Wednesday 28 September 2011

Another One Bites the Dust


Last weekend couldn’t have provided more contrast – a great gig on Saturday night followed by scattering more of Pip’s ashes on the Sunday. But let me start with Pip first of all.

I was determined to scatter the second lot of Pip’s ashes at Polly Joke, his favourite beach on the north coast of Cornwall and one where we both had very happy memories. Luckily Sunday was a sunny if windy day and so Deb and Molls and I set off for our favourite spot with camera and hankies.

As we neared the car park, I put on a Queen CD and guess what the first track was? Another One Bites the Dust. Deb and I laughed – it was just as if Pip was running the day, which he probably was.

The beach wasn’t too crowded as the tide was coming in and I took pictures on the way down, then Deb said she’d take over as cameraman as I scattered the ashes over the sea. Trouble was, I couldn’t get the tin open. (Pip’s sense of humour no doubt.) Then once open, I shook him free but suddenly Deb shouted, “Sue!” The tide was rushing up the sand, roaring over my feet as we both ran backwards, trying to avoid the incoming waves.

We had a big hug while Mollie danced in the shallows and roared up and down the beach, then walked up to the Bowgie pub where we sat outside with a glass of wine each, a packet of crisps for Molls and felt that Pip would very much have approved.

I’ve kept a few ashes in a tin which is still on his side of the bed. When I told Deb she said, “When you get together with someone else and take him back to bed, you’d better move Pip,” she said. “They might be put off if they know your husband’s watching.”

But back to Saturday’s gig at Miss Peapods in Penryn where Joshua Caole started playing and singing and that got us in the mood. He was followed by Chris Woods, an incredible acoustic guitar player who uses ‘string slapping’ to produce amazing percussive effects by finger tapping, rapid drumming and ordinary finger picking. Well worth a listen.

Last on was Cole Stacey, a great singer and guitarist who, after a few numbers, asked if anyone was up for a sing. Well, of course I said YES! which astonished most of the audience. Cole was delighted, and asked me to sing lead vocals (in fact a few choruses) which was a good warm up for the rest of the audience to sing along.

I had a great time and you know, the nicest thing was, as we left they were all standing outside. I said thanks for a great evening and hoped they would come back for another gig. They turned and said, “Oh it’s Sue! Thanks, Sue – you made the gig!”

Like my other friends, Pip would be bursting with pride.

26 comments:

Vermont Designs said...

This is much better. Anyway, loved all that, bet he is laughing too. Well, done you for leading the singing - we are proud! love & hugs, SS.

Akelamalu said...

Such a heartwarming post this honey. x

Flowerpot said...

He was definitely with us outside the pub, Shelagh. We must go there next year....

Flowerpot said...

Glad you enjoyed it Ak!

Sally said...

What a star you are! Much love xx

Flowerpot said...

Sally - hope you are having a wonderful time. Had to keep the singing front up! xx

ADDY said...

So glad you were able to scatter him in his faourite places and see the humour in a sad situation.Is that you in the photo - you look very glam.

Melissa Amateis said...

I love that the Queen song fit the situation so well! :-)

Flowerpot said...

Melissa - so do I!

Flowerpot said...

Yes Addy that;s me though hardly glam. All clothes at least 10 years old!

Colette McCormick said...

I loved reading this. I'm sure that Pip would have approved.

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Colette - he would certainly have approved of the pub bit!

Trubes said...

That was a lovely piece, written with such candour FP. As it's been said already 'Darling Pip would be proud of you'. Glad Molls enjoyed her jaunt on the beach, that would have pleased Pip too!
The singing...fabulous, I used to sing in a ladies choir, oh how I miss it. We did all the songs from the shows and a few sacred ones thrown in too.
Keep smiling FP, and most of all...Keep singing!

Di..xx

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Trubes, singing is just wonderful isn't it?

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I love reading your posts.

Pip certainly sounds as if he's involved and well done you for singing. Sounds great fun.

Flowerpot said...

Debs - thanks for that! And yes teh singing was great fun.

Anonymous said...

I imagine he would have been. Sounds like a lovely time you had. Pip is obviously very much by your side.

CJ xx

Talli Roland said...

I can just see you laughing to Queen and struggling to get the tin open! Pip was certainly there. :)

Flowerpot said...

Talli - that;s exactly what happened!

Flowerpot said...

CJ - it appears he is!

Trubes said...

Dear FP, Just thought I'd pop by to see how you're doing...There may
be some interesting news on my site that may amuse you!
much love,

Di..xx

Flowerpot said...

Di - will go and have a look!

Bluestocking Mum said...

Just been catching up, Sue, and what a bright, positive post to find - exactly what I needed!

I'm certain Pip will be smiling along with the rest of us. Who would have thought even a few months ago that smiles could come from the sadness you have had. It just shows me, life goes on and there will come bright and positive times again.

Take care
Debbie
xx

Flowerpot said...

You will come out smiling again too Debbie. Take care xx

DT said...

A very special beach, although an Idless born friend insisted I called it Porth Joke. Wishing you a vista without clouds.

Flowerpot said...

Derek - it is officially called Porth Joke but us what know it call it Polly Joke!