me personally, I relentlessly overanalyze my work; Needless to say I've gone through several drafts of this first blog. Each version is completely different, and none of those rejects will ever see the light of day. With every new draft I kept thinking to myself, why the fuss? it's not that serious. Eventually I convinced myself that I didn't have anything important to say, nothing that couldn't go unread, no cure for cancer. But then today I was listening to Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" and the lyrics haunted me: 

We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves
Back to the garden
  
The song is inspiring and these particular lines made me realize that although we are all on different paths, in many ways we are on the same journey. We are all dust but for the short time given to us on this earth and in our time we all make a tiny footprint, our contribution to the universe. Music is my path and contribution, but my journey, like so many, is a quest for purpose, love, happiness, and fulfillment. And when I thought about it that way, the intimidating gap between me-the-artist and you-the-audience narrowed to nil.

So I'm starting the blog... And however minuscule my footprint may be in the scope of time (or other footprints), this is one attempt to dig my heels in a little deeper while I can. 

Here I will share my thoughts and recount the exciting, unfortunate and random events of my daily life. I suspect it will turn out to be more of a stream of consciousness than anything else. At the very least, I'm happy to entertain, but my real hope is that you will find we have something truly meaningful in common.