joy

The Joy of English Woodlands

At this time of year in England, there is something healing about walking in the woodlands. I always feel that some of the loveliest flowers of all are cow parsley and bluebells. I am also lucky enough to be a member of Songlines, a local community choir, and as the pandemic lockdown rules have beenContinue reading “The Joy of English Woodlands”

Heaven on Earth: The Joy of A Capella Harmony Singing with The B Naturals

What is the greatest musical instrument of all? I believe it is the human voice. Nothing compares to the joy of a capella harmony singing – in perfect pitch, of course, and under the tuition of an inspirational musical director… or how about four musical directors, one for each voice part? Recently I took partContinue reading “Heaven on Earth: The Joy of A Capella Harmony Singing with The B Naturals”

Springtime Beauty at Dunham Massey, National Trust

A few images from Dunham Massey, a National Trust property in Cheshire. These were taken on 19th February – just at that time of the year for us in England where the spring flowers are arriving, heralds of joy and new hope.

Christmas: Time for Joy, Time for Mourning

Christmas arouses so many emotions. Magical in childhood, often much more of a challenge in adulthood – which of us are “Ding Dong Merrily On High”, and which of us are “Bah Humbug”? I love many things about Christmas: The anticipation through Advent – Advent candles Christmas carols – many of them have the most beautifulContinue reading “Christmas: Time for Joy, Time for Mourning”

People of Inspiration: The Enduring Love of Mozart’s Requiem

“Mozart stopped writing here.” Those were the words one soprano had written after bar 8 of the Lacrymosa in her score of Mozart’s Requiem: just so she could be sure which bits were from the hand of the master, and which from his much-less gifted composer friend Franz Sussmayr. We were singing with the choir Spires Philharmonic Chorus,Continue reading “People of Inspiration: The Enduring Love of Mozart’s Requiem”

Christmas Wreath Making at Kenilworth Castle

Have you ever put yourself in for something that was out of your comfort zone? Or maybe you fancied doing it but hadn’t considered whether you had the skill or know-how? On Friday I went to a traditional Christmas wreath making workshop at Kenilworth Castle. I had always loved these wreaths and jumped at theContinue reading “Christmas Wreath Making at Kenilworth Castle”