I haven’t had much time to write. I’ve been quite busy with wedding fayres (more on that anon) and I’ve had a couple of new students begin their journey with the harp. I’ve been feeling quite tired. I recognise the lethargy which accompanies the arrival of Autumn. Much as I love the bright green acorns which feel like crunchy marbles underfoot and the smooth glossy chestnuts, the crisp fallen leaves and the fascinating fungi

and tantalising toadstools, an instinctive part of me wants to restock my freezer, batten down the hatches and make like a squirrel. See you in March? I wish!

My close friends came to stay in September and we had a cultural blast at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, soaking up each piece from an inspiring new exhibition by William Kentridge. It was so good, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

See my Instagram for more photos and a couple of videos.

We went on to the Hepworth where there was a playful exhibition by the late Helen Chadwick. It was fun and cheeky and it evoked all the senses, including repulsion at a giant Perspex tower filled with putrefying foodstuffs. I wonder who got the job of topping it up and more importantly, of emptying it after the exhibition finished. There was also an obscenely enormous chocolate fountain.

Mid September I had my harp serviced near Wrexham and to while away the waiting time, I went for a woodland walk at Erddig. I’m sure I visited as a child but I have no recollection.

And so to work. The past 2 wedding fayres have been abysmal with barely any engagement. I love playing the harp but the older I get, the less I feel like hoiking it in and out of the car, especially if it doesn’t bring in any business. I honestly don’t think it’s my playing. I practice a lot, regularly, even when my heart isn’t really in it. I turn up anyway. My bookings are right down for 2026 and I’ve done something I’ve never done before – I’ve accepted bookings for weddings taking place in 2 and even 3 years time. It’s that bad!

Freelancing is difficult at the best of times but it seems extra tough at the moment. Last week a student had booked a lesson on Wednesday and on the Monday she cancelled. None of my income is secure and while I’m ok financially, I won’t be if I’m not careful.