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

The merry, merry month of May

What a glorious time of year spring is! The tiny isle (as I like to call the Motherland … the Isle of Mann) is in full radiant spring splendour. Fabulous flowers adorn the hedgerows, fields and glens: daffodils, primroses, blue, white and pink bells, delightful dandelions … camellias, magnolia and every form of tree bud bursting through, making the dark winter months a far distant memory. Apart from yesterday when the cold north wind blew up a storm cloud that made the cherry blossom fall like snow. Nature is a wonder!

I am back to dipping in the Irish Sea sans my three quarter neoprene body armour. Who knew! Not I. I have been in the water every day without fail for the past 8 weeks and at least 3 to 4 times a week before that. It truly is a life saver.

Here's a wee video with some spring-like May inspirations ... and a few apre-dipping smiles ! The song is "Let Me Shine" featured on Under Construction II .

Let me cordially invite you to join me on Saturday May 15th at 7.30pm for a fun-filled FB Live! There’s no need to dress for the occasion but if you fancy making an effort by donning a flouncy cocktail dress or swanning around in top hat and tails, I won’t tell a soul! I want photos if you do! I’m looking at learning a few unusual songs never-before performed and one (a request from my little brother :) is entirely new to me … I’m excited!

In other news we are, once again, out of Lockdown here on Mona’s Isle. And we have been made promises of never being asked to endure that misfortune again! We shall see.

My most exciting news though is that for the very first time I am attempting to grow my own veg! I shall let you know how it's going next month. Evidence blow!

I hope to have more musical offerings to share next month and no doubt delightful bucolic scenes from Manx Glens with sprites and fairies to lift your spirits! And … if things work out I may show you my vegetable-growing endeavours!!

Stay well and keep rising above the turbulence!

Much love and endless blessings

Christine xx