Happy New Year!

Blog post No: 1, January 2026!

Greetings from a not-so-sunny Sydney, New South Wales. Bob and I spent December in Perth, WA, with my gorgeous brother Paul, then arrived back in Sydney last night (January 2nd) to spend time with Bob’s wonderful daughter, Jo, and her beautiful girls—our amazing twin granddaughters, Bella and Chiara. Life is good.

Paul’s been in Perth for over twenty years now. He still occasionally toys with the idea of returning to the tiny isle, but Australia is home. We love our time together. Bob and Paul usually play golf, though less so this visit, thanks to a niggling injury. Paul and I, meanwhile, do what we do best: cook. We take turns conjuring all manner of deliciousness.

My other great joy in Perth is playing with paint. Paul has long been a fan of the late, great Bob Ross and has produced some beautiful work over the years—though these days he only seems to dabble when his (little) big sister is in town. As a Christmas gift, he treated the three of us to a fabulous two-and-a-half-hour alcohol ink workshop at a sweet little studio called iCreated, just fifteen minutes from his place. We loved it. I also tried my hand at a couple of abstract acrylic paintings, and the results made me laugh out loud—pure fun.

There were endless rounds of Rummy and Scabby Queen, plus a wonderfully daft card game we found in a local charity shop called Man Bites Dog. I dipped into the Indian Ocean most mornings—Bob joined me sometimes, and there is Reel-based evidence to prove it. And here too. We did very little else. It was relaxed, playful, and deeply restorative.

Christmas Day was equally low-key, apart from the temperature. At 43°C, it was officially the hottest Christmas we’ve ever experienced. My birthday, a few days later, was blissfully cooler and just lovely: chocolate cake, a wildly windy dip at Yanchep Lagoon, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind after dinner. What’s not to love?

We now have three weeks in New South Wales—some of it spent visiting friends along the coast south of Wollongong, and hopefully further north along the Central Coast—before heading to Bali for a month. I pinch myself daily. Gratitude abounds.

We’ll be back on the east coast of Australia from late February through to April to do some duo gigs with the fabulous Michael Fix. Alongside that, I’m editing a book I first wrote over ten years ago—this is attempt number four to get it truly up to scratch. I’m hoping I’ll feel brave enough to share it before too long. It’s a fantasy, with magic, and yes… there’s a unicorn. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m starting to feel OK about that. Who knew?

I’m also in the early stages of another CD/book-with-art project, due to be born in 2027. I have absolutely no idea yet what it will be inspired by, but I’m excited to discover where it leads. Wish me luck. Please.

As an aside, I recently read a beautifully written Substack piece by Suleika Jaouad about why New Year’s resolutions aren’t the best way to begin the year. Her thoughts on how results-driven self-improvement often contains built-in failure, while ritual offers gentler, longer-lasting ripples, really resonated with me. I love a ritual.

There’s nothing more to report—except that I’m savouring the gift of being with the people I love in ways, that not so long ago, I couldn’t imagine. Life is never less than interesting.

I hope that 2026 brings you beauty in unexpected ways. That there’s room in your heart for hope, peace, love, and just a little joy. Know that you are loved beyond measure.

Till next time, sweet reader—stay well, keep curious, and rise above the turbulence.

Endless blessings,

Christine x

Adventures in Costa Rica, Panama… and Friendship!

Blog Post No. 11 – November 2025

Where to begin? November was a tour de force. Costa Rica offered up adventure after adventure — rich, beautiful, and full of surprises.

Angela Hryniuk and I have been friends since 1986. Our paths have looped around each other for four decades, and since 2020’s upside-down world, we’ve kept a cherished weekly video date. I was her maid of honour in 2009 when she married her sweetheart, Steven Seaton, in Noosa. Their story began in London in the mid-70s — she a visiting Canadian athlete, he an Aussie social worker living in Hackney — and they reunited thirty years later.

Time really does have its own magic.

Three years ago, Angela and Steve moved to Costa Rica. I think they’re incredibly brave — new country, different language, unfamiliar culture. I’m not nearly that bold; my life may be odd and unpredictable, but I walk a narrower path. Luckily, our differences and similarities balance out nicely. Bob and I certainly reaped the benefits of their adventurous spirit.

Week 1

The journey out — including a night in Toronto — was blissfully smooth (unlike the return!). Angela and Steve picked us up at Liberia airport, and whisked us off for two nights at Arenal Volcano and two more in the Cloud Mountains.

A quick word on the roads: near towns and tourist hubs the tarmac is lovely. Beyond that… chaos. Rough, dusty, and cratered with potholes the size of beach balls. Angela drove like a magician, dodging holes and coaxing the car over terrain that looked more suited to trail bikes.

It rained on and off around Arenal, but everything was warm, lush and wildly alive — bright flowers, dazzling birds, oversized butterflies. We soaked in hot springs, ate delicious local food, and marvelled at how different life can be.

You'll find a Reel HERE.

The drive to the Cloud Mountains was an adventure in itself — the bumpiest “roads” I’ve ever experienced. Still, we arrived in one piece and just slightly shaken. The treetop walks and sloth sanctuary were worth every jolt. Sloths are extraordinary creatures — slow, strange, and endearing. We saw both three- and two-toed varieties, the latter with a much more varied diet. One sloth with only three limbs had been safely cared for in the sanctuary for fifteen years and was thriving.

Our eco-hotel overlooked forest, valleys, and — on a clear moment — the coastline about fifty kilometres away. Clouds drifted endlessly, reshaping the landscape, and the sunsets were breathtaking.

Another REEL for your delight.

From there we made our way to The Jungala, near Paraiso Guanacaste, where Angela and Steve have built their beautiful home. “Proud” doesn’t even touch it — the place is stunning. We met BB, their ten-month-old black-and-tan pup: joyful, affectionate, and occasionally mischievous. I thought of Sweep often.

Week 2

I joined Angela for her yoga class under a grass-roofed platform in the jungle — a stark reminder of how unfit I’ve become — but the connection with nature was electric. We floated home.

While Bob and Steve collected tiles in Santa Cruz, Angela and I meditated in her Nido, a serene little creative nest a short walk from the house. Bliss.

We all went to Tamarindo for their writing group, meeting new creative souls and joining in a writing exercise before lunch on the beach.

Angela had also arranged a house concert for me. I performed an abridged Children of the Sea and Beyond, with videos on their big TV. Steve, being a music aficionado, jerry-rigged a PA system that worked beautifully. About fifteen friends came — “Collister virgins” — and they were marvellously attentive. A sweet, intimate gig, followed by shared food and warm company.

Afterwards, we headed to Samara, staying just steps from the beach. BB came too and had the time of his life. Walking into the warm ocean each day was heavenly. I spent an entire day reading in the shade — or what I thought was shade. I managed to sunburn the left side of my face and shoulder despite wearing a hat. Lesson learned.

We finished with a wonderful outdoor meal: virgin Piña Coladas, fabulous food, and laughter under the warm evening sky.

Another REEL anyone?

Week 3

Back at the house, we settled into a gentle rhythm of daily life: mid-morning fruit with yoghurt and homemade granola; late-afternoon swims in the pool while spotting howler monkeys and hummingbirds; simple meals shared with dear friends. Ordinary moments that felt like privileges.

Week 4

And then — Panama!

Angela had planned a trip to coincide with two American friends celebrating Thanksgiving. Rachel, an English teacher in San Jose, found a magical Airbnb: a purple house perched over the water in Bocas del Toro. She and her friend Marina joined us later.

Getting to the border took two days. We drove five hours to San Jose, shared a surprisingly good Chinese meal with Roseanna — another lovely writing friend — and stayed the night.

We left at 7 a.m. to beat the traffic and wound our way down a snaking mountain pass to the Caribbean coast. The roads were miraculously better on this side! After a few wrong turns, we reached the border, where our Panamanian guide, Adriano, shepherded us through taxes, passport control, and the bridge to Panama. His father, Pappito, drove us to the boat — a 45-minute ride, followed by a 30-minute crossing. It all felt deliciously noir, like a tropical thriller.

One last REEL to enjoy!

Our accommodation was pure magic. Despite it being the start of the rainy season, it was warm and relaxing. When Marina and Rachel arrived, the fun dialled up: a day on the water with a local boatman who showed us dolphins, starfish, parrots — and took us snorkelling. It was perfect: hilarious, vivid, life-affirming.

The return journey was less romantic. We hadn’t realised it was the equivalent of a bank holiday weekend, and everyone was on the road. A 4.5-hour drive stretched to almost eight. Angela and Steve were heroes.

I’m finishing this from our Heathrow hotel. We were supposed to stay for two nights, but our flight from Costa Rica was delayed, so we missed the London connection — my first missed flight ever. Air Canada arranged a hotel for us and provided many food vouchers. We crawled into bed at 1.30 a.m, only to be awakened at 4.15 by the fire alarm. After a bewildered stumble outside into –3°C snow, we were eventually allowed back in.

C’est la vie!

This is only an abridged account of Costa Rica — a country still straddling modernity and wildness. We went because our friends live there, and it was a joy to see what they’ve built and who they’ve become. Angela, my friend of forty years, continues to inspire me. She is a powerhouse — brave, expansive, and entirely herself.

Thank you, darlin’. We’ll do it all again soon enough. Know you are loved.

And thank you, dear reader, for checking in on this wee singer as she wanders the globe. Next month’s update will come from Perth, Western Australia. The adventures continue…

Until next month — the end of the year! — Stay well, be curious, and keep rising above the turbulence.

Much love,

Christine x

🌴 From the Tiny Isle to Costa Rica - friendship and travel - so grateful!

Blog post No 10 October 2025

New horizons, old friends, and endless gratitude

Hola, sweet humans!

I’m writing this from our dear friends Martin and Pam’s lovely home in Sandhurst. Bob and I left the tiny Isle yesterday (October 30th) and are en route to stay with friends in Costa Rica for a month!

It’s always such a delight to be in their kind and generous company. Staying here before our flights means we can relax, enjoy good food, and feel rested and ready for the long journey ahead.

A Lifelong Friendship

I’ve known Angela Hyrniuk since the mid-eighties, when I was touring with the Richard Thompson Band and she was living with Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing.

Angela was a poet then — a poet! I’d never met a woman so independent, articulate and obviously intelligent (not to mention gorgeous). I was smitten and inspired — and still am!

Our paths have interwoven over the years in beautiful and unexpected ways. I was Maid of Honour at her and Steve Seaton’s wedding in Queensland, Australia, in 2009.

I’ll write more about our connection next month once we’ve spent time together in their gorgeous new home in Costa Rica. For now, you know where we’re headed — and why. Life is unexpectedly wonderful sometimes, and I feel deeply blessed by this adventure.

Island Life Between Travel Adventures

After the September tour, Bob and I returned to our teeny-weeny studio flat in Douglas and settled into a gentle rhythm — reconnecting with family and friends, and enjoying the Isle’s slower pace.

I squeezed in as many sauna dips as possible, at both Fenella Beach and Laxey, resumed my Wednesday movie nights with my lovely nephew Aaron, and took early-morning autumn walks with friends who love to forage.

The colours this time of year are stupendous, and those soft morning mists add mystery to an already gorgeous place.

Looking Ahead

We’ve been organising ourselves for the next few months out in the wider world. After Costa Rica, we head to Australia to reconnect with more friends and family — and then in March and April, I’ll tour again with the fantastic Michael Fix.

That uninvited five-year hiatus (2019–2024) has made us even more appreciative of this weird, wonderful and unpredictable life Bob and I have magically spun together.

A Musical Treat with Talented Friends

On October 10th, we saw Brooks Williams and Vera Van Heeringen at the Peel Centenary Hall — what an absolute treat!

Magnificent musicianship, great songs and harmonies, and that warm, funny, easy connection to their audience. Brooks and I worked together remotely back in 2019, when he invited me to sing on his album “Work My Claim”, and our duet on John Prine’s “The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness” appeared on YouTube during that strange time in 2020.

It was such a joy to finally have more than two minutes to chat and share the love and respect in person—one of life’s lovely surprises.

Dreaming and Creating

I was able to simply enjoy the island’s glorious landscapes, the turning seasons, and precious time with people I love. These small joys are essential for a well-lived life, n’est-ce pas?

I’m giving myself until the end of the year to see what creative threads might weave themselves into a new project — something related to Children of the Sea, but fresh in its scope and sound. Wish me luck!

A Little Help from You

I’m hoping to perform Children of the Sea and Beyond at festivals next summer.

If you have any influence on your local or favourite festival, please do put my name forward! Every little nudge helps, and I’d be ever-so-grateful.

At present, there are a number of shows with Michael Fix in Australia between the end of February and April 2026 (soon to be uploaded onto the Live Shows and Events page). My only other confirmed performances are with the wonderful, "award-winning" Dave Kelly in October 2026 — but I’m always open to hearing about venues and performance spaces you think might suit me.

Just Because ...

Here's a video of our last trip to Kirk Michael on the Isle of Man, where we house our few belongings with another dear friend, while we're off out in the greater world. I've paired it with "Shifting Sands" from Under Construction II. A song co-written with Steve Lima, way-back-when. Enjoy!

Meanwhile…

Tonight (Oct 31st) I’m off to see Judie Tzuke and Beth Nielsen Chapman in Basingstoke — how lucky am I? I might just pop back here to add a note about the show! I'm back! The show was FANTASTIC! What a fabulous band of musicians, and the songs! Not to mention the incredible voices of Judie and Beth ... holy smokes, they're good!

What a wonderful memory to take with us as we continue our travels!

Judie Tzuke, Beth Nielson Chapman and their incredible band

Next month, I’ll return with a plethora of gorgeous images from Costa Rica — landscapes, friends, flora and fauna galore.

Till next time — stay curious, and keep rising above the turbulence.

Know that you are loved and appreciated beyond measure by this ever-hopeful singer from the tiny Isle.

With love and gratitude,

Christine x