WINONA, Minn. -- Dear Milwaukee,

Simple facts. Made enough money to get oil changed and replace head/tail light, and fill gas tank. Looks like instant noodles today, and grateful that I stocked up on nuts and raisins at my parents house (thanks, guys). Minneapolis to Winona, MN. Escorted by Bjork. First time really sitting with her "Debut" album. On repeat.

Was promised a bald eagle sighting on the drive along the Mississippi, and sure enough, a bald eagle was stationed on highway patrol.

Lesson of the day: if you drink hit water while chewing Spry Dental Health System gum, the gum will disintegrate thereby rendering it useless.

Moral of the story: Avoid chewing gun and drinking hot water at the same time.

Winona, MN Frozen Water Film Festival. Played "Pedestrian Drama," the new 20 minute piano piece inspired by Janet Zweig public art installation that was commissioned by the City of Milwaukee. Full house. Positive response, very supportive audience. Emboldened me to perform other new piano pop song, "Safe Landing." Best performance of this piece yet. This song is still in that extremely unstable phase, when one day it'll be rock solid, and the next just falling to pieces. The only way to stabilize is to keep playing...

Also saw the heartwarming documentary "Music for Change" at the festival, about musicians around the world contributing to the same audio track without ever meeting each other in person. Particularly struck by the Nelson Mandela quote:

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

I love this Winona for the people. Thanks to Alex and Ed and Steve and Juanita and Kathy.

Dear Milwaukee, I do not miss your parking tickets. But I sort of do miss your wings.