Last week I tried a different ride at the playground. It’s a spinning disc placed at an angle. I was curious what would happen if I stepped on it so I did. It seemed to challenge my balance which definitely needs improving.

It started to spin. It spun faster and faster until I fell at a fair speed onto my back. Probably not the best thing for osteoporosis but life goes on. Luckily there’s special padded flooring on the ground in the park probably to cushion any falls. It still hurt like hell. I swore softly but emphatically, got up, dusted myself off and a few minutes later, tried the climbing frame with a mesh of ropes strung across it. If at first you don’t succeed, try another playground ride. I’m determined to try the disc again, even if I have to sit on it. Apparently that’s what you’re supposed to do.

Play is really important and even more so as I get older. Life can get pretty intense and serious, and laughing at myself is something I try to do little and often.

I played my last wedding of the summer season last Sunday and it was a belter. What a way to go out. It was at a venue in York which got me in a sweat already since it meant driving on the motorway, something I rarely do these days. It was the bank holiday weekend too with lots of events happening around Leeds.

I set off very early but it meant I got there in plenty of time to unload calmly, find parking, have my breakfast and put my face on followed by my performing hat. The couple had requested quite a tricky piece of music for the bride’s entrance so I knew I needed to be on form.

I tried my harp and the acoustic there is so complimentary. My harp sounded amazing! Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I had a chat with the florist who was a real tonic, a very lively vibrant woman. This helped me relax. Her Dad grew up in Dolgellau, not a million miles from where my Dad was born. It’s a very small world. She had an eye catching dragon brooch pinned to her tie. I should’ve known.

I felt I played really well. I somehow managed to pull out the stops and perform. I don’t do that very often. Weddings seem to be more about stamina and endurance so it’s reassuring to know I’ve still got it when I need it.

The bride and groom were really lovely and they offered all their suppliers a gift and a card:

Yesterday I gave a consultation lesson to a very talented 10 year old boy. I gave the lesson a lot of thought since he’s already at a high standard in piano, singing, drums and flute. I decided to take a creative approach rather than go old school and I think it went well. His Mum messaged me to say he’s hooked and they’re going to rent a harp. Their dining room is swiftly becoming the music room.

Today I put my teaching hat back on to give a lesson to a student who’s been coming for 2 years. She had no musical knowledge at all before starting her lessons. Now she’s fluent and she’s even considering buying a pedal harp. She’s absolutely hooked and her enthusiasm is contagious. She’s a keen athlete and regularly does ultramarathons so I suggested we could go up West Nab to celebrate her accomplishments by sharing some chocolate she bought me from a trip to Japan earlier this year:

It’s been a good week.