Kissing Booth

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

Today is my husband’s and my 5th year anniversary. It really does seem like yesterday that we were married on Thanksgiving Day. I remember thinking that when we get to 5 years, I wanted to renew our vows and get married, all over again. Today, I am arm deep in a gingerbread house with my 3 year old, still doing concerts and events, and I can't imagine having another wedding, but it really was, along with day our son was born, the best day of my life.

Sometimes, looking back, I can't believe that we ever made it, especially considering both of our backgrounds. I, for one, never knew how to be in a long-term relationship. But we’ve done it! (Actually, 10 years together now), and I am so proud at how committed we are, to us. We have been through it all... and I am not exaggerating when I say that. Including, last year, when we weren’t too proud to go back to relationship skills counseling to help us communicate better, now that we have a child. It’s hard when you think that you’ve got it all down, and then you get in a rut or even a backslide. Plus, as we found out, there is nothing like having a child to challenge a relationship… both good and bad!

We met while on tour and fell in love on a tour bus with an entire band and crew watching (yikes)! We thought that nobody knew, but they knew from day one! My husband is younger than me, so his clock wasn't ticking as loud as mine. Although we were both in the middle of very successful careers, I knew that one day I would want all those things that were over on the side, where the grass is greener.... he did not….at least not as soon as I did. So many times we argued just because we were in such different places in our lives, but somehow we both knew that we were right for each other and that one day the gap would close if we were willing to risk staying together. There was never, and has never been, a shortage of love! He asked me to marry him in June 2000.

Crocs On A Plane... Air Travel With A Toddler!

Last month as I was getting ready to fly to Oregon for a series of events, I was surprised at how packing and getting myself ready took far less time than packing for my 3 year old son. I thought one bag for both of us would do the job, but after realizing that he needed far more clothes than I did, we were lucky to get by with only two. Of course, that did not include his carry-on backpack full of books, crayons, super heroes, hot wheels, snacks, pull-ups, wipes and an ipod, just in case. I never thought I would resort to downloading a movie to keep him entertained, but I think it may have been my saving grace, and his too.

His first airplane trip was to New York when he was four months old. Since I was going to be in meetings, I wanted to be sure my husband could feed him, so we had to bring an ice chest full of frozen pumped milk, bottles, warmer, bottle brush, car seat, stroller, sling, diapers. Of course, now we had to make sure that the hotel had a fridge big enough for all of the milk. “Oh, my God”, I thought, “This is crazy”!

Along with his first birthday, came more travel and even more stuff (mostly because his clothes and toys were now bigger). At two years, even more travel, and the feeling that, “This is borderline ridiculous”. This was especially true when we went home for Christmas. So much for images of the happy, smiling travelers returning home for the holidays, baby in arms.
Then I securely assured myself, “Oh, it will get easier as he gets older. There will be less stuff and because he can walk and talk, it won’t be so hard to get around or communicate. He won’t need as many clothes, blah, blah, blah.”
Ha! That was a complete fantasy!
Now that he can walk, he can also run, and run he does; as fast and as much as he can; wherever, whenever he can. How I love to see those little feet go and that cute behind…but not in a crowded airport!

Thanksgiving Memories

I love Thanksgiving. Before my son was born, it was my favorite holiday. For a non gift-giving holiday, this one has so many of its own gifts; family, friends, football, and feasts.

While it still ranks at the top of my holiday list, let’s face it, Christmas rocks when you have a toddler! In our house Thanksgiving through New Year’s has become one big holiday.

I love the smells of Thanksgiving – pumpkin pies, turkey, gravy, stuffing, fresh bread rolls and mashed potatoes. There’s something special about sharing a feast with family and friends.

Thanksgiving is about memories – remembering who we were, who we are, who we want to be; and for being grateful for all we have in our lives.

As much as I love having a home, cooking and celebrating with everyone, I have wonderful memories of Thanksgiving from the road as well.

And a few not so wonderful ones….

One Thanksgiving Day, I had to play a gig in Spokane. We had to play that night and all the restaurants were closed except for a Chinese one. I thought, “well at least I have my band”. I called my family and felt pretty sad, but decided to make it as much of fun as possible. After the usual goofing and craziness that only comes from being in a band family, I decided to go back to the hotel and get ready for the show. Within the hour I began to get so sick that I had to go to the hospital where they announced I had food poisoning. Nice.

Ok… let’s move on to a more pleasant memory.

On Thanksgiving in 2000, I had flown my mom down to Los Angeles and was planning a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner at our new home. We received an invitation from Jay Leno asking us if I would be willing to perform on The Tonight Show on Thanksgiving Day. Not much debate went on, after all it was the Tonight Show, but secretly I was a little sad that we wouldn’t be spending our first Thanksgiving in our new house with my mom. What happened after sound check was really cool and unexpected. We were invited us to join Jay Leno’s staff for a Thanksgiving Dinner, right there in the studios. It was so nice seeing all the producers, stagehands, crews together with their families. They really did seem like a big family. The best part was another total surprise. Jay Leno came over to our table and had dinner with my mom and me. It was so cool to just hang and talk outside of the show. My mom and Jay really hit it off. My mom can talk with anyone about anything, but I thought, “Maybe she will be star-struck this time. After all it is Jay Leno”. No way! My next thought was, “Wow Jay is really going beyond the call of duty”, but then I realized that Jay was authentically enjoying himself and the two of them seemed like old friends, sharing stories of each others lives.

Liltih Fair footage on You Tube

Here's a video of my performance of "I Need" at Lilith Fair. I had such a great time on these tours.

I was honored to perform "Closer To Fine" with not only Indigo Girls, but all of these great women.

"Bitch" Video by Room Eleven

"Bitch" has been used in an advertising campaign by WE, a european fashion retailer. I never quite imagined the song being used in this context, but it's a pretty cool version, by a cool band from The Netherlands, called Room Eleven.

Corvallis Homecoming Show

Here are some Pics from the show in Corvallis, OR. This was for my hometown's 150th Anniversary.
I really had a blast doing this one. It was really nice to see all of my friends and family there.

I got a chance to play songs from my new children's album, If I Could Be..., as well as a couple of favorites from the past, including "My Little Town", a song that I wrote about my hometown, Corvallis.

Here's a short piece from the local Corvallis paper, The Gazette Times.

Catching Up #2 (originally posted to site in 2005)

I thought I would check in and let you all know what I've been up to. As some of you know I dipped my toes into production and songwriting for other artists. I started by producing Jennifer Love Hewitt's last album "Barenaked" and since then I wrote and produced a track "Party Up" for Hilary Duff's album "Metamorphosis". I signed my first artist, Bec Hollcraft this year. She is a very talented singer/songwriter that you will all be hearing a lot about soon (see link on community page).

A few months ago I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Phil McGraw and his lovely wife, Robin. They decided that my single "Shine" would be perfect for their new season. Since then I have had the opportunity to perform the song live on the show and in the new TV Ad campaign. I've always loved my last record and was very sad when my label folded and I thought that this would be the perfect way to get my album back out there. Dr. Phil and Robin have become like family to my family and me. Which brings me to my big news... The new addition to our family, my beautiful baby boy!

I look forward to getting back in touch with you, seeing you, and reading your posted messages. I also can't wait to see you in person. Tour date news to follow.

Love, Meredith

Bec Hollcraft (originally posted to site in 2005)

As some of you may know, I have signed my first artist to my production company/label Kissing Booth Music. Bec Hollcraft is an amazing young singer, songwriter and of course guitar player who deserves, and is earning, huge success as an artist. She totally rocks and is the real deal. Come check her out if you are in the the Los Angeles area. I'll hope to see you there Friday night!
Bec is doing an acoustic set Friday Sep. 17th at 8:30pm at:
Genghis Cohen
740 N. Fairfax Ave. (just north of Melrose)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
310-578-5591
http://www.genghiscohen.com

For more info. On Bec, see www.bechollcraft.com

Love, Meredith

Catching Up #1 (originally posted to site in 2005)

Hello Everyone,
Sorry I haven't been to visit in a while, being a full-time mommy is more full-time than even I had expected! However, there's been no greater joy or sense of fulfillment in my life. As a matter of fact, it's made me feel more creative than ever, and I believe has influenced my writing and work in the most positive way possible. I have just finished the first half of my artist, Bec Hollcraft's album and we are starting to work on the rest. Check out her website, www.bechollcraft.com. I think you'll find her amazing! I've been working with a few other artists, and when there is time, writing for myself. I think there may be some children's songs in the works... of course. I'm going to keep more involved with the website, now that I've found my way as a Mommy, producer, songwriter and artist, ...whew!!
Best to all of you.
Love,
Meredith

If I Could Be... & Update (originally posted on main site)

Being a mom and a musician is the best! I have been having so much fun playing songs off of my kids CD, and having my son with me at the shows makes it so special. We did a benefit show this past weekend for Cedars Sinai NICU. Melissa Rivers hosted and Bec Hollcraft and I performed. Going #1 on XM radio was such a surprise! I am glad people are requesting songs off the CD before we have even released it.

Other music news.
Bec and I have been writing and recording again. Her album is evolving beautifully and so is she as an artist. Rob Daiker, a friend from our home-town Portland, has been writing and recording with us too. He's a great musician with a cool band named Velabonz.

I also recently worked with a new artist on Epic named Juliet Simms. Man what a voice and a writer! You will be hearing about this girl for sure. Well other than that I am in the middle of many other projects, but mostly enjoying being a mom and having a blast playing.

Talk soon,
oxox
Meredith