Summer

Reflections of Canada (Part One)

 Hello from a Lovely Summer's day, where, through my open windows,  I can hear the crickets chirping and the sheep's bells ringing! After a six week tour across Canada (In direction East this time around) I am back in the land of Chocolate & Cheese, writing to you from my home office, filled to the brim with fond memories which I thought I might share (a few) with you!

A_painted_face_celebrating_Canada_Day

A_painted_face_celebrating_Canada_Day

Starting my journey in the beloved, special and sacred village of Wakefield, Quebec saw me sing our National Anthem (in both languages) to a sea of red and white.

Canada_Day_as_seen_from_a_Wakefield_stage

Canada_Day_as_seen_from_a_Wakefield_stage

Wakefield, Quebec is a tremendously special place for me. It is where I started (primarily) focusing on my music career, and when I play for the people there, most of them have been on my musical journey, with me, since the beginning. It is always a pleasure to come back to the village, to it's people, it's food, it's energy and the Lovely (and refreshing) Gatineau River.

Along_the_shores_of_the_Gatineau

Along_the_shores_of_the_Gatineau

After a few rehearsals with some very talented musicians, we had the unique opportunity to play on the big stage, for an awesome crowd, as part of the Ottawa Bluesfest. You can read an epic review by clicking HERE. I have mentioned Brock Zeman to you all in the past. He is a great inspiration to me and a photo was captured that kind of says it all! 

Pre-Fall_Brock_swooped_in_and_picked_me_up_pretty_quick

Pre-Fall_Brock_swooped_in_and_picked_me_up_pretty_quick

During this exhilarating performance, I managed to lose my balance in mid-throw (Swiss Chocolates, no less!) causing me to fall, taking myself,  my guitar and my mic stand  down with me! As Brock put it "It could have been worse! I coulda gone down with ya!" Thankfully gravity did NOT do the same to him while he was helping me to my feet! Onwards and upwards....

Dylan_Myself_and_my_Auntie

Dylan_Myself_and_my_Auntie

Family is a HUGE part of my life. I am so happy to have some of the BEST people as MY family! Seeing them is always an asset to my trips back to Canada. Here are a few more shots of the ones I Love....

Myself_and_my_brother_Jeffrey

Myself_and_my_brother_Jeffrey

My_cousin_and_bass_player_Chris_Hopkins

My_cousin_and_bass_player_Chris_Hopkins

My_Dad_and_his_favourite_ little_buddy_Fergie

My_Dad_and_his_favourite_ little_buddy_Fergie

My_Mum_my_best_friend

My_Mum_my_best_friend

Family time is always too short (until it isn't HAHAHA) but I value our moments together. Thanks Ontario and Quebec for welcoming me home with Open arms... Next weeks' blog post will be focusing on "Direction Newfoundland" there are too many memories and photos to share from that fabulous tip that I think it needs it's own blog post!!! I will leave you with a sneak preview...

Singing_in_Seaforth_Nova_Scotia

Singing_in_Seaforth_Nova_Scotia

Thanks for reading! See you next week with "Reflections of Canada (Part Two)"