Adoptshare.com - Singer / Songwriter Catie Curtis

With grace and confidence, a more mature Curtis mingles reflections on motherhood (New Flowers), and delayed gratification (Long Night Moon, a song written about waiting for the belated arrival of her adopted baby daughter) with the unflinching dedication to social issues that has long characterized her strongest work.

Catie Curtis - Long Night Moon

CD: Long Night Moon

Released: August, 2006

Label: Compass Records

Question and Answer Session with Catie Curtis

First of all thank you Catie for taking the time to talk to us, I know with your new album you must be very busy.

How was working on this album different from working on your previous albums? How did your adoption play a role in this album?

I had to keep a balance between family and the recording, whereas in the past I've immersed myself in the studio. We worked on the CD a few days a week for several months.

"Long Night Moon" is a beautiful song about waiting for your daughters arrival, did songwriting help during your adoption wait?

Songwriting helps me with everything-- so yes!

How old are your children and were where they adopted from?

Lucy is 4 and Celia is 2. They were both born in Guatemala.

In many of your songs you mention preparing your children for challenges that lay ahead. I'm wondering how have you prepare your children for question or comments they might encounter about your family and about their adoption in general?

We talk about being adopted, being a family with two moms, and our various shades of skin color all the time. Just yesterday Lucy asked me if Celia was her "real" sister. I explained that yes, she is because we are a real family, AND they have different birth moms.

We also know that you are very outspoken about being a part of a non-traditional family and lesbian rights. How have you and your wife prepared your children for questions from your children or outside questions they might face?

We let them know that people might not "get it" and that they can choose to explain or ignore people's questions. When someone asks me questions in front of the kids, I try to role model confidence and honesty.

History has shown that a lot of prejudice comes from lack of exposure to diversity. What would you like people who aren't familiar with gay and lesbian families to know about you.

I think by listening to my music, people can hear the universality of the experiences in love and family. We are so blessed-- we have two happy, healthy kids, and our lives revolve around caring for them right now. Having the experience of being "different" helps me to understand what our kids go through, being adopted and of a different race.

How do you and your family relax with with your busy touring schedule?

We go up to Maine and visit my relatives. My sister has a child adopted from Cambodia, and the proud grandparents love to get time with all their grandkids.

Looking back on your adoption is there any advice you could give to other families?

Trust that there is a child out there who is meant to be with you, and that if you are patient it will all work out as it should.

Thank you again for taking the time and congratulation on the success of your new album and your family.

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Question and Answer Session with Catie Curtis