Hello dear readers, dear music lovers! How are you all doing during these crazy unsettling times? I wanted to reassure you that I’m still here. I love writing and I’ve really missed blogging but with the outbreak of COVID 19 and doing my part time shop job to the best of my ability with all the challenges that come with new regulations implemented every week, I’ve hardly had time to do one of my favourite things - write! I’ve made a few changes in my home since March and I’ve embarked upon a few DIY projects. I’ve been trying and testing new recipes and my diet is now mainly plant based. I’m still managing my house and tending my garden as best I can, so writing has taken a back seat. Whenever I have some free time I love to practice but seeing as most of my public performances have been cancelled or postponed, I’ve been practicing my own music for my pleasure and to keep my hands and fingers (and brain!) in shape. Interestingly my obsession with keeping myself in good physical shape has grown and I don’t feel quite right unless I’ve walked or jogged at least a couple of miles a day. I’ve pushed myself quite hard this month and with today’s wet weather I’m taking the day off to rest my feet and joints. I’ve slept a lot so I know tomorrow I’ll be ready to bounce into a new week.

When COVID kicked off I decided I was going to do my best to keep upbeat, not beat myself up at the loss of work/income. 2020 was all set to be one of the best years as far as weddings go, and I was ready to reap the fruit of all those hard played wedding fayres and all the promotional work they involve. Gradually the emails came pouring in and I’d brace myself to face the admin pile that mounted up as the weeks went on. I couldn’t be bothered practicing or even playing for my own pleasure. There were so many genuinely lovely brides and grooms whose weddings I was looking forward to playing at and so they’'ll be even more special when they do eventually go ahead, but it has been quite a painful time. I’ve had some personal financial difficulties to face as well and a few health concerns (psoriasis, a new one on me). But throughout this episode in my life I’ve managed to keep a surprisingly positive attitude. I’m convinced my walking and running has helped with that. When I’m feeling down I can either let myself slip down further or put on some leggings and running shoes and get out there. I’m no runner! However I can run a bit and stop when I get out of breath, and when I get back my mood is about 5 notches higher. Endorphins are the best and the feeling is very similar to the adrenaline rush I get from performing! I haven’t been swimming since March as my lovely little local pool is still closed. Running will never replace that invigorating first plunge into the water, but it’s the most accessible form of vigorous exercise I have at the moment.

I’ve fallen in love with longer walks since embarking on an expedition from home towards White Hill on the other side of the M62 on a scorching hot day at the end of May with my friends Gareth and Sue. We covered just over 20 miles that day. I felt as though I’d been purged, a deep cleansing of my self. My feet were in tatters and I had no energy for 2 days afterwards but it was a truly amazing feeling, especially when I considered what it’s like to drive 20 miles. Since then I’ve completed quite a few longer walks including one of my favourites, the Edale Skyline. Last Sunday we walked up Pen Y Ghent.

I wanted to walk all 3 of the Yorkshire Three Peaks but I don’t have the stamina yet. Walking really is a great way to experience the amazing countryside around me and it ticks so many boxes. What has walking and running got to do with music? You may well ask. For me it taps into my creative side. It allows me space to express the stream of thoughts whirling in my head and I feel appeased afterwards. On Friday for example, I set myself the goal of making a short recording of a request from a bride. At the end of a busy week including a day of online teaching on Thursday, the last thing I felt like doing was fiddling with tech but I had a goal. I was in a bad mood when I woke up later than I wanted. I pushed myself out and covered 3 miles and got to work. I got 3 versions of At Last recorded, sent one version to the bride and posted another on social media. I think that if I hadn’t run I probably wouldn’t have done the recording at all.

I’ve been doing some online yoga with the lovely Sue from sjcyoga - check her out, she’s pretty bloody good and has the patience of a saint when I’m huffing and puffing and telling her I can’t go on. We regularly do a killer core exercise I thought she said baby seals do. Turns out she said Navy Seals. Flip. I feel like a baby seal when I’m doing it and I go a rather alarming beetroot colour but I always feel better, straighter, taller and stronger after a session with her.

Other than loving living my adventures I’m always working on new music for weddings and events so keep those requests coming in and I’ll make time to learn them.

Have a great week and month!

Rhian