A word from David

For the times, They Are A-Changin’
- Bob Dylan, 1964
💌 Dear LVErs,
As the world around me seems to be shifting, I find myself searching for ways to feel grounded in order to face the challenges at hand. Hélène and I are pointing the bus northward on April 6, and will be back in Ontario for much of the spring and summer. — with many question marks while my residency application is in process. I am blessed with a family that is working together to celebrate my Mother’s life in a Memorial service this month, and I know I’m struggling to say good-bye. 
Hélène and I are working hard to create a school tour for our show, “Believe in Yourself” in British Columbia, and we are employing several methods to lock down dates, including cold-calling. Amid this, we’re filled with gratitude for the blessings of the past month, and have listed a number of these below, and are excited to share our latest songs, videos, and adventures in the month ahead. 
As in 1964 (when Helene was born), times are indeed changing, and songs of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and so many others will no doubt be there for us, helping us to find peace and direction in difficult times…

The April theme is best described with the acronym “HOW” — Honesty, Open-mindedness, and Willingness. I believe that these three powerful qualities open doors to growth and self-discovery - and help to ground me through difficult transitions. More than abstract concepts, they are conscious choices that have helped to shape my creativity, relationships, and progress:

✨ Honesty calls us to see things as they are—within ourselves and the world around us. It is the first step toward transformation, even when the truth is uncomfortable.
🌟 Open-mindedness challenges us to release rigid thinking, embrace new perspectives, and invite inspiration from unexpected places.
🌈 Willingness empowers us to take action—to step forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain. 

I'm grateful to have you on the bus with us!

David

A word from Hélène Nicole

Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell, 1966

Cher-e-s LVErs,

Wow, what a challenging first three months of 2025 it has been for me and probably many of you. Despite the stability of being parked at the same spot for 3 months with water and services for our bus, on a peaceful ranch in Ocala, this was a very difficult time for me. I love the metaphor of Joni Mitchell song, looking at both sides of clouds, life and love and finding that she doesn't have the answer. I don't either!

As a Canadian, newly married to an American, I watched the relationship between our countries fall apart, and felt a rollercoster of emotions inside of me, triggering fear of the future, uncertainty and a desire to run for cover. But, thanks to some tools, I made it one day at a time.

I had to work really hard at keeping my peace of mind and my focus and it was no small task I tell you. What kept me sane? Music and Communities.  Community was the theme of March and it was exactly what I needed to tap into my Joie de Vivre! I kept writing, kept singing, kept practicing my skills with others and kept breathing from above the storm not to get sucked into it. I had to ground myself again and again when I lost my footing, and helped others do the same. 

Even better, I lost 9lbs in those 3 months by making a conscious decision to stop eating my fear and taking action to change what I could. I recited the serenity prayer as often as needed, and focused on what I could effect. And some tools helped me, which David and I chose to use for our theme for April: HOW, or Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness.

So let's welcome spring LVErs! It's very hot here in Florida and I am looking forward to go north this Sunday. I am meeting a bunch of teachers on April 10 in Hamilton to promote ‘Believe in Yourself’. Then we will say our final goodbye to David's mom Elaine on April 12 before beginning the next trek: 9 months on the road across Canada, and if all goes according to plan, hugging my grandkids in Japan for Christmas.  

See you on the road. I love you all so much!

Hélène Nicole