my guests; Kayli Bond, Haileigh Bond, Susan Clarke

This edition of Vocal Vibes rolls through a small community on a family bond and  a red wagon. Listen in to hear what happened when Haileigh decided to help her Bubby.

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

my guest; Ken Caissie

Saying that my guest Ken is committed to his cause is an understatement. In this edition of Vocal Vibes find out what’s drawn him to give his life’s blood.

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

my guest; Helen Bzdel

Helen is a woman with an unusual expertise that’s a hoot to share with brain injury patients, corporate leaders and anyone else she can. Hope you’re wearing comfortable clothing because this edition of Vocal Vibes has got the giggles.

Many thanks to my prize sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,

Santa Lucia LFR

http://www.santaluciamusic.com

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Prize Give away Contest Question:

my guest; Phyllis Wheaton

One request, many attempts and thousands of hands taking part to bring hope to tiny hearts. In this edition of Vocal Vibes I chat with the woman who made sure to get Izzy’s story straight.

Many thanks to my prize sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,

Phyllis Wheaton

http://www.inthemoodforpeace.com

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Prize Give away Contest Question:

my guest; Stephanie Hurst

Is it chemical, bacterial, viral? It starts in the lungs, but where could it go from there? Serendipity steps in on this edition of Vocal Vibes as my guest Stephanie lets us in on a rare occurrence that took her breath away.

Many thanks to my prize sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,

Nature’s Cave

http://www.naturescave.ca

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Prize Give away Contest Question:

my guests; Dionne, Timothy Phillips, George Milbrandt, Ken Marr and Marc Rainville

I’m talking to the people who take ‘em in the finale of my series on alternate currencies.  My guest merchants accept complimentary currency for Reiki, beer, carrots, hot water tanks and wads more. Listen in on my conversations for the chance to win a prize.

Many thanks to my prize sponsor for this edition of Vocal Vibes,

Nature’s Cave

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Prize Give away Contest Question:

my guest; Mike Unrau from Calgary Dollars

Listen in on part 2 of my series on alternate currencies. Circulating new ideas about money is the mission of Mike and his team. They make sure to deliver the goods through action, food and fun.

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Prize Give away Contest Question:

my guest; Corin Raymond

This edition of Vocal Vibes kicks off my series on alternate currencies with the story of a crazy caper that has resounded across Canada. My guest Corin tells us how, with a little help from complete strangers, he’s nickel and dimed his way into Canadian history.

Many thanks to my sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,

Quatro Industries

http://www.quatroindustries.com

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Prize Give away Contest Question:

The artist voted as winner of the 2012 Vocal Vibes Artist of the Year Award is Sunday Wilde. I spoke with Sunday by phone to give her the good news. Our conversation is part of the January edition of my Vocal Vibes Podcast.

Thank you again to my sponsors of the prizes for the winning artist, Canada Disc (Calgary location) and Renaissance Music Ltd in Kingston ON. I was very impressed by their support of this brand new award.

Here is a rundown of the vote standings as of closing at midnight on Dec 31, 2012;

Amy Campbell – 64

Clea Roddick – 0

Dani Star – 1

Hark The Herons – 3

Karyn Ellis – 3

Nathan Day Project – 5

Pedro Costa – 30

Phyllis Wheaton – 76

Pure Joy – 0

Santa Lucia LFR – 10

Sora – 0

Sudbury Youth Rocks – 0

Sunday Wilde – 84

WilliamCarey – 2

my guest; Mirja Parry

Meet Mirja, a woman who knows how to have balls of fun with plastic bags. Plus, the winner of the Vocal Vibes Artist of the Year Award is announced.

Many thanks to my sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,

CanIndie

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro  music
from Mirage CD by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Ode to Terapin Station
from Alex Boisselle’s Ashbury Train CD by Alex Boisselle, 2010

http://www.myspace.com/alexandreboisselle
https://www.facebook.com/alexandreboisselle

After The Show
from Lucky Tonight  CD, by Romi Mayes 2006

http://www.romimayes.com/

Seems Like Yesterday
from The Road it Goes CD, by Jen Foote, 2012

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-road-it-goes/id569480284

Lizzy the cat lounges on one of the sleeping mats Mirja Parry made for children in Haiti

For those of you who are good at it, or weaving, there are patterns to make the mats. After some searching I found a link to the Aylmer United Church site, and it has the information for making the mats.

http://aylmeruc.wetpaint.com/page/Milk-Bag+Mats

There Was A Time
from He Gave Me a Blue Nightgown CD by Sunday Wilde, 2012

http://www.sundaywilde.com

HDP15.Thumper 01 - sound bumper
Diger Boing – sound bumper

Written and Produced by Grant Corriveau

http://www.soundcloud.com/qrstee

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my guests; Nancy Painting, Karen Shaver and Scott Mair

With the season of frenzied shopping, blasé buying and mall music ringing in the ears, I thought that it would be fun to check out some other ways to gift this holiday season.

All of the nominees for the Vocal Vibes Artist of the Year Award are featured this month.

Many thanks to my sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,

Dog Grooming by Gale

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro  music
from Mirage CD by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Les Grands Frères Grandes Soeurs du Canada
3228 South Service Road, Suite 113E
Burlington, Ontario L7N 3H8
800-263-9133

http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

“We commit to Canada’s young people that we will be leaders in providing them with the highest quality, volunteer based mentoring programs”

Birds Come Back
from Songs of the Year: Vol .2, track released 28 April 2011
Produced by Clea Roddick and Craig Newnes

Clea Roddick-Piano/Vocals
Noel Johnson-Vocals
Craig Newnes-Guitar/Bass/Glockenspiel
Spencer Cheyne-Drums

http://www.clearoddick.com/
http://clearoddick.bandcamp.com/

Phone Calls from Home
from Move Along  CD, 2012

Written by Nathan Day Project
Recorded and mixed by Latent Image Studios

http://www.facebook.com/thenathandayproject
http://www.thenathandayproject.bandcamp.com

Still Keeping It Yeats
from Mean Every Word CD, by Pure Joy, 2012

Written by Alex Ricci and Robin Wright

The album was conceived in both Magnetic Sound and the Lion’s Den studios in Guelph ON, recorded and mixed by band members Scott Fitzpatrick and Alex Ricci.

http://www.purejoyband.bandcamp.com/

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
3873 Swan Lake Victoria, B.C. Canada, V8X 3W1
Phone: (250) 479-0211
http://www.swanlake.bc.ca/the-sanctuary.php

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a nature education centre. The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary will be a leader in the stewardship of functioning & diverse ecosystems and an urban refuge that provides opportunities to bring people and nature together.

We provide a diverse and enriching experience with a focus on natural history, education and ecological restoration to inspire personal action in stewardship activities.  Offering programs for; School, Children’s, All ages and Adults

I Will
from Suppressed Anthems CD, 2011

Written by Santa Lucia LFR
Performed by Santa Lucia LFR

 http://www.santaluciamusic.com

Pie In The Sky
from Discovery CD, 2011

Written by Pedro Costa
Performed by Pedro Costa

http://www.pedrocosta.com

I Still Do
from Letters from Home CD, 2011

Written by Amy Campbell
Produced by Don Kerr

http://www.amycampbell.ca
http://www.facebook.com/therealamycampbell

I came across a brilliant quote that fits perfectly with the graceful giving theme. This is it;

“Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
Oren Arnold

Bitter Grasses
from Even Though The Sky Was Falling CD by Karyn Ellis, 2009

Written by: Karyn Ellis

Produced by Karyn Ellis and Don Kerr
Mixed by Ken Friesen
Mastered by David Travers-Smith

http://karynellis.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/KarynEllis

Moving On
pre-release track
Produced by Sora

Sora-Piano/Vocals

http://www.soramusic.ca

Canadian Heart
from Under Skies CD, by Hark The Herons, 2010

Written by Kalyn Allan and Glenn Lavender
Produced by Kalyn Allan and Glenn Lavender

http://www.harktheherons.com
http://www.harktheherons.com/albums/under-skies

Raven
from Mirage by WilliamCarey 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Blankets for Canada Society – Est. 1998
210A – 12A – Street N    Suite 217
Lethbridge, AB  T1H 2J1
Phone:  403-329-6586

http://www.blankets4canada.ca
Email: nj44p[AT]shaw.ca

Blankets for Canada set its first year goal of 100 blankets, to be completed by the end of 1998.  In that year alone, and with only one chapter, in Lethbridge, Alberta, over 200 blankets were completed.

As the twentieth century ended, the year 2000 saw Blankets for Canada spread out across our great land, with chapters and groups in every province and the three territories.  Some groups consist of one or two people, and others have dozens of committed volunteers.

Blankets for Canada has recorded 20,000 or more volunteer hours each month just knitting, crocheting and sewing blankets together across Canada.

Canadians have knit by hand, and by machine; crocheted and quilted blankets to help warm their fellow Canadians.   Canadians of all ages, many cultures and both genders give generously of their time and talents.

We Will Run
from Choices  CD by Dani Star, 2011

Written by: Dani Star
Performed by: ATTIC JACK
Players: Dani Star (vocals, guitar) | Paul DiSalle (vocals, guitars) | Jesse Leclerc (Bass) | Dave Turnbull (Drums)
Studio Choir: Adam Blais, Trevor Taylor, Claire Carriere, Jacinthe Brisebois, Alexie Brisebois, Diane Brisebois, Julie Crispin Taylor, Christine Delarosbil, Jean-Luc Brisebois, Renee St-Georges, Lisa Hamilton, Paul DiSalle, Dani Star, Gilles Blais, Tim Dupont, Alison McKnight, Kristyanne Dubé, Rachel McKnight, David McKnight, Cody Traynor, Simon Trottier
Mixed by: Luke Sellen
Mastered by: Cory Barnes
Recorded by: Luke Sellen on January 25th 2010 @ Cosmic Daves (Sudbury, Ontario, CANADA)
Produced by: Dani Star | Paul DiSalle

http://www.danistarmusic.com

Show Me a Man
from What Man? Oh That Man!!!  CD by Sunday Wilde, 2011

Written by: Sunday Wilde
Piano/Vocals: Sunday Wilde
Guitar: David West
Upright Gut Stringed Bass: Ronnie Hayward

Produced by: Sunday Wilde
Engineer: Greg Schultz

http://www.sundaywilde.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sundaywilde2

Doin It
from The First Song by Phyllis Wheaton, 2005

Phyllis Wheaton-Vocals
Jeff Muller-Fretless Bass, Accoustic rythm/Lead Guitar
Jim Munro, Phyllis & Jeff-Finger snappers

phylliswheaton.com

HDP15.Thumper 01 - sound bumper
HauseWerk – sound bumper

Written and Produced by Grant Corriveau

http://www.soundcloud.com/qrstee

follow me on Facebook -

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorandSongwriterCindyONeil

Infatuation II

I’m glad I got to meet you.
Having had so much to say.
I’m glad I got to meet you.
It’s a shame we could not play.
I’m glad I got to meet you,
As our paths stray.

I hope the winds that greet you
Don’t leave your clouds grey.
I hope the minstrels song,
Brings you back one day.
I was happy to have pleased you.
You really brightened up my day.
I’m glad I got to meet you.
Having had so much to say.
I’m glad I got to meet you.
It’s a shame we couldn’t play.

I’m glad I got to meet you,
As our paths stray.
I hope the minstrels song,
Brings you back one day.

CD: Flight
Lyrics: Frank Keller
Music:  Mike Kennely and Cindy O’Neil
copyright 1997

Get InfatuationII from CD Baby

Write a review of the album on CD Baby for a free song download.

my guests; Aidan, Nicole and Brent Craddock

Tiny hands doing big work is the best way to describe Aidan’s project.  In this final segment in my series of  shows about young people doing positive acts I fumble my way through some fiddly hand stuff, and learn how much impact one choice makes.

Many thanks to my sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,  Shelley Duggan

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro and extro music
from Mirage CD by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Bitter Grasses
from Even Though The Sky Was Falling  CD by Karyn Ellis, 2009

Written by: Karyn Ellis

Produced by Karyn Ellis and Don Kerr
Mixed by Ken Friesen
Mastered by David Travers-Smith

http://karynellis.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/KarynEllis

Still Keeping It Yeats
from Mean Every Word  CD, by Pure Joy, 2012

Written by Alex Ricci and Robin Wright

The album was conceived in both Magnetic Sound and the Lion’s Den studios in Guelph ON, recorded and mixed by band members Scott Fitzpatrick and Alex Ricci.

http://www.purejoyband.bandcamp.com/

Canadian Heart
from Under Skies  CD, by Hark The Herons, 2010

Written by Kalyn Allan and Glenn Lavender
Produced by Kalyn Allan and Glenn Lavender

http://www.harktheherons.com
http://www.harktheherons.com/albums/under-skies

HDP15.Thumper 01 - sound bumper
Diger Boing – sound bumper
HauseWerk – sound bumper

Written and Produced by Grant Corriveau

http://www.soundcloud.com/qrstee

Watch the video edition of this show on

CindyOvideo

follow me on Facebook  -

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorandSongwriterCindyONeil

Firewater

By the Cocalala,
on a moonlit night.
Dancing by the shoreline.
Your arms enshroud me tight.
Every sense is heightened,
into ecstasy.
Soft warm waves flow with us.
Caressing our naked feet.

Behold Firewater,
Behold Firewater,
Behold Firewater,
it runs through me.

Immerse me in your kingdom.
Heal me with your eyes.
Speak not of future promise,
may our frontier be blue skies.
All the flood gates open,
dreams surging forth.
Soft warm waves race through us,
igniting passion’s stream.

CD: Flight
Lyrics:  C. O’Neil, 1998
Music:  Nacio Herb Brown 1929
Adaptation of Pagan Love Song

Get Firewater from CD Baby

Write a review of the album on CD Baby for a free song download.

Flight

A young woman was controlled by a dream she could fly.
So at night she would lie,
soaring off to places she couldn’t find names to.
Mother I’ve twisted my back into wings,
and I am convinced my soul can do anything.

She spent days alone and in pain.
Twisting her arms into wins again.
Running and taking small flights at the sun.
Looking for buildings tall enough to take flight from.
Mother I’ve twisted my back into wings,
and I am convinced my soul can do anything.

Everyone tried to tie her down.
With their own heavy weather.
But she felt the beautiful sun,
lifting her up with it’s feathers.
When your vision is strong,
People’s envy will tell you you’re wrong.
But you must know,  life is not easy.

She mounted the tallest building and stared.
The seeds of doubt had been sown.
She kept repeating she could fly on her own.
As she leapt for the sun ever higher.
But only her soul lifted skyward.

CD: Flight
Lyrics: Greg Heard
Music:  Tim Gallop
copyright

Get Flight from CD Baby

Write a review of the album on CD Baby for a free song download.

Livin’ Right

When I come home and you’re not there,
It’s ok, cause I don’t care.
I do what I do, I do what I like.
Cause I’m livin’ right.

When I’m alone and get real sad.
I think about you babe, what we had.
If you were here, what do I see?
I see misery.

They say time will mend and time will heal.
Heartache you have, pain that you fee.
Time has come now, it’s done it’s deed.
And you’re not something that I need.

Now I do what I do and I do what I like.
Do what I like most every night.
Things are good when you don’t have to fight.
Life is good, cause I’m livin’ right.

They say time will mend and time will heal.
Heartache you have, pain that you fee.
Time has come now, it’s done it’s deed.
And you’re not something that I need.

CD: Flight
Lyrics: Stephen Baldick
Music:  Stephen Baldkick
copyright 1997

Get Livin’ Right from CD Baby

Write a review of the album on CD Baby for a free song download.

Wings In Flight

I sit here listening
to the morning song.
It vibrates to my deepest soul.
A language so clear,
Too pure to be wrong.

Eyes closed, ears open, heart memorizing every single note.

Only doing what they know,
wings in flight to and fro.
Only doing what they know.
wings in flight to and fro.

Slate light of dawn begins to come clear.
My eyes open, the picture now whole.
They call, they answer, and all of them hear.

Hopes rising, ears open, heart memorizing every single note.

Only doing what they know,
wings in flight to and fro.
Only doing what they know.
wings in flight to and fro.

Lyrics:  C. O’Neil
Music: C. O’Neil and Andrea Hunt 2007
copyright 1998 Cindy O’Neil

Another product of insomnia, I wrote this while visiting a friend in Vancouver.
In a restless mood, I decided to go outside. At first all was quiet, then…get the full story in my e-book.

Feed The Goose

The world is full of
layoffs, payoffs
down sizes’ compromises,
all been said and done.

You’re sick of being
tapped out, maxed out.
bossed round and let down
by everybody else.

So what’s your excuse?

Feed the goose.
You gotta feed the goose.
You wanna see the juice.
You gotta feed the goose.
Feed the goose.
You gotta feed the goose.
You wanna see the juice.
You gotta feed the goose.

Your life is full of
work load, debt load
bank fees, late fees
never seems to end.

Feel like you’re gonna’
implode, explode
break down, melt down,
cause you’re just so stressed.

So what’s your excuse?

Feed the goose.
You gotta feed the goose.
You wanna see the juice.
You gotta feed the goose.
Feed the goose.
You gotta feed the goose.
You wanna see the juice.
You gotta feed the goose.

Why should it produce?
How could it produce?
If you don’t feed?
If you don’t feed?
If you don’t feed?
That golden goose.

Feed the goose.
You gotta feed the goose.
You wanna see the juice.
You gotta feed the goose.
Feed the goose.
You gotta feed the goose.
You wanna see the juice.
You gotta feed the goose.

Single release
Lyrics: Cindy O’Neil
Music:  Cindy O’Neil & Carey Parder
copyright 2004 Cindy O’Neil

Get Feed The Goose from CD Baby

Write a review of the song on CD Baby for a free song download.

Take This Wish

Don’t know where you been last night,
And I really don’t seem to care.
You’re always gong, keep movin’ along,
It all seems so unfair.
It’s time to go, and I think you should know
We’ve both reached the end.
So take this wish, sealed with one kiss,
And never come round again.

You don’t love me anymore.
You don’t know what love is for.
All I gave, I gave to you.
I bear this pain that you put me through.

It’s been suggested to walk away
And look for something new.
So here’s your goodbye, no need to cry,
It’s something I must do.
Funny how you’re listenin’ now,
I’m afraid you’re just a little too late.

You don’t love me anymore.
You don’t know what love is for.
All I gave, I gave to you.
I bear this pain that you put me through.
You don’t love me anymore.
You don’t know what love is for.
This broken heart you could not mend.
How could you call yourself a friend?

Now I’ve come to see the light,
And it all makes sense to me.
Don’t open your heart right at the start,
And it won’t bring misery.
Take your time, then you’ll find,
What it is you’re searchin’ for.

CD: Flight
Lyrics: Brenda Lynn Smith
Music:  Cindy O’Neil & Carey Parder
copyright 1997 Cindy O’Neil

Get Take This Wish from CD Baby

Write a review of the album on CD Baby for a free song download.

my guests; Raven and Samantha Knapp

This month we’re visiting Raven,  who’s incubating one of her long term projects in a peanut butter jar.  This 2nd in my series of 3 shows about young people doing positive acts is good news for things furry and feathered.

Many thanks to our sponsor of this edition of Vocal Vibes,  Scully Love Promo

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro and extro music
from Mirage CD by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Show Me a Man
from What Man? Oh That Man!!!  CD by Sunday Wilde, 2011

Written by: Sunday Wilde
Piano/Vocals: Sunday Wilde
Guitar: David West
Upright Gut Stringed Bass: Ronnie Hayward

Produced by: Sunday Wilde
Engineer: Greg Schultz

http://www.sundaywilde.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sundaywilde2

Phone Calls from Home
from Move Along  CD, 2012

Written by Nathan Day Project
Recorded and mixed by Latent Image Studios

http://www.facebook.com/thenathandayproject
http://www.thenathandayproject.bandcamp.com

I Still Do
from Letters from Home CD, 2011

Written by Amy Campbell
Produced by Don Kerr

http://www.amycampbell.ca
http://www.facebook.com/therealamycampbell

Zombie Jig - sound bumper
Diger Boing – sound bumper
Written and Produced by Grant Corriveau

http://www.soundcloud.com/qrstee

Watch the video edition of this show on

CindyOvideo

follow me on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AuthorandSongwriterCindyONeil

William

It’s a bit over two years since you went away.
Often I’ve been sorry I wasn’t there that day.
To have held your hand and looked you in the eye.
At least to have said a proper goodbye.
But you were all alone.
We were at our homes,
and had to be told by a stranger over the phone.

William died today.
We’re so sorry he passed away.
He went in his sleep.
We are sure he felt no pain.

So we tried to get along.
Patch life up and carry on.
Knowing we couldn’t pretend,
the life that we knew had come to its end.
Asking where do I go from here?
With this pain and all this fear.
Now the last link is gone and I can’t go home.

William died today.
We’re so sorry he passed away.
He went in his sleep.
We are sure he felt no pain.

It’s a bit over two years since you went away.
I’m sitting here by the river on a sunny day.
Remembering all those times we watched the stars together.
Fixing cars and cutting stones,
and complaining about the weather.

CD: Flight
Lyrics and Music:  C. O’Neil
copyright 1997 Cindy O’Neil

When I was little, my father and I would go stone collecting in the summer. We’d get up at dawn, Dad would have a cup of coffee, tea for me, and then into the car we’d jump.

Often we drove for up to two hours and into the middle of…get the full story in my e-book.

Does One Win

As the potter moulds the clay,
and so we shape our lives.
Fighting every day to make our niche,
for things to work out right.
But what the hell is right we ask?
To speak my mind,
or wear a mask?

To toil all day and save for morrow.
Or soak up the sun and have to borrow.
Either way how does one win?
Where does failure stop?
And success begin?

As the roller coaster rides,
and so we rise or fall.
Screaming’ deep inside,
asking’ who I am and what do I want?
But what the hell are we thinking?
Can’t even swim and,
the boat is sinking’.

Do we toil all day and save for morrow.
Or soak up the sun and have to borrow.
Either way how does one win?
Where does failure stop?
And success begin?

CD: Flight
Lyrics:  C. O’Neil
Music:  C. O’Neil and Sandra Bay
copyright 1997, 1998 Cindy O’Neil

This one took its time coming out. As is usually the case, lyrics will come to me at the oddest hours and often when I am trying desperately to …get the full story in my e-book.

Where & When

Submersed in silk hot water.
Listening to Latin guitar.
Breathless from rosemary aroma,
I dream of where you are.

Candles birth wax waterfalls,
flames bewitched by the beat.
My heart also enchanted
wonders when again we will meet.

Where and when will you come again?
I may never know.
Where and when will you come again?
True love I pray so.

Candles birth wax waterfalls,
flames bewitched by the beat.
My heart also enchanted
wonders when again we will meet.

A primal ache deep within,
battles any common sense.
Desire screams to be fulfilled.
My body begs your touch intense.

CD: Flight
Lyrics:  C. O’Neil
Music:  C. O’Neil and Jason Kendall
copyright 1998 Cindy O’Neil

Being single is both celestial and arduous. You have the freedom to go anywhere and do anything on your…get the full story in my e-book.

Before The Mist

Leaves off the tree
They’ve all fallen away
With such deep roots
You think they’d wanna stay
Started so very fragile.
Need all light, all love.
Energy boundless and free flowing
What ever became of

Before the mist
When first we wished
Of life in it’s purest form
Before the mist
When first we kissed
Temptation

Sniff the air
Search everywhere
Except where answers lie
Falling and running
Scratching and cunning
Wondering why it is we can’t fly.
Must it be so rare
Or from a scare
We glimpse so slightly the other side.
Would a difference be seen?
What could it mean,
If at all we tried.

CD: Flight
Lyrics:  Cindy O’Neil
Music:  C. O’Neil and Carey Parder
copyright 1997 Cindy O’Neil

I believe that before we are born we know exactly what our calling or lesson in life is. As babies we hold this knowledge and purity, allowing it to flow freely through us. But as we grow into our humanness we are kissed by all the…get the full story in my e-book.

Kidz Creation

We painted this creation
To help give a kid a vacation
A fun colourful chair
That could go almost anywhere

We adults did the arms and bits
For the back and where someone sits
The kids took the reins
With exterior paints and stains
Expressing their imagination
While working in cooperation

We love to do our part
By creating the interesting art
But You’ll be a champ 
And send a kid to camp
When you buy our Kidz Creation chair
That could go almost anywhere

my guests; Dylan and Vaundra Bruce

Welcome to the first in my series of 3 shows about young people doing good things. The Aug 2012 edition checks in with 12 year old Dylan and his two year project.

Big thanks to Earthscapes for sponsoring this edition of Vocal Vibes.
http://www.earthscapes-sudbury.com

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro and extro music for this edition of Vocal Vibes
from Mirage CD by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

We Will Run
from Choices  CD by Dani Star, 2011

Written by: Dani Star
Performed by: ATTIC JACK
Players: Dani Star (vocals, guitar) | Paul DiSalle (vocals, guitars) | Jesse Leclerc (Bass) | Dave Turnbull (Drums)
Studio Choir: Adam Blais, Trevor Taylor, Claire Carriere, Jacinthe Brisebois, Alexie Brisebois, Diane Brisebois, Julie Crispin Taylor, Christine Delarosbil, Jean-Luc Brisebois, Renee St-Georges, Lisa Hamilton, Paul DiSalle, Dani Star, Gilles Blais, Tim Dupont, Alison McKnight, Kristyanne Dubé, Rachel McKnight, David McKnight, Cody Traynor, Simon Trottier
Mixed by: Luke Sellen
Mastered by: Cory Barnes
Recorded by: Luke Sellen on January 25th 2010 @ Cosmic Daves (Sudbury, Ontario, CANADA)
Produced by: Dani Star | Paul DiSalle

http://www.danistarmusic.com

I Will
from Suppressed Anthems CD, 2011

Written by Santa Lucia LFR
Performed by Santa Lucia LFR

 http://www.santaluciamusic.com

Pie In The Sky
from Discovery CD, 2011

Written by Pedro Costa
Performed by Pedro Costa

http://www.pedrocosta.com

Watch the video edition of this show on CindyOvideo

my guests; Joel Mackey and Sky Wilson

Who wants to be a rock star? Most everyone it seems, my guests included. Check out the July 2012 edition and hear why young people in their community are benefiting by Joel and Sky not being rock stars.

 All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Many thanks to our sponsor of this edition of
Vocal Vibes
http://www.cosmicdavesguitaremporium.com/

Watt Box – intro and extro music for this edition of Vocal Vibes
from Mirage CD by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Generation Now
from Totally Awesome – Power of Youth CD, 2011

Written by J. Powless and D. Purcell
Performed by SYR Monday Night Group

Live for Today
from Totally Awesome – Power of Youth CD, 2011

Written by S. Durette and J. Mackey
Performed by SYR mentors

Wannabe Me
from Totally Awesome – Power of Youth CD, 2011

Written by B. Bonneville  and J. Mackey
Performed by SYR Tuesday night group

http://www.facebook.com/Sudburyyouthrocks

http://sudburyyouthrocksprogram.yolasite.com/

Sudbury Youth Rocks Stands up against Bullying

Watch the video edition of this show on CindyOvideo

my guest; WPR founder Wendy Huntbatch

A happen chance drive down the Alberni Hwy led to my conversation with this month’s guest.  Join in as Wendy tells us how a traumatic robbery instigated the creation of a 23000 square foot facility adorned with tree branches, colourful toys and bells for 800+ very flighty residents.

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro and extro music for this edition of Vocal Vibes
from Mirage by WilliamCarey 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Wings In Flight
single track released 20 December 2011
Produced by Craig Newnes and Spencer Cheyne

Sora-Piano and Vocals
Cindy O’Neil-Vocals
Ben Plotnick-Violins and Viola
Spencer Cheyne-Symbols
String Arrangement-Donovan Seidle

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cindyoneilandsora
http://www.soramusic.ca

Birds Come Back
from Songs of the Year: Vol .2, track released 28 April 2011
Produced by Clea Roddick and Craig Newnes

Clea Roddick-Piano/Vocals
Noel Johnson-Vocals
Craig Newnes-Guitar/Bass/Glockenspiel
Spencer Cheyne-Drums

http://www.clearoddick.com/
http://clearoddick.bandcamp.com/

Raven
from Mirage by WilliamCarey 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Thanks for listening and for this email:

Tue, Jan 10, 2012

Hi  Cindy

Just listened to your talk with Wendy at the World Parrot Refuge. It was very interesting and informative.;  It is incredible and so very fortunate that we have people like Wendy.  It is heartbreaking to think of what would have happened to all those birds without the refuge.  Wendy, keep up the wonderful work and Cindy, thank you for making us aware of the World Parrot Refuge.  I am sure that there are many people out there like myself that had never heard about the Parrot Refuge. Best of Luck in raising funds for these wonderful birds.

Henri M

 Watch the video editon of this podcast - Discovery of the WPR

Mon Jan 16, 2012

Hi Cindy,

Life is slowly coming back into my body after the toxic infusion on Wednesday !!!  I have not done much at all except feel really yukky.  However – it  is the last time so I have a life to look forward to.

I will check out YouTube pretty quick.

Thank you for everything.   Wendy…

my guest; Calgary author Fenna Schaapman

The April 2012 edition is all about stuck places. You know that ‘why the heck does this keep happening to me’ feeling that follows us through life.  Join in on my conversation with Calgary author Fenna Schaapman as we discuss how to get rid of really big toddlers.

Your Next Change – Guidebook for the Stuck Places

EarthWord Books, 2010, 60 pages
ISBN 978-0-9738398-6-9

http://www.yournextchange.com

All the music played on Vocal Vibes is by permission from the artists.

Watt Box – intro and extro music for this edition of Vocal Vibes
from Mirage by WilliamCarey, 2006

Carey Parder-Accoustic Guitar
Bill Wilton-Accoustic Guitar

hummingbirdstudios.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/williamcarey2

Does One Win
from Flight CD
Produced by Krisjan Leslie and Cindy O’Neil

Cindy O’Neil-Vocals
Jason Kendall-Guitar
Barry Erfle-Drums
Bruce Cameron-Persussion

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cindyoneil
http://www.cindyoneil.com/music

Moving On
pre-release track
Produced by Sora

Sora-Piano/Vocals

http://www.soramusic.ca

Doin It
from The First Song by Phyllis Wheaton, 2005

Phyllis Wheaton-Vocals
Jeff Muller-Fretless Bass, Accoustic rythm/Lead Guitar
Jim Munro, Phyllis & Jeff-Finger snappers

phylliswheaton.com

If you recollect, from January 16th and 30th (2012) myself and fellow Canadian song writer Sora launched a world wide donation event. The idea was to use our song about birds to help a bird sanctuary that I unexpectedly discovered shortly after unexpectedly recording the song about birds.

I was positive that my sincere desire to help combined with the ‘power of the internet’ and word of mouth would get outside flight for the over 800 birds at the WPR.

Well anticipation has turned to dejection on figuring out the tally. I’m sad to report that only 19 downloads of our Wings In Flight song were sold during the 14 days that the donation event was running. We’re giving ten percent of net proceeds from those downloads. That means that we raised a grand total of $1.30 for the WPR.

Yes, some would say this is an embarrassing situation, mortifying even, to have to share such poor results publicly. I don’t care about that so much as I do knowing that we didn’t help Wendy or her birds. Hopefully all of the emails sent out and Facebook posts created awareness of the World Parrot Refuge and with any luck prompted people to donate directly.

A very big thank you to anyone who shared details about the event, especially the 19 people who downloaded the song. You are wonderful!

Momma, don’t let your babies grow up to be musicians. Tell them to get a good day job. LOL.

best to you,
Cindy

Wendy racked up phone bills calling vets and pet stores across Canada giving them info about their birds, hoping beyond reason that they’d show up somewhere. She also scoured newspaper and internet ads for parrots for sale.

Through one such ad she eventually found Rio – their green winged Macaw – though he was in very poor health. Sadly, despite the fact that his mate was left safely behind the night of the robbery, she ended up dying of shock and depression within a year at the loss of her companion.

During their agonizing search Wendy and Horst started receiving calls from people who had parrots and couldn’t or wouldn’t keep them any longer. Within weeks they had 15 birds of the parrot family in their care and serendipitously the World Parrot Refuge (WPR) was born.

My surprise visit with World Parrot Refuge residents Idaho and Stewie

Flash forward 18 years and the WPR is a burgeoning home to over 800 birds of at least 70 species, most of which are wild caught or 1st generation captive birds. “Right now I’m looking at an 11 month old African Grey who came in 3 weeks ago, a divorce situation, … for every bird I have here there’s a legitimate reason in the eyes of the people that bring them.” , remarks Huntbatch. Quite often refuge staff doesn’t even get forewarning, people just show up with birds in various states of health from as far as Nova Scotia in Canada, and Southern Florida in the US.

Located in Coombs BC, the refuge is a home for life for parrots. The staff and volunteers make every effort for it to be the best home the birds have known. With a floor area nearly half the size of a (European) soccer field, the facility’s 23000 square feet is adorned with tree branches, colourful toys and bells.

Lengthy life expectancies of parrots means that for at least the next 75 years Wendy and her team will be very busy providing for their flock.  Though they’re happy to do so, finances are an ongoing challenge. “The cost of supporting what ever it is you do is overwhelming… And without money we can’t do what we do… Everything has just become so difficult to do.”

But serendipity has struck again and help is in flight for Wendy’s birds. It started with a surprise recording session orchestrated by my friend Sora. On Oct 15th she and I recorded Wings In Flight a song that we’d co-written years ago. On Oct 18th my fiancé and I happened to be driving down the Alberni highway right past the WPR and decided to stop in. How amazingly auspicious that Wings In Flight is all about birds, and I’m a BIG bird lover. While at the WPR I was struck by the sense that our song is meant to help here. Upon my return from the trip I spoke with Sora about the concept. She agreed and plans for a WPR donation event began.

From January 16th to 30th Sora and I will donate 10% of net proceeds from each download purchase of our new single Wings In Flight to The World Parrot Refuge.

When I phoned Wendy to tell her the news she exclaimed, “I’m really excited about this, I think it’s amazing, and we can put that money towards outside flight for the birds.” Little did I know that she and her staff had been trying to raise funds to build 9 exterior flights for the refuge. “We wanted people to donate towards outside flight for the birds, so they could be outside in the summer and ‘Give them wings’ was the slogan…They need all the daylight they can get to so that their bodies can metabolize vitamins A and D from their food.”

You can help give wings to over 800 birds by purchasing a download of Wings In Flight between January 16th and 30th. Just before hanging up Wendy said, “The title of the song is so perfect too…It’s really meant to be isn’t it.” I feel she’s right. Event details are at worldparrotrefuge.org. Wings In Flight is available for 99 cents at iTunes and CD Baby.

© Cindy O’Neil
Published in January 2012
edition of Walden Today

Want to publish this article?  Please email for permission of use.

Dec 7-8, 2011 © Cindy O’Neil

This piece came to me as I created my team page in preparation for the June 10, 2012 Walk to Fight Arthritis.

Dec 29, 2011 Edition of Northern Life

When you’re lyin’ awake at night,
The fridge is hummin’ like it’s on overtime.
Moments are hours dragging painfully along,
And your eyes won’t close

Can’t seem to shut it down.
Mind machine keeps goin round.
Sandman have you left the neighbourhood?
Hot milk, hot bath, cup o’ chamomile,
Any one would be so good.

When you’re lyin’ awake at night,
There’s not a single person you can call.
The crossword puzzle’s long since done.
And your eyes won’t close

When you’re lyin’ awake at night,
The book you’re reading ain’t boring enough.
It’s 4:23 in the morning,
And your eyes won’t close.

Can’t seem to shut it down.
Mind machine keeps goin round.
Sandman have you left the neighbourhood?
Hot milk, hot bath, cup o’ chamomile,
Any one would be so good.

Lyrics: Cindy O’Neil, Music: Cindy O’Neil/Derek Stoll
©1997 All rights reserved

Dec 27, 2011
I felt like sharing this piece today because these past few weeks insomnia has crept in most every night and I’ve found myself humming the tune.
Though it’s not a commercial radio track at all, I included this song on my Flight album. The chorus has a great little groove to it that I love singing.
Anyone who’s ever had to battle insomnia knows the angst within this tune.

sleep well,
Cindy

When I contacted the photographer Gig Laurin to ask permission to post the picture on my website, she commented,

“Because I am also an artist I found this photo mysteriously haunting and beautiful. I may someday make it come to life in an acrylic painting. …It saddens me to think that some of our society has a total disrespect for the environment.”

That was exactly how I felt about her photo. She captured that mysteriously haunting essence perfectly don’t you think?

 2 Points of View

I don’t know what happened
I don’t think I did anything wrong
I was left in the rain and started to stain
Now I’m somewhere I don’t belong

When I was fresh and shiny
We’d go for rides all over town
But as my tires wore I became a bore
Then they threw me here to drown

The little ones who see me
Feel as distraught as I do
They point and ask why as they walk by
To the big ones I’m just a thing someone outgrew

We see you through our reflection
We’re aching to pull you out
But despite deep roots and strength
Our limber branches can’t reach that length

We can only sway in quiet vigilance
Over your tiny frame
Graciously bearing inevitable harm
Seems that only we hear the silent alarm

Your paint taints our water with poisons
Rubber and vinyl degrade our soil
Unseen venoms, into the blood they seep
In days to come more than we will weep

I don’t know if the little bike still lies at the bottom of that creek. I’ll have to find out somehow. Hopefully someone has exhumed it from the waters.

best to you,

Cindy
Dec 7, 2011

Dec 11/11
Closing comments, tired of spam. Many thanks to those who have connected in genuine interest about the topic of this post.

Thank you so much to all of you who joined Sora and I on our chat this afternoon. Hi to Joy in Iowa, Nigel in NZ, Blair in Calgary and Sean, Daniel…

We had some tech difficulties off the top, but worked them all out to have a fantastic cyber visit with new friends and fans.

So at last, this is the cover art for Wings In Flight. Unveiled for all to view. Adrea Whirl is the girl with the vision behind this lovely image. We just got the jpg yesterday.

Last night I sent Wings In Flight off to CD Baby, where it will be available within the next week or so. Look for it on iTunes too!

I’ll have an update for you as soon as we know it’s live for purchase from iTunes or CD Baby.

lots of light,

Cindy

Dec 13/11
Closing comments, tired of spam. Many thanks to those who have connected in genuine interest about the topic of this post.

Trying to figure out where she could get such a large quantity of outer milk bags, Parry went to her daughter for ideas. The result was a mass collection by Miss McLaughlin’s grade 4 class which provided Parry with a whopping 5000 bags. Since October 2010 Mrs Parry has made more than 26 sleeping mats measuring 30” by 48” in size. No small feat considering she has osteoarthritis and it takes 30 hours to crochet one and nearly as many to prep the materials.

Lizzy the cat lounges on one of the sleeping mats Mirja Parry made for children in Haiti

She’s been a busy lady, washing the outer bags, cutting them into strips then looping them together into a colourful plastic chain which is rolled into a large yarn like ball. Once crocheted together the mats get sent to Barrie ON, then trucked to Nova Scotia where they are shipped to Haiti to be sent anywhere child sized sleeping mats are needed. Being plastic, the multi-coloured dream weavers are bug, water, UVA and UVB resistant. The well travelled mats keep kids from bedding directly on the ground.

Parry was saddened when she learned that a cholera outbreak in Haiti resulted in the first batch of mats having to be burned to prevent the spread of the disease. The outbreak began late Oct 2010 spreading to all 10 Haiti departments/provinces. By Mar 2011 well over 250 thousand cases were reported and more than 4000 people had died. The news only strengthened her choice to hand craft more sweet dreams for children abroad.

Should you decide to pay it forward and make a sleeping mat there are 2 sizes to choose from – adult and child. You’ll need 250 bags to make an adult mat. For a list of materials and more details visit this Kijiji ad posted from Barrie ON Ad ID 166621742. From there you can email Rachel Sauvé to get a pattern. One tip to get you started, Parry recommends using a #9 crochet hook.

© Cindy O’Neil
Published in November 2011
edition of Walden Today

Want to quote this article?  Please email for permission of use.

Dec 13/11
Closing comments, tired of spam. Many thanks to those who have connected in genuine interest about the topic of this post.

It was all very exciting and mysterious, and I loved it because I was travelling with my fiancé who had been planning this adventure for many weeks. We landed in Calgary AB so my initial thought was that we were going to Banff – I was way wrong.

We hopped in a rental car and he drove around for a bit – partly to kill time and partly to confuse me. Then he took me to my friend Sora’s house and said “Surprise!” It had been almost 4 years since I’d last seen her, I was pretty thrilled. We went in and visited, I kept saying “I can’t believe I’m here.” After a bit they say that we have to go somewhere so off I went on another mysterious car ride.

Turn here, take this exit, go left at the 3rd street, my fiancé followed Sora’s directions while I yapped away about whatever. “Ok this is good, park right here.” she says. He turns the engine off and they both look at each other saying, “Should we tell her now?”

Unbeknownst to me they had been planning a recording session for Wings In Flight – Sora and I had co-written the music for it years ago. They secretly arranged the whole thing. Sora took care of all the music, studio and session details.

photo credit: Keven Fedirko 2011

When we walked into The Station Recording Company producers Craig and Spencer had everything fired up and ready to go. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but between half laughing and half crying, I could hardly speak from the excitement.

Adding to the amazement was the fact that I hadn’t sung since 2008 and certainly didn’t expect to be doing a recording session that day. Thanks to the love of my life and my dear friend a long awaited dream was in process. It was an absolutely super surprise!.

photo credit: Keven Fedirko 2011

Here’s a clip of  Wings In Flight

We don’t have a release date yet, that’s all in the works. Please stay tuned…..

Dec 13/11
Closing comments, tired of spam. Many thanks to those who have connected in genuine interest about the topic of this post.

As I opened the passenger side door my love said, “Hey do you see what’s in this truck?” I had glanced at the white pick-up as we parked beside it, but hadn’t fully registered what the objects in the back of it were. The aroma of cedar enveloped me as I stepped out of the car. “Wow”, I blurted taking in what looked like a wild life safari. An eagle peered over its shoulder at me as if to say “Move and you’re lunch.” There was a heron, fish, a bear and an owl – all carved from cedar.

I grab my camera and start snapping like a tourist while people inside gaze out the window at this strange couple dodging traffic in the parking lot. Soon enough, a woman  (wearing a fantastic green and white patterned sweater) is walking towards us saying something about the carvings. We all start chatting and she – Wenona – tells us that none of the pieces have been seasoned with oil yet and that they’re carved with a chainsaw. Even rough cut, the detail in every piece made my love and I say “Holy cow!” in unison. “How can we fit that eagle in our luggage?” he said with a look in his eye that showed he was mentally calculating the size and weight of the stately bird. “That little owl is calling me and would be much easier to pack”, I said.

Next thing we knew two delivery guys walk up and start checking out all the carvings. One of them likes the bear and the other wants the owl. “The owl is sold”, I blurted just as Wenona began to answer his question of how much. “I’ll even wrestle ya for it if I have to”. Luckily the guy liked the bear carving enough that we didn’t have to dicker or wrestle.

Wenona and her husband Earl like to play with power tools. A chainsaw isn’t your classic carving tool, but the British Columbia couple definitely know how to use chainsaw power in a playful artistic way.Their craft certainly isn’t something to recommend for the average person. Together they are the creators of Real Custom Wood Carvings. Their daughter-in-law Stephanie has just set up a Facebook page to share the chainsaw carvings with the world. Other than by happen chance in the back of their pick-up truck, the Facebook page is the only place you can find their splendid carvings.

My love and I have since returned from our trip. Our little owl has been given a roost in our home where she can be seen from anywhere we sit. Each time I look at her I’m tickled by the marvel of how she landed in our lives.  Who would ever think you could find quality Canadian chainsaw crafted art in a Tim Hortons parking lot.

Funded by the Federal Government to the tune of $1 billion a year (1), CBC takes a lot of heat from taxpayers. At least the money going into the CBC is serving the country in many and useful ways (jobs in our music/film/TV production industry, broadcasting Canadian music/arts, culture, etc), unlike the money that went into the smart meters that have been installed in Ontario homes. That money has been touted as an investment in Canada, to help us save money, resources and, as Premier McGuinty says, “…enjoy good quality lives…”

Ok I’ll stop nattering and get to the point at hand. As a grid-tied lay-person consumer – which most of us are – I’m curious about energy supply. It seems to me that there may be some short circuiting in this smart meter plan.

Crossed Currents:

As of June 2009 one million smart meters had been installed in the homes and businesses of Hydro One Networks and Hydro One Brampton (installations started in 2006). That number has now increased to over 2 million.

The idea being put forward is that smart meters will be an ally to ratepayers by way of savings in system costs, a.k.a meter reading. For example in 2008 Hydro Ottawa saved $200,000, for Toronto Hydro the estimated meter reading saving was to be $2.5 million by the end of 2010.  Meter usage is now transmitted via wireless or another form of technology which means reducing bodies needed to read meters manually. This equals more job loss in a time when there is much pressure on government to create jobs and offer job training. Even if meter reading jobs were entry-level non-skilled positions, they’re jobs. Hydro One has a huge service territory, how many of their rate paying readers are losing their jobs to smart meters? Job losses create far reaching impact for families, communities, economy and government. We have yet to see or experience how this is of benefit to ratepayers.

On informational materials about the new meters and time-of-use (TOU) prices, Hydro One frequently uses the phrase management tools. We’re told that they’re “Giving our customers the tools to make smart energy use decisions…” TOU rates provide financial incentive for people to shift some electricity usage from on-peak periods to off-peak periods. If enough people make shifts won’t peak periods be extended, indeed, created due to TOU rates? If many thousands of consumers start their dishwashers and clothes dryers at 10pm instead of at 6pm, then wouldn’t peak periods only be shifted to a new time slot?

Modern families are already sufficiently disjointed and challenged when it comes to household routines and family time. Terms such as real time and low demand times don’t mean much to an exhausted parent who gets home from work at 6 pm and immediately starts making dinner in hopes of the family eating together by 7pm so that they can squeeze in some time with their children and spouse before bed time. With kids in a household who’s going to do their laundry between 10pm and 6am on a weekday?

Residential customers and small businesses are considered low volume users yet we’re targeted as the major cause of the energy problem and integral part of the solution. What about major corporations with multiple locations; Wal-Mart, Toyota Canada, et al. According to the FAQ page on the Ministry of Energy website, TOU rates only apply to low volume users.

The fact that electricity costs the most when demand is highest is a beacon that hasn’t been flashed enough for most consumers to register. Yes it is important for everyone to think about how and when they use electricity. With generating plants sitting on standby and operating infrequently the financial and environmental costs must be crushing.

Being harsh on the environment and the less attractive form of generation will hopefully be cause enough for generating plants to make way for more ecological forms of electricity production. According to the AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario), Canadians generate more garbage per capita than any one else in the developed world (2).  Our supply of garbage is surely more than our demand for electricity. Perhaps biomass would be a more attractive form of generation? Would the start-up costs be in the same range as the 1.5 billion (3) for the cost of smart meters in Ontario alone? With at least two landfill bioenergy plants already in operation (Ottawa, Guelph) the spark has been lit. Could biomass from landfills become one of the most powerful ways to help Ontario (or Canada) reach its green potential?

The Government of Ontario encourages consumers to think about how and when we use electricity. The smart meter is a tool for us to do so. Why don’t they focus on tools to manage their electric corporation properly and make “smart decisions” about facility and fund management? Doing so would have avoided a bankruptcy that customers have to pay for without choice. Now how the heck does that happen? If a consumer’s corporation goes bust they’re not entitled to restructure, change their name, and charge all of their customers a Debt Retirement Charge because they’re using the facilities that were financed by their debt. Yes we use the “facilities” but we aren’t the ones who borrowed the money or mismanaged the money and facilities.  Hydro One, formerly Ontario Hydro is wholly owned by the Province of Ontario. The Province should take the biomass approach – bury the debt until it converts into biogas, then charge consumers to use it.

Question Period:

Dear Premier McGuinty
Cc: Prime Minister Harper

If you would please take a few moments to answer these timely questions, I and many other Canadians would be most grateful.

In which country are the smart meters made?

How much of the $1.5 billion spent on smart meters, was spent in province and in Canada?

How many jobs have been created, and in what sectors, in Ontario due to smart meter implementation?

Why are Ontario citizens made to pay down $7.8 billion on a $20.6 billion dollar (4) debt that Ontario Hydro incurred prior to the “restructuring” in 1999?

Do major corporations and manufacturers pay the DRC?

Will the money that Hydro One saves on cost of power and system costs as a result of smart meters, be put toward the bankruptcy blunder and eliminate the (DRC) fee that consumers are forced to pay every billing period?

What TOU rates do major corporations and manufacturers (high volume users) pay?

I/we appreciate your attention to these matters.
Thank you kindly,
Cindy O’Neil
Curious Consumer

While I await their response I’ll make myself comfortable, turn off the lights, and tune into CBC Radio. Listen to that, another Canadian musician.

Sources:

1 CBC Radio Canada Annual Report 2009-2010
2 AMO Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Heap Of Trouble
3 quote from Andrea Horwath, Provincial NDP Leader, Dec 9, 2010 issue of Northern Life
4 Ontario Ministry of Energy

In such moments of tranquility my imagination springs to life. Seeds of ideas planted over the years sprout in waves, magically blooming solutions to dilemmas or inspiration for new goals. Inevitably these mental excursions lure me to what I call the Garden of Always Wanted To, that place deep inside where exuberant dreams and concepts grow unobstructed by limitations of logic, finances, fear or self-imposed barriers. A part of our soul where extraordinary thoughts tarry in hope of acknowledgment.

I believe that everyone has a Garden of Always Wanted To. How many times have you heard someone utter the words “Oh yes I’ve always wanted to do that”? Can you count on one hand how many times you have said it yourself? Personally, I said it so often that I became tired of hearing it. I realized that I sounded like a needle on a broken record, spitting out words but not moving forward. It was unnerving to think of how many years had slipped by while I was making excuses – literally or figuratively – and that the number of things I wanted to do would most likely out weigh what I have done. To remedy that particularly deflating feeling I decided to make a list of everything that I said I wanted to do. With pen and paper in hand I walked through the garden gate.

At first I wrote things just off the top of my head, such as places I want to travel to or skills that I want to learn. Nothing too challenging, simple activities that one keeps putting off.  As I walked further into my garden, I became more confident and listed aspirations that I had been ignoring for years. Learning another language and skydiving cropped up immediately. Feeling like a kid in a candy store I dug deeper still. Finally I reached the very core, a tiny grove where the most outlandish ideas – the ones I had never told anyone about – lie buried in overgrowth from lack of attention.

By this point, the mental mechanisms designed to keep us boxed within our comfort zones had switched on. Rumblings of ‘you won’t ever do that’ and ‘where are you going to find the time or money’ echoed through my head, getting increasingly louder with each pen stroke. In defiance I wrote even my grandiose dreams, spilling them out of my system before the “voice of reason” could kick in and barricade the gate once more.

As I finished writing I noticed that I felt much lighter. The feeling was wonderfully palatable and created a surge of energy deep in my stomach. The act of taking all of that information out of deep mental storage and putting it on paper gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and possibility. Now my mind was free to start working on how to bring all of my dreams to light. Perusing my list was an engaging experience in itself.  Like emerging from the fog of amnesia and recalling facets of my identity, exhuming my sense of humour, intellectual ambitions and spirit of adventure. My self-concept was revamped as these forgotten qualities flooded to the surface. This was just the beginning of my rewards for braving such a personal excavation.

It didn’t take long to discover that cognizance creates opportunity. Shortly after writing my list I went hiking with a group of friends.  We packed some food, water and warm clothes then set out on our journey. Our pace was casual, as we chatted and admired the magnificent scenery. The grade was intermediate, but steep so we stopped now and then to catch our breath.  After three hours we reached a grassy peak and paused to regroup and admire the view.  I looked to my left and said, “What’s that” as I pointed to a jagged outcrop about 600 feet away.  “That’s the top of the mountain”, said a member of the group. “Why don’t we go there”? I asked, “We’ve come all this way, we can’t stop now”. General consensus was to go for it so on we climbed. Standing on the summit (7855 feet) I exclaimed  “This is so amazing, I’ve always wanted to do this”! Then whack, it hit me that I had inadvertently fulfilled one of the ‘dreams’ on my list.  I had climbed a mountain.

As we descended I felt a very tangible shift in awareness. Realizing that reaching the summit had expanded my self-concept yet again. Each step seemed to expel beliefs that had impeded my development. When I came home I put a large red check mark on the list beside climb a mountain, making note of the elevation and date.  Smiling broadly, I glanced over my dreams once more, this time with new eyes.

© Cindy O’Neil
Published in May 2001
edition of Vitality Magazine

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Sora’s ability to conjure up scents, textures and the essence of nature through her lyrics stems from the deep meaning she finds in the natural world. “I am natural and enjoy organic design, music, writing.  That is what inspires me…the feeling of fiery leaves falling around as you walk on an autumn day, a cherry tree full to the brim with blushing blossoms…my lyrics come from there. My ultimate goal in my music would be to create something that people could find themselves in, that they would want to listen to and get lost in. I want people to be touched by their environments as I am by mine.”

Exposure to ever changing environments started when Sora was in her early teens. As a violin player she was part of two touring groups; the Calgary Youth Orchestra and the Calgary Fiddlers. Travelling throughout Canada, Scotland, England, Australia, Norway and New Zealand gave her ample opportunity to test the waters of a musicians’ lifestyle –– something no one expected when she started violin and piano lessons at the age of 5.

Her touring experience certainly helps her to manage her time and energy now. As a mother of four children under the age of 10, Sora coordinates school schedules, family outings, performance dates and writing music into harmonious flow. Recording Heartwood required her to travel from her home in Calgary to Toronto occasionally for in studio sessions with Juno-nominated producer Douglas Romanow (Fire Escape Recording). When it comes to an increasing travel schedule and keeping everything in balance she is grateful that her husband is so supportive of her career.

Since releasing her first album Winds of Change (2003), a collection of folk songs from the British Isles, Sora’s talents have been getting increasing support from industry and fans. In the year and a half that followed she began writing her own material which led the recording of a demo with Romanow in late 2006. From there the flood gates seem to have opened with the awarding of several grants: 2007 -Demo Grant from FACTOR, 2008 -10K20 grant from Rawlco Radio (to record Heartwood), 2008 -Juried Sound Recording Grant from FACTOR. The Rawlco Radio funding led to an interview for an entertainment program called STIR on Shaw TV in September 2008 and pre-album release airplay of Light a track from Heartwood on Magic 99 in Edmonton, Canada. The album includes Hugh Marsh, George Koller, Ray Dillard, Kevin Breit, Sharlene Wallace, Gary Craig and Fergus Marsh.

Several of the tracks on Heartwood provoke that heart swell you get in moments of true triumph. Reminiscent of the final scene in the movie The Illusionist –– devotion won out over position and corruption –– there is a sense of rightfulness prevailing. Sora consciously creates the layers within her lyrics and music to convey the core of subjects she writes about. “My music, to me, comes from the natural world…sometimes by mythology, but it is always my goal to understand the heart of the myth rather than to simply retell a story. I am far more interested in discovering why it is still meaningful today. The songs are not about me, but I cannot deny that I find myself in them.”

It is important to Sora to be personally involved not only in the creation of her music, but how it is put forth into the world. A key aspect of how she develops all of her musical projects stems from her inclination to have a creative identity. Like Sting,  she doesn’t go by her legal name in relation to her music. “It isn’t about hiding myself, but more about defining who I am, who I feel I am inside. We are never given the opportunity to name ourselves in our culture, we take on names others give us. I find it a powerful statement of self to define who I want to be consciously and deliberately.” Her creative identity allows Sora to write beyond the margins that her birth name instil in her.

Published in promotional materials by Calgary AB musician Sora

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© Cindy O’Neil 2009

Sora is an independent musician with a different philosophy on how she wants to share her music with the world. Perhaps it was all of the touring she did as a teenager with the Calgary Youth Orchestra and the Calgary Fiddlers that made her appreciate the subtleties of having a solid home base. It may have been the influence of playing with elite musicians and performing to sell out crowds that seeded her desire to mould a new musical lifestyle.

Though singing has been a part of her life since early childhood, Sora only started focusing on her vocal abilities after the birth of her first daughter in 2000. Initially taking informal voice lessons, she quickly moved on to work with Katherine Ardo, an established vocal coach in Calgary.  By 2002, after performing opera, classical and Broadway pieces in numerous recitals Sora was ready to stage her own show. It was this show that started her vocal move into Celtic Folk music.

Her natural flair for Celtic vocal styling leaps out in her 2003 debut CD “Winds Of Change”.  On this self produced project all 13 tracks were recorded live off the floor. “What you hear is what we did” Sora says. “Everyone was in the same small room at the same time”. The arrangements for each song were chosen specifically because they were so different from anything she had ever heard – which gave her the chance to put her heart and sound into each track.

For Sora, part of developing her own sound centers around her decision to take a stage name. To explore who she is and wanted to be musically she felt that ‘naming’ herself would release her from the confines of her personality. “You take your husband’s name, your parents name you from birth” she says. “Choosing a name for myself is more spiritual and gives me more musical fluidity”.  The name Sora stems from the Native American word meaning ‘singing bird soaring’.

In spite of the fact that she had been writing music since 2004, the fire to share her songs with others wasn’t lit until 2006. While reading the book “How to Make and Sell Your Own Recording” (Diane Sward Rapaport) Sora decided it was time to take her sound one step further, and to do so would involve working with a producer. References from her music industry friends led her to Toronto producer Doug Romanow (Fire Escape Recording – Erin Crosby, Jason Farnham, Sattalites).  After listening to a couple of Sora’s songs he liked what he heard enough to fly to Calgary to meet with her. They are currently recording scratch tracks and developing arrangements for original songs that will be on Sora’s next album.

Being a mother of 4 young children while developing her music career is quite possible in Sora’s eyes.  She feels that changes in recording technology and the music industry are allowing a “new model” of musician to emerge. Where the opportunity to write and record while raising her children is very viable.  She has travelled enough as a performing musician to know that living a full life with her family is very important right now, and it will only enhance and inspire her recording projects.

With the borders in musical genres shifting every day, Sora’s dream to win a Juno in an ‘as yet unnamed category’ might not be that far off. Either way Sora is weaving motherhood and music into the mainstream.

Published in promotional materials by Calgary AB musician Sora

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© Cindy O’Neil 2007

As the day went on, her words stayed with me and I started to consider the deeper meaning behind them. Her reaction to my voice made me realize how much music we hear, but how rarely we live it as adults.

For children, singing is a natural form of expression and communication. They often use music as a way to speak before even knowing what words are. By experimenting with sounds and movements of their mouth or tongue they are living music, using it to tell us any number of things – how happy they are, that they like a certain food or that they have learned something new.

As they get older, children express their experiences and view of the world through songs that they make up in their head. I used to create entire musicals just singing about anything. The songs didn’t have to impress anybody, sound good or even make any sense. How often have you heard children sing softly to themselves as they play or cuddle with their stuffed toys? Listen carefully the words will seem meaningless; it is the melody and tone that tells the story – they accept their voice.

In 1998 $13.7 Billion¹ was spent in the US alone on the purchase of music – twice as much as what Variety Magazine estimates was spent on movies. With numbers like that and people flocking to concerts and music festivals, it’s obvious that music moves and affects us. So why, as adults, do people stop singing for the fun of it? From my experience as a vocalist, the reasons are unfortunate, but common.

When I’m performing people will often say to me “I wish I could sing”. The longing in their voice is usually pronounced and their tone betrays veiled pain. When I ask them why they think they can’t the two answers I hear repeatedly are that someone told them they can’t, or that they had an embarrassing experience singing. This information always irks me to no end.

Telling someone they can’t sing is as damaging as telling them they are stupid, it leaves very deep scars. The effects are subconscious and inhibit that person’s inborn connection with music and how it makes them feel. Instead of experiencing their voice as their soul does – as a unique healing resonance – the mind interrupts with negative messages noticing only the imperfections. Self consciousness develops from a sense that they are being judged for their singing skills or that they’ll never be good at it. People dislike doing things that they think they’re not good at, so eventually they refrain from the activity all together.

Admittedly, there are people who are tone deaf, which technically means they aren’t able to hear differences in musical pitch, but in my mind that doesn’t mean they can’t sing. It does mean that they probably won’t be able to make a living by singing and that people will most assuredly make comments about their singing.

There is also the possibility that they might never truly enjoy singing because they don’t sound like they want to. A solution for that would be to take vocal lessons, or let go of perfection and accept their voice for its individuality. Bob Dylan is an ideal example of someone who has done just that – and seems to care little of what the ‘critics’ think – by making a career out of not sounding perfect for 30+ years.

The voice is a wondrous gift, coming in countless shapes and sizes. Its magic is that regardless of comparison each one is unique. But its’ secret is the amazing effects that the voice has on our body mind and soul through the act of singing.

In Part 2 of this article I’ll outline a funky experiment that you can do to bring on some good vibrations.

¹Recording Industry Association of American statistics & Variety Magazine

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© Cindy O’Neil
originally published in May/June 2002
edition of Canadian Musician Magazine

Sound Healing practitioner Jonathan Goldman says; “Toning is a generic term to describe the use of the voice for release of pain and stress, and to help align imbalanced portions of the body”¹.   Fascinated by this concept I devised an experiment to see if I could notice the effects that vocal vibrations have on my body.

The purpose of this experiment is threefold; to locate where in your body you feel the vibrations, how they differ or change with various tones  made and the effect(s) they have on you physically or emotionally.

One of my favorite places to sing is in the bathtub so I recommend that you run a warmbath and settle in.  After taking a few moments to unwind start humming softly, making a steady stream of the hmm sound.   Tune into any resonance in the head from the eyebrows down to the chin and slightly in the upper chest and shoulders.  Then make the same sound in higher and lower notes, observing the changes in where and how you feel them.  At first the variances may be hard to pinpoint, but with repetition the body and mind can become conscious of precisely where the vibrations begin and end.

Now change to an ah sound.  This will feel much different from the hmm sound – more breathy and mostly in the throat – even when moving the sound higher and lower.  Closing the back of your throat will change the vibrations of the ah sound, making them deeper and stronger in the back of your head, chest and lower abdomen.  Pay attention to how the vibrations move up and down your body as you make the sound in higher and lower tones.

Next place your head so that your ears are under the water. This naturally intensifies the sound of the voice because you no longer hear other noises in the room.  Starting again with the hmm sound and working your way (higher and lower) through to the closed throat ah sound notice how each vibration is felt more distinctly.

For me everything at this point of the experiment was crystal clear, creating a penetrating effect in any part of my body that was touched by the resonance of my voice.  Suddenly I noticed that the emotional effects of the sounds and vibrations were becoming perceptible.  The sensations varied and are difficult to explain.  I felt peaceful or calm with any deep chest and head vibrations, and slightly anxious with vibrations in the middle of my abdomen, while vibrations in the top of my chest and my head made me feel energized.

Another observation was the correlation between the level of a tone or vibration and the intensity of an emotion.  How ever slight, deep, high or low the tone or vibration was directly effected the depth of the emotion I was feeling.

By now you’re probably pruning big time, so drain the tub and tuck yourself into bed awash in the soothing effects of this sound healing experiment.

For some, the concept of using singing as method of healing or relaxation might seem a little far fetched. Fortunately, one of the many benefits of singing is that you don’t have to believe in its’ healing ability or see a specialist for it to be medicinal.   So begin to live music, hum a little ditty if you feel like it…Bob Dylan probably is.

¹www.healingsounds.com

© Cindy O’Neil
Published in July/August 2002
edition of Canadian Musician Magazine

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