She is such a hard worker.

She’s made her way through some incredibly difficult obstacles in her life. Her brother makes guitars for her. Her music teacher transcribes her ideas.

Rebecca practices tirelessly.

And in my short time speaking with her about her life, her road to recovery, and her passion for music, it was evident that I was speaking to someone with an enormous capacity for compassion and a heart bigger than most.

The event features music, food, crafts, dances, and of course, a lot of tartan.

This year The Gunn Slingers, a local ceilidh band headed by accordionist Neil Gunn, finished off Saturday’s festivities with a few ceilidh tunes. If you are new to ceilidhs, make time to check one out. You can find more information about The Gunn Slingers on their Facebook page.

One from the archives:

Pizzeria Lola, headed by the lovely Ann Kim, is the place to go. Not only is it super cute and cozy inside, but the menu is incredible. And for all of you glutenoids, they have gluten-free things, too.

This 2011 Silver Whisk Award Nominee should not be missed.

Oh, don’t forget PajamaGram. That’s important.

And it all can be important.

But I’m more from the school of thought that what’s most important every day of the year is this:

They are the funniest, cleverest, cutest things in the whole world. You are convinced they are human in some way. Or perhaps you mistake shameless begging for compassion. But they do care. Seriously.

This is April. She became a part of our family after a horrendous beginning in a place that didn’t take very good care of their animals. That place has since been closed, thank goodness. April is mostly blind, but with the little eyesight she does have she manages miracles. She has learned how to cope and live, and most of all, be a happy dog.

This is one of April’s hobbies. Flat on her back, ball in mouth, she ever-so-carefully removes the ball and proceeds to balance it between paws. She’s so good, she can do it with just one.

Here’s to our pets. They are the best things in the world. If you have pets, you’ll know exactly what I mean.