BUCKET LIST

Some roll their eyes at me when I mention this dream and I know it is a long shot. But I like to think that if I don’t shoot for the stars, I will never hit the moon.

While the Grand Ol’ Opry is my “grand” dream, I do have some other goals I have and would like to achieve. Back when I started this adventure, one of my dreams was to have a band and perform in public. The universe granted this wish in late 2017 as I organized a group of musicians and performed for the Feast of St. Cecelia, Patron Saint of Music, at the Lady of the Rosary Parish. I remember standing on stage with about sixty people in the hall with more walking in from the Mass in the attached church. I stood at the centre of the group and said over the mic… “please bear with me as I would like to soak this in for a moment”. We were asked back for two further years. Then COVID.

I find that these Dream List items enter my mind and change on my list depending on what time brings and what experiences go by. Once I had achieved my band/dance event, my next thoughts ran to performing at marketplaces, more open mic nights, and other local events. All these dreams have come true, and I continue to look forward to these events.

Part of my music journey now includes the writing and recording songs. I cannot say that this process was on my Dream List, but if not, it should have been. Recording in Nashville? Writing songs that other musicians say are JUNO worthy?

Again, not really on my Dream List. This was a far away wish as it seemed out of reach but then it happened.

Moving forward, I have a few items I would like to achieve. A tour. A Juno. Some top ten songs. Acceptance of my songs worldwide. And perhaps some Dreams that are forming in the back of my mind that I am now aware of.

Other Dream List items have included connecting with audience members. Like the comment I received last night about my Little Cowboy song. One of the open mic organizers said how much she likes the song and how she drifts off in her imagination as I play it. To be asked for a request. And the song requested was one in my repertoire so was able to oblige. Having a young lad let me know that my song, Spare Me a Dime, was “a great song” (Coombs Bluegrass Festival). Being asked back to perform at various venues.