Oh Canada!

I’ve been cold before. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains. I went on the Boy Scout Klondike over-nighters. I’ve jumped in barely-thawed mountain lakes. I’ve stuck my tongue to frozen poles. I thought I knew what cold was. Then I went to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada during the bleak winter month of February. I’ve been cold, but I’ve never been deep-frozen. I’ve never had my nostrils constrict and freeze instantaneously. I’ve never had to plug in a car battery over night to prevent it from freezing. I’ve never had my fingertips nibbled by Old Man Frost Bite just by leaving them uncovered for mere seconds. I’ve never experienced tiny ice daggers piercing my lungs from the inside when I took a breath.

Despite the soul numbing weather, I loved my first trip over the northern border. The warm, kind people that I met made the cold more than bearable. I can see why people would want to stay in Edmonton. Everyone was quick to warm you with kind words, a smile, or a hug. During the concert, I mentioned my lack of proper head protection in the cold weather. Within seconds, a young man threw his toque on stage for me to keep. (Thank you again.) The whole time I was there, I felt the cold only when I was away from the wonderful people. Canadians are the warmest souls on earth. I am better for having met the people I met. Thank you Canada for existing. I look forward to returning to my home and native land. "If I believe in hope, if I believe in love, then I believe in you, Oh Canada!"

See more pics from Canada, click here!

Opportunities and Happiness

February was a great month. I had two concerts in Utah: one at BYU and the other in Brigham City. Thanks to everyone who attended and laughed. Thanks to the organizers. I really felt taken care of at both shows.

When I meet new people, I love to hear their stories of how they are making their lives better. I am inspired to learn more and to do more. A good friend completed a huge task this past month. In the face of doubters and cynics, she was able to learn something brand new and make her project a huge success. The human spirit can do anything. It is powerful and wants to succeed. It gets angry when our laziness says, "I can't do it."

As I was traveling on a plane to do a concert recently, I read an interesting article in a magazine about being happy. People complain about being in a rut or being dealt a bad hand. When you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask yourself, "Why me? Why here? What can I learn? What can I do to make this an opportunity?"

We make our own opportunities. We create our own happiness.

An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration

I'll be back in Utah this week for "An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration" on Saturday, February 25, at 7:00 p.m., at the Timpview High School Auditorium in Provo.

The event is hosted by Steven Kapp Perry and features Jessie Clark Funk, Marvin Goldstein, Michael Dowdle, Sam Payne, Dave Tinney, One Clear Voice, and me.

Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. Go to www.localeventtix.com to buy tickets online.

Saturday, February 25, 7 PM:
TIMPVIEW HIGHSCHOOL AUDITORIUM
An Evening of Entertainment and Inspiration
3570 Timpview Drive
Provo, Utah
801-225-7219