Shannon Rose & The Thorns

Summer release

2011-11-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

Prettiest door watchers in the world

The super talented Claude Munson

My super band

With the Watsons

On-stage kiss!

With the horn section

We had our Summer EP release Thursday night in Ottawa. It was a little belated, as we released the album on the last day of Summer online, but with all the writing and recording we've been doing, we didn't have a chance to do it sooner. It was a very sweet night, with very sweet people who came out to celebrate the new songs with us.

Our friend Claude Munson opened, and his set was gorgeous, as it's been every time I've seen him play. This was our first show with a horn section and it was a wonderful addition. Ryan Purchase and Craig Pederson brought their brass, and our Michael Schultz who writes all of our horn lines jumped on the sousaphone for Save Yourself.

As I write now, it's a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning in Fall. This is my last weekend to tweak the Fall songs before rehearsals and recording start for the Fall EP. I'm feeling grateful today for such a colourful and inspiring season.

Summer EP release (tonight!)

2011-11-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Shannon Rose & The Thorns Summer EP release

w/s/g Claude Munson

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011

9pm

$8 at the door

Fall photos

2011-10-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

With three EPs down, and just one more to go I can see a little light glowing in the distance, and can feel that we're getting close to climbing out of this cozy cave of writing and recording.

We went out last weekend and took some Fall EP photos and video. This was our fourth and last seasonal photo shoot at the location we chose last year around this time.

Recording summer

2011-09-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of us recording summer. It's been so much fun. Recording really is one of my favourite things in the world. It's when I really start to feel at home with the songs I've written. And I love hearing what the guys bring to my music. At the risk of sounding like the complete cheeseball I am sometimes, recording is a magical process. :) I can't believe we'll have another EP done in a week tomorrow!

Summer

2011-08-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Trying to schedule time to rehearse and record the Summer EP amidst holidays and special events has been a bit tricky this summer, but I'm happy to say that things are underway, and the album will be done before the summer's end. We expect to have it back from the printers on September 22nd! Cutting it close, yes, but we're still going to make it. And we've been lucky enough to receive a grant from the City of Ottawa to help with the remaining recordings in our Seasonal EP project.

today's treasures

2011-06-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Today was an exceptionally great day for yard sale treasures. We really couldn't have asked for a better day. I don't even have pictured any of my mom's cool things, or the amazing Eames-era chair I picked up for $10. Afterward we went regular shopping, and everything just seemed so dull and lifeless in the stores. Yard sales are where it's at.

sunset strip

2011-05-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

bday decorations

2011-05-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Birthday celebrations are a good excuse to have everything be very pretty.

Happy Birthday, Jayde!

Tulip Festival

2011-05-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

We had such an amazing time at the Tulip Festival last weekend. This was my first show with a band trailer stocked with food and drinks, and an introduction by Ottawa's town crier (I didn't know we had a town crier)! It had been calling for thunder storms all day, but they seemed to go on all around us, leaving Major's Hill park rain and lightening-free.

There's really nothing like playing outside in a warm breeze. It was the perfect setting to debut the Spring EP. :)

spring ep

2011-05-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

We got the Spring EPs back, just in time for a little acoustic show at Zaphods last night. We shared the stage with other local artists Jon Laurie-Beaumont and the Train Jumpers. It was a great night of music. I love playing with new bands, and getting to know my talented neighbours. Both groups had a lovely violin player named Dana Price who blew me away. I also did a CD exchange with the super soulful Miss Tara Porter. What a voice!

Today I'm planning to do a little Spring cleaning, a little rehearsing, and maybe a little reading - but only after a little morning songwriting. I woke up with an idea today, and one I like so I'll work it out before moving on. :)

Here's what the new CD looks like. We went back the same spot as the Winter EP for the sake of continuity. It turned out sort of dimly pretty and I'm really happy with it.

rummaging

2011-05-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Woke up early to go to some church sales today. We rummaged, we rifled, we haggled, and returned home with our spoils. Pretty belts, owl mugs, his and her stacks of books, an old vintage Coleman water jug, and cute shoes (the black canvas ones have wedge crepe soles!). Perfect Saturday morning in Spring. :)

spring outtakes

2011-05-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Steve and I went out and took a few pictures recently, for the new EP. This shot will not be on the cover, but we did manage to finish the artwork & sent it all off for production.

We'd thought of maybe not pressing physical copies of Spring, and instead just posting it on Bandcamp, but we changed our minds at the last moment. People (like me) still like tangible things, and some say they need a physical copy to listen to in the car. So we shipped them off, and will be getting them back soon - maybe even next week!

It would seem that every time I jump my legs go out like this... This one also won't be on the cover. ;)

spring dresses

2011-04-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today is a perfect day for a Spring dress. Love Spring so much, and also really love this dress my mom made. It's too still too sad for me to say what was wrong, but I experienced a loss recently and my mom and dad came to visit soon after. Turns out my mom spent a week (including an almost all-nighter) making dresses for me because she thought they might help cheer me up. She made four, and they are all perfect and full of love. Makes me cry to think about it.

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Steve and I decided to make homemade Easter treats this year. We made lemon squares and peanut butter cups at home. We even made the baskets out of card stock. It was a lot better than running around stores. We just came home, poured two big glasses of wine, put on our aprons and baked together for a few hours, then drove around playing Easter bunny on Sunday morning.

Love Easter, and so happy to have another day off on this long weekend. Spending this morning listening to the new Fleet Foxes album, daydreaming, and drinking coffee.

Wild Wind

2011-04-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

If you're in Ottawa you can see us perform at the Canadian Tulip Festival on May 20th! It's free admission for everyone. :) Tulips are one of my very favourite flowers of all time and I can't imagine a more perfect place to share the songs from our new Spring EP.

From the Tulip Festival website - Frank Scheme

Also, there's a Spring EP preview available now on Bandcamp. You can listen to and download Wild Wind here!

April 2nd

2011-04-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

These photos are from April 2nd last year. Judging by all the flowers in the backyard I think we're a bit behind!

I am so ready for Spring! We finished the album on Tuesday, and will be releasing a new song soon. I'm really happy with they way they turned out. They sound bright, and alive, and a little messy - like this happy season.

Spring is Coming!

2011-03-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

We're finishing up the Spring EP this weekend. Yesterday our good friend Brian Patrick Simms stopped by to record some sweet guitars for us, this morning I woke up early and sang a bunch of harmonies, and today we finish up all the mixing with Steve and Dean at the Gallery studio!

Gone fishin'

2011-03-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

While I should be singing because we are in the studio to mix the Spring EP this weekend, and I do still have a lot of work to do, I have instead just been sitting and watching the betta I am fish-sitting for my brother. I really have to snap out of my fish hypnosis and get back to recording!

Winterlude

2011-02-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

This was my favourite ice sculpture at Winterlude.

It felt like an early Spring yesterday, but today it's back to the cold and the snow. I guess we all just have to find ways to enjoy the remaining days of winter. We can skate, visit ice sculptures, or stay inside and listen to music. And speaking of music, our new EP is now available on www.shannonrose.bandcamp.com!

Oh No

2011-02-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

We made a video! This is a song from our new Winter EP, called Oh No. :)

Toronto!

2011-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

photos thanks to Chris Larocque

We piled into the van on Saturday, and left Ottawa where it was warm and sunny and felt like the beginning of Spring. By the time we were arriving in Toronto we were caught in a blizzard! It was more appropriate weather for the Winter EP release, but that morning melt was pretty exciting.

It was so nice to be back in Toronto. Having lived there for so many years it still feels like home when I go back. This was my first show at the Cameron House, and it was a warm and inviting space, to match a warm and inviting crowd. I can't wait to go back.

Montreal!

2011-02-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Thursday night I had my first ever show in Montreal at Le Cagibi. Super venue, fun with friends, and we got to share the stage with my friend Laurel Jackson. Can't wait to visit Montreal again. :)

From left to right: Tim Watson, Dean Watson, me, Steve, Adam Fogo, Michael Schultz
(photos thanks to Eva Mulligan)

Little Hearts & Crafts

2011-02-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Little Hearts

Margie is having the time of her life!

Steve is so cute when he's being crafty.

I was recently inspired to make some homemade treats to bring to shows. It's Valentine's month and I have a song on the new EP called Little Hearts, so hearts it is!

CD Release Shows

2011-02-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Winter CDs are back from the presses and we're getting really anxious to share them with everyone. We've booked four CD release shows this month to celebrate and start sharing the songs. We are planning to do a draw at each show for some handmade merchandise prize packs. :)

We really hope to see you there! Here's the CD Release poster:

In Montreal we'll have my pretty hometown pal Laurel Jackson joining us, in Toronto it will be our charming friend Jimi Maze, in Ottawa the lovely and unique L. Poushinsky will be opening, and in Pembroke we're going to have a double EP release with the super talented Dave Norris. I am so looking forward to each and every show!

For more details and event invitations please visit the Facebook page. And please feel free to invite

your friends, if you think they'd enjoy it! :)

XO Neil Young

2011-01-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

XO Neil Young

Full house at the Raw Sugar

Steve and I

Dave Norris

L. Poushinsky, Adam Fogo, and Anina Youngman

We performed at the XO Neil Young MS Benefit Concert last night in Ottawa where local artists played Neil Young songs to raise money for the local Multiple Sclerosis Society. There was a long list of performers at this super event, organized by our friend Lisa Poushinsky, and I got to sing Only Love Can Break Your Heart, and Harvest Moon. :)

As a weird sidenote, Steve and I were rehearsing for this the other day, and when we got to the end of Only Love Can Break Your Heart I suddenly broke into my own rendition of "Whip My Hair". Then yesterday someone on Facebook asked if anyone will be covering "Whip My Hair" at the Neil Young show. For a second I thought they must have a camera hidden in my house, but then I googled it and saw there's actually a video of Jimmy Fallon impersonating Neil Young, and covering "Whip My Hair" with Bruce Springsteen.

Really, what are the odds...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! It's the first day of 2011, and I'm feeling so excited for all that's to come. This year we're planning to release four five-song EPs (one for each season) and the first instalment, Winter, is done and off to the presses. Check our Myspace page for the CD Release Party dates!

Just for fun, here's an outtake from a recent wintry photo shoot. ;)

Wishing you all the very best in 2011!!

recording, mixing, and down time

2010-12-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Recording and being in the studio has been mostly about deciding on which instruments to put into songs, working out parts, discussing production ideas etc., but there is also a lot of down time. This has been mostly about making 'N Sync dolls pick their noses, pretending recording gear and colourful cables are our Christmas decorations (we haven't had a chance to decorate for real yet), drinking Starbucks, and laying on the studio couch reading and sometimes crashing.

Somehow all of this will soon add up to our Winter release. Just a few more days to go before we can send it off to the presses!

recording continues :)

2010-12-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

We had another great night of recording yesterday. Dave Norris stopped by to add his golden voice to a song, and Adam Fogo and Stuart Lee rocked the viola da gamba.

I'm looking forward to hearing the finished product, but really recording is so much fun. It's all about music and food and friends. I'm having the best time recording this EP. :)

percussion night

2010-11-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

We had a percussion session last night with our drummer, Tim.

No Winter album could be complete without shaker, Christmas bells, finger raps, and

some tambourine sparkle!

snowman

2010-11-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

Steve and I took a little break from recording last night, to build a snowman.

Little break = little snowman.

wintry

2010-11-26T09:14:00.000-08:00

"And our old pine is drippin' in diamonds, in crystal and cold." -Winter Alibi

And now it's snowing.

There couldn't be a more perfect day to record my vocals for Winter Alibi.

more recording

2010-11-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

We're in the process of recording guitars now. Here's Steve, hard at work last night.

I decided I'd also start recording some vocals when I got home today, but I couldn't even straighten the microphone on the stand. It seems like it should be easy, but I couldn't figure it out. I also couldn't bring myself to sing into it when it was like this. It just seemed too silly. D'oh.

studio

2010-11-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing day in the studio today. We still have lots of work to do over the next few weeks, but we're off to a very strong start! These guys are goo-ood.

winter ep rehearsal

2010-11-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

The recording process is one of my favourite things about music. We had one final rehearsal last night, before we go into the studio on Saturday! We had some really good ideas, and worked out some kinks.

Now it feels like we're ready...

AHHH, I'm so excited!!

show last night

2010-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun at the Elmdale last night. Devin Johnstone was great and we really enjoyed playing some of our new songs from Winter. Now we're hunkering down in the studio to get the EP done. I'll give updates as they come!

homemade merch

2010-11-08T19:54:00.001-08:00

At the Elmdale show this week I will have "merch" (not counting CDs) for the first time ever. This is all thanks to my mom who has whipped up some gorgeous totes, made using some of our finest vintage fabrics. We were supposed to share the labour, but she just went ahead and did them all up after we picked out the fabric together. My mom is seriously the best.

Return of the Jedi pillow (also made by mom) not included. ;)

We'll have some purple velvet with vintage rose lining, and some green denim, also with vintage rose lining. We flipped one inside out for fun today, and realized they're reversible!! Plus each one has been made with love. I'm super excited to share these with everyone at the show. Sadly there are only 5 and because we're using vintage fabrics, once they're gone they're gone.

I'm finding it very, very difficult not to keep one aside for myself.

happy birthday, steve!

2010-11-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Steve and I went to Toronto to see a Leafs game for his birthday. His team lost, but it was still a great night because we were interviewed on Leafs TV plus Steve got to have his picture taken with one of his biggest crushes:

And so did I:

Check out a young Glenn Gould doing his thing here.

show coming up

2010-10-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't performed in a while, and I'm really looking forward to this show! I'll be opening for Devin Johnstone - it should be a great night! This will be a full band show, and we'll be playing a few songs from my forthcoming Winter EP.

favourite slippers

2010-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

There's nothing quite like coming home from cold, rainy day, and putting on a bright red pair of cozy homemade slippers from your mom. :)

tgif

2010-10-08T15:53:00.002-07:00

Today was a long day. Here are some things that cheer me up on long days like this:

banner

2010-10-06T19:37:00.001-07:00

interlude

2010-10-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Steve performed a musical interlude in between songs while we rehearsed tonight!

work

2010-10-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes. Back to work. :)

P.E.I.

2010-08-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful family holiday in P.E.I. Loved the red sand, warm ocean, picturesque drives through the countryside, potato fields, pink sunsets, Charlottetown, and low tide. It was restful and lovely, and the perfect end to a gorgeous summer.

rehearsal

2010-08-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

pre-rehearsal tuning

mid-rehearsal snacks

post-rehearsal fireworks off in the distance

Here are a couple of photos from last night's rehearsal with Steve, Tim, and Dean. We had the chance to work on a couple of new songs, and I left feeling very inspired about the new album!

summer goodness cont'd

2010-08-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

at Blue Skies (photo by Jayde)

I've happily been on holiday for the last week and a half. It was all camping, and reading, and family, and music, and goodness.

Now it's time to get to work. I have an album to record, and a show to prepare, and bookings to make. Looking forward to a good year of music.

endless summer

2010-07-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend's garage sale treasures included some summer sounds and a classical guitar. Sweet!

I once bought a really ugly wool tote bag at a yard sale, and I forced myself to use it for the rest of the summer as a reminder not to buy ugly things. Apparently I have not learned my lesson. Check out these ugly things I picked up yesterday:

natural history museum

2010-07-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

We went to the Canadian Museum of Nature tonight and saw the sea, earth, and bird exhibits. The whale skeleton, rocks, and bird displays were most awe-inspiring. It's hard to believe it's all produced in nature. Amazing.

summer goodness

2010-07-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Summer so far has been great: road trips, camping, beaches, docks, friends, family, music festivals, fireworks and swimming pools. It feels almost overindulgent to be enjoying myself this much.

photo shoot

2010-07-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Steve and I decided to go out and do an impromptu photo shoot this evening and the light turned out to be just right. Steve did a great job as photographer and I ended up with some nice new promo shots. This one was my fave.

mailout!

2010-07-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today I organized a big college radio mailout of my album, Sing Me a Song. I made up an excel spreadsheet of Canadian college radio stations, prepared a one sheet (though I'm not entirely convinced I did it right), and went out and bought a ton of recycled mailers and a new pack of Sharpies. It was more fun than I thought it would be! Maybe I'll even tackle the U.S. and Europe next.

Also, I am working hard with Steve on pre-production of the new album. We are planning a 2010 release - hopefully before Christmas!

our sky on the way home

2010-06-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

This was our sky on the way home to Pembroke on the weekend. Lucky us. I didn't have the new camera with me, but I think this sky was pretty enough to not even need it.

matchy matchy

2010-06-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

steve and i all matchy matchy in the gymnasium

They say old couples begin to resemble each other over time. I did just have a birthday yesterday, and Steve and I have been married for almost 4 years. Could it be starting already??

Aside from our little fashion faux pas, Nick's grade 8 grad was super cute.

(photo by steve)

They posted the kids' favorite memories across the gym wall. My favourite of the favourites was "...being with my love in my grade 8 year". Aw!

bday

2010-06-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

card from nanny

ipod nano from steve

handmade tops from mom

Today is my birthday!

On the weekend mom surprised me with these pretty handmade summer tops, a handmade tote bag, raspberry body wash, a handmade skirt, and adorable high-waisted gingham shorts from a 50's sewing pattern. She must have worked so hard (and yes, I felt spoiled)! Everything fits like a glove and I'm looking forward to wearing the yellow top to the art gallery this afternoon.

This morning I woke up to a gift from Steve sitting on top of the coffee maker (all ready for the coffee to start brewing). I opened it and found this cute blue ipod nano. It's perfect!

I'm planning to spend the rest of my day taking in the Pop Life exhibit, and then going to dinner and a movie with Steve. Happy birthday to me!

it's summer!

2010-06-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

peaceful dock on a lazy river

the dragonflies were everywhere

blue skies and sunshine

the water was cold but the swim was worth the chill

waiting for an adorable baby chipmunk to reappear

I've been terrible about posting lately - too busy enjoying the onset of brilliant summer. But today is the summer solstice, and in honour of this fine occasion I will rejoin the blogging world with a photos from our very first camping trip of the season.

glenn gould

2010-06-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

I came across this video the other day and loved everything about it. There's nothing quite like seeing a genius at work. I'm now considering adding Glenn Gould to my "if you could meet any three people, living or dead" list.

delicate things

2010-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

These things all seemed especially delicate today, after an early evening sun shower.

tiny petals

soft and windblown

young maple sapling

pale climbing vine flower

day trip

2010-06-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

We took a day trip to Montreal yesterday and Steve and I bought each other gifts: a dress for her, a tie for him (both from Urban Outfitters).

cats and windows

2010-06-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Maddie

Margaret

cheesecake gobble gobble

2010-06-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've had this sweet and funny song in my head since we had cheesecake on Sunday.

vegfest

2010-05-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Vegfest today, in hopes of seeing Gene Baur (president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary and one of my personal heroes) speak. He's a superstar in animal rights, and I've wanted to meet him ever since I first heard about his work. We didn't have the presentation schedule, and it turned out that he spoke in the morning, whereas we'd arrived in the afternoon.

Since we were there we decided to sample some of the delicious vegan food from the exhibitors and took it outside to eat in the sunshine. At the same time Mr. Baur was just returning to the festival from a walk. We were fortunate that he graciously stopped and chatted with us, and I got to have a picture taken with him.

That, along with finding the best vegan cheesecake I've ever had, made this an A+ kind of day.

the great glebe garage sale

2010-05-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today was the day of the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale in Ottawa. The last couple of years we've squatted on our friends' prime Glebe real estate to sell our own stuff, but this year we went as buyers and spectators. We ended up sleeping in and by the time we got there (around 10 am - tsk tsk) all the really good stuff had little "sold" stickers on it. Aside from that we really enjoyed the gorgeous weather, and running into our friends and seeing what they'd picked up. I came home with two books and a nice vintage floral print a lady brought back with her from England.

birthday crafts

2010-05-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

I may never again decorate with the traditional birthday banner, balloons, and streamers. We had a little birthday dinner for Jayde yesterday, and I wanted the decorations to reflect how lovely she is, so I decided to make her a map garland, and these very pretty pom-poms.

Since I was already breaking with tradition, and Jayde is having 3 separate parties, I also made this yummy chocolate strawberry pie instead of a cake.

sunday market

2010-05-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

We've really been enjoying this long weekend so far. Today was a perfect day for a stroll through the market and hanging out on a patio with iced tea and baked brie. Our spoils included a gorgeous aster bouquet, an herbed salad, tomatoes, cucumber, some yummy chamomile candies, and organic jasmine tea.

yard sale

2010-05-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

graffiti sign designed by Nick

our sale started at 7am

loads of junk

weird footstool sold by mom

the rain held off just until we were done

box of vintage ornaments from mom

We had our annual family yard sale this morning. After coffees and sign supplies Steve and I ended up just breaking even, but I think it was more of a success (financially) for the others. I was really just in it for the fun anyway. And as an added bonus I shopped at the other tables and brought home a few things including these very pretty vintage Christmas ornaments.

more backyard love

2010-05-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Christmas

2010-05-18T10:38:00.002-07:00

It's not even summer yet, and I'm already getting excited for Christmas. I picked up this adorable vintage Christmas carol book at a sale this weekend and I still have it sitting out on the mantle.

And another shot of the mantle. At least it's not completely decorated for Christmas yet!

for aunt Sheila, with love.

2010-05-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

ok with wasting time

2010-05-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

notebook scrawl

doodle of streetlight, plane and bird

doodle of husband resting

homework

2010-05-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

I'm working from home today. That means that when I take a break, I can sit with my lilacs and the butterflies, and watch the passing cumulus clouds. What a fine day.

archery

2010-05-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

I went to my step-daughter's archery class tonight. It was fun to watch and a little tempting to enrol. I really wanted a turn at the bow!

Aw, poor beast...

bowling

2010-05-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Family bowling night & Smooth Rock took it.

new roots

2010-04-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of plants to re-pot tonight. I'm especially proud of this one because it was my first successful clipping. It's been so exciting to watch the roots grow. Like magic.

grown ups

2010-04-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Do we ever really grow up? My dad and I had lots of fun sorting through (and playing with) a mountain of lego today.

springhill motel

2010-04-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Legend has it that my family lived at this motel for two months when I was 5 and we were between houses. Driving past today, we realized that it was for sale, and not looking like it's open for business anymore. Thought we'd pull over and take a few shots before it disappears from the Highway 17 roadside.

My mom, dad, little brother and I all slept in one room. I can still remember making a new friend who was staying in a trailer behind the motel. While there, I learned to play wall-ball and had my first peanut butter and chocolate chip sandwich. I'm sure my mom and dad remember it differently, but in my mind it was so much fun to stay there.

spins and needles

2010-04-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law and I hung out at a Spins and Needles event last night. There's a dj, a bar, and crafts. What could be more fun than that?

We made badges and t-shirts.

I highly recommend these events, but get there early to make sure there are enough supplies still available to make the good crafts.

laundry

2010-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to think I've inherited my mom's love of seeing laundry dry out on the line.

spring has sprung

2010-04-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our backyard garden is looking a little haggard and winter-weary, but still there are pretty new blooms springing up. Every morning offers colourful new surprises. I so love this time of year.

looking up

2010-03-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

Having a new camera to play with is helping me take a closer look at everything around me. Even sitting in the passenger seat on the most ordinary trip looks more interesting through the viewfinder.

And I'm looking through a viewfinder for the first time in years because the camera won't allow you to use the LCD screen until after you've snapped your photo. It's taking a bit of getting used to but I'm pretty sure I look more professional snapping pics this way. ;)

new camera

2010-03-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

We went digital SLR shopping tonight and my adorable cat Margaret was the perfect subject to test the first photos on. Look at that sweet face and just try not to fall in love.

music

2010-03-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

A new album is budding. I've chosen the longlist, confirmed the contributors, started recording the demos, and rehearsals begin this month.

I'm so grateful to be working with some of the Ottawa's most talented musicians again. My husband Steve and I are taking on the exciting challenge of recording this album at home with the help of Steve's sound engineering background, the recording gear that our amazing friends are pitching in, and the mixing and mastering talents of the wonderful Bova Sound studio.

The plan is to have an EP ready for a summer tour, and a full-length a little later this year.

A big thanks to everyone who has shown support for my first album, Sing Me A Song. I'm looking forward to playing these new songs for all of you soon.

winter alibi

2009-12-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

It was a blustery snow day here in Ottawa. School buses were cancelled this morning and everyone urged to stay indoors and off roads. It was the perfect sort of day to settle in with a guitar and do some writing.

I wrote a song called Winter Alibi last winter, when I was feeling like hibernating on a day very much like today:

I hope you're warm and cozy.

redecorating the studio

2009-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

I think it's important to have a charming and inspiring workspace, and mine's a partially finished basement with concrete floors and wood panelled walls:

Right now I avoid the home studio, and instead record most new ideas into our voicemail (anyone who calls us knows that it's usually full). I've been a little more reluctant to record ideas this way lately after experiencing a big mishap. I'd been recording all of my ideas from the phone into a mini-disc recorder to then transfer to the computer for safe keeping. I'd come to the end of the saved voicemail messages and deleted the last one, when suddenly and without warning, POOF! - they all disappeared from the disc. I don't know how it happened, but weeks and weeks of ideas were gone.

So over the next few days I'll head to Montreal for a day of shopping, then clear out the cobwebs, hang some pretty lights, and do my best to make the real recording space work for me.

welcome

2009-11-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

I'm starting this blog because my music website is being re-done and I thought this would be a good place to post updates and videos, and to also share some of the things that inspire me.

You can visit my myspace page if you'd like to hear some of my songs.