Peace.....

Hello,

Thanks for checking in.  I'm just coming off a wonderful run of author visits throughout Saskatchewan.  I met so many wonderful teachers and so many amazing students.  I've been to small towns and a few city schools and at every place I was warmly received.  At one of the schools there was a six year old boy who flew into the library kind of like the Fonze from Happy Days used to enter a room.  He was excited to see what was about to take place.  He took one look at me and said, "Hey, what's your name?  You're pretty.  What's your name?  Where are you from?"  He was so cute and really boosted my ego - well, only for a short time.  When I was almost at the end of my presentation he couldn't contain himself any more and he blurted out, "Blah, blah, blah!"  I had to laugh.  Sometimes those little ones have short attention spans and sometimes those little ones are brutally honest.  Regardless, the room was full of laughter and I will never forget that experience.

At Raymore School, the K-6 students performed my song, Who's That Man?, for me.  Wow!  They were amazing and I'm still trying to verbalize exactly how that felt for me - over the top.  They are performing the song again today for their Remembrance Day service at the school.  I'm honoured that my work fits in with Remembrance Day. 

Yesterday I visited Jack Mackenzie school in Regina where I was invited to read my book, Who's That Man?, at their Remembrance Day service.  Another fantastic experience.  First, the staff and students were extremely welcoming, second, their Remembrance Day service was absolutely lovely and peace based and third, I actually got to meet thee Jack Mackenzie who the school is named after. 

I want to say thank you again to every school that invited me to visit this fall and thanks in advance to every school that will invite me in the future.  Sharing my work at schools is my favourite gig.  I really feel "plugged in"  when I'm doing that.

So, tomorrow is Remembrance Day.  I'm going to take time to remember my grandpa who served for the Canadian Military in WWII.  I'm going to think about my grandma who was left alone for four years with five little boys while her husband was serving.  I'm going to think about my dad and his brothers and how it might have been for them to have their dad away for so long.  I'm going to think about the families today that are separated because of war and I'm going to pray for peace. 

I'd love to hear from you.  Take care.

Peace,

Marny

Linger A Little Longer

Hello There,

I hope this letter finds you well.  It's been a few years since Linger the book was released and a few more years since I wrote the song Linger (if you aren't familiar with Linger, it's about my feelings of loss and pride on my youngest daughter's first day of school).  I relived the feelings behind that song ten fold this fall as I watched my 18 year old daughter, Mae, pack most of her things into her jeep and drive away to start a new segment in her life out west.  Wow!  Wait a minute!  Where the heck did the last 18 years go?  She should still be getting on the school bus all proud wearing her new, first day of school outfit.  I should have packed her a lunch and I should have fresh cookies waiting for her when she gets off the bus so we can sit and she can share the adventures of her day with me. 

Truthfully, to see her driving away with a smile on her face and maybe a couple tears in her eyes is really what her dad and I have been working toward all these years.  We want her to go and seek and adventure and fly.  We are so proud of her and so excited to watch as this new phase of her life unfolds.  But for the moment, I'm going to Linger a little longer.....

Drop me a line.  I'd love to hear from you.

Marny

South East Saskatchewan Tour

Good Morning!

I just returned from a wonderful author tour of South East Saskatchewan.  I had ten stops in all from Kipling to Kennedy, Carlyle (Regional Library as well as the school), Manor, Maryfield, Moosomin (Regional Library too), Wapella and Whitewood.  The tour was arranged by Pam Foy.  Pam is a newly retired teacher and she is part of the South East Regional Reading Council as well as the Saskatchewan Reading Council (I hope I have that correct).  She is a gem!  She's beautiful, fun, smart, organized, energetic and loving.  I'm thankful that she helped to introduce me and my work to so many new people.  Everywhere I went I was welcomed with open arms.  Thanks, Pam! 

Aside from the author visits, Pam took me to a tea house in Fairlight, Saskatchewan.  Amazing!  Fairlight is a small village, I don't even think there are a hundred people living there, but in the center of the town is the most fantastic tea house owned by the charasmatic Brenda. I loved her right away.  I had the best coffee at the tea house and was served delicious, fresh bisquits along with cheese and jam.  That was only the second time I had met Pam and I was really trying to mind my manners and there were other people sitting at tables around me enjoying huge, decadent deserts. But truthfully, those bisquits were so good, I just wanted to inhale them like the cookie monster eats cookies.  I controlled myself - well, I think I did.  The tea house is also full of beautiful giftware.  Paintings, kitchen gadgets, furniture, pottery and the list goes on.  I plan go back there before Christmas with my family.

Today I'm off to Southey School for another author visit.  I can't wait. 

I want to say thank you big time to the Saskatchewan Writer's Guild who helps to fund my author visits.  I appreciate what they do there and that they are helping me get my work out into the world.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Time to go.  The girls are in the kitchen making breakfast and I love to visit with them before they go to school.

Have a great day.

Peace!

Marny

Hello!

Happy Fall!  It's a beautiful Sunday morning in my tiny corner of the world this day of October 17, 2010.  The sun is shining high in the sky and the wind is calm.  My darling dog, Jett, took me on a wonderful walk this morning.  Her enthusiasm when the leash comes out is infectious.  She jumps up on all fours and spins around several times showing her appreciation.  How would it look if I used her techniqe to show my gratitude and love?  I think I'll try it. 

Thank you for visiting my website.  It's been almost a year since the launch of "Who's That Man?".   The book is finding its way into the world.  I've received several emails from schools asking permission to use the DVD from the book in classrooms.  I'm happy to grant that permission.  It's my goal to get the book in every school library and public library in North America.  Thank you for helping me with that. 

Last week, I received news that "Who's That Man?" won a Silver Medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards out of the states.  How exciting for my publisher (Your Nickel's Worth), my illustrator (Megan Mansbridge) and me.  We are so thankful!  I will use this medal to help me continue moving the book into every school and public library in North America.  I'm thinking I will travel to Traverse City, Michigan for the medal ceremony in November.  I'll keep you posted.

This week I'll be in South East Saskatchewan on an author tour.  I love travelling and meeting new people.  I'll be sharing the stories behind my books, "Linger" and "Who's That Man?" as well as talking about my new book, "Rockstar!". 

Thanks again for visiting my website.  I'd love to hear from you. 

Love and light,

Marny

What's Your Story?

Hey There! 

I'm happy to report that Who's That Man? has been successfully launched.  We held two official launches.  One at the Book & Brier in Regina and the other at the Lumsden Library in Lumsden.  Both places were gracious hosts and I'm so happy that they were so accomodating.  We had many friends, fans and lots of family out to support us.

On my agenda these days is getting the book into every school library across Canada.  I'm starting with Saskatchewan and I'll move east and west one province at a time.  Also, I'm working on an author tour.  I was able to get to a couple schools prior to Remembrance Day with the book.  I was well recieved and really enjoyed my visits.  I love connecting with the staff and students.

The picture on the left is of Megan Mansbridge, my illustrator (on the left), me and Heather Nickel, my publisher (on the right). 

My dad, Gerry Duncan, is with me in this picture.  He is one of the main charcters of Who's That Man?  I don't think he thought he'd ever have a book written about him.  It makes me wonder how many more stories and songs I can write about my family.  It makes me wonder how many amazing stories every family has that remain untold.  What's your story?

Take care and thanks for checking in.  I'd love to hear from you.

Marny

Hello from Girl Singer Land

It’s been so long since my last post. Maybe you were thinking I’d blown away in the high Saskatchewan winds. No chance of that happening! I’ve got a strong foundation keeping me grounded and I’m happy to say there are many wonderful things unfolding in my world.

My most recent news is the launch of my second book, Who’s That Man?. My beautifully talented friend, Megan Mansbridge – who also illustrated my first book, Linger, has joined me again along with Heather from Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing, to transform my song, “Who’s That Man?”, into an amazingly illustrated children’s book. The story comes from some of my family history with WWII. It’s a story about a homecoming – separated by war, a small boy (my dad) meets his father (my grandfather) for the first time and finds they have been connected by love all along. The book is a 32-page hardcover and comes with a DVD. (The DVD is the actual song synced with the illustrations). Also on the DVD is a conversation I had with my dad, Gerry Duncan, about his memories of his dad’s homecoming. The book is beautiful and it’s available on my newly redesigned website!

The summer of 2009 found me in the cast of the Western Canadian debut of “Canada’s Songbird: A Musical Tribute to Anne Murray” at the Souris Valley Theatre in Estevan SK. This was the first time I had ever performed in a musical theatre. When rehearsals started I was timid and scared. Compared to the rest of the cast, I was the green one. I was out of my comfort zone. I felt like I was in over my head. But, it was one of the best gigs I have ever had. The cast and crew were amazing – every single one of them. I made so many new lifelong friends. (Check out a short backstage video of us here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqWx23xdhO4. And, singing Anne Murray songs and talking about her life was a real honour. I’m a bigger Anne Murray fan than ever. It sounds like the cast will be gathering again in the spring to take the show on the road. I’ll keep you posted.

As far as gigs these days, I’m really enjoying performing with my daughter, Mae. She’s sixteen now. She plays the keys and sings – her voice is kind of bluesy – and I play my guitar and harmonize. We are working on building our repertoire and I’m sure any recording I do in the near future will include her.

I’ll say good bye for now. I hope things are well on your end. Please join Megan and me to help us celebrate the launch of Who’s That Man?. We’ll be at:

Book and Brier in Regina SK, 2pm, Saturday, November 7, 2009 and

Lumsden Library, Lumsden SK, 7pm, Monday, November 9, 2009

If you can’t join us for these dates, you can find the book on my website – my newly redesigned website www.girlsinger.ca.

Take care and I’d love to hear from you.
Marny

Happy spring to you all!

I’m loving the sound of the birds singing and the sun staying around longer these days.

My family and I just returned from a trip to Europe. We traveled to the beautiful town of Citta S’Angelo in the Abruzzo region in Italy to see where my grandfather on my dad’s side was born. It was magical. The town was beautiful as were the people. The wine from the region is now my new favourite. From there we journeyed up to England to the towns of Wilton and Salisbury (real close to Stonehenge) to find where my grandmother on my mom’s side was born. More magic. Here we were able to find some long lost relatives. It was wonderful to meet them and I really hope they say the same about us and that we didn’t scare them – just kidding. We also journeyed through France and into Spain where we spent a fantastic evening with my high school friend, Lisa. Her husband, Cisco, cooked a gourmet meal for us that we will never forget. It was a trip of a lifetime.

I’m happy to be back in Canada and to get back to work. The recording of my second album is moving along great. The first single, “Better Than Chocolate”, was released to radio on Monday. It is a fun up-tempo, great for summer tune written by my good friend and co-writer, Anthony Kelly. Please call your local radio station to request it. (Click on the graphic to the right for a listen

I hope life is good for you and that you find time to get out and enjoy the spring air.

I’d love to hear from you.

Take care,
Marny

Happy 2008 from Girl Singer Land!

I hope 2007 ended on a good note for you all. Here’s a quick review of my year:

• I spent the months of January and February between hibernating, snowmobiling and driving my girls to basketball.
  
  
• My daughter Mae stepped into the spotlight a bit with her music. She started singing the national anthem at the Regina Pats Hockey Games, sang and played piano on live TV for Telemiracle, and made it to the finals of the 620 CKRM Big Country Talent Show (the one I won in 1998). I love watching her on stage as much as I love being up there myself.

• Josi auditioned and nailed down a short speaking part on a Corner Gas episode that aired in October. She loved the entire experience and plans to do more...do we sound a bit like Naomi, Wynonna and Ashley?

• I traveled around the province with Megan Mansbridge, the illustrator of my storybook Linger, sharing the story of the making of the book.
  
  
• Pense School invited us stay for a while and work with the kids. I wrote eight songs with the kids, and Megan helped them illustrate five of them into storybook form. It was a huge and worthwhile project, and I think Megan and I learned as much as or more than the kids. Thanks to Pense School and the Arts Smart Program for making that happen.
  
  
• In April, I was honoured to be one of the featured Saskatchewan authors at the Saskatchewan Reading Council Conference. I must have done okay because they invited me to come back in 2008.
  
  
• In May, I found my way to the Casinos of Winnipeg to open for the Oak Ridge Boys, and got invited back in August to open for Neal McCoy. I love it when I get invited back.
  
  
• In June, I played the Pump here in Regina with my A-Team (always a great gig).
  
  
• Trev, my husband, threw me an amazing “surprise” 40th birthday party. My good friends, Shifty Morgan, entertained us with their music. As well, Trev even sang “Jackson” with me, and my beautiful girls wrote and performed a song called “Rock Star Mom”. It was a fantastic way to turn 40 with lots of friends, family, wine and jello shooters.
  
  
• I was proud to be part of the CCMA Host Committee here in Regina in September. I think the weekend went great! Sadly, I still can’t keep up with the partying that goes on at the CCMAs. Maybe with enough practice throughout the year, I’ll be able to keep up in 2008.
  
  
• I also started recording my second album in September. I’m working here in Regina at Brad Prosko’s studio with Dave Chobot producing. Things are sounding great so far.
  
  
• In October, I finally took my butt to Nashville to do some writing. I wrote with Tim Taylor, RyLee Madison and Larry Wayne Clark. It was scary and fun and left me wanting more.
  
  
• November found me in Little Rock, Arkansas, where I presented my book at a reading conference with about 3000 teachers in attendance from that state as well as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma. The southern hospitality was over the top and the entire experience left me wanting more, again.
  
  
• I was back at the Pump in November with the A-Team just after the Saskatchewan Roughriders won the Grey Cup. Some of the players brought the Grey Cup into the Pump during my gig there. We had lots of fun with that.
  
  
• In December, I slowed things down a bit to enjoy family and friends, wine and more jello shooters.

And now for 2008…. Here’s what I have planned:

• more hibernating in January
  
  
• anther trip to Nashville in February
  
  
• complete the recording of my second album
  
  
• release a single to radio
  
  
• commence the transformation of “Who’s That Man” (a song on my debut album) into storybook form
  
  
• open a clothing store called “THREE”, with two of my good friends, Tara and Jody, in our hometown of Lumsden SK
  
  
• love up my girls, make them practice their instruments and do their homework
  
  
• hang out with my husband
  
  
• get better at my guitar and songwriting
  
  
• more wine and jello shooters
  
  
• and…I’ll keep you posted!

I wish you all the best in 2008. Take care and I’d love to hear from you.

Marny

Hello there from Girl Singer Land!

I hope you had a great summer. Lots of writing for me, a few great gigs, some quality time with my beautiful girls and handsome husband, visiting with fun friends and drinking maybe a little more wine than I should. Summer! I love it, but I'm ready to get back into a fall routine.

I've been working with the host committee for Country Music Week. This huge event is happening in Regina September 7 to 10. We've been having lots of fun getting ready to roll out the red carpet for the folks in the music industry coming from across Canada and the States.

If you are in the area, please come check out my performances at:

Thursday, September 6 at 12:45 amThe Pump Roadhouse (641 Victoria Ave E.)

Sunday, September 9, 4:30 pmSongwriter's Cafe Casino Regina Show Lounge

Take care and please drop me a line when you can.

REG

Hello All,

I'm really sad today. My dog, my beautiful Great Dane, Reg, who I called my son and my boy, died. We are all so sad and shocked. He went from being perfectly healthy and so overflowing with life to passing away in less than 24 hours. What a difference a day makes. I'm so thankful we had him in our lives. He was pure joy and he brought so much happiness to our family. Slobbering and shedding hair everywhere, eating the kids lunch, swiping a sandwich off the counter top, sleeping in every single bed in our house while we were away, chasing the cats and not being able to grip on our laminate flooring, following me everywhere all day - even to the bathroom where he liked sitting on my knee, greeting us at the door everytime we came home, loving a car ride, being messed up by the birds on the nature radio station, staying close when I sang and played my guitar, and always, always being so happy to see us. He's a legend and I'll miss him big time. You can expect a song about Reg on my next album.

Take care and love up your pets today and everyday. Bye for now.

Marny Duncan-Cary

Hello there from Girl Singer Land.

Posted by Marny's webmaster

I hope this finds you safe and well. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Legions in Canada. I was fortunate to be able to perform at a fundraiser for Legion #001 which is in Regina, Saskatchewan. Imagine that! Legion #001 right here under my nose. There were performances from Eileen Laverty, La Raquette à Claquettes, John McDermott and myself. Pamela Wallen gave an amazing and thought-provoking speech about Canada's involvement in the war.

Parts of the fundraiser, which was called "A Night To Remember", will be edited and aired on CBC's National Broadcast of "Sounds Like Canada" on Friday, November 10 at 10:00 am. If you can, tune in to your local CBC radio station or check it out on the web at www.cbcradio.ca. In the picture above I am standing with legendary tenor John McDermott and my friend Corporal Jamie Sinclair, who recently served in Afghanistan. This weekend I'm going to take time to remember the efforts of our veterans of the past, and show my support for the soldiers involved with the war today. I hope you will find some time to do the same. Take care and God bless.

Marny

Pinch & A Punch, First of the Month

Hello There!

I hope you had a great Halloween. We did here. I've been eating my girls candy non stop since they came home last night. I warned them that they shouldn't eat too much or they would get a tummy ache. However, it's me who has a belly ache from non stop eating. You know I would never go out and buy a normal size chocolate bar. I just don't eat them. But those little ones at Halloween - I'm sure they're connected! I'll eat 15 of them at once - okay maybe only 4 or 5 an hour, I'm addicted.

Things with my book, "Linger", are going really well. Fantastic actually. Megan (the illustrator) and I have been busy going to schools and libraries to give book talks. It's fantastic to go and share the book and the process of making a book with students and teachers. Thanks to all the schools and libraries that have opened your doors to us. I think people are really enjoying the book and at the same time, they're hearing my music as well. I love that! I'm reaching an audience that I never would have reached with just my CD. My plan is to travel throughout Saskatchewan talking about my book, Linger, and performing my song, "Linger", (plus a few more) and then branching off to the neighbouring provinces and eventually all of Canada and then look out USA.

This is just a quick blog. I hope things are well in your world and I'd love to hear from you.

Marny

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by Marny's webmaster
Wow! I have so much to be thankful for here in Girl Singer Land. I'd be here all day counting my blessings, but on the short list are: my family (pets included), my friends, my health, my home, the road I'm on in the music business, and now the the road I'm on in the book business. What are you thankful for?

I had a great weekend in Regina SK, launching my book, Linger. (That's me above with the wonderful illustrator of the book, Megan Mansbridge.) The book is being very well received by children and parents alike. I'll be heading to Saskatoon on Wednesday, October 11 for a book signing and performance at McNally Robinson, 3130 8th Street East at 8:30 pm. If you're in the Saskatoon area, please come on out and say hi to me and check out my new book.

Also this Wednesday, you can catch me on the CTV Saskatoon "News at Noon", talking with Jeff Rogstad about my book. I will also be stopping by Hot 93FM to talk with Andrea Everitt, and CJWW to talk with Jay Richards on "Made In Canada" about the developments in my music career, as well as my new career as an author.

For more on me and what's happening in October, and/or to purchase the book Linger visit www.girlsinger.ca.

Take care and I really would like to hear what you're thankful for.
Talk to you soon,
Marny

A new announcement...

Posted by Marny's webmaster

Listen to CBC Radio today! I'll be speaking about my new book, Linger, with Jen Gibson on The Noon Edition. The Noon Edition is undergoing some renovations, including a new name, which will be unveiled today. The talented illustrator of Linger, Megan Mansbridge, will be with me as well!

Air time: approximately 12:15pm, Tuesday, September 5 on CBC Radio
If you live in Saskatchewan: 540 on the am dial
If you live anywhere else in the world: www.cbc.ca/listen (choose Regina button)

Book signings and art shows will take place on:

• Wednesday, September 6, the first official book launch and art show, 6:30-8:30 pm at the Lumsden Library, Lumsden SK
• Thursday, September 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm at The Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre, Regina Beach, SK
• Friday, September 29 from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society, 2431 8th Ave, Regina, SK
• Saturday, September 30 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Book and Brier Patch, 4065 Albert St, Regina, SK

If you can't make it to one of these events or if you'd like an advance copy of the book, you can purchase Linger via my website, www.girlsinger.ca/merchandise.htm. You can also hear my song, "Linger" on my website at www.girlsinger.ca/Music.htm.

Take care!
Marny

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Posted by Marny's webmaster

It's finally here! I just got my book, Linger, back from the printer. The book is an extension of my song "Linger", which is about a mother's bittersweet feelings of loss and pride on her child's first day of school. The talented artist, Megan Mansbridge - also from Lumsden, has beautifully illustrated the book, which incorporates the setting of Saskatchewan's picturesque Qu'Appelle Valley.

The first official Linger book launch and art show takes place on Wednesday, September 5 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Lumsden Library in my hometown of Lumsden, Saskatchewan. If you're in the area and can make it out, please come and say hello to Megan (the talented illustrator) and me. We'd be happy to sign a copy of the book for you and show you the original artwork for the book.

Other book signings and art shows will take place on:

• Thursday, September 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm at The Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre, Regina Beach, SK
• Friday, September 29 from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society, 2431 8th Ave, Regina, SK
• Saturday, September 30 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Book and Brier Patch, 4065 Albert St, Regina, SK

If you can't make it to one of these events or if you'd like an advance copy of the book, you can purchase Linger via my website, www.girlsinger.ca/merchandise.htm. You can also hear my song, "Linger" on my website at www.girlsinger.ca/Music.htm.

Take care and it'd be great to hear from you.
Marny

Linger

Hello There,

How are things? It's Sunday, August 27, 2006 about 8:35 am. My house is still quiet. The girls are taking their last oportunity to sleep in before school starts again tomorrow. They tell me they're not ready, but I think they are anxious to get back into a routine - okay, maybe it's me who's anxious to get them back into a routine. We've had a wonderful summer here at our place - some great gigs, a few trips to the beach, friends having sleep overs, a couple summer movies and shopping for back to school supplies and clothes.

On top of all that, my book, "Linger", was finished and is back from the printers - hot off the press! It looks beautiful! Megan Mansbridge did the illustrations and they are over the top. Heather Nickel from Your Nickel's Worth Publishing put the book together. There is absolutely nothing secondary about this book. I believe it is world class and I'm so excited to get out there and launch it. We start in my hometown, Lumsden, at the Lumsden Library with the first launch on Wednesday, Sept 5 from 6:30 - 8:30. The actual framed illustrations will be there also. I'm really looking forward to showing this project off. You can check out my appearances page for more release dates.

I've been selling a few copies of the book prior to the release and it's kinda funny how easy they sell compared to a CD. Maybe I shouldn't say that, but they sell easy. People aren't just wanting one or two - they want five or six to give as gifts. Great for baby showers, mom's just sending their kids to school for the first time, mom's sending their kids to university for the first time, grandma's, grandpas, aunts, uncles, friends, foes - great for just about anybody. I know the book will be a great addition at my shows.

On the music front of things, I'm feeling like it's time for me to do some major writing to prepare for a sophomore CD. I'll be busy over the next few months writing and acquiring material. I'm looking forward to seeing what I come up with.

My dog, Reg, is begging for his morning walk. I'm going to go do that and then maybe make some waffles - in the mood for waffles.

Take care and I'd love to hear from you.

Marny

Hello there!

Posted by Marny's webmaster

Hope you're having a great summer. I sure am, but, dang it, it's going fast. July was great in Girl Singer Land. I had my whole entire family here for the first week in July. Tons of fun and nobody got hurt - bonus. I also had some fantastic gigs throughout July:

• Canada Day in Wascana Park (Regina)
• The Craven Country Jamboree (this was over-the-top fun)
• The Taste of Regina (where my daughter, Mae, joined me for four songs and an encore - the future of Canadian Country Music is sound)
• The Pump Roadhouse (always a great time and hey! they're nominated for CCMA Club of the Year)

...and now, I've been invited to open for Terri Clark at the Molson Grand Stand at the Buffalo Days Exhibition in Regina this coming Sunday, August 6 at 7:30 pm. If you're in the area, come on out and enjoy some great music.

On a side note, my book, "Linger", is now at the printers and I'm planning a fall release. It looks fantatstic!

Take care and I'd love to hear from you.
Marny

Summer is here!

Posted by Marny's webmaster
I'm looking forward to gigging outside, feeling the sun on my face and swallowing the odd bug while I sing. Things are great here in Girl Singer Land. I just celebrated another birthday. Like many women, I lie about my age. When people ask me how old I am, I tell them I'm 50. They drop their jaws and tell me how good I look for my age. Try this, girls, it's fun.

Some great gigs happening in the next month:

• Canada Day in Wascana Park (Regina), main stage, 7:30 pm - just before the Northern Pikes hit the stage. My talented and beautiful daughter, Mae will be joining me for the last few songs of my set. Come and check her out - she is fantastic.
• Craven Country Jamboree in the Beer Gardens. Thursday, July 13 at 1:00am and Saturday, July 15 at 9:00pm. These are going to be high energy shows and I can't wait.
• Taste of Regina, Thursday, July 20 at 7:00pm. Come have supper in the park and listen to some great music.
• Friday and Saturday, July 21 & 22 at the Pump Roadhouse (Regina). It's been too long since I've played there and I'm looking forward to heading back to this fantastic establishment.

I hope you have a great summer and if you can't make any of these shows, please drop me a line to say hi.

Take care,
Marny

p.s. My book, "Linger", will be ready late August. It's going to be beautiful!

May. Day

Hurray, Hurray, first day of May! Outside _________ begins today! You fill in the blank.

I hope things are well in your world. I first want to say hello to Sean and Darlene from Nokomis. We saw them at a wedding on April 29th. Hey Sean and Darlene! Thanks for being so interested in my music career and so supportive. I appreciate it big time. I always enjoy seeing you two and I know Trev does also. I hope you're having a great spring up there in Nokomis.

Things are great in Girl Singer Land. I survived the winter. I always feel like I've really accomplished a huge task after getting through another Saskatchewan winter. The wind and the cold and the dark can slow me down. Maybe I'm cold blooded like a frog - things just kinda quite moving much in the winter.

I did attend a great songwriting workshop sponsored by Sask Music in Saskatoon. They brought in Dean McTaggart, Ralph Murphay and James Dean Hicks. Huge master songwriters. Lots to learn from them and lots of fun with other Saskatchewan songwriters. I've been to a couple workshops that Ralph Murphay has been leading. Both times he spoke about a woman who recently wrote a book that made it to the best sellers list. He told of how for many years she went to workshops around the states to learn more about writing a book. After years of hard work and determination, she ended up with a novel on the best seller's list. A wonderful, encouraging story and I can't help but think Ralph is looking right at me everytime he tells this story. Maybe its his way of saying, "Don't give up."

Giving up, I'm not. I came home from that workshop and formed a small writing group with other Sask writers. We are writing from a title whenever we get together. Actually, the title is given prior to getting together and everyone writes from the same title and then comes and shares what we've come up with. Really interesting to see how a few people can come up with so many different views of the same title. I'm digging it and I'm writing more than I've written in a while.

On the home front things are going great. I'm assistant coaching Josi's softball team. Twelve 10 year olds learning to play ball. Fun and frustrating at the same time. Last week, the centerfield player let a ball go by her because she was doing her hair. This week, the second base player let one by her because she was practicing her dance moves. I played softball growing up and it's funny how much of what my coaches said to me all those years ago is coming back to me. Haven't won a game quite yet, but I can see definite improvement in these little athletes.

And, I'm playing ball as well this year. I joined the ladies softball team in Lumsden. Those girls can play. No fooling around there. I had to giddyup big time to keep up. I was more nervous my first time up to bat than I was when I sang for the Queen last year. Yikes. I hit it. Not hard and not far, but I hit it. I'm either going to have to take some time in the batting cage with a private coach or jump in front of the ball for a walk if I'm going to get on bass.

Girls just got home from school. I better go get supper happening. Josi has a big ball game tonight.

Take care and I'd love to hear from you soon.

Marny

"Girl Singer Heads West!"

Hope this finds you healthy and happy. Life is vibrant as ever here in Girl Singer Land. I'm heading west for a short tour over the May long weekend. Check out my appearances page for details of the tour. Really looking forward to smelling that mountain air and hearing my yodels bounce off the Rockies.

I started a writing group that meets a couple times a month. We've been at it since February. We pick a new title at the end of each session and then everyone goes home and writes from the same title using their own perspective. Some interesting stuff coming out of these meetings. I'm digging it and I'm writing more than I have in a long time.

My book, "Linger", is taking wonderful shape. The artist, Megan Mansbridge, is almost done the illustrations. I'll keep you posted on its fall release. It's going to be fantastic!

On the homefront, I've taken on the duties of Assistant Coach for Josi's (our youngest daughter's) softball team. Lots of fun teaching these young ones how to play ball. I'm trying hard not to be too competitive, but I've got them all on a nutritious eating regime and strict exercise plan - just kidding.

Mae (our middle one) has been busy singing a bit and playing the piano, but her biggest dilemma is deciding what to wear to school the next day and figuring out how to do her hair. She really cracks me up with how serious she is about it. Crystal (our oldest) is graduating at the end of May. Wow! how times flies - Johnny Reid knows what he's talking about in his latest song. Better go pack for the tour west. Take care and I'd love to hear from you.

Marny

p.s. The bass playing is coming along. I love it! I'll be breaking it out for a few songs during this tour.