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I remember the very first time I saw Jann Arden. She was singing at an intimate pub in Gas Town in Vancouver in 1993 for Music West. I remember her sitting on a stool with one foot on the floor, I guess that’s call “sit-standing”. Anyway… I had no idea who she was, but thought, this woman is FUNNY! Never mind the singing talent, she was hilarious.

Little did I know, when I moved to Calgary in 1995, that Jann Arden was from here. Since then I’ve seen Jann perform on numerous occasions. I even had the opportunity to get to know Jann better when she was on an episode of Antique Psychic (where I was the host). Again, Jann was so funny. Really she is.

Another adoring quality about Jann Arden is that she’s down to earth. There’s nothing “Hollywood” about her. She’s not demanding, she’s not a diva, she’s not rude. Well, rude in the sense that she’s not pushy. If you don’t fancy the “f” bomb, you may think she’s rude. But other than that, she’s not rude. It’s not like she says it to your face. Just in conversations. Really, who doesn’t?

Jann has one of those infectious personalities. The more she talks, the more you want to get to know her. I would LOVE to just have Jann over for an hour or two to just talk. More like, I’d listen and she’d talk. Jann I just put you on my “Bucket List” of things to do… Have lunch with Jann Arden.

Jann just released her book “Falling Backwards a memoir”. I’m only One chapter deep, but I caught myself laughing out loud. When my husband asked me what was so funny, I couldn’t really explain it. Let’s just say it involves Jann being VERY grateful for her mother when she gave birth to her. The next out burst came when Jann explains what happens to children when they play in garbage cans in the back ally. THAT you’ll have to read on your own. I’m not about to go into detail. But Jann sure does. Jann has freaked me out a bit. My 2 year old son is already showing signs of being a little Jann. I’m thankful that we don’t have Milk Man chutes in today’s day and age… for fear of my son getting his head stuck. But there are other corners and crevasses he may find. (Let’s put it this way, Jann was an “adventurous” child, and so is my son who recently put peas up his nose).

The sentimental side of Jann comes from the inspiring love she has for her parents. I found myself tearing up as she talks about the unconditional love she has for her mom and dad. Thank you Jann for sharing that. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I’m looking forward to reading more. (Hope the rest is just as good as the first chapter! lol)

At the same time Jann has also released a new album “Uncover Me 2″. It features Jann interpreting songs popularized by artists including The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, The Smiths, The Everly Brothers, Doris Day, Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. So I popped my new CD into my car and had a listen. Again, showcasing her God given talent. Outstanding. Especially the Stevie Nicks song Dreams. Love Love Love that cut on this CD. So now you have two ideas for gift giving this Holiday Season. The book “Falling Backwards” and the cd “Uncover Me 2″.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet up again with Jann for a book signing of her latest memoir. Once again, she is as down to earth as one gets. Earlier in the day she was in Edmonton for a book signing at Chapters. Then drove to Calgary. Arriving at the Deerfoot Walmart by 7pm, with a crowd of people waiting to have her sign their books. Jann told the store manager that she’ll stay until the last book is signed. After a long night of chit chat and autograph signing she was off to Vancouver to sing the national anthem for the Grey Cup game. When do you take a breath Jann?

Thank you Jann for the fun pictures, and for brightening my day. Thank you for also brightening the day of all your fans. We truly love you!

Bonus Code Jann. Expires Nov.29th at Midnight

Have you noticed an increasingly amount of men in your office sporting a new look? Facial hair! As most women will say EW… before you hate the Mo, love the idea behind it! It’s Movember! Yes it’s official! Check out the Movember Website for all the details.

Hurray for these men! During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. There’s a whole list of official rules and regulations on this site, and a link to donate to your favorite Tom Selleck wearing man.

Mookie and my husband with their Mo's

My husband and his comrades at work have a team going to raise the funds for this worthy cause. It’s become quite competitive in the office. Not only to see who can raise the most amount of money, but who can grow the best stash! If you feel the need to donate, here’s his link. Click here.

But it’s not just for the cause that men are growing these furry friends under their nose. Some of the men I work with are doing it “just because”. One colleague of mine suggested that it has always been a bit of a childhood dream to grow a moustache. It’s not as easy as women may think. Unless you’re a guy who has to shave twice a day, it may take the whole month for some men to grow something that will look decent.

Personally, I’m not fond of the Mo. Perhaps it’s because when I met my husband he had the clean-shaven look. And now the growth is, well, to put it nicely, EW! So how do some men pull it off? My father had one for years, but I met him like that, so I didn’t really notice it until he actually shaved it off when I was an adult. My father-in-law too. Again I didn’t notice it until he shaved it off. As for Tom Selleck, I think his “it” factor is that he has the GREAT hair to go with it!

This whole Movember has helped men bond too. I’ve seen men giving other men the high five, or a fist pound, and they don’t even know each other! It’s like they’re all truck drivers giving other truck drivers the wave!

On The Brighter Side ladies, most men will shave it off December 1st. AND it was for a good cause. Who knows, you may grow to love it. (Not this girl though)

Today is Mid Movember and Canada’s leading the global Movember movement, well ahead of Australia, where the campaign originated. Over 225,000 Canadian men are registered and have already raised over $16,000,000 so far for prostate cancer Canada. Way to go guys!!

Bonus Code for VIP’s -Mo
Expires Midnight November 16th.

I received an email from a listener hoping to help her son, who is 21 year old Cpl Taylor Lewis, who participated in last weeks Calgary Flames Remembrance Ceremony, on Nov.8th. He unfortunately lost his medal that he received for the time he spent in Afghanistan. From the game he and some friends went to Morgan’s Pub on 17th Ave. Unfortunately, they called Morgan’s and they haven’t found the medal. Having a grandfather who is a veteran, I know the importance of these medals. If you find it, or know anything about it, please contact Brenda at Brenda.lewis65@gmail.com. Here’s a picture of the medal.

Click on the picture to make it bigger.

When I moved to Calgary almost 17 years ago now, my first impression of this city was; it’s a big city but a small community. Meaning, this city is SO giving. And 17 years later, that hasn’t changed. It’s only gotten bigger and better! And better at giving to those who need it the most.

Most recently, I was introduced to a program called Role Mothers. It’s a program designed to celebrate and encourage women; just like you; busy, active moms; who find the time to give back to the communities in which they live. All the while teaching their children the importance of giving along the way.

Being a “Role Mother” is as simple as identifying an opportunity, giving back to our community and sharing your story. Weather it’s a small gesture or a massive undertaking, your ideas may inspire other mothers to become “Role Mothers”.

On their Facebook page, other “Role Mothers” are sharing their stories on how they give back in their families. Talk about inspiring. Being a mom myself, and not always having the time to just breathe, let alone volunteer, this organization has given me the push to get out there and help. AND to instill the importance of giving back to my two boys. Even if it’s just donating gifts at Christmas for Toy Mountain , or baking extra food for Made by Momma. But it doesn’t stop there! The volunteer options are endless for us in this city. You just need to find the right one that fits your family and your life! Thank you Role Mothers for reaching out and helping us to give back to our beautiful city and the wonderful people we live with.

You can find Role Mothers online at www.rolemothers.ca and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoleMothers Take a look and start giving back today.

Bonus Code : GIVING (expires Tuesday Nov.8.2011 at midnight)

Living life by seeing the Brighter side isn’t easy. To the average person, we can make it a choice. But not everyone can make that choice. I’m talking about Mental Illness. Not long ago there was a Mental Illness campaign that tried to get the word out about who Mental Illness affects. It was a commercial that showed a drawing board with a pointer. On the drawing board was a picture of Earth. The message was, Mental Illness can affect anyone, but you can’t always see it. It’s not a condition you can see. It’s not a condition you can put a cast on to fix. It’s not a condition you choose to be in either.

<Just talk to Lee Horbachewski. She’s a suicide survivor, who lives with depression. And now Lee is taking a stand to help reduce the stigma and build awareness for Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention. Her Going Blue 4 U campaign is passionate about raising $40,000 to be donated to local charitable organizations that provide resources and support for Mental Illness. In Calgary, the funds will support the Distress Centre. The entire team will all dye their hair blue if they reach their goal. There are 10 days left for the Going Blue 4 U awareness campaign putting a colorful spin on “The Blues”.

Mental Illness impacts nearly 6 million Canadians, which is 20% of our population. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among Canadians aged 15-24 and 16% of all deaths for the age group 25-44.

“Together we have the Power to Change and Reduce the Stigma that surrounds Mental Illness and suicide. The only way we will is by more and more people talking about it without judgment and fear.”

Lee Horbachewski has a vision: “To Empower You to Shine Bright & Steady, to be Aware, Accept and take Action by living life authentically and realizing you are never alone.” Truth that you CAN live on The Brighter Side. It’s not always easy, and you may need a helping hand along the way!

Hold Lee’s hand, and please help her with her vision. To donate to the Going Blue 4 U campaign, go to www.goingblue4u.ca

Follow on Twitter: @GoingBlue4U_CA #GB4U and Lee @SimpLee_Serene

Website: http://simpleeserene.com/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleeserene1, or https://www.facebook.com/GoingBlue4U

If you require immediate assistance call 9-1-1 or call a 24 Hour Crisis line http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
In Calgary you can contact the 24 Hour Crisis Line provided by the Distress Centre 403.266.HELP (4357) www.distresscentre.com