LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS, CHARITY AND AWARD SHOWS

My husband and I have been very happily married for almost twenty-two years.  And during our marriage, it has been very rare that we have been apart.  Except for when we moved out to Vancouver Island from Northern Alberta– the girls and I had moved out first while Jean stayed behind until the house sold.  It was a total of four months before he made the final move but we did have some periods of time that we didn’t see each other for awhile.  But we made it through and I think it made our marriage even stronger because of it.  So, here we are again.  My husband is a Power Engineer and decided that he would get some experience in the oilfield industry and has taken on a job with Suncor in Fort McMurray.  Unfortunately, its not a fly-in, fly-out job – he has to be there.  So far, we have managed to see one another without too much time in between.  In fact, right now he is home for six days and we are making the most of it because its going to be at least six weeks before we see each other again.  So I’ve got him working on my website, then I’m going to get him to rake the yard and change a few light bulbs. lol   But seriously, even though we are physically miles apart,  with the help of today’s technology we can continue to stay close.  With the use of Skype and cell phones, we are in constant contact.  We have been bitten by the ‘text’ bug so that keeps us in ‘the know’ on a daily basis and when we feel the need to actually see each other’s faces, then we skype.  I know it’s not the same as actually holding each other, but that’s what makes it even more exciting when we do see each other.  Long distance relationships work when each individual is supportive of the other and there is a trust along with the love.  Its because we have a strong relationship that I wrote “Since I Met You” which is on my current CD.  Please visit my website to have a listen http://www.shellydubois.com and click on the ‘music’ tab.

A few nights ago, I performed an acoustic show in Courtenay, BC along with my bass player Maurice Gaudreault and lead guitar player, Mark Wing.  Admission at the door was by donation and the proceeds were then given to my charity of choice which was the BC Childhood Cancer Parents Association  http://www.bcccpa.org – helping families financially while their child is battling cancer.  I donate to this charity in conjunction with my fund, Chantal Dubois Memorial Fund (you can read more about it on my website) in memory of my daughter who I lost to cancer.  I am able to pass along $270.00 which will help a family that resides in Courtenay.  Thank you to everyone who came out to the show and contributed to the cause.

Last month, I was nominated in the first ballot for three BC Country Music Awards:  Female Artist, Horizon Award and Traditional Country Award.  In each category, there were at least ten artists nominated – and some very stiff competition I might add.  I did not make the second ballot in any of these categories but none the less, I am still very honored to have been nominated in the first ballot.  I am however, very excited to be performing in the New Artist Showcase at the Industry Awards on November 19^th that will be presented the night before the actual music awards show.   These awards are not televised but I will be sure to take several pictures to share with you.  And if you would like to attend, tickets are now on sale through ticketmaster for both the industry awards and the music awards to be held November 19^th & 20^th at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam, BC.