Children Of The Sea

Blogpost February 2022

I walk my mum’s dog, Sweep, every morning anytime between 6am and 7am. I have to admit that in January it was closer to 7am most days. One of the gifts of this delightful commitment is being aware of the change of light over a relatively short space of time. In December I needed a torch … but now in the middle of February I don’t. It’s a beautiful revelation each morning as I don my hat and wellies before heading out the door. No matter the state of the weather (and we had plenty of storms last month) even the merest extra smidgeon of light is a treat. And with the light the gathering dawn chorus, quite mute at the beginning of January, is now fully mellifluous. Hear for yourself:

Towards the end of January I had a bona fide old fashioned honest to goodness head cold. What a relief … the first in almost 2 years. There’s something rather enjoyable about a head cold. Permission is granted to rest, stay warm, snuggle down under the duvet, watch a bit of daft tv. It was also delightful to be fully taken care of. Bob was awesome. I also started, and completed, a jumper for a friend who turns 60 in April. I wanted her to have it while the weather warrants such an item of clothing :-) x she loves it!

My cold however has put paid to my daily dips. In fact I hadn’t indulged in my favourite pastime in nearly 3 weeks until today - Friday Feb 11th. I have so missed the cold sea. A sneaky Friday afternoon dip is always appealing especially when the sun is glinting on those frothy green wavelets. I feel so alive!

A promise I made during last month’s blogpost was to share any progress I make around creating new songs for my recording project inspired by Manx Folklore (and a sense of - magical - place) the working title for which is: “Children Of The Sea”. I have a few ditties ruminating in my musical brain and this week I began the lyric writing process. However there is nothing I feel confident about sharing at the moment but I’m encouraged by the progress so far and hope to have a wee bit of something to share next month. I realise this sounds like a cop-out but really... I will share once there’s something worth taking a peak at.

I can tell you that I’ll probably end up writing a number of short stories myself in order to break into the themes I’ve uncovered. Whether they’ll be a part of the CD is yet to be seen but perhaps I’ll find an ethereal (digital) space, for anyone interested, to read? They will definitely form the backdrop to some of the songs.

For instance, I’m excited to reveal the backstory to the unknown singer of “No One Knows His Name” from Daphne’s Flight’s “Knows Time Knows Change”. And also looking at another song about the sea goddess (for that read mermaid!) Fand - Goddess Of Mann. She is left to defend the Island when Manannan leaves (we don’t know where but it was something he was fond of doing) when news comes of a planned attack by the formidable Fomarions (Giants of the Under World). Unable to physically fight these marauders Fand sends to Ulster a message of help to a well known warrior hero of the day Cu Chullainn. He agrees to do so only if she marries him (he’s already married to a beautiful woman called Emer). Fand agrees (sight unseen!) But when they meet for the first time they both fall instantly, madly in love. There’s a whole lot going on in this tale which forms part of the well know “Ulster Cycle” of Irish mythology but the upshot is that they can never truly be together as Fand is an immortal being of the fairy Kingdom and Cu Chullainn is not. His presence in the Other World would break it. Fand decides, though it breaks her heart, to walk away. When Manannan finds out the whole sorry tale this is what he does:

“Manannán shakes his cloak between Cú Chulainn and Fand, ensuring the two will never meet again, and Cú Chulainn and Emer drink a potion to wipe the whole affair from their memories.”

My song starts where this takes off and is based on Fand’s heart break and a visit from her beautiful twin sister Liban (described as an actual mermaid) who comes to help her sister heal. I have Fand also forgetting what happened but being plagued by this unknown yearning which Liban tries to assuage.

Anyway that’s where I’m at.

I want to acknowledge with love and respect, the very sad passing this month of Norma Waterson. I met her on a number of occasions over the years and she was always warm hearted, compassionate, fierce in her love of Folk music and generous in her encouragement to connect with it. I was honoured to sing with Waterson Carthy at Topic Records’ 70th anniversary celebration at the Barbican Theatre 2009. I was really unsure about taking part as I rarely sing traditional songs and didn’t want to let Norma, Martin and Eliza (or Topic Records immense catalogue) down in any way. I voiced this worry the day we rehearsed and they each reassured me that interpretation was a necessity for the music to not only survive but to thrive. Norma said with such kindness and passion: “It’s a living tradition … it needs genuine interpretation in order to change and grow, for it to remain vital!” Thank you Norma … you were an amazing human, a wonderful and iconic singer who will be loved and remembered for many years to come. Bless you!

I will leave you this month with the delightful news that Bob and I will be celebrating our twelfth wedding anniversary … today! Sunday February 13th. To that end I ‘ll leave this little reminder of that wonderfully hilarious and perfect day. Married 12 years been together 22! Hurrah for love. What a trip it is.

Take care and keep rising above the turbulence!

See you for a FB Live in March :-) x that’s a promise x

Much love

Christine xx

2022 - a year of abundance and creativity!

Happy new year!

I have been absent without leave for quite a while. Nothing dreadful is going on but the energy needed to move creatively has been missing. It is on its way back! 2022 promises to be a year of leaping forward in tune with a wonderful wave of creativity. I plan to ride that wave!

There are of course certain changes - transformations even - that have taken place during this deeply contemplative time. The most significant and painful for me was making the decision to leave Daphne’s Flight. The announcement was made via FaceBook on Saturday (Jan 8th 2022) that I am unavailable to tour this year and that the rather wonderful Miranda Sykes will be joining Daphne’s for the foreseeable future. I am thrilled for Daphne’s and Miranda … it’s an inspired combination and I’m sure will prove to be a marvellous development of what has always been a powerful, musical and magical female force. Good luck Daphne’s … fly high!

I will reiterate here that I am perfectly healthy in mind, body and spirit and although a little trepidatious as to how the future might look or sound, I’m actually excited to be viewing life through delightfully crystal clear lenses. I trust you are all in some ways, feeling similarly.

I have several musical projects that are coming online with giddy excitement. I have a special project supported by 2 venerable Manx institutions: The Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin who have seen fit to award me equal funding to create an album of songs inspired by Manx Folklore and a (magical:) sense of place. I have so many themes and stories running through my head right now - the time is getting closer when these songs will be ready to step forward to be completed. I’m hoping to be able to share their progress as we move further into this abundant year.

There are also songs that Michael Fix and I started recording a year or more ago, that won’t wait any longer. It’s always a joy to collaborate with Michael even at the great distances we still have to contend with. We’re hoping to pick up where we left off in 2020 and be able to perform together again, if not this year, then most definitely 2023. May the long distance recording process be well and truly back on track this year.

And talking of the marvellous Mr Michael Fix here’s something he’s been working on, on our behalf recently:

'NORTH & SOUTH' NOW ON STREAMING PLATFORMS

“It's been 2 years since Christine Collister & I last performed together, in fact, our very last concert was in Gladstone (Qld), the night before the first wave of Covid lockdowns began in March 2020.

North & South is our second album, and was a popular seller at our concerts. With Christine's impeccable song choice, (and incredible vocal ability), this album has become a personal favourite of mine.

It's only now become available on all streaming platforms - we invite you to take a listen.

And if you prefer a physical copy, there are still a few copies available here. We love you for that.

If you want to get all fancy with technology, just point your phone camera at this QR code. it will take you to listening options…”

I’ll say au revoir for now and promise to be back with news of how those creative juices are flowing. I’m giving myself the rest of this month to gather my thoughts and have February firmly fixed in my sites as a time to jump in head first.

Until then, stay well and keep rising above the turbulence!

With love and endless blessings.

Christine xx

PS: I forgot to say … I turned 60 December 28th 2021! OMG! In celebration of that immutable fact I dipped in the sea; had a beautiful relaxing and very uplifting day of Yin Yoga (and so much more!) with Aoife Belle and many lovely friends who showered me with love, beauty and delight. And I have been treated to many unexpected and wonderful gifts. I feel loved, honoured and truly respected. What more could I ask? Thank you Universe you are amazing.

Watch out ... dragons ahead!

This Blogpost is jammed packed with news of events, releases, a delightful podcast guest appearance and the exciting news that a new recording project is soon to be started! Hold on to your hats everyone … here we go!

I was thrilled to be a headlining artist here on the Isle of Man at Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering 2021. The gig was somewhat thwarted by the sharp rise of CV19 on the tiny Isle which kept the majority of music lovers away from the Peel Centenary Hall last Friday July 23rd. However we were delighted to be able to share the entire show via the wonderful technology of Live Streaming which was shared to Yn Chruinnaght’s FB page. Set 1 available: HERE (Start around 13:30.)

Set 2 available: HERE (Start around 3:30.)

I was joined by my talented band of Friends: Christy DeHaven, Lindsay, Steve and Callum Rowe and Jack Divers - only our second ever gig. We hope to make it into double figures one day! Between us we made some beautiful music. The brave souls who joined us in person were enthusiastic in their appreciation. The feeling of community spirit created between us all was truly up-lifting. Hurrah for live music!

My mum came along with my lovely cousin Alan and his gorgeous wife Clare who just about managed to keep her out of trouble (no easy task!). Hilariously ... she was dolled up to the nines in a sparkly lurex dress, sparkly sandals and (on one of the hottest nights of the year!!) her faux fur coat! She had fun and that's what matters! Here we are sharing our sparklyness at half time:

I’ve mentioned numerous times over the last few years about the I AM OF IRELAND/Yeats in song project that I’ve been involved with. I feature on three of the 24 tracks that make up this beautiful CD . I am delighted to be included in such a pantheon of highly respected Celtic artists, alongside wonderful American composer Raymond Driver whose project this is, and his hard working engineer Gabe Rhodes and producer Paul Marstellar. The album is finally available for Download and the reviews so far are wonderful. It is always an honour to be invited and included in a creative undertaking. So many kind, thoughtful, talented and supportive collaborators here … it is a beautiful work of art that I’m very proud to be a part of.

Today (Saturday July 31st 2021) I will be the special guest on The Spiritual Geek Out Podcast, the fabulous creation of Diane Hudock, a very dear friend of mine who lives in Los Angeles. She is a wonderful spiritual teacher, Biofield practitioner, healer, actress, comedienne and all round gorgeous woman. This is an unusual interview for me given that the general leaning is on our spiritual experience but I enjoyed it immensely. Warning … there be dragons in this here conversation! There's also an exclusive video of me toning in a fabulous cave beneath Peel Castle - link available in the show notes.

In more personal news, my veg is really doing well! We've enjoyed delicious Charlotte potatoes, sensational cherry tomatoes, wonderful courgettes and a selection of dark green leafy goodness. I am utter beguiled by nature's bounty - really! It's amazing.

These beauties are seedlings mostly from an organic red pepper bought at Tesco (other shopping establishments available!;) ... I'm enamoured of a wonderful book "Regrown" that encourages us to re-use kitchen scraps ... it works! Have a go yourself!

And finally … with the support and encouragement from numerous friends on and off the island I applied for an Isle of Man Arts Council grant to produce a CD of 10-12 original songs inspired by Manx Folklore and the glorious mystical/mythical landscape of the Isle Of Mann. I’m delighted to say I now have in place half the funds to complete this project and am in process to apply for the balance through another grant giving body here on the tiny isle … I’ll have to wait till September to see if I’m successful with that! But I’m excited to begin the creative process which starts now! I shall be sharing my creative endeavours along the way!

Phew! That’s a whole heap of stuff to share in one Blogpost … there will be more … I just can’t say when! ;-) x

Stay well and keep rising above the turbulence!

Endless blessings x Christine x