With nothing specific on the agenda, it’s been good to be able to take a few moments to pause and reflect. I’ve especially enjoyed looking at all the wedding photographs coming in from friends and family and absorbing different impressions of a day that fills me with happiness whenever I think about it.
I’ve also been taking stock this week because next Sunday sees the official release of my second novel, Move Over Darling. Without, I hope, wishing to sound in the least bit boastful, it feels particularly good to have reached this point after all the doubts, fears and long, long hours. I joke that when I look at my daughters, I’m filled with a sense that, wow, I made a WHOLE person (okay, with a bit of help) and then I did it again! Well, it’s a similar feeling holding a second book in my hand and seeing my name on the cover. With it come the same mixed emotions about holding on and letting go. There’s the joy of celebrating with loved ones, sadness for the people we miss.
It’s one thing, however, to create a fictional world and a group of characters hoping that it will strike a chord with the reader, but it’s a different and quite daunting prospect to have to face the outside world - as I did again this week - and talk about it! It’s lovely that any journalist in a world of fast-moving news, is interested enough to interview me about what I do, but, goodness, it doesn’t half get my pulse racing!
Two people though, who are much better at facing the outside world than I am, are the folk duo, Spiers and Boden (see also Bellowhead). Tom and I popped down to Theatr Mwldan again on Friday to see them perform. It was a full house, packed with the kind of audience who favour lots of au naturel hair and big woolly jumpers. With that and an aberrant stage gizmo that puffed smoke effects at surprising and unpredictable moments, it was a bit like sitting in an Iron Age hut, but we had a brilliant evening. Spiers and Boden are terrific musicians and great entertainers. How Jon Boden manages to sing one rhythm, play another on the fiddle and stamp his foot to a third is quite beyond me!
Today's painting is Tom's choice. It's his painting of the Ring of Kerry from Slea Head.
Comments
I too am a big fan of Spiers and Boden. Discovered them with Bellowhead and have been buying CDs and going to gigs ever since.
I went to a Jon Boden solo gig once - and given the depth of talent , his passion for the music and his looks... I feel for him just a little bit.
Janet X
Bravo!
Let me also ask you to pass along a bravo to Tom. I do like this picture.
I am thinking that this autumn and winter are going to be very good times for you all. Just a sense I have.
xo
Janet, hi, how nice to see you here. Well, here's to the next Spiers and Boden/Bellowhead gig when you're back in the UK. Hairy jumpers at the ready!
Aw, Jane - you've made me come over all unnecessary now! How kind of you... don't suppose you'd consider doing my PR for me so I don't have to to?
Cally, you've no idea how helpful you were during those long dark nights of doubt! Thanks for the good wishes.
Hello Sharon, thanks for visiting. Well, we've done Aran Fawddy three times and only seen the view once! The first time we were forced to turn back because conditions were so bad. The last time we saw a party of kids doing their D of E Gold expedition and they looked utterly worn out, poor things, but they were on the final leg. Thanks so much for your appreciation of Tom's paintings too.
Frances, thank you for your kindness, as ever. I really enjoyed your most recent post with its lovely story and a walk in the park.
I think I'd like that musical duo - my sort of music.
I'm glad the wedding went so well, the pictures you posted on FB were fabulous.
Love the painting (as always!).
Anyway, have downloaded MOD, and look forward to reading it. Congratulations on the publication, Chris. x
Liv x