It’s been a tough old time…losing my little shadow and soul dog Gypsy, a busy time in the last week at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, William chopping the top off his finger.  (Yes I’m serious, he really did chop the top right off!!)  But I’m choosing to focus on the good, so here is a joyous email!  All the amazing things that are happening all around…

Christmas Collaboration Magic!

A massive shoutout to all the fantastic harpists who sent in their videos for the Christmas Collaboration.  102 – wow!!  Your enthusiasm and willingness to put yourself out there is what this project is all about!  William and I are knee-deep in weaving it all together.  It’s a lot of work, but we love it, and the reward of seeing it all come together is beyond words.  The final video will be premiered on YouTube on 17th December.  I can’t wait!  Just need to get it finished now!!

Cheers to the RCS Harp Students!

A round of applause for the incredible harp students at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  Term 1 was a whirlwind of hard work, dedication, and beautiful music.  We even had a bed bugs incident in the harp room where everything, including all the harps, had to be fumigated!!  To all of you, enjoy a well-deserved break over the festive season.  You’ve earned it!

Adventures!

Last weekend, William and I were staying where we first met, and lived for about 15 years…..Glasgow!!  On Friday we met the wonderful Pauline Ann (and husband Vincent) from the How To Harp membership for an evening filled with fun and laughter.

On Saturday night we went to see Daði Freyr.  He is from Iceland and you might know him from Eurovision.  I love how his songs are fun and you can dance, but his lyrics are really sweet and cute.

This song is about his baby daughter

And this one is about his wife

So lovely, and the gig was amazing!  Jazz harpist Ben Creighton Griffiths was up in Scotland for a concert and some workshops a few months ago and we realised when chatting about music that we both loved Daði Freyr.  Isn’t it funny how harpists often listen to music that is sooooooo not the typical thing you’d expect a harpist to be listening to?

Then on Sunday night, we went to see Corook.  Their song ‘It’s OK’ has meant a lot to me over the last few weeks.  I’d give you a link to this one too, but the second verse is pretty intense and might be too much for some, so search for that one at your own risk (there may also be the occasional F-bomb).

Our Glasgow trip was planned as a ‘getaway from work’ weekend but with so much on this wasn’t possible.  We had our laptops and worked all day Saturday and Sunday.  Busy work days then gigs at night, could have much worse though I suppose!!

Such a busy week, and even busier this week.  I love it though, so being busy is fine by me.

Thank you again for being a part of this journey.  Your support adds an extra layer of magic to what has already been an amazing year.  I’ve gone from dreaming about getting my ideas about what harping could and should be out there to more people……to actually doing it!!  There have been tough times and obstacles but the support of the harping community is what has kept us going.  You’ve no idea how much it means to me.

First off, I want to say how touched I was with the emails and messages I received after my last email.  Writing it was a bit of a journey for me, and your messages truly brightened some challenging days.

After hitting send, I noticed a couple of grammar mistakes that slipped through the cracks.  I had just been talking about being kinder to myself and not being perfect…..but then preceded to beat myself up about the mistakes.

What turned things around was the flood of messages I received.  Your words of support, love, and understanding meant the world to me.  It’s remarkable how a simple reply can lift someone’s spirits, and I genuinely appreciate each one.

This week, the chaos continues, but I’m handling it better.  Deadlines are looming, projects are in full swing, but somehow, the big problems from last week seem like much smaller problems now.  Isn’t it funny how perspective can change with a bit of time?

We don’t do Thanksgiving over here but even amidst the hustle, I’ve been taking a moment to count my blessings.  A supportive and fun husband, a healthy and happy family, a career that’s more than just a job—it’s a passion.  And of course, my furry companions, the dogs!  There’s so much to be thankful for.  The negativity from last week seems insignificant compared to all the positive things in my life.

If you’re navigating a tough patch, remember, it’s okay not to feel amazing every day.  Life throws challenges sometimes, and it’s perfectly normal not to be perfect.  Mistakes happen.  Just like in harping, imperfections are part of the melody, and that’s more than okay.

Let’s continue this journey together, embracing the highs and lows, and remembering that kindness, especially to ourselves, goes a long way.

Wishing you a harmonious week ahead!

Oh, and for those taking part in the Xmas Collaboration…..it is due on the 3rd, this Sunday!!  And remember…..IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!!  Just do your best and send in a video!!

The Christmas Collaboration 2023 is in full swing with lots of live events and questions.  I love it though, you know I do.  Just over one week left before the submission date is upon us (3rd December, 5pm UK time).

I have also been working away in the background on my masters in teaching the arts.  I’m in my third and final year of study and so a big project is underway.  I really need to do more on this though to be honest and it keeps getting pushed down my priority list and then falling off the bottom.

Alongside the general busyness of this time of year, there have been some really difficult personal situations to navigate, which has been hard and honestly, really sad at times.  I’ve found myself struggling and feeling quite disillusioned.

This week I had some really lovely 1-2-1 sessions with How To Harp Members, one member began her lesson by saying she really hoped I was taking time for myself and making sure I was happy and well.  I was so touched by the concern from her.  I know I am always telling my students to make sure they are filling their own cup, making time for themselves and taking care of themselves.  Getting the reminder to do the same for me was really special and it brightened what was a dark day.  She didn’t know I had stuff going on, but her concern meant so much.

So, even though I’ve not messaged in a long time.  I’m not going to beat myself up about it.  I’m going to give myself a pass.  I’m trying my best.  And, once this busy time is over, I’m going to make sure I have some down time to recharge and refresh.

I hope you are all doing the same.  Look after yourself.  And look after each other – you don’t know how much some concern and kind words might mean to someone when they are struggling the the stress of life we all feel sometimes.