Hello all!

It's been a long time. I've had a massive, exciting year so far. As I write this, I'm looking out the window at the mist on the hills, and the swans in the dam swimming, and the horses trotting around the paddock next door. I can't see any mountains to my left for the fog, and I can't see the mountains to right for the fog. It's just me, the cat and the fire.

Lovely. The Australian Blues Music Festival was amazing - I've never had so much fun as I did in that weekend! I can't wait to hopefully take my band back with me next year. Yes, that's right. I did say band. I've been playing with the band since November 2008, but we really only picked up our socks and got on with it early this year. We are Amy Kendall and the Kitchenhands. It's a slightly more upbeat sound, with percussion, a mandolin, banjo, bass, glockenspiel and once I'm proficient, ukulele. Fun!

I've packed up stumps and moved to the country - near a river and some of my favourite mountains. It's lovely and so peaceful. I'm not missing living next door to a corner store as much as I thought I would - this means I need to be organised! It's a short commute back to the city, and the scenery here is worth every kilometre of the drive. Hopefully the Kitchenhands and I will be coming closer to you shortly - we're planning some statewide shows and dreaming of some interstate shows later this year. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, follow me on Twitter, see  me on Facebook, Reverbnation, and let's not forget MySpace. Phew! Then, go get a cup of tea. You deserve it. Amy Kendall and the Kitchenhands are playing a big show at Brookfield Vineyard on May 22, with Abbey Doggett and Dominic Francis. We'd love to see you there. Details over at the gig guide - but please, make the drive. You won't be sorry!

See you soon, Amy