Happy Canada Day everyone! 

No matter how many times I celebrate it with my lovely friend Brenda, it never gets tired and it always reminds me how many amazing musicians out there are Canadian. Speaking from my own obsessions, I love a bit of Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette (forever my inspiration), Loreena McKennit, Sarah McLachlan I mean the list just goes on and on and on really! And that's just the music! Let us not forget the amazing mounties, maple syrup, mountains, Brendan Fraser ugh I mean really what's not to love about Canada?

So I learnt a few covers for my set - I sing some songs every year at this amazing gathering - and finally after all this time, after all the suggestions, hints, emails I took everyone's advice and listened to Joni Mitchel. Wow. I mustered my way through a case of you... I think it was alright but next time it'll be better ;) Canada day also gave me the chance to cover some Rita McNeil, whom I grew up listening and trying to sing along to. I continue to be blown away by her voice but the music just stirs something, hope I can make music like that some day!

So I've had a grand ol' time despite a very bizarre week of tough choices. I recently had to leave a job as I need to work part-time (something about creative types...we seem to self-destruct via anxiety if we don't have enough time to roam free) so after 2+ years I walked away from working in a school and last week was my first day of my new job in a care home. I was excited and really liked the thought of really feeling like I was making a difference but after one day - I know right - overwhelmed by the paperwork and somewhat rigid schedule I just knew it wasn't going to work. I'd only had to walk away from a job once before and in that case it was because the GCSE class that dominated my timetable had taken it upon themselves to destroy the contents of my bag and classroom.... In other words it was a far more obvious reason. This time I had to let it go because my music meant more to me. With this new job I wouldn't have been able to gig as much let alone tour. Tutoring would go out of the window; it would have basically become my life. But I already have a life, and I already have a calling. It was weird and honestly I spent the whole evening in tears at the realisation that I couldn't stay. Friday came and I had to let them know (how embarrassing) but I also had band practice. Luckily I have a good friend in my Johnny Cash as he knows a head case when he sees it and clearly my mind was on other things. He drove me up, we got it done and he said "well you're still young, this is growing up" which gave me an immediate flashback to the blink 182 song (that I adore), 'Dammit' with the refrain I guess this is growing up. Yup!

So I realised I've waffled on now for quite sometime but I wanted you to get a feel for what's been going on and what's to come :) Album-wise all is recorded I'm just waiting on the mixes. Instrument-wise, I bought a Ukulele (shout out to Thomas Richards, yes it's because of your cover of Barefoot & Kissing). Gig-wise lots coming up in the fall starting with our Johnny Cash Tribute act at the Plough in Torrington (more dates to come). So yeah... it's a time of change but I maintain a good one!

Take care and stay cool in this crazy heat wave!

Rose xxx