Winter2009

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Dear Family and Friends:

Another year has flown, and I find myself in a reflective frame of mind. When I think of my achievements over this past year, I am proud. When I remember many of the projects I have begun but not completed, I am embarrassed. I turned 65 this past April, and celebrated it by producing a concert, and performed in it with several of my Harmelodic Club members. It was recorded, and many of you will receive a copy by the end of January, if not before that. Peter has been very supportive of my many projects. I am fortunate, indeed, to have such a husband. I believe we who are very creative are exciting to live with, but not easy.

I had fewer weddings this year to officiate, but they were memorable. Once again, Peter helped with the driving, and gave me company on weekends, which meant that we would not be apart while I would be giving several hours (at times) to the wedding ceremony. It has also been a good poetic year. I have written many poems, several of which have been published in the local community paper, a few have appeared in poetry annuals across Canada, more have been presented in a special POETS PATHWAY concert, featuring music and poetry of Ottawa poets. I was one of five poets who performed. This was held in the auditorium of the National Library on Wellington Street. You can learn much more about our project by going to http://www.greenspace-alliance.ca/node/122 Two students of mine have supported my projects to a degree which I find amazing. Todd Kelley, a piano student, and Ed Baylin, a voice student, have come to several Harmelodic Club meetings and concerts to record and help me edit these special events. Their expertise and enthusiasm have enabled me to further my work on the Harmelodic Club Anniversary Project and to complete the solstice gift which I am giving you.

I am proud of my students. They have courageously given public performances in schools, churches, and more, tried exams, reached new heights vocally and pianistically, and shared with each other the challenges and joys of learning an instrument. I do not wish to retire, ever! I enjoy being a teacher and an officiant immensely. I have enjoyed the company of my friends this year, especially when several of them were able to attend my birthday concert. I feel such closeness and comfort with them, because we are facing our senior years together. Peter turns 60 on January 23, 2010, and I am planning a special 'open house' celebration, combined with the usual Robbie Burns Day celebrations. There will be music, poetry, food and fun. Peter will be easing into retirement from January on, in that he will be working half-time. We are both looking forward to it. I am hoping we can then play many more duets together. It has been wonderful for me to be in touch more readily with my daughter, who is completing her doctorate in pediatric psychology at the University of Montreal. I am enchanted also with my son-in-law, Kevin, who is completing his doctorate in music at McGill. He is a great son-in-law and takes good care of Moire. I have adopted him completely.

I hope to return to projects which I have barely begun, such as writing a novel, completing the Harmelodic Anniversary Project, reorganizing my music shelves, finishing musical compositions and perhaps putting out a wee poetry chapbook, but now having been given a regular column in a new magazine for women, called "Women On Top", wherein I report and comment on all the non-visual arts, especially those groups, events and issues in Ottawa. Some of my poetry has just been published in the first issue of this magazine, and an article on ageism and women in the arts, which was published last year in The Voice Magazine (now defunct), is also in this new magazine. I will be writing and writing...!

Peter and I wish each and all of you a good Solstice season. I wish you joy, peace, love and a wonderful year ahead.
Diane

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