The importance of music cannot be understated in society. When I see world news, when I see Gaddafi using cigar sized bullets on his own citizens, when I read about lying Canadian politicians, the only thing that pulls me back is music. Its too much. The soul cannot take so much deception.

I thank God for music, for visionaries like Tom Cochrane, Tim Williams, Tom Waits, Gordie Johnson, Leonard Cohen, Mike Plume, and Chris Rea. For having the strength to create music to lift the spirits of those who listen. For having the creativity to enlighten us with a message you want to send. Whether you sing about the Alberta oilpatch, a baseball player and Marilyn Monroe, a picture in a frame, or an Inn, you have brightened my existence in such a profound way, I don't know how to thank you.

But let me just say, Thank you.

Happy Hallowe'en

To all the other superheroes out there...

Poppa

August 14, 2010: after waking up at 5:30 am, Evan played for a while, then to our relief, showed signs of tiring. As I tried to put him down, he fussed and woke up, so I rocked him back asleep and let him sleep on my lap. I watched him for quite a while, sitting there in the campsite, and eventually he stirred. He yawned, gazed up at me for a moment, then quietly said, "Poppa."

I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.
Thanks to Tania for capturing this image.

Evan is growing!

It is unbelievable the changes we see day by day in Evan. He discovers things continually, and learns very quickly. Sometimes I see a change from the time I go to work, until the time I come home. Amazing.

For the photography-minded, this was lit with window light only, camera right. I love my 85mm lens, wide open!

Goodbye Oma - you will be missed.

Today, my oma passed away, after a long struggle with cancer. She was almost 97 years old. One of my favorite memories of Oma was talking to her about the difference between asking "How are you today?" in Canada versus asking in Holland. In Canada, most people are happy with answering "Fine, thanks" or "Not too bad", but in Holland, the question meant "How are you today, really? Or maybe that was just Oma, keeping it real. Anyway, I've never forgotten that conversation, and when I ask "How are you today?" what I'm really asking is "How are you really?" Thank you Oma, for showing me how to bring more depth to my relationships, and I wanted you to know that I appreciate our conversations. I am proud that I had the opportunity to introduce you to my wife, Tania. I am happy to have known you.

What if...

you forgot that you couldn't do something? Follow me if you will, a moment. What if you were able to leave that voice behind, the one that says you can't play guitar, or you can't shoot professionally, or that you can't sing all that well. Imagine the music you would make if you woke up tomorrow and forgot all that criticism.

I like to think that we would all be geniuses, if only we could forget that we can't play.

Our house is for sale!

Our house is for sale! Tell your friends! Tell your wife! Buy our house!
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