At least we’re moving

Ok, I definitely lied about the once a week deal. At the time of writing this, it has been over A MONTH since I posted the first installment. I am deeply sorry. Don’t read any further until you’ve forgiven me. I’ll wait.

Thank you, I love you. 

My past few weeks have been, just like yours, very busy! I zipped back to Ireland to spend Christmas and New Year’s at home. It was a fantastic two weeks spent catching up with family and friends (and dogs). Lots of time spent playing music with great folk. Things seemed to fall back into step very quickly, but being away from home– even for a short time –made me appreciate things I didn’t even notice were missing for three months. The way my Dad makes a morning fry. The sound of the street from my window. The glowing feeling of being with old friends. I’m sure most people reading this are familiar with what I’m referring to. I’d say a good few of you have even raced past me in your flight from the nest, and are musing to yourselves. “Just you wait Bambi, this is only the beginning”. I’m aware that three months is basically an eye-blink in the grand scheme of life, but it’s also the longest I have ever been away from home. I’m sure one day I’ll blink through a few months with ease. For now though, a lot of this still feels like I’m stumbling, knobbly kneed across a lake of ice, with no view of the opposite shore, and bloodhounds and hunters nipping at my heels. 

Me in the Subway. Photo by my Mum :)

Now here I am back Shtateside. It’s been ten days since I landed back in Nashville. Things haven’t gotten off to the running start I was hoping for, however. I came down with something the morning after I arrived and it persisted for about a week. Then Tennessee was hit with a snowstorm on Friday, which has kept me inside for most of these past few days. Once again, my machinations on a perfect start to this new year were thwarted by my arch-rivals: stuffy nose and icy roads. It’s almost like my ancestors are trying to get through to me on something– “It’ll never be the perfect time to start the journey. Better to begin despite the odds than to waver in the face of them”? –Nah. What a preposterous idea. Must’ve been the wind playing tricks on me.

My street after the snow.

I have been writing a good amount this past while, though. In between rom-com scenes and oven pizzas, I’ve nailed down at least two decent songs. This is a pretty good pace for me! With any luck, I’ll have a few tunes to gig with come springtime. It’s also been fun writing this, a nice change of pace. I’ll have to write some more. Maybe even on a consistent schedule. One day. 

Reading this back, some of you might have gotten the impression that I am flailing, staring into the void and/or in the midst of an existential crisis. Have no fear. This is normal for me this time of year. I promise I am totally ok (or will be soon). I will be using this post as a jump-start for the rest of the things I have been putting off. Happy 2025! Best wishes to all of you who are also flailing.

At least we’re moving.