In which my post-sleep brain comes to life in the company of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's genius; we consider the internal monologue of St Cecilia; and my new music project is announced.
Things of Feather, Flight and Bone
Let the water teem with living creatures
I've been taking audio recordings of the sea, of rivers, creating software instruments out of samples I made in a forest and just loving how the growing world (plant life, recently fledged birds, amphibians) has given me therapy while the human world has been rather locked down.
And I ain’t done nothing since I woke up today
How do you feel about cultural comfort food? About the ‘guilty pleasure’? As they’re commonly used, the terms connote a certain uncoolness, that the culture isn’t ‘difficult’ or capable of providing long-term sustenance. Have you been consuming more of such things in 2020?
Her Likeness Appeared at Dawn, And By Dawn Had Vanished
Back once again! Thanks for caring enough about what I'm up to to give me your valuable reading minutes. This post will have a new song from me, inspired by a study of apocalyptic literature (FUN!) and making a rookie error identifying some wildlife in Devon. But that's to come - first, something you might've… Continue reading Her Likeness Appeared at Dawn, And By Dawn Had Vanished
To Dream of Better Places
“It is so like meTo dream of better places” I’ve been doing a strange kind of hibernating – the kind that happens in the full flush of springtime. It began when nuthatches were building their nests, under that canopy of trees near my home. We discovered new walking routes then, every possible walk within thirty… Continue reading To Dream of Better Places
What constructive spells can we cast?
While we're staying in, many of us will be enjoying the fruits of creative people's labours. Let's support them directly via Bandcamp, and more...
Beginnings
There are new beginnings everywhere I look. Friends are wearing signs of the fatigue and joy of being new parents; Ireland’s getting a new government; and my near-future neighbours will be dolphins.
Time to Focus. Here are the Things I’m Not Focusing On
Think of the places you've lived in your life. Time spent anywhere is always limited, but now I'm aware of just how limited that time is. Here are some priorities I've made (& ignored)...
Little Song for the Day of the Sun
Featuring my Bristol Bucket List, Gerard Manley Hopkins and a brand spanking new song of mine.
My Only End-of-Year List was Me Leaning to One Side, Thanks to the Cava
Featuring thoughts on Michael Kiwanuka, Lord Kitchener, record stores and some other things I've been enjoying in 2019.
Returning Spirits
We go to cinemas for a different view of the world we live in, or to visit an imagined world and escape the laws by which this one's bound. Like the best films, Mati Diop's Grand Prix-winning film Atlantics satisfies both longings.
