Category Archives: history

Summers Last Fling

Diana Stones Songs, glass cage, history, music, Musings

 

 

Its suddenly warm and the sun has returned to confuse us all as it is  now meteorological autumn. Today I am not feeling so great with a headache, but it’s not the rona, as I have just done a test.  The rhythm of the late summer days continues lazily as you would expect. Music pops in to may head as ever. I have  a sort of gospel tune brewing up now on the piano that feels like it has legs. On a walk I saw a snow white cat. Just perfect for a Bond villain to nestle in their arms. It politely said “Meow”, and let me pet it and licked my knees. Is this a good omen or are my knees particularly dirty? I know very little about cats to be fair, but it seemed a very proper and correct well mannered one. I should have taken a picture but strangely I didn’t. perhaps I should seek out that cat again?

My health is a little out of wac as they say at present, but I am rolling along just about. I am not sure how much my depression is affecting me at present. I feel a bit off but less anxious than I have been for a while. I have been trying a new approach to helping my  arthritis with a supplement which seems to have helped somewhat along with my other daily routines.  I do feel very tired though again which is a bit worrying. 

I seemed to have found finally a garage that will do  a service and MOT but also collect and deliver. That makes life a bit easier in present circumstances. Fingers crossed for that as cars are tricky coves and one never knows. As I write this there is a  remembrance of  the 9/11 attack taking place. Its now 20 years past but still very vivid to recall the news breaking.  I was working as a civil servant at the time and we pressed a TV set in to action when we finally found one. It’s never seemed quite real.

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Well That Was Different.

Delta Ladies, Diana Stones Songs, disabilty and health news, glass cage, music, Musings, other, whatever

The day prior  writing this I was making a video of a live performance of what will be a promotional tool for Jon Bickley’s forth coming CD. We played through the tracks in sequence and shoot it outdoors at a secret location.  It was quite fun to do and the weather held out remarkably well too. We also had some still shots done for the prospective   album cover and other publicity purposes. Then a drive back up the M1  and home.  Playing a set of songs to an audience of one (our cameraman) was weird though. 

I just did a covid test so at the time of writing I am clear.  I have had 6 clear tests since July. I only really have interaction with a couple of people but my partner is in contact with a few more folk in the weekly social groups.  Its my belief that I may have had a mild covid infection in early 2020 but I have no way of  proving or disproving this unfortunately.  I was in contact with several people who may well have been infectious for some time and others who subsequently went on to get it within a short period of time.  Was it just luck or had I quickly built up immunity somehow? Do i still have if so and whats my level of risk to both myself and others?

We are now at the start of September and the weather is very uncertain. We may get a  touch of late winter sun, but it’s been a bit gloomy and the urge to say in bed is difficult to fight right now.  I am getting on with stuff though just going day by day though. What else can one do ultimately. 

A friend of mine is still very much concerned with the possibility of getting a serious covid infection.  So they are keeping themselves away from as many people as possible. Logical but as they have been double vaccinated they may actually be more at risk through not having any additional exposure to continue to build their immunity.  I understand their concern but wonder  if ultimately they may be in a riskier position due to this attitude.   Still we can really only make our own informed decisions about all this and advice whilst it may be given may really not suit someone else’s circumstances.

I had a visit from Danny (Delta Ladies percussion and Oud player) and he played his Kora. We recorded a couple of tracks and chatted. We went through what we had been doing for during  the various lockdowns and restrictions.   It must be about a year since Danny was last here.  That was a pleasant change. it feels like time is standing still in some respects though. 

I am not sure if there is a way forward from all this personally.  I feel it would be tempting fate to make any plans frankly. It would be nice if there was but I am not counting on it.  Maybe I need to be a bit more zen about it all and see where I end up? 

“ Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

Marcus Aurelius

 

     
 

 

 

 

     

    

Keeping Up the Good Work and All That

Diana Stones Songs, disabilty and health news, glass cage, history, whatever

Or not keeping up, that is the question.  I am keeping busy. Actually  on reflection much busier than I actually thought I was it turns out. over the past 25 years I have recorded about 500 plus songs and instrumentals it turns out.  It keeps me off the streets as they say.  And I shall carry on with as long as I can. These days I don’t do too much else.
 
The tune above is a bit of proggy cosmic noodling style stuff with violin and synth and what have you.  

I write this blog  and moan and winge and about the  fates a bit of course too.  I wonder how it looks to an outsider reading it?   Boring and tedious perhaps or a deep insight into the nature of human existence.  You the jury decide   🙂

 I have definitely done myself some mischief somehow and I am having  lot of problems with my right arm and shoulder. It feels like some sort of sprain. I did start working in the studio but taking it very easy. Its a real nuisance. Maybe I need to take a little time out . I feel also a bit stuck and at the point where I might start repeating myself. Effectively 18 months of navel gazing is a becoming an issue creatively. Also lack of external input of course.  It feels rather like being becalmed on a ship perhaps or maybe   a hotel with all the comforts of home or more but you can’t leave although you can see people going about their normal business at a distance. You cannot directly interact with them though of course

At the time of writing this I have had to cancel a rehearsal for making a performance video and move it to Saturday when I hope I shall be in better fettle.  I am  doing regular covid tests at present.  As of today I don’t have it. I would like to get an anti bodie test though as they are available now so I have applied to be part of the research program.  It may be interesting.  

More dreadful news from Afghanistan again today.  It’s quite difficult to process as recent history is poised to repeat itself again. No doubt with much suffering and loss of life. Will there ever be a solution? Its seems unlikely.  

 

 

 

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