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