Stephanie Mainville

Travel

Date: April 24, 2012

Hello all!

By mid-February I knew that things were shifting and I needed to flow with it or be off-kilter and misaligned. In a fairly dramatic and quick way, I've entered into a season of travel throughout the nation and abroad that is leaving me breathless. It is intense, good, blessed, profitable and fruitful in so many ways. I'm very thankful for my family and community which includes some dear friends that have recognized what's happening and have been lending their support to see me step up and out. I'm grateful for them today. It isn't easy on a family to have their mother away for extended periods of time, yet when it is right the burden is light. I simply could not be on this journey without many of you who are reading this little diary. Thank you for who you are and for welcoming what I carry into your life.

Tres cool music news is that I will head to Moncton on Thursday with my daughter Lydia who has just completed her first year of music studies on cello. She is sounding good! Together we have two sets of music prepared for those who are attending Ignite2012. We are stoked! What a joy to be and play with her. My hope and prayer is that she will go further and run with passion that exceeds mine.

I'm running but there is rest in my spirit and heart. All the training is kicking into gear and grace is abounding. There are so many things out of my control and I'm learning to surrender. There is much light and love on this path.

Thank you for the ways big and small that you illuminate the way.

See you soon,

Stephanie

Life

Date: April 3, 2012

Hello once again family, friends and fans. Welcome Spring!

I'm appreciating the longer days, the warmth of the sun as I walk around my community and seeing bulbs coming up on our new property in Rothesay, New Brunswick. I have no idea what has been planted so these days are full of discovery. I'm really hoping between our new puppy, Jackie (Jackie Chan - oh yeah, baby) and the deer, that they bloom fully and can be enjoyed by humans, too!

We've had a temporary clear view of the river this winter as a house was taken down across from our property. They are constructing a new home now and are in full swing. How exciting for them; not so exciting for the dog as he seems very afraid of the sights and sounds across the way. I've just decided I'm going to play over it all! There is enough noise going on inside our home in any given day to drown the sounds of construction out quite nicely.

I've enjoyed the winter. I bought clothes that keep me warm so I've managed to, according to my log, walk over 275km starting in January. Not too shabby. I've decided walking is good for me. Good for my head, my heart and my spirit. More on this to come.

During this Easter season, I have the privilege of joining Smythe Street Cathedral's Easter Presentation, "Life". They are celebrating 20 years of their production this year. Amazing! I was involved last year as well and received an invitation to come back again as a featured performer on my violin. It's good for me. Good for my head, heart and spirit. I love being in the company of stellar musicians and the band is truly packing. Another noteable item is that I get to spend time with my two amazing nephews who are turning 5 months next week. What wonderful little boys they are. Their parents are doing a great job and everyone is in love.

I am looking forward to many opportunities this Spring including shows abroad, worship leading in communities westward, peforming with my daughter Lydia at Ignite 2012 in Moncton, where I will be in the company of some stellar Canadian women and the keynote speaker, Erin Brokovich. It is an honour to be the musical guest for this event.

So, as you can see, Spring has sprung here as I'm certain it has for you as well. I am forever grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for coming out to shows for St. Paddy's in Hampton, Valentine's in Fredericton and we'll see you next week Edmonton and Lethbridge.

May the blessings of life and life to the fullest be yours.

God bless,

Stephanie

Leaping Leprechaun

Date: February 29, 2012

Hello friends!

I just had to write today. It's just a cool day being a leap year and all. I'm not sure how well I did with this "extra" day in the year. It was productive for certain; I sent out a contract for an upcoming event, packed my bags for Alberta, ran around with the kids after-school, ate too many cookies, and met a new neighbour. Not bad, I guess. There is a particularly beautiful sunset tonight, so I can always use more of those. Less cookies, for sure.

So, I am leaving on a jet plane. I am delighted to be headed back to Alberta. I'm really loving this province. It's the people that make it what it is. Some of my most significant "moments" are happening here alongside some amazing friends. Like I've said before, there is a new song coming about this western province and every time I visit, I add a verse.

I mentioned at my gig in Fredericton that I would give a shout out to the amazing crowd that faced a blizzard to come out and celebrate schnitzel and the music of yours truly. There were some characters in the audience. If they aren't careful they are going to end up with at least their own verse in a song. What a great night at The Schnitzel Parlour in Fredericton. I believe this was my fifth time performing there and it only gets better. We had a completely sold out show with hardly enough room to dance, but we managed. My new friend Ron is showing me how it's done. The man is light on his feet and the sheer look of delight on his face can't help but make me smile. It's wonderful to meet people that are free and simply enjoy life. What a gift this is.

I'm looking forward to our upcoming show at The Vintage Bistro. I will be joined by my band to celebrate St. Paddy's Day. These Irish eyes will be smiling at all of you that come out. Call 832-1212 to reserve your tickets. There is limited seating as we will have a dance floor. Oh yeah!

My chauffeur arrives soon to take me to the aiport so I must sign off. I wish you all the best of days and the assuredness that Spring is merely days away. I'm so thankful for all that is springing forth. Tomorrow is a new day, a new month and a chance to grab hold of the promises of a good God.

Be blessed me lads and lasses,

Stephanie

February

Date: January 30, 2012

Last year I took February off. I didn't go anywhere. I read more, played more, prayed more, ate less, spoke less and swapped Facebook for a walk, a book or a cleaner kitchen floor. I still had to do laundry of course and feed my kids but I lived for a little over a month on the other side and I loved it! Being a mother of four - make that a homeschooling mother to boot, and a self-employed musician, writer/arranger who volunteers many hours beside, I needed a break. What would the new word be for that a stay-cay? A break-stay? Break-eh? Whatever we chose to name it, it was good for me. It proved by doing less, I got more done. By investing in myself and my realtionship with God, my family, and silence, I gained strength and vision. I was reminded what I'm doing here. Partly this includes doing things, investing in the lives of others, staying "up to date" and yet there truly is a place of knowing that my worth doesn't center around what I can do.

I'm in my forties now. Yep, my metabolism has changed, I colour my hair more frequently and I cry more easily. I have so many precious friends right now who need health and healing to their bodies or those who have suffered loss. I'm grateful for each new day. I'm grateful for the mercies that come my way. I'm going to spend a month focused on these things and lifting my vision higher so I can see and experience even greater things in my life and maybe even yours.

Talk to you soon,

Stephanie

The Finale

Date: January 10, 2012

Hello friends!

I wish to thank you all for the joy of being an artist among you in this grand community this past year. My travels have taken me westward this year and some lovely opportunities at home. I've experienced watching and supporting some fellow artists in the region and had the privilege of them joining me as well. It is a wonderful treasure we share and I'm anxious for what the year will bring.

2011 ended with a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Saint John Vineyard Church, a gathering of the International Community in Saint John and a special private event between one man named David and a woman named Victoria. I was grateful and blessed with these invitations to share music for these three special occasions. Thank you for having me and the band with you to celebrate the season. I already have bookings for next year. I know, I know. We all need a good break from all the festivities and even hearing about more makes one a wee bit tired.

Another round of applause to the band - Tim, Sheila, Richard, Carolyn, Lydia, John, Cynthia and Kenn. You are the best!

This year I start off being the Special Occasions Queen - Valentine's Evening at The Schnitzel Parlour on February 11 in Fredericton. St. Paddy's Day with the band at The Vintage Bistro on March 17. Check out the dates on this page for when I will be in your area. I will make a few appearances throughout the winter and will be actively writing and caring for my family at the same time. Ta da!

Stay tuned. :)

Stephanie

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