Europe is on the cards...! and a rather impassioned vent...!!

Still in a whirlwind about this upcoming European trip...the flights have been much more pricey than necessary because the festival was sooooo SLOOOOOWWW in providing the promised funds for us to purchase airfares. One of the biggest stressors for me personally was dealing with the fact that 'most people' seem to find it hard to accept that as a mother I'd only perform at an international festival if I can bring my children with me. Basically I needed to have the whole family's airfares paid for or I wouldn't really be keen into doing the gig. Some will accept that a breastfeeding mother would need to take her baby  - although eyebrows are raised at that concept and necessity when the 'baby' is  a walking, talking 2 year old -  But most don't understand why I wouldn't just travel with April alone and have her babysitted by someone (errr who???) whilst we play...well der...! 

They question why do I need to take husband and 6 year old? Of course my answer is that Darren is the most trustworthy 'babysitter' other than me. April would be surrounded by foreign voices etc. and it'd be traumatic for her to be left with a stranger after all the travel... And I'll NOT leave Rox at home and only take her sister. What does that say to Rox? I couldn't even consider leaving her at home. She is part of our family. I am part of a family! 

I certainly don't subscribe to the leave-your-kids-they'll-be-fine attitude that I seem to come across in the most part. For some weird reason it's seen as virtuous if you leave your kids at home (and save whoever money etc.) whilst mummy does an international travel gig. blech. I actually know quite a few women musicians who justify and reason that it's fine. Even so far as to weaning their babies because of international gigs or touring. What's that all about??? The gig is more important than being with your child??? Sheesh. I'm sooo sick of that attitude. Yeah it might make them feel better about themselves but really I wish they'd admit that it was shitty for the baby and family instead of saying how fine it was. Only one woman said she'd wished she'd never done it. but it's too late once it's done!!!! 

I'm seen as a pain in the butt because I choose to be with my children  as much as possible and consider their needs and their need of me, their mother; because I choose to enjoy sharing my life and work with my children (if they want to, which they do!) Well, I love playing music, I love performing with the band and I love sharing my violin with an audience. I do that with great joy and commitment (mostly! ;-)) but I am a musician with children. They are not expendable. Work is. I wouldn't even leave them for a whole weekend. It doesn't make sense. Ok. Enough venting. Glad to get that out finally!!!

Still now it's finally happening. I'm able to get excited!  Roxie is certainly excited. 3 weeks to go before we fly! woohoo!!!!