Icicles (photo by Noella Cotnam)

Last year at this time we were just getting our electricity back after an ice storm blackout that lasted eight days. This was the second catastrophic ice-storm I’ve experienced, so I was somewhat ready for the mayhem that ensued, but really, it’s hard to be ‘that’ prepared. Thankfully the kindness of friends and strangers abounded. We were able to find a hot shower, a hot meal, and even internet access within a short driving distance.

I have to say that the ambiance of candlelight and the radiance of a fireplace really were a wonderful prelude to Christmas. ‘All is calm’, albeit not so bright when everyday conveniences were unavailable. It gave new definition to the saying, “let’s make the best of it”.

When I was a youngster our family hosted big family dinners at Christmas. I’m sure all of these gatherings were special, but one really stands out in my mind: it was the year the power went out in the neighbourhood. The turkey had been cooked earlier in the day, but the trimmings were only half done when the house went black. As barbecues and Coleman stoves were being set up, candles were lit, and cousins, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles gathered in the family room. It was then that a lowly guitar player strummed out the chords and everyone sang carols together. We were connected and engaged in a way we never had been before. It was special – memorable.

Anytime we are pushed out of the ordinary, there resides the possibility of the extraordinary. Whether it’s a blackout, a layoff, a heartbreak or something else that comes to challenge you at this time of year, I hope the awesome power of peace and joy reveals itself to you. Look for it. It is waiting to be found.

Merry Christmas.

Garden Flowers in June

If my mother was alive, she’d be seventy-three years old. She’s been gone eight years, and I still miss her. The first few years after her death, I would visit her grave site often. Somehow it gave me comfort though I never understood why. I knew she wasn’t there. Perhaps seeing her name spelled out on the granite stone helped me believe it was real.

Though my stops at the cemetery are less frequent these days, the visits I have with my Mom still happen regularly. I hear her voice encouraging me when I’m feeling uncertain – especially when I’m trying to learn something new. Just as she had said in past, “don’t underestimate yourself”, and “you can do it” still help me to believe in my abilities. As I get older I realize just how special it was to hear those words from her. 

When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like our whole family got the disease too. The reality of her prognosis was devastating, but it also became an opportunity for all of us to savor the important things in life, like saying ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’. Today I send out birthday wishes to the Universe, along with a song that I gave to my Mom years ago to try and say how I felt – and still feel. It’s a Natalie Merchant song called “Kind and Generous”. Listen Now on Grooveshark. Read the lyrics here.

The Williamstown Fair, the oldest fair in the province of Ontario, is perhaps still my favourite of all time. It has thrill rides and great food, along with terrific entertainment (I have performed on the ‘Centre Stage’ many times), horse shows, antique machinery & car displays, highland dancing and caber tossing, and so much more. The vendors are always top notch – especially the Sign It Signs & Design booth where you’ll always see carving and painting demonstrations, and even get to try some of the techniques yourself!

Nancy Performs at RRWF

This year I’m being introduced to a new weekend event – The Red Roof Women’s Festival. I’ll be performing there on Sunday, July 19th along with other songwriters and performers who will be taking the stage all weekend. My sister-in-law Eileen will be accompanying me on viola for a few tunes too. And Isabel Designs will be setting up a booth! We’ve signed on to be vendors all weekend, bringing our creations ‘off-line’ so to speak. Maybe I’ll see you there! (You can hear some of my songs and get more info about my music here).

Another festival not to be missed in Eastern Ontario is Cornwall’s Lift Off Balloon Festival. The line up this year is incredible, including Amanda Marshall as the headliner, and my good friend Graham Greer as the opening act for her. 

There’s no excuse to stay home this summer. Get out and experience the local flavours of festivals and fairs in your neighbourhood!

A number of years ago, I was introduced to the “auction” when a neighbouring craft and gift shop went out of business and sold all of it’s contents. I still remember the excitement of winning the bid on a ‘job lot’ (which is auction lingo for a box filled with miscellaneous stuff, kind of like an adult surprise bag ). With a friend, we quickly decided that this was an experience we wanted to repeat. That summer we found a few auctions to attend and enjoy together. There was one particularly disappointing day, where after waiting for hours and hours, the items we were interested in sold to a bidder willing to pay more than we were. On our way home, we noticed a sign for a yard sale and stopped in. It was the end of the afternoon, and I now know (being more yard-sale savvy) that the owner was tired and didn’t want to have to put his things back away. As we poked around at the contents on the tables, I found some cute wicker baskets and when I asked how much he was selling them for, he replied $.25 cents. I felt like the lady in the Ikea commercial… “Start the car!!” I thought for sure his wife would come out to yell at him and correct him on the price. 

Each yard sale morning is spent wondering around the country side discovering unexpected treasures. Each experience has found one of us particularly excited about something we have found for an unbelievable price. I have honed my bartering skills, something I learned watching my Dad when I was little. Lately, I’ve been searching for old jewelry beads or parts that I can use in my creations. 

I was bitten that afternoon by the yard sale bug. I have never since waited through a day at an auction. I have however, willingly and eagerly gotten up extra early on Saturday morning to venture into the thrill of the hunt.

A recent yard sale find!

For all the anticipation and stress of the Christmas season, I always look forward to this special day. Even my nieces and nephews still enjoy this day, and as they venture into their own apartments and start having families of their own, they feel even more compelled to carry this event into their futures. Family activities and gathering spell Christmas to me, and I’m so glad craft day is part of our family’s tradition.