the dread pirate roberts

After I had finished leading/speaking/singing at Rouge Valley on Sunday, John sidled up to me and, with a whispered "thank you," slipped me this portrait that he'd drawn. Apparently his ancestor, Bartholomew Roberts, was a pirate. And not just any pirate - the one who, in 1734, designed that skull-and-crossbones image that we all know. Yes, that one.

And now his great-great-great-great-great grandson (or whatever), John Roberts, Stouffville resident and accomplished artist in his own right, is carrying on the family tradition. Artistically anyway.

Thanks, John! I'll treasure this portrait! What's that - more treasure, you say...? Inconceivable!