It sure has been a loud year. Forget about gathering in large groups or attending mind-blowing concerts/events. That’s not the noise I am referring to, but rather, the endlessly streaming noise which fills my head… and no doubt, your head. Never in my life have I spent more time at the computer, reading the noise. Fear-mongering is just not my thing. I haven’t spoken out loud about my thoughts on this fear-inducing, angst ridden topic which is spread all over our newspapers, podcasts, social media, radio programs, it’s just everywhere! I will be sure to keep my thoughts reined in, as no one really know anything concrete about it, you can read something from an expert and then ten seconds later see the complete opposite from another expert. The scary part is the uncertainty, and the places your mind can go…..
A friend of mine once said “Just Do Today First.” That tidy collection of words have helped me through all the things that I never thought I’d get through; not being able to travel to the arms of my Mama, to the hugs from my Dad… the countess concerts booked then cancelled then booked then canceled. “Just Do Today First” might be easier for me though, since I don’t have human children, and for you parents out there, I bow down to your courage. We do have BIG fur babies though, and they have been major players in keeping me sane, and focused. We don’t have to teach our Mules mathematics, but rather the ins and outs of how to go, to stop, to stay, to go left, to go right, to learn patience to NOT be afraid of umbrellas or big yellow balls! They seem to be getting it, but on the occasion, they misbehave and we, as parents learn the lessons instead. “What did we do wrong, how can we do it better?” I never grew up with animals, and having two big Molly Mules, wow! What an introduction to Animal Love and HOW! I could write a few chapters about them, but instead, I will leave you with some photos…..
Sirene, Foxy and Me on the Field
Two beauties waiting for something delicious!
Food has also been a big inspiration for me. Before marriage I was never into cooking at all, I mostly ate out, or threw together a wrap of sorts….. but that has all changed over the last few years, and especially so with a blooming garden out the back. At the moment there is cabbage soup on the stove top, and the brussels sprouts are almost ready to pick, not to mention the apples we have in the cellar and some potatoes too! Eating food sown with your own two hands, without the use of any poison (herbicide, pesticide, fungicide) tastes and feels better. During the Spring and Summer months I picked and dried a plethora of herbs and flowers for tea/herbal infusions (tinctures, salves and oils too!) All of which was free for the taking, thanks to Mother Nature and back country walks. So, nature has been a good friend to me as well, during these “you have to find SOMEthing healthy to do” times…. Finding the quiet has been a continuous search and mostly it is out on an old country road via bicycle or in the forest via footsteps. I came across a new way to fight colds (which no one has anymore, strangely, and if you do, you had better stay quiet about it!) Yes, I found a great recipe to enhance your immune system and I even made a short youtube video all about it called: “Killer Fire Cider” (please click on it and share, if you want!) It was fun to make and a little spicey as you will see, but even better, it really does the body good…. If you can get past that initial swallow…..
Sunflowers caught in a sunset
Heritage Swiss bean harvest, delicious in Chili!
Foraging for PORCICNI!! Steinpilz as they are called here. Most excellent in a wine/cheese risotto!
A couple of prized possesions, I harvested Yarrow and St. John’s Wort to make some healing tinctures.
Music, of course, has been a theme throughout the last year. Thankfully, I was gifted with a never-ending stream of musical sounds, a soundtrack of sorts to accompany all the other noise! It has been helpful to sit with my guitar and come up with ideas… The problem is never in finding musical ideas, the problem is ALWAYS finishing something, finding the lyrics to add to the melody, finding the right subject to match the music. I have dreamt up over a hundred new songs since this whole HOOPLA started, yes, music has been healing for me. But the other point is to help YOU, so I am truly working on getting some of these pieces finished, and then, finally, I can share! Don’t give up on me, okay? Also, I have had a little bit of luck come my way, thanks to Middlesex University in London. Their film class has decided to take two of my (previously unreleased) new tunes, and two new music videos are in progress, as I type! We hope we can release them in early Spring, so keep an eye out for some NEW LINDSAY MUSIC!! I recorded the songs with the help of Brock Zeman, Blair Hogan and Steve Foley, and I am very happy with how they have turned out, so stay tuned! Also, a brand new Swiss Booking Agency, called “Good Booking” found me earlier this year, so when we are able to get out and sing again, in public, I will finally have help with booking gigs. If you never give up, how can you lose?
Photo by Selena Meier
Recently I discovered Eckhart Tolle. This man and his teachings have helped me sleep at night. I wish everyone could take some time to sit and listen to his words of wisdom, but unfortunately, not everyone is ready. He came to me at exactly the right time, and I am a better human now. Here are the first words I heard him say, (click on that last sentence to listen if you like?) His insight has led me down a rabbit hole for many days. Getting through the noise to find that magical silence, which is always, also there… What a dream indeed! I will leave you now, and get back to that guitar so I can share a new song with you, sooner than later. Oh and keep an eye out for a live stream, coming soon to a Social Media platform near you. I miss singing for you, in real life, but I remember it well, so well, that it (the feeling) will keep my longing for more! It will happen, It just has to.
