So I have that thing, that thing which is completely clichéd, but it’s a cliché for a reason. Writers block. You just have to announce to yourself that you want to create a new album, and the songs evaporate into thin air. Now, I don’t want to further the cliché… but you know that image of a writer, ripping his or her hair out, bin over flowing with scrumpled up pieces of paper, well that’s been me, for the last week….So, I did what I do when I need inspiration. And that is, look in my old writing books. It’s like taking a little trip back in time, to what I was thinking, feeling and writing about. Anyway- in an attempt to be inspired I found a little list of goals I wrote from quite a long time ago – Entitled ‘2006 (Mid year -I forgot to do this in January- Goals)” and I think they’re still relevant in 2012…

So they are as follows:

1. Have a goal (good one Louise… )

2. Be kind- always

3. Do something every day that scares you

4. Always be planning a holiday

5. Be careful who you give your heart to- love and people can be unreliable, especially when combined

6. Do things, just beacuse you can

7. Take every opportunity

8. Look before you leap, but don’t lose your spontaneity

9. Make decisions in under a minute

10. Forgive and forget

11. Don't sweat the small stuff, remember the big picture

12. Grow a thicker skin

13. Laugh

That, combined with a whole lot of happy memories of hours of song writing, has finally inspired a little tune. Let's see where it goes.

Peace, Lou x

Dolly Parton once said- ‘The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.’ And that’s how I am going to remember 2011. Even though there was some rain, when I look back I see a glorious rainbow, because there was so much good as well. From being nominated for a South African Music Award, to releasing new songs, playing amazing shows- music was the shiniest part of the rainbow for me in 2011.

So…for the new year- a new album. Work starts today and I am so excited to get all the new ideas and songs down :). I hope that 2012 is the best it can be. Throw you heart into what you love and it only can be. Lou x

And what a night it was... An awesome venue, amazing sound, and such intimate setting to play music -acoustic and raw, just the way the songs were written. After playing my set I couldn't help but think 'wow!'- the vibe was nothing short of electric. After my set, I sat down to watch my fellow musos and there were just so many artists that blew me away with their unbelievable skills and talents. Look out for this show next year. What a pleasure! Thanks to Belia Oh for the awesome pic, L x

I am looking forward to playing alongside some of SA's top musicians at Cape Town's first Folk 'n Music festival at the CTICC- 10th December. The idea of this festival is to present amazing acoustic performances from some phenomenal artists. Also taking to the stage- Ard Matthews, Steve Newman, Farryl Purkiss, Rory Eliot, Brian Finch, Guy Buttery, Christine Weir and Julie Blundell, Janie Bay, Gavin Minter, Tombstone Pete, Andrew James and Steady Tiger, John Ellis, Diesel Vanilla, Machineri, Gary Thomas, Natasha Meister, Jack Mantis.  Get your tickets at www.webtickets.co.za

Come and join me on Sunday 27 November I will be sharing the stage with Kyle Petersen to celebrate the launch of his new album- "Project One". Looking forward to an awesome show!

e.