Tag: summer

busking, guitar, learning, music, street life

Don’t wait ’til you’re ready

louisehartcom

Ive been busking today in the glorious sunshine. I’ve been out a few times since the shops opened it’s still a bit quiet but the overall response has been positive. Locals have been coming up and saying it’s nice to hear ne again so that’s encouraging.

I’ve tried out my lockdown arrangements. I’m enjoying playing Death on Two Legs, Only You and 9-5.. Famous Last Words is in the wrong key for the High st as the lower vocals get lost in the general rumblings and noise of the street so I’ll have to revisit that one… not giving up on it yet. The Pretender, I’ve done once or twice but I’m not that comfortable yet and I’ve not yet played Rio on the street.

Then, at the end of lockdown I thought I’d have a go at The Greatest Show. It’s such a big song so I didn’t take it very seriously, just fiddled around with it. Then it started taking shape and I decided this week I’d go for it. I sang it today for the first time. It was a bit ragged if I’m honest, there’s a lot of words and the energy of the song just drags you along but I did it and I loved playing it.

The thing is, I never feel ready to play a new song , it’s always a leap of faith. Sometimes it works , sometimes not so much… I’m pleased with how today went.

So anyway I’m back home having a cup of tea… mmmmmm tea….

busking, Life, music

Small Town Girl

louisehartcom

We’re on a sort of Working Holiday. Camping in an amazing campsite near Looe and busking.

Yesterday we were in Looe. My husband went first and charmed the locals and tourists alike with his amazing voice and trumpet. By the time it was my turn to play I admitted to our little girl that I was worried people might not like my stuff. She’s like a little one person cheerleading team, she was sure people would like it. I was also a bit on the back foot as this is where I grew up. Lots of memories, like most people, some of them good, some of them not so much!

I had already bumped in to an old school friend, we sat at the same table in top infants! And I’d popped in to see another school friend who I’d not seen since I was pregnant. That helped take the nerves away. As always though, once I start playing I lose myself in the songs and just enjoy it.

Today I was in Polperro while Jerri and our little one had a quiet day. I tried (unsuccessfully) to find the house my friend used to live in. All the houses in this part of the world seem to be clinging to cliff faces and ravines as if a giant picked them up and shoved them all in to the cracks; it’s beautiful. I played in the shade and it was surprisingly cold; I stoped when my fingers went numb! I loved it though. I shall get back.

Life

Getting back to my roots

louisehartcom

Its the Exeter Street Music doo today. I’m not playing as my husband’s away and I’ve got the little one. I did think about going in to see what’s going down but it seemed like a far quieter day was in order.

A scavenger hunt / walk up to The Turf for some fine coffee, and better yet we bumped into a friend. They asked if I ever played there, I haven’t but I wouldn’t say no!

Anyway after a bit of shopping as it was a bit mother Hubbard at home the little one is watching Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (Depp) and I’ve bitten the mullet and am sorting out my roots; it’s been a long time coming. If the next time you see me I have short hair you’ll know it’s all gone horribly wrong. 😳😱😳😱

busking, street life

Waiting to play #1

louisehartcom

I’m in Totnes today, I’ve had possibly the best decaf flat white from Seeds 2. I’ve gone off buying coffee out as often they’re a bit disappointing; I make a flask usually but didn’t today.

Anyway, following a rather lovely weekend surfing with my daughter and my pals I’ve been watching surfing videos YouTube. Now I know what I’ve been doing wrong!

It’s still early and it’s looking to be another glorious day. People are gradually making their way into town and gentle hubbub is growing. I don’t come here very often. I have fond memories of my time at Dartington, although I imagine it’s very different now that the college has moved.

Anyway I’d better get some sunscreen as I can’t find mine….

busking, street life

Good times

louisehartcom

I dashed out of town, hot footing it with my trolley (no mean feat!) and had 10 minutes to spare … sitting outside of the school in the glorious shade and cool of my van playing my guitar. How many people can say that after work, they happily carry on with ‘work’ just because…. I’m so lucky to have the life I have.

It’s been so hot today (Yey!!) that I’ve needed to tune the guitar just about every song, and the little one needed sunscreen at school so I’ve ended up with a proper comedy suntan!

Anyway I’ve been working on The Smiths, Please please please let me get what I want. I’m playing it in D with the capo on the second unlike the original … we’ll see, I might yet change my mind, Key of D chords suit my guitar better somehow… anyhow here is a slightly out of tune snippet of my pre-school-pick-up noodlings….