This is Monica, one of the 6 teachers at Bhatti Mines School. I have to admit, that when we first arrived at the school, I hardly noticed Monic at all. We walked in and took a tour of the 6 classrooms and then I gravitated to one of the classes and got to know it a bit better. It wasnt her class, and so we hadnt really connected. She is shy and reserved, usually standin back a bit, placing herself in the shadow, and she hardly even smiles. But on the 3rd day we were at the school, after our day with the children, Santos, the director of the school gathered us together and said, “The teachers have a presentation for you all, would you all come gather?”
So we did.
Monica proceeded to read us a poem she had written to us for us… I want to share it here because she so eloquently expressed herself that it brought us all to tears. For us, her open heart helped us to see yes, our presence really does make an impact. 

Translated from hindi by Santos:

The construction of a flower is greater than any flower
Your smile is greater than you
Each soul can only bear so much pain
But nothing you say will ever hurt me

It is rare to find children like us so please never say goodbye

There are many flowers, but I like the rose
There are many people in America, But I like you

I will drink the tears of your memory
I will miss you every moment
Through the pain and through the joy
If I die holding your memory, then I dont mind the death

My heart is a temple and you are the idol
I swear that you are beautiful
If there were a store for happiness
I would be famous there

I offer all my happiness to you
Even if it cost my life

This is my request please do not refuse it
This is a bulb of friendship, Please do not fuse it.

You are the atmosphere of a fragrant evening
You are the overflow of my love
I always hold you in my heart
Oh, my friends, you are the second name of my life

Why do you look at the Taj Mahal?
It is an idol of stone
Look at my friends from America
They have more beauty than stone

Henna shows its color when it is dry
I will miss you when you say goodbye

-Monica

 This inspired a response from me to the school:

My Hearts Return

I have learned to dance for many years
But I have never danced like this
I have been trained to move my feet
But songs have never been so sweet
I’ve cried many tears for my own pain
But only now do they heal like rain
Please know that deep inside me yearns
A longing for my hearts return

There is no food that feeds this way
Not mustard seeds nor chocolate cake
When I am here I am complete
I eat your love, It is my feast
The seal around my heart has broken
Wide beyond a locks return
When I am gone please keep this token
To see your face again, I’ll yearn

While I must walk along my way
It’s sure to come that firey day
Please keep with you my sacred stone
Know that I will not walk alone
For now I hae inside of me
A peice of your awakened being
And know that deep inside me yearns
A longing for my hearts return

-Phoebe Hunt

Its almost impossible to explain what happened in the last 10 days.  I will do my best to find the words to describe this incredible journey  I dont know who my audiance is- so I’ll assume I am writing this as if its is all to my momma, cuz I’m pretty sure she is reading. 

Last week was incredible.  We woke up each morning at the ashram and had a sit with Vanessa and our group.  Vanessa helped us all to proces what was happening here in every way.  She helped us to understand tht yes, we are here to serve the children at the school, but not to forget that we are here to be served as well– our souls were being served.  As the week went on, I began to understand what that meant.  

Each day in our sit, we would set an intention of deepening our own relationship to the world, and the sperit of the world, and we would bring that intention to the school. 

To watch the children respond to that intention was magical.

IMG_0729

Hope Village (name coined by Vanessa Stone)

This is a video from the first visit to Hope Village last week- we visited twice.  The second time we brought blankets as its about time for winter to hit. 
Hope Village is where the majority of the children at the Bhatti Mines School live– so we went to visit them at home and had a party!

On our drive out to the village, I came to learn that Hope Village is juxtaposed between gated walls that house very elegant, elaborate summer homes that stand vacant most of the year.  The people of the village do their best to hide so that the government doesnt find and demolish their dwelling.  They do their best to keep any flow of water in their huts made of wooden sticks and plastic bags. 

Our visit was an opportunity for all of us to have a deeper connection and understanding of one another.  An opportunity for he children to share their new American friends with their families, and for us to see that even in a place where there are no material possessions, we all share the need for love.  This retreat is not about us being anyones saviors, it is a human exchange of love.  We are just as hungry for love as they are.

Just so everyone knows, the retreat at Bhatti Mines School ended yesterday.  We stayed at an ashram right off of Bhatti Mines road and I didnt have access to internet on my computer…  so today I’m at a hotel in Delhi with wifi, updating this blog and gearing up for my next travels. 

I’m heading to Varanasi next and leave tomorrow… Wish me luck!  I met a girl who is in a family of musicians and her uncle lives in Varanasi.  Varanasi is the city many Indians go to burn the bodies of their loved ones after death.  It is a sacred place on the Ganges– it is also known for its Music University— So, its calling my name.  Hope to have a chance to update again once I’m there.

I’ll put up as many pics and videos from the retreat as I can today!

Much Love,

Phoebes

I landed safe and sound today!
Hopped into a cab and off we went!
Driving on the left, lanes mean nothing. One must be aware to drive around here. Some luxuries I take for granted are already being revealed to me. For example- a seat belt…

Found the hotel my friends are at– they are still away for the day, but had told me the room number. A sweet young man who spoke no english grabbed my backpack and started hauling it through the maze of the kitchens and back porches- the places a customer would never see in America. Just as I thought he may be taking me somewhere suspicious, he opened the door to what looked like a 5 star hotel- and we landed at the room I had told him… Then another man appeared and just opened the door for me- no questions asked. Security has a whole different meaning here. I think I’ll stay in this room till my friends return. Tomorrow it’s off to the Bhatti Mines. Woohoo! Here we go!

Hey Ya’ll,

Wrote this as I pulled up in Tucson, Arizona with Ben Sollee and gang (Jordan Ellis and Katie Benson), sitting in the lobby of Club Congress between our drive from Santa Fe, New Mexico and sound check.  I realize I’ve been a little negligent at keeping people up to date with what’s going on while I’m on the road, but since that’s where I always seem to be, I’ve got no excuses, and its time to make amends!

This summer has been a cross-country marathon!  We’ve put something like 20,000 miles on Tammy the tour van.  I’ve only had to miss a few shows, and ironically, the one tour date I had to miss of this West Coast tour was the Austin show. But thanks to Jim Caligiuri and the Austin Chronicle, I got to be there in spirit, and my dad’s wedding even made the paper.

As for the future?  Well, we rapped up the tour on Aug 7th at the beautiful Mishawaka Amphitheatre outside of Ft. Collins, CO and then I spent a few days with The Deadly Gentleman of Boston who happened to be in Colorado, then headed to California to play a few gigs with Cowboy and Indian of Austin out here.  I love life.

I’m also really excited to let you know that I am about to go into the studio!  For the past two years I have been collaborating with the phenomenal musician and producer, Matt Rollings.  Through the cracks between our travels, we’ve been getting together to write out in Los Angeles. The time together has brought to fruition a set of songs dear and near to my heart, that I’m excited about sharing.

The project, called  “Husbands and Wives” will go to the studio for recording at the end of August.  Needless to say, I am thrilled!!!!    It’s geared to be a fun collaboration with some amazing Los Angeles musicians as well as a bunch of my incredible friends from Austin!

More to follow as the  project unfolds…

I hope that this website helps to keep it straight for all those who care to follow up with my music ‘n me.  I’m looking forward to many more collaborations.

I will do my best to keep you in the loop, and if I forget, feel free to check out the Ben Sollee, Cowboy and Indian and Phoebe Hunt pages on Facebook to see when I’ll be in your neck of the woods.

Off to Soundcheck!!!

Phoebes

Howdy!

Some time has passed now, some dust has settled, while other dust balls have been stirred right on up!

I’ve been traveling almost non-stop for the past few months, touring with Ben Sollee, recording with Cowboy and Indian (and playing with them as much as possible), teaching and attending fiddle camps, and writing and creating all the while.  Sometimes I feel like a ping pong ball bouncing from one spot to the next.  I told Ben that and he disagreed, saying a ping pong ball has little impact on the places it lands, often flying off into the distance without direction or control.  I resonate with that- I mean I appreciate his sweet sentiment, but it begs the question:  What’s wrong with being out of control?  Did I ever have a hold of the reins?

Today I am sitting at a coffee shop in Nashville, having a moment of reflection before heading to do laundry and pack for another long stint out.  Just got back from Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN where I played with Ben and Jordan where we had an amazing adventure.  Both Bonnaroo and I crown Ben “Mr. Bonnaroo” as he played with at least 10 of the bands there (My Morning Jacket included) – being carted around just in time to make his own shows.  I had adventures of my own as my sister Stephanie came with me on the trip and we explored the fair grounds.  I’m sure I’m not the first to say that very little at Bonnaroo could be categorized as “under control”-  I think that’s why so many people love going there.

I appreciate everyone who has been asking of my whereabouts.  For now, I’ll be on tour with Ben and you can find me at one of his shows, which are posted here: www.bensollee.com.  As the fates would have it, one of the only shows I will not be performing at is the Austin date, July 23rd, as I will be celebrating my papa’s wedding.

Besides running around, I have been missing Austin and all the beautiful people, spaces and absolutely healing energy.  Needless to say I wont be able to stay away too long— but for now, I’ma keep on ping ponging around, keeping my feet on the ground.

-Phoebes

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for checking out the new site! I am thankful to have found such an amazing web designer who is also a beautiful artist and soul, Mrs Rona M. (Check out her contact info on the contacts page). We will be continuing to add to the site to make it as user friendly as possible, so keep checkin’ in for changes!

It has been a bit of a whirlwind for the past few months, as I have decided to change the form of my life in a major way. I’m excited as I am jumping off into the unknown, collaborating with many artists and exploring music in new ways every day. I am also feeling bittersweet as I walk away from the amazing super group I have been a part of for so long, The Belleville Outfit.

I will be keeping everyone who cares to follow my adventures well in the loop on this site, travel blogging away as the time unfolds. Feel free to check it out now!

More blogs to follow soon!

-Phoebe

www.phoebehuntproject.com