It is September 2020 already. Yes. We managed to get a holiday. We’ve just returned from time well spent in Glastonbury. After along weekend in Portsmouth visiting family, day in Lyme Regis – lying on the beach, watching (laughing at) the militant seagulls attack and swoop down on unsuspecting small children and adult’s lunches.
The recharge was needed. We both love Somerset and feel very connected to it.
We have both been fortunate to do a little travelling in ‘Fanny.’ Exploring the rolling big wide open spaces and skies of Lincolnshire have fed us lockdown respite freedom during recent months. We do live opposite a country park with lakes and a river so have been lucky. A few doom curing early morning bike rides have done me good.
We’d enjoyed the Summer Solstice sunrise from the river near us.
At least once a year we head to Somerset. We come here to detox not ‘retox.’ So the days spent relaxing, eating vegetarian lunches at Rainbows End Café. (Amazing veggie good food for body and soul) A good clearing was experienced. We both had a fantastic and very needed massage by Ana @ https://www.naturalconnect.co.uk/ (eternally grateful) Puts once back on track, resets.
I found the readjustment back to work and ‘normal’ the following week pretty tough. Ange and I constantly plan our escapes.
There are a few new videos on our Adventures with Clange YouTube playlist.
Musically. Well. No furlough. (For me that would have been a creatively indulgent bliss) But working from home March until September, enabled me to spend that extra time that was commuting, composing music for an 81 track Wu Wei Wisdom Project. The Tao Te Ching. (more of that when its officially announced. Thank you Alex and David for the honour- It has and is a beautiful experience) https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/free-resources-blog/ Some of my music is featured below.
I have a true love for animals. Its very easy to share the horrors of the world on social media. Does it stop people doing bad things? Does it stop nature being nature? Does it make folks become Vegan/ Vegetarian? Maybe (plants have feelings too) Have you been in the presence of an old tree and felt its whispers of wisdom, been in awe of its vastness. I wish I could ‘unsee‘ some of the terrible things this human race has done. Deeply disturbing, cruelty, neglect, abandonment. Even ‘Sam’ the dog in I Am Legend had me crying for hours, Ange had to tell me to stop and pull myself together as was only a film. Supervet is a write off. I love the DODO videos. I focus on the good and try to invest in the recovery or prevention.
If you bombard the darkness, and scribble horrors, the dark will remain with darker scars. Donating to the lightbulb to turn the skies sparkly, enables a positive focus to get things done. Actually doing something realistic, instant and practical to help is far more productive in my opinion, than procrastinating and angering. I unfollow the ranters. We’ve adopted 3 cats, 2 that were abandoned. We love them with all of the love that we are. Fundraising for rescues, even if its a small amount – on the scale of things helps. It goes directly to and for the animals not admin. I feel very protective of the vulnerable. So I’ve completed Wiccaweys Music For Dogs EP. (and some relaxing tunes for their owners too) releases on 10th October 2020. I composed the journey of reassurance, rescue, survival, the heart-warming vulnerability of animals, when they find a forever home, acceptance, love, life and in the end for all living beings.. passing over. The track Sleepy Time has been a favourite and relaxed the dogs and humans. (It has been literally road tested with Wiccaweys with the doggies settling down) ‘Goodbye My Friend’ is poignant and very beautiful. Giving something back to the Angels that rescue and care for animals is something we continue to do. Check out https://wiccaweys.co.uk/
And finally. I’m still working on my 2021 new album release. ‘Gods’ It is powerful with Eastern influences.
As 2020 heads in to more lockdowns, waves. Love those physically close. Look after those far away. I’ve not hugged either of my parents since March. Its painful. I’m in my own bubble with Ange with the news switched off. Being kind, selfless and creating good vibes, growing my hair back. Otherwise anxiety would become destructive to my emotional wellbeing.
I’ve also been composing more tunes including podcast music/ intros. https://www.pond5.com/collections/3322994-podcast-music
You can also find stock music to purchase by me available on POND5 https://www.pond5.com/artist/claudinewest?utm_campaign=pyw#1/2064
https://www.pond5.com/collections/2710399-uplifting-relaxing-instrumentals
Then the return to jamming with the band Stinking Rita. Battered shoulder after months of not drumming, but worth it. Check out all of our improvised tracks here.
I’m really pleased with music work outputs, as was so exhausted and busy in my NHS work at the start of lockdown.
Keep it happy – Claudine
Claudine West Music 