Some know their passion right away and some take longer to realize it. Then there is the part of allowing yourself to follow your dream or believing that other things take priority.

Cathy Kowalski is one of those who knew her love for music and singing early on but it took awhile for her to believe that she could follow her desire. For as long as she can remember, singing filled her need to express her feelings or escape to another place. Growing up listening to country and western, rock and roll and folk music on the radio, there was a song for almost every emotion but on occasion, the music library in her head drew a blank. It never occurred to her that these might be the moments that she should try becoming a song writer. It wasn't until many years later that it was suggested that she try, which added a whole new dimension to her passion for music.

Cathy grew up on farms near Hamilton, Ontario, the fifth of nine children, making her the middle child . . . While traveling west, she fell in love with Jasper National Park. She moved to Jasper, Alberta, where she pumped gas, cleaned hotel rooms and eventually worked for Parks Canada. Cathy also met her husband there and shared the responsibility of raising his children. While her husband watched football, she learned to play guitar. The passing of her husband prompted her to look for change and it was then that she first dared to consider music as more than just a good way to spend time. She moved to Edmonton to study music and now calls Edmonton home.

While supporting herself until recently with administrative work, Cathy has been writing songs and performing for many years. Cathy's first CD Now and Then provides snapshots of the experiences she has lived. Her early musical influences can be heard throughout this recording.