JOY

On By ResaIn Murals, Music, Tributes

Celebrating the Life of Trent P. McDonald

“Any moron can destroy, let’s create!” – Trent P. McDonald

That is a quote from our email exchange on September 18, 2025. We were working on a collaboration: his new song, some street art and a chat.

From Trent’s description on Youtube – The rainbow can mean whatever you want, but it is not about “Gay Pride” or anything, unless that fits you personally. I just think of rainbows as being the opposite of boxes.

We couldn’t quite settle on any of the samples I sent. Then I found a quadriptych in an alley in Cabbagetown. The colours were perfect for the rainbow he was using in his video.

Trent – I really love the dancers!  I followed the link you sent and also the link that they have, to more info about the mural.  It is all great.

Resa – It sounds like we should go with the Dancers. I’ve been thinking about it, too, and it does fit with your song and vice versa.

Trent – There is the freedom of the styles – from the kid’s drawings of buildings to the Matisse inspired abstract dancers, The color palette is great.  It is very dynamic; the sense of movement is fantastic – not being boxed in at all!  Free expression.

Trent – I am not sure if you want to get into the music nerd side of it, but some questions can centre around the time being in 7-4, 6-4 and 5-4 while most pop/rock music is 4-4 with a very occasional 3-4 (waltz-like).  

Moving Elevation is the official title

Resa – The quadriptych was painted indoors on canvas. They were coated and moved outdoors onto an alley wall of a dance school.

Trent – There is a lot to be said about street art vs “traditional” art.  It is interesting to have “indoor street art”.

Resa – I was thinking that, too!

Children worked with the artists and created the backgrounds.

Citadel & Companie is the dance company that commissioned this quadriptych.

Part of their program offers dance lessons to children.

“It is lit from the blue sky above, even if the sky is covered in clouds.”

The above words are Trent’s, from one of our mails. We were talking about why a pic he took, of a drawing of a trumpet he had done, tuned blue.

That sentence applies to much more than just a photograph. I see it as a philosophic metaphor. Music, in Trent’s life, was always a light from above.

Trent – “For the most part I try to be a very positive person – i.e., my Weekly Smile.  Although I have written some “protest” songs lately and will continue to do so, I want to do it from a positive angle.”

Ghosts

The last panel of the quadriptych seemed somewhat apart from the other 3, because of the figures. My initial thoughts were of dancing ghosts. They now haunt.

Fiyero, one of his dogs had just died.

Trent – And thanks, Resa.  Even though I drove down to the Cape yesterday so should be in a “happy place,” I’ll admit I am a little depressed today.

Resa – Take it easy out there, and be careful. We are not at our sharpest when grieving, or even just blue.

Trent –  Some could be an after effect of losing Fiyero – Some could be just going from being on 100% of the time to being off.  I have had some stomach issues that have nothing to do with stress that isn’t helping.  The news and what is happening in my country is catching up to me as I sit here.

I suggested posting on the 16th of October, or just after. That would give us time to finish the Q&A!

Trent – Oh, the date sounds good.  I will be off line from the afternoon of October 9 until maybe the morning of October 13.  The 16th is perfect.

Resa -Write me tomorrow, or anytime! It doesn’t have to be about the post. Anything you want to say is okay by me.

Music Maker

Trent and I found our palship because of music. Oddly, inasmuch as we both love music and had a special spot for John Lennon, it was equipment, the hardware that instigated out first chats.

As my hubs is a musician/composer/producer, I’ve watched music equipment come and go: evolve from analog to digital, from the McLeyvier (ahead of its time & developed by a friend of ours) to the Synclavier (of which Trent had one).

Trent – Hi Resa, So, I decided to go ahead and do the cover of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” I just sketched it all out in a notation program (writing the notes, etc.) and have started to play around with it on the guitar.  I changed keys again from what I do with my instructor to make the guitar part easier.  I bumped it a little higher, but still not what CCR did – John Fogerty had a very high voice!

Anyway, thought you’d be interested to know that I am doing this.  Most likely I will record over the weekend and put it out early next week.

This is what would have been our 5th post together. If you’d like to see the other 4, just click on the banner below. Trent did the drawing of John Lennon.

Pics taken by Resa – September 18, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artists:

& the children

Click on the children dancing on the left to go to Eden Remme Watt’s website

Click on the guy dancing by the CN Tower, (on the left), to read about Rebecca Remme.

Click pic to view obit and well wishes

177 thoughts on “JOY”

    1. You’re welcome Dan! I was waiting for the next email. This post is like an unfinished symphony, or a book like “The Last Tycoon”, unfinished and published posthumously.

      Reply

  4. This is such a beautiful tribute post for Trent. I love those dancing figures! If the white ones are ghosts, they seem joyful and full of light. Hopefully, Trent is dancing with them now.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Merril.
      It’s an unfinished symphony.
      What a lovely thing to say about the ghosts and Trent. Yes, I hope he is dancing with them!

      You know, ever since I read your book “River Ghosts”, I’ve never looked at a river, or a “ghost” the same. And ghosts do make me think of you, and now Trent is added to the queue. 💙

      Reply

  5. Oh, how sad, Resa…. This is a lovely tribute to the very special legacy left by Trent. I love the idea of indoor street art – if only I could go to an exhibition like this sometime! I’d be so excited! The colours used and the fluid movement of the dancers are just so uplifting. I especially like the one at the end, with the houses. It’s particularly dreamy and makes me feel soothed, curious and inspired all at once! Rest in peace, dear Trent, and thanks for sharing your unique vision with us.🕊️🌹💙

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Ada!
      Yes, Trent and I were both thrilled about finding this gorgeous quadriptych.

      Ahh, the last one; it is a bit different, and yet, totally fitting.

      Thank you for reading this tribute, Ada, and for your lovely words! He is gone too soon, young by today’s measures.

      🕊️🌹💙xx

      Reply

  7. It is quite shocking to me, however, and a significant loss of an excellent artist and person. I remember we discussed CCR as if it were yesterday! Nonetheless, both of you delivered superb interviews, now with such marvellous, colourful paintings. I agree with Trent about the rainbow and John Fogerty’s higher voice, which caused me many difficulties when I sang his songs back then. Let’s think positively, as he always does. It is a lovely tribute, dear Resa.

    💖💖💞🦋

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Aladin!
      I believe Trent would be pleased to hear all the lovely thoughts people have about him.

      It was almost yesterday when we were discussing the CCR song. Right in the middle of collaborating, he is gone.

      Thank you again, Aladin!
      🕊️🌹💙💞🦋

      Reply

        1. Understandable! I was quite smitten standing by the art. Lol… when I see art I really like, I tend to shiver. I was shivering this day, and it was not a cold or hot day. It was perfect.
          🌹

          Reply

    1. Oh yes! Fiyero was Trent’s close buddy. It’s wonderful to think that they both met at the end of the rainbow.

      These paintings are wildly up-lifting.
      Thank you, Cheyenne!

      Reply

  12. Dearest Sorceress,

    You could not have honoured Trent any better! His art, music and immense talent have been hushed and that is so sad.

    This quadriptych is absolutely glorious and would have been perfect! The colours, oh my! I adore each and every one of them and, like Merril said, if those are dancing ghosts, may I be one, one day not soon, as they are obviously enjoying the afterlife.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Thunder!

      The thing is, he was so happy to be doing all the creative things he could not when he was working fill time, even though he missed the hustle of work.

      The art is fabulous. Trent was thrilled to put it with his music. And I had just recently finished beta reading a book he wrote.

      It just seems so fast . Out brief candle!

      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. My pleasure.

        And I bet he did.

        It truly is! Damnation… Awww. I read one of his books and have another in my Kindle.

        Way too fast!

        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

        Reply

    1. Thank you, Esther!
      It’s just so strange that in the middle of the flow of mails and working on this post…. it just stopped.

      This post is an unfinished symphony, of sorts.
      🕊️🌹💙

      Reply

  17. A great tribute to Trent. I haven’t experienced a sudden passing situation of a colleague in my time, but I can only imagine how shocking and disheartening it was in the moment, Resa. That being said, his creative efforts will carry on, as well as the wonderful memories of the man himself.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Bruce!

      Yes, I have known about a couple of other bloggers in my sphere who passed away, but not close like I was to Trent.

      Yes, his creations live on, and his message of positivity and happiness is always needed.

      🕊️🌹💙

      Reply

  19. it was so kind of you to share this personal interaction with us. Trent will be greatly missed but lives on in every piece of his work. What a brilliant (and somewhat haunting) last collaborative work.

    Reply

    1. Yes, haunting is the word. Brilliant is too. There was to be more of a philosophical chat on joy and freedom, but…
      Still, it is apropos that I finished this the best I could, as a tribute. I will miss our chats.

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Jan!
      Yes, I enjoyed Trent’s talent and his mind. We had a terrific post planned for this wonderful, happy art and his music.
      I did the best I could.

      Reply

  23. What a beautiful post Resa and I have no doubt Trent is dancing and raining down on you with rainbows. 🌈 I just took a picture of one today. Your connection of sharing and caring is felt with honest caring and simpatico with heartfelt exchanges. The colors are exquisite in the photos. He would be sooo happy to see the post. I’ll come back for a listen to music as I can’t get it in the car, but I am getting my emojis on my phone, which is a great thing. 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷💕🎉🙏
    Sending you lots and lots of love today and knowing all will happen for greater good!!!
    🥰😘🥰🥰

    Reply

    1. Nice, you saw a rainbow!!!
      Finishing the post Trent and I had started was important to me.
      I mean, it’s finished as much as possible under the circumstance…. of a tribute.

      Grabbing up your love, and sending some back.
      🥰😘💙🌹🕊xx

      Reply

  25. Resa, this is such a beautiful and poignant tribute to Trent. The collaboration between you and Trent shines with genuine creative spirit. Two artists meeting through music, conversation, and shared curiosity. Reading his message about recording “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” feels like hearing his voice echo softly across time.

    Your words remind me how art has the power to hold friendship, even beyond loss. What you’ve created here is more than a tribute. It’s a continuation of the dialogue you shared. Thank you for keeping his light alive through your art and remembrance. Sending many many hugs. We lost a creative force.

    Reply

    1. It is his voice across time.
      I did want it to feel like he was here for the post he started with me.

      Thank you Rebecca! You are always so eloquent with your words, and strong with your positive energy. I appreciate this comment, a lot.

      Yes, another creative force has left his art to remember him.
      HUGS! 💙🕊

      Reply

  26. What a perfect title for this post, Resa and Trent!! These painting definitely bring me JOY! Love the colors, so vibrant and well, joyful! I see the rainbow as a sign of God’s promise… and will always see it that way 🌈☀️🧡💛 💚 💙 💜

    LOVE the quote “Any moron can destroy, let’s create!” How true indeed!!

    Love the creativity in your collaborations with talented friends, Resa!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Ruth!
      This mural was a great find and perfect for Trent’s new song, and his (and my) philosophy in life.

      The quote is superb! He was good at that.
      Thank you for your kind comment, and rainbow, Ruth!!
      XOXOXO
      💙🕊

      Reply

  27. OMG, Resa… I didn’t know that Trent had passed… I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m dumbfounded right now. But the paintings are wonderful, so full of color and movement. They are an excellent choice for this lovely post. I know Trent is smiling about it. Heartfelt hugs. ❤

    Reply

    1. It is dumfounding, Teagan.
      It was very sudden. He was only 61.
      We both adored these paintings, and they went perfect with his new song.

      Yes, in my heart I think he would be happy about how I concluded the post we started.
      HUGS!! 💙🕊

      Reply

  30. So sorry to read this, Resa. I saw it and thought ‘Yay, another collaboration,’ cos I loved your collaborations. You did him proud here. And Have You Ever Seen the Rain is a fav of mine. it is on my bday party play list in a few weeks actually xxxxxx

    Reply

    1. Aww, well yes, it had started out a collaboration, and ended up a tribute.
      Sad. I’ll miss Trent.
      I love “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”.
      A B’day play list, what fun. I hope you have the best ever day. I need to try and remember…a few weeks, and wish you a Happy Birthday!
      💙🕊🌹
      xxxxxxxxxx

      Reply

      1. I know you will miss him. He came over as a great guy. And it is sad this started out as a join thing BUT you have done him proud. Oh I am having a fancy party. I specially chose a local venue where you can bring your own food and hook your phone up to the sound system so you can also have music YOU want to listen to, not music the DJ wants to charge you a small fortune for stuff THEY want to listen to. I am very fussy that way. Also cos it is a local sports club function suite it is nice, cheap AND but a 7 min walk away.

        Reply

          1. I wish you could come my darling I was thinking that as I commented. i thought Resa would have a ball. And you could have brought whoever you liked too. I’ve told everyone, including couples who are just coming as a couple to bring friends so they are not sitting the whole evening at a table having to make small talk with those they don’t know. I don’t want pressies, I just want folks to have a good time with pals. And I know there will be a good age group mix too that way and I’ve tried to choose music to make sure there’s something for everyone xxxxxxxxxxx

            Reply

  35. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr McDonald’s immediate family, friends and the wider blogging community that knew him…and what a fitting tribute to your friend Resa. May I say Mr McDonald should be remembered as a Master of his art….only the true greats write in 7-4, 6-4 and 5-4 time signatures!

    Reply

    1. Ah, thank you Tyeth! It is sad.
      I was wondering if someone would mention the time signatures, and you did. Yahoo!
      He did study music, and was very adept at the trumpet.

      Reply

  37. A wonderful tribute to this talented and generous man . He will be truly missed. Such a tremendous loss for those you knew and appreciated his many talents.
    I will miss Trent. RIP my friend.
    🕯️🕊️

    Reply

    1. Thank you dear Holly!
      I added a link to his legacy board the end. Can’t believe I forgot it.
      Thank you for the reblog, and for your lovely comment!
      xoxoxoxo
      🕯️🕊️

      Reply

  38. I agree, a beautiful tribute to one of the Light Beings who graced our darkness with a shimmering smile and joyful talent. There are those who come into our lives and we discover a kind of love that is pure and without the stain of earthly things. Their loss is unbearable, yet they leave us with a standard to measure the light on our path and to raise our light higher. Rest well Trent.

    Reply

  40. Hi Resa, thank you for sharing this beautiful post. It is a special tribute to Trent. I waited a bit to hear myself to read it. Trent’s loss has made me very sad and it’s also been an eye opener ❤️‍🔥. Thank you for what you do to celebrate the arts in our community.

    Reply

    1. Dear Robbie,
      It makes me sad, too.
      I didn’t know Trent for a long time, Many bloggers knew him for years, before we connected.
      He was still relatively young, which makes it all the harder to fathom.
      It is haunting how the mails just stopped, in the middle of a colab.
      💙🕊
      Well, thank you to you too, Robbie! You share out here every day, in the best of ways: your poetry & writing, photography, art, book reviews, features on others’ blogs, animal awareness and rights, etc.
      You are simply amazing!

      Reply

        1. How wonderful that you got to know him for 8 years.
          Our first colab was about a year and a half ago, so I probably knew him for only 2 years.
          SIGH!
          🕊💙🌹
          So, I got your book! I’ve already thumbed through and will be reading it fully soon. 😀
          Yahoo!

          Reply

            1. LoL!
              I showed some of the Gingerbread Houses to my N. He’s not well, and unhappy. But when he saw them, he smiled out loud. Every time I showed him another, he smiled out loud again.

              I’m loving this book! 🧡🧡

              Reply

    1. Thank you for this lovely comment Marie! Yes, Trent was a creator and positive person.

      It’s not a wonder he loved this fabulous quadriptych. It is filled with joy.

      Joy to you!

      Reply

    2. Marie, I just want you to know that I left comments on your blog and auto mistake (aka auto correct) changed it to Mary..then TWICE to married, after I hit send!

      Reply

  42. Your post goes a big way to support the title of it. You’ve poured a big glass of JOY! I didn’t know Trent, but his spirit comes through in the videos that he put together. Sounds like he put a lot of color and light into the world, and I appreciate that. And I appreciate you for making this post, as well as your other posts that show us artworks 🙏

    Reply

    1. Thank you Dave!
      Yes, art.. . it makes my every day. All of the arts, really.
      Trent was a lovely blog pal, and I enjoyed collaborating with him. 💙🕊

      Reply

  45. This a great tribute post, Resa, impressive! I did not know Trent, but reading your words, looking at the mural art… seeing Trent’s videos, I understand that he was a free spirit and beautiful soul. Thank you for this wonderful post!

    Reply

  46. This is a beautiful, colorful, and joyful post, Resa! Thank you for making it a bright and cheerful celebration of Trent’s life. Your colab with him was wonderful. I appreciate all of your work to put this post together, am glad you included the beautiful dance artwork. Trent was so happy before he passed away. His conversation was so positive and was looking forward to your post on the 16th. Even though your colab wasn’t finished but you did a great job to give it a lovely ending. Trent continues to be happy. His weekly smile becomes daily smile now.

    Reply

    1. Miriam!
      When Trent and I were discussing the art options for the post, he wanted it to be positive. He was thrilled with this art.

      Thank you for this lovely comment!
      I was considering putting this post’s link on his Legacy board, but I was worried if it would be a positive or negative for his wife?

      YES, a daily smile..Yes!

      Reply

    1. Yes, it is sad, Debby, sudden and sad.

      Still, Trent and I were working on a creative post about positivity and joy (the happy part), so I finished what we started (the sad part)

      Your book is fabulous, Debby! I’m just about finished reading it. I’ve been taking it slow and letting things sink in, especially with my N. being ill.

      Look, he’s really sick, but has no death sentence. Still…the anticipatory feelings of what might/will come are very relevant, and I appreciate everything you write in your book on this aspect of grief. Thank you!
      I’ll be mailing you soon!
      😥💜💚❌⭕❌

      Reply

        1. Woo Hoo!
          Just want you to know, I have finished the book. I need to think about how I’d like to present it.
          You did great Debby, Congratulations!
          XOXOXOXOXO

          Reply

  48. Very sorry for your loss, Resa, and for all of Trent’s many friends. I’m not sure why I never stumbled across him. May he rest in peace. And may you all remember all the great things he gave you.

    Reply

  50. What an extraordinary guy, Resa. I’m sad that I never knew him. Our blogging world is so diverse- I knew the name but not the man. You so obviously enjoyed working together and this is a fine tribute. The mural is such a wonderful expression of joy. Thank you for leading me here xx

    As an aside, you mentioned not knowing Jude. I am in daily contact with her because she has just lost her husband, who was also a musician. She now has a studio full of guitars and equipment to dispose of, as well as an enormous hole in her life. Just thought you would like to know. Sending hugs, sweetheart xx

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Jo! Trent was a lovely person to chat with on blog or in mails.

      We had started this project, and I’m happy I finished it.

      It is strange when blog pals are gone. I still think of Le Drake Noir time to time.

      Ohh, poor Jude!Omg! If anything happened to Norm, I would be in Jude’s shoes.

      Life!?!

      Thank you for this kind comment,Jo! It means a lot.

      HUGS! xx

      Reply

  51. Resa, Thank you for letting me know about this post. It is a lovely tribute to Trent and a positive closure to your collaboration with him. The artwork is beautiful, colourful and joyful. It’s perfect for your collaboration. Take care.

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much Dawn!
      I appreciate your lovely comment.
      Trent and I were relatively new blog pals. We started collaborating about 18 months ago.

      He was an intellect and a creative. I enjoyed his music and writing.

      Anyway, he was only 61, and suddenly emails stopped in the middle of a project. Haunting!

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Charlie!
      I was just getting to know Trent really well, before he passed. It’s a sa thing, but he brought me a lot of happiness, and intellectuality.
      Like you, Charlie; you make me think and you make me happy! 🌟

      Reply

  56. What a touching and gracious tribute for what sounds like a dear friend. I am sorry for your loss. It is a hard thing to lose a friend. What stunning artwork. I just love all the pieces. Everyone looks so happy in them. I enjoyed his unusual style and voice. He had a truly unique voice, which is always nice when someone makes something there own.

    Friends are so precious and as we get a bit older we realize even more how truly great friends are to find. So again, I am sorry for your loss but happy that you had that special friendship with another creative. Thank you for sharing all this amazing art as well. Big hugs, love and blessings

    Reply

    1. Joni!

      Pardon for the tardy reply. LOL! I have 2 blogs, but can seem to handle only 1 at a time.

      Well, I’m back here, and I thank you for this lovely comment.
      Trent was a true intellect and creative, and I enjoyed collaborating with him.

      It’s haunting the way the emails just stopped, and how his songs keep coming up on my YouTube feed.

      BIG HUGS to you, Joni!

      Reply

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