The newest year yet…time and I have had a funny relationship as of late..we pass each other by, constantly.

Winter has finally kicked in. Though he loses his steam every now and again, I’m committed to taking my down coat and super boots on my travels today to northern Ontario…safety first! In talking with a Florida native who grew up in the warm arms of the Gulf of Mexico, I realize how thankful I am for the change of seasons and how they move in and out of our Canadian lives and us along through a year…climbing out from under and diving down into layers. I worry they are in jeopardy.

I will use this space to honour a dear friend, mentor, teacher, and the strongest woman I have ever met – Gramma Ellen Louise Cousins. This Christmas we sent her off to the most peaceful rest …91 years young. A teacher of 39 years, hundreds of people came to help us celebrate her life. Stories from students, co-workers, friends and family filled the rooms we gathered in. So many people have been lucky enough to be in the company of my Gramma Cousins in some way, shape or form and I am nothing but blessed and filled up by all of the years she gave us….me. In the same way we enter, we leave and it is an incredible thing to witness…perhaps the most natural and the hardest to explain…

I set into this newest year in a bit of a scramble and as I look to the next month or so I’m realizing that things are well under way. A nice bunch of shows followed by the East Coast Music Awards in Feb will be a great time and I’m honoured to be among my many nominated friends and colleagues!

Stay tuned closely as you can to myspace and here as new shows are being added all the time…..yes time…maybe we’ll both slow down one of these days.

In my player: Royal Wood on repeat…..

rose