I wrote a couple of days ago about Eska Mtungwazi, a UK based singer/songwriter. Here’s my challenge……. follow this link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brME-eTSdmo&feature=BFa&list=PL91EB9D99DCEA772D) to a performance of one of her songs, listen to it, then try not to sing the chorus for the next 4 days.
I am HOPELESS at this. This song is now part of me!
After about a week’s hiatus I have returned! I know you’ve missed me. What happened? Well, let me explain……
I don’t think I’ve written about being Bi-Polar. It’s terribly trendy at the moment and I hate to be the height of fashion so it’s something I tend not to talk about. Actually I have what’s known as Bi – Polar II or Cyclothymia which means I get all of the fun of the lows without the highs, and my ‘normal’ is what the average person on the street would register as unhappy. Even on meds the best I get is ‘Meh!’
Anyway, I hit the worst low I’ve had for a long time last week. By last Monday I was calling my husband at work, asking him to come home because I was worried I was going to do something to myself. By Wednesday I was self harming and by Friday it was like it had never happened. One of the big issues of cyclothymia is that the mood swings are so rapid and disabling.
So I’ve been resting for the past couple of days. I spent yesterday making jewellery and playing with my new phone. Today I have been exercising with my husband. That was so much fun! despite the fact that he is training for his 3rd London Marathon he struggled as much as me with the DVD we were following. Hooray! I felt better about myself because of it.
Then we went to the shops together, as a couple. We had some quality time which was really nice.
So here I am again. Tomorrow I can start writing about interesting things again.
For once I am looking forward to tomorrow! 
I was sitting in my car on New Years Day listening to the radio. As I listened I started to think about how music evokes memories and emotions, how listening to a particular piece can set you up for the day or bring you down. I thought about the songs that get stuck in your head and the ones you wake up singing. I thought about new musical discoveries and old favourites.
I’ve always loved music. From my earliest days I can remember hearing music in the house. My father playing Pink Floyd albums loud enough to drown out other sounds. My mother listening to, the then new, Capital Radio as she did the housework. Watching Top of the Pops on a Thursday night ( and I remember the first time I saw it in colour!) If I hear the right song I’m right back in the moment.
My listening habits have altered over the years. I’m aware of how the ear-splitting sounds I loved in my teens at full volume can now alter my heart rate and mood. I’ve always had a wide-ranging taste, but now I listen to Classical music to help me relax and trusted favourites. I still love musical discoveries but rather than listening to an album featuring a great track over and over, I’ll just re listen to the track I love.
I’ve often thought about keeping some kind of journal or diary, but that commitment to writing down your experiences seemed to onerous. So, as I sat in the car, I thought I can keep a record of the song that captures the day for me. Some days there’ll be more than one and I’ll have to whittle them done to one choice. Some days may not have any (I also appreciate silence). But my year will have many, many musical moments.
