APRIL 2, 2008 I'm writing this on the ferry crossing from Twassessen BC to Swartz Bay (Victoria). It's a grey mild day and I'm just coming off a short tour with Galitcha - concerts on some of the Gulf Islands, Vancouver and a bunch of school shows in Surrey, Delta, Burnaby and Squamish. It was a good tour, met many fine people and visited with a few dear friends. Always love to come here to the west coast.... where half my heart resides...

I've been focusing on and putting the word out on several projects - a new solo CD I'm planning for later in the year, selling my house in the Gatineaus, (wanting to downsize and simplify my life) and ways to keep doing meaningful work. I have been preparing for a transition and focusing on moving forward into God only knows what, but I feel an adventure coming on. Somehow I want to find a way to connect an organization of people who have money and resources with the young kids I met in January 2005 in Bamako, Mali - orphan children who live in a park by the Niger River. My dream is to connect these two groups so that the end result is a home and the opportunity for schooling and learning life skills for these mostly boys who are between aged 8 and 20. All delightful kids, bright, musical, funny and full of dreams for a better life.

Frida's Brow (the trio I'm in with Jennifer Noxon and Alise Marlane) had a fabulous CD release on February 28th at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. The new CD is getting lots of radio play - on CBC and independant stations across the country. For more about Frida's Brow, please check out our myspace page.

I spent a week on a short tour with The Pomelos during the first week of March. Dubbed the "Storm Trooper Tour" we drove through blizzards to play Toronto, Gananoque and Orangeville and even managed to stop in to Peterborough for a beautiful and moving memorial service for Willie P. Bennet. It was an honour to join these talented songstresses for the shows, taking Katherine Wheatley's place while she is away. For more about the Pomelos check out the Pomelos site.

Everyday I find some reason for inspiration. The other day it was an email from violinist, Oliver Schroer who has just about the best attitude on dealing with leukemia, and on the art of living of anyone I've ever met. Yesterday it was a visit with my longtime friend Jan Carley - a wonderfully positive woman who runs The Creative Coaching Group in Vancouver. I feel blessed, happy, light at heart. Life is good.

Find a way to laugh through your tears and as always, take good care of yourself and your loved ones.