Gentle music

What brings you peace?

Folk music, lyrical music, gentle music.

I like light classical music, piano sonatas, even film scores.

I don’t always know the name of the musical piece, or the composer, one of my worst skills is answering music quiz questions. But it doesn’t matter what it is as long as it gives me a feeing of gentle calmness.

Singing with a choir has the same effect. Especially when we are practicing and not performing. I hear the other parts, soprano and alto, and try and meld my voice in with the others. It gives me a real sense of peace and quiet. Gentle Maori lullabies effect me, and sweet folk aires from ancient history. They are all really meditations. That and the breathing required to do it help make me feel at peace.

Cat in the hedge

Shall I paint him?

Peeping out, watching the traffic, avoiding dog walkers, he sits and waits for us to get out of the car. Then he’s on the doorstep waiting to come in for his tea.

My other cats have their habits too, my little queen stretches up and claws my knee every time she says hello. I always say ouch, but she’s not bothered. She won’t stop. Just a friendly miew…

The other Tom likes me to Stoke his head, all the way down his back to his tail, as I reach the end his head comes back up again for the next sweep of my hand, over and over, 20 or 30 times…

The three of them are so loving. I enjoy their company. X

Staring into space

I asked my hubby what he was thinking about when he stood at the edge of the lake. He said, just the distance, the weather, how calm the water was. The cool breeze, the reflections.

It sounds lovely and calm. No fears, no worries. I said to him, think of it again at bed time. Let it dispel any anxieties or worries. Just picture yourself on the bank, looking out. Let your mind drift away to quiet thoughts and gentle sounds. I might just try and do the same myself tonight.