Buttery

Sorry if this makes no sense but–a bit like how you talk when you're outside in the cold–it'll be quick as I should currently be halfway up the M5 to attend some family moments. Needless to say, they were right about that icy blast!

And on the theme of family moments and kindling, my sister has just come home after working in Spain for a few months. She sensibly–and perhaps inspired by that spanish earthiness–came back to Bristol prepared with a big fleece, and wrapped up in it as we strolled around the docks after our own private Christmas lunch at the Buttery (outdoor café on the docks, and one of the most special places in the world). She had a kind of pied piper effect on the swans, it was magical.

Frosty-snowy-icy-bacon-sarnie-chilly-toes-extra-sugar-in-that-tea-please-good-to-have-you-home-our-g....quick let's get inside again....brrrrr!

Gotta dash!! Happy Christmas people. xxx

{Today's Soundtrack: Bon Iver again, has to be.}

Kindling

Driftwood kindling, which–tied up with a bow–made a sweet birthday present for someone who doesn't like fuss. Almost too pretty to burn!

They reckon we're in for an icy blast in the next couple of weeks, and an end to this rain we thought had no end. Hopefully some of those rich, blue winter skies will clasp us around the lungs and make us stand up a bit taller – so refreshing, those vast, open spaces of thin winter air.

Not long until the shortest day now, then unfurl the sails and cruise on downwind all the way back to summer. Icy blasts in mind, winter storms and not forgetting the season's poetic licence, the early part of the voyage will certainly require some warm sparking up of fires, either real or of the heart. (Now, where did you put that mistletoe?!)

Strike a match, and make mine a whiskey mac.

{Today's soundtrack: Friendly Fires}

The Rules : II

My little lion, how reassuring it is to find this picture, the poppet. (Look here if you want to know what I'm talking about.)

Laterally thinking today, I'm trying to come up with an indie/folk reworking of a fairly serious old carol 'cause I have to play it on Sunday for lots of people, but it's really hard. The syncopation is challenging, which is a problem as I have to steer a drummer and bass player too - as if I know what I'm talking about - ha! I've tried building in some open chord progressions so it's not so gloomy, but forget where they are and trip up, and now my fingers really hurt and my voice is going like I swallowed gravel for breakfast! I'm stuffed, but so is my bassist as I'm transposing but can't work out the new key. Latest is I'm thinking that for most of the set I'll ditch the guitar and lead three-way acapella harmonies instead. hmm... do you think I should reel this in a bit??

Oh flip. Anyone got a spare teacosy I can wear to distract everyone if I stuff up... ?

{Today's soundtrack, oh yes we're back and this I love:

Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man + Sigh No More}

Soundtrack Crisis

Right. Help required.

Plugging the ipod into an unfamiliar mac to charge, forgot to turn off ipod sync in a thoroughly empty itunes. Guess who's ipod was wiped?

Breathe in, breathe out, repeat until calm.

Now, all is not lost as obviously I have my library back home, but this doesn't contain tunes from two prior lappies that blew up/got stolen. Sadness, and grief!

NOW, this is where you come in. Can you recommend your favourite soundtrack of today so I can go and have a listen and build that library back up again??

All comments welcome! Thanks x

{Today's Soundtrack: . . .    ?!   . . . }

Passport Booth

Passport booths are a good metaphor for life – at least the old fashioned ones were. You get to have another go if you stuff up. What a relief. Who do we thank?

{Today's soundtrack: Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid}

Pinko, Dog, and the Orange Badge People.

Just in case you thought things had become slightly serious, here are a couple of little characters to lift the mood slightly. They are from a place I used to live in. I moved from that home recently after 10 years, which felt sad but a relief too, not clinging too tightly to it/stuff, and making a break for the next chapter, whatever that entails.

Introducing: Pinko, Dog, and the folk on a little orange badge who shelter together under a brolly and always make me think, "hmm, cute."

An antidote to those colourless, lightless moments – we all need funny little allies in this life, hey? Punctuations of colour with strong, bold character, but soft too, and a bit daft. My best friends are like that!

Last Post? Let it be known, I don't speak much french, don't think about death all the time, and am prone to being seduced by the surface of things. Aren't we all? Am I in good company?

{Today's soundtrack: Angus & Julia Stone}