My July!

Hey lovelies,

I realized today I hadn't posted any updates for all of July, so I guess it's about time I let you know what I've been up to:

On Canada Day, I played a short show at the Pembroke Amphitheatre following the talented Gillan Rutz. Gillan must have been dancing a rain dance up there because as soon as his show was finished, the heavens opened up and it POURED rain. Everyone started running for the hills, getting into their cars, and pushing strollers through 6 inches of water. There was something almost poetic about our Canada "150" celebrations getting washed out, I think. Meanwhile, as I was sitting in my car waiting for the rain to stop so I could carry my gear in, I was listening to the radio and running my car fans to keep my windows cleared and... I KILLED MY CAR BATTERY. She's a genius, folks, as you can see. Once the rain slowed, I was able to get set up and played a short show for a crowd that included my family and family friends. While it wasn't the Canada Day show I'd hoped for, I had a lot of fun playing some tunes I hadn't played in a while like Amanda Marshall's "Let it Rain", haha! I also had a blast singing with my partner Cameron for a few tunes - we don't get to play together much these days. Thanks to Dolly, Jeff and the family for sticking around, to Sarah, Brooke, Mackenzie and Maddex for listening (even though you got soaked!), to Mama, John and Cam who always come if they can, and to Mom and Dad for bringing the jumper cables. Also, a big thank-you to my friend Elijah McKeown, Pembroke's new Parks and Rec programmer. Congrats on the new position, man!

On July 5th, I played at JJ's before their weekly Wednesday Jam Night. A short set - 45 minutes - but a lot of fun!! It's always nice to see some familiar faces. Unfortunately, no pictures from the evening on my end, but if you snapped a few, please share! Since playing at JJ's a month ago it's been rebranded as "The Pig and Pint" - check it out!

I played at Pinewood Retirement Residence on July 21st, to my grandparents obvious glee - aren't Marjorie and Elton just the sweetest?! It was great to speak with some of the residents afterwards too. Thanks to Amanda for inviting me to play, it was my absolute pleasure.

July 22nd I played at the historic Bryson's Bistro du Bucheron in Fort Coulonge, Quebec. Every time I play at the Bistro I am blown away by how beautiful this venue is, and how ever-present the history of our area is there. Of course, Jane, the owner, is always super enthused to share her family's history with anyone!

The Brewery was a really fun time, as always, mostly because the audience usually entertains me as much as I entertain them! For my first set, I watched these 3 little girls chasing each other around the restaurant and dancing, occasionally stopping to watch me, slowly inching closer and closer to where I was playing. By halfway through my second set, 2 of these cuties ended up on stage with me, helping me sing my "Oooo's" and "Ahhhh's"! They were French, but I did my best to talk to them and let them know they were the best back-up dancers and singers I'd ever encountered. Thanks for keepin' me entertained, ladies! Keep dancin'. Keep singin'.

To finish off the month of July, I played a rendition of "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun" with my cousin Erin and sister Tegan at Trinity St. Andrew's Church in Renfrew. Erin, my first guitar teacher and mentor, taught me how to play "House of the Rising Sun" when I was about 8 years old. Thinking the lyrics of "House of the Rising Sun" might not be appropriate for an 8 year old, Erin taught me the lyrics of Amazing Grace to it instead. Now at my shows, I always play a verse of "Amazing Grace" at the end of "House of the Rising Sun" to honour Erin and my early days. It was a great time! Thank you to the Wilson's for inviting us to join you at church, and thank you to the congregation at Trinity St. Andrew's for being so receptive and welcoming.

Throughout the month of July I've been putting a lot of effort into self-care and my mental health, hence the short hiatus from social media. I've been trying to keep healthy and stay on my feet which I've learned is a tedious balancing act sometimes. It takes time, building new routines, and dismantling unhealthy thought processes. Unplugging from social media a bit did wonders... I definitely recommend it! This world is so fast-paced sometimes and change can be overwhelming but it's helpful to remember that we are allowed to take the time to slow down. As the Indigo Girls sing "It's only life, after all!".

Phew! My fingies are tired after all that typin'. Stay tuned for updates on more shows and appearances coming up through August! Cheers!