April packed a punch!

Blogpost No 4 April 2024

It’s been a whirlwind month filled mostly with preparations for the launch of Children Of The Sea, which happened last night (Saturday April 27th). What a night it was! The day after such a HUGE event  always feels anticlimactic … after all the hours of learning, practising, arranging, organising, talking, talking, talking … it’s over! But it was as successful as I’d hoped which is a major achievement. Given it’s a one woman show, there are so many people involved, from the IOM Arts Council, Culture Vannin, all the visual Artists, Fled’gling Records, Lighting and projector tech Mick, Sound engineer Dave Armstrong, who also mixed the CD so was amazingly sensitive to all those nuanced vocals that needed a little extra reverb here and there, family, friends and supporters both near and far who sent messages of love and support cheering me on; all immensely appreciated. I definitely feel loved. Thank you!

In between the practising and bumpy technical learning curves, Mum, bless her, needed another Hospital stay. The same symptoms as before reared their ugly heads - water retention being the most obvious culprit of her failing heart condition. She was calm and placid the week she was at Nobles and they looked after her well but these trips to hospital are super-stressful, so it’s been suggested it might be time to consider a Nursing Home instead of the (fabulous!) Dementia unit she’s lived in for the last 8 months. At least in that environment with experienced nurses on hand, her recurring symptoms can be relieved in situ and more promptly than elsewhere. It’s our hope anyway, though I’m sad she will no longer be in the fun-loving environment Reayrt Skyal have provided thus far. To be honest, I didn’t think she’d make it to Christmas. It’s all a process and we’re waiting for assessments and prompts to look at possible places moving forward. Wish us luck! She still has some quality of life, I see these qualities when she jokes or laughs or starts singing random songs for no reason. She can make us laugh and she loves having visitors. Mostly though, she sleeps and who can blame her for that.

I want to fill you in a little more about the preparation required for last night’s (world premiere!) performance: I created 9 videos to go with the 9 songs on COTS, to play behind me while I sang.They include the wonderful artwork for each story, interspersed with scenes of the Island and in particular the Irish Sea. Some of the help and support I received this last month came in the form of other people’s much-needed excellent technical skills. My wonderful merpal Christy DeHaven, whose “day job” is DJ/broadcaster par excellence on Manx Radio (1-3pm weekdays and her wonderful two hour Live Lounge on Saturday evenings) offered to edit the video for Dear Sister so that I could have Chris While on screen for our duet. Chris very kindly videoed her parts and sent them over to me. I’d already edited a video with the gorgeous artwork Claire Ormerod created, with glorious views of the coastline and various sunsets. I then brought this to Christy one evening and she used her film editing skills (take a look at The Watch Maker’s Apprentice on Prime) magic so that now Chris While appears beautifully ethereal over the changing landscape. I’m delighted with the end result, as you can see here:

Other technical assistance came in the form of a run-through at Peel Centenary Centre, several weeks before the actual event. I wanted to know everything worked! We got to play with the new PA I spoke about last month which in this situation became my monitor as the theatre is a 200 hundred seater auditorium and the sound system at the Centre is wonderful. With Dave Armstrong’s diligence and attention to detail he blended the two systems beautifully. Then of course there was the projection of the videos and tracks through my laptop. My thanks to Dave Mclean who is essential to the very existence of the PCC for allowing us to come in and take over the theatre space for 4 hours! Also Dave Armstrong, who has the patience of a saint. Though everything, eventually worked brilliantly, the projected imagery didn’t look as bright and colourful as on my laptop screen and so we scratched our heads for a few weeks then learned the theatre had a wonderful on-stage projector which turned out to be fantastic. When I stepped onto the stage last night I felt as confident as I could, knowing the technical side of things was completely taken care of. Yes, I know I am very lucky!

I made two visits to Manx Radio in April, all in service to the launch of Children Of The Sea; once, to speak to Christy on her Live Lounge show, April 13th and a second time to chat with Howard Caine for his Wednesday evening arts program Spotlight, which was broadcast on April 23rd. I felt honoured by both experiences. Publicity is a major part of a working Muso’s life and having been out of commission for the last few years (5!) It felt wonderful to be given the time and attention to talk about what’s been going on in my (recently revived) creative world. Thank you!

One of the lovely things I was able to provide for the launch show was much of the original artwork along with the artists who very generously gave their time to arrange their work in the Atholl room and were happy to chat to the audience as they mingled between sets. A delightful experience for everyone. I’m thrilled it turned out as well as it did.

Today an article I wrote for biosphere.com who celebrate and support all things about the Island’s world Biosphere status, published the piece online. It was an absolute honour to be invited but it took me three years to make good my promise! Their patience and gentle reminders along the way are very much appreciated. I wrote about Fenella Beach as one of my favourite places:

In other news, the Greenhouse is starting to produce beautiful sprigs of burgeoning broad beans, French beans, peas, cabbage, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes and chives! Today I planted seeds for marigolds (the flowers not the gloves!), more courgettes, basil and tarragon - I’m feeling very excited by the prospect of edible deliciousness in the not-too-distant future. :-) x

Bob and I leave the island next Monday for a couple of weeks in the UK, visiting family and friends not seen in a very long time. We’re also very excited to be invited to a wedding - hurrah! It will be wonderful to drive around the gorgeous British countryside and take in its spectacular springtime lusciousness once more.

I'm sure many of you will know that the wonderful Gerry Conway died this month. I was fortunate to work with him in Richard THompson's band in 1985 and 1986 and then was honoured to have him play on Blue Aconite and The Dark Gift Of Time. He was always a joy to be around. His delightful sense of humour and deep kindness made him easy to love. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together and for the music we made. Rest in peace now Gerry you've earned your place among the stars!

I’ll remind you once more to please send in photos of yourselves with Children Of The Sea, so that I can “hang” them in our Rogue’s Gallery which is looking rather fabulous.

OK, I think that’s plenty for this month. Thank you as always for dropping by to see how things are for me here on the tiny isle. Next month is fairly open so who knows what news I’ll be able to bring you?

Stay well and keep rising above the turbulence!

Much love

Christine x

PS: There are still a few places left for The Power OF Three next weekend here on the Island:

March is full to bursting!

Blogpost No 3 March 2024

February’s blog post feels like a very long time ago. So much has been going on. Mostly to do with Children Of The Sea but also generally there’s been a lot happening. Grab a cuppa and settle in while I tell you what’s been going on.

Mum had just gone into hospital when I last wrote. She was in hospital for a whole week before they let me take her back to her lovely Home. She has physical issues now that will keep rising as time goes on but on this occasion, they have been brought into some kind of manageable condition. Mum’s experienced another one of those delightful renaissance periods where she’s generally in good form; smiley, mischievous, feisty. She even did a spontaneous dance routine one visit that could be a Strictly Classic.

When she was in hospital, the rest of the residents had haircuts. Because Mum missed out and was very much in need of a hairdresser’s skills, I organised for her long-time hairdresser, Sarah and her son/assistant Jamie, to come to the Home and give her a perm. It was quite an adventure. Mum had them laughing from start to finish. When they’d gone and she was sat in the hallway in her favourite chair, resting, she received lots of attention and compliments which she was genuinely bemused by. “My hair? A perm? Really? Well, I haven’t seen it!” She looked great but was exhausted.

She’s been in fine form this whole month, though her legs are swelling again and she’s showing all those signs of physical decline that rise like the tides. It’s a process but for now, she’s doing great.

You can now purchase your very own copy of Children Of The Sea at Fled’gling Records. And if you post a photo of yourself (or a pet as some people prefer:) on either of my FaceBook pages, I’ll “hang” it on the newly created “Rogues Gallery” here. I love seeing your faces or pets’ whiskers next to the Book … makes me smile. Thank you.

We now also have an official Launch Date: Saturday, April 27th. And to celebrate that act I’ll be performing at the Peel Centenary Hall here on the Isle Of Man. My plan is to present Children Of The Sea in the first half. I’m using the mastered tracks I created for each song to sing to and projected behind me will be the artwork for each song, interspersed with footage of the Island, especially the sea. I’m super excited. As a bonus at the Launch Show, there will be the original artwork on display in the bar; with many of the artists there themselves. I’m thrilled so many of them can be there on the night. The second half will be me and my wee guitar and a handful of songs from across the 40 years I’ve been performing/recording. 40 years! Moving right along …

I’ve concluded that for November I’ll create several set-lists so I can cover as many songs as I can. I’ll rotate the lists so I’m not doing the same songs every night. If you have a particular song you’d like me to sing please do let me know. You can leave a suggestion on FB or in the comments below. I can’t promise I’ll be able to do everything but I’ll give it my best shot!

I’m already practising as many songs as possible to get myself back up to touring speed. I’m concentrating on April for the time being but November will no doubt turn up very quickly. Wish me luck. Here’s a little video I shared on FB this week:

With the Peel Centenary Hall gig being a homegrown show, I’ve been very hands-on with promotion. I spent a little time a few weeks ago placing A4 posters in local shop windows around Kirk Michael, Ramsey, Laxey and Douglas. One such shop was Waterstones in Douglas. The manager, a lovely young woman called Quinn, was happy to put the poster in the window. As I’m handing her the poster I quip: “It’s actually a book with a CD inspired by local folklore; which is funny coz this is a Book shop” (I do like a bit of stating the bleeding obvious!). Her eyes lit up at the information and she asked: “Do you have an ISBN?” “Yes!” I cheerily replied. “Oh great! I’ve just been given the Cruise Ship schedule for this summer and the Americans love local books and music, this will be great!” Blimey! At some point (plans are still in the making) Children Of The Sea will be available at Waterstones, Douglas Isle Of Man branch! It was such an innocent moment that became a major achievement - with very little effort. I love it when the Universe plays nice. This is the poster:

One very big deal is that I am now the owner of a wonderful PA to use for these new and somewhat technical shows. I’ve been dreaming up a scheme to be able to buy equipment so that, not only can I do these gigs justice, with a high quality and consistent sound that I have some control over, but I will also be able to perform just about anywhere I’m allowed … schools; house Concerts; village halls etc with the changing landscape of the live music scene, it seems eminently sensible to be able to perform in any situation these days. A decent, simple-to-operate and reliable-sounding PA gives me just that opportunity. My original idea was to apply for funding. I had started the process. It’s always more complicated than one would like but, you know, you do what you have to do. Then, out of the blue, Angels came to my aid with a most generous offer. It would have been rude not to accept. My gratitude is boundless. Thank you Angels - you know who you are.

I enlisted the help of Daphne’s Flight sound engineer, Richard Harris, for the best of the overwhelming options available. He is so knowledgeable and of course an amazing front-of-house sound man. It was he who suggested the  Yamaha Stagepas 1K MK2 & DXL1K PA System. I was able to set it up myself and get a great, clear, full-bodied sound straight away. Yesterday, Dave Armstrong created the tracks I need, without lead vocals. Bob and I brought the PA and set it up in Dave’s ample hallway. We were able to try out one of the tracks through the PA while we were there. We were all very impressed. Technology has come on in leaps and bounds in many areas. This simplified but sophisticated sound system is wonderful. Makes me very happy and hopeful for a continued performing life. Earth Angels exist and I am very grateful.

Another skill I’m attempting to get to grips with is Social Media. Yes know, it’s the Devil’s work. However, it’s an essential part of life for those of us trying to remain connected to a small but perfectly formed yet widespread audience, that still has enthusiasm for all things musical. It’s harder and harder to be heard in what could be termed Traditional Media arenas. It was never an easy avenue, especially for those of us in the niche-margin lines of the entertainment world. So I met with a local Media Savvy Guru and spent several hours in her edifying company. Kirsty Lawrence is a font of Social Media wisdom and I came away with a huge amount of new-to-me knowledge that, over time, I will be able to put into practice. So if you see and hear more from me on FaceBook or Instagram over the next little while, it’s because I'm putting into practice what I need to be more efficient in and effective at. I’d like to be good at communicating with the right people at the right time. By all means, let me know if it’s working - or not!

I dabbled in “Reel” making this week. I know that sounds slightly salacious but believe me it isn’t. Here in my own blog-post-magical-realm, I can share a full-length song video anytime I fancy. A Mermaid’s Song is song number 4 in Children Of The Sea and is a direct descendant of “No One Knows His Name”. I explain how in the book and write the story that came to me while I was pondering who the mysterious man in a curious boat could be.

Another thing I want to share with you this month is that I’ve cleaned out the greenhouse and planted a whole bunch of seeds. I’m at least three weeks earlier than last year or the year before. I’m excited to see what if any, difference it makes to start that little bit sooner. I’m hoping, of course, that I’ll glean better yields than before. Who knows? That’s part of the excitement. I will keep you posted.

Finally... I'm very excited to facilitate another beautiful Power Of Three Retreat Day, here on the Isle Of Man, on Sunday, May 5th at Sulby Community Hall. My gorgeous sisters-in-delight, Rosemary O'Donohue and Jill Cavellec and I create a wonderful, safe, relaxing space for everyone to breathe into Peace. It's profound and deeply rejuvenating. We'd love to see you there! To Book your spot click HERE.

OK, I think that’s plenty for this month. Thank you as always for dropping by to see what's been going on in my little world. I do appreciate you!

Till next time Dear reader, I bid you adieu. Stay well and keep rising above the turbulence.

Much love and endless blessings!

Christine xx

A lost week & a box of Books/CDs arrives!

Blogpost No2 February 2024

When we last spoke, dear reader, Bob and I had arranged a few days with dear friends Ina and Michael Fine at Woy Woy on the Central Coast (NSW), followed by a couple of days further south near Lake Conjola, with Fiona and Ian Stewart at Yatte Yattah. It feels like a lifetime ago now!

We enjoyed dips in the warm Pacific Ocean, walks through rainforests and high mountain ridges (Mount Bushwalker!), delicious meals punctuated with laughter and life stories, some funny, some sad, always followed by more laughter then topped off with a visit to the beautiful Bundanon Art Gallery for lunch and high culture. A tonic for anyone’s soul.

We arrived back in Sydney to find that our gorgeous girls would be with us for the whole weekend - an unexpected joy! We made the most of our extra time. There were many games of UNO! Some of which I won.

It was a wrench saying goodbye. Really hard. But we’ll be back! As soon as humanly possible. We’ll be back.

Bob and I headed to the West Coast to see my brother Paul, who’s lived in Perth for 18 years. It was like no time had passed since we last saw him in 2019. The walk from the luggage hall to his car in the blistering 34C heat was … interesting! Luckily we have a sense of humour … and wheels on our bags ;-) x

We settled in for a week of swimming in the Indian Ocean, Golf, and Symphonic Concerts in the park. More good food, family and friends. Our cup runneth over.

And all too soon we were boarding the non-stop Qantas flight to London. It was our 14th wedding anniversary. Hurrah! We landed back in Blighty on Valentine’s Day. Made no difference to our tiredness. There was a 12-hour wait between landing and boarding our flight to the Island so we opted for a Day Room at a decent hotel near Gatwick. Clean sheets, a hot shower and a few hours of horizontal kip can do wonders. Our dear friend Jill Cavellec picked us up and whisked us back to Kirk Michael once back on the tiny isle. And so began the warped wormhole that is jet lag.

We must have been running on adrenaline on Thursday because we woke at a decent hour of the morning feeling relatively rested. We drove to town, had a hearty brunch (big mistake!), whizzed around Tesco and M&S and back in time for a nap. All good.

That night I woke at 2.30 am and found no sleep after that. But I felt decidedly tired; exhausted. Go figure. Friday morning I arose to meet my mermaid pals at Fenella Beach for an extraordinary experience (especially after the warm Oceans of the Antipodes!). We were booked for a sauna and a dip! I was horrified by the depth of cold that greeted me. The Irish Sea makes no pleasant adjustments for ill-prepared bathers. OMG! Breath-taking is a poetic way of expressing my first baptismal dip … followed, it has to be said, by an absolutely glorious hot sauna overlooking frothy Fenella waves. A second dip was necessary as my sweat glands were on fire! Did I really need to enter a third time? Yes I did!

I felt incredible afterwards. Fully alive and tingling and ready for the world. I had a haircut followed by a visit with Mum. She was very sleepy though I was informed she’d had a great week. A shower (not possible for two weeks), two nights in her bed (usually upright in a chair in the lounge) and she’d been chatty all week. Hurrah. I managed to get a smile and a squeeze of my hand. I was glad of that.

The rest of the week has been a blur of physical adjustment, comprising mostly of sneezing, sleeping, sneezing, sleeping etc we’ve lost a whole week but it was necessary for our poor bodies who take longer than our busy minds, to feel at home again.

One of the big decisions we faced when we got back was how to reintroduce Sweep back into the mix. We asked our lovely neighbour Jill if she would hold onto him for the weekend while we got back into the swing of things. When we spoke, after saying hi and welcome home and all that good stuff she blurted out: “I’d really like to keep him. He gets on so well with Connie and he loves being part of the farm work he’s just so settled…” it was music to my ears. Bob and I had discussed whether Jill might adopt Sweep at some point in the future. That she suggested it and was so upbeat about him was perfect. I saw him today from our bedroom window. He was out in Jill’s field, barking, his tail wagging happily. Then Connie appeared and they just chased one another round and around …tails wagging, ears up. I miss him. But this is right. Bless him!

I'm writing this on Thursday, Feb 22nd. At lunchtime, a box of Children Of The Sea books/CDs arrived. I am beside myself with amazement. It’s taken a very long time from concept to application for funding, to the creation of the music and then, onto a book with beautiful artwork from local artists. I’m so grateful! And a bit overwhelmed. There's a very silly video of me opening the box on FB ... if you haven't had a giggle already.

There are a few details to organise before they’re available to order which you will be able to do from Fled’gling Records website once everything’s in place. I’ll be organising a launch concert here on the island in the spring, date and the venue is yet to be arranged. So there are still some official things to put in place but once we’re all up and running you’ll be the first to know! Thank you for your patience. Thank you for being interested. Thank you! Thank you!

It’s now Friday February 23rd and … Mum was taken to hospital late last night after a fall. More than that her oxygen levels were really low and it looks like she has a further development with Heart Failure. Such a drastic term! Anyway the upshot is that she’s improved enough to hopefully return to the Home sometime tomorrow afternoon. My sister and I helped her move from A&E where she’d been overnight, and witnessed her revival as she joked with the lovely staff on her Ward. She has no idea where she is or why she’s there but there’s so much going on she’s vaguely entertained … this is a good thing. My brother and sister-in-law are with her this afternoon and I’ll be back tomorrow to bring her back to Ramsey … fingers crossed! Never a dull moment n’est pas?! Just needed to share that. Thanks for listening!

Hello again ... it's now Saturday and a further night of observations is required because Mum's kidney function isn't as good as it could be. Hey-ho. She was very funny when my sister and I called in to see her this afternoon. Some kind soul had brought a shapes toy for her to play with. It's amazing how absorbed she becomes when there's a fun and colourful puzzle to solve. My fingers are back on duty ... crossed as firmly as they're able. Tomorrow is another day. I have high hopes I can bring her back to the Home.

I've edited a daft video of our happy antics in the Antipodes ... a sort of "What we did on our holidays". Enjoy!

OK dear Reader ... it's time to leave you and see what joys March will bring. There are already so many signs of Spring .... it's a very exciting time of year!

Till next time stay well and keep rising above the turbulence.

Endless blessings!

Much love

Christine x