Calgary Omatsuri 2013 Interview with Martial Simard

At the 2013 Calgary Japanese Festival, I interviewed Martial Simard, asking him about what it's like to learn the shakuhachi. This bamboo flute is sometimes referred to as a "Japanese Zen flute". It's got a soft-spoken timbre, much like Martial-san.

I Love My Merrells

My feet were so sore after volunteering at the Calgary Expo. For the Calgary Japanese Festival, I made one important switch: different footwear. My Merrell barefoot shoes gave me the sense of being on terra firma all day long. Happy feet and back.

Highlights from the 2013 Calgary Omatsuri

We couldn't have asked for a better day for the third-annual Calgary Japanese Festival. I had a blast documenting the Omatsuri and interviewing the performers. Check out the first article in my 2013 Omatsuri series.

Volunteering to Help with Animals

Volunteering with animals - whether it is to help animals in need or you are volunteering with your pet - can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pet.

Professional Musicians Talk About Practicing

I tracked down three neat (and short) video clips of professional musicians discussing practicing music. There's some neat practice tips and ideas.