Hello all you patient readers.
Due to work and personal life being somewhat hectic of late (namely my partner having a house built) it's been a while since I've done anything "Harpy" of note, but now things are warming up!
the tiny persistent patch of snow on the Western Tears is all the reminder of the winter we've had.
There really is no better way to celebrate spring musically than joining the thrum and hustle of the Blooming Tulips Festival.
After a very early rising on Saturday the 10th, much rushing and the possibly appearance of stress
(all of which my ever patient man attributed to me being "so not a morning person")
I arrived in Wynyard.
Amid sunshine and vibrant stalls, wafting smells and passersby I set up my Traveling Minstrel display, featuring an old black trunk (heavy as all hell), half globe, skeleton umbrella, a world Atlas and many items liberated from the dark and dusty depths of my costume box.
Favourite among them was the "Tooter", which lay nondescript on the open atlas by my left foot, awaiting the tinkling sound that signified a donation being dropped into the minstrels trunk, with a well timed stomp the tooter would loudly exclaim it's thanks, jolting a bust of uncontrollable giggling or an uncertain look from a child, as though to say "To laugh or cry? that is the question."
Needless to say much fun was had and many a cheeky wink was given to the chuckling crowd.
Let it never be said that a minstrels heart is without humour.
Many thanks to Chantelle French the events organiser,
the Alpaca Man, to whom I attribute my sense of humour,
my man Remo for his patience and understanding,
Henry's Ginger Beer for a much needed refreshment,
and to Toby,
the very first and very last listener who made my day with her quiet comments of appreciation and gift of pencils.
Thank you honey.
