Clayton Howard

LADY BYRON

2008-07-30T02:02:00.001-07:00

Egypt Day 1

2006-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

All those stories I had heard of people waiting six hours in Cairo airport were perhaps a little exagerated as I swear we were through the whole process in less than half an hour. We met our representative called Hany and we were off. Its funny how easily one forgets what its like to be in a large, third world city; the pollution! the traffic! the noise! the smell! All came flooding back. We stayed at our hotel Aman which was rather like a dive but we had Nile views from our 12th floor room (see photos). There wasn't much to do but eat really and go to bed as the next day was going to be long. However, lucky old us (sarcastic) there happened to be a wedding on the 13th floor Restaurant. In turn, thumping bass of Arabic dance music (strange thought) pulsated through the floor, intermittingly intrerrupted by Egyptian shreiking (a women thing) until the wee hours of the morning. Despite wanting to kill them I couldn't help but also want to go up and join in.

Goodbye Paris Hello Egypt

2006-12-10T03:07:00.001-08:00

We are currently waiting for our connecting flight in Dubai. Had grand plans of spending the eight or so hours that we had to wait going to see Dubai city but I haven't slept (stupid flights) and so sleeping seemed a more exciting option. Our last two nights in Paris were great and am very sad to leave. We spent our last night on the Champs Elysee which is the big bouvelard that leads to the Arc de Triomph. At night the whole street is lit with fairy lights and the effect is stunning. Also had some a grat day shopping and managed to get more than a whole new outfit. Amazingly Paris has my size (28) which in Australia is hard to find. Not sure how easily internet access will be in Egypt so this may be our last post until we atleast get back to Dubai in 9-10 days. Hope all is well at home.

Day 15-19 Poitiers

2006-12-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Arrived to Poitiers on Sat to spend the next four or so days with Tim's cousin Andy and his french wife Sophie and their two children Clara (7) and Elise (4). It was nice to see them again as I hadn't seen them in over 3 years! Unfortunately, Andy and Spohie had to work quite a lot but ,managed to spend the time that we did have with them well. Both Sophie and Andy teach English so on Monday Tim and I went to visit Sophie's class so that they could ask questions about Australia. It was great, really good fun and the kids seemed to get a kick out of it too. Now I can say that I have taught English in France and Brazil!! We are now back in Paris again to spend the next few days doing shopping and seeing a few sites etc before we head off to Egypt this Sat (9/12). As such we had to say goodbye to our little Peugeot 207 which is the new model of Tim's car so it was a good road test.

Day II

2006-12-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

Recovering slightly from a very big night last night. Went and saw George Micheal perform here in London. I wasn't a fan but thought whilst in London why not. But I must say that I had the best time, a really good show and I knew alot of the songs which was great. It was a massive contrast to the night before when I went and saw Tool which is a heavy/rock band that I loved in my angry teenage years. Was great to see them as they are a great band but realised I've grown out of that music now. So anyway last night was the first time I have actually gone out out in London. We didn't get home until 8:30 which is usually evident of a good night. Still in many ways I am a little dissapointed as most things closed really really early which is unusual for me. Was a Tuesday though so I kinda understand. Head back to Paris tomorrow for a few days before heading down to Poitiers to see Tim's cousin which will be nice. Am looking forward to going back to Paris as it really feels like home. Without offending any certain Brits, I'm not that big a fan of London. Will try and keep up to date as much as is humanly possible. xx

Day 7 - 9

2006-11-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

Arrived in the UK no worries at all, I still find going on the chunnel quite a kick as its a train for cars but anyway. We didn't even get close to London but the traffic was still horrendous so I am glad Tim is driving is all I can say. Of course I'm the brilliant accomplice/back-seat driver who tells him where to go and occasionally offers advice on directions. Spent the weekend at 'The Bunker' which is in Suffolk (finally realised that means South Folk) with Tim's friends Fiona & Richard as well as their 3 girls, Lottie (7), Bea (4) and Damarice (4 months). The Bunker was nice but not quite the "bunker" that we had envisaged as we were looking for some round building inserted into the dunes!!! Was nice all the same and still was a bunker of sorts as it housed the men who were stationed at the adjoining radar station in WWII. As such the walls and roof can withstand a bomb blast which could be reassuring in case of WWIII. On the way to London on the Sunday we stopped by and visited Tim's Mum's friends in Bury St Edmonds. Enid and Robin have been friends with Pat (Tim's Mum) for over 60 years and they are the most wonderfully hospitable people. They are 80 and 87 and are sharp as tacks and have great stories to tell. It was a pity that we only could stay for lunch. We will hopefully be back next July for their 60th wedding anniversary!!!! Also to coincide on that same weekend next July, we will be attending Damarice's christening as Tim has been asked to be Godfather, which is great. Anyway new updates soon. xx

Photos

2006-11-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

Jim Morrison's Grave & The Lourve Grand Foyer

Paris Day 5

2006-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Rue de Montorgueil

Well Paris is wonderful as per usual. It is so nice to have a 'home' away from home. Tim's apartment is great as is the street. Rue de Montorgueil (Montorgueil St) is a pedestrian street with heaps of cafes and restaurants and clothing shops and is in the heart of the gay area. Is literally 5 min walk to The Lourve and Notre Dame!!! The weather has been fine and hasn't been too cold. The city is possibly more beautiful in winter than in summer.

Have been socialising heaps (how unlike us, not!). Quite hilariously, across the street from the apartment we got talking to some other english speakers and they turned out to be fashion designers who are quite famous!!!! Leesa Fogarty??? There was a lot of press about her recently in regard to the fact that she used 'real size' models?? Ring a bell? How funny to meet someone like that by accidentt across the street!!!!

Anyway, off to London and the UK tomorrow. On Monday night, I'm going to go see the band Tool (heavy rock/metal) play with my old school friend Sadhu and then, hilariously in contrast, Tim and i are going to see George Micheal the night after!!!!!

Overseas Trip!!

2006-11-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

With three days to go until i finally finish my course, I must say the excitment level is slowly increasing through all the stress of last minute exams and assignments. However, is all superceded by the fact that come Friday night I will jetsetting off to Europe and Egypt with Tim. It shall be a wonderful 5 weeks visiting Paris and France, London and England and most exciting of all...Egypt. I was a bit of an Egypt nut when I was a kid so going there is definately on my list of things to do before I die which hopefully will not be whilst I'm there. I've heard some horror stories but I've got my good luck angels on my side!!!! So keep posted for photo updates as our trip unfolds!!!!

Off With The Fairies!!

2006-11-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well yes, its been over a month now since I last made an entry. After the success of my showcase and the ensuing stress relief, I think I went into fairy land and honestly have only just began to re-emerge. Thanks heaps to all those lovely and supportive people who made the effort to see Rachael and I play at Manchester Lane. It was a fantastic night with over a hundred people!!!!! The beautiful B.J Fitzpatrick did a wonderful job videoing the performance so there is a DVD now available. So if someone wants to see it, just contact me! In the future I will endeavour to place some audio highlights on this blog too!!!

YOU FREE NEXT TUESDAY NIGHT???

2006-10-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

YOU WILL COME TO MY GIG!!!!!! YOU WILL COME TO MY GIG!!!! IS THE HYPNOTIC MESSAGING WORKING?!!!!!

2006-09-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Long time and recital is so very close.!!!! So exciting but ever so stressful. Just reminding everyone about it so they invite everyone they know as well to come!!!! Gonna be new and exciting, Rachael Byrnes is definately a great act so come along. Around 9pm the one and only me comes on and with some help from from horns, strings and the rest of the band it promises to be a great night!!! See you soon xx

Gomez and Dom's going away party

2006-09-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

Had a busy social week. Went and saw Gomez on Tuesday night which was fantastic and had going away party on Sat night.

Manchester Lane Showcase!!!!!

2006-08-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all to the fabulous and spectacular showcase at Manchester Lane on 10th October from 7:30pm.

I will be performing an array of originals and also a few covers with up to thirteen accompanying musicians including strings and horns!!!!

Appearing with her band for the first time is also the wonderful Rachael Byrnes. Why not visit rachaelbyrnes.blogspot.com for a preview of this talented singer-songwriter's tunes!!

For more info on the venue such as bookings and meals, go to www.manchesterlane.com.au

All in all it promises to be a night not to be missed so I hope to see you all there.

New Additions!

2006-08-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Have added some new songs for you all to listen to including some live versions of my songs. Also got a few more links to including my new MySpace and also some great singer-songwriters from Melbourne such as Bryony Morgan and Cat Canteri. Happy visiting!

Friends Night Out!!!

2006-08-25T01:11:00.000-07:00

Getting a bit savvy with the uploading of photos so been catching up on some nights out recently. Had a night out a few weeks ago to see a friends band play called Kristy Lewis & The wretched. Great band with great songs. I met Kristy through a collective that i helped establish a couple of years ago. She is one of a few that are on their way to bigger and better things. Anyway here's a photo of all us guys, Simon, Me, Lochie, Vince & Sam (Tim was taking the photo).

Eli's Wedding

2006-08-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

Got some photos from the wedding on the weekend. It was heaps of fun, a lot better than I thought as I was scared since I thought I wouldn't know anyone. This first photo is of Maleny Manor where both the ceremony and the reception were held. Its a beautiful house and has beautiful grounds high up in the hills of the Sunshine Coast.

The other photo is of the lovely couple themselves. The sun was in a bit of bad spot but still a nice shot. Hopefully get to know more of Fiona soon as only met her on the night of the wedding.

How Do We Get People To Our Showcase??

2006-08-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Rachael and I are dealing with ideas of how to get as many people as possible to our showcase. We've thought of the idea of riding on the coat-tails as such of the Melbourne Fringe Festival which happens to be happening at the same time. We've suggested creating a brochure of about six to seven other showcases and calling it The Fringed Festival. By using a similar font to the actual Fringe Festival we figure that some people might pick up our pamphlet assuming its the real Fringe Festival and then come to our gig!!!! Of course there is always the more obvious ways to get people such as posters, press releases, radio interviews etc but how much do they really work? Guess we will find out. Keep an eye out for our Fringed Festival program coming soon.!!! If anyone else has any ideas of how to get people to this showcase we are all ears!!!!

Back to Reality!!

2006-08-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I'm back home to the grim reality of school work that needs to be done!!!!! Was great to get away and it actually felt like a holiday. Eli's wedding was great fun, much better than I expected to be honest. Seeing his parents again was fantastic and both Rhonda and Eric are as lovely as ever. Also Eli's little sister Laura and his brother Tom are all grown up now!! Will post a few photos soon when Tim gets his arse into gear and sends them to me off his phone.

Weekend Away!!

2006-08-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Off to Queensland tonight for an old school friends' wedding. Eli is an old friend of mine from childhood and he's getting married in Maleny, which is a beautiful town in south eastern Queensland. Should be nice to get away to the sunshine and also see family considering I am originally from Queensland. Its not the greatest time to go away though as school is gettting very busy and I have heaps of things due. As for the wedding I'm a little nervous as I haven't even met Eli's fiance yet!!!! Imagine meeting your friends new wife as she walks down the aisle!!!!! Also it will be the first time in about 8 years since I've seen his family which will be interesting since it will also be the first time I've seen them since I came out as gay!!! Anyway, if anyone's interested here's Manchester Lane's web address if anyone wants to check out where all the action will be on October 10th!!!! Be there or be.......just not cool!

http://www.manchesterlane.com.au

Manchester Lane Showcase

2006-08-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Very excited to announce that Rachael Byrnes (housemate) and I got Manchester Lane for our recital which will be on October 10th. So basically that's about two months to get everything up and running. Organised the band and song list so down to rehearsing now!!!!! Hope to see you there!!! You'll be hearing lots about this over the coming weeks so you will have no excuse for forgetting.

Long time no write

2006-07-03T02:47:00.000-07:00

Been a bit slack lately but busy with school etc. We are on holidays at the moment so been wanting to enjoy that but have been sick with a stomach bug. Interestingly my housemate Rachael has the same thing so we are assuming we caught something whilst out on Thursday night seeing Jeff Martin-ex frontman for The Tea Party. One week to go and am getting stressed about recitals already even though they are not until October. Still working out musicians, venue and what songs exactly that I'm going to do. It will be mostly originals and a few others but what other songs?? That is the question. Do I do some jazz considering I've been studying jazz or do I stick with what I'm good at???? Questions, questions, questions!!!???

Music Technology??!!

2006-05-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Currently in a class called Music Technology that we do at TAFE which is a little vague as far what we are meant to be doing or atleast what our goal is. Basically becomes a two hour session in which to update this blog, pay bills and check emails. Great really!! Despite drinkning a bottle of wine to myself last night I'm feeling mighty fine and I'm thinking it has something to do with a certain Dr Rick Collingwood. My housemate Rachael got me onto him after she had been using him for a while to try and help her with her health. Its a hynosis Cd that through sublimal messages as well Theta rhythms attempts to improve one's health. Theta rhythms are the rhythms that the brain produce when in deep sleep. Anyway, the end result is questionable but all I now is that it knocks me out and I have the sleep so I wake up feeling really refreshed. In all honesty I haven't been sick for quite a while too and a cold if one occurs is gone is a day so maybe that alone is the proof. If this at all interests you there is an article about him that was on a popular TV program here in Australia.

Hi-tech hypnosis - does it really work?
6 August 2001
Reporter: David Margan

For some people it has helped break a habit, for others it has been life changing. Now you can try it at home - as often as you like - at a fraction of the cost, thanks to the work of a Brisbane hypnotist.

Dr Rick Collingwood has practised and taught hypnosis professionally for many years. Although he acknowledges that he has no medical and scientific training, Dr Collingwood is selling a mind-expanding concept that has some people transfixed. And, apparently, it's a world first.

According to Dr Collingwood his ability to hypnotise and offer highly effective programming during trance means that he's helped thousands of people to dramatically increase the quality of their lives.

Such is his success, Dr Collingwood's now in the business of spreading his work - via 45 minute clinical sessions recorded on CD.

They're being touted as the first hypnosis recordings onto CD ever released in the world using the latest scientific audio technology developed by Dr Collingwood and his team at Professional Hypnosis Publishers - a technology that uses trance-inducing vibrations and subliminal messages to access the subconscious.

Dr Collingwood has produced and distributed five Life Enhancement CDs covering a range of topics - Happiness Through Self Esteem; More Harmony and Love; Breaking Any Bad Habit; Your Path to Healthier Eating and Unlimited Abundance - and he says they work to the same degree, or in some cases, better than an appointment with him in person.

And while he does acknowledge that losing weight or giving up cigarettes are often complex medical problems and not that easy to fix … he stands by his method.

"What these CDs are designed to do is give people access to their inner abilities and bring them to the fore, not stop smoking or lose weight because there is a hypnotist on a CD telling them that they should," he says.

2006-05-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

Sounds stupid but just realised the importance of this technology!!!!!!! If my house blows up I still have a record of my life!!!!! Haven't had a diary since I lived in Brazil so will be interesting. Realise I have a lot to catch up on if i want it to be immortal.!!!! So many lyrics and pictures to show. I kinda feel a little like I have multiple personality disorder due to the feeling that I am always talking to 'someone'!!!!! Is there anyone that is caring?????? I really don't know.

2006-05-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Mothers Day. I feel a bit bad that I didn't remember to message my mother until like 2 this arvo. I'm at my boyfriends place and he had his mother over with her new boyfriend. She's 77 and he's like 70. They're both great people so in someways I think I realise that I have a secondary family which explains why it took me so long to remember my own mother. Its strange i love my mother don't ever get me wrong but its amazing to be included finally in Tim's family and due to the distance from my own family ( ie being about 3000kms away) I still feel at home. Having only started this blog its all new to me but I'm looking it at it as my way of clearing my head whilst also connecting with people. I'm actually not the most social person (wait very social but not that open about my own life if that makes senses) so this is a big step for me. Primarily this blog will eventually be about my music but right now I need to clear shit up for me to regain my focus on music. I'm a bit drunk which is one of my problems ( talk about THAT later) so off for now. Strange.........who am I talking to?????

2006-05-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Had big night last night at a local pub called the Northcote Social Club. Its very close to where I live so very handy. Was out celebrating the fact that i had got 50/50 for my performance that afternoon. I study music as a vocalist at a place called NMIT here in Melbourne, Its a jazz and contemporary course which is interesting. So for this performance we had to perform a jazz standard. Jazz is definately not my forte so it was twice as sweet to achieve such a great mark. I sang a Nina Simone song called 'Feeling Good'. Great song! I performed it with a seven piece band made up of strings and brass etc. Was fun!!!!!! Anyway to day despite a nagging hangover I was meant to be catching a with a group of friends that I am doing a multimedia project with, but half way there they cancelled on me so I thought I would occupy my time instead by going op shoppping which turned out to be great fun. Got some great bargains!!!!!!!

Welcome to Clayton Howard

2006-05-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

This is a collective that I founded over two years ago called Momentum. Unfortunately it has gone by the way side these days but it was great whilst it lasted and was responsible for getting some great artists like Bryony Morgan, Kristy Lewis, Will Hindmarsh and Fee Brown their big start!!!!!