Enjoying life

It's been a great start to the fall season so far and I have lots to be grateful for on this thanksgiving long weekend.  Sometimes in the rush of day to day life, I find it's easy to lose track of all the work that we as artists and entrepreneurs put into getting to where we are.  I've been making a point of reflecting on what I am grateful for whenever I feel as though my life has gotten too busy and ultimately reminding myself that I am lucky to be able to make music for a living and share that gift with others.  Thanks to all of the people who've inspired me along the way and continue to inspire me daily.  

On that note, it was a treat to get to go down to LA with my wife Bless and help her find fabric at the LA Textile and Fabric Expo a couple of weeks ago. So great to get to extend the summer and check out LA again.  I haven't been back since I studied at the LA Music Academy ten years ago.  We had a wonderful and successful time and the ball is rolling for Bless' new yoga clothing line. Keep your eyes peeled for Bless & Robin Yoga clothing coming your way soon!

As soon as we flew back into town, I had a long day of teaching sharing world rhythms and marimba music with the alternative school 8J9J, followed by the marimba program I run at Britannia Community Centre to kids and teens, then a show with Locarno at the Kay Meek Theatre.  The next day, I hit the road with the Paperboys for the first time on a fun tour to Revelstoke, Kelowna and finishing in Oliver at the Festival of the Grape.  It felt like summer at the festival with the wine flowing and the sun beating down on us.  

This week I've been busy teaching at SoM and preparing for the Tambura Rasa album release tonight!  We've been working hard on this album since June when we recorded at the Armoury Studios.  My good friend Ivan Tucakov has put in countless hours mixing and editing the songs and I can't wait to present them live for the first time!

This weekend I am excited to visit my family in Victoria, eat some pumpkin pie, and see my new niece in person for the first time.  As I said, lots to be grateful for this fall season.  Tuesday evening, I hit the road with Locarno for a showcase at the Arts Northwest music conference in Eugene, Oregon, followed by a mini-tour of the Northwest with shows in Eugene, Seattle and Brackendale.  


Wishing all of you a restful and joyous long weekend!

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