I have selected 3 poems to read at our upcoming Burns event at a local retirement home. There are many to choose from.  What a guy he was!

Continuing the long running tradition of Burns parties in Ottawa, we are pleased to be sponsoring the 133rd Burns party at Deacon Brodies Pub on Elgin Street. Come along on either day for an evening of fun!

Because your life will be sweeter.
Because your friends will turn to you for help.
Because people will think more of you.
Because it feels good!
Here's to 2023 - a kind year for us all!

Today I have to help celebrate the life and legacy of my good friend Grete Hale, pictured here on my right in the green dress. Grete and I were friends for decades, and she truly was a community leader and positive force for Ottawa and Canada throughout her long and interesting life. She will be missed, and I will play her tune with pride. 
Call your friends. They love ya!

This sweet, dear cat came into my life 10 years ago when I rescued her off of Stewart Street.  Loving, kind and happy, she has been a wonderful companion of mine since that special day.  She passed away last week, and I am heartbroken but happy to have been in her life.  I will never forget her.  Please go hug your pet for me.

We performed for Her Majesty The Queen and her family on August 17 as part of our annual trip to Scotland and it was amazing.  More great things to come because of this opportunity and we are preparing for it every day.

I went for a shop today.  I found some nice chocolates on sale for a super good price, and I found 3 packages of them.  I went to the cash, and the nice guy who checked me out asked if there were any more on the shelves.  I told him no, but after I paid for them, I gave him one.  He said it made his day.  It made mine! 

We put together a wonderful weekend on May 21 and 22 to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.  We had so many great performances, and many volunteers who came together to make for a great weekend of fun and music.  I so appreciate so many great friends and the talents of everyone.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen 25 years ago in Ottawa at Rideau Hall.  It was an extraordinary opportunity and we had a great conversation about music and philanthropy.  She accepted my gift of red roses, which I have since brought to her on many occasions, and she paid me a lovely compliment which I will cherish forever.  Ask me about it sometime...!

And it was grand!  Onto the next...

I wanted to get everyone together for a terrific combined St. Patrick's Day/Robbie Burns Day.  That day is today and I am very happy that so many people have told me they're coming out.  The day will be warm and full of music, and I look forward to lots of good memories.  Cheers!

It's a great day when you get a card in the mail from the Mayor who recognizes your contribution as an ambassador for our city.  I appreciate his words so much.

More updates on the event of June 2 - we will hold our performance at Ottawa City Hall and it will be lit up with special colors!
Visit this page for more details:  https://bit.ly/3nRqGoj
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I am writing another tune to mark this week.  It will be 2 classics mashed together to be brilliant and fun.  I'll post it up here for you to enjoy.  Stay warm and be well.

Back in high school, there was a fantastic summer school held by the College of Piping from Glasgow that took place in Timmins - South Porcupine to be more accurate.  They brought in teachers from Scotland, and we all learned a lot!  On the last of 4 years that I attended this 2 week school, Seumas MacNeill asked me to teach a beginner piping class, which in addition to my own studies and being the pipe band PM, meant I had a very full schedule.  Suited me just perfectly, which mean too that I got to teach alongside these legendary drummers, Alex Duthart and Bert Barr.  They were lovely to me, and we remained friends for decades afterwards.  I've taught ever since then, which was 38 years ago.  I am one lucky girl.

Walking back home, I went past the National Cenotaph to place my poppy on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I had the wonderful opportunity to play Amazing Grace for some students with the Vimy Foundation.  It was a great way to end the day.

The pipe band of the Sons of Scotland was invited to take part in the 45th annual Estes Park International Tattoo on September 10-12.  It was a big event with performances in town and at the next door Longs Peak Highland Games.  The band had members from all over Canada and the US, and we came together to work hard and play as well as we could - it was a big effort, and I am so proud of the band's work.  New friends, new adventures, and an experience we'll never forget.
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Playing in our community is so important.  We love sharing our work and seeing our friends!