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!
​

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.
​

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.

Try to find a way to share your kindness.  I use my music, and you can use your talents. It can mean the world to others, and make your world kinder....

Looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend?  We offer lessons in pipes and drums for any level of player, so get in touch for a gift certificate - we promise fun and excellence!  We're at collegeofpiping@sympatico.ca 

On any given day, take time to enjoy something.  Make something.  Call someone.  Just brighten it all up - that's your joy and your chance to share your happiness with someone who just might need it!

Be sure to go to a ceremony on Sunday, November 11.  This year's special as it's the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.  We will remember them.

Don't put off learning a new skill.  Taking on a new challenge, be it song, dance or art of any kind - it's all good for you and to be happy.  I teach lots of people who are a bit older than 12, and they love a good new set of goals to have.  Taking on a new skill means too that you're fulfilling something you've always wanted to do, and that will bring you pride and confidence.  And that's a very good thing.

Set some dreams, write down your goals, and go for them.  Best thing?  They can come true.  Now go get what you want!

The Sons of Scotland welcome you to join them, if not in person then in spirit, on their trip to Scotland. You can make a donation for their coach to Balmoral and be part of their journey.  It will be great, and you will be there!  Give today if you can - we thank you.  https://bit.ly/2Kygejp
​

The Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan was just lovely.  Touching and thoughtful, you could see how fond they were of each other.  
I wrote a tune for them last fall when they were engaged and sent it along to them.  I know it's not the last song that they'll have composed in their honour.
On another day, I had a letter from Her Majesty The Queen.  It is just a great honour to get letters of acknowledgement from such a magnificent person.  

We have a wonderful endeavor to help mark the 65th anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty The Queen.  Visit our Facebook page for details on how you can be part of this super celebration!

Make sure you take time to celebrate.  Celebrate the little things, the great friends, and the fact that it's Tuesday.  That, my friends, is a very Irish way to mark any day.  Go forth and be!

There are many days when the young among us will teach us simple joy and happiness.  Don't forget what makes you happy, and give back where you can. It makes all the difference.

No matter the age and background, when you share your music you share your joy. And that is felt, shared and appreciated.  We all have gifts - let's share them all!