Unlike many of my blog posts, tonight I’m keeping it brief. It’s a busy fortnight and with a flying visit to Manchester tomorrow and probably another visit to a gallery for inspiration on Sunday, this home loving country lass will have experienced the hustle and bustle of one too many cities this week. I’ve let the train take the strain a couple of times and I’ve enjoyed the more meditative journeys. I’m looking forward to spending more time pottering around the house and getting mucky in my garden as soon as weather permits.

I had a great day at the Storthes Hall Park wedding experience last Sunday. Playing for three staged ceremonies was a novelty, and it was great to be reminded what a thrill it can be to take part in someone’s special day. As always, the best bit was meeting other suppliers as well as some lovely brides and grooms. I’ve had no bookings as yet and these things can take time. If you were there and you enjoyed my music, remember that the Storthes Hall Park discount is only valid until 5th of May, so get in touch this weekend!

This weekend I’m playing for a private wedding event so that will keep me pleasantly occupied as well as getting me out of the house again. Ever the optimist, I had my Summer tyres put back on today. The exhaust needs some work too, so a return visit has been booked in for next week. Cars are a necessary evil in my line of work. I couldn’t do without mine. One bonus is visiting the garage. I love it there! It’s as old school as you can get and has an enviable location beside the stream in the village. I never mind if I have to wait a short while as they deal with other customers - I’ve seen a dipper busily flitting up and down the water on past visits. I love listening to C&P’s stories and today was no exception. They’ve both just been on holiday and I was deliciously regaled with best bits. We share a distaste for our throwaway culture and the current climate in this country, and we shared an enthusiastic rant about them.

Have I mentioned I’m going on holiday? It’s my first proper holiday in 4 years and I’m well excited. Look at this:

All may well be revealed and I can’t wait. I’m sure there’ll be a holiday blog post or two, but I’m not taking this laptop. It’s back to pen and paper, and I will read at least one book while I’m away.

On Tuesday I met my sister in Leeds for dinner. She was in North Yorkshire for a conference and it was the ideal opportunity for a short sweet catch up. We met at the fabulous Tetley in the quiet heart of Leeds.

I’m looking forward to going back there, perhaps for a wedding. I’d love that! There’s a sense of playfulness about the Tetley that’s quite intoxicating, and the art deco interior reminds me of atmospheric old movies.

Next Sunday is the eagerly anticipated Spring Wedding Fayre at Wortley Hall. It’s organised by those lovely people at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire this time, and I can’t wait to play at one of my favourite venues. Will the ducks be around I wonder? Also next weekend, I have the first orchestral work I’ve done in quite a while, so I’m busy practicing and learning the score. It’ll be a lovely gig and I do miss orchestral playing. I’m sure I’ll take to it again like a dipper to water! I’ve been learning some new wedding repertoire and I’ll be recording excerpts to share on my Soundcloud channel next week. Have you subscribed yet? Please do, I’d really appreciate your support. Here’s the link:

Dear readers, I wish you a fun-tastic sun-tastic Bank Holiday weekend!