Last year, some of you may recall, I wrote a blog post called  ” Taking A Stand ” ( Feb. 23rd 2009 ) which had to do with Anti-Bullying Day.  This year, the date to wear our pink shirts etc. to let everyone know that bullying is NOT acceptable any time, any place is Wed. April 14th, 2010.

     I have cut and pasted below part of my post from last year, as it pretty much sums up my feelings on the subject:

Anyone who has either witnessed bullying, or been a victim of it, can tell you how damaging and far-reaching the effects can be.  Although physical attacks are horrible, it’s the psychological damage that can be done to a victim that can be even more scary.  The effects of a bully’s cruel words can last well into adulthood. 

     I have seen many talkshows where victims of bullies want to face them, and tell them how they ruined their lives, and the sad thing is: many of the bullies either don’t remember the person, don’t remember doing it, or say ” it was a joke “.  Well, it’s not a joke.

     Bullies tend to pick on people they view as “weak” - kind, gentle, sweet people, who can’t/won’t fight back.  Obviously, the bully has self-esteem issues him/herself, or they wouldn’t need to appear ” tough ” or “cool “, or whatever their warped mind perceives their actions to make them.  As an adult, it’s easy to see that bullies have unhappy lives themselves, or they wouldn’t feel the need to try and make someone else feel lower than them.  As a child, however, the victim of a bully only feels worthless.  Public humiliation only re-enforces these feelings.

     Unfortunately, bullying does not stop in the schoolyard.  There seems to be one in every workplace, as well.  It may not be as obvious ( they may not physically or verbally threaten others ) but they may just be loud and obnoxious, boss others around ( delusions of grandeur, perhaps ? ) and act like they own the place.  What I don’t get, is why does society tolerate any of this ?  What ever happened to being nice to one another ?  I guess that takes more effort, and many people aren’t capable of caring about anyone beyond themselves. ( victims of bad parenting, I daresay . )

     Anyway, I hope that everyone who cares about others will wear pink on April 14th,  support all the victims of bullying, and send a clear message that bullying is not acceptable, and definitely not cool.

     You can find more info on this year’s events here.

Pink Shirt Day 2010

     One of my favourite movies as a little girl was 1959’s ” Gidget “, starring Sandra Dee ( as the title character ) and James Darren as ” Moondoggie “.  I always liked how the sweet, well-mannered, wholesome Gidget ended up with the dreamy, handsome Moondoggie.  ( it gave us girls hope that our “old - fashioned ” upbringing may pay off one day )

Gidget Poster

     I had a huge crush on James Darren from the first time I saw that movie until …well … I guess I still do. ( my husband thinks it is cute, by the way ) My biggest dream as a child was to meet ” Moondoggie ” one day.  Years went by, I saw James Darren in other movies and T.V. shows ( T.J. Hooker, Star Trek DS9, just to name a couple ) and I always held on to the crazy fantasy of one day meeting him face to face,  just to make the ” little girl ” in me happy.

James Darren

Oh, Moondoggie!

To this day, I keep one of the pictures of us hung in a prominent place in my home, for those times when I think life isn’t going as I’d like it to.  When I feel down, it reminds me that dreams really can come true.  The trick is, sitting around and waiting for something good to happen isn’t the way to do it - we may be waiting for a very long time.  If we want something badly enough, we just have to go out there and get it, and if we need help with that, then we must not be too shy to ask.  I know I’m glad I did.

     I would like to start the New Year off by wishing all of you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010 !  2009 was, by many accounts, a very difficult year for most of us, with the bad economy and all.  It has been a struggle just to get by, to try and keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. Many people had their hours cut back, or lost their jobs entirely. It was a tough year - full of struggles, dampened hopes, and many tears.

     Somehow, we made it through, and although we may be stronger for it, it still wasn’t pleasant.  I, for one, am glad to see the end of 2009, as it was definitely not one of the better years in my life, or for many people I know.

     I recently made a comment on Facebook about how I look forward to the ” feeling ” ( whether that be perceived or real ) of a ” clean slate ” when a new year approaches.  It really doesn’t matter if it is simply how we view it, or if it is real - what matters is what we do with it.  Personally, I think of it as having hope that things will improve, that we will be given a ” fresh start “, that we have another chance to make good choices - choices that will improve our lives, and hopefully, the lives of others.

     I am not one to make New Year’s Resolutions per se, and broadcast them to anyone who will listen, but today, I have already written down a list of goals for myself for this year.  Telling people the things you are ” going to do ” is great, and it is a positive thing to actually speak the words and ” put it out there “, but the older I get, the more I realize I’d rather “do” than just “say”.  It is very easy to say things, but much harder to actually put in the time and effort, and make them happen.  The way I see it, I have my personal list, and as I accomplish items on that list, I will share them with family and friends.  I have nothing to prove to anyone - my list is simply for me, and the people that care about me will be happy when I put my hopes into action….

     I hope that all of you have hopes, dreams, or goals that you want to realize this year - things that you enjoy but have perhaps put off, things that you don’t feel are important enough, whatever the case may be.  If there is some thing you love to do, or would love to try ( and it isn’t hurting anyone else ) - why not let this be the year you actually do it, or try it?  I know I say this all the time, but life really is too short to only dream/wish/hope/imagine, and not DO something to make yourself happy.  It is very easy to blame others, or your financial situation, or your work environment, ( or any number of things ) or find reasons why you shouldn’t or ” can’t ” do things for yourself - believe me, I know - but ultimately, all excuses or fears aside, nobody else can make us happy.  All we have to do is love ourselves enough to make the things we hope for become our reality.  If you feel you can’t do it on your own, friends and family always have words of encouragement for you to follow your dreams, and that will get you through even the darkest of times.

     On that note, I would, once again, like to thank everyone who has supported me during this hard year - knowing you believe in me, and my music, gives me great strength.  Whether it be kind words of encouragement, compliments on things I have accomplished, buying my CD or downloading a song, or most importantly - being there with a hug when I need it most - your support has helped me enormously. Your continued faith in me is truly what keeps me going.

     All the best to you, and your families, for a fabulous 2010 !

     I recorded ” I Want To Know What Love Is ” over a year ago, and have been patiently waiting for things to fall into place so that we could finally get it up on iTunes.   It has been a long road, but we have achieved partial success.  The reason I say partial, is that due to licensing issues (  long story ) we were able to get it up pretty much everywhere, except in the U.S.A.  This is disappointing, but hopefully, that will change one day, with any luck.

     So for now, many of you can find the song here.

     Thankyou all for your patience, and for all the great feedback.  I really love hearing from you !

Vintage Affair 1997

     1997 was a very interesting year for me : it was the year I left Ontario for the last time, and moved back to B.C. to start a new life.  I lived in White Rock for a while, and met some really great people there, both through work, and other activities.

     I started taking Acting Classes at the Peace Arch Performing Arts Academy - led by Scott Wheeler, President of White Rock Players Club, at the time. ( years later, he would be M.C. at both my wedding, and my own CD Release Party ) He became a very good friend, and introduced me to many people in community theatre, and music.  

     One of those people was Alex Browne - Peace Arch News’  fabulous  Arts and Entertainment reporter and writer, who also ended up becoming a good friend.  He had a 1920’s - 30’s Band, and actually gave me my first opportunity to sing a couple of numbers at a real gig of his.  I remember it well - ” Vintage Affair 1997 ” at Morgan Creek Golf Course.  I sang  ” Someone To Watch Over Me ” ,  and ” It Don’t Mean A Thing ( If It Ain’t Got That Swing) “.  I was thrilled to be able to sing with such a talented band, and bandleader.

     Another highlight from ‘97 was auditioning for, and landing a role in the White Rock Players Christmas Pantomime ( directed by Scott Wheeler )  We did 19 shows that December, and had a lot of fun !  What an amazing bunch of people I met and worked with, during that run ! You know who you are, and I love you all !  Gord and Marc were especially supportive ! ( I often needed hugs when nerves hit me before the curtain rose each night )

      I started singing in a choir that year, and took ballroom dancing lessons for the first time. ( since I was single, my friend Alex was kind enough to accompany me - thanks, Alex ! )

     1997 was also the year we all started going to Babalu, and met Michael Bublé and his family for the first time.  We spent so many nights dancing to his wonderful voice !  It was so amazing to find a place to be able to dress up, and be around so many classy, elegant people, who were all there for the same reason - to appreciate Michael’s talent, and to hear really great music.  It was never a problem finding a dancing partner.

     Michael was performing in ” Red Rock Diner ” that year, so we saw him on Sept. 27th at the Arts Club Theatre, then again on Hallowe’en, at Surrey Arts Centre.  As usual, a good time was had by all.

     The year ended on a high note - Scott, Alex and I, as well as some of our other close friends, rented a limo, and went to Vancouver, to spend New Year’s Eve at Babalu, with Michael Bublé performing.  That was a fantastic night !

     1997 was definitely a good year for me - a fresh start, meeting new people, and being able to sing, dance and act all the time.  What more could a girl ask for ?

     In a couple of days, there will be an event called:

I Will Wear Something Pink on February 25th & Take a Stand Against Bullying .

     I noticed this on Facebook, and hope that even more people will get involved this year.  Anyone who has either witnessed bullying, or been a victim of it, can tell you how damaging and far-reaching the effects can be.  Although physical attacks are horrible, it’s the psychological damage that can be done to a victim that can be even more scary.  The effects of a bully’s cruel words can last well into adulthood. 

     I have seen many talkshows where victims of bullies want to face them, and tell them how they ruined their lives, and the sad thing is: many of the bullies either don’t remember the person, don’t remember doing it, or say ” it was a joke “.  Well, it’s not a joke.

     Bullies tend to pick on people they view as “weak” - kind, gentle, sweet people, who can’t/won’t fight back.  Obviously, the bully has self-esteem issues him/herself, or they wouldn’t need to appear ” tough ” or “cool “, or whatever their warped mind perceives their actions to make them.  As an adult, it’s easy to see that bullies have unhappy lives themselves, or they wouldn’t feel the need to try and make someone else feel lower than them.  As a child, however, the victim of a bully only feels worthless.  Public humiliation only re-enforces these feelings.

     Unfortunately, bullying does not stop in the schoolyard.  There seems to be one in every workplace, as well.  It may not be as obvious ( they may not physically or verbally threaten others ) but they may just be loud and obnoxious, boss others around ( delusions of grandeur, perhaps ? ) and act like they own the place.  What I don’t get, is why does society tolerate any of this ?  What ever happened to being nice to one another ?  I guess that takes more effort, and many people aren’t capable of caring about anyone beyond themselves. ( victims of bad parenting, I daresay . )

     Anyway, I hope that everyone who cares about others will wear pink on Feb. 25th,  support all the victims of bullying, and send a clear message that bullying is not acceptable, and definitely not cool.

     I just wanted to pop on here quickly and let everyone know that we will be putting up my 80’s Ballad on my website this week, so that all of you can listen to it.  I am very happy with how the song turned out, and it really is a song with a lot of meaning to me.  I can’t wait to share it with all of you, and hear your thoughts …

     I just wanted to take a moment to wish my friend and Producer, Jarome Matthew, a very Happy Birthday today !  I have known Jarome for about 18 years or so.  We first met and became friends when we were both working at Sam The Record Man on Seymour St. in Vancouver.  That job was a lot of fun, and we both knew ( even back then ) that our interest in music would not end after that job.

     Jarome is one of the most hardworking, dedicated individuals I know, and his creative talents seem unlimited.  I thoroughly enjoy working with him - he makes it not even feel like “work “.  Being in the Studio with him is just such a wonderful experience, and he has a way of knowing how to bring out each artist’s individual best.  He is a positive, encouraging, kind and thoughtful person, and he never gives up until things are just right.

     I feel very fortunate to be working with him after having lost contact for several years, but more importantly, I am so glad to have his continued friendship in my life. 

     Jarome, thankyou for being so much fun to work with, and thanks for being such a caring friend!  I always know that I can count on you - and that means a lot to me.  You are an awesome person, and I wish you much happiness today, on your special day, and in the years to come !!!

     Happy Birthday, Jarome !!!  ( and no working today, o.k. ? )

    Many of you have been asking me lately when you will be able to purchase my latest song.  I thank you for your interest, and really appreciate your patience while things were getting set up.  I have just been informed that my new single, ” (Keep Feeling) Fascination ” is now available online on various sites.  If you visit my MUSIC page, you will find direct links to all the sites where you can download the song.

     Whichever site you go to, there will likely be an area where they ask you to Rate and/or Review the song.  Please take a moment to do this, as it will not only let others know what you think, but it will provide me with feedback, as well, which is both helpful, and important to me.

     Thankyou again to all of you for your support and encouragement thus far - I really couldn’t do this without you !

     On our recent trip to Vancouver, to record the 80’s Ballad, we were able to fit in many things in a few short days.  Our first stop when we arrived in the city was my former workplace.  I worked with a lot of wonderful people over the years, and that is the one thing that has been a little bit difficult about the move - I miss seeing my good friends and co-workers on a regular basis.  Even though you may not enjoy your job, at least there are always people there that make it more tolerable, make you laugh, help you get through the day… or most importantly, are there to give you a big hug when you need it most .  I am so grateful that I was able to call so many of my former co-workers real friends of mine.  So, we made a point of stopping in for a visit, saying ” Hi ” to everyone, chatting, and getting lots of hugs.  It was great to see everyone. 

     In my last post, ” Back In The Studio Again “ , I talked about the next part of our day - going into the Studio to record, and going out for dinner with my Producer and his Wife.  It was a really good day, and night.

     The following day, we had a few errands to run, then we spent some time visiting with my Family.  We stayed for dinner with them, so we’d have a chance for a good visit.  It was lovely to see them.

     We headed back to Vancouver that night to meet up with 6 of my former co-workers ( who also happen to be some of my dearest friends ) for an evening out.  I’ll tell you more about that in another  post …