#bapam

Malgré mes trois certificats culinaires, je ne suis toujours pas dans la possibilité de me nourrir sans qu’on me pousse.

I need someone to talk to. I need to feel like someone is actually listening.

I used to have such control over my life. Such drive. Such passion.

Alright, I’ll take partial blame for it this time around... mais c’est pas vrai que vous n’auriez pas été capable de vous débrouiller tous seuls aussi.

I just found out that I've been accepted in the new Baking and Pastry Arts Management program. Truthfully, I'm more worried than I am excited.

I am creating a list of performing arts charities that you might choose to contribute to, in order to help motivate us on our journey to Performing Well!

1. National Youth Orchestra Canada. This is my charity for my 5K run in October. NYOC has established musicians’ health as one of the pillars of its prestigious program. Their amazing Executive Director, Barbara Smith, is extremely committed to the well-being of the musicians. This program is breaking brand new ground on an international scale; and since 50% of NYOC alum become members of Canadian professional orchestras, it is also teaching the top musicians of tomorrow how to care for themselves, their colleagues, and their future students.

2. PAL Canada (formerly Performing Arts Lodges). Ever seen the movie Quartet? (If not, SEE IT. It’s amazing.) PAL Canada assists older, disabled or needy performing artists with their health, well-being and affordable accommodation needs. A very worthy cause!

3.Unison Benevolent Fund. Helps Canadian musicians and those working in the music industry by providing counseling, emergency relief, and benefit programs.

4. For my American colleagues, MusiCares: “a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need”. ‘Nuff said.

5. The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation is struggling. They could use your help.

6. In the UK, the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. They help developing, developed, and retired musicians throughout their careers. Her Majesty the Queen is their patron. Who can argue with the Queen?

7. Internationally, you can support the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) through our new endowment fund. Make cheques payable to PAMA, and mail to:

Julie Massaro Executive Director PAMA 3660 W. Grambling Dr. Denver, CO  80236

If you have other ideas for worthy charities, please let me know and I will post them!

To your health -