As sung by the immortal David Bowie (for those of you young enough not to have grown up with his music) – changes are afoot here.
Firstly the result of Himself's coughing appears to have been by the drugs he's been taking for his prostate cancer. Oh, great. So he's been told to come off those straight away and have a month to clear his system before they put him on something else for the cancer.
I really hope to god it does help his breathing. It's exhausting, frustrating and debilitating for him to cough all the time, and for me it's incredibly difficult living with a cough like that that threatens to take over our lives. So fingers crossed on that one.
The second thing is that Kirstie Newton, the editor of Cornwall Today, goes on maternity leave at the end of this month, and Alex Wade, a highly respected journalist and writer, takes over the reins as acting editor over the next year. While I will miss Kirstie, I'm looking forward to working with Alex who sounds a fascinating character.
Thirdly, for any of you feeling a bit down, or in need of a change – try singing. I don't belong to a choir – that's a bit formal to describe us – but we are called The Suitcase Singers, and sing every Thursday for a couple of hours. The more I sing with Claire Ingleheart, our musical director, the more I enjoy it.
Last Saturday we had a gig in Flushing in the evening. Claire had done a workshop that afternoon with over 20 people and many of them stayed on for the gig. From there we went to the pub, relaxed with a drink for half an hour, and started singing again, sitting outside the pub.
It was a real example of singing crossing all kinds of boundaries. We sing a-capella (without music), and Claire chose several rounds that are easy for bystanders to learn but sound fabulous. We had a stag party that joined in (as she said, that could have gone either way but they joined in and had a wonderful time) and everyone who was in the pub came out and joined us, and gradually doors opened in the village and more and more people came to listen and join in.
It was a night I shall never forget. Hearing the melodies rise out over the sea, watching faces light up with the pure joy of the music, and a lightened atmosphere of sheer enjoyment. Claire is not only an incredibly talented musician, she is a great leader and knows how to manage large groups of people, which is vital in these instances.
It really was a night with a touch of pure magic.
30 comments:
Very best wishes to Himself. Here's hoping that the cough disappears. Good luck with the changes at work; sounds interesting in a good way! I love Flushing (she says, being careful to put an initial cap on)! Your enthusiasm for singing really shines through. Gosh - lots ahead!
Chris - yes and there are other changes too I hope so fingers crossed - lots happening!
I do hope the new drugs for Himself work and he sees the last of that dratted cough.
The singing sounds wonderful! I love to sing but I'm not sure listeners would enjoy it. ;)
Some drugs can cause more problems than the thing they are healing. I have heard of coughs and rashes all being part of side effects. Do hope the new drugs make Himself better.
My good wishes for Himself, and kudos to you for the singing! Sounds like a lovely time. It must give you a lot of joy to sing with your group. I think those spontaneous events that happen once in a while are memories in the making.
Ak - so do I! As for singing - you can always sing in the car, can't you?! Though I'm sure it isn't that bad!
I hope Himself feels better soon!
Singing is great, isn't it? I love the name of your singing group! I used to play in an orchestra and it's impossible to stay sad whilst making music.
I have the ultimate respect for anyone who sings in public. I wouldn't inflict my voice on anyone - unless I was punishing them.
Hope Himself gets the cough sorted out and good luck with his fight against the prostrate cancer. Someone who has become a friend of mine in recent years has the same fight so I know it's not easy but good luck.
Addy - thanks very much. I really do too. Sort of running out of options here otherwise.
Diane - it really does bring me - and the others - great joy. That is the best word for it.
Every time I go and sing carols at the Bangkok Nursing Home I vow to bring more singing into my life and I never do... I should. Honestly, I'm a bit scared. But I've made a start by putting on my ipod and singing along with it!
I really hope Himself loses the cough soon - you're right - it's horrible to cough all the time.
Did he go to the pt person yet for exercises? That cough was the scariest thing I have heard.
The Suitcase Singers could turn out to be Flushing's answer to Port Isaac!! love, SIL.
Talli - yes, music is a fantastic lifter - and sociable as well.
Colette - thanks for all that. He's had cancer for the past 5 years and it's under control, so we're sort of used to that but the cough is really horrible.
JJ - you're right, singing in public is scary at first. I think it's about finding the right people to do it with and also the right MD. Good luck!
Shelagh - yes he did but she couldn't really help - however she was teh one who identified that the Casodex could cause respiratory problems. However he seems to think it's getting better. (I'm not so convinced but they are his lungs!)
Best wishes to Himself. I hope his cough goes soon.
Good luck with all those changes, they sound very exciting. I've had quite a few recently too and all good, which is a relief. x
What a wonderful evening. How lucky were those who were around to hear/join in.
Hope Himself is feeling better now.
The singing sounds like a great way to cheer oneself up; I love singing to myself but not sure I could manage a choir.
Hoping Himself gets better and the cough starts to cease; I can imagine it must be very worrying as we as being frustrating!
CJ xx
Get well soon wishes for Himself. Poor love. What a great night it sounds as though you all had, I would have loved to have been there. Sadly, I wasn't blessed with a singing voice, pretty good nagging voice though:)
Debs - yes changes can be a good thing - even when you're not expecting them! So glad your new job is working out OK.
Lane - it was a fab evening, thanks. Himself still coughing but I guess it will take time for the drugs to clear. He's been off them 2 weeks now.
CJ - spot on - it is so cheering! If you can ever get to a choir I would say do it! Mind you it has to be the right one. And yes, it's worrying and frustrating - a difficult mixture!
Mnchester Lass - this made me laugh! My nagging voice is on a par with my singing one!
goodness about himself, I hope they can get it all sorted out and pretty quick....
Oh I loved hearing about everyone joining in with the singing.... that was truely wonderful..
x
Marmie - good to see you again! I hope they can too though I doubt it will be that easy.
Sounds great your night of singing. I hope Himself is breathing better.
Woof to Molls from Tilly x
Grump - singing was fab. Sadly, Himself's lungs are still knackered. But woof from Molls to Tilly xx
What a wonderful name for a singing group FP.
I agree with you about singig being so good for you.
Many years ago, I was in a similar sort of choir, and after doing a 'gig', usually in a retirement home or similar.
After, we would usually descend upon the local pub and give an impromptu chorus, much to the delight of the regulars!
One old guy took off his cap and had a collection for us. There was so much money collected, we all felt honoured and humbled.
The collection was donated the Retirement Home residents, that we had just been serenading.
I'm sorry to read of 'Himself's' troublesome cough, it must be tiring for you both.....
Nevermind, 'every cloud has a silver lining' and lots of positive thoughts for his continuing recovery.
Di.xx
Oops a couple of typo's...that's what happens when publishing ones utterings, without checking!
Di.xx
Di - lovely story about your whip round! Many thanks for your thoughts re Himself. Can't see any silver linings at the moment but let's hope you're right!
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