I’ve been finding it difficult to focus on my column this week. Last Friday we received news that a much loved friend and musician had passed away. Chris Reed didn’t even achieve the revered status of joining “The 50 Club”. We’ve all been blindsided….totally stunned and still trying to absorb the news. I had to read his brother’s official FB announcement three times before it sunk in who he was really writing about. I thought for sure I was mistaken….but no, and then I burst into tears.
I woke up today (Tuesday) morning, late, thinking of the future and what lies ahead. Of England, of leaving Canada, of all the friendships and relationships I’ve built over the past five years and the very special ones in particular, of all the people that have come into and passed through my life since Chris’s death. I woke up reminiscing for some strange reason, looking around my home and feeling totally amazed at how much my life has changed in such a short period of time. My sons are in a good place with wonderful women. They have both make brilliant choices. I think of Colleen, the daughter-of-my-heart, half- way around the world building a new, exciting and fantastic life. I think of my mom and all that she has seen and lived through during her 90 years on this earth. I also see many of my friends leaving the city for calmer pastures and my eyes scan my comfy home and reflect.
The annual Reg the Cat birthday column is hereby postponed until next week. In its place, I present the following.
I have been in an abyss of grief since my Dear Lois passed last month. I would never have believed that such pain as I am feeling was even possible. But in darkness there is Light, in the midst of despair there is Hope.
The overwhelming rush of good wishes and condolences has been, well, overwhelming. Let me just mention some examples.
It’s 9 o’clock on a……no, no, no, wrong song. Betcha ya got an earworm now….before you even listen to the song.
The last two months have been very rough for Lois and I as we deal with her hospitalization and her illness . We are handling it as a couple, and many, many, thanks to our legion of friends. Bless you all!
Then I got a most welcome email. Canadian Music Week was upon us again, and I had media credentials to collect. Great news, great news indeed. So off I went, picked up my credentials and not one, but two programs. Was I looking forward to this!
I run/operate/host (whatever you want to call it) an AirBnB in my home. A cozy, private room with a very comfortable bed and yes, I even serve breakfast in the morning. That’s what the two Bs signify….Bed AND Breakfast. One of my first guests was a young man whose wife had gifted him with a three-day weekend getaway to attend a concert on one of the Toronto Islands. Up from North Carolina, he was excited to tour around the city so I made a few recommendations and off he went.
Friday night at Lee’s Palace, there was some outstanding musical talent on display. I was there for most of it. The show marked the public debut in Toronto of “My Favourite Filter”. I had seen “MFF” previously, at a small venue, and I am pleased to report that their performance translates well to a larger venue. Expect big things from them, my friends.
It’s a rainy Sunday and I’m supposed be working on piled up paperwork but another attack in England, this time on THE London Bridge has once again diverted my attention. The third one in as many months, I’m wondering exactly what these daft, obtuse thugs (I won’t give them the benefit of calling them terrorists) think they’re accomplishing?
The days are getting shorter, the air is cooler…actually downright cold in the evening. Boots, gloves, toques and scarves are appearing and I’ve finally sucked it up and put the heat on. Warm-to-the-feet bathroom floors are just lovely in the morning. Halloween approaches, American Thanksgiving and then (dare I say)…..oh shush…..Christmas!!!!…73 shopping days left folks!!!
Bullseye Records of Canada
Segarini: Don't Believe a Word I Say 