Being a wife and mother I attempt to instill in my family core values of love, kindness and an appreciation of the simple things in life. My belief is that these acts, among other positive attributes can and will make this world a better place for ourselves and the people we encounter along our journey. I think it’s important to give credit where credit is due, and from our experience at the 4th Annual NL Traditional Songwriters Festival at Little Bay Islands, credit is definitely due. AWESOME is not even fitting enough to what this event meant to us. We had so much fun. There was something for everyone - young and old alike, prices were more than reasonable and everything was so well organized. The 'orange shirt' (staff/volunteer) people, and other locals, were all so helpful and friendly. This was our first time to the Island and I left Little Bay Islands with heartfelt admiration for this tiny island. Everything from the traditional food to the simple things like prizes for kids who didn’t win during the Kid's Bingo – not even larger communities think of that when they host their annual events. Most communities (not all, but most) concentrate more on the financial aspect of the events - the more money saved/made, the more successful the event. By the simple act of giving prizes to all the kids who participated not only put a smile on the faces of the kids, but made my heart "smile." There is no value to a child's happiness and Little Bay Islands has not lost that truth in the moderation of life. That in itself speaks volumes of the values that this tiny outport community strives on. The experience at the event rejuvenated in my family the appreciation for the traditional Newfoundland (and Labrador) culture, a way of life and values often lost elsewhere in the province, but so evident in this little isolated outport community. To all the volunteers who made this event a HUGE SUCCESS, you are to be commended and here is MY FAMILY'S MANY THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE! To the Volunteers and Staff at Little Bay Islands, you are to be commended for the work you all put into this event. Your kindness and hard work has certainly not gone unnoticed. Thanks for such a great weekend. It was a true blessing to attend this event, be sure it will not be our last visit. It is truly amazing how such a small community can come together and make such an event such a huge success. Your island is beautiful and inviting.   Submitted By: Justine (nee Vincent) Thomas