I recently came across something posted on a friend’s twitter that really made me think.

“Sometimes the people we’ve known for a short amount of time have the biggest impact on our lives, even more than those we’ve known forever.”

I started thinking about all of the people who are really important in my life and how they’ve inspired me. I was lucky enough to grow up in a friendly area that has really created a home-base community for me. I don’t know many people that can say they are still very close with and love some of their first friends made in kindergarten when they were 3, and for that I’m extremely grateful. Through moving about 5 times around Toronto and even all the way out west to Vancouver, enrolling in 2 different Universities and playing in bands with many different musicians I’ve met a ton of people in the past 6 years who have all had an impact on my thoughts and choices. This little twitter post got me thinking about my friendships, loves, acquaintances and business relationships and how some people have had an extremely positive impact on my life without even knowing it.

Thank you to the BF-soul singers ( http://www.myspace.com/BFSoul ) for being amazing, talented, beautiful and strong women who constantly make me want to practice singing. I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to sing with all three of you, and can’t wait to see what you guys take over in the music industry!!

Thank you Chef Michael Smith for making me want to experiment in the kitchen. Although we’ve never even met, you inspire me everyday!

Thank you “Hollywood”! – If you’re from the Beaches you’ll know who I’m talking about. You always make me smile and giggle even when I’m just running errands or grabbing a coffee.

Speaking of coffee, thank you cute red-headed barista lady at Starbucks near Shaw and Queen for not only giving me my drink for free, but making it even a size bigger and with more chocolate! You totally made my day.

And now speaking of chocolate… thank you Matthew from Premier Fitness. I’ve only seen you a few times but you have been a pleasure to work out with and have really gotten me motivated about the gym again.

Thank you Kelly VanVeen from Humber Radio. It was a pleasure doing an interview with you and I love how excited and dedicated you are to your education and experiences. It always makes me so happy to meet people who are so happy and positive. Thank you to Kelly’s mom too for being a sweetheart and having such an uplifting personality.

Thank you to those I’ve loved and those I’ve lost because I’ve really learned a lot from you, and even if we aren’t in each others lives anymore I appreciate the time we spent together.

Thanks to whoever invented the pink Tide laundry detergent that smells like apples. Because of you I really truly enjoy doing laundry.

Thanks to all of the people who send me messages on Facebook, e-mails or Soundcloud about my music. I love hearing from every one of you and it inspires me to continue making more music.

Thank you to the cashier in MEC who knew my name from seeing a show 4 years ago. Even if the only thing you remember about me was the gray sweater I was wearing that you liked, it still made me smile!

Thank you Jen for asking me to sing my song “Easy For Me” at your wedding, whenever that will be. I do!! I mean… I will!

Thank you Alex Tait for calling me when you can’t make a gig. I’m absolutely terrified to fill your shoes but it’s nice to know you think I could!

Also, of COURSE thank you to all of my best friends for always doing things that make me feel like a million bucks.

Take a second and think about the people who’ve passed you by or that you’ve met along the way and how they’ve helped make you who you are.

xo – AJB

PS: It’s friiiiiiiday! Let’s party!