Post Nasal Surgery

Last year, I went through sinus surgery. A surgery I desperately needed. A surgery I avoided for years.

I did keep track of the progress and let me tell you...the first few nights were not pleasant, especially when I ended up with tonsillitis on top of everything.

Today...almost a year later, I am still learning to breathe through my nose again, rather than my mouth. Sounds so charming, doesn't it?!

Happy fixed sinuses & polyp removal May 1st! Will celebrate by going outside and taking a deep breath!

I love to travel. Always have. So, when "the guy" said....lets vacation shop/look/escape this February 2014....I thought, HELL YEAH!!!!!

I love the Caribbean. I had my first taste (late in life) when I went on a CFOS Cruise. We traveled to Half Moon Cay & Nassau, Bahamas....San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St Thomas, USVI. It was fabulous. THEN....a family member decided to get married in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. Then, D & D decide to marry in the Bahamas.

Now,...my task to find a destination was taxing. I know, I know...you're kidding, right?! No, actually. We had no idea where we wanted to vacation, had a budget in mind, and Nassau & Mexico were out of the question. 

We both want quiet, beautiful beach, good food and sort of off the beaten path. Not a huge resort. OK, then. Remember,...we had a certain budget in mind.

I actually printed a map of the Caribbean. I became so desperate that I started to look at tiny Islands, only to find out that they may disappear with the tides. Arrrrgggg! Where to go??? The guy finally said we could look at Cozumel. Phew! Although, that didn't quite work out...I did find Isla Mujeres ( Island of Women) with a really cool history! Right up my alley! Since then,...I come to find out that I know people from here that have been there...and, a couple of locals that winter there each year (lucky ducks!)

So. Isla Mujeres, here I come. I am so excited and can't wait for the sun and ocean to embrace me. I look forward to learning the history in depth and I even have a mission (that'll be another BLOG...about um, fertility.) All I need to do now is learn a bit of Spanish. :)

7 glorious days on Isla Mujeres...an island that is only some 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) long and 650 metres (2,130 ft) wide.  Turquoise waters that wait for me...ahhhh...

PS...have I told you that I love "the guy" a whole lot???? I do! :) <3 nbsp="" span="">

Calendar Girls needs your support! :)

It has been about 31 years since I hit the live theatre stage. I finally auditioned and actually got a role in Calendar Girls. (Seriously?!) 

So...if you are in the area...please consider coming to a show. Please. If not, please consider purchasing a Calendar (with a difference) with proceeds to the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce. With so much cancer in my family...being a part of Calendar Girls means a lot to me. Hospice means a lot, too...

You can either have me pick up a calendar for you or you can phone the Roxy for details on how to have it mailed: http://roxytheatre.ca/calendar-girls-calendar/

Show details here:  http://roxytheatre.ca/event/calendar-girls/

Last I heard, last week...we are 50% Sold Out. Thank You for supporting Owen Sound Little Theatre, the Hospice, Calendar Girls...and my dreams! xoxo

Interesting to read the meaning of the sunflower: http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-sunflower-meaning.html

I know it has been over a year since I have been here. :/ No excuse. I will start blogging about my experience with Calendar Girls in more detail. Thanks for sticking around. I love you for it! :)

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!!  

Donna Henry

So...started the day off just peachy-keen!

Woke up sounding like Barry White, which would be great if I were a male. But, last time I  checked...Um, you get the idea. I am nick-named Barryetta White.

Had to share half my banana with my Portie Finn....he was relentless!

My hair looks like I am the spawn of Medusa!

And, to top it all off: This morning...went to push my pant pockets down (through the inside) and my ring caught on the lace of my panties. Caught with my hands in my pants! lol And,...in front of my Male Co-Worker.

Lord, help me!

Today is September 12th.....AKA 9/11

It was 11 years ago today that I was in my "old" life back east, living on Packard St in Bathurst, NB.
My friend, Carol, and I were sitting in her living room having a coffee & all of a sudden, the TV Screen caught our eye. Did that really just happen? Then, BAM...plane #2 hits the other of the twin towers.
I think we were both in shock. WTF?!
For the days & years to follow....all the loss, and tragedy, and wars, and scars....
10 1/2 years later, I find myself in New York City - Manhatten - and, on a Bus Tour. We stopped by the site. Weird how I felt such a compulsion to be "there!" It was almost like I wanted to feel peace. Take pain away for others. I'm not even sure what I was feeling or why....
An Airplane went by when we were near the site. It was odd how clear the sound came through. Our group stopped and looked up to the skies. It was eerily quiet. And, it was a "hair stands up on the back of your neck" kind of feeling.
Something so innocent turned into a horrid monstrocity!


From the TV screen 10.5 years prior...to under my footsteps this past May...I'm glad I was able to be at the site. Why?
Because it reminds me to be "Street Smart" in this world of crazies...but, mostly, it reminds me of the kindness of people. The willingness to risk their lives. The survivors. The togetherness. Hope.
Plain & simple...hope. When we stand together to protect each other...there is hope!

To all those who lost someone dear that day...you are in my heart! Always!

June 11, 2012

Cancer affects all of us in one way or another, whether it be news about someone we know, a friend, relative or yourself. It also controls you with the "fear of..." *Could it be cancer? *Will it develop into cancer? *When do I get results? *How long have I got? *Can I beat it? Here are some of my "history" points so as not to bore you. All you history-buffs, we can chat later! #1 I am a sensitive/emotional person. That's just who I am! #2 I sometimes feel what others don't. Keen intuition?! #3 Every relative seems to die of some form of cancer. #4 Memere - my Moms Mom, had breast cancer. It killed her by spreading. #5 A tumor was found on my sons ankle while he was at a Boy Scouts camp. The fear that gripped me when I saw the c-ray....horrendous! #6 A shadow on my chest X-Ray prompted investigation of a possible breast lump (not referring to size of my boobs). Two week wait. Scary! The fear of the possibility left me with anxiety! My boys were 12 & 8. #7 Developed a Fibroid Tumor. Pre-menopause. I felt it, it hurt. Impossible was what the Doctors said. I felt the pain! Three years later...growing from the size of a dime to the size of my fist, and after a major hemorrhage ...it was removed. WOMEN: Research Fibroid Tumors! They CAN turn CANCEROUS! Someone I know lost her Mom to a fibroid tumor. Do NOT take hormone therapy if you have one. #8 pain in left breast. Changes...discoloration...tenderness. Start examining. Find a lump. Left side. I left it go...chalking it up to scar tissue (old war wound - kidding - breast reduction.) So, see the Doc & lump is confirmed. Mammography and blood tests next. Sigh! Am I worried? Yes, deep down inside. Almost like waiting on results from a High School Exam. Do I think it's cancer? No. But, I refuse to take a chance, considering my family history. Am I thinking of my Grandma? Of course! I am also thinking of my buddy Eileen, who just lost a Breast to cancer. She is stronger each day & cancer FREE! YAY!!! But, I now know how it feels to be a woman and pondering the idea of losing a breast. It belongs to me Cancer! Ugh! Another fear brought on by cancer. Not impressed! So, June 12...tomorrow...Boob squishing day. Anxiety over possible pain. We each feel differently! Whatever the results...I am OK! Honestly! If it's positive, I'll cry. I may even do so if it's negative. I will also deal. I'll still be OK. Another chapter in the DH Files & in my life!

Today I lost a Mentor....an ex Co-Worker....a friend.

He helped place the stepping stones to get me where I am today.
He taught me how to laugh at myself and how to get a crowd going.
Humiliation could be your friend....to just keep going on, with a smile....
He was 45, a singer/songwriter/producer/dive instructor/photographer and Announcer.
He had throat cancer....the worst fear of a Radio Announcer or performer.
He was scared & he struggled with it...but, he fought. And, he fought hard!
I was introduced to many Country Artists because of him, and am living my life as an Emerging Artist Coordinator because of him.
I could not have come this far without him.
He was opinionated, and cranky and a pain in the ASS....(You know you were)...but, I always knew he cared....a LOT!
He cared for the musicians & songwriters & the industry.
He was passionate in all he did!
He was my friend through it all, and I miss him already!

RIP Steve Barlow! Rest in Peace!

They say you only truly die when forgotten...I won't let that happen!

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!! ~ Donna Henry

STALKERS beware!

So....today I started chatting with a Gary Ploughman (From Toronto, currently in Scarborough - a facebook connection) about music. It quickly went into this:

*are u donna single married....pick one

*but im glad ur single i have a big crush on u donna

why ur beautiful single celebrity work for a ratio station

im in love with u though u know

i dont want u to be caught off gard

*are u in shock bit im in love with u dont care about know one else but u

As I was not answering - due to working...it turned into THIS:
*CAN U CALL ME

*I WONT BE ABLE TO SLEEP TONIGHT IF U DONT SPEAK TO ME ON THE PHONE

I MIGHT START CRYING TEARS FOR U

DONT HAVE KLEENIX

*WHY ARENT U RESONDING IM CRYING WORSE U DONT LIKE ME

*MAKE TIME DONNA

ILL BE THERE WAITING I DONT PLAY GAMES IF I LIKE SOMEONE I GO AFTER THEM

U KNOW WHAT I MEAN GO AFTER THEM PURSUE THEM

*IF U GIVE ME A CHANCE ILL LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND YESTERDAYS NEWS BUT U HAVE TO BE INTERESTED I GETTING TO KNOW ME AS IM INTERESTED IN GETTING TO KNOW U BUT I UNDERSTAND UR AT WORK IM GOING DONNA TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR U TO LIKE ME AND TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP THIS IS NO JOKE

~Joke?! My reply obviously is not to his liking:

*U JUST HURT MY FEELINGS DONNA BROKE MY HEART U THINK IM JOKING FOOLING AROUND I THOUGHT U MIGHT SAY THIS

MAKE TIME JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE START OUT AS FRIENDS

*I HAVE DIABETTES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE I DONT NEED THIS FROM A WOMEN IM IN LOVE WITH

Seriously...WTH?! Red flags....like maybe: ILL BE THERE WAITING I DONT PLAY GAMES IF I LIKE SOMEONE I GO AFTER THEM.....

U KNOW WHAT I MEAN GO AFTER THEM PURSUE THEM

IM GOING DONNA TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES FOR U TO LIKE ME AND TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP THIS IS NO JOKE

So Dude...(yes, Gary...I'll call you Dude if I damn well please)...if you think you can bully me with your psycho messages, guess again!!!!...You aren't the first and I doubt you'll be the last and all you Stalker-freaks can go get the help you need cause I have my own life to lead and it doesn't include you! And, YES....I know what I want in my life and nothing you can do or say will change that!!!! Don't mess with this Dude-Girl is all I'm going to say!

And, Thank you to Bradley who is such a fabulous friend and let Gary know just how things will go down if he continues to PURSUE!!!! Thank you for copying all the info and DUDE,...Yes, you Gary....I have your IP address! :D Now maybe you'll find out what it's like to be stalked....by The Police! Freak!

From The DH Files....another Bucket List item checked!

"If I die young, bury me in Satin." And, if I die now,...I can say that I have crossed off a lot of Bucket List items....including The Band Perry. They have always intrigued me. I love their sound & look. To me...they are unique! So young & talented. Before they hit the charts, we played their music on WHATS NEW. (Occasionally, we'll play an international tune.) They immediately became one of my Bucket List items to see perform. Little did I know just how close to them I would get!!!!

Last summer, as the station celebrated 10 years, we gave away Route 93 Concert Trips to our listeners....one was a concert to see Tim McGraw, with openers Luke Bryan & The Band Perry. Ahhhhh, 3 Bucket List items in one shot. I was asked to go down by Limo with the winners, along with our Cruiser Guy, Allan Gibbons. Huge surprise of the night; Allan yelled out to Tim McGraw as he was walking by us (heading to the stage) and Tim actually turned around and shook our hands. Silent scream! OK - SLAP - back on track, Donna.... I left the concert content. It was such a fabulous night! And, I saw The Band Perry!!!

Not long after, word came that I would be going to the CCMAs in Hamilton. Another Bucket List item crossed off! I have to tell you...The Canadian Country Music Awards are something to take in...such a fabulous experience for industry members, artists and fans. I met so many of our great Canadian talent & the artists (whom a lot I consider friends) that have been on WHATS NEW. Seeing them shine as part of the Songwriters Cafe or at Fan Fest or actually winning an Award (like Hey Romeo) was such a thrill. After all, these artists are like my babies!

So, just before the New Artist Showcase: I'm out in the lobby chatting with indie artist Traci Kennedy & her husband (fabulous people, by the way)...when I get a tap on my shoulder. Traci has this expression of "OMG" on her face, and as I turn around it is none other than The Band Perry. Kimberley, Reid & Neil smiling at me. I break out into a Hot Flash sweat - GREAT....only me! Kimberley says, "Thank you for giving us so much support. We wanted to meet you." Are you [ Insert not so nice word starting with S.. ] me? Wanted to meet ME?! Incredible. You have no idea how I felt! All my hard work feels like it is finally being validated. I was shocked, stunned, in awe & immediately jumped right in between them for a photo shoot! NO WAY was I missing this opportunity. [ Insert smiley face x 1 million ]

This is why I help Indie Artist....to see you succeed and the gratification of helping others. After all, YOU could BE the next Band Perry, or Johnny Reid, or Terri Clark. This is also why I love my job! SMILE!!!!

Donna Henry, former Bathurst resident & CKBC Announcer, currently On Air for Country 93 - Mornings/Middays/Emerging Artist Coordinator in Owen Sound, ON.

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!!

Meeting Josh - He's a Tr"ucker" or Not?!

So,...here are my numbers. No...this ain't no 649-thing....

Quit! Quit - is the word that comes to mind...WTH am I thinking, I can't do this!!! WTF did I get myself into?!
I met with Josh yesterday to figure out my workout. He is my Orientation trainer/coach/slave driver/killer. Oh.....I'm not going to hold anything against him (can I secretly call him Tr"ucker"...?????) Sigh...well, he IS doing exactly what I need - someone to keep me on track...but, tr"uck!"
[SIGH!!!!!!!!!]
First slap in my face: I am Obese. Even the word sounds like a Monster! Oh...ooooh, only by .5%, The J says. I've never been the Big "O"....EVER! Wait...that's a lie. Yes, I have, but that's another story!
My measurements are above - see photo -weight is 152. What are my goals?! Tops is to be healthy, but a nice Sz-8 would be bonus! I miss my small body...my knees do, too!
I told The J that I want health and to slim down. I didn't tell him the Kimmer wants us to have Hard-Rock Bodies...I was afraid he would die laughing. Don't want to be up for murder, ya know?!
So, I trust The J - otherwise, I would have been hauled out of Stone Tree for trying to beat up their trainer while cursing him - and I have gained MUCH knowledge! I have to say...I walked away in complete embarrassment. You have to understand the Era I come from...like, 10" Waist and 20 Minute Workouts. Hmmm.... The J realized I was being honest (and serious) that my back is weak and I no longer have Abs. Matter of fact, Abs are so far hidden within me....I thought it was butter!
I felt sweat threatening to run through every pour. The J-ster said that I wasn't even working out, yet. HELLO...Shut Up!
He tells me, maybe because he has tremendous faith in me (someone has to)...to try working out 5 days/wk. OMG! If I could, I wouldn't have ended up this way. His reply, "Life happens." I see he will not give in to ANY of my excuses. Tr"ucker!"

Onto my next issue: I'm VERY dehydrated....like, a LOT...even though I drink millions of glasses a day and have actually posted a "Times of Use" sheet on the Ladies Washroom Door.
Next issue: Fiber + My Body = filled-up Intestines. Yup...fiber makes me swell. I am one of those rare body-is-somewhat-allergic-to-fiber people. Shakes I take = lots o fiber. I'm a DNA truck up! I say: screw allergies, screw pain...I am determined! [Remind me in a week that I said this...ok?!]

As I said, The J is not my personal trainer, but he seems to be trusting that - for 1 month - I will continue this massacre on my muscles to reach some fabricated goal.
There is a reason why I'm doin' this, right?! RIGHT?!
God Help Me!

Day 3

Hey!
It is Day 3 of my Body By Vi - 90 Day Challenge and I am doing well. I don't have all the foods I need, yet...and I want to purchase a scale for both the food & me! :)  But, things are coming along!!!

So...the Shakes...that I drink...Yummy! They are great, and although I don't have a "Why'd I eat that much, I'm so full" kind of feeling....I do have a feeling of content. The snacks inbetween are just right and I am finally back to drinking my water. I have discovered that I was dehydrated. Eek! And, I find that with the help of the Challenge...I am eating better meals at supper....(dinner for some of you!)

Because of a hefty workload...I have not been to Stone Tree this week. My orientation is on Monday and I am very excited about some of the classes they offer. Can't wait! Oh, but I do have more energy, it seems. Yesterday...I walked up those stairs in record time (Ha ha...) 119, I think. I'll have to re-count. But, I am doing much better and I am happy with the progress. :) Oh..and I seem to be sleeping better...coincidence...maybe. We'll see! :)

Can't wait for my next shake! This one seems to be empty! :D

And, so it goes...

No more chocolate for me - which technically is not true....I can have a chocolate shake....but, with all that aside....
It had to be a sign yesterday! I had a horrible day...just wanted to throw in the towel on a job I absolutely LOVE - all because of...well, I refuse to go there.
So, lets skip to better things: My challenge kit arrived & I was so freakin excited! Again, I am very skeptical...but, I also like to try things out! I have accepted the 90 Day Challenge with Body By Vi. The measurements and photos will come (even the embarrassing ones, as I am making myself accountable to all of you.)

As I mentioned, I am skeptical...did a bit of research. Not completely satisfied, but what the heck...it's 90 days. Big Whoop! I need to kick-start my metabolism & become healthier.

So, this pkg arriving yesterday is what I needed!I know it is going to be difficult for me: recording everything & being accountable to you (my choice) and just having to incorporate this into my daily routine. Yet, I am excited to get started!

You see - although very private & insecure with my looks - I am placing all my cards on the table...I am going to be an open book. Hopefully, by doing this, I'll be able to help some of you out there! My main goal is not to lose weight but to become healthier. So, here we go!

Wednesday - tomorrow, Feb 1st - is my day! I join Stone Tree & start the 90 Day Challenge.

First on the list: grocery shopping to make sure I have all the tools I need, AKA Food! I am going to need support...I know that for a fact. I have a very go-with-the-flow attitude....whatever...ride-the-wave...but, this requires dedication & organization. Eek.....

Am I scared of failure?! OF COURSE!!!! So, if you are thinking of taking the Challenge for your health...follow along, read the blogs, I'll do my best to help. Keep an open mind because everyone is completely different. My advice is to follow what works for you!!!

Change comes in 2012! Bring it On!!! :)

Day of my Announcement!

Like it always does...Panic set in! I announced the big changes coming to my life....health, workouts, dietary changes and BAM...I bought a box of chocolate covered almonds on my way home (my lunch replacement)...I ate all 30 - 40 of them...

Thing is,...I no longer crave chocolate - which I normally don't, anyway. Phew! Glad that is out of the way!!!!!

Best news: Kim & I ordered of Shape Kit from Body By Vi &.....we toured Stone Tree. We have our applications and start next Wednesday! It's on People...It's On!!!!

Today, I had healthier choices for my breaky & lunch and I feel better already! :D Funny thing is....I feel FULL! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to look...um, I mean,...feel good!

Contrary to popular belief, I am quite shy! EXTREMELY shy! So, what I am about to embark on is outrageous for me!


Yesterday, January 23rd --- one month after my 44th, I have decided that I am not serious enough about my health issues. You see, I am a DNA Defect :) I have major issues that are there...but, not overly serious....except, my Blood Pressure. (We'll talk about the others sometime later.) A year ago, my blood pressure went "stroke level" high and I have not been able to drop it. I had to *Cough* go on Meds. UGH! Major disappointment!

Sooooo, I am going to "kick-start" into making me healthier. Drastic never worked for me. Gradual always successful...except now! So, what I am about to do...will kind of be a drastic Move That Butt into gear! I'm getting older, times a tickin' and I have so much more to do in life --- why not do it with comfort?! Plus, I want to comfortably wear a bikini this coming summer...and, want to be energetic for New York City. Oh, not to mention...if I get my pic taken with Anderson Cooper...I don't want to "look" twice his size! I have competition - Kathy Griffin - damn her for looking beautiful!

With the help of my friend, Kimmer...I am going to whip my bad habits into good ones (fingers crossed) and share my thoughts & photos with you. This, too, will be an adventure. I love to Blog but can become lazy at it...so,....

1, 2, 3....JUMP! Here I go!

My name is Donna. My lifestyle is not the healthiest & I love FOOD.....pasta and chips and sauces and gravies! I am 44 and slightly overweight. OK...a lot overweight. I have High Blood Pressure and Asthma and I snore. I used to be a dancer, do aerobics, gymnastics, workout, bike & WTH happened?! Life got in the way and I misunderstood. So, here I am! In front of ALL of you.....

Donna Exposed!
I have no goal. I am just going "To Do It!" Please stay tuned for details!!!! :D

Any encouragement is welcome! Hold the advice till later...not looking for any. Just encouragement as I embark on a transformation!

Article in The Northern Light - Bathurst, NB *Kira Isabella

From The DH Files...

Every year, on a ranch near the tiny community of Holstein, they hold one of the best Rodeos - brought to you by the Egremont Optimist Club. It takes place every mid-July and they just celebrated 10 successful years. Country 93 has been with them every step of the way...and part of the involvement is the Country 93 Stage. You'll hear great Canadian Artists, upcomers, locals with New Country, Classics, Bluegrass & Gospel.

The Holstein Rodeo is where I found myself a daughter...well...I call her my adopted daughter. She is barely 17 & she is extremely talented: Kira Isabella from Ottawa.

It was another crazy & great year in Holstein and Kira Isabella was so nervous about performing...after all, The Road Hammers would be watching her! Tommy Gilham, another great artist, discovered and introduced Kira to The Holstein Rodeo for exposure. She and her parents were hanging out for the day when all of a sudden Kira's Mom freaked out - both Kira and her Mom were so excited and I think they even had tears in their eyes. Hmmm...had no idea my son had that affect on women. [Insert smiley face] You see, they ran into a young man that looked exactly like their son/brother. Again...enter my oldest son, Kyle. Apparently, Kyle is almost a duplicate of Kira's brother whom they had not (at that point) seen in a few years. He lives out in BC and they thought he was flown in to see her perform.Kyle, by the way, did not mind the attention or getting back stage. [Another Smiley Face] From that moment on, we formed a special bond. To me, she is my daughter - borrowed.

Since Holstein, Kira Isabella has been signed to Sony Music Canada, and she's been to Nashville recording. Her first single, Love Me Like That, hit the charts with a bang and her video got in circulation on CMT. She even wore her "video" dress to the CCMAs in Hamilton. Her second single, A Real Good Radio, is sure to catch your ear. It is also doing well on the charts!

If you want to check out my daughter (borrowed)...I mean...Kira Isabella, she is on the social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Her official website is www.kiraisabella.ca. You may even want to consider taking in The Holstein Rodeo. Come visit! Check things out at www.holsteinrodeo.com

Donna Henry, former Bathurst resident & CKBC Announcer, currently On Air for Country 93 - Mornings/Middays/Emerging Artist Coordinator in Owen Sound, ON.

Enjoy life....there are no re-runs!!!

Do you know what Pain is?

Well,...I certainly do! Thought I would take a different approach to my regular Blogs - which have NOT been regular - And, I want to talk about something that has been bothering me...A LOT!!!!!

Pain. Sometimes you look at someone and they look fine. Yes, just like all those postings on facebook. You can't "see" the pain...so...you figure the person is A-OK. That isn't always the case. For those of you that really know me...you know I suffer. And, I try not to say too much about the pain...but, well, um...it damn well HURTS!

I'm assuming it is a combination of my dancing/gymnastic/tomboy-ish days along with old age. Just add a couple of DNA defects there, too. 
I have mild scoliosis...a kyphoid spine...injuries from tree falls, and dancing and gymnastics. And, basically, it is all catching up! My Nana warned me...I can still hear her say it....almost 40 years ago! Oh...to top it all off: I have hyper joint flexibility mobility.

I have exercised all my life....maybe not as much in the past 3 years...I know...I need to get back into it! But, don't tell me it'll make the pain go away. It doesn't! I can remember pain ever since I was 9 years old...continual pain. You just learn to live with it. Except lately...it hits me at night. All night. Last night was bad! Up every hour...and the pain is a constant ache. I hate taking meds and lately I have been giving in...which makes me "expand" which puts more weight on my joints and causes more pain. See the cycle?! I have tried the "natural" and "holistic" ways...and they aren't working, either.

The one thing I have also learned is that when I am in a "bad" situation...I hurt. No,...I am not unhappy...I just hurt. My body tells me! Will I ever be pain-free...yeah, when I die....but, I'm not looking forward to that at the moment. I still have a LONG LIFE to live - just putting it out there to the Universe :) !!!

So, if I happen to snap at ya...which I NEVER mean to do...it could be how I am feeling inside! Just sayin'!

My Co-worker KILLS me! Careful...language may offend.

Co-Worker: Hey...have I shown you my new phone?! [Super excited]

Me: No.... [thinks anything is more exciting than my phone]

Co-Worker: Come check it out!!!! [almost runs to the studio]

[Pulls out phone. Talks to it:]

Co-Worker: Text Donna

Phone: What do you want to say to Donna Henry

[My eyes widen....crap...this is super cool!]

Co-Worker: Hey Donna it's Cory I just want to let you know you are a whore...smiley face.

[I walk out to my phone....sure enough...I have a text....it reads:]

Text: Hey Donna it's Cory I just want to let you know you are a core :)

[WTH???? Obviously "Phone" does not like bad language! Beep beep, beep beep! New text...]

Text: Whore

In my industry, I get to participate in a lot of extremely cool things. And, well....sometimes I have to really go-out-on-a-limb! For instance, Painting a picture when my best painting - EVER - may have been from Grade 5 (and, that's a stretch.)

It was 3 years ago that I saw something unique on facebook. It was introduced to me by New Brunswick Country Music Recording Artist - Chris Cummings. It prompted an interview with Chris that led me to an introduction to Tim Fox in Fredericton. So, this year I have finally come out of my shell and sent in my painting.

It is A Brush For Hope, a fund-raising project for The Kidney Foundation of Canada where celebrities from across Canada put brush to canvas to raise funds for Kidney Research. These paintings are then auctioned off on eBay.ca - this year being Oct. 20 - 30th.

Kits are sent out early in the year (paints, brushes, canvas, etc.) and then it is up to the "celebrity" to paint whatever he/she would like to display to the world. I have no idea how I have been deemed "Celebrity" status but, I certainly am OK with helping the Kidney Foundation.

Paintings will be auctioned October 20 -30th, 2011 on eBay.ca so please stop by and check them out! All you have to do is type "kidney foundation" in the search field and bid on the painting!

Some of the Celebrity painters are: Chris Cummings, Myself (Country 93 - Owen Sound), Jason McCoy, Clayton Bellamy, Mike Myers, Brent Butt, Natalie MacMaster, Faber (Faber Drive), Julian Austin, Justin Trudeau, Paul Brandt, and Steven Sabados (Steven & Chris of The Designer Guys)...with many, many more. My initial idea was to paint a Maritime ocean scene, as I love and miss the ocean. However, my skill level at painting dictated that I paint a portrait of my Portuguese Water Dog - Port Colborne's Finn. He is almost 18 months old and the "baby" in my life. Please check it out on ebay.ca...and check out all the other fabulous paintings while you are there!

My link: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Donna-Henry-Original-Painting-Kidney-Foundation-Brush-Hope-Dog-/110761637613?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item19c9e876ed

Column for The Northern Light in Bathurst, New Brunswick...

FanFest at the CCMAs in Hamilton, ON with Doc Walker...

From The DH Files:

In the words of Carolyn Dawn Johnson, let me introduce myself...or re-introduce myself to you. Born, raised and having lived most of my life in Bathurst, NB...it'll always be considered my home, and I thought I could share some of my DIVA DJ experiences with you. [Insert Rolly eyes here.]

It has been 9 years since I moved out to Owen Sound, ON....where I work as a Morning/Midday On Air Personality for Country 93 - Bayshore Broadcasting Corp. - see, Al Hebert...you influenced me! I have to admit, I love my job! And, I love working with independant artists. Yes, I am also an Emerging Artist Coordinator.

What in the world is that, you may ask?! Well, with the support of my station, I help Indie Artists (especially in Country music) try to survive in the music industry. If I can help an Artist/Musician gain some "airplay" or "popularity" or get extra "gigs"....that makes me happy!

Last year was HUGE for Indie Artists seeing Victoria Banks win Female Vocalist of the Year & Gord Bamford winning Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2010 CCMAs (Canadian Country Music Awards), with both up for the Awards again this year in Hamilton, ON. I have to say: I felt like a proud Mom. Both were very deserving of their awards.

A Muskoka girl now living in Nashville, Victoria Banks is a sweetheart full of soul and one of the best Songwriters in the industry. Her latest CD, Never Be The Same, is about empowerment and I love each song and the stories behind them.

Born in Australia and having moved to Lacombe, Alberta at age 5, Gord Bamford knows how to throw out - or throw in rotation - one great song after another. 2011 sent Gord into Eastern Canada on his Rowdy Boys Tour, which started in Owen Sound, with Aaron Pritchett & Marshall Dane. All 3 put on a great show, and I hope you got to see them.
If you are an Emerging Artist...what are you waiting for???? GET IN TOUCH! And, if you have an interest in Canadian Country Artists and have access to the net...I welcome you to listen in to Country 93 for our WHATS NEW program with Bob Bannister & myself, Saturdays 7pm & Mondays 10pm (NB time) at http://www.country93.ca/ By the way, I'm Donna Henry, former Bathurst resident currently On Air for Country 93 - Mornings/Middays/Emerging Artist Coordinator in Owen Sound, ON.

Johnny Cash Tribute with local Artists....

Ya know......

It sure has been a while since I had the time to chat with y'all...so, thought I would take a moment to mention One of my recent MC gigs....I met Johnny Cash when I was 4 and have always been a fan to an extent (I am always a fan to an extent :)...)

I loved the humour that Brian Moniz & The Oulaws brought to the stage! Just remind me to NOT wear a similar outfit next time! Ha ha ha!

Thanks to The Painted Wardrobe for the beautiful dress, btw! Another great Joseph Ribkoff fashion!