It has been a hot minute since I wrote in this space.
So much has happened since then and here we are again asking our listeners for a donation to keep the station moving into the future.
On a show level, both CIUT and CFRU have continued to embrace the mosaic of music that makes up Ruby Slippers and Looking Glass. Two cities, two different vibes, two shows to prepare every week. Despite the steady time commitment, I can honestly say I still enjoy doing what I do and am grateful each and every day that I am able to share amazing sounds with listeners from everywhere.
However, anyone who follows the socials connected particularly to CIUT knows that this past summer I said farewell to my copilot Cally the Wonderdog and to be honest the stars are not shining as brightly for me these nights.
About the same time I reentered the community radio fellowship 13 years ago I welcomed a young golden who as far as I knew had come from a puppy mill situation. She was beautiful, wild and charged at life with an unrivaled joy. She helped me through loss, lockdown, illness, anxiety and panic attacks. She suffered through the hours it took to figure out how to record and edit the shows from home, and was resting under the dining room as each track was reviewed and arranged into a playlist. Our walks helped to clear my head when I got stuck on a set or a technical problem I had not encountered before. Her face was on buttons, tote bags, stickers, thank you notes to listeners and she received as many holidays wishes as I did every Christmas.
This is the first membership drive I have done without Cally. I never really appreciated how much she was part of this radio thing. I think of her every time I sit down at the laptop to begin recording another episode of both shows and hope she approves what I have chosen.
Anyway, the show must go on. Bills need to be paid, salaries met and as they say, radio never sleeps.
If you are able to donate this time, please do so. There is a place on the CIUT website and every donation counts. Community comes from unexpected places and in a world gone mad, kindness and love are more important than ever.
Wishing you a gentle time ahead.
Carol B (Alice)