Have you met Danny? What a goof. Who does he think he is? Big shot producer, wine snob, Scotch snob, wanna be tennis pro. Oh, and he thinks he can cook. What a goof.

Well, ok…maybe not such a goof. Great producer, generous friend, fantastic dinner companion, oblivious to weight gain in others (likewise changes in haircuts), all-round good fellow. Great dad and partner, from what I can see.

I love the guy. Happy Birthday Danny Greenspoon. I will toast you and your gang tonight.

Readers, forgive the specificity of this blog. But, it’s his birthday, after all.

Lots of good wishes afterward, in addition to lots of this: You didn’t know? Really? Well, no, I didn’t. Turns out there was a leak the night before and the names of winners had been released to the press so that press deadlines could be met. And turns out there was talk of it at the concert at the National Arts Centre the previous night.

We didn’t go to the concert. We stayed in the hotel, ordered room service, and watched a movie. I wish I could tell you that we watched something darkly evocative – something deep and edifying – but it was Shrek III (the III lends some gravitas that a plain 3 would not deliver). As a result, I missed the chatter about the leak and had no clue what was in store. I’m glad of that. If I had heard the night before, I would not have had as much fun with it the following night.

When Shelagh Rogers announced my name (thank you, Shelagh for the delight of your pure enthusiasm), I was surprised. Really surprised. As I walked to the stage, I was in some suspended state of credultity. I’m glad I hadn’t prepared any remarks. There were no bon mots in my  words of thanks.

I’m glad it went that way. It was a very pure delight. I’m as grateful for that as for the awards. Great honking chunk of glass, but the way,  with a maple leave suspended in the centre. In disbelief, I expect.

More when I get home. Thanks for tuning in.

…that was yesterday – today it’s a very different story with the rain pelting down on this treehouse. I thank the gods it has a roof and four walls.

Today, lunch was with my friend (and producer – but friend is at the top of the list) Danny Greenspoon. A more delightful man would be hard to find. I know that beneath his flesh and bones lies a great heart – not to suggest is is usually hidden . For me, his quick-to-react brain and his good natured self-deprecation won me from the start.   But, he’s also delivered two CDs to me, both of which have made me happy.

The last one  in particular, as much for production as for the sheer delight in the very organic way it came together. Danny has a talent for talent, and even a word hacker like me can be made to sound good in the embrace of great musicians and great singers. “Greytown” feels like family, without squabbles. I could have fallen backwards and been caught by these guys and gals (yes, gals – way better than girls).

Tomorrow, off to Ottawa and the continued wondering about what to wear  to the show. “Always a bridesmaid” I wrote to a friend, so perhaps something in a nice pastel.

Oh, and I now have my guitar back. Bliss. When my fingernail grows back on my middle right finger I think I will actually play it. Big thanks to Linda Manzer (http://www.manzer.com/guitars/)and Tony Duggan-Smith (http://tonyduggan-smith.com/) for the tremendous work.

It’s good here in the Big Smoke and don’t let anyone say it’s not so. Cities are just a lot of people surrounded by different architecture.  Some good of both here.

Good night. Have a sweet dream.