A Trio Of Spectacular Events

Hello! 

Yes, finally I've written another blog. After the quiet of recent weeks it was great to get out with my harp again, however I'm afraid I've rather fallen out of the habit of blogging. So apologies for the late update friends.

Thursday the 14th

Thursday was my first session with Robbin ,of the SlipStream Circus in Ulverstone, where we started to collaborate in the hopes of forming another act (harp and silks duo) together. After which we paused in the car park to listen to the magical wafting hum of the harp played by the icy fingers of the winter wind. 

Friday the 15th

Friday held an afternoon dance and music gig organised by Sue Atkinson, the Social Care Manager at the Eliza Purton home in Ulverstone where my nan is a resident. Aside from playing, the interaction and shared stories with the other residents made the whole experience quite moving! Plus one of the staff managed to snap a picture of three generations sharing a joke.

Thanks to Sue, Mum and of course Nan for putting in a good word to get me there!

Saturday the 16th

The next day my sister Marika and I had planned to attend the Medieval Feast

held at the Mount Gnomon Farm! we had been hugely anticipating it, when, two days before the event I was contacted by Guy, the owner and organiser in regards to me to play at the very same event!

Yes indeed, it was meant to be.

So, I arrived and met up with Marika, (the brains behind our attending in the first place) who helped set up while I played as maidens, knights, vikings, Kings, peasants and Dragons from all walks of life started to arrive, their pointed hats and shining helmets first appearing through the herb garden as they made their way up to the dinning tent and display area. 

My stint was broken up by bouts of combat displays by the dashing vikings and iron clad knights. By tempting trays of duck canapés and by the ginger beer and wine offered at a nearby stall.

After much indulging we moved the gear and I played for a time inside the wonderful themed open tent, filled with long tables and many a red faced cheerful Lord and Lady.

Rather disappointingly I failed to capture a photo of the farm dog, who did very little yet was noticed for his immense cartoon like character while lounging around somewhat blasé during the entire affair, and whom became my first acquaintance, while lying on my foot as I was trying to play. 

I must add that my much loved deer antlers (acquired in Germany 2010) really set off my little display and it was only right that they should have a place in this post. 

Seeing as they quickly became a much sought after photo prop. 

By sun down the amazing staff at the Gnomon Farm had a roaring bon fire going, which was where the majority of those remaining gathered, sitting on hay bails downing cups of mulled wine and clutching plates of roasted veggies, game pie and spit roast pork. 

A better way to wind down after the events of the day I couldn't imagine. 

I played until the fire burnt too low to see the strings clearly, then continued for a while after just by the feel and "flesh memory". 

The atmosphere was so communal, relaxed and pleasant that I am sure many would have been quite happy to stay right where they were until morning. 

(perhaps continuing the merry making all through the day)

Thanks to Marika for convincing me it was the best idea ever!

Guy and all the staff at Mount Gnomon Farm for holding such an unique and uplifting gathering in the first place!

http://www.mountgnomonfarm.com.au/

http://www.slipstreamcircus.org.au/

https://www.facebook.com/twistedstringstas