I loved the walking and playing in West Cork. It's hard to describe the feeling of putting my feet in front of the other, one after the other, after the other. The wind, the sound of the road, traffic, friendly and difficult... ...to find your balance on the tarmac, poured to always make you hips feel out of whack.
So I was disappointed when I started dithering when the weather got bad. Part is that I don't really know how to walk in bad weather. And to say I have to go out on a day of wet and cold just doesn't work. I would never deliberately choose to do something that difficult (it goes directly against... ...everything... when it's cold I try and make sure to stay warm!). And another part is that I tend to make decisions as I go, with my gut: this feels right, lets do it... ...And my gut is always right.... I'm always being pointed in the right direction, so to plan so rigidly... ... ...this is going to be an issue.... A logistical issue for the the traveling on foot musician. How can I work on hard dates for destinations if I'm dependent on the weather?
Another thing I learned is that it is important to connect better with people. I found myself shy and uncomfortable. Unable to just chat, to share and to relax. The answer of course lies in being around people more, practice playing and talking to the audience more. Also it didn't always seem clear why I do what I do. 'I want to make money with my music,' is still an uncouth thought.
I would however would like to try and do it again. Maybe start planning a walk through West Cork in Spring, from April onwards... ....maybe prepare a little bit more. Do less worrying and more actual organizing, more networking.
The idea of playing harp for another audience besides the ones that want background music or entertainment resulted in me making contact with the local care homes. So far the response has been great. I've been visiting one home twice for an hour playing tunes and singing some songs. The next one I called have asked me to come and do an afternoon next month and the Community Hospital has a place for a Community Music opportunity. I've had my first interview and am waiting for an appointment for a try out. If I get through that I need to go through vetting and then I may or may not have a job on the other side of it.
I'm looking forward to the try out and I'm looking forward to exploring music I wouldn't otherwise play. And I'm astonished and grateful for the 100% positive response to this offer of me playing for the elderly.
As for making money... ...that still seems to be elusive. Hopefully next month... ...
A positive month so... ...I'm grateful for all I have... ...
