We will miss being at the highland games this year - the North American Pipe Band Championships held just outside Ottawa - and a wonderful gathering of so many fine people.  We look forward to attending next year.  Be well and be happy!

I am asked from time to time to help with a recording by a group that's not a pipe band, like a solo singer or a rock band.  These opportunities are fantastic, and I love thinking of what great things I can do with traditional tunes that otherwise might not get a different treatment. 

I try and work with the artists to create something interesting and fun - and the results are always wonderful.  

And so, my advice for today is:  Say yes.  You'll be glad you did.

It is great going through the archives and finding old photos and reliving memories. Using this time wisely and having some fun along the way - that's the best way to go!
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Don't know what it will look like this year, but I'll be doing my part for charity.  I hope you find time to do something fun, see some friends, and make the best of the day - that's very Canadian eh!

It will soon be summer, we will soon be back on track with our fun, and we wish you well.  Stay happy, stay healthy and let's all find positive things to do.  Like building this bike..!

Please turn on your music.  Turn it up. Dance.  Smile.  Share that.  Be well. Reach out. 

The world is in uncertain times.  One thing we can do is look out for each other and give support where we can.
Keeping up with your passion for music or dance is important to keep spirits up and time well spent - and there are many ways to get motivated.  Here to help if you need anything - always ask!

If you're lucky enough, you'll learn to play music.
If you're good enough, they'll ask you to play it.
If you're kind enough, you'll make friends.
And if you're lucky like me, these will be them.

It's a new year, a new decade.  Maybe the odd resolution - being kind, giving back, whatever you want to do - do it.  We're busy and rushed, but a kind gesture means so much.
Be the musician, the friend - the person you wish to be.  That will bring you happiness.  And if you want to play music?  Do it. You never know how great you'll be!

This is my friend Peter. Today I played at his mom's school for the first day back.  Peter is now taller than me.  Go forth and be wonderful!!

If you have the chance to play or dance, do it. It means the world to others, and it might just change their day, for the better. Go forth and be wonderful!

An amazing donation of letters for the soldier in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa - we will bring them to Cabaret Rouge Cemetery in Souchez, France, and then onto Canadian House at Juno Beach.  231 in total...and such amazing messages of love and thanks.

A wonderful day in Ottawa with so many great friends....thank you all!
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It's St. Patrick's Day weekend - i hope you get to take in a parade!  Clap for those playing and marching, as they're there for you!  Have fun!!

916.  Learn the rules. Then break some.

Another great quote from the Instructional Book:

600.  There are people who will always come up with reasons why you can't do what you want to do. Ignore them.
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I have these great little books called 'Life's Little Instruction Book' and they give you little ideas for making life a little better.
I've bought these many times over as gifts for friends, and I think this week I will post a different one for you to enjoy.  Here's the first one:

629.  Don't waste time trying to appreciate music you dislike.  Spend the time with music you love.

Now it was just a fluke that I opened to this page and saw a quote on music, but maybe it was meant to be....!  

I teach kids to play the pipes and drums.  It is a most rewarding experience, and I look forward to seeing where they go with it - and their stories are the best!  

Take time to be kind. You'll make friends, and those friends will be the best thing in your life, for a long time.  You are important, as are they.