tag:filandtom.com,2005:/blogs/news-e7fcb96d-3cfb-476c-b499-c1759ab61712?p=8Fil's Blog2024-01-27T06:17:00-12:00Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandfalsetag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/73414842024-01-27T06:17:00-12:002024-02-01T04:15:42-12:00Monument to the Unknown Women Workers<div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSb2IQQsYe0/XlQ9KHSHmNI/AAAAAAAAFpw/_1gpUAFeSFs8XUufPz8We1pvtH6UnPGCACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8268.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSb2IQQsYe0/XlQ9KHSHmNI/AAAAAAAAFpw/_1gpUAFeSFs8XUufPz8We1pvtH6UnPGCACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8268.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">
<br> </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">Up in Belfast a while back there was time for a proper look at this bronze sculpture outside the train station. It is by Louise Walsh and was put up in 1992 beside the Europa Hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">
<br> </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">The Monument to the Unknown Women Workers apparently had a lot of controversy around it - I always thought it was a tribute to the Millies - Belfast was built on the mills and all the women who worked there - Belfast girls are still - called Millies - but apparently this was intended to be a tribute to the ladies of the night who congregated at Amelia Street across the road, but the artist decided that a wider tribute to the unpaid women workers was more appropriate and the original planners decided against it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align:center;">The Crown Bar beside Amelia Street, the former red light district of Belfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table></figure><p>The statue stands across the road from the Crown Bar, one of Belfast's most iconic places of interest - an original gin palace which still serves great food. Inside, the bar is laid out in booths which would have been used by the ladies who congregated in Amelia Street on the corner. </p>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CowZh-DctDA/XlQ9SLw-bqI/AAAAAAAAFp0/EsuqR-DKPpIq41bgzlA3U1_RP35vzmevQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8282.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></div><p>One of the women is an office worker with quotes about equal pay and various office acroutements attached to her<br><br> </p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsSfKo-51oM/XlQ9IHrtkNI/AAAAAAAAFpo/cZ1VM8b-tY8lmXyP65vItxnUr9GywaXPACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8271.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsSfKo-51oM/XlQ9IHrtkNI/AAAAAAAAFpo/cZ1VM8b-tY8lmXyP65vItxnUr9GywaXPACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8271.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br> </p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWj8VAXBoDU/XlQ9Lzh09qI/AAAAAAAAFpo/6Io463X2m7MAFds8ppD5tqTcksxnIEfDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8273.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWj8VAXBoDU/XlQ9Lzh09qI/AAAAAAAAFpo/6Io463X2m7MAFds8ppD5tqTcksxnIEfDgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8273.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><p><br> </p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yZRk4ByEY8/XlQ9NY7Dx4I/AAAAAAAAFps/eofpOPshh7AonkW-hQwvzJFk11MRwSMwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8277.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yZRk4ByEY8/XlQ9NY7Dx4I/AAAAAAAAFps/eofpOPshh7AonkW-hQwvzJFk11MRwSMwgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8277.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="282" /></a></div><p>The second is a mother with the trappings of motherhood, babyhood and the home. <br> </p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUreORqioDY/XlQ9PnENjRI/AAAAAAAAFpw/jupXEiNqheUJyBF9QJ9uQJcxkjkNnB-UACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8281.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUreORqioDY/XlQ9PnENjRI/AAAAAAAAFpw/jupXEiNqheUJyBF9QJ9uQJcxkjkNnB-UACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8281.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br> </p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXUjkPBuRP4/XlQ-St3RviI/AAAAAAAAFp8/G8YtWq4m49sbu1JANixamrWJTo6CGs33ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8275.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXUjkPBuRP4/XlQ-St3RviI/AAAAAAAAFp8/G8YtWq4m49sbu1JANixamrWJTo6CGs33ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8275.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br> </p><div class="separator" style="clear:both;text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GccfOfj7yyk/XlQ-RU0JhAI/AAAAAAAAFp4/a28VLeZuniYmzh_YpkEtoCLR6LafxG_JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8276.jpeg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GccfOfj7yyk/XlQ-RU0JhAI/AAAAAAAAFp4/a28VLeZuniYmzh_YpkEtoCLR6LafxG_JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8276.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br>There's a real mixed bag of comments on Trip Advisor which, apart from <a class="no-pjax" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_to_the_Unknown_Woman_Worker">Wikipedia</a>, was the only place I could find any information about this - some people thought they were ugly and in the wrong place.<br><br>I think they're fabulous. <br><br>The sculpture was commissioned in the late 80s by the Department of the Environment and after it was dropped a private client recommissioned it in 1992.</p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/73309092024-01-09T04:32:00-12:002024-01-09T05:30:13-12:00A new year, a new home<p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSYa21O4arREka63E4a5l7tw5FpTOSeDZ4HlEwlrtOJb9OBAzYGD0lqJcIISGh08QFKQP8UkvUQVAMedccoxZlpVFqoZbfgXzAxO96QwuCBJFeoaQ2_QN1SJrRqpygsMxu3NpUSh-sPjotWXY2Xk0Js4O3zrTxlhtHtdJ93aDbPzl05DkUr1qo37ywPDw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSYa21O4arREka63E4a5l7tw5FpTOSeDZ4HlEwlrtOJb9OBAzYGD0lqJcIISGh08QFKQP8UkvUQVAMedccoxZlpVFqoZbfgXzAxO96QwuCBJFeoaQ2_QN1SJrRqpygsMxu3NpUSh-sPjotWXY2Xk0Js4O3zrTxlhtHtdJ93aDbPzl05DkUr1qo37ywPDw" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" width="180" /></a></div>Like the twisted trunk of this old tree Tom and I have re rooted ourselves and moved West to my old home house on the borders of Co. Fermanagh and Co. Donegal - we're a few miles from the Atlantic and in the county full of lakes, bogland and wide open spaces. <p></p><p>It's been a huge move emotionally and spiritually, totally apart from the physical upheaval. We were in our last house for 20 years and in that town for 30. There's a story I heard once<br><br>, that when a gypsy dies the rest of the tribe burn their caravan and all its contents. That's what I'm going to do if I ever have to move house again - OMG!!!! I'm sure you've all been through it at some point in your lives - where does all the stuff come from! We're here now 4 months and there's still things I can't find. I think that's the hardest part of moving - we lose the familiar - the things you knew exactly where to find them, the shops to go to to get a certain item, the friends to call for a coffee when you're bored or need a break. </p><p>And yet there's a lot that's familiar here - people I went to primary school with still live along the road and have been very kind both to my mother when she was alive and to us as we settle in. I remember faces although I can't always put a name to them yet, and down the years of spending holidays with mum we have kept a foot in this camp which is making the transition a lot easier. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4iD30DDZYGWp4k2h_nHumjYSvaPKDYV8yX3kdLwc3ovdhe2l4RLJq5mPfKMzmvGCv-ccIpYTbwNnbx-Ou75r_SY77y6DGo2oXXjfMfn6k9HRkLLXpDBYoQ7cjMVwRy9UCg18foj5Vjt8fnRGMsgUmc7dhb1L90A6dDCHezj8sSRxpNA-iglb1miOWDig" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4iD30DDZYGWp4k2h_nHumjYSvaPKDYV8yX3kdLwc3ovdhe2l4RLJq5mPfKMzmvGCv-ccIpYTbwNnbx-Ou75r_SY77y6DGo2oXXjfMfn6k9HRkLLXpDBYoQ7cjMVwRy9UCg18foj5Vjt8fnRGMsgUmc7dhb1L90A6dDCHezj8sSRxpNA-iglb1miOWDig" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" width="180" /></i></a></td></tr>
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<i>Some brave souls going for a New Year's Dip on Lough Erne.</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><p><br></p><p>So it's time now to get back into some old rhythms. I"m back to tour planning and have started work on a very long overdue songbook and I hope to start doing the occasional blog again. Tom is enjoying doing renovations to the house and we're both enjoying not driving anywhere for a while - the 210 mile round trip that we were doing sometimes twice a week in the last months of Mum's life, we are definitely not missing those. And the new will become familiar in time. </p><p>I hope you are all well - although I've not been posting, I have been popping in from time to time to read your blogs and catch up with you. </p><p>Mostly our lives have been led on Facebook and YouTube so if you fancy popping in there to say hello I'll be glad to see you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA2RnYxKSseIhacG670LRram-G_qX8QQVbD_kHbF-aNAtxzV6jBFfhWfw0q0Nr_HR6FBk2NJu4C0NCHg2NMJX143ceIH72u-uWydqHz3xieyEJPJZATRZW5yrdfz5JByaSsmQneHeZh_CPw9PpilubuPZHXYRW2NZv2zFRMRlyEWIrl8hG_U150BYbHoA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA2RnYxKSseIhacG670LRram-G_qX8QQVbD_kHbF-aNAtxzV6jBFfhWfw0q0Nr_HR6FBk2NJu4C0NCHg2NMJX143ceIH72u-uWydqHz3xieyEJPJZATRZW5yrdfz5JByaSsmQneHeZh_CPw9PpilubuPZHXYRW2NZv2zFRMRlyEWIrl8hG_U150BYbHoA" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year - may this one bring a little bit of peace to the world. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/71174582022-12-04T22:46:02-12:002023-10-16T02:56:38-12:00The Christmas Fire<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/b587b2609f5c0bee6e02d972de2f8bae88cdd946/original/fil-and-tom-cover-finished.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Christmas Fire is our first single for the festive season - a traditional song passed on to me by Cathal McConnell of the Boys of the Lough. Tom and I recorded this live while we were putting down the songs for our upcoming album and later Colum Sands of the legendary Sands Family came in and added some concertina to the track. It's a lovely sentiment for the time of year - the simple joy of sitting around the fire with good friends. </p>
<p>You can listen now on <a contents="Bandcamp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://filandtom.bandcamp.com/track/the-christmas-fire">Bandcamp</a> - it is also available on Spotify if you listen on that platform. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/70972352022-11-07T04:11:00-12:002022-11-07T05:45:11-12:00Hello,<p>Gosh it's been ages since I've checked in here and I thought it was time to come by and reassure everyone that I'm still here - thanks <a href="http://grannysmithquilting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Susan</a> for the nudge. <br></p><p><br></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Under the beech tree on the garage roof<br>They're all in hiding now</i></span><br><br>
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</tbody></table>It's a miserable day here and I've nailed myself to the desk to do some catching up and start getting work stuff ready for Christmas. I have a real love hate relationship with Christmas preparations - as soon as I see things in the shops in October I want the biscuits and puddings and then I turn into Scrooge and don't want to hear a carol or see a decoration until Christmas week. That all being said I made my cake at the weekend and start the choir on Christmas songs tomorrow - eek! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>We've been running between two houses since Mum passed away and for several months before that, and our own house was looking kind of unloved and unlived-in for a while. We needed a concerted offensive on spiders - where are they all coming from! - and now it's just taking a day to feel like home again each time we come back. <p></p><p>A lot of clearing out has been done and if this rain ever stops I have a gardener waiting to help me make her garden more manageable when we're not living there full time. The penalty for living so close to the Atlantic is rain 90% of the time according to the builder who'd been doing some fixing up for us. It dumps on Donegal and Fermanagh first so that by the time it gets to us here in Co. Down it has tamed down a bit. I think people in Cornwall and Devon are the same. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My lovely mum Margaret or Marguerite as she was known on one side of the family, <br>who passed away in July. <br>She was 3 weeks away from her 95th birthday. </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><p></p><p><br></p><p>Mum was a great crafter. A life long member of the ICA (the Irish Countrywomen's Association, the Irish equivalent of the Women's Institute), she knitted and crocheted, made our clothes, embroidered my Irish dancing costumes and tried her hand at every new thing that came along. Right up until a few days before she died she was still asking us to bring her crochet into the hospital to her. And like every crafter she had endless supplies of everything needed - for every new craft! So I have two trunks and two cupboards full of patterns and material and tools dating back to the late 50s and as yet I've not tackled the attic! And that's after giving away enough wool for two or three blankets at least. It's a real treasure trove and although I can hear her asking why I'm poking around in her stuff, I'm enjoying what I find. Problem is I also have those collectors instincts and already have a house full of stuff that'll never be touched again!</p><p><br></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Saxophone on a folk album you ask!!<br>Channelling our inner Van the man band on a couple of songs</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><p></p><p>We finally got back to recording over the past couple of weeks, finishing up pieces that we need other people to play on and fingers crossed the album will be totally finished by the end of this month. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tom at work making everything sound good.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><p></p><p>We'll have a song out on digital platforms for Christmas and the album will hopefully have a February launch. So normal service is returning.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm3OJ4PEkKfp0t8thpYPxawxGxTO-uTPceGyZuOkOT_nhlhDlPqGaoc-_L7RgN9SNMdrL1tfyDYds1Jy3nG39psWVXk3W0ueIjpuhf88vTno-uxmJUTuqans7NCqRpavqsbSOsGhBVhntU8IhWbG5hjjR1r4AJ_LH1_YUGfJLBmbsEJElKVFRAcPXX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm3OJ4PEkKfp0t8thpYPxawxGxTO-uTPceGyZuOkOT_nhlhDlPqGaoc-_L7RgN9SNMdrL1tfyDYds1Jy3nG39psWVXk3W0ueIjpuhf88vTno-uxmJUTuqans7NCqRpavqsbSOsGhBVhntU8IhWbG5hjjR1r4AJ_LH1_YUGfJLBmbsEJElKVFRAcPXX=w240-h320" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ah! concertina! That's more like folk</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br><p></p><p>I find it hard to find up beat things to talk about when life isn't going so smoothly and I hate writing doom and gloom - there's enough of that in the world. But I'll be back at some point. </p><p>Thanks for reading. </p><p>Fil x</p><p><br><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/69903002022-06-09T03:14:00-12:002022-08-17T22:59:46-12:00Updates from here<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSt7CWnlVG035X8PcXWAAQeE8TIUP8Ux36NPMh72KHDDx6uDDq3KlGC5iq8jQbepAMO4iGgnDZFRc8zDxzUT1TOYd7y9JQ0TJacJXk5bBTGhPzGIRO7rm52JpPVMDFeOGINa4ILNmh5dloZGuLcLP37kSTYxz82JX5mBTFJEMijTaqN1Tb5aMDU-D/s5184/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSt7CWnlVG035X8PcXWAAQeE8TIUP8Ux36NPMh72KHDDx6uDDq3KlGC5iq8jQbepAMO4iGgnDZFRc8zDxzUT1TOYd7y9JQ0TJacJXk5bBTGhPzGIRO7rm52JpPVMDFeOGINa4ILNmh5dloZGuLcLP37kSTYxz82JX5mBTFJEMijTaqN1Tb5aMDU-D/w640-h360/IMG_0056.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br>Things have been a bit manic here and I'm a bit the worse for wear at this stage, but the end is in sight. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxzIjYT6_NpNM0gb5ymMD_Uzv5D-FSiWoi4k9g04bY0JAhiVMbDgwTyWwvKjRj9_4YwJxWxn67vFvH9IeYWl5ZT8m7_IlES9CmjPu31rmR4GUafTUcxVjj8-c08fX1H4b0XpG6D9ZICXlAi7kUQS_8mZs-v0UWrjWICz7q65ay13G455hkpAGlZ1yd" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxzIjYT6_NpNM0gb5ymMD_Uzv5D-FSiWoi4k9g04bY0JAhiVMbDgwTyWwvKjRj9_4YwJxWxn67vFvH9IeYWl5ZT8m7_IlES9CmjPu31rmR4GUafTUcxVjj8-c08fX1H4b0XpG6D9ZICXlAi7kUQS_8mZs-v0UWrjWICz7q65ay13G455hkpAGlZ1yd" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>summer colour in spite of the cold</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br><br><p></p><p>My brother arrived home from Australia on Sunday for a month long visit to stay with Mum, which has freed our time a bit for a few weeks to let the end of term run out, get choir performances done and get the album finished. Unfortunately new medicine I've been on has not agreed with me and I'm struggling putting one foot in front of the other at the minute - isn't that always the way - never feel poorly when you've loads of time to be sick in ... humph. Anyway, this too shall pass as some wise person once said. </p><p><b><i>Break out the champagne ... </i></b>We had a successful crowdfunding project on Kickstarter - hit our target a few days ago and the time isn't up until tonight at midnight so we're delighted with that. A couple of very generous friends asked us to do special concerts which we are only to happy to do and they lifted the total well up between them. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgfa1EY4WHmCoJs9R32WBwnaMd7piGWaGmQdz8DJ50xxGEtMJgkP6wDAW2zemxXRYHbFTyiWvFgmHKfHJSGc7vAVIUGhoCGZgs-akGFProsH3sUup9jqPRjNYccwYry2NoTs_vtPUvnJq8zvT8ywkVwGadndejTRffwuxqgNrM8WD_JrPCOcN1AkxZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgfa1EY4WHmCoJs9R32WBwnaMd7piGWaGmQdz8DJ50xxGEtMJgkP6wDAW2zemxXRYHbFTyiWvFgmHKfHJSGc7vAVIUGhoCGZgs-akGFProsH3sUup9jqPRjNYccwYry2NoTs_vtPUvnJq8zvT8ywkVwGadndejTRffwuxqgNrM8WD_JrPCOcN1AkxZ=w300-h400" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Terrible photo but drum set up in the living room</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now we're finishing up our bits of recording. I have to say this has been a most enjoyable experience. Every room in the house has been used and as if by magic it all disappears in the evening. <p></p><p><br></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2O1t-uAzOtmI_baOTC5Mn8lvL9WUXeCgdpNf-RyaQ5dTs7rSlA9P0VD2nWgmEFiWllP_zAsKVnOuzJLC9VmXehQjFc3ZgVDybPwa8U6jzUXxAKkpj0d5y98awHzgHiYe3sr_S89N92DtHW7-f_ek9YPtUKvtlJkesaKbdGmttTkCKiGx_KZvOhlPc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2O1t-uAzOtmI_baOTC5Mn8lvL9WUXeCgdpNf-RyaQ5dTs7rSlA9P0VD2nWgmEFiWllP_zAsKVnOuzJLC9VmXehQjFc3ZgVDybPwa8U6jzUXxAKkpj0d5y98awHzgHiYe3sr_S89N92DtHW7-f_ek9YPtUKvtlJkesaKbdGmttTkCKiGx_KZvOhlPc=w300-h400" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>guitar studio in the bedroom</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br><br><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> Yesterday and today I've been engineering for Tom to add his percussion parts and I'm getting to grips with all the technical terms - I am now someone who knows that a bus is not only a means of transport!! Mind you I can't explain it much beyond that but it's something to do with sound recording lol. </p><p>For the next few days now we'll do backing vocals and final vocals while other musicians are adding parts to songs remotely. On previous recordings we brought a musician in for a day to add their instrument to several tracks, but now most musicians have the facility to record in their own studio and send the parts back. So there's bass, fiddle and keyboards going on to some songs and we've a few minor things to add then - perhaps an harmonica on one or two songs and we're looking for a nice wooden flute player. I've never gotten around to buying my wooden flute but I will do that over the winter - mind you my wish list of instruments never seems to get smaller - let me see: I need another guitar, a ukulele (even though I'm not a fan of the instrument, but it may have uses in recording ), a wooden flute and a shruti box. I think I'll have to keep doing the lottery. As you can see my annoyance with music has diminished - the rest over covid has really done me good - that and constant playing with paints and papers. Now to get the medicines sorted, get a wee break and hope that my mum keeps improving. She'll be 95 next month so we'll look forward to that. </p><p>And of course, I can't go without the squirrel updates :) Our morning entertainment ... </p><p><b>Count the tails!!!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwiJzAQyrq14i2m00e1DIIIKSSER_RnkfnLSqUSexN41D4sBhviBp20NqoLQ_P0gkA6vkXSGvvIMgHD1yokdxGcQ-TajQMZBA250vsKZuHKV8E7LtGoyb5RHlFwwYZ70wlEw2Lf68Q2VJNqotEEu_G0RX5F8inwa8p4QzPAXoPPLm7xPj85vnRoOdE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwiJzAQyrq14i2m00e1DIIIKSSER_RnkfnLSqUSexN41D4sBhviBp20NqoLQ_P0gkA6vkXSGvvIMgHD1yokdxGcQ-TajQMZBA250vsKZuHKV8E7LtGoyb5RHlFwwYZ70wlEw2Lf68Q2VJNqotEEu_G0RX5F8inwa8p4QzPAXoPPLm7xPj85vnRoOdE=w640-h360" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimXz5Wv8oByhlX_lhd3zhs7nfMpf9R1cBEaNnO5uKjbkJx6R4RcmjZ9izkcTwND3rGRx3Aju6wTHdQIynOTfwlvmBK8IqBv7WHgX1mM9yxeh7GFm7psIE2drJJOkOvKXSFvfmgxm5Zw0EuHZuIpbVBnsvmqGU811ULgaQxAe1dmtrPtXOgLjnhzV9W" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimXz5Wv8oByhlX_lhd3zhs7nfMpf9R1cBEaNnO5uKjbkJx6R4RcmjZ9izkcTwND3rGRx3Aju6wTHdQIynOTfwlvmBK8IqBv7WHgX1mM9yxeh7GFm7psIE2drJJOkOvKXSFvfmgxm5Zw0EuHZuIpbVBnsvmqGU811ULgaQxAe1dmtrPtXOgLjnhzV9W=w640-h360" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>there was another one on the ground</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><p></p><p>... if the sun is shining they are really red but if it's dull they seem much browner. I really must learn to take better photos but the wee brats won't sit still long enough for a good pose - they need training :)</p><p>Til the next time, stay well and safe. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/69763752022-05-20T09:58:00-12:002022-08-17T22:59:46-12:00World Bee Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<p> </p>
<p>Today marked World Bee Day according to Positive News Magazine. Is there a day to celebrate everything now? Mind you the bees need celebrating. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our neighbour John keeps bees so our garden is full of them at the minute. The cotoneaster is starting to bloom and they're all over it and we left a lot of dandelions until their blooms had disappeared. The bluebells though don't seem to attract them in the same way. I've also seen quite a few bumble bees around - they're really fun to watch, just getting on with their business and burrowing into the ground. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And then I've become addicted to the Spelling Bee - another NYTimes puzzle alongside Wordle - are you on the Wordle fad yet? Apart from the really annoying American spelling of words it's a good brain challenge. I've reach Queen Bee status a couple of times on the Spelling Bee and they have absolutely beautiful bee pictures - a couple of which I have appropriated here. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In other news we are progressing well with recording on the new album which we now have a working title for - Shoreline. <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yu899pun">Our fundraiser on Kickstarter</a> got off to a good start and we're on schedule to have all the guide tracks finished in another 10 days or so, barring more hospital appointments for mum. We're down with her every weekend now so the week and our brains are split - I keep trying to walk through a window to get to the loo in the middle of the night - it's very disorientating moving between two beds on a regular basis. It's around now that I wish that I'd got a 'proper job' with a pension and paid sick leave when I had the chance and when petrol didn't administer heart failure every time you went to fill up the car. A bit late now. But all will work out. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>So once the guide tracks, or the skeleton tracks as I like to call them, are done, then it's time to add the little bits of other instruments. Nowadays that's mostly done remotely - we send tracks to a keyboard player or guitarist or fiddle player and they add their bits and send it back for finishing. So then when all the songs are completed to our satisfaction we put final vocals and harmonies on the tracks and start mixing - that's when the fun really begins. </p>
<p>We hope to have a sample of one of the songs in a basic form shortly. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/69731402022-05-17T03:24:00-12:002022-05-17T04:30:09-12:00The Squirrels babies are here ... <p> I just had to share this ... </p><p>In the middle of the recording this afternoon I looked out the window and we had four feeding together ... how fabulous. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAh2w9GEWq4PrFBBQ9iUAGEYzFL3MCSGpFc5ekNPGRPmg5jhWzOFpfiFxCEArGErJGjXVsigDPVTQIbYEoe9sc3GZmV-jy1nJsUbKvj6-WuPjAwZroaTPJDZO32aLLZoqux_xtQXZd_xBaqDuz2a98GlrBGpLinUC3Lit_-VqRqpbRAjRANFzFxli/s2592/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAh2w9GEWq4PrFBBQ9iUAGEYzFL3MCSGpFc5ekNPGRPmg5jhWzOFpfiFxCEArGErJGjXVsigDPVTQIbYEoe9sc3GZmV-jy1nJsUbKvj6-WuPjAwZroaTPJDZO32aLLZoqux_xtQXZd_xBaqDuz2a98GlrBGpLinUC3Lit_-VqRqpbRAjRANFzFxli/w640-h480/IMG_0025.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br><p>Thank you for all your comments the other day - much appreciated :) xx</p><p><br></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/69676972022-05-10T01:40:00-12:002022-05-10T02:15:11-12:00Too much<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-8Uh5eBI-H-_vTLRxM3XWlYIUYK4lc-rLL0wW7jtzd2RWs3cFFPMsuscQy-vCUGjP-bYcToqGAYBzehy7v-5u-F7gT2aXI5EFRQP03Fo0xxwGZJwdWf6PTxlANLfrgHyjvo4TI3rOPOOmarqV-WfZ5bidMBDwGqqInS3IYRZYmOnxAixt_yquWHC/s1040/Earth%20day.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-8Uh5eBI-H-_vTLRxM3XWlYIUYK4lc-rLL0wW7jtzd2RWs3cFFPMsuscQy-vCUGjP-bYcToqGAYBzehy7v-5u-F7gT2aXI5EFRQP03Fo0xxwGZJwdWf6PTxlANLfrgHyjvo4TI3rOPOOmarqV-WfZ5bidMBDwGqqInS3IYRZYmOnxAixt_yquWHC/w400-h225/Earth%20day.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sing for Earth Day Rostrevor <br>singing in the forest after a morning workshop learning songs to praise the Earth.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br>It's been such a long time since I posted here - nearly three months - that I hardly know how to start writing. It's not that there's been anything overly dramatic happening that has kept me away, just an accumulation of too much. Too much distraction, too much general illness, too much tiredness, just too much. Anyway, I'm back for now - not promising anything more than that, just to say hello and let you know we're all still alive here! <p></p><p><br></p><p>So what have I been up to? </p><p>We had a first trip of the year over to Scotland to do a couple of folk club gigs last month - it was harder than usual to get ourselves wound up and started, but by the third gig we were back in our stride again and the fourth gig of the week, when we got back home again, was superb. Great energy. </p><p><br></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnDeD6qlX_DlAjgPhDA2kOOSM2RRVUTtavM6a2rDnTDJFWnih_-STVIq456C1MkyBRwKtij0mg-K3jF7CiRtSQFIu1cbHcSWTsHQu-SVito1g5H8voHAUK53-3Ln7-YoLXgl6NTHsvlJItgE9BK2YO4QO94ntLTkaCuzZ6riISJeQKl3Z0iNyTo4e/s4032/IMG_0627.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnDeD6qlX_DlAjgPhDA2kOOSM2RRVUTtavM6a2rDnTDJFWnih_-STVIq456C1MkyBRwKtij0mg-K3jF7CiRtSQFIu1cbHcSWTsHQu-SVito1g5H8voHAUK53-3Ln7-YoLXgl6NTHsvlJItgE9BK2YO4QO94ntLTkaCuzZ6riISJeQKl3Z0iNyTo4e/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">crossing bridges in Scotland</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>My extra two new choirs have been enjoyable but I'm finding it hard to keep my energy up for three nights a week, especially during the dark months, driving on country roads and leaving a roaring fire after an early dinner. Now with the brighter evenings it's not quite as bad. But the one off workshops I've been doing -for International Women's Day and for Earth Day, have been very enjoyable. I think I'd like to do more of those. <div>
<p></p>
<p>Recording wise we're making good progress, finishing songs and getting guide tracks completed, ready for other musicians to add sparkle to them. We are launching a crowdfunding campaign to presell that CD and get people involved with the process. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/99736297/fil-and-tom-new-cd">Here's the link if you're interested in contributing.</a> You can hear one of the songs which will be a single - People - in the background of the video. <br></p>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6s0Z1jCifYmAPLKlBrIoLEEXY6-1qFQ90izQVjRakgSPgKeXNgZnwQMoVgF2LUULg-wgONnaqqupPWGIe3pv6qcFHI7of_neI8lN0Pz2OCHI0z6c5FWA7qRJEZGbwiUQsO8pyXcvWrs8XWeizkHQWLjuHg8M1RN5LXBdFhdVFg0TjStRQ-ojEQ4Ne" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6s0Z1jCifYmAPLKlBrIoLEEXY6-1qFQ90izQVjRakgSPgKeXNgZnwQMoVgF2LUULg-wgONnaqqupPWGIe3pv6qcFHI7of_neI8lN0Pz2OCHI0z6c5FWA7qRJEZGbwiUQsO8pyXcvWrs8XWeizkHQWLjuHg8M1RN5LXBdFhdVFg0TjStRQ-ojEQ4Ne=w400-h300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The view from Carrick Cottage Cafe in the Mournes on a sunny Easter Tuesday - heavenly.<br>The Isle of Man was visible in the distance and the place was absolutely packed. </span></i></td></tr>
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<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXMSeXyIT74Ci8ZVgVUeppJWUYAAsGf89oBdBzcdG_brqRqJQkIBt3vtg8a8BlZypskMUaNvqzN8vtiPHyabyV517sMA1d4k-PmR-fAFTaXS2HR5O2iNR5esb5Oztn9JK06T2md3vgefqbaQZxSg1q0wr1i-lHyDrMu1kxe0EX459HNNJF2izXgqX/s4032/IMG_0755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXMSeXyIT74Ci8ZVgVUeppJWUYAAsGf89oBdBzcdG_brqRqJQkIBt3vtg8a8BlZypskMUaNvqzN8vtiPHyabyV517sMA1d4k-PmR-fAFTaXS2HR5O2iNR5esb5Oztn9JK06T2md3vgefqbaQZxSg1q0wr1i-lHyDrMu1kxe0EX459HNNJF2izXgqX/s320/IMG_0755.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a>
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<p><br></p>The garden is starting to perk up and I'm so excited to see that my wisteria has finally bloomed - I've always loved seeing very old wisteria after being in a house once on Orkney where the conservatory was just full of blooms and from there the whole house was filled with the heady smell. I think I planted this one 5 years ago and patience has finally won out. <div><br></div>
<div>Over Covid I've had more time to play with paper and paints and have dabbled with junk journalling which I really enjoy - it's great not to have to be brilliant at something and just enjoy sticking things in a book with glue. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and playing with found poetry </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think the best part of this pastime is all the bits to be bought - sweetie shop for grown ups lol. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been dropping in from time to time to catch up with your writings and I was very grateful to Susan for getting in touch a while back to see if we were ok - I appreciated it so much Susan and hope I didn't scare you off with my ranting - it wasn't the best day when I wrote back !</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care everyone and belated Bealtaine greetings. </div>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/68849592022-01-31T12:00:00-12:002022-02-01T04:00:51-12:00Blessings of Brigid's Day <p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> Beannachtai lá Féile Bhríde Ort</i></span></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Blessings of Brigid's Day to you and yours</i></span></p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1st February, Imbolc, Brigid's Day, the start of Spring</i></span></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I hope you are all keeping well. We've had a lovely start to the year in this part of the world - bright skies and mild days.</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Now the days are getting noticeably longer and there are the first signs of Spring. </i></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>We've been busy in our recording studio finishing a new song to mark the day</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://youtu.be/dUeDvsp2IPw">Check out First of February here on YouTube</a></i></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>I had my first go at making a Brigid's cross with rushes I collected near my home house in Belleek. You'll spot a little clip of me making it in the video of the song. </i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5KWFkv81ASy6T4JgeM0bo_nylUwOb4fBV3TV4sKeQ-Yknr9V0pIXdR_1A_h6GtB8MLCzILIWfwvL79zt5WCg_ZkSzJMR5_OUQoZ0RNgQVBSxzp7fU9StQp8U2VYGRdPB9D11Z9-U8aiRvkVFrpQwwTqAdNwdwx7W2tCGpPxNNGL60Q_X3liGlyjFS=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5KWFkv81ASy6T4JgeM0bo_nylUwOb4fBV3TV4sKeQ-Yknr9V0pIXdR_1A_h6GtB8MLCzILIWfwvL79zt5WCg_ZkSzJMR5_OUQoZ0RNgQVBSxzp7fU9StQp8U2VYGRdPB9D11Z9-U8aiRvkVFrpQwwTqAdNwdwx7W2tCGpPxNNGL60Q_X3liGlyjFS=s320" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Take care and enjoy the coming spring.<br> </i></span></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/68563412021-12-31T10:18:00-12:002022-02-01T04:07:26-12:00Happy New Year<p> </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmT6Pqgi78Voy1-DbQtl5z35OcXI7Jb9f2eBLYTQyd3mIQ5SmcP3VmPKTvDKFLq52vf5pzjDmt9rLO5Dz8UIi5zgT8-v_P0SQ4WEtiXix7LHhWTcq7hOMVrzqX9NhbCNewzBEDJhSlltRGwCK5_P64fm1ZNTMm4cuSxLz0pKf7CAFD2n_0Dox68tDF=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmT6Pqgi78Voy1-DbQtl5z35OcXI7Jb9f2eBLYTQyd3mIQ5SmcP3VmPKTvDKFLq52vf5pzjDmt9rLO5Dz8UIi5zgT8-v_P0SQ4WEtiXix7LHhWTcq7hOMVrzqX9NhbCNewzBEDJhSlltRGwCK5_P64fm1ZNTMm4cuSxLz0pKf7CAFD2n_0Dox68tDF=w640-h480" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Mourne to the Cooleys - winter sunshine</td> </tr>
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<p><br>Happy New Year dear blogger friends. May 2022 be kind to us all. </p>
<p>Lots of love and blessings</p>
<p>Fil </p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/68503432021-12-23T07:08:00-12:002022-02-01T04:08:26-12:00Winter Blessings<p> </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">From our house to yours</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you blessings of the season on these short days. </span></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wherever you are in the world and however or whether you celebrate this winter holiday, I wish you peace, joy and good health for the coming days and months. </span></p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/68254342021-11-30T01:34:00-12:002022-02-01T04:13:21-12:00Gorgeous Autumn walk<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhhGt2vx6UM/YaDN4KItjwI/AAAAAAAAGhI/h9gain9AXEAs8tgSKKREPLiHteazK4HBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhhGt2vx6UM/YaDN4KItjwI/AAAAAAAAGhI/h9gain9AXEAs8tgSKKREPLiHteazK4HBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9564.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></p>
<p>It takes me ages to get photos organised and get around to writing about outings but as Autumn turns to winter I was looking through some photos and thought I'd share a trip we took a couple of weekends ago when the leaves were still holding on to the branches and those that were lying on the ground were begging to be rustled through and kicked in the air. </p>
<p>We took the caravan out for the last trip of the year, thinking we'd be the only ones mad enough to go at the end of November. But boy were we wrong. We went to CastleWard in Co. Down and the park was full - so we're not the only nutters lol. But the van was so cosy and comfortable and we were blessed with the most perfect Autumn weather. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CastleWard is a stately home and estate, one of the few run by the National Trust here in Ireland, and it is a fabulous estate. We couldn't go into the house itself, and in truth it didn't look that inviting, but the park is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough and it really is magnificent. The last time I was there, many moons ago, was to see NI Opera doing a traditional opera performance - tradional in that there was a 90 minute interval where we all headed outside to enjoy a champagne picnic on the lawns - a really memorable experience (couldn't tell you what the opera was though lol)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are lots of walks mapped out and as one couple we met said, it's much easier to get out for walks when you're away from home and it's planned out for you. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way from the caravan park to the main house ... </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">crisp leaves waiting to be kicked up </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Playing in the shadows </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of knobbly trees </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this one was a fabulous shape</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and enticing views of the water</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">A really cute, full man size bug hotel and lots of activity spaces for children - very well managed.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Arriving at the old stables that was used as the set for Winterfell in Game of Thrones </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">and amazingly for the middle of November there was lots of colour still around. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I said, this is one of the few National Trust properties over here and while it is beautifully managed and cared for it was disappointing to find no local crafts or art on sale in their shop - except for Game of Thrones memorabilia and a few items from very big producers in Belfast or down south - and the craft village has been reduced from 18 to 2 crafters. I did manage to find a really nice ornament for my garden though (something for my Spend Local gift) and it was a total delight to find a really good second hand bookshop with an honour system of paying. Poor Tom got to carry a pile of stuff back to the van. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So looking forward to the next trip away once the festive season eases off. </div>
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<div> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/68069022021-11-12T00:16:00-12:002021-11-15T03:43:20-12:00A walk around and about today<p> </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello friends, it's been a while. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life has been picking up again and there are so many excuses for not keeping up with blogging and social media-ing (is that a word yet?). And Autumn has been so lovely. There's not been too much wind yet to scatter the leaves and the colours have been spectacular. </div>
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<p>Here in NI all adults have been given a £100 voucher to spend locally to help the local economy after all the lockdowns. What a treat! And we've been encouraged to think of it that way ... as a treat. And yesterday I finally spent a bit of it - just on some lovely locally made scents for the house, but it felt like being a child again. You remember the times when you had £1 or £5 to spend and you took forever choosing exactly what to spend it on? Well it was like that - and everyone is the same. While many will be glad of the extra cash for winter fuel or extra foodstuffs, those of us who are a bit luckier have been thinking about shoes, or something for the garden, or money towards a new piece of furniture or a new coat or ..... And lots of places are offering extra if you spend it in their shop. </p>
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<p>So what would you spend a treat of £100 on? Not online, not on alcohol or gambling - they're the only exclusions. Lucky us. </p>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/67504282021-09-17T22:31:00-12:002021-10-25T04:47:52-12:00Getting into focus<p> </p>
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<p><br>I love taking photos and I use a very scientific method introduced to me by an American friend years ago - point, snap, take loads and hope that you get one or two decent ones out of every 500 you take!!! Honestly, she had me driving around Pennsylvania one time with the camera out the window not even looking at what she was photographing and miraculously some did come out. Such a laugh. That friend is now battling with the debris of her house after Hurricane Ida - I wish I was closer to help. </p>
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<p>But, back to the photos - I'm not quite up to her standard but it is alarming how many of my snaps are out of focus - and they look perfectly lined up to me when I'm taking them .. Like these sheep above - I was sure I had the next cover of the Countryfile calendar - perfect composition - the sheep was out on the point looking in to the water - but my eyes deceived me. I'll have to wait for my moment of glory some other time. </p>
<p>But it's a bit like life at the moment - nothing is quite in focus yet - there's the promise of things happening but nothing certain, the queries about things perhaps happening but then nothing. And it is very frustrating. It spills into every part of life - it's like living in prolonged holiday mode where you just can't seem to get moving. </p>
<p>So I'm still helping Belinda a couple of days a week in her gift shop and we had a lovely last minute run up to the north coast again - this time to Ballycastle and Fair Head - that's one of those places that get mentioned on the shipping forecast. Wow! On the clear day we could see Rathlin, the Mull of Kintyre and Iona. A giant like Finn McCool would have only needed one step to get to any of them:). </p>
<p>So let's see what next week brings, what might open up and how much more into focus life may become. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/67003362021-07-27T23:51:00-12:002021-10-25T04:52:58-12:00Glorious weather, good books and new ventures <p style="text-align: center;">It's been a busy couple of weeks around these parts - my friend Belinda opened her second <a href="http://goodcraicgifts.com/" target="_blank">Good Craic gift</a> shop on very short notice a few weeks ago, and both Tom and I have been helping her until her staffing settles down. Such a leap going from a sole trader to having several staff to manage. She's doing brilliantly, the shop is a joy to be in and the location of the new place, at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Valley_Reservoir">Silent Valley Reservoir,</a> has been simply lovely to go to during this fabulous spell of weather. </p>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm1p7N-64os/YQE7RcW1tvI/AAAAAAAAGd0/jgbG8JEahA8ajZ0j-6zWtMSAP2KqRZM3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9891.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm1p7N-64os/YQE7RcW1tvI/AAAAAAAAGd0/jgbG8JEahA8ajZ0j-6zWtMSAP2KqRZM3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9891.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>driving past Slieve Binnian on the way to Silent Valley</i></span></td> </tr>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Silent Valley is one of three reservoirs in the Mourne Mountains that feed the greater Belfast area and with people staycationing this year lots of people from all over NI and the South of Ireland have been discovering this beautiful part of the world. </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Its name is said to come from the notion that the birds all disappeared after the explosions to flood the valley. Before that it was known as Happy Valley because of the singing of the Cornish quarrymen who worked on it. The greatest achievement was the tunnel that was dug by hand by two teams from both sides of the mountain, guided by candles to keep straight lines and arriving just inches out when the two teams met. </div>
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<p style="text-align: center;">In the middle of all that excitement my Mum celebrated her 94th birthday out in her garden picking fruit. We had a gorgeous two days with her - she's still living on her own and managing well. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7P4dxlih1A/YQFBFAZzTWI/AAAAAAAAGeg/0qcXBADD3Pons231HzPbPhqlKzmy1FDuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/224223585_1521141231566043_2073435519121589194_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7P4dxlih1A/YQFBFAZzTWI/AAAAAAAAGeg/0qcXBADD3Pons231HzPbPhqlKzmy1FDuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/224223585_1521141231566043_2073435519121589194_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>And a few members of my Singmarra singing group got together in the park yesterday for the first time since last March. It was so lovely to hear voices in real life and share a few songs and chat with each other. We could hear thunder across the hills and there were reports of flooding a few miles away, but our singing must have kept the rain away:) Now it's just about time to figure out if and when we can actually sing together in a group indoors and plan things for the Autumn - the government guidelines are so unclear to read and our regulations are different here than in England and different again from the South, so it's all very confusing. </div>
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<p style="text-align: center;">I am so far behind with<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/4841505878252085938/4266468790701551771" target="_blank"> my round the world book journey</a> and reviews that it'll take me ages to catch up. However, I just had to write about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31135979-days-without-end" target="_blank">Days Without End</a> and its sequel <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53535455-a-thousand-moons" target="_blank">A Thousand Moons</a> written by Sebastien Barry. </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">These stories are set in the run up to and during the American Civil War - a soldier called Thomas McNulty is the narrator in the first one, and Winona, the Indian girl he rescues is the narrator of the second. And I can honestly say I've never come across such exquisite writing. I could almost feel the scratchiness of his uniform and smell the dirt and experience his guilt and disgust at what he was being asked to do. And Winona walking through nature celebrates such detail of the ordinary. I normally race through books, following the story, but in Days Without End you have to wait and hear Thomas speaking - his colloquialisms, his pace of speech, his observations - he says once that the sky looked like someone had drawn it with a paint brush and that's what the language is like - a slow, luxurious painting. For sure, the wider subject matter is not jolly, but rather than a grand depiction of the epic proportions of war, it's about living - the feelings and thoughts of one man, or girl. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">100% a 5* from me. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A new mural has appeared in Rostrevor - lovely work - on the wall of one of our restaurants which is unfortunately closed again due to a bad Covid outbreak in the area - but that will hopefully pass soon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pStIoYFOHzM/YQE7YfvWy7I/AAAAAAAAGeE/H_v9NJUd_wgXIFTGR7sQ8ZDvJcl9GD9YACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pStIoYFOHzM/YQE7YfvWy7I/AAAAAAAAGeE/H_v9NJUd_wgXIFTGR7sQ8ZDvJcl9GD9YACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9962.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've had the most exquisite sunsets </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I've been enjoying playing with paints and plants</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been popping in to keep up to date with how you all are but regular blogging is still not top of my list at the minute - this slower pace is great and I have to say I'm getting a lot more done than before, but there are a few things still needing to get back onto the regular list. </div>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66782402021-07-03T04:23:00-12:002021-10-25T04:54:08-12:00Good news - a date for the diary and other updates<p>After deleting several blogs I sort of followed at one time, the spam problem went away and Hurrah I can see your blogs again. Just in case, I've changed my password and am slowly working my way through all my password protected things - how did we end up with so many passwords!</p>
<p>So on to the good news ...</p>
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<p><br>For the first time in 15 months I received an email during the week asking if we can still do our concert in October! In Glenfarg Folk Club in Fife. Woooohhhooooooo - I was expecting yet another, "sorry, but we're going to postpone again". </p>
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<p>All of a sudden there's a bit of focus and I'm beyond delighted. </p>
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<div>We've no indications yet of how group singing will work indoors, so planning for choirs is still up in the air - very frustrating for someone who is used to planning well ahead - so I'm contenting myself for another month or so to leave that side of things alone. This not working lark is very contagious - I could do it forever lol. <div>
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<p>In one of my very rare cleaning spurts I came across some old envelopes. </p>
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<br><br> This was how we used to copyright our new songs. Put them on cassette, write out the lyrics, then post it to yourself and don't open it - the postmark confirmed the date. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXfh5uk2QSk/YNzLXkctV3I/AAAAAAAAGa0/PIVGe8YoXoUr0ZCcDEGD3QGY9xhE7qPrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXfh5uk2QSk/YNzLXkctV3I/AAAAAAAAGa0/PIVGe8YoXoUr0ZCcDEGD3QGY9xhE7qPrACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9815.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" /></a></div>
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<p>This one is Dreaming, one of the first songs I wrote - during one of our first trips to Germany when we were based for 6 weeks out in a tiny village in the country with limited German language knowledge and "You eat someone" and "What you think about a whiskey!" the limits of our host's English. I got very homesick, thankfully the only time that has happened to me and this song came out in actual dreams. We still sing the song in our set - probably the only one we do that reflects the idiocy of life here in NI and I was surprised to find an extra verse in it that I'd forgotten about. not sure why it wasn't included at the time but maybe I'll relearn it now.</p>
<p>With life being a bit lopsided it's lovely to be moving in to summer mode - the garden AND sport on the tele. Brilliant. We're good armchair sports coaches in this house! Andy coped well at Wimbledon, Lewis is struggling a bit in the Grand Prix and I'm looking forward to seeing the Women's Formula One, Rory needs a good talking to in the golf and who knows what we have to look forward to once the Olympics start. Of course there's always cricket if we get really fed up - that's still a mystery to me much to the frustration of my Australian friends. Football is the only no-no. </p>
<p>I hope you're all well and enjoying little bits of freedom - the joy of having coffee or lunch with friends is fabulous - things still aren't open in the south yet so we can't take my mum out much but that'll come soon, fingers crossed. </p>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66753362021-06-30T07:17:00-12:002021-10-25T06:25:22-12:00My Green (and Blue) Garden House<p style="text-align: center;">Tom has been busy building in the garden ... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and here I can reveal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">my Green House :)</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Made from recycled windows and wood - I am so pleased. He has done a brilliant job. It's warm enough to sit in and bring a small table in to, but I've high hopes for the tomatoes and lettuce and chilli I've planted. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've thought of umpteen names for it, the Tardis coming up tops, but as my office already has that nickname it can't be used twice lol so I've opted for the Green House :) </div></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm gradually working on this wee area, the raspberry patch is swamped with ivy - and the raised bed has peas and onions coming on if we ever get enough heat for them to grow. So this will eventually be a wee secret garden and a great sun trap. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">He also made this cracker trellis substitute from driftwood - my idea I have to boast, but he did the putting together - absolutely love it :) </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rose looks a wee bit windswept - we're having fierce winds here at the moment and it gets very cold the minute your out of the sun - but the horse's head looks soooo good - he makes me smile every time I go past. </div>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Scratching my head now to see what's next on my list :) ... mwah haw haw ... </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66742122021-06-29T07:55:00-12:002021-06-29T09:00:10-12:00Spam posts<p>I've just been bombarded with dozens of blogs from Blender Ukraine and can't see any of your blogs for the past couple of days - already gone back 4 or 5 pages!!! Grrrrr. Anyone know how to delete blogs from the reader? Not sure if it's safe to post. Just using this to test.</p><p><br></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66659062021-06-21T05:01:00-12:002021-10-25T06:27:07-12:00Happy Solstice<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">I can hardly believe it's Midyear's Day - and it still feels like the summer has to come. How are you doing? I wish you all the joy of the Solstice, whether winter or summer, and a continued happy and healthy rest of year to come.</span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ALB9mx1VwE/YNCu3o64YPI/AAAAAAAAGXA/2xqe9PH_HVQPyNj6vTkRVEqYmn6AoOz0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ALB9mx1VwE/YNCu3o64YPI/AAAAAAAAGXA/2xqe9PH_HVQPyNj6vTkRVEqYmn6AoOz0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9164.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a>We spent a week at the start of June up on the north coast of Co. Antrim, an area I absolutely love and which is gloriously unfamiliar to me - growing up in the west our summers were spent on the Donegal or Sligo coast. It's part of the Wild Atlantic Way tourist route. The photo above was taken at White Park Bay just around the corner from the Giant's Causeway - there were only two other people walking there when we visited this 2 mile stretch of sandy beach. </span>Beautiful. In a way it's a blessing at the moment not being able to travel far - we're getting to see parts of our own country with fresh eyes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">From there it's 20 miles west to Donegal and 11 miles east to Scotland.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: left;">While we were there we spent an afternoon on </span><a href="http://www.rathlincommunity.org" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Rathlin Island</a><span style="text-align: left;"> which is the most northernly part of Ireland, another place I've always wanted to visit. You can see from this map how close we are to Scotland.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">There's something really special to me about islands and this place is no different. We were limited in the ferries we could get - lots of people very happy to be allowed back out to the island - so we didn't have a lot of time but it was still worth the few hours we were there and we'll definitely go back. </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; text-align: left;"> </span>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; text-align: left;">(My photographs were terrible as I couldn't go down to the viewing platform so I've borrowed a few from the tourist board).</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); color: #444444; text-align: left;"> </span>
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<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8akDTYt3OUI/YMIF8VjmJFI/AAAAAAAAGWs/5KSYWvQakAcu-jqZlgwPNKYhcTNtlBTZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/WAtch%2BHouse.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8akDTYt3OUI/YMIF8VjmJFI/AAAAAAAAGWs/5KSYWvQakAcu-jqZlgwPNKYhcTNtlBTZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w130-h200/WAtch%2BHouse.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="130" /></span></a><span style="color: #444444;">Rathlin is special for many reasons, mainly as a roosting site for puffins and many different seabirds who migrate there each year. The seabird centre, run by the RSPB, gives access to a viewing platform to watch the many nesting sites. It was also the place that Marconi used for his first transmissions across the Atlantic. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #444444;">One of our local authors, Bernie McGill, wrote a cracker novel based on Rathlin called <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31424839-the-watch-house?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Qucq9HqlIw&rank=2" target="_blank">The Watch House</a>- definitely worth a read (imho) - set at the time of the modern world starting to impinge on island life.</span></p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehuRHqImRmU/YNCu3bu4drI/AAAAAAAAGW8/XNbEKd92gbkkEf_gZ2NQoly9SJ--NmfyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2592/IMG_9139.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #444444;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehuRHqImRmU/YNCu3bu4drI/AAAAAAAAGW8/XNbEKd92gbkkEf_gZ2NQoly9SJ--NmfyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9139.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="320" /></span></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">The supervisor at the Caravan Park:)</span></td> </tr>
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<p><span style="color: #444444;">Things otherwise here are fairly routine - I've discovered that I work best to deadlines and without those practising is just a chore. "I sing for other people" someone said recently and it resonated with me. Still no dates for concerts as the arts centres and touring venues have no date to open and will need weeks to get the venues ready for people again. But, there's lots of work getting done in the garden - it's finally taking shape and Tom has just finished building me a garden glass house made from reclaimed windows and wood - I knew there was a reason I married him lol </span></p>
</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66479102021-06-02T10:49:00-12:002021-10-25T06:28:36-12:00Ne'er cast a clout til the May is out<p> </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wFn8oyCHS8/YLf-Nldfy1I/AAAAAAAAGWI/N4VX14P59TIZGNoc13_WWAG0pf_nlxwRACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wFn8oyCHS8/YLf-Nldfy1I/AAAAAAAAGWI/N4VX14P59TIZGNoc13_WWAG0pf_nlxwRACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_9092.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>It's been a while since I posted here ... hello everyone, sorry I've been awol. The flu bug really hit me hard last month and took ages to shift and I just lost interest in everything. So I thought I'd come and say a quick hello. I've lots of catching up to do especially of the scavenger hunt challenges but hopefully I'll catch up with those in the coming week. Thank you Susan for the nudge.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been spending time in the garden now that the freezing cold weather has finally left and there is so much to do. Tom's been building me a greenhouse/garden house which is nearly ready for revealing :) and I've just been pottering with veg and baskets - little bits at a time - and playing with art and mixed media and watching way way way too much tv. However, Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club is dragging me away at the moment - great whodunnit. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But this evening I just had to go and take a few pics of the hawthorn blossoms turning pink - the may flower (I can still hear Terry Wogan repeating the old saying) - and it's beens splendid this year, the country clothed in white, but this is my favourite time of it - that pink is so bridal. (pity the photos aren't in focus says you! but you get the idea.)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And we've been hugely entertained by our squirrel babies. This afternoon I was watering not 10 feet from two of them chasing each other in and out of the feeding box. There were 4 at one point. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They move so fast I couldn't get anything in focus for these two...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">But Tom got a couple of crackers ... </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">This one was the first day we spotted all the kittens</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the box is about 6 inches across</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1450942297/videos/10223359130673758/" target="_blank">this video</a> had us laughing - it's only short - watch to the end</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"oh it's so hard to get the place to yourself on a rainy day!" </i></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;">This weird year and a bit has left me wanting to retire and just potter. There's been too much sadness. Bach Flower Remedies are my daily consolation along with Deepak Chopra's lovely meditations and my journals. I stopped my zoom classes temporarily at Easter and have been switching off but it's getting too comfortable - it will soon be time to get moving again. Maybe I can stretch it another few weeks. </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile there's so much to see - Mother Nature is getting on with her wonderful show of colour. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"> I hope you are all well, enjoying getting out a bit more and staying safe. </div>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66126852021-04-23T23:19:00-12:002021-10-25T06:31:15-12:00Earth<p style="text-align: center;">Happy Earth Week to you all - hasn't it been a beautiful week to celebrate. And our scavenger photos all tie in with that with the prompt quite simply being </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Earth</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where to start with this one ... when I was going through my photos I came up with a motley selection looking around the wonderful place we call home and all the aspects of Earth I could find.</p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9C9xC8iWec/YHA36CJBitI/AAAAAAAAGS0/X3wZL59yVXAenfC9BOD2met8c3IsakBJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9C9xC8iWec/YHA36CJBitI/AAAAAAAAGS0/X3wZL59yVXAenfC9BOD2met8c3IsakBJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_5118.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old wood in the Bluebell Wood</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hq4Nd3UVLM/YHA335_DoHI/AAAAAAAAGSs/_jWP-LGpBfMaifgjmn1PeKlLV97OgDOxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5970.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hq4Nd3UVLM/YHA335_DoHI/AAAAAAAAGSs/_jWP-LGpBfMaifgjmn1PeKlLV97OgDOxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_5970.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="640" width="480" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fired clay - made by my friend Birgit in Germany - I love this lady</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdGvEQjPi2w/YHA32V5vGtI/AAAAAAAAGSo/ZVciDrXnWYwGUj7HTqj9s_1clThvG1YlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6131.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdGvEQjPi2w/YHA32V5vGtI/AAAAAAAAGSo/ZVciDrXnWYwGUj7HTqj9s_1clThvG1YlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6131.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a salt cave in the Loire Valley in France</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXhKlC7cdmQ/YHA357kpRcI/AAAAAAAAGSw/txylniFXdsA8mPCNWibZa9aYYLEsmJIIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXhKlC7cdmQ/YHA357kpRcI/AAAAAAAAGSw/txylniFXdsA8mPCNWibZa9aYYLEsmJIIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_7211.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains and Forest and Lakes in Cumbria - how splendid</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6J1s9cTlNA/YHA3__c0rSI/AAAAAAAAGTA/A5NbacawuOUR1qYQRZsS41koR-BqyIeFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8317.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6J1s9cTlNA/YHA3__c0rSI/AAAAAAAAGTA/A5NbacawuOUR1qYQRZsS41koR-BqyIeFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8317.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young spinach growing in a rusted wheel rim on the beach</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8zxHlWvjr0/YHA394X93II/AAAAAAAAGS8/2sxAN_PzQe4yOrWt759jr_4tfJAG96sDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2592/IMG_8823.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8zxHlWvjr0/YHA394X93II/AAAAAAAAGS8/2sxAN_PzQe4yOrWt759jr_4tfJAG96sDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8823.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lane beside our house leading to the sea - I imagine hobbits walking through there.</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCnj4Lhw2yk/YHA4AzffMEI/AAAAAAAAGTI/2wUcWkaCGfgZGzLt1naBH_1V-rZur43zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2592/IMG_8833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCnj4Lhw2yk/YHA4AzffMEI/AAAAAAAAGTI/2wUcWkaCGfgZGzLt1naBH_1V-rZur43zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8833.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The earthy smell of mushrooms growing wild</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoJ4G58WLP4/YHA4AUbMbOI/AAAAAAAAGTE/HYmtLQh39JoQL5K0SBrbMzZNd_-vGACkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2592/IMG_8928.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoJ4G58WLP4/YHA4AUbMbOI/AAAAAAAAGTE/HYmtLQh39JoQL5K0SBrbMzZNd_-vGACkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_8928.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From earth to sky</td> </tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5b-_5U-36dc/YHA39t3rgtI/AAAAAAAAGS4/A-y4ftdyiXgpWO6fe7NtMei4jTzvykoggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8176.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5b-_5U-36dc/YHA39t3rgtI/AAAAAAAAGS4/A-y4ftdyiXgpWO6fe7NtMei4jTzvykoggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_8176.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock formations along the beach here - I love the colours. <br> <br> What a magnificent planet we live on - isn't nature marvellous. <br> <br> Thank you to <a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Astrid</a> for the prompts and for nudging me to look through photos. I had had plans to get out with my camera this week and find new shots but had prepared these in advance just in case and I'm so glad I did. For the first week in ages I had several things planned, the main ones being to finish another song, get up to the bluebell wood, get my second jab, finally get outside to meet with some friends for lunch, and in between finish my new veg patch in the garden. Instead .... I've spent the week in bed with some flu virus ..... how is it possible after shielding and cocooning and masking and washing and distancing blah blah blah. oh dear. Anyway I just heard today that it's been doing the rounds which never makes it feel quite so bad when you know someone else has it too and isn't dying - I swear, I had my bag packed in my head to go tot he hospital during the week! my temperature has come down to almost normal and the appetite is slowly coming back and I'm getting a little bit of focus back to be able to write and read a wee bit. I promise I will be 1000 times more careful when I go to the supermarket again and I'm already careful.</td> </tr>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Anyway thank you Astrid for the Photo Hunt - you can check out what the others have been doing <a href="https://astridxstitching.blogspot.com" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p>
<div> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66058192021-04-15T21:40:00-12:002021-04-16T02:00:11-12:00The Colour Purple<p style="text-align: center;"> Just a selection of photos today to link with <a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Astrid's Photo Scavenger Hunt</a> with the subject</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Colour Purple</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">And apart from the fact that it is the title of one of my all time favourite books, it is also one of my favourite colours. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
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<div>While not technically purple, the bluebells at the bottom of our garden are just starting to bloom and in this picture they look purple. We'll be heading up to the bluebell wood shortly - they are divine. I love this time of year.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also love getting a chance to see the beach huts along the South East coast of England - we were waiting to board the ferry at Harwich and enjoying fish and chips along the beach when we spotted these - several purple ones in the midst of the others. I always want to know who owns them and what they do there - apart from obviously turning up in murder mysteries :)<br><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNYVs8ritLI/YHA3bdPi89I/AAAAAAAAGSU/D282LyzLcgwE-yJnOaMsj0TrYSDZP9jiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9731.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNYVs8ritLI/YHA3bdPi89I/AAAAAAAAGSU/D282LyzLcgwE-yJnOaMsj0TrYSDZP9jiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9731.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Easter flowers are just starting to fade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such an unusual shade for a tulip</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbzR3k-dckQ/YHA3ZFzBEjI/AAAAAAAAGSI/SgXkK3paX2Mu9oKZugr8EAl4UdlAzcwswCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5508.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbzR3k-dckQ/YHA3ZFzBEjI/AAAAAAAAGSI/SgXkK3paX2Mu9oKZugr8EAl4UdlAzcwswCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_5508.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">This bridge is in the north of Germany </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">across the Rhine - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">I thought it was spectacular lit up in purple</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">My friend Doris in Scotland loves purple - she is rarely to be seen wearing anything except it or turquoise when she is on stage. I loved these hydrangeas in her house a few years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">And finally my friend Belinda has had her shop painted this week, ready for opening up again at the end of the month. And you guessed it .... it's purple! She's Australian lol. And it will be covered in murals and quotes from Rostrevor Poetic Action which has signs all over the town. I'll show you an update when that's finished. Her shop is called <a href="http://goodcraicgifts.com/" target="_blank">Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs</a> and showcases local artists with lots of handmade stuff and a small art gallery. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDnGDG_1X4Y/YHlcjoI9BgI/AAAAAAAAGVc/EvLrZ-bAS8kcdF8lMBn3E1-hevxKjuhJACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/171957465_2326169107526907_1164669407158317500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDnGDG_1X4Y/YHlcjoI9BgI/AAAAAAAAGVc/EvLrZ-bAS8kcdF8lMBn3E1-hevxKjuhJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/171957465_2326169107526907_1164669407158317500_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm joining in today with Astrid for the weekly Scavenger Photo Hunt. </span><span>You can go directly to the link to check out the other photos </span><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com/2021/04/scavenger-photo-hunt-link-up-party_0357105273.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><span>. </span>
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br></div><p></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/66029342021-04-13T05:57:00-12:002021-04-13T06:30:15-12:00Happy Tuesday<p> Hello</p><p>Just popping in for a quick mid week hello. Thank you so much for your lovely comments on last Friday's photo scavenger hunt pics. It has been a great constant all winter when there wasn't so much to blog about. </p><p>We're working on new songs at the minute, getting ready to put a collection together , and we're spending a couple of hours every morning in the studio. But once the heat gets into the day it has been brilliant to be outside. It's good to have a few things to focus on (in between tv, knitting and books lol). I've given myself permission to take a break from teaching and from running my choir for a few months - zoom was getting to me and I must confess my creativity has jumped in the past few weeks since stopping everything. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzOIo4Gimv8/YHXYW8SRYNI/AAAAAAAAGVA/XeTdKEZYjmgEsCOEHqq2rOFzSRL1BkEOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzOIo4Gimv8/YHXYW8SRYNI/AAAAAAAAGVA/XeTdKEZYjmgEsCOEHqq2rOFzSRL1BkEOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9043.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spring is blooming everywhere and our lawn is full of old fashioned flowers - a great excuse not to mow:)</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu1KZzAbxZ0/YHXYWcvajuI/AAAAAAAAGU8/FWFwDgvwlWciZFcykboubH1i-8HroQ6awCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu1KZzAbxZ0/YHXYWcvajuI/AAAAAAAAGU8/FWFwDgvwlWciZFcykboubH1i-8HroQ6awCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9042.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bluebells are just starting to show and they look really healthy this year and have spread all over the place</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2csXfNwMhL0/YHXYNV6262I/AAAAAAAAGUw/Um_AqG0-nJA-gw6zxkZOXGAzCBQvqGBlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2csXfNwMhL0/YHXYNV6262I/AAAAAAAAGUw/Um_AqG0-nJA-gw6zxkZOXGAzCBQvqGBlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9039.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRWaztvi2WY/YHXYQCDBD7I/AAAAAAAAGU0/f4aWa5gUXsIZUfNJ2WglSWCznKZiRG0awCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRWaztvi2WY/YHXYQCDBD7I/AAAAAAAAGU0/f4aWa5gUXsIZUfNJ2WglSWCznKZiRG0awCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9035.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><p><br></p>We've been cutting out dead branches and clearing an area for a small starter greenhouse at the back. After being at home all spring last year for the first time ever at this house (in 18 years) we made a bit of a start at growing veg and more flowers and this year now we're getting more enthusiastic. Our shops are still not open but the garden centres are and are mobbed of course - everybody is dying to get out and spend some money lol. But I have to wait for the greenhouse until the shops open. Meanwhile it's more cutting, digging and preparing. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVCwSy6cSgc/YHXYTjuByhI/AAAAAAAAGU4/-sDAjqPU7T8pE5rIYP08npjh3TfOVwbCACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_9033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVCwSy6cSgc/YHXYTjuByhI/AAAAAAAAGU4/-sDAjqPU7T8pE5rIYP08npjh3TfOVwbCACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_9033.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Have a great week - take care and enjoy yourself. Until the next time xx<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><p></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65994532021-04-09T04:11:00-12:002021-04-09T06:45:25-12:00Farm - Childhood Memories<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxWKTIhYAiA/YHAwlwd6g8I/AAAAAAAAGRk/dQYcRartSGEF3ek_-WA2N1sQvB5A0XvvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxWKTIhYAiA/YHAwlwd6g8I/AAAAAAAAGRk/dQYcRartSGEF3ek_-WA2N1sQvB5A0XvvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_4031.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sure I've shared this photo before with you but when I was looking around for Farm photos for <a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com/2021/04/scavenger-photo-hunt-link-up-party-farm.html" target="_blank">Astrid's Photo Scavenger Hunt</a>, it kept coming up and making me smile. I'm sure that guy in front is called Joey - "What you looking at!?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are animals in the fields all around us here, but the big farms are further out the roads I've no big farm photos for you but my mum lives opposite a farm and as a child I grew up in a farming community. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We saved hay in the Summer and like every family near us we had a small piece of bog where we cut and saved turf each year - enough for the winter. The turf was then transported up the back lane (the unapproved road crossing the border between Donegal and Fermanagh) on a donkey and cart and as children the greatest treat for us was to getting sitting on top of the turf for the whole journey up. (Our bog was two fields behind our house, but in the South of Ireland in Co. Donegal and our hayfield was a few hundred yards up the road towards town in the North of Ireland in Co, Fermanagh - plenty of fodder for pirate and treasure hunt games when we were children lol) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this photograph taken of my Uncle Gerry in 1937 when he was still a young man, driving the cart in front of what is still our house. It's a terrible photograph and was actually on a postcard but that cart was still at our house when we were growing up. The lane was blown up during the Troubles so cars couldn't drive up and down it but the donkey could navigate the crater well. Most of the houses along the road are still there and the one on the right is the home of a good friend who still checks in on my mum every day. Gerry emigrated to America and shortly after arriving there was sent to Korea with the US Army - he survived and had a long life as part of the traditional Irish music scene in New York. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfmkzmP6akc/YHA1LyL8UiI/AAAAAAAAGR4/qhNK-AMHb4EtlLNc9_9e1XKQ9DE80JqsACLcBGAsYHQ/s334/118330445_311034079982882_3190316935197099061_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfmkzmP6akc/YHA1LyL8UiI/AAAAAAAAGR4/qhNK-AMHb4EtlLNc9_9e1XKQ9DE80JqsACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h394/118330445_311034079982882_3190316935197099061_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="394" width="640" /></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the same batch of photos I found this lovely one of my brother up against a cock of hay - again as children we felt really grown up to be allowed to be on top of the haystack when the hay was being forked up - that usually ended in tears cos we didn't have the know-how to lay it properly so that it wouldn't topple over buy we kept trying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFC8vhL0_GM/YHA1Bw96GqI/AAAAAAAAGRs/4LkmKc_jycAIdVsFmm_gAXuDCZpV7kqrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1997/old%2Bphotos%2B2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFC8vhL0_GM/YHA1Bw96GqI/AAAAAAAAGRs/4LkmKc_jycAIdVsFmm_gAXuDCZpV7kqrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/old%2Bphotos%2B2.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish I had more photos from those days - the sweetest tea was the tea taken from a can with freshly baked scones dripping in butter in the hay field. My job was to bring the can of tea from the house only a couple of hundred yards away - on the handlebars of my bike - very carefully. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not quite sure who the people in this photograph are - friends of Dad's I think, but you can see the field was well finished and the hay was fully stacked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HvGH8rioYg/YHA1CRxL7DI/AAAAAAAAGRw/FOxui-vdMusYpUGVvC0es4NbozTcTeI1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/old%2Bphotos%2B3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HvGH8rioYg/YHA1CRxL7DI/AAAAAAAAGRw/FOxui-vdMusYpUGVvC0es4NbozTcTeI1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h244/old%2Bphotos%2B3.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="244" width="400" /></a></div>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wrote a song about these childhood days and just got it finished in time for the filming of The Emigrant Woman - it's called Stories from the Woods and it was such a pleasure to wander back and remember those times. I'll be releasing these songs soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm joining in today with Astrid for the weekly Scavenger Photo Hunt. <span style="text-align: left;">You can go directly to the link to check out the other photos </span><a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com/2021/04/scavenger-photo-hunt-link-up-party-farm.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="text-align: left;">. </span>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I hope you're all keeping well - we've been enjoying a week's rest and taking advantage of the return to winter by doing very little :) Next week it'll be time to get the head down again but for now I'm heading out to do my own small bit of farming and transplant some seedlings that are doing very nicely. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">And as a postscript, my sincere condolences to all my friends in England in particular, on the death of Prince Philip earlier today. I really feel for the Queen - such a long life together - it will be an incredibly sad time for her and the rest of her family as for any other family at such a time and even more so now during Covid. </span><span style="text-align: left;">We never got to do the Duke of Edinburgh Awards where we lived but he did so much for young people and his many charities. </span><span style="text-align: left;">An extraordinary man - I've often thought he had such a strange role in life, giving up all his own ambitions to walk behind and support his wife. It has been very interesting this afternoon hearing about his life. He will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace Philip. </span>
</div><p></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65923712021-04-02T06:30:00-12:002021-04-02T08:00:10-12:00Photo Scavenger Hunt: Chocolate<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oUFj8jOmX0/YGW2HQWMHGI/AAAAAAAAGRE/OetI5nWMTUIF9tYdkc4jjN3ABYD8d0kJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oUFj8jOmX0/YGW2HQWMHGI/AAAAAAAAGRE/OetI5nWMTUIF9tYdkc4jjN3ABYD8d0kJACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0050.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Desserts to finish a festival</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The photo scavenger hunt has a new host this week - <a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Astrid at Dragon Stitches and Stuff</a> has taken over the reins from <a href="https://livelovecraftme.blogspot.co.uk" target="_blank">Kate</a> who hosted it for the past 5 years. Thank you Kate and hello Astrid :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the first prompt for April is </div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Chocolate</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I have a problem with this one because <span style="text-align: left;">I don't actually like chocolate. I used to - in fact I lived on it in my younger days, but I became ill several years ago and it was chocolate and champagne on a birthday treat that made me really sick and I've associated the two with that since. I persevered with it for several months - trust me, I wasn't about to let that one go, but nope ... I never liked chocolate cake or brownies - coffee cake was always my preference even as a child. So why am I always struggling with my weight I ask myself. </span>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Anyway, this lovely looking dessert was at a meal to wind down from Fiddlers Green Festival a few years back with some of our friends from abroad. Sadly it looks like the festival won't happen again this year but things are definitely looking up and next year the celebrations will be fierce. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The sun is shining here, we've had a glorious couple of days and we've been back in the studio gently working on songs, in between doing some tidying jobs in the garden and trying to keep up with whatever Monty Don tells us needs doing lol. Even managed a socially distanced barbecue for a friend's birthday and it was a treat - just 3 of us, but it was excellent. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Happy Easter to you all. Take care of yourself and stay safe. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Check out the other Photo Hunt posts <a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com/2021/04/scavenger-photo-hunt-link-up-party.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br></span></div><p></p><br><p><br></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65856872021-03-26T02:31:00-12:002021-03-26T05:30:10-12:00Photo Scavenger Hunt: Light/Dark<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Joining in with </span><a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Kates's weekly photo scavenger hunt</a></span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> today. </span> </span>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd6ZEzX0a-w/YF3s8mjDdMI/AAAAAAAAGQw/azgO7J4lO8EIW3e0BAEZeOYVW4BFr3snwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd6ZEzX0a-w/YF3s8mjDdMI/AAAAAAAAGQw/azgO7J4lO8EIW3e0BAEZeOYVW4BFr3snwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_9463.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">This is the last week that Kate is hosting this challenge after 5 years of coming up with prompts. It has been fun Kate, thank you so much for all the time and effort you've put into it. I've enjoyed taking part and seeing what everyone else has come up with for the words. It has been a lovely creative diversion. There will be a new host from next month - </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Astrid of </span><a href="http://astridxstitching.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #88bb21; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Dragon Stitches and Stuff by Astrid</a> <span style="font-size: medium;">and I'm looking forward to following along.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">But for today Kate's last prompt is </span><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Light/Dark</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">I had to scratch my head a bit for this one but looked again to the sky and sun</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dhHnsr_tzA/YF3sv532_oI/AAAAAAAAGQs/qlexALjXSVo-Fwmw1F5cwV8ZHsKpivngwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dhHnsr_tzA/YF3sv532_oI/AAAAAAAAGQs/qlexALjXSVo-Fwmw1F5cwV8ZHsKpivngwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9444.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking back over some photos while I was searching for sunsets last week, I came across these pics that I took back in January on a beautiful day even though it stayed dark most of the day. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnL2iViUvlI/YF3blByNhAI/AAAAAAAAGQc/0q8drtotUCs1U5oS-NOnfQLS0b5_qOz6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnL2iViUvlI/YF3blByNhAI/AAAAAAAAGQc/0q8drtotUCs1U5oS-NOnfQLS0b5_qOz6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9446.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is at Warrenpoint Shore looking down Carlingford Lough with Finn McCool and the Cooley Mountains on the right and the sun barely up in the sky even though it was nearly midday. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzVdtzUvA8M/YF3s8tgSkHI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/CViBaotFlA4gtkWtQziEVQRuyCGeefeaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzVdtzUvA8M/YF3s8tgSkHI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/CViBaotFlA4gtkWtQziEVQRuyCGeefeaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9450.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br><br><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>This last one </span><span>was taken on the Boa Island on Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh at 2pm in the middle of January and again the light had hardly changed. I love the moodiness of those cold days. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmQTZSwoCjo/YF3btjg6TfI/AAAAAAAAGQg/HogWZJAxVnQK7WFkNyOh-QHBvgf5IY-SACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmQTZSwoCjo/YF3btjg6TfI/AAAAAAAAGQg/HogWZJAxVnQK7WFkNyOh-QHBvgf5IY-SACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9425.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The clocks change tomorrow</span> </span><span> </span><span>(</span><span>I have to remind myself they Spring Forward not Fall Back!). Already we're having dinner without pulling the curtains - this year has moved so fast and yet it feels like we've hardly moved. But looking back at these photos we can see the movement easily. </span><span>I love the fact that we get brighter now by 2 minutes a day until the Summer Solstice.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>We've just cancelled another tour for May so there'll be lots more focussing on the garden and the sky to look forward to and to keep us amused. </span></span></p><br><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out the other interpretations of this prompt <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/03/light-and-dark-link-up-party.html">HERE. </a> And thanks once again Kate.</span></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65788382021-03-18T21:21:00-12:002021-03-18T22:15:09-12:00Sunset<p> <span style="text-align: center;">Joining in with </span><a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Kates's weekly photo scavenger hunt</a><span style="text-align: center;"> today. And the prompt is</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunset/Sunrise</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm afraid I don't often see sunrise - not after the end of January anyway - so only evening pics for this prompt. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We get an extra 2 minutes of daylight every day from now until the Summer Solstice - recently I was talking to some Australian friends who were astonished by how quickly we've moved from dark to light when it was all feeling so gloomy for them before Christmas. I've loved taking the time to notice this past year - to see the changes and yes, to notice how quickly we move back into wonderful light evenings - having dinner now without closing the curtains. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I don't have many pics of sunsets from this year I took a wander back through some previous years and we had some spectacular skies - winter sunsets are just beautiful ( and a couple of summer ones too). </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2021</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beautiful days and freezing cold evenings still, but the light is gorgeous.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grsvewFahjE/YFPhv2q-hNI/AAAAAAAAGPs/Y01G-cI8Pbstcn1uzRTJJurAFioEQRyNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9535%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grsvewFahjE/YFPhv2q-hNI/AAAAAAAAGPs/Y01G-cI8Pbstcn1uzRTJJurAFioEQRyNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9535%2B2.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" /></a></div><br><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2020</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Those red skies are so exciting to see - </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">must have been a good week at the start of lockdown last year</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIkp9m-z_BQ/YFPfE1nQAOI/AAAAAAAAGPU/AQYeeWR0sbYt8x1nGXQFIuCOlQdaIcxPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIkp9m-z_BQ/YFPfE1nQAOI/AAAAAAAAGPU/AQYeeWR0sbYt8x1nGXQFIuCOlQdaIcxPACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8456.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2018</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Cold and misty - I love those evenings.</span></p>
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</div><br><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnObiC_YmyQ/YFPfs7UD-WI/AAAAAAAAGPc/mQlBjNg-YWgSfT0El6NnsqCXpa_9Z192QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnObiC_YmyQ/YFPfs7UD-WI/AAAAAAAAGPc/mQlBjNg-YWgSfT0El6NnsqCXpa_9Z192QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_5020.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">March 2017</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another fiery sky. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nR6pPu-OXY/YFPeTTsQJnI/AAAAAAAAGO0/cNy0vHcMrEYvPaZusNQQlkvW3CzVqcJgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nR6pPu-OXY/YFPeTTsQJnI/AAAAAAAAGO0/cNy0vHcMrEYvPaZusNQQlkvW3CzVqcJgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_3016.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2016 - The Gold Coast just south of Brisbane and a few days rest time. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK7iHNn6-qs/YFPewToM9qI/AAAAAAAAGPI/mUAN7BKcb3gEgft2NkXGxObte2PpPuYugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GK7iHNn6-qs/YFPewToM9qI/AAAAAAAAGPI/mUAN7BKcb3gEgft2NkXGxObte2PpPuYugCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_3454.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2016 - travelling from Tullamore, NSW</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Big skies and such a defined horizon.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy-TGvScF2k/YFPcbJvvnkI/AAAAAAAAGOo/3C8WKjuN6qM5EJ0GqhSlhmaMfGBM78SKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy-TGvScF2k/YFPcbJvvnkI/AAAAAAAAGOo/3C8WKjuN6qM5EJ0GqhSlhmaMfGBM78SKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/IMG_1043.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2016 again - travelling from Melbourne to Canberra by bus</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">not quite sunset but almost...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qgHPdemeVE/YFPi6unJOLI/AAAAAAAAGP0/H9tD8CuaS2U9s4HU6IwSjDOrCNz5nCopQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qgHPdemeVE/YFPi6unJOLI/AAAAAAAAGP0/H9tD8CuaS2U9s4HU6IwSjDOrCNz5nCopQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_3290.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">March 2015</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Almost dark - I remember that year - the local papers were full of fabulous sunset photos. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAuduRrVjo/YFPcMXhqmSI/AAAAAAAAGOk/GMemMpkVEroPCZdHksrMSOX3cEpi_wY2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCF3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAuduRrVjo/YFPcMXhqmSI/AAAAAAAAGOk/GMemMpkVEroPCZdHksrMSOX3cEpi_wY2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w393-h295/DSCF3587.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="295" width="393" /></a></div><br><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for wandering down March memory lane with me. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's photos ... </span><span style="font-size: large;">Check out the other interpretations of this prompt </span><a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/03/sunsetsunrise-link-up-party.html">HERE</a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65760172021-03-16T11:45:00-12:002021-03-16T13:30:06-12:00Happy St Patrick's Day<p style="text-align: center;">Happy St Patrick's Day to you all. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">We'll raise a glass and wet the shamrock </div><div style="text-align: center;">and look forward to being out playing a gig somewhere this time next year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRnkx2ZOfUs/YFFBX3CO63I/AAAAAAAAGOM/0R5GzbHMg88JKcujifC92SQo6g4kewGxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRnkx2ZOfUs/YFFBX3CO63I/AAAAAAAAGOM/0R5GzbHMg88JKcujifC92SQo6g4kewGxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9621.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Ross's Monument in Rostrevor lit up for St Patrick's Day. General Ross was part of the British forces in America that burned what is now the White House causing it to be painted white! I've never noticed the monument being lit in green before but it looks magnificent. There's a replica in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he was buried. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's <a href="http://themanwhocapturedwashington.com/ross-monuments/" target="_blank">a great article about Robert Ross</a> - apparently the monument is built on the site he had planned to build his home should he have returned from the wars in America. Some day when the weather improves I'll go up and take some photos - it looks right down Carlingford Lough to the Irish Sea. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care, stay safe and see you soon.</div><p></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65717742021-03-11T22:00:00-12:002021-03-12T04:12:49-12:00Look up/ Look Down<p style="text-align: center;"> Joining in with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Kates's weekly photo scavenger hunt</a> today. And the prompt is</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Look up / Look down</span></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Did you see the snow moon at the start of the month - wasn't it amazing? (no decent photos I'm afraid)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've always wondered why we don't give the moon a name - like Luna. All the other planets' moons are named after gods and goddesses, why not ours! Mind you it would only be something else for people to argue about ... </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking down is easier to photograph....</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tulips are my most favourite flower. Especially the curly edged ones. I love how they look as they go from opening to fading to dying. Last year, just as lockdown was starting, a friend brought me a beautiful bunch that were grown locally and I just couldn't stop photographing them, looking down into their beautiful insides. </span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out the other interpretations of this prompt <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/03/welcome-to-marchs-second-link-up-party.html">HERE</a>. </span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65709612021-03-11T04:52:00-12:002021-03-11T22:27:51-12:00Filming in lockdown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqoyD80yfIE/YEpJevOBsuI/AAAAAAAAGOE/AxOuIa8ua1M_p5ekR4RVOyRB3x9twNTmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqoyD80yfIE/YEpJevOBsuI/AAAAAAAAGOE/AxOuIa8ua1M_p5ekR4RVOyRB3x9twNTmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9582.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_none" alt="" height="320" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So after all the practice and stress of learning to lip synch, figuring out clothes and make up, finalising scripts, finishing writing a song and getting it recorded etc etc etc filming day arrived.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It was interesting filming in lockdown, keeping distance and masking up as much as possible although obviously Csilla and I couldn't do that and sing or speak so we were mindful of having a good space between us for our scenes together and with the magic of cameras angles can be found to make the gaps look smaller. She and Alistair the director are a couple, the two cameramen are in a work bubble and Tom, who was doing sound, and I are together of course, so it made things a lot easier and we all brought our own food and flasks for refreshments. </span></p>
<p>We started the day filming all our conversations and links. On stage we tell our individual stories as links and then link to either a poem or a song. And I do quite an extensive interview section with Csilla to hear about the actual mechanics of how she escaped from behind the Iron Curtain - it's a fascinating story. Maybe because we've always looked for humour here, the bits about my growing up on the border are often the funniest parts.</p>
<p>That took nearly 4 hours and after a break for a very quick lunch we went on to filming one of our joint pieces and then all my songs done using the the same staging set up and then finished with a new set up for Csilla to do all her poems today. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here Csilla is acting the Clown - she wrote a poem about dressing up as a Clown to cheer up her parents and I set it to music. This was fun to do. </p>
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<p>Lining up shots</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Checking out the smoke machine for Dreaming a song I wrote when we first started travelling to Germany and getting out of the enclosed feeling of Northern Ireland and realising that it was ok for people to talk about sensitive subjects like politics and religion and ask each other their name without the answer having hidden meanings. </div>
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<p>Creating a mood - I managed not to choke on the smoke but the film part looks brilliant on this. </p>
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<p>The director Alistair and Csilla setting up Europa</p>
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<p>The famous clapboard - always wondered how they worked. It gives a sound so that things can be lined up in the editing suite - without it, sometimes it's hard to make the pictures exactly match the mouth that we're seeing. So this was our 19th scene of the day, take 3. (Thankfully we managed to nail most pieces in 2 or 3 takes, even in pieces like this where we both perform separately). </p>
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<p>Csilla preparing for Europa a poem she wrote after the bombings in London in 2007 where she wonders if Europe wasn't held together by the Berlin Wall. We do it like a Greek tragedy - I sing the chorus and she speaks the verse. It was the hardest to figure out how to film and was the last of the day so we were both pretty wrecked but I think we managed to get it. </p>
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<p>It was a long day but very enjoyable once we got into the swing of things. Sadly I don't have any pics of our conversation bits or of Csilla's work today - I've been busy doing my zoom classes but this will give you a feel for it and I'll keep you posted when the film is totally ready for viewing. Tom was in the background doing sound and it was him took the photos of me but managed to avoid the camera himself. He's now going to be doing the edit in the next week or so. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65689072021-03-08T22:03:00-12:002021-04-21T05:14:32-12:00This time last year - our last live gig<p>Can you believe it's a full year since lockdown began. I remember reading avidly accounts from China where people were relating how they coped with 7 weeks lockdown and I remember thinking, how will we do that. Then it was announced that we'd have to shield for 12 weeks. My mother was convinced she'd be dead. We were all in such a panic - trying to get mum used to using an iPad or phone to no avail. And I nearly had a meltdown in a supermarket when people were standing right on top of me! So stressful. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And here we are a full year on. </p>
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<p>We had our last concerts as part of <a href="https://filcampbell.com/the-emigrant-woman-s-tale">the Emigrant Woman's</a> Tour - Csilla and myself - on International Women's Day (belated greetings for yesterday by the way, to all my lovely women blogger friends ) and then one more on the 13th where by that stage nobody had the nerve to come out. Our final date of the tour for the 14th was cancelled along with the St Patrick's Day gigs. </p>
<p>Now to mark the year and to wrap up the project, we are filming the show tomorrow. It's been a frantic week or so here - frantic by lockdown standards anyway - how are we getting so tired when we're doing next to nothing - but we've finished writing a song and have it recorded now - final tweaks this morning. </p>
<p>Today is my final day of practising to lip synch all the songs and we've all the dialogue rehearsed, clothes organised and are more or less set to go into an empty pub that was absolutely freezing when we went to check out locations on Saturday - so I think I'll be bringing a blanket as well. And we all have to bring our own food, cups, glasses everything. It'll be interesting to see how this works with social distancing etc. We have five different sets in the one room. </p>
<p>It's been good having a deadline to work to, and it's been great getting back into the studio. I sang a song about growing up in the country last year for the show but it never felt finished - so that was the main job of the week to finish rewriting it. The Stories that Lived in the Woods. </p>
<p>And fingers crossed, next week when the Executive announce the first dates to open up lockdown, we might at least be able to meet a few people in the garden. And Spring is inviting us outside again. Woohoo :) </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65656162021-03-04T23:00:00-12:002021-03-11T22:30:10-12:00Signs of Spring<p> Joining in with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Kates's weekly photo scavenger hunt</a> today. And the prompt is</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Signs of Spring</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had a couple of glorious days last weekend and got lots of pruning done - the rhodedendron finally got its comeuppance, and it's now got a reprieve until it blooms when it's going to get another onslaught from my loppers. </p>
<p>I've been setting seeds and in the music world I'm finally getting motivated to produce work - we're preparing for filming T<a href="https://filcampbell.com/the-emigrant-woman-s-tale" target="_blank">he Emigrant Woman's Tale</a> next week and I'm delighted to have another deadline to work to - a song to record, pieces to learn and rehearse. We've already done the outline and running order and energy seems to be rising along with the daffodils and crocuses. </p>
<p>I always bring in a stem of forsythia early in the year and the buds and flowers are just starting to show now. </p>
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<p>New neighbours have moved in next door ... </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and signs of spring are everywhere .... </div>
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<p>Things are looking up. Take care and have a lovely weekend. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65647352021-03-04T03:31:00-12:002021-03-11T22:36:27-12:00World Book Day<p> </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image stolen from the World Book Day charity site (in case you're looking for any ideas)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
<p>I always thought this was a day just for school kids to get dressed up but it's given me a chance to do another update to my <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">Reading My Way Around the World</a> challenge - follow the link to get the full list for my challenge to read a country from as many countries in the world as I can manage - no time limit - and I'm taking a lot of ideas from a great blog called <a href="http://taleaway.com" target="_blank">TaleAway</a> where Ash sets a world reading challenge every year with 52 books from 52 different countries. </p>
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<b>Iceland/Algeria</b>
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<div><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36154097-the-sealwoman-s-gift?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=JIXwGbZs3j&rank=1" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">The Sealwoman's Gift</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> by Sally Magnusson</span></i></div>
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<div><span style="text-align: justify;">I loved this book ****</span></div>
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<blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">1627 - In a notorious historical event, pirates raided the coast of Iceland and abducted 400 people into slavery in Algiers. Among them a pastor, his wife, and their children. </div></blockquote>
<blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In this debut novel the writer imagines what history does not record: the experience of Asta, the pastor's wife, as she faces her losses with the one thing left to her - the stories from home - and forges an ambiguous bond with the man who bought her.</span></div></blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941786-she-would-be-king?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Et0HRfZxAD&rank=1">She Would Be King</a> by Wayétu Moore ****</i></div>
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<div>It's a mix of fantasy realism and historical fact relating to the creation of the new country of Liberia. It focuses on three characters who all have special powers and have come from backgrounds of all loss and tragedy. </div>
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<div>Here's what the cover notes say:</div>
<div>In the West African village of Lai, red-haired Gbessa is cursed with immortality at birth. On a plantation in Virginia, June Day struggles to hide his extraordinary strength from the brutal slaveowners. High in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, Norman Aragon discovers he can fade from sight at will. </div>
<div>Cast out, forced to flee, sent away, they are drawn together in the tumult between settlers. <div> </div>
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<b>Norway</b>
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<div><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25403.The_Orange_Girl" target="_blank">The Orange Girl</a> by Jostein Gaarder **</i></div>
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<br>This is a very short book - a sort of modern day fairy tale. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">"My father died eleven years ago. I was only four then. I never thought I'd hear from him again, but now we're writing a book together." </div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Georg's grandmother finds some papers stuffed in a chair that are a letter to Georg written shortly before his father died. It's the story of a girl he sees and becomes besotted by and asks the now older son to help him solve the riddle. <b> </b></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47281.Number_the_Stars" target="_blank">Number the Stars</a><b> </b>by Lois Lowry ***</i></div>
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<div>And my top selection from this group of books </div>
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<b>Kenya/Liberia/America and others</b>
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<div><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95327.The_Shell_Collector" target="_blank">The Shell Collector</a> by Anthony Doerr ( Short Stories) *****</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I hope you enjoy your reading and I hope there's a suggestion or two here for you. I'm nearly caught up to date with my list and if you have any good suggestions for me of books you've enjoyed you know I'd love to hear. Are you a fan of short stories? or fantasy realism? </div>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65609842021-02-27T23:00:00-12:002021-03-11T22:37:01-12:00Kezzie's Fancy Dress Online Birthday Party<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday <a href="http://kerenzaallin-garner.blogspot.com">Kezzie</a>.</span></p>
<p>I've had such fun dressing up as a character from Doctor Who for my blogging friend Kezzie's 40th fancy dress birthday party. We're sci fi nerds in this house, and Tom particularly loves Doctor Who. So it was an obvious one for me to choose Missy, the female version of the Master from a few series back. Felt a bit more like Mary Poppins though lol </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a hard time trying to keep the stern face that Missy always wore and ended up laughing more than suitable<span style="text-align: left;"> - could do with her make up artist to finish it off too but she was a hoot to do. Loved it. Now I know what you get from cosplays Kezzie, which you do so brilliantly. </span>
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<p><br>May the coming years keep you bright and wonderful- may they give you lots of adventures, some lovely surprises, plenty of music and lots of fun. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65599832021-02-26T09:25:00-12:002021-03-11T22:38:14-12:00Delicious: Photo Scavenger Hunt<p>It's taken me nearly 12 months of this lockdown to start feeling rested enough to miss our old life. I'm not complaining - we live in a beautiful place and don't want for anything and are getting enough work online to keep us going. But I am really starting to miss getting out on the road, meeting people, performing live on stage and above all sampling food in the different countries we visit. So today I'm joining in with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/02/delicious-link-up-party.html" target="_blank">Kate's blog</a> for another scavenger hunt prompt - <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Delicious</b></span> - and a wee trip around some of our journeys. </p>
<p>Looking back over my photographs I'd not noticed before how big a part food plays in travelling and even in our day to day socialising. </p>
<p>From the bratwurst at a stand in Germany to coffee at a terrasse cafe in France, or a beer under a heated lamp in mid winter in Holland, or Kaffee and Kuchen with friends on an afternoon off, or cake in Denmark or a really good curry in England or the best fish and chips I've ever tasted in Shetland, or even just an ice cream beside the seaside taking my mother to Bundoran. I've not not got photos for all of these but so many of our memories are tied up with food that I can understand now why the early days of Facebook were so populated with pictures of people's dinners. (Disclaimer here: I'm usually too busy eating to remember to photograph food, so it's not surprising most of these are of desserts when there was time to relax). </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One day when it snowed and we were stranded in England, my cousin Frances and Tom and myself spent our lay-over time until the next ferry in a fabulous restaurant near Chester. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Browsing a market in France</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous cafe in Fife in Scotland with our good friends Hugh and Doris</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">The biggest pizza I'd ever seen ... in Luxembourg with Aloyse</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Mussels from the shore here. The ones closest to shore that the boats can't get at are ripe pickings, along with some sea spinach at the right time of year</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">A special breakfast in Germany</div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">A gourmet meal in Denmark - wow.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">The most enticing vegetable display I've ever seen in a supermarket - in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Only problem was you didn't want to take anything out of it to spoil all the hard work. <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HADGnfuBvYQ/YDli-Ge6zkI/AAAAAAAAGKY/TXPBhX8jwG4Zw8vlYbzy2xJA-thEH24KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HADGnfuBvYQ/YDli-Ge6zkI/AAAAAAAAGKY/TXPBhX8jwG4Zw8vlYbzy2xJA-thEH24KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7262.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" width="320" /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Oh how I miss having a quick drink to welcome our friends to the Festival - another year will be missed sadly. With Kanne from Denmark a few years back.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">But best of all, pathetic and all as it looks, was our very first carrot that we'd grown ourselves lol. The rest were a bit bigger than this, but it really made us laugh. Hopefully they'll be a bit bigger this year :)</div>
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<p>Take care of yourselves - and you can see what others have written about for this prompt <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/02/delicious-link-up-party.html">HERE</a>.</p>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65540952021-02-19T22:00:00-12:002021-03-11T22:30:57-12:00Books Around the World Update<p> </p>
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<p><br>I've been very lax about keeping up with my record of books read so here goes to try and catch up. I'm now up to 49 countries - you can read the (almost) whole list <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">here.</a> </p>
<div> <div>I got a bit world weary into the Autumn and Winter and found that a lot of the books I was picking up, just to tick off another country visited, were very hard reading - a lot telling harrowing tales of war and cruelty. So I had to take a pause and find lighter things to read and ended up with quite a few YA fictions, a bit of detective fiction and tried and tested favourite authors and bestsellers. Anyway I've included most of them here. </div>
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<div>However, reading is without doubt one of my favourite ways to travel and even through YA fiction, you learn something about a country and its culture. The book links here will take you to the Goodreads page to read more about them. More coming in the next few weeks. <p> </p>
<p><b>America</b></p>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36809135-where-the-crawdads-sing" target="_blank">Where the Crawdads Sing</a> by Delia Owens
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<p>This was a big hit book a few years back and deservedly so. Beautiful detailed descriptions of the salt marshes on the East Coast of America through the eyes of a poor neglected wild backwoods child who has a unique view of the world. </p>
<p>What the blurb says: <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet fishing village. Kya Clark is barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, locals immediately suspect her. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">But Kya is not what they say. A born naturalist with just one day of school, she takes life's lessons from the land, learning the real ways of the world from the dishonest signals of fireflies.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span> </p>
<p><b>Peru</b></p>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/295228.War_by_Candlelight" target="_blank">War by Candlelight</a> by Daniel Alarcón
<p> </p>
<p>This was Alarcón's first book, published in 2006, a collection of short stories set mostly in Lima in Peru. I've not been a fan of short stories, but this collection drew me in very quickly to the stories about a varied collection of people - from an unrepentant revolutionary to a writer who gives up his typewriter to be a clown. There are also a couple of stories set in New York. </p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b>India</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one of the books I received through Shelterbox Book Club and was also a Reese Witherspoon bookclub choice and I enjoyed it. It was a fun read travelling to the sunshine and a different culture. </span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The British-born Punjabi Shergill sisters—Rajni, Jezmeen, and Shirina—were never close and are even further apart now as adults. But on her death bed their mother has one request - that they go together on a pilgrimage to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">For me it was really interesting to read about Sikh traditions and to read more about the Golden Temple and the rituals surrounding it. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Thte three sisters are very different and their relationship is well drawn - one's a school teacher, the second a failed actress and the </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">third in a bad marriage. </span></span>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>A New World/UK<span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<br>1984 by George Orwell</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">This was on my "must read before I die" list and I have to say I really got into it. Sometimes I think this world isn't too far from his vision but it's a frightening view of what could be. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Published in 1949 it really is quite a spectacular view of the not too distant future.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24796.Zorro">Zorro</a> by Isabel Allende
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<p>Growing up I loved the stories of Zorro - remember Errol Flynn playing the masked hero. </p>
<p>This book tells the story for the first time of how <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Diego de la Vega became the masked man. Born in southern California late in the eighteenth century, he is a child of two worlds - his father an aristocratic Spanish military man turned landowner and his mother, a Shoshone warrior</span> </p>
<p>And it was a jolly good swashbuckling read - although I was a bit annoyed with him as a character at points. However, he remains the hero in my heart :) </p>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65531022021-02-19T00:12:00-12:002021-03-11T22:39:04-12:00Unexpected : Are we all sitting comfortably?<p>Joining in with Kate and friends at <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/02/link-up-party-unexpected.html" target="_blank">I Live I Love I Am Me</a> for this week's Scavenger Hunt and the word is </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Unexpected</b></span>. </p>
<p>I had to scratch my head for this one for a while and came up with a boring outcome really although it's one that delights me.</p>
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<p>The first unexpected thing was that the delivery arrived early - there have been having problems with receiving post and deliveries to NI since Brexit - this was due in about 2 weeks time but arrived 3 days after being shipped - perfect. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">For ages I've been searching for the perfect studio chair - it had to be comfortable for long periods of sitting for teaching and having meetings on zoom and for recording, it should have no arms for guitar playing and be able to double as a relaxing reading/meditation chair. A tall order.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But -Ta Da - the second unexpected thing - I finally found it - after months of searching. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And the most unexpected of all - it fits all the criteria.</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">It's really comfortable</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">The arms lift out of the way</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">and, best of all, it rocks - like a rocking chair. And I am delighted. My legs aren't aching at the end of the day and I'm a happy bunny. Now the other half wants one too. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I should have guessed it'd be ok - it's made by a German company called SongMics - how perfect is that for a singer who plays with microphones :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifTXFjs5EgU/YC-lFbiIYsI/AAAAAAAAGFg/I9i7TQ0tr8IaV3u_LU2WEvJ7mals9i7iQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifTXFjs5EgU/YC-lFbiIYsI/AAAAAAAAGFg/I9i7TQ0tr8IaV3u_LU2WEvJ7mals9i7iQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9486.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" /></a></div>
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<p>Heading over now to <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/02/link-up-party-unexpected.html" target="_blank">Kate's</a> site to see what everyone else has found this week. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65465672021-02-11T22:00:00-12:002021-03-11T22:47:48-12:00Begins with W - Photo Scavenger Hunt <p style="text-align: center;">Joining in with Kate at <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com" target="_blank">I Live I Love I Craft</a> for the now weekly photo scavenger hunt - as someone said it's good to have prompts to make us think outside the norm. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This weeks prompt is <b>Begins With W</b> ... so I headed down the road of water ... I think every photo I post has that, and Wind - way too much of it and no decent photos. But I ended up with </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we were in Australia, in March 2016, we spent a day in Dubbo in NSW on our way from an Irish Festival in Tullamore (that is out in the back of nowhere - an experience and a half - Tullamore has a population of 150, it really is in the outback and when we woke on our first morning there 5000 people had descended in camper vans for a brilliant festival - such an experience - I can't believe I hadn't written about it). </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I digress. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Dubbo has a huge Wildlife Park and we had booked into it a few days beforehand. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Neither of us have had the opportunity to go on a safari or see exotic wildlife in nature so this was the chance of a lovely experience. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">And for me there was only one animal to see and that was the giraffes. </div>
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<p style="text-align: center;">I don't know what it is about them - even looking at photos makes me well up. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, I got a tummy bug and was violently ill for several days, ending up in hospital, - we had only just driven in when I started to feel bad. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But .... I managed to get to feed the giraffes. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">OMG - I felt like a 5 year old - such a beautiful experience. Their soft blue tongues and gentle touch - it made my heart sing. </p>
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<p>I don't particularly agree with zoos and wildlife parks, but watching David Attenborough last night, the final programme of his Perfect Planet series - the threat of so much extinction in the coming half century is mind boggling and at least these places, when they're well run, protect so many animals that wouldn't survive much longer. These guys looked very happy. </p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65402892021-02-05T00:00:00-12:002021-03-11T22:46:33-12:00A lovely memory - scavenger photo hunt<p> We're really missing being out on the road seeing people and doing what we do best. </p>
<p>This time two years ago we were in Denmark for a 10 day trip staying with a dear friend where we did a series of house concerts. </p>
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<p>She and her family train horses for carriage races - very exciting to watch - and her house is filled with horsey things. I had a couple of riding lessons which I loved and we got to ride on the back of a carriage being pulled by four horses racing around an arena ... great experience . </p>
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<p>The first grandchild of the house was born while we were there - her mother was riding horses until the afternoon she gave birth so it was no surprise to recently see the wee one, now just turned 2 years old, riding a toy rocking horse like she was a pro ... very cute. </p>
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<p>Joining in today with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Kate's Photo Scavenger Hunt</a> which used to be monthly but is now a weekly word challenge. Lots of lovely people join in from around the world. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65356862021-01-31T05:34:00-12:002021-03-11T22:54:18-12:00Live Online Stream Concert<p> </p>
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<p>We were due to be packing the car today to head to Scotland for our first tour of the year. The weather's awful so I"m quite glad we're not on a ferry, but sadly I think there'll be no tours this year again and I'm really missing not performing and meeting people. So, instead, we are doing another livestream at the invite of Dunfermline Folk club where we should have been playing on Wednesday night. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been interesting, to say the least, getting ready for a gig after not playing for over 6 months. Our heads are in a different place - I'd forgotten how exciting it is to start preparing for a tour or a concert and forgotten how easy it is to get back into the rhythm of things - a part of me was afraid we'd never get back to playing again. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So if you fancy an hour of joyful songs please join us on either </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/filcampbell/">Facebook Live</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">or on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/filcampbell">YouTube Channel Live</a> (please subscribe to our channel)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">from 8pm for approximately 1 hour </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">on Wednesday 3rd February 2021.</p>
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<p>See you there. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65356872021-01-31T05:31:00-12:002021-03-11T23:03:46-12:00Happy St Brigids Day<p> </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">spectacular moonrise behind the house this weekend</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">The start of Spring, the celebration of the goddess and saint - Brigid's Day is well marked here and celebrated as Imbolc in communities around the world. </div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a short video poem for you to enjoy - <a href="https://youtu.be/kL1YHXwGThs">At Bridget's Well</a> . commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Museum of Literature Ireland <span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; caret-color: rgb(3, 3, 3); white-space: pre-wrap;">to celebrate St. Brigid's Day 2021. They have collaborated on ‘Three Poems for Brigid’, a series of three short online films. Each film showcases a poet and a spoken word performer, and is based around one of the three aspects of Brigid as the triple goddess of Poetry, Healing, and Craftwork. </span></span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hopefully I'll get out for some new rushes this weekend if the weather picks up or get given a fresh Brigid's cross - time for renewed energy. I love the shape, that it's the circle of life.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">And an old tradition called 'bratog Bride' (Brigid's scarf) says to leave out a piece of cloth or a scarf overnight to be blessed by the goddess/saint as she passes. The cloth can then be used to heal sore throats and headaches. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The first time I'd heard of this was two years ago when we were at Annaghmakerrig - everyone tied a piece of cloth to a tree at the door (there were only a couple left when I went to photograph it in the morning) - I still have mine in the house somewhere - just in case;)</span></div>
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<br><span style="text-align: left;">And finally, although Holocaust Remembrance Day has passed, I'd like to leave you the link to <a href="https://vimeo.com/504862210?fbclid=IwAR1wwlC9Zx2KJWH9ZmW7cMs9qlCFeSVYSvWhyTLyCIlbA3oVM1IcydB49Zc" target="_blank">'Here I Stand'</a> - a video poem by my friend Csilla Toldy who won a commission by the NI Executive and the NI Arts Council to produce a piece to mark the day. Her mother remembers the children being being taken away from Budapest and as part of her research into the video poem she and her mother revisited Auschwitz. </span>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65180172021-01-11T01:25:00-12:002021-03-11T23:04:50-12:00The Wonders of Zoom and the frosty mornings.<p> </p>
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<p><br>I've just had the most wonderful Weekend at a Conference for community singing leaders - all done on Zoom - for 215 delegates!! </p>
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<p>I am in awe of the technology and the wonderful organising skills of the team behind the <a href="https://naturalvoice.net" target="_blank">Natural Voice Network</a>.* And there's a second weekend to come - woohoo! </p>
<p>On Sunday afternoon alone I attended an Alexander Technique session followed by vocal improvisation lead by a leader in Oregon and finishing the afternoon with a Feldenkrais relaxation session. On Saturday we had a wonderful singing session lead by a Colombian singer, another gathering where we learned songs from Palestine, Africa and Finland and joined in the AGM as well. They had even arranged a pub and a chill out space : Brilliant. It finished last night with a gathering for well being and I was quite shocked at the loss that is being felt by leaders in some of the big urban areas across England. It made me appreciate how blessed I am here living in this musical community out of the city. In fact I'e decided to take a 3 month (at least) break from leading the choir to take a further step back into finding my own creative voice. However this weekend has really helped. </p>
<p>Back in March when we first had the mad panic of the pandemic and the 'what on earth are we going to do now', I dived straight in to zoom with a very thinly veiled affection and joy for the wonders of technology which was allowing us to stay connected mixed with an even more thinly veiled anger at having to learn something else new. The stress of running sessions every week and one to one classes and preparing for exams and and and .... while friends were talking about having lovely family quizzes and coffee mornings left me quietly seething . But work's work and I felt a real sense of obligation to my group. </p>
<p>Now that I'm back again to the wonders of technology - we're both tech nerds in this house - my creativity is finally starting to come up to the surface again - painting, playing with paper, knitting and playing both the marimba and guitar which has been sadly neglected for months. </p>
<p>We have an online gig coming up at the start of February so the voice and guitar both need dusting off and the fingers need to be hardened up again ... ouch. </p>
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<p>Everything was frozen the other morning when we went for a walk around the seafront at Warrenpoint - </p>
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<p>the low tide and frozen sand making gorgeous patterns .</p>
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<p>Lots of painted stones lined the wall - a very cheerful sight. I particularly love the top one. </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">And the heron must've been finding lots of fish in the low tide. </div>
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<p>Take care and have a good quiet and safe week.</p>
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<p>*<i>I'm sure I've written about Natural Voice here before - that it's everyone's birthright to sing, and should not just be kept to the confines of the trained singing world - our definitions of good singers combined with the awful critics on tv talent competitions have stopped people singing to themselves, to their babies, while they're working, even in the shower, for fear of being heard. The constant cry of I can't sing really shocks me as without doubt everyone can sing - you may not sing like Pavarotti or Barbara Streisand or whomever you rate as being brilliant, but you can sing like you. With not a lot of practice everyone can sing in tune and the joy of singing in a group, while not available through lockdown, is one of the most uplifting experiences anyone can have. By not singing, people are missing out on the health benefits of this simple self help practice. </i></p>
<p><i>The natural voice approach encourages and helps everyone to find their voice and dovetails very well with folk music which comes from the storytelling oral tradition - the story being more important than the voice . We use short songs from all around the world, many written by our own song leaders, all with, uplifting heartfelt lyrics, simple melodies and often glorious harmonies. England is the centre of the Natural Voice Network but there are people leading singing groups this way all over the world. </i></p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65177342021-01-10T08:14:00-12:002021-03-11T22:55:07-12:00Gifts<p>Photo Scavenger Hunt <span style='caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: ";'>January 2021 </span></p>
<p><span style='caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: ";'>Good frosty morning to you - the sun is shining and we're in a wintry wonderland, but no snow yet and it's starting to warm up. </span></p>
<p><span style='caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: ";'>So I'm joining in today with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2021/01/link-up-party-gifts.html" target="_blank">Kate's Scavenger Hunt</a> - a wee bit different this month from last year in that we have one prompt per week. </span></p>
<p><span>I love gifts - both giving and receiving. And oftentimes I'll end up keeping the box or the wrapping paper for years afterwards, vicariously enjoying presents that have long disappeared. </span></p>
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<p><span>Tom and I usually buy necessities for each other at Christmas time and for birthdays - things we need but won't get around to buying for ourselves ... but this year I had a special wish - (well two actually, but the paints are already a mess and not to be shown lol ) this beautiful Mbira or Kalimba. It's an African instrument or rather the Western version of a traditional instrument - and I love it. It arrived for my birthday which was also the day mum went into hospital and, well , things have been a bit pear shaped since so I've hardly touched it. One of these days I'll let you hear how it sounds with me playing but I've a bit of practice to do yet!</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a a few weeks back when I wasn't feeling so good a friend came around with an Amaryllis plant which just today burst into bloom. I was expecting a red but instead it's this beautiful pale pink colour ... Just gorgeous. </div>
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<p><span>Thank you Kate for keeping this Scavenger Hunt going - I'm heading now to have a look at what everyone else has put in for this prompt. </span></p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65151832021-01-06T12:02:00-12:002021-01-06T16:30:19-12:00Nollaig na mBan 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPL3O4rl1js/X_XaYOSR6_I/AAAAAAAAF-s/-6M3_Tu837cXSHtEuXj4rIRCYFAslfyewCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/bd2e6f56-2ff0-4c1b-97ec-0e424f8db8a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPL3O4rl1js/X_XaYOSR6_I/AAAAAAAAF-s/-6M3_Tu837cXSHtEuXj4rIRCYFAslfyewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h358/bd2e6f56-2ff0-4c1b-97ec-0e424f8db8a9.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="358" width="400" /></a></div><br><p></p><p>Nollaig na mBan - Women's Christmas or Little Christmas - the 6th January was the traditional day for women of the house to be released from all work duties after the 12 days of Yule. The practice is still kept going down in Kerry and Cork and in recent years a woman in the town here has a regular women's party where we all bring leftovers. Today we celebrate in the virtual world so I'm sending love and blessings to all my women friends around the world. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/65128852021-01-03T06:02:00-12:002021-03-11T23:05:44-12:00Hope is Contagious<p> </p>
<p>Hello dear friends. Thank you for all your new year's greetings. I hope you've had a gentle move into 2021. </p>
<div>I got a lovely card from an acquaintance in Germany who amidst a message of wishing us well and hoping we'd see each other soon said, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>COVID-19 is very contagious, especially in its new variation, but </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>HOPE is also very, very contagious indeed, in all its many variants.</i> </div>
<div>What a lovely sentiment to start the new year. <div><div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>And it's been a gorgeous start here. We've been getting out for a walk in the hills each day (new year, new decisions of course .... ) and today our bones and muscles were aching so we had a very short stroll.
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<div>I love the colours of the sky at this time of the year but haven't yet figured out how to reproduce them on camera - but it's fun trying. <p> </p>
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<br>Of course as soon as I came in, the fire really started over the mountain. </div>
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<p>Have a good week and stay safe. </p>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/64841682020-11-23T07:56:00-12:002021-03-11T23:06:21-12:00Catching up<p>Hello folks</p>
<p>Thank you for the lovely comments on my last post - it's lovely to hear from you all. I've been following along, occasionally dropping in and reading your blogs but I just haven't had the energy to write. </p>
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<p>We've had such a couple of months ... first my mother wasn't well through September and ended up in hospital for 2 weeks - she's fine now thankfully. A week later Tom went in for a routine day procedure and 6 days later collapsed with a massive internal bleed. To top it off, while he was in the hospital there was an outbreak of coronavirus on the ward and he was sent home early to recuperate and both of us on a 14 day self isolation ... a week later back in hospital he tested positive and once again we had a further 14 day isolation. That finally ends tomorrow and I'm seriously going spare not getting out. But all's starting to improve, although he's not fully well yet and thankfully the covid symptoms were negligible and I showed no symptoms at all - at least now he's immune for a couple of months at least. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>So apart from keeping the choir going online and doing a few classes I've been learning how to be a housewife lol. I kid you not - the hardest job I think I've ever done is getting meals ready on time - not our usual way of working (usually we wait until one of us is hungry and then there's a mad scramble to find something to eat)... but it's been good having something to focus on. I have huge respect for all of you that have held down jobs, houses and brought up children - you are heroes. </p>
<p>So now I"ve a couple of book blogs to write, and it's about time to get down to a bit of songwriting too. </p>
<p>We're still enjoying the company of the squirrels (one of whom insists on getting inside the food box!).. </p>
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<p>and I took the greatest of pleasure in building a log pile on my own while Tom was in bed :) </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you're all well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fil </div>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/64733062020-11-08T23:01:00-12:002021-03-11T23:06:50-12:00Bottom of the Garden<p> On a lovely day in August we socially distanced at the bottom of the garden with my friends <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=csilla%20toldy%20-%20author" target="_blank">Csilla Toldy</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tommy.sands.923" target="_blank">Tommy Sands</a> to make a tv programme based on our show The Emigrant Woman's Tale. </p>
<p>On the other side of the hedge is the sea - the border - and this series that Tommy is making looks at all the various projects that have been helped by the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund - groups from both sides of our divided community coming together and reaching out to forge links across borders. We were delighted to be the first programme in the series which was broadcast on YouTube on Saturday night. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/y6KvnYpSRQ4" target="_blank">Here's the link to the YouTube video</a> if you'd like to hear some songs, listen to some poetry and hear tales of our border crossings soft and hard - Csilla crossing the green borders of the Iron Curtain, me skipping across a sheugh as a child. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/64010242020-08-03T07:38:00-12:002021-03-11T23:08:01-12:00John Hume Rest in Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f63zxDFN5Ko/XyhJm7mKlGI/AAAAAAAAF64/9szGO3caKO4gQ77tnMPMbX3VBL31m7jbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/quote-difference-is-of-the-essence-of-humanity-difference-is-an-accident-of-birth-and-it-should-john-hume-53-0-073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f63zxDFN5Ko/XyhJm7mKlGI/AAAAAAAAF64/9szGO3caKO4gQ77tnMPMbX3VBL31m7jbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/quote-difference-is-of-the-essence-of-humanity-difference-is-an-accident-of-birth-and-it-should-john-hume-53-0-073.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
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<p><br>Such a sad day here in Northern Ireland saying goodbye to a true giant of a leader who was the instrument of peace here and a tireless campaigner for civil rights. The peace process in Northern Ireland and the subsequent Good Friday Agreement would not have happened without him and for that I am forever grateful.<br><br>"Difference is an accident of birth" was something he often said. "Our quarrel is not about religion even though that is was it is often described as .... it is about identity." This was and still is the truth of our situation here and he was the first person who really was able to speak about it openly and fairly. <a href="https://youtu.be/vtU_zmajJHI">This speech</a> he gave to the Nobel Committee is well worth a listen if you're interested.<br><br>I had the privilege of meeting John once and he was a lovely gentle man and today he has been honoured by political leaders all over the world as well as on both sides of our community here and has been described as our Martin Luther King.<br><br>John Hume - Rest in Peace. We will not see your like again.</p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63670792020-06-25T21:42:00-12:002020-06-29T21:15:38-12:00June 2020 Photo Scavenger Hunt<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">I love this monthly photo challenge run by Kate from <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/">I Live I Love I Craft</a>. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">These are the prompts for June </span></span></div>
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<h4><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">My garden </span></span></h4>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">At the start of lockdown I was very enthusiastic about getting on top of our garden and giving it some TLC but after I sprained my ankle things slowed down - and now (7 weeks later) it's turned out that the ankle is fractured : - So I'm hobbling around with a boot and crutches and there'll be even less done. How. Ever. I got down on the lawn which we've let go wild cos it's been so dry and there's no grass growing anyway and it's now a mass of wild grasses and flowers - it will be cut shortly but I wanted a few pics before that.</span></span><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk1CVRPN_uw/XvW_IxabI5I/AAAAAAAAF5k/nxFt3a3iw6gELKKUWqE--3GrNrPPF8fBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8430.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk1CVRPN_uw/XvW_IxabI5I/AAAAAAAAF5k/nxFt3a3iw6gELKKUWqE--3GrNrPPF8fBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8430.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="358" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<h4><span style="font-size: medium;">Flowers</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Another from the lawn - I'm sure I'll get this one wrong but I think this is Birdsfoot Trefoil.</span><br><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWcxA1sbDkY/XvR1Ft_AvsI/AAAAAAAAF5M/jglB5PITFf0I5cjDUz3flG9hUepqR6aAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8417.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWcxA1sbDkY/XvR1Ft_AvsI/AAAAAAAAF5M/jglB5PITFf0I5cjDUz3flG9hUepqR6aAACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8417.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="356" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<h4><span style="font-size: medium;">Insects</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Still at ground level today - much better perspective down here - so I spent 5 minutes chasing a ladybug around to get a photo and kept snapping as it climbed up my dress ... this one is over lit but hopefully in focus and I thought it was a very happy accident 😎</span><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv8l6SB2vuA/XvThP_uCQeI/AAAAAAAAF5c/_eptKurf-t0kHmon47lvz1KwACWU-wdDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv8l6SB2vuA/XvThP_uCQeI/AAAAAAAAF5c/_eptKurf-t0kHmon47lvz1KwACWU-wdDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8501.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="356" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<h4><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunset/Sunrise</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: medium;">I love the effect of the sun on the water in the evenings. </span>
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<h4 style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Something wild!<span style="background-color: white;">Your own choice - sorry - you're getting 3 pics here ... </span></span></h4>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">We've had great fun watching the squirrels - this young one, and another one which I haven't managed to catch yet, hasn't figured out the box and keeps trying to raid the birds' nuts- puts a new meaning on pole dancing lol And if you have the patience to watch to the end of the little video, the mother (it looks like a female) couldn't get enough so climbed right in!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Well that's it from me for June, gosh how the year is starting to fly now - at the start of lockdown everything was moving very slowly but now it's racing. Hopefully by next month I'll be back on my feet and we'll be moving around a bit more safely. Stay well all ... Heading over now to the <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/06/blog-post.html">Link Up page</a> to see what everyone else has put up for these words. </span>
</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63658502020-06-24T21:00:00-12:002022-05-18T05:08:22-12:00More Books Around the World Reviews<div> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu1vIEuE39o/XvOCkHr7hXI/AAAAAAAAF3k/lF-Q8Al5P6ce7XY_803_ElrIghRV6fRqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/th.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu1vIEuE39o/XvOCkHr7hXI/AAAAAAAAF3k/lF-Q8Al5P6ce7XY_803_ElrIghRV6fRqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/th.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>So ... I've now done <b>34</b> countries on my <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">Round the World Reading Challenge</a> - hooray for lockdown :) Only another 160+ to go ... and I confess I am dipping into my normal repertoire of UK/Irish/American books and well. You can check the link above to see how I'm going, but here's the rest of the recent ones.<br><br><br> <div style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Lebanon</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFRu6FJlMok/XvOAxJwr3VI/AAAAAAAAF3U/azfqJFqB4-EJPXFAFtSZ90r9Uvy3slffgCK4BGAsYHg/s475/4162472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFRu6FJlMok/XvOAxJwr3VI/AAAAAAAAF3U/azfqJFqB4-EJPXFAFtSZ90r9Uvy3slffgCK4BGAsYHg/s200/4162472.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
<i><b>A Girl Made of Dust</b></i> by Nathalie Abi Ezri<i> </i>*****</div>
<div>
<br>Another 5 star book for me ... beautifully written.<br><br>Based on the writer's own experiences of growing up in a village on the outskirts of Beirut during the 1980s war.<br>It is told through the voice of 8 year old Ruba and the descriptions are absolutely gorgeous - it brought me right back to my own childhood, seeing flowers and trees and people in different ways. And a child's view of the awfulness of war. Can't recommend it highly enough. </div>
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<br><br><br><br><br><b>North China</b>
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<i><b>The Teagirl of Hummingbird Lane</b></i> by Lisa See *****</div>
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<div>I loved this book - so brilliantly researched and beautifully written. It tells the story of a young girl from an ethnic minority tribe who live in the tea producing mountains of north China and how the modern outside world encroaches on them. Lisa See, the author is of Chinese/American ancestry and this is also explored in the story. </div>
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<br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <b>Estonia</b>
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<i><b>The Man Who Spoke Snakish</b></i> by Andrus Kivirahk ****
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<div>It was a review on the cover of this book that drew me to it ... It said <span style="font-size: x-small;">"<i>Imagine it is the end of the world, and Tolkien, Beckett, Mark Twain, and Miyazaki (with Icelandic sagas and Asterix comic books stuffed under their arms) are getting together in a cabin to drink and tell stories around last bonfire the world will ever see." </i></span> Now wouldn't that make you want to at least open the book! lol </div>
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<div>While it is a strange book by any standards - sort of a fairytale, but not quite, again it is a tale of modern versus old ways. And while it didn't send off any bells and whistles for me, it still kept me engaged right to the end.<br><br><br> </div>
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<div><b>Japan/America</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCRU2tXRJtg/XvOINmuHAFI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/ZB-fR6vZrzcSi-S7YhSHpJiVHrhOwPIpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8838.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCRU2tXRJtg/XvOINmuHAFI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/ZB-fR6vZrzcSi-S7YhSHpJiVHrhOwPIpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_8838.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="150" /></a><i><b>The Woman in the White Kimono</b></i> by Ana John ****<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1/2</span>
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<div>Another historically well researched book, again about mixed race and the difficulties there in. This is set in Japan after World War 2 and after the end of the American occupation there. Very interesting and beautifully written. A young Japanese woman falls in love with an American sailor which casts her into a world of not belonging. </div>
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<br>I don't normally enjoy coming of age books - getting too old I suppose - but this one held me to the end - as one reviewer said Joseph has an extraordinary ability to describe emotions and to describe what's unsaid - moods, feelings etc ... I could remember a lot of those feelings. </div>
<div>Leela is a young Indian woman who has studied in Cambridge and is working in Paris trying to find herself. <br><br><br><br> </div>
<div><b>Burundi/Rwanda</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzCX3ZRtBjk/XvOC_17HeTI/AAAAAAAAF3s/cu6vL4W1ud0Ls6Ad3wqECfWqv6YpVSQJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/9781861978578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzCX3ZRtBjk/XvOC_17HeTI/AAAAAAAAF3s/cu6vL4W1ud0Ls6Ad3wqECfWqv6YpVSQJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/9781861978578.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="130" /></a><i><b>Strength in What Remains</b></i> by Tracy Kidder ****</div>I'm entering this for two countries as the are both the subject of this book and truthfully I couldn't face reading more about this awful period in history.<br><br>This Pulitzer Prize winning book is an amazing story of hope and triumph and belief in human goodness.<br><br>It is the memoir of <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deogratias_Niyizonkiza"><span style="font-size: medium;">Deogratias 'Deo'</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Niyizonkiza</span></span></span></a> </span>who escaped the genocide in his native Burundi by first of all travelling to Rwanda, then back to Burundi and eventually to America where, with no English and only $200, he managed to survive, eventually studying at Columbia University, and travelling back home to set up a medical clinic near where he was born.<br>Burundi is one of the 3 poorest countries in the world and in the bottom 5 of GDP and as a teenager Deo tried to build a clinic in his village. </div>
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<br><br>My star system is really just a comparison thing for myself. And I can't figure out how to put in a 1/2 star!!!</div>
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<div> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63652992020-06-24T07:00:00-12:002020-06-25T01:04:11-12:00Books Around the World Update<p> </p>
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<p> </p><p><br>And yet more titles from <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">my reading challenge</a> ticked off this year so far.<br><br><br><b>Malaya</b><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLWGmRqrdIU/Xp6egtgp-_I/AAAAAAAAFu0/UYRs18O0uuYoSAuqyaT7vjWYsRXriV8GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7877%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLWGmRqrdIU/Xp6egtgp-_I/AAAAAAAAFu0/UYRs18O0uuYoSAuqyaT7vjWYsRXriV8GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_7877%2B2.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="150" /></a><b>The Night Tiger </b>by <i>Yangsze Choo ***</i><br><br>I picked this book up from looking at Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list and frankly it wasn't entirely my taste... however, it was a good enough story that kept me engaged until the end, even though it felt more like young adult fiction.<br><br>Set in Malaya in the 1930s, Ren is an eleven year old houseboy who has a secret mission to find his dead master's severed finger and reunite it with its body. He has 49 days to do this or else his master's soul will roam the earth for ever. <br><br>Meanwhile Ji Lin, a dressmaker's apprentice, finds the finger while moonlighting as a dancehall hostess to help pay her mother's debts. Their paths cross and we get a good insight into the tradions of both the colonial British in Malaya at the time and of the local beliefs, myths and traditions.<br><br><br><b>Cuba</b></p>
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<p><b>Next Year in Havana</b> by <i>Chanel Cleeton ***</i><br><br><i>Again, another from Reese's book club and again a bit chic lit for my tastes ..</i><br><br>However, this was a good look at the lives of both the wealthy who fled Cuba when Castro took power as well as the lives of those who stayed behind. It explained very well the life under Batista and the revolution that brought Castro and Che Guevara into the spotlight and the reality of what happened once they took power. It also brought some much needed sunshine into the grey winter months.<br><br>As a border liver I understand the conflict of duality of those people who left the Cuba for America - the feelings of not knowing who or what they really are - are they American now or will they always be Cuban - that identity, and their wealth, is tinged with the feelings of loss and guilt at what they left behind.<br><br>Even though I didn't like the writing in this book, it fulfilled its place in my challenge to teach me about another culture however it left me with the feeling that I never want to visit Cuba as it is now, something that would have been on my wish list of places to see. Musicians have always been special in Cuba, but it was made clear in the story that they, the artist class, were treated in a way that the average Joe isn't.<br><br><b>Armenia/Turkey/Syria</b></p>
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<p><b>The Sandcastle Girls </b>by <i>Chris Bohjalian ****</i><br><i>Another book set in Syria but really the story is about Turkey and Armenia. </i><br><br>A very good, if harrowing story, set during the Armenian genocide in 1913-15 in Syria and Turkey. This was a part of history that I had never heard of and the book was written to coincide with the centenary.<br><br>Elizabeth Endicott is a wealthy young American who arrives in Aleppo, Syria with her father on an aid mission to help deliver food and meidcal aid to refugees of the Genocide. There she meets and falls in love with a young Armenian engineer who has lost his wife and infant daughter.<br><br>I've read a few books about the animosity between Turks and Armenians but didn't know any of the reasons. This was a very good read. <br><br><b>Luxembourg</b></p>
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<p><br><b>The Expats</b> by Chris Pavone ***<br><br>Not much to say about his one ... it's a bit of a romp spy story ... easy enough reading.<br>We visit Luxembourg quite often and play there most years so it was quite interesting for me visiting some of the landscape I know, but other than being set in the city there, it didn't add a lot to my knowledge of Luxembourg - might need to read something in French to get further into it.<br><br><br><br>I think that's enough for now .... on to my next batch.<br><br>What have you been reading recently? Any suggestions to fit my journey, preferably lighter themes? A lot of stories that make it to best of lists are set in conflict zones and I find it hard to constantly read heavy stories even though it is interesting to learn about history and geography through fiction. Still there's times that a jolly good laugh or detective or a love story will do just as well. <br><br>As always a huge thanks to Ash at <a href="http://www.taleaway.com/">Tale Away</a> where I get lots of inspiration of new countries to visit and new writers from those countries.<br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648632020-06-15T20:43:00-12:002020-06-24T07:47:12-12:00Bloomsday<div>Life is starting to slowly picking up speed again around here, with lots of the sessions moving online and our local craft shop opening up for a few days this week. Like everywhere else, the parks and beaches are packed on the good days so we're choosing to stay closer to home. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>The first of the online festivals takes place today to mark Bloomsday and Tom and I have a short video in it of the famous "Loves Old Sweet Song" (Just A Song At Twilight) which features in the book - - that'll be around 6pm Irish Time. I'll also be compering part of the event from 10am.</div>
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<div>For those of you who are not familiar with it, Bloomsday celebrates the James Joyce book Ulysses, once voted the greatest book of all time (- to my mind it falls into the category of the most tiresome of all time! Call me a Philistine but I've never managed to get beyond one page of the blinking thing, even in spite of studying Joyce as part of my English course at Uni). </div>
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<div>Anyway that aside, Ulysses takes place on one day in the life of Leopold Bloom - June 16th, 1904 (Joyce chose that date as the day he met his future wife Nora Barnacle) . It takes place in Dublin, but reference is made to here <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: helveticaneue; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">“He hoped Miss Douce had nice weather in Rostrevor.’</span>- one of the few places mentioned outside of the city. So naturally, some eagle eyed enthusiast here, in this case theatre designer Alistair Livingstone, spotted the connection and not content with having a connection from the area to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and the Queen no less, they have raised Joyce to the level of the others and there will be a one day festival online on the 16th, connecting in with festivals in Dublin, New York, Budapest, Australia and the Irish Cultural Centre in London. </div>
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<div>More info from the Press Release</div>
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<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>Presented by </i><font face="inherit"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>The Light Theatre Company who have filmed, ‘Sirens at the Bar’, Based on the ‘Sirens Episode’ in ‘Ulysses’ by writer Csilla Toldy. Performed by Vivien Botos Cole (Miss Douce), Jennifer McGovern (Miss Kennedy) Neil Cole (Simon Dedalus), Jason Benson (Lenehan) Directed by Alistair Livingstone following strict social distancing rules, specially for this year’s event. </i></span></font>
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<div><font face="inherit"><i>They have also filmed a Bloomsday breakfast which will start the day off.</i><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Apart from musical representations of Joyce’s poems and songs of the era, Poetic Action Rostrevor (PAR) will present ‘Joyce over Rostrevor’, a series of inspiring quotes from Joyce pictured at iconic locations.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">A series of filmed readings will include episodes from the novel, poems by Joyce performed by actors who have sent us their recordings from Belfast, Dublin, Scotland, England and even New York, children's short stories from The Dubliners and new pieces especially written for the festival.<br><br>Tune in today (or in the coming days as it will stay online) on Facebook: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/lighttheatrecompany" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">www.facebook.com/lighttheatrecompany</a><i> and on YouTube. </i></font></div>
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<div> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648642020-06-04T09:00:00-12:002020-06-24T07:47:24-12:00YouTube link<div> </div>
<div>Hi all,</div>
<div>I promised to put up our YouTube link a bit quicker this time from our concert online on Monday night. </div>
<div>It's such a strange way to do a gig, but once we started to see some messages coming in it felt as if people were there in the room with us, or rather that we were in the room with them. <br>Here's the <a href="https://youtu.be/Td0JzOuvz34">YouTube link</a> .</div>
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<div>So now back to enjoying crafting, gardening, and re booking dates that have been cancelled for the rest of this year - I can't believe it, but I actually booked a gig for May 2022 today - crazy - it feels like something out of Star Trek! 2022! </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648652020-06-04T08:52:00-12:002020-06-24T07:47:55-12:00Book Review: Books from the Middle East<p>Some more titles ticked off from <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">my round the world reading challenge</a>.<br><br>These are two more titles from the charity book club <a href="https://www.shelterbox.org/book-club/">ShelterBox</a> which I wrote more about in my last book review post. <br><br><b>Kuwait</b></p>
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<p> <b>The Pact We Made</b> by <i>Layla Alammar ****</i><br><br>Beautifully written debut novel about a wealthy young Kuwaiti woman struggling with a burgeoning anxiety disorder, who is being put under pressure from her mother to marry before she turns 30 but who only wants to escape her seemingly perfect life and live life on her own terms. However she can't even leave the country without her father's permission. <br><br>This is a really interesting insight into a way of life where traiditon and modern living are clashing. Very enjoyable read.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><b>Oman</b></p>
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<p><br><b>Celestial Bodies </b>by <i>Jokha Alharthi ****</i><br><br>Set in Oman, this is the story of three sisters and their journey to get married - another story of traditional values in a modern world. Beautifully written, it won the International Booker Prize in 2019.<br><br><br><i>When I was in my twenties I lived for a short while in Dubai and had the privilege once of being invited to a local wedding where I sat with the women as the bride was being painted wiht henna. She was to be the fourth wife of a local sheikh which I found shocking - not sure if that's still a practice. The older women were very curious about my freckles and wanted to examine my skin, while I was equally curious about being able to meet them without their face coverings and the traditions around the wedding but I was very young and didn't have the language to ask many questions. </i><br><br>This book answers some of those questions - it is a behind the scenes look at an Arabic way of life and the expectations on young women in that world. <br><br><br><br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648662020-06-01T05:30:00-12:002020-06-24T07:48:14-12:00Join us online tonight<div>Hello everyone,</div>
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<div>Just a quick note to let you know that Tom and I will be doing a short online set at 8pm Irish time this evening, representing our local folk club. The concert will be available on You Tube later tonight. It'd be lovely to see you there. </div>
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<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/filcampbell/live">https://www.facebook.com/filcampbell/live</a></div>
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<div>Cheers</div>
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<div>Fil xx</div>
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<div> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648672020-05-29T00:47:00-12:002020-06-24T07:48:29-12:00May 2020 Photo Scavenger Hunt<div>Hello everyone,</div>
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<div>How are you all coping with the continuing lockdown? I'm finding that it's taking me even longer to get anything done and after 10 weeks I'm really relaxing into this pace of life. <br><br>A few weeks back I fell and sprained my ankle and have been going slow ever since - but on Sunday we got out for a short walk for the first time in ages ... so much for my dreams of getting fit over this time. Anyway ....</div>
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<div>Today I'm joining in with Kate's monthly <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/05/mays-scavenger-photo-hunt-link-up-party.html" target="_blank">Photo Scavenger Hunt</a> and most of the photos have come from that walk to Greencastle, a few miles from here, which is on the shores of Carlingford Lough at the mouth of the lough out onto the Irish Sea. On the opposite shore is Greenore in Co. Louth. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;"><font size="4">Triangle</font></h4>
<div>Well I thought it looked like a triangle anyway - and I love the shape of it .... a marker for the feighters coming in to Warrenpoint Harbour further up the lough. </div>
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<h4><font size="4">Circle</font></h4>
<p>Oh how I love the dandelion clocks at this time of the year - it brings me right back to learning how to tell the time on them when we were children. </p>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;"><font size="4">Splat</font></h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not going to show you too much of the Splat! here though you can see some of it at the bottom of the pic - we were slightly too late when we spootted the starling going to the corner of the roof - Tom went to close the hole but realised too late that there were already chicks - so we've had to stick with them - apart from the mess, they're sooooo noisy. Thankfully they take only 3 weeks to fledge so they'll be going shortly - the little darlings:) But they are fascinating to watch. Another year swallows got in to the front porch - thankfully we've avoided that one! I love nature :) </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;"><font size="4"><b>Square</b></font></h4>
<p>I love the (almost) square windows in the Castle at Greencastle - it's a small castle here and dates back to Norman times - one of a series of lookouts right up the lough. There are a lot of remnants of both Viking and Norman invasions around this part of the coast. </p>
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<div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><font size="4"><b>Star</b></font></h4></div>
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<div>A few years ago I was having a real photography phase and managed to get some half decent night time photos - I was really proud of this one.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;"><font size="4">Your own choice</font></h4>
<p>The ferry moored up at Greencastle until times improve. This crosses the border from here to Greenore and is a handy route for people working at the port across the way. It's only been open for a few years so I hope this lay off doesn't impact their business in any way. It's really handy for a day out to Carlingford or a quick route down to Dublin from the Mournes for tourists.</p>
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<p>So that's it from me for another month - off now to join the other Scavengers from around the world to see what they've been up to this month. <br> <br> </p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648682020-04-30T23:44:00-12:002020-06-24T07:48:47-12:00April 2020 in Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRTNSOPfmQ8/XqclTQ4BXkI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/kvwMs9BGTTELFbf76xQRJuhThrJXd5fQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8059.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRTNSOPfmQ8/XqclTQ4BXkI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/kvwMs9BGTTELFbf76xQRJuhThrJXd5fQgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_8059.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<p>I've been trying to take the time this month to get some much needed rest and blogging has fallen by the wayside again .... so I thought I'd at least try to jump in and join the Photo Scavenger Hunt that <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/">Kate at I Live I Love I Craft</a> has kept going for several years now. This month the words, or suggestions, have been put forward by <a href="http://chickenswithpurplethreads.blogspot.com/">Purple Threads</a> and they're an interesting variation to suit this new situation we all find ourselves in. I feel like I want to answer the questions more than put up photos so bear with me....<br><br><br><b>Happiness is ....</b><br><br>Having more than one weekend at home and getting to grips with the garden while watching Nature slowly unfold in front of us.</p>
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<p><br>Normally at this time of the year we are off travelling somewhere. Right now we should be driving home from a trip around Scotland and the north of England after visiting several folk clubs, enjoying lovely gigs, and catching up with friends we've not seen for a few years.<br><br>So it's been a lovely surprise to actually be here at the right time for pruning hedges, planting seeds, weeding and tidying. The poor garden doesn't know what's hit it! This is a very boring photo of a bit of waste ground that it has taken us 17 years to dig over!! so a few herbs and peas already in and more seedlings getting ready<br><br><br><b>Makes me smile ... </b><br><br>There have been so many funny videos doing the rounds since the start of the lockdown - some are chuckle worthy and others really laugh out louds and we've had our one constant smileworthy Red the squirrel. But these sweet flowers make me smile everytime I see them - closing up at night and opening up to the sunshine. Not even sure what they're called but were part of a bag of mixed bulbs I planted in the Autumn</p>
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<p> </p><p><br><b>Relaxing with ... </b><br><br>Finally at Easter we got some time to relax - so out came movies, <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">books</a> and knitting and of course the obligatory glass of wine (hic)... And I've also been dabbling with art journalling - enjoying creating with no end result which has been a huge joy. I'm not artistic in the slightest, so to play with paint and paper with no expectation is bringing me back to childhood and is wonderfully relaxing.<br><br>I set myself a few projects to do during this time using up left over scraps of wool and took this basic pattern from Beate at <a href="https://shop.hedgehogfibres.com/collections/patterns/products/the-big-marl-1">Hedgehog Fibres</a> for a blanket. It is still growing and keeping me warm on these cooler evenings and my piles of unused wool are starting to shrink.</p>
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<p> </p><p><br><b>Busy with ... </b><br><br>Learning new technology ... groan ... sorry, but this is a long comment ....<br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3PF9jNtq-k/XqQcLiwdtiI/AAAAAAAAFwk/eVDmMiZTYawfltC_yBtX-qEHIgBOX1wDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8536.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3PF9jNtq-k/XqQcLiwdtiI/AAAAAAAAFwk/eVDmMiZTYawfltC_yBtX-qEHIgBOX1wDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_8536.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a>Coming up to St Patrick's Day and the week before the official lockdown we were hoping to finish up our run of The Emigrant's Woman Tale and managed to get to the last two shows before everything collapsed. There was an instant panic as we spent the following 2-3 days cancelling the following several months work.Too much stress.<br><br>Then began the task of moving some of it online and that meant learning new tecnhology - to teach a class, to run the choir and to do a concert. It took 3 weeks, but we managed to get all of them going by using Zoom and Facebook Live. However it totally exhausted me and I've ended up taking an earlier than normal holiday to get time to recover (and apologies for not putting up the link after our concert).<br><br>The concert was a huge success - much better than we could have expected - you can still see it on <a href="https://youtu.be/tY7tDBbpRUg">YouTube</a>. Once we starsted seeing comments coming in from around the world, friends and family letting us know they were there, it became very emotional and really really enjoyable. We're considering doing a second one if our energy returns before the lockdown ends, and we'll time it to suit the American clock this time. And I will be a bit quicker about letting you have the YouTube link afterwards<br><br>However, the choir online was not as successful. Because of the delay in sound we cannot sing together from different places - we can use it for a check in and for all the members to say hello, tell a story etc and if I switch off everyone's microphones each person can sing along with the tracks I've recorded. It's not as sastisfying as making music together, but at least it is keeping the group together.<br><br>And the last bit - teaching a one to one class on line - that was a great success - almost better than in real life as I can watch the student better. It just depends on students having good enough technology at their end. <br><br><br><b>Positive about ... </b><br>So as a result of the last one I am positive about learning new ways of being.</p>
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<p><br>But more importantly I'm positive about the future. I've worked weekends all my life and never knew how to switch off. It never occured to me to take days off in lieu, and as I've got older couldn't quite figure out why I always felt ill and exhausted.</p>
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<p>Now I'm learning to rest, relax, chill out and just be. Wheee .....<br><br><br><b>My Own Choice</b><br>Friends doing shopping for us, ... and arriving with a gorgeous bunch of flowers at Easter. And as I've watched the tulips fade in the vase, the shapes of their elegance have been fascinating. I've spent ages each day photographing them, learning about the light, and watching their shapes change.</p>
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<p> </p><p> </p><p><br>Heading over now to <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/04/aprils-link-up-party.html">Kate's linky page</a> to see what everyone else has been up to. <br>#staysafe everyone - this too shall pass. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648692020-04-30T04:51:00-12:002020-06-24T07:49:01-12:00Letters With WIngs<p> </p>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">Taken from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WingsLetters/?eid=ARCB22d6BQQjgUs28rdWJ05PEPj2hLOMuvtQ_hgIqXx4RuDMkWKh9tachDA56K2uMBZqM22excuG6nje">Letters With Wings Page</a> </div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa"> </div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">“<i>And so, her name at the top left-hand side of the envelope; under it, the address of her prison</i>” - Joseph Andras</div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">For Poetry Day Ireland, in a difficult moment where people all over the world are locked up at home because of the pandemic, we want to bond with artists and activists who are kept in prisons for their art or for practicing freedom of speech, or because they are fighting for human rights.</div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1uOV_eixek/XqsA735vXGI/AAAAAAAAFx4/51uHemkxdTEvurBa-L54qEVq1Kuj9L9mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nudem-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1uOV_eixek/XqsA735vXGI/AAAAAAAAFx4/51uHemkxdTEvurBa-L54qEVq1Kuj9L9mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/nudem-2.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="226" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nûdem Durak</td> </tr>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">I'm not a poet so my best effort at supporting this is by sharing information, and reading down the list of artists on the Letters With Wings Facebook Page, this young woman stood out to me. </div>
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<a href="http://voiceproject.org/takeaction/free-nudem-durak/?fbclid=IwAR2_h2Jxmd_NmUFyWuSjEX3WBMyNUceQeyKihnq_luIqBE-hZZyzeecK5kE">Nûdem Durak</a> is a Kurdish folk singer who is in prison in Turkey for singing in her own language. Originally she was imprisoned for one year and then the sentence was extended by another 19 years! She was charged under "the vague notion of propagandising for singing in her own language" which was banned until the early 90s. </div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">I have a particular resonance with her. Back in the 90s Tom and I were doing a gig onboard a ferry between Larne and Stranraer. It was mid summer and the lounge was packed. Some tourists travelling from England asked for an Irish song (which I was studiously avoiding beccaues there were a lot of football supporters in the bar). So I opted to sing The Mountains of Mourne, written by the wonderful Percy French, thinking at least it's a Northern Irish based topic. </div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">At the end of the gig, waiting for disembarkation in Larne, while Tom was off the boat getting our car to load up, the aforementioned football supporters cornered me and called me a string of names and really frightened the life out of me telling me I was an IRA blah blah blah and that my father should rot in prison. I was so shaken that I reported the incident to the bar staff. To my shock they said I was singing songs to incite violence! And we lost the gig - I wouldn't have gone back anyway. </div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">Reading Nudem's story last night this incident has been really fresh in my mind - However, in spite of the nastiness and partisanship here, I wasn't locked up. Can you imagine what that must be like. </div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa">If you are into poetry please check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WingsLetters/?eid=ARCB22d6BQQjgUs28rdWJ05PEPj2hLOMuvtQ_hgIqXx4RuDMkWKh9tachDA56K2uMBZqM22excuG6nje">the Facebook page</a> - my friend Csilla is one of the people behind this project - and leave a message for an artist who isn't allowed to speak out. </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648702020-04-24T23:45:00-12:002020-11-12T02:01:09-12:00Book Review: The PIanist of Yarmouk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqRKQEsy63k/XqQiUubVlwI/AAAAAAAAFws/9lU3FxL8Y4wARj-AqY6Wo-rt-hy0DbD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/430723-887-484-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqRKQEsy63k/XqQiUubVlwI/AAAAAAAAFws/9lU3FxL8Y4wARj-AqY6Wo-rt-hy0DbD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/430723-887-484-1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="174" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>I've been getting through lots of books on my round the world reading challenge since the new year and the lockdown has been helping me get through the pile lying by my bedside. I've <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">updated the list on the dedicated page</a> to include the new countries I"ve been to and thought I'd do a bit of a deeper review of some of them over the next while.<br><br>A while back I joined a charity book club called <a href="https://www.shelterbox.org/book-club/">ShelterBox</a>. They send a book every 6 weeks or so from a new writer and there have been some very interesting titles in their selections including this one. The donations to the charity help with their work with refugees around the world, particularly now with the coronavirus epidemic hitting so many places that are already in crisis. <br><br>So my top book for this year so far has to be The Pianist of Yarmouk<br><br><br><b>Syria/</b><b>Palestinian Refugee Camp </b><br> </p>
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<p> <b>The Pianist of Yarmouk</b> by <i>Aeham Ahmad</i> *****<br><br>You may remember seeing a picture in the news a few years back of a pianist playing in the middle of the rubble of one of the refugee camps in Damascus. Well that was Aeham Ahmad and this book is his memoir - a truly inspiring story of hope in the most awful of places.<br><br>He grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, on the outskirts of Damascus, where Aeham's father, himself a musician, does everything in his power to give his very talented son a musical education. It gives a very intimate account of the actualities of life in these conditions and gives a bitter sweet insight into the life of one of the people we saw walking in those terrible queues of people tyring to get into Europe a few years ago.. Thankfully Aeham survived to tell his story and is playing now in much more salubrious conditions with his family by his side. I would love to meet him and shake his hand.<br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648712020-04-07T00:02:00-12:002020-06-24T07:49:44-12:00Live Online Tomorrow<p>How are you all coping in this crazy time? I'm finding myself vacillating between being really stressed trying to keep up with work which seems to take 3 times as long as normal and just longing for some rest to sit and listen to the bird songs that are magnificent at the moment. <br> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_cYOH7li4I/Xouh3FOKA8I/AAAAAAAAFto/Rp5fUeJB-RAMG0HrUBah0SIqZ_ay0vIvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Facebook%2Bevent%2BGOod%2BCraic%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_cYOH7li4I/Xouh3FOKA8I/AAAAAAAAFto/Rp5fUeJB-RAMG0HrUBah0SIqZ_ay0vIvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Facebook%2Bevent%2BGOod%2BCraic%2B4.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<p><br>The technology challenges have been immense over the past few weeks but finally I've got the choir up and running - more as a singalong weekly get together rather than a choir working in harmonies, but it's still a lovely gathering And my first one to one classes have also worked out much better than expected via Zoom.<br><br>And now our biggest challenge! <br>We were due to be heading to Scotland and the north of England to play at some folk clubs the week after Easter which of course was cancelled so we've accepted a challenge from a friend who runs a lovely gift shop here and we're doing <i><b>our first online concert tomorrow</b></i>. Yikes! Terryifying or what!<br><br>So if you're around and have nothing better to do and are on Facebook, or can access it, we'll be live at 12noon tomorrow. The timing is to suit Belinda who runs the shop, as she comes from Canberra and her family were due to be with her here to celeabrate the 4th annivesary of her shop - Good Craic Gifts. We'll be playing for about 40-45 minutes, mostly our own songs and it'd be great to see you there if you can - it will be available as a replay afterwards and on YouTube.<br><br>So Wednesday 8th April 2020<br>12noon GMT<br>9pm Canberra/Sydney time<br>13h in Europe<br>7am USA East Coast (sorry guys - very early for you but hopefully if this works, we'll do another one as this confinement goes on and time it to suit you on the other side of the Pond).<br><br>If you do pop in, send us a comment so I can see where you're coming from.... <br><br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648722020-03-27T06:52:00-12:002020-06-24T07:50:01-12:00March Photo Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like yourself <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/03/march-photos-staystrongfriday.html">Kate</a> and everyone else I've read so far who've joined the <i><a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/03/marchs-link-up-page.html">Scavenger Hunt</a></i> for this month, I wasn't going to join this month either - my energy has been so low and I'm still trying to work .... but after reading yours I thought ok, let's go for it ... keep the chin up. While cancelling all gigs and classes I've found it hard to do more than knit, cook ad watch tv. But things will go back to normal and some sort of routine will come together. Most of these pics are from archive and it's brought both smiles and tears looking back through the years. And some have very tenuous links ...</div>
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<h4>Birthday</h4>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2015 - on the road - Paris to Munich</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, I'm missing not having any journeys to look forward to ... they've all been cancelled ... but on that day I was a bit glum - an 8 hour drive on a Sunday ....on my birthday .... humph. </div>
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<h4>Jazzy</h4>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>I've been getting stuff off the needles these past couple of weeks .... and this was the first to be finished - made from Scraps of Wool - my Scarfy Thingy inspired by Beate at <a href="https://shop.hedgehogfibres.com/">Hedgehog Fibres</a>.... it was such a joy to knit and I've just found another bitsa project to do during self isolation</div>
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<h4>Flag</h4>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>This prompt made me chuckle Kate because trying to find a non contentious flag around this part of the world is a bit of a challenge ... so archives to the rescue</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeJfVrLjOwE/Xn47eVDCNLI/AAAAAAAAFsw/sWvOBXfvbtQRv0nztMMX7Zgp0AiLxxfHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCF5399.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeJfVrLjOwE/Xn47eVDCNLI/AAAAAAAAFsw/sWvOBXfvbtQRv0nztMMX7Zgp0AiLxxfHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSCF5399.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely not social distancing!! A walk through the Oktoberfest back in 2015</td> </tr>
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<h4>Three</h4>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>This photo believe it or not, is in the crypt of a church. It is in Annahuette in former East Germany and neither of these three gentlemen (who we nicknamed the Three Stooges) spoke English and we had the best night's craic I can (vaguely) remember after a concert. Sadly only the man on the left is still alive now but they were wonderful the three of them. How did we communicate? Schnapps!!! </div>
<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>We had done a concert upstairs in the church and afterwards there were drinks and refreshments downstairs. And every time they said Prost! it couldn't do anything but say Prost! back - it would have been rude lol. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNpNvJ7QvUY/Xn488ZUXNKI/AAAAAAAAFs4/EMwu2f5HQa4ZaafxQFfwo_OFyp_YN2G1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1260242%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNpNvJ7QvUY/Xn488ZUXNKI/AAAAAAAAFs4/EMwu2f5HQa4ZaafxQFfwo_OFyp_YN2G1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P1260242%2B2.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="318" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Three Stooges - Jan 26, 2003</td> </tr>
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<h4>Cushion</h4>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>OK I admit this is a stretch </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plPWN12z_eE/Xn5Dr-J761I/AAAAAAAAFtI/B3kAFuChOHoYelIqPK7_Lqy6qSXJ0KrEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plPWN12z_eE/Xn5Dr-J761I/AAAAAAAAFtI/B3kAFuChOHoYelIqPK7_Lqy6qSXJ0KrEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4729.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <i><b>cushion</b></i> of moss ? </td> </tr>
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<h4>My own choice</h4>
<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>We've been having the most amazing sunsets this past week - this was last Friday - 20th March. </div>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>Again , thank you so much to Kate for organising this photo hunt every month - we really needed it this week. </div>
<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>Going now for my virtual trip around the world to have a look at what everyone else has done... <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/03/marchs-link-up-page.html">Photo Scavenger Hunt Link Up...</a>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648732020-03-16T05:24:00-12:002020-06-24T07:50:15-12:00Singing calms the nerves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzUlwpfi-OQ/Xm-0tHX2iKI/AAAAAAAAFsE/Iu9Boo_rdU0SEi__ChEbPDSi9ZxI5_RvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Singing%2Bcalms%2Bthe%2Bnervous%2Bsystem%2521%2BSing%2Bsomething%2BEVERY%2BDAY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzUlwpfi-OQ/Xm-0tHX2iKI/AAAAAAAAFsE/Iu9Boo_rdU0SEi__ChEbPDSi9ZxI5_RvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Singing%2Bcalms%2Bthe%2Bnervous%2Bsystem%2521%2BSing%2Bsomething%2BEVERY%2BDAY.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi all, </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a wee tip - if you're getting anxious in the midst of all this crisis, turn on the radio or a CD and sing at the top of your lungs - don't worry about who hears you.... It will really help calm you down. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was in Tesco earlier today and got really freaked at how close people were standing to me... So, into the car and turn on some voice exercises and it really worked. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're interested I'm posting a song a day on my choir <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Singmarra/">Singmarra's Facebook Page</a> to sing along with .... I'll add a link for the lyrics too.</div>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648742020-03-11T22:57:00-12:002020-06-24T07:50:34-12:00Waiting for the call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtDiX0-6ViQ/XmoQ765GSOI/AAAAAAAAFr8/16ZlcZLHnNQsSds_U9KPBSAs-zc1M1iMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/88321393_10156720228212175_1742736341025685504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtDiX0-6ViQ/XmoQ765GSOI/AAAAAAAAFr8/16ZlcZLHnNQsSds_U9KPBSAs-zc1M1iMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/88321393_10156720228212175_1742736341025685504_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>We're in the middle of our run of performances of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Emigrant-Womans-Tale-101163351476318/?modal=admin_todo_tour">Emigrant Woman</a> and Border Stories and waiting from day to day to see if they're going to be cancelled while trying not to panic.<br><br>Because of Csilla's story of her escaping from behind the Iron Curtain and the extra play we've added in about homelessness which she also wrote, the Q&A after both the shows in Derry and in Rostrevor were very interesting and informative. One of the pieces we do is called Love in Paris - it's a poem of Csilla's that I have turned into a song and it describes her meeting a stranger when she and her boyfriend finally arrived in Paris after a week sleeping rough to get through the green borders from Yugoslavia to Italy and then over the Alps to get from Italy into France (as teenagers they thoguht that now they were in the free west they didn't need a passport!). Anyway, the stranger in Paris looks after them and helps them find the right address. But we were all shocked to hear in the Q&A a French friend of mine saying that nowadays to do that in Paris would be an arrestable offence ... for the householder! Isn't that the most crazy thing ... What is happening to humanity. <br> </p>
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<p>Today's audience are all school children (if the school isn't closed before we get there) - it will be interesting to hear their take on the different stories. <br><br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648752020-02-28T01:00:00-12:002020-06-25T01:07:32-12:00BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4iZfzglHAU/XlKzQdHiPjI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/3bxUtErSza886thiGh9_bEZ876O0FtrmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1200px-BBC_Radio_Ulster_logo.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4iZfzglHAU/XlKzQdHiPjI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/3bxUtErSza886thiGh9_bEZ876O0FtrmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1200px-BBC_Radio_Ulster_logo.svg.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="128" width="320" /></a></div>
<p><br>Csilla and I will be on the Eve Blair Show on Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle on Saturday next at 1pm talking about our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Emigrant-Womans-Tale-101163351476318/">Emigrant Woman's Tale</a> shows in Derrry and Armagh the following week.<br><br>If you have time have a quick listen in.</p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648762020-02-27T20:50:00-12:002020-06-25T01:07:58-12:00February 2020 in photos<div style='font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>
<span style='font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;'>It feels like February has been spent entirely on the computer, doing publicity for one show or another and getting stuff ready for the various internet spaces. </span><br><br><span style='font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;'>So I really enjoyed taking an hour out today in the unexpected sunshine to take a few pics and think about this month's clues for <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/">Hawthorn's aka Kate's Scavenger Hunt</a> - it really is a great way of slowing the month down for a moment and taking stock.</span><br><br><span style='font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;'>It has been such a stormy month - each weekend seems to blow harder than the one before - and there's another storm on the way today ... but I am so grateful that we haven't had the same problems as our neighbours over in England .... I just couldn't bear that flooding ... I hope you all are safe and dry enough.</span><br> </div>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>So this month's words ....<h4><b>Heart/s</b></h4>We've never been into Valentine's Day here - <span style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;'>33 years I'm waiting for a card!!! But then he hasn't received one either lol - </span>too stingy to pay for a card - plus it's close to our anniversary and if we manage to remember that we sort of combine the two.<br><br>I spotted this lovely heart shaped stone on the beach ages ago and thought it might fit the bill for today. <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7Gx4tC1zF8/Xlfe5nmzt8I/AAAAAAAAFqk/zjabfBLdw3AIsIMVFwUcmD0YGkIaOvUhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCF3556.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7Gx4tC1zF8/Xlfe5nmzt8I/AAAAAAAAFqk/zjabfBLdw3AIsIMVFwUcmD0YGkIaOvUhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSCF3556.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br>The beach is a total mess at the minute after all the storms - and the mussel boats along here cut the seaweed as they go which then all lands up in an icky mess ... this is just one part of it ... all of that used to be grass. Once these storms pass we'll get a crew together for a beach clean up day.<br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Yhjtx5nw8/XljTmLi7oRI/AAAAAAAAFrk/WngTwwug9wUtLQpG-DUDxuc7cjYljBlxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7771%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Yhjtx5nw8/XljTmLi7oRI/AAAAAAAAFrk/WngTwwug9wUtLQpG-DUDxuc7cjYljBlxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7771%2B2.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4><b>Repair</b></h4>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>The Nissan Hut at the bottom of our lane lost even more of its roof during storm Dennis, or was it Ciara? - it really is on its last legs and the guy who owns it keeps trying to nurse it along rather than abandoning it. It came from the German POW camp in Rostrevor when it was dismantled after the war - one of the last still surviving. I've been in for a nosey and unearthed lots of interesting stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRs3n6M4zrQ/Xlfdvn4iFxI/AAAAAAAAFqc/XTGMgSr5MOkyYOWaugPtCL5xY4VnHK0ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8298.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRs3n6M4zrQ/Xlfdvn4iFxI/AAAAAAAAFqc/XTGMgSr5MOkyYOWaugPtCL5xY4VnHK0ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_8298.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'><h4><b>Tail</b></h4></div>
<div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>That'll have to be Red the squirrel....<br>The sun came out for a short burst one day last week in the middle of the pouring rain and who ambled in! I managed to get out the back door without disturbing him - isn't that tail just fabulous! He looks like he has a mohican haircut ... and he certainly didn't go hungry this winter!<br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
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<div class="separator" style='clear: both; font-family: "helvetica neue"; text-align: center;'>You know my other half is a percussionist ... at some point in a recording they were looking for a jingly sound and the 'keys' were brought out! And they've been added to down through the years - even at gigs, people would give us spare keys to add to the chain ... Mostly now it just hangs up in the music room/studio collecting dust </div>
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<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <h4><b>Knot</b></h4>
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<br>The trees are still all bare and showing their beautiful barks with all their knotty details. I love the shape of trees at this time of year. </div>
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<h4 style='font-family: "helvetica neue";'><b>My own choice</b></h4>
<div style='font-family: "helvetica neue";'>Meet Bob the wounded crow - this is a terrible photo - I can't get close enough to him ... he's been hobbling around the garden for the past month or more - looks like he has a broken wing - probably in the storm. He stands under the feeder waiting for the wee birds to drop something for him and of course he's getting fed scraps. It's really funny watching him eyeing up the feeder, head cocked, one eye focussed. But I'd love to be able to help him fly again - usually crows aren't my favourite birds, but he's not annoying the other ones and the squirrel doesn't quite know what to make of him. We've still been pondering getting another cat, but the wildlife is so good around here we'd miss all the drama if a furry beast was chasing them. </div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue;">So I'm off now to have a look around <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/02/februarys-link-up-party.html">everyone else's photos</a> for this months' words. Thank you <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/02/februarys-link-up-party.html">Kate</a> for keeping this going. </span>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648772020-02-26T01:00:00-12:002020-06-25T01:08:30-12:00Border Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
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<p><br>Just a heads up about a show I'm doing locally here at the start of March.<br><br>I've written about <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-emigrant-womans-tale.html">The Emigrant Woman's Tale</a> which I've co-written with Hungarian poet <a href="http://www.csillatoldy.co.uk/">Csilla Toldy</a> - it tells the story of her escape from behind the Iron Curtain as an 18 year old, juxtaposed with my growing up on the border here before and during the Troubles. We come from opposite sides of Europe, one from the country, one from the city, and have crafted a very nice show from our music and words.<br>We recently performed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Emigrant-Womans-Tale-101163351476318/events/?ref=page_internal">the show</a> in Dundalk and had a lovely review of it ....<br><span style='font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "baskerville" , "georgia" , serif;'><i>"The Emigrant Woman was fantastic. We saw it in Dundalk & we thought </i></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style='font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "baskerville" , "georgia" , serif;'><i>it was amazing. A great & true story with amazing music, we highly recommend everyone to go & experience it".</i> </span><br>Bernadette & Dixie</span><br><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><br>We will be in Derry on Friday 6th March and in Armagh on Saturday 14th March.<br><br>.............<br><br>Now we've extended it into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/506649100232417/">Border Stories</a> to include a short dramatic piece about homelessness, entitled Bananas!, also written by Csilla and performed by Belfast actress Vicky Blades. These shows will be followed by a discussion chaired by award winning journalist William (Billy) K Graham.<br>Entrance is Free, supported by the European Union's PEACE IV project. <br><br>Sunday 8th March - 6pm - (International Women's Day) - An Cuan, Rostrevor<br>Thursday 12th March - 4.30 pm - Shimna Integrated School, Newcastle, Co. Down<br>Friday 13th March - 6pm - Sticky Fingers Arts Space, Edward Street, Newry.<br><br>Borders and homelessness are so much in the news at the moment and we are looking for more venues to take particulary The Emigrant out to - so if you've any ideas please get in touch.</p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648782020-02-23T04:40:00-12:002020-06-25T01:08:45-12:00Tsunduko<p><a href="https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/tsundoku-practice-buying-more-books-you-can-read.html?fbclid=IwAR3jukOT-w4BZO7gdJtnV-I5aR8P7yrGTbjTk3ZFDqg0dV7NWYB5udB9sEk">Tsunduko</a></p>
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<h4>The practice of buying more books than you're ever going to be able to read ...</h4>
<p>That makes me smile ...<br>Love it</p>
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<p> </p><p> </p><p><br>I wrote back in October about <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/2019/10/a-reading-challenge.html">a challenge </a>I've set myself to read my way around the world. So I've finally added <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/p/reading-my-way-around-world.html">a page</a> that I will update as I go along to just keep a record of the countries I've visited and, time permitting, I'll add individual posts about the various books as well. So, 26 countries at the moment .... only another 170 or so to go ... According the UN list there are 195 at the moment, not including Taiwan, the Cook Islands - and probably not Scotland, England Wales and NI as individual ones either - but they're countries too ... It'll take me the rest of my life to complete, but that'll be fun. <br><br>I've been struggling with content from a lot of places because many of the highly recommended books are based on stories of war and turmoil and displacement and there's only so much of that I can take at one time. So I've been detouring when there are writers that intrigue me and looking for lighter options as well before diving back into more war torn areas.<br><br>But for now this is a Tsunduko Sunday - my library of books waiting to be read may never get done with .... but what a fun way to go:) </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648792020-02-22T01:31:00-12:002020-06-25T01:08:58-12:00Playing shop<p>I'm fulfilling a childhood dream today ....<br> </p>
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<p> </p><p><br>My friend Belinda runs the local craft shop here in town - <a href="https://www.goodcraicgifts.com/">Good Craic Gifts</a>. She's Australian and has added so much to this place - the shop is a total celebration of local arts, crafts and music and a centre point for a lot of the activity that goes on around here. <br><br>A while back, over coffee, I carelessly mentioned that I'd always wanted to have a shop - when I was younger ... So hey says she, come and sit in for me now and then...<br><br>So, today I'm shop minding - and really just catching up on some writing, reading and knitting in between visitors. But I love this space. It's a bit like playing doll's houses when you're in a caravan or away on holidays. <br><br>It's blowing a gale outside at the minute and then all of a sudden the sun pops out for five minutes before the next deluge, so it's been quite quiet and I've been resising the urge to inspect every single thing in the shop lol</p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648802020-02-14T21:40:00-12:002020-06-25T01:09:11-12:00Simple Pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XydLNAH36IE/Xke3ftbJYgI/AAAAAAAAFnU/joM5VyTRWMc9N0QsfW2DB2wq5cBLgaLIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8209.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XydLNAH36IE/Xke3ftbJYgI/AAAAAAAAFnU/joM5VyTRWMc9N0QsfW2DB2wq5cBLgaLIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8209.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<p><br>Trains! <br><br>I love them! <br><br>This week I've been up in Belfast 3 times and for the first time I've had a chance to use my new free pass on the train - we don't have a great train service here in Northern Ireland, except for the satellite towns around Belfast and the main connection between Dublin and Belfast which thankfully runs through our local town of Newry and is really good. <br><br>Tom and I headed up to #OutPut Belfast - a day long music business conference on Thursday and it was such a pleasure to sit on the Enterprise, have a cuppa, chat through stuff and feel like you were citified for a day with no worries of parking and traffic. The conference was quite good, although full of wide eyed youngsters - we both felt a bit jaded along with the other few old hats whom we met there. It also felt very London centric so I was delighted to hear our Arts Officer talking on one of the panels about our unique sound over here. There's a fantastic new music scene which I'm really out of touch with as it doesn't really impact on our music at all, but some great bands to watch out for and hopefully another Snow Patrol or Soak or Ro will turn up out of here. <br><br>Then back again on Friday with Csilla to pre-record an interview about The Emigrant Woman's Tale for the BBC. We're bring the show to Derry on 6th March and then Armagh on 14th so this radio programme will go out on the 29th February - a lovely piece done down the line with Eve Blair, the presenter in the studio in the North West and us playing and singing in Belfast. There's a piano backing that I wrote for one of Csilla's poems - Sub Rosa, which is written directly about her experience of crossing the Green Border past the Iron Curtain from Yugoslavia into Italy - however I don't play piano that much anymore and we're doing these shows only with guitar - so my nerves were a bit on edge yesterday having to remember that the studio piano is not like my old monstronsity in the house that needs the life hammered out of it to get a decent sound. But a few takes did the job. <br><br>I love the feeling of walking in the city - there's an energy which doesn't live in country villages and I easily reach my steps target for the day and come home with a smile on my face even after dragging the heavy guitar case around. Having grown up in the country I've always preferred cities but city born hubby much preferred to get out and into a small town. I think the train pass will be used more frequently in the coming months. Love it :)</p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648812020-01-31T21:14:00-12:002020-06-25T01:12:24-12:00St Brigid's Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMDfF3kwApk/XjPyvp6811I/AAAAAAAAFnE/kcfrv972_24NWDjxbuCXr873y0BWHVAygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/safe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMDfF3kwApk/XjPyvp6811I/AAAAAAAAFnE/kcfrv972_24NWDjxbuCXr873y0BWHVAygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/safe_image.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="166" width="320" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from RTE programme mentioned below</td> </tr>
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<p>The blessings of Brigid to you today on this first day of Spring - it's Imbolc. I still haven't got a new Brigid's Cross for this year but hopefully someone today will give me one.<br><br>If you're interested in the old traditions, here's a lovely piece from RTE about <a href="https://www.rte.ie/culture/2019/0131/1026673-st-brigid-and-the-coming-of-spring/?fbclid=IwAR33f-Lsw4IzcuGFGPb5oil3HVn5pUQDP1ZY3vpeGkr9KU2ZCJMde2_TP6Q">St Brigid and the Coming of Spring</a> which is still a very important day here. <br><br>And a mention to the <a href="http://www.brigidoffaughart.ie/">Brigid of Faughart</a> Festival across the lough from here in Co. Louth - which is always very thoughtfully curated. Faughart outside Dundalk is one of the main shrines to Brigid on the island - they celebrate her both as Goddess and Saint.<br><br><br>Back to the more mundane - when a technical company tells you that it'll only take a couple of clicks of a button to do something I should know by now that their definition of a couple is way way way off the mark!!<br><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrOZk1j6F8A/XjPzYiO8OLI/AAAAAAAAFnM/KK5280304Twof0K0oW2GvmDZUaQ30iIjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-01-31%2Bat%2B09.28.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrOZk1j6F8A/XjPzYiO8OLI/AAAAAAAAFnM/KK5280304Twof0K0oW2GvmDZUaQ30iIjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2020-01-31%2Bat%2B09.28.51.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="194" width="320" /></a>We've had <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/" target="_blank">our website</a> hosted by an American music company for many years - one who also helps us put our music on iTunes and lots of other pfaffy things that I try mostly to ignore. But they have been emalgamated into another company and we were assured of a very quick and smooth transition. To be fair they did give us a good bit of warning but life got in the way of business there for the past few months.<br><br>And the couple of clicks??? 2 weeks!<br><br>So anyway we're up and running by the deadline of this Friday - we've made some changes with more to come -have a look and see what you think. </p>
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<p><a name="more"></a>Now back to rehearsing today for a new run of <a href="https://fil-campbell.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-emigrant-womans-tale.html">The Emigrant Woman's Tale</a>. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648822020-01-30T20:52:00-12:002020-06-25T01:12:39-12:00January 2020 in photos<div> </div>
<div>Joining in today with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/01/januarys-link-up-party.html" target="_blank">Kate at I Live I Love I Craft for the monthly Photo Scavenger Hunt</a> - come along for a wee peak at what everyone else has put up to illustrate the words for this month. </div>
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<p><br>For me, this should really be - where was the most ludicrous place that things have turned up !! Like finding my phone in the fridge 24 hours after I'd most definitely had it stolen!!</p>
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<p><br>But I reccently found this newspaper cutting - I thought all my old clips had been thrown out - I won a talent compeition back in my late teens and was invited back as the main guest the following year. In between times I'd met my two lifelong friends Nigel on the left and Willie on the right and we formed a band called Misty Morning - the name came form the title of a song I'd written with a school friend. You'd think butter wouldn't melt in our mouths LOL We played together with an added bass player until I left for the middle East in 1980. Nigel still works in the business as a music promoter and Willie owns a pizza company. It's definitely time for a catch up. </p>
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<p>I got a glimpse into the print workshop last week at TGC - a wonderful thing that means very little to me. We've been watching Anne With An E on Netflix - the new Anne of Green Gables - and it's wonderful . A printing press has been featuring heavily over the past few episodes in that too.<br>The artist in Annaghmakerrig was an American based in Paris and she very kindly let me have a look in to see the machinery - I would have loved a day playing in there. </p>
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<h3><i>Lunch</i></h3>
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<p>A reminder of warmer days .... the start of our festival in July is a picnic lunch up in the meadow that gives the Festival its name - Fiddlers Green. This is a meeting place about 600 feet up the slope of Slieve Martin which would have been the crossroads on the old road from Newry to Kilkeel. They say Fiddlers Green is where fishermen go to heaven. <br><br>Here, festival chairman and folk activist <a href="http://www.tommysands.com/" target="_blank">Tommy Sands</a> is opening proceedings with a song and a welcome - the session lasts for 2-3 hours and usually there'll be performers from more than 15 countries taking part - last year we counted 17 nationalities. <br><br><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ergsv3h3cs/XjKexL0myLI/AAAAAAAAFm0/sbnmW1RSCWoqfYdhaFuaY3C9jZqyyI2CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7442.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ergsv3h3cs/XjKexL0myLI/AAAAAAAAFm0/sbnmW1RSCWoqfYdhaFuaY3C9jZqyyI2CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7442.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a> <br><br><i><b>Starts with M ..... </b></i><br><br><i><b>Migrant's Day</b></i> was on the 18th December.<br> </p>
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<p><br>To mark it my friend Csilla Toldy and I ran an event called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/288878035387108/" target="_blank">This Is Home</a> to raise money for the homeless in our local town and invited people from as many nationalities as we could find in the area to perform a song or a poem or a piece with special meaning to them. I'm borrowing some photos from my friend Belinda at Good Craic Gifts - she's from Australia and had us all joining in on an Australian version of Jingle Bells to wind things up.<br>All performers spoke in both English and in their own native language - We had readers from Poland, Iran, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France - Den read some of his lifestory from being a captive aboard a fishing trawler off shore in Camobdia, a Lebanese girl sang and several local performers sang songs about emigration, this being a country where that theme is so much a part of our history. At the end we sang Silent Night in 6 different languages and the Syrian ladies who run the foodbank in Newry joined in with us. The venue <a href="https://www.therostrevorinn.com/" target="_blank">The Rostrevor Inn</a> where we hold most of our events put on a spread of mostly Polish food which was enjoyed by everyone - a great lead up to Christmas which will hopefully become an annual event.</p>
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<h3>ENDS with T.... </h3>
<p><i><b>Frost</b></i> in the morning<br>The pink skies in the mornings in the middle of January weren't the best harbingers - shepherds warning and all that ... but seeing the moon over a frozen pond with that tinge of blue in the sky lifts my heart.</p>
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<p> and I had to add in a wee pic of this cute birdhouse outside our cottage window at Annaghmakerrig.</p>
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<p><br><b>My own choice </b></p>
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<p><br>Two of my favourite things coming together - curly trees - hazel I think that one is or is that willow? Whichever, it's curly and that delights me. And secondly, the colour of that moss, glowing in the afternoon sun. Filters haven't entered my photography yet so that's au naturel.<br><br>The weather here has been so typically January these past weeks - storms and lots of rain - and then the blessing of a warmish, blue-sky day for a walk in the fresh air.<br><br>Thanks to <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2020/01/januarys-scavenger-hunt-photos.html">Kate</a> for keeping this lovely hunt going - it's always a challenge and always fun to see what everyone else has put up for the prompts. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648832020-01-25T00:04:00-12:002020-06-25T01:12:56-12:00Annaghmakerrig - the annual visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm1aygkH8ug/XiqsfS1Ss2I/AAAAAAAAFkY/KdJ3rerW3G4cKND-tha3qtEROITqqQQWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7663.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm1aygkH8ug/XiqsfS1Ss2I/AAAAAAAAFkY/KdJ3rerW3G4cKND-tha3qtEROITqqQQWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7663.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Having written lots about <a href="http://www.tyroneguthrie.ie/" target="_blank">the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig</a> before I'll not bore you with more details other than it was the estate and family home of an aristocratic composer Tyrone Guthrie who left it first to two workers who looked after the farm and that was susequently taken on by the Arts Councils of Ireland and Northern Ireland as a retreat for artists to come and gain inspiration and quiet out of their daily routines.<br> </p>
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<p> As well as the main house accommodating up to 13 writers full board, there are also five self catering cottages that are mostly occupied by musicians and visual artists. They're also ideal for couples like ourselves. </p>
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<p> I feel the presence of Seamus Heaney and Paul Muldoon, playwrights like Martin Lynch and Marie Jones and Brian Friel, there's a wonderful concert pianist here at the minute whom we can hear practicsing in one of the rooms and the paintings adorning the walls have all been left or donated by well known names in their fields as well as people just beginning on their artistic paths.<br> </p>
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<p> With visitors from America, England, Germany and Ireland there was a very international feeling during our week. </p>
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<p><br>What must it have been like to live in a place like this - call it your home!</p>
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<p><br>The gardens are beautiful and we've decided to go back at the end of the Summer this year so we can experience the place in full bloom, althought with its winter coat on it was still a lovely place to walk through with a surprising amount of colour showing through. </p>
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<p><br>So between the usual January days with storms and bluster we had some lovely frosty mornings with gorgeous sunsets and blue skies during the day. Who wouldn't be inspired with skies like that ....</p>
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<p><br>A young artist from Lisburn just starting out on her path was vying for the biggest grin along with the young German classical guitarist - their delight was infectious and we all felt the need of an injection of joy which the place always imparts. We came away with some more or less finished songs and more new ideas - the bones of a new album starting to shape up - now to not let the world crowd in again so we can get them moving onwards. </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724692020-01-20T21:00:00-12:002020-06-25T02:19:38-12:00A very eventful December - singing with Anuna<p>I'm determined to get my look back at all the December happenings before January is out, so bear with me.</p>
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<p>So after our visit to Dublin the next day my choir had a workshop and a performance scheduled with Anuna. Another emotional roller coaster. If I'd had any idea of how amazing the workshop was going to be I would have pushed all my singers to make sure they could be there.<br> </p>
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<p>Anuna were the orignal voice of Riverdance - you may remember seeing gorgeous young women with cloaks carrying candles and sounding like angels. They are quite classical in style but have a very Celtic sound if that's a thing. 8 women and 9 men.<br> </p>
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<p>I know those of you into music and choirs will find this interesting ....<br><br>This group have no conductor, no-one out front, no-one counting them in - all their performance is lead by breath. And they showed us how they do it ... It was so interesting. They use the energy of the audience and wait for everyone to settle before they begin.<br><br>First Michael McGlynn the founder and director of Anuna asked me to conduct a piece, then do it again without moving my hands ..hmm No, don't mouth the words! No, don't use facial expressions! At that I started to laugh and couldn't think of what else to do - so he proceeded to tell the group to close their eyes. <br> </p>
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<p>Without giving them the note again - and remember this is a community choir, not a professional group, and we were now perhaps 10 minutes into the exercise, he then took a breath and they all started in unison and in tune. Standing in front, I couldn't even hear the breath ... It was so exciting. Here's a wee snippet from the workshop.<br> </p>
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<p>This piece blew us all away - it's called Jerusalem and was composed by Michael McGlynn and is a 7 piece canon in a style that is still sung in the Outer Hebrides .... The girls moved around the monastery as they sang this so the sound wrapped around us all - it was so moving.</p>
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<p><br>So after going through breathing exercises and unison singing we rehearsed Gaudete to perform with them in the Monastery later in the evening. We were drilled in walking on, bowing and walking off - such fun - I wonder how much of it people will remember when we start back next week lol</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> So here's the performance - This is a terrible image but you can see the candles held by the Anuna ladies - we're surrounding them - they didnt trust us with the candles lol - and you can certainly hear us when we come in after the 2nd verse. </div>
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<p>We were all high as kites for a week after and it certainly made a difference to our two Christmas performances and attracted more people to want to join us.<br><br>I have no desire to have a professional level choir - my main passion is to get people to use their voices - almost without exception, people who join community choirs tell the leaders that they can't sing or can't sing in tune - given 10 minutes singing in a group with fun songs and no-one pointing fingers everyone sings well in tune and has fun. But, this experiecne will certainly lift the level of what we do, me as much as the singers - in fact it'll give me the opportunity to join in and sing with them rather than being stuck out in front. </p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648852020-01-19T21:00:00-12:002020-06-25T02:57:26-12:00A very eventful December - meeting the President<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were very excited back in October to recieve a gilt edged invitation from President Michael D Higgins' office to attend the lighting of the Christmas tree at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin on 7th December. </div>
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<a href="http://www.president.ie/" target="_blank">President Higgins</a> who is known by everyone as Michael D is the 9th president of Ireland and a very interesting character which is reflected in everything he does. A poet and scholar, a native Irish speaker as well as a seasoned politician, and married to Sabina a former actress from the Abbey Theatre, his entire presidency has been a message of integration and inclusion - at his inauguration he had speakers from every major religion in the country including humanists and atheists! If you're interested <a href="https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-hosts-tree-lighting-reception-2019/speeches" target="_blank">here's the link to his Christmas speech</a> which focussed on welcoming the new Irish into the country and helping them feel at home at a time when family is important. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The president's home is in the Phoenix Park in Dublin and was formerly the seat of the British High Consul. It is a fabulous early Georgian building which houses all the offices associated with the Presidency and is where all visiting dignitaries are welcomed including the Queen and Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla and many former US presidents including Barack Obama. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The entire day was set up for children and 100 kids from orphanages are entertained each year with their carers. We assumed we were invited because Tom's book The BirdsSong is about inclusion and aimed at children - we were delighted whatever the reason and were especially pleased to have an invite for four of us, so Colum who illustrated the BirdsSong book was also able to attend with his wife Deirdre.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did have our photos taken with the President and his wife but haven't been able to locate a copy yet and with us all being slighty starstruck, not one of us had the presence of mind to ask one of the staff take a photo for us ... however... We did catch Santa! </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After been ushered into meet MIchael D and Sabina we were then moved through to meet Santa and his elves and from there outside again and into a hall where entertainment and food was laid on before the speeches. </div>
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<p>and the Peace Bell which was commissioned to honour the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement by Mary McAleese, one of two female presidents and the only president to come from the North of Ireland - she's a native of Rostrevor where I live. </p>
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<p><br>And the highlight of the entertainment particularly for the young ones, although I was quite thrilled to see hime too, was Hozier who's chart hit Take Me To Church a few years back has made him into a household name. He did a lovely set, finishing with Silent Night in Irish (Oiche Chuin) He's a beautiful singer and a former member of Anuna who we were to meet the following day. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then outside for the switch on of the tree....</div>
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<p><br>The building was kept open afterwards for us to look around - and for more teas and coffees, mince pies and choirs . <br><br>The main entrance is a hall of bronze busts of former presidents ... Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson and Eamon deValera pictured here.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all it was a charming afternoon. I would love to go back sometime and do the official tour as the building is crammed with fabulous Irish art and sculpture and I find President Higgins charming - a welcome change from the political bluster that is the norm at the minute. </div>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648862020-01-18T22:47:00-12:002020-06-25T02:19:56-12:00Infuriating<p>This story made me so mad - what is wrong with this world.<br> </p>
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<p>It was bad enough that they put Extinction Rebellion on a watch list, but Greenpeace!!!<br>Read the full story from the Guardian <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/17/greenpeace-included-with-neo-nazis-on-uk-counter-terror-list?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR3V8uzlBwxYN3-VcsAoIem8hRXIaZI_WZgeQ145N2NJElgalVbv0r7859c" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/63648872020-01-16T22:18:00-12:002020-06-25T02:58:47-12:00A week in creative rest<p> </p>
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<p>I'm very impressed by young writers these days - whether that's on blogs, songwriters, authors - they have a great sense of honesty, openness, authenticity. Perhaps it's our growing up in a society where it wasn't ok to speak your mind - you didn't know who was listening - but I find it very difficult to be that open. This week we saw the restart of our Stormont Assembly, after 3 years of not working. Doubtless our health and education services were used as pawns by the powers that be to coerse our idiots to get beyond school yard politics and start behaving like politicians - I wonder how much honesty will be evident there. </p>
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<p><br>We've come away for our annual visit to <a href="http://www.tyroneguthrie.ie/" target="_blank">Tyrone Guthrie House</a> in Co. Monaghan. - hopefully I"ll get some nice photos from here for next week's Scavenger Hunt. <br><br>It's a great place to re-focus priorities - move back into my own realm - after such a busy couple of months with choirs and an impending tour of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/586047025573232/" target="_blank">the Emigrant Woman's Tale</a>, it's hard to find space to hear your own thoughts and tunes and see where you want to move to next - to find your own honesty. <br><br>So we've both been going through hundreds of voice notes and memos on our phones, dumping, editing, rearranging and getting into a rhythm of work that's exciting us both and setting a way of working for the coming months.<br><br>We've use of a studio although mostly we're working in our cottage but I absolutely love having access to a beautiful piano to work through chord progressions when I get stuck in a riff on the guitar. And looking out across green fields through rainy windows is better than being stuck in front of the tv or computer screen at home. <br><br>As always, there's an international group here this week - several writers, a couple of painters, a pianist rehearsing for an upcoming concert in Paris, a young German guitarist writing music for a new album and a couple of people editing scripts for films and tv shows. That mix is so inspiritng and makes for very interesting converstaion at dinner.</p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724732020-01-13T08:07:00-12:002020-06-25T02:59:02-12:00Such a waste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awmPgow-PVw/XhzMLyww7mI/AAAAAAAAFfg/piqtszp0RE0hxzkcv5eP-3dHP2OuxU7BACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8078.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awmPgow-PVw/XhzMLyww7mI/AAAAAAAAFfg/piqtszp0RE0hxzkcv5eP-3dHP2OuxU7BACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_8078.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<p>We just got along the seafront before the road was closed today as Storm Brendan passed through. This was the scene 20 minutes later ....(photo stolen from my friend Clare on Facebook)<br> </p>
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<p><br>I hope you've not been too battered where you are ...<br><br>Thank you for all your lovely messages of support on my last blog ... we're both very tired and of course Tom is shattered emotionally and physically... however ill, or whatever the relationship, it is tough losing your mother.<br><br>Like everybody I know I'm trying to be more concious of what we throw out in our house ... particularly following <a href="http://kerenzaallin-garner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kezzie</a> who regular posts very useful updates on how she's changing her lifestyle. Thanks for all the hints Kezzie. <br><br>In light of that, when clearing out Dorothy's house for sale, we've been really shocked at all the paraphenalia associated with old people that is given freely by the National Health Service but is then thrown in the dump. Someone came to remove the stair lift and when Tom asked how it'd be resued, the engineer said, no way, it'll be taken to the dump. We'd been informed that it cost £5000 when it was put in and he was removing 4 that day and does similar work each day. That is shocking and the NHS is in such crisis ... The same is done with wheelchairs, zimmer frames, walking sticks and on and on. A physiotherapist I spoke to said they're not allowed to take back walking sticks even if they've only been used for a couple of days! We can buy reconditioned cookers and fridges and lots of other things - Surely the NHS should be able to employ someone to recondition a lot of these things. And look at all the medicines that are prescribed, then changed or left behind when someone passes on but the pharmacies aren't allowed to take them back ... It is awful ... something must be done about it.<br><br>Anyway rant over.<br><br>Any suggestions? Are there any initiatives where you live? We heard of one person here who collects these things and brings them by truck to Romania ...<br><br>And briefly back to the weather ....</p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724742019-12-30T23:30:00-12:002020-06-25T02:59:19-12:00Dorothy<p>I've been missing you all for the past while - it's been a rollercoaster of a month.<br><br>My mother in law Dorothy passed away very suddenly early in December and left us all shocked and feeling in limbo. She had been in and out of hospital with minor ailments and on this occasion was getting ready to go home when she suddenly became unresponsive and never really came out of it. It was scepsis. <br> </p>
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<p><br>Between her passing and her funeral we had been invited on the back of our Birdsong book to visit the home of the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, for the lighting of the Christmas tree and Tom decided to go as it was quite an honour to be invited in the first place. Aras An Uachtarain is a beautiful building and the day was very special. That was the Saturday and on the Sunday my singing group Singmarra had a workshop with the amazing vocal group Anuna and performed in concert with them in the monastery that night. <br><br>Then Dorothy's funeral was on Monday.<br><br>By Tuesday morning I didn't know what end of me was up and proceeded on to our rehearsal and choir dinner on the Tuesday night, more rehearsals on the Wednesday and our Christmas concert on Saturday.<br><br>I will tell you more about the positive December happenings in a future post but it doesn't feel apt at this point. I still feel like I"m reeling.<br><br>So in the midst of all this emotion Christmas got put aside until the 23rd when my lovely Aussie cousin arrived from London and I was forced into doing some sort of a clean up and get organised.<br><br>My apologies for not being in touch, and not sending Christmas cards - the house eventually got decorated on Christmas Eve, thanks to cousinly efforts, and we had a lovely Christmas with friends as my mother had decided not to join us this year.<br><br>I am happy for Dorothy - it was a blessing for her as she was so unhappy and so wanting to "go home" but it has been a strange Christmas for us, particularly for Tom, and without my own mother here it made it even stranger. However we're now on New Year's Eve and have somehow surtvived, albeit with another funeral tomorrow to start the New Year :(<br><br>I hope next year is a bit less tempestuous and I look forward to keeping up some level of regular practice of blogging... I have been dropping in and keeping up with what you're at, just not getting around to commenting. <br><br>This blogging community means a lot to me and I wish you all a very happy, healthy, peaceful and above all safe New Year. See you in the next decade ...eeek!<br><br>Fil</p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724752019-12-24T10:01:00-12:002020-06-25T02:59:33-12:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas to you all</span></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It's been a pleasure following along with your blogs throughout the year and I look forward to more of the same in the coming decade. </span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the holidays.</span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;'>I've been AWOL for the past few months but hopefully normal service will return soon. </span><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></span></i></div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724762019-11-20T22:50:00-12:002020-06-25T02:59:55-12:00The Birds' Song Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOSbl1oJN2g/Xc3kMjImMfI/AAAAAAAAFdw/JP7plJ04M1YDyAPO04VMtLEfpv3kxx_EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOSbl1oJN2g/Xc3kMjImMfI/AAAAAAAAFdw/JP7plJ04M1YDyAPO04VMtLEfpv3kxx_EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Robin.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>It seems like a long time since the end of July when we launched Tom's children's book at Fiddlers Green Festival back at the end of July. Since then we've waited to promote it until we decided how to proceed. It has been taken back to primary schools in England, Germany, Denmark, Australia and Canada and there's already a German translation of it, so there are possiblities if we can follow them. It has even ended up on the desk of the President of Ireland!<br><br>The Birds' Song is a fun song about the problems of immigration ... and when we first started to sing it in folk clubs, several people asked for it to be put into a book for children as it relates to the themes of diversity and culture that they focus on for 6 and 7 year olds. </p>
<div> <div>So now we're onto its second print (and we're delighted to be able to take the price down a wee bit) and we're just starting to get it out beyond friends and family and the local area, so fingers and toes crossed that we can get it to those who like to read to children and teach them songs. One teacher in Liverpool has promised to teach it to her children for christmas assembly and video it for us - that would be so exciting and another friend in Germany who did the translation of it is also teaching it to her 6 and 7 year olds. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf7T1gfikVw/XVGgdIO23JI/AAAAAAAAFXw/pu-WWVugLcorSrdjyeCPJwMgl2zGLTRWACLcBGAs/s1600/BirdSong%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zf7T1gfikVw/XVGgdIO23JI/AAAAAAAAFXw/pu-WWVugLcorSrdjyeCPJwMgl2zGLTRWACLcBGAs/s400/BirdSong%2Bcover.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="282" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Birds'Song illustrated for children in a 16pp book<br> to teach that differences are good.<br> </td> </tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="font-size: large;">Robin and his friends Blackbird and Thrush are wondering why the foreign birds are not visiting and think that something is afoot. Are other birds stopping them at the borders? </span></span></i> </h4>
<br><a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/the_birds_song/" target="_blank">The Birds' Song</a> is a gentle parody song about immigration, in a language that children can understand. It is told from the perspective of the home birds versus the migrating birds. It was Tom's idea and he wrote the text. It has been illustrated beautifully by Colum McEvoy and I wrote the music.<br> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“We may have different feathers and sing a different song<br>But when we sing together the differences are gone.”</i></b></div>
<br>Aimed at children aged 5-7 years old and covering themes of diversity and culture, the Birds’ Song book is 16 pages, A4, has the sheet music included and is priced at £6.<br><br>Listen to The Birds Song <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/music" target="_blank">here</a><br>Purchase <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/shop" target="_blank">here</a>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724772019-11-14T12:02:00-12:002020-06-25T03:00:10-12:00Little footballs ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mxtQpEUrGs/Xc3nOxsergI/AAAAAAAAFd4/Q9SWf2TkSXIkmnriXU0cLKXtcjxOI90CACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mxtQpEUrGs/Xc3nOxsergI/AAAAAAAAFd4/Q9SWf2TkSXIkmnriXU0cLKXtcjxOI90CACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7865.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<p><br>It was a relief to get out for a walk today after being laid up for nearly 2 weeks (again - yes, the third time this year ... ) and with the diary filling up with mainly choir and singing group commitments between now and Christmas I thought it was way past time that I started to get a bit of exercise. </p>
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<p> It was actually quite warm in the sun but you could really feel the bite in the wind. </p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iadLKvHkxI/Xc3o-HVBedI/AAAAAAAAFeM/qYzV2vtCZiEfDzob8z8JsNstT5orNWLrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7551.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iadLKvHkxI/Xc3o-HVBedI/AAAAAAAAFeM/qYzV2vtCZiEfDzob8z8JsNstT5orNWLrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7551.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="223" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Is it just me or do these pine fruit look like little footballs - they really made me smile.</td> </tr>
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<p><br>Judging by the amount of berries around, it's going to be a very cold winter ... the birds have lots of choices...</p>
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<p> </p><p><br>It was a really lovely walk around the bay at full tide. </p>
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<p> </p><p><br>We've been shocked to see the terrible floods across the north of England and the awful fires in Australia. I hope you are all safe and dry. It's been raining a lot here and very cold but thankfully there's not been a lot of flooding other than in the fields.</p>
<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724782019-10-26T22:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:00:26-12:00The Invisible Tree<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBTL-3d70is/XbAqMgKkTRI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/TFYr1XVPeIktueL4J8nQUUeAOtQjcRNCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/73320890_1406939649466392_6649594248863678464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBTL-3d70is/XbAqMgKkTRI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/TFYr1XVPeIktueL4J8nQUUeAOtQjcRNCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/73320890_1406939649466392_6649594248863678464_n.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic: Courtesy of RARE</td> </tr>
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<p><br>For my Moment of Joy this week I'm sharing the story of the Invisible Tree which has just won the NI branch (excuse the pun) of the Tree of the Year competition. Read more here ....<br><br><a data-ft='{"tn":"-U"}' data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishnews.com%2Fnews%2Fnorthernirelandnews%2F2019%2F10%2F23%2Fnews%2Fsessile-oak-tree-in-rostrevor-crowned-northern-ireland-s-tree-of-the-year-1745727%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1EhFuikYO-qQD7Gu4OX_IFfn3QJigWYcB7miHu6Hk1Rm_kuGr-8JInOZI&h=AT1HCZSxPGugvmbIfE-jzPAEKg6TpK1HH4eSYiPtgkefxcrBF-lWIS83OmJkgd_YhCeGcqWePZim7jVCN6TnUYBjW0I1Hk8qeu5d1SNE5gQeJgu3OPNsOMHz-LmodnV1d-1ou4sQ5_vmrejuvxY2Bvd_UTypjJKIrjSQyDpddmXjN4p1ZrbQwbQ" href="http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2019/10/23/news/sessile-oak-tree-in-rostrevor-crowned-northern-ireland-s-tree-of-the-year-1745727/?fbclid=IwAR1EhFuikYO-qQD7Gu4OX_IFfn3QJigWYcB7miHu6Hk1Rm_kuGr-8JInOZI" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.irishnews.com/…/sessile-oak-tree-in-rostrevor-c…/</a><br><br>A while back I wrote a piece about a building project that was being proposed on the edge of the forest where the council overturned their own planners advice and allowed the project to go ahead in spite of no proper traffic assessment or assessment on the danger to the animals and trees in the forest. As it turns out, the site was afterwards put up for sale and the planning permission was listed as being suitable for changing to alternate purposes. In other words, the original plans to build a nursing home and some luxury apartments was a ruse - no nursing home will ever turn up there.<br><br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RostrevorRARE/" target="_blank">Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment (R.A.R,E)</a> started a campaign and took it as far as the High Court to get the plans at the very least reduced in size, but a high court judge ruled in favour of the builder.<br><br>Not deterred, RARE carried on with a much more successful action, focussing on this tree that was left off the plans along with a right of way. Now The Invisible Tree and the story is getting worldwide attention and the site is still not sold - there are many ways to skin a cat ...<br><br> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724792019-10-24T19:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:00:42-12:00The Search Engine that Plants Trees #WATWB<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVZGgOxhp_Y/XbAtlqmUHxI/AAAAAAAAFdY/6emKtpCwHSoYfFH9XvsiE4soKHbS2Q6BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/safe_image.php.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVZGgOxhp_Y/XbAtlqmUHxI/AAAAAAAAFdY/6emKtpCwHSoYfFH9XvsiE4soKHbS2Q6BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/safe_image.php.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Ecosia - the search engine that plants trees</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've just started using this search engine to see how it compares to Google which frankly I am fed up with - they are everywhere - sorry Google, if you're watching this!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.ecosia.org/" target="_blank">Ecosia</a> makes its money just like any other search engine, by advertising, and for every 50 searches they earn enough to plant a tree. So far they've planted over 71 million. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Furthermore they don't share your details, they're completely transparent with their accounting and all the hardware they use is carbon neutral as far as possible. It all sounds good. Another small way to help the planet. </div>
<p>Here's a review ...<br><br><a data-ft='{"tn":"-U"}' data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patharoundtheworld.com%2Fecosia-review%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0UTQCk_HHjQMZins9nMlEJxqvgqzyS1f_fFLzF1BRm9wGwS71jejup8m4&h=AT0UoVxrjlxWQoAAQuKxQ1wvACnvhoXgiPmtBN-CiL0lMdzjAad5xEB2qvJV4szSeUljADqHJwLP1PtXkdURxINtKvYTxmdoZQO7YB-3s9j2JlOHh4LnOl2zaHFerWRBPk6QVWz1k_GHfluFllBPqJ-6AEg-CHaeLnTs0cl8ZOdXZPoAuRO9" href="https://www.patharoundtheworld.com/ecosia-review/?fbclid=IwAR0UTQCk_HHjQMZins9nMlEJxqvgqzyS1f_fFLzF1BRm9wGwS71jejup8m4" rel="noopener nofollow" style='color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;' target="_blank">https://www.patharoundtheworld.com/ecosia-review/</a><br><br><br>Joining in again with We Are The World Blogfest #WATWB - spreading positive news across the Blogosphere.<br> </p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724802019-10-20T03:40:00-12:002020-07-02T21:33:18-12:00A moment of joy<h3> </h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style='font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;'>Glorious</span></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724812019-10-06T23:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:03:40-12:00A reading challenge<p>After Christmas I read a book that my brother had left behind on his last visit home from Australia - it was by Tim Winton which described a journey up the West Coast of Australia through and to an area that I will never get to visit and I just loved the descriptions of the landscape and travelling along with the characters.</p>
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<p><br>So I decided to start a little challenge for myself - to travel the world with the books I read.<br>While I've always been very loyal to Irish writers, and there are many many wonderful Irish writers, both north and south, male and female, old and new - I've long been fed up with the emigration story and often pick up books just for the sake of going somewhere new. And I almost have to put on blinkers when I pass Waterstones - their book of the month nearly always ends up in my bag.<br><br>Anyway, looking around the web at reading challenges, I came across <a href="http://taleaway.com/">Tale Away</a>, a fantastic blog written by Ash, an American woman who regularly puts up challenges to read 52 books from 52 different countries each year and her suggestions are fabulous. I'm not following her challenge as I've already read a lot of the titles on her suggestions lists and I don't get through that many books in a year either, So my challenge to myself is to read a book from or about every country in the world - ideally written by someone from that country but as long as it's set there, that will be enough. I've no time limit as I'll likely wander off at various times to read the latest best sellers and books by local writers, and some of the books by new to me authors will almost certainly send me in search of more that they've written, but it's already a fun journey.<br><br>So for this year, here's the pile of books I've been through so far. I mostly only read at night, so I don't get through many books a month, but a lot of these have been real epics, and not all will go onto my books of the world list.</p>
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<i><b>The Handmaid's Tale</b> by Margaret Atwood</i> - a lot of people didn't like the tv show of this book which I haven't watched, and I've never read any Atwood books before which was why I picked it up before I started this challenge (although I might cheat and add her as a Canadian entry). I found it fascinating for a book written 30 years ago and so much of it is scarily possible in this crazy world we're in at the minute. </div>
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<i><b>Dirt Music</b> by Tim Winton</i> - the book that started this idea. An interesting story of a dysfunctional community on the south west corner of Australia - and the journey up the full length of the west coast was fascinating and the landscape was well described.</div>
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<i><b>The Music Shop</b> by Rachel Joyce</i> - set in England and not really a travel type book, there was a fascinating insight into classic and classical music in this story of a record shop owner who has the gift of knowing what piece of music a distressed person needs to hear to heal. And there was a great Spotify playlist added at the end which I've listened to several times. </div>
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<i><b>Uncommon Type</b> by Tom Hanks</i> - a collection of short stories that all revolve around a typewriter. I'm not particularly into short stories but I was interested to see what Tom would write and they were very enjoyable short night time reads and his voice is almost audible in the way he writes. </div>
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<i><b>A Thousand Splendid Suns</b> by Khaled Hosseini</i>. What can I say. This book was amazing - really a 5* from me. It's not recent and I'm sure many of you have already read it, it held me enthralled the whole way through. Set in Afghanistan during the rise and subsequent fall of the Taliban, it's the story of two women thrown together. </div>
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<i><b>Stones From the River</b> by Ursula Hegi</i> - this is set in Germany between the two wars and again it's a fabulous story, a suggestion I got from Ash's blog . The lead character is superb - she's a dwarf and thereby an outsider and is featured in other books by this writer which I will definitely look into. We spend so much time in Germany and yet I had not read any books by German writers before and the translation was very good as well. I loved the fact that it left some German words untranslated, words that are already in the English language or are well enough explained that you understand what they mean. </div>
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<i><b>Eva Luna</b></i> <i>by Isabel Allende</i> - although the country isn't specified in this book, it is definitely South America and it had a really surreal cast of characters, but then that's Isabel Allende's trademark isn't it? It wasn't one of my favourite of her books but still an enjoyable story. </div>
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<i><b>Small Island</b> by Andrea Levy</i> - Oh, I adored this book - another 5* from me. And it explained a lot to me, or rather pointed out a lot, of the awful discrimination suffered by the Windrush people who came from Jamaica to help out in Britain's call for workers after the war. Great story, beautifully written and a wonderful cast of characters. </div>
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<i><b>Tangerine</b> by Christine Mangan</i> - I only picked this up because of the title and it gave me a north African storyline but for me it didn't hit the spot. </div>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724822019-10-03T09:47:00-12:002020-06-25T03:04:06-12:00Off to a calmer place<p> </p>
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<div style="text-align: left;">I had to venture outside today for various meetings and passed a dog yapping delightedly at the waves that are churning up the beach - the poor girl who was with him was huddled against the wall trying to get some shelter while the dog yelped at every passer by to come and look and see what he had found ... very funny. Unfortunately I was in too big a hurry to get out of the rain and too busy laughing at him to take out my phone and take a picture of him ... but this was later</div>
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<p> </p><p><br>Thank you all for the lovely comments on the photos at the Scavenger Hunt - I really must go and figure out what on earth is going on with Blogger - "give it a good talking to" as <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kate</a> would say :) . But it won't let me comment individually and by the time I go back and look at what someone else has said to comment on it, I've lost the original thing .... Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh. Life's too short ...<br><br>Yesterday we gathered to give a final send off to a lovely singer colleague of ours, Rosemary Woods, who battled for several years with cancer and could finally rest without pain. It was a very emotional day but a beautiful send off for a beautiful woman who blessed everyone who ever met her with her presence, her heart felt words and her gentle personality. Even when we visited her in the Hospice, Tom and I came out smiling, feeling like we had been uplifted and gifted with something. We worked on the same circuit and with the same agents and although we weren't close close friends you were a big part of my musical family and I will miss you dear Rosie, as will all the many people who's lives you have touched. Rest in Peace dear friend.</p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724832019-09-27T09:32:00-12:002020-06-25T03:04:20-12:00September in Photos<p><br><span style='font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;'>I started this at the start of September in the hope that I might get to play along this month with <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/">Hawthorn's aka Kate's Scavenger Hunt.</a> - a word for a picture, a picture for a word. The past two months I've been almost there, but not quite .... and here I am on the last Friday rushing around looking for the last couple of photos lol. So here goes ...</span></p>
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<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>Meet my new grand nephew born at the end of August - this photo is the epitome of cosy to me ... the size of it - awwww. Unfortunately he lives in Australia so it'll be some time before I meet him, but all are well.</div>
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<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>I had great plans to photograph a local house that is always covered by a beautiful red climber at this time of the year, but I'm just back from the dentist, thinking I was due for a simple procedure and ended up with a root extraction ...on my birthday!!!!! So photo forgotten - so this is one I took this week last year up the Fairy Glen<br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSZHeXyHBgg/XY5NZX4MOOI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/5XUL0eoWQFcKtuHhWRZxyB7pkmdcK6yhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6074.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSZHeXyHBgg/XY5NZX4MOOI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/5XUL0eoWQFcKtuHhWRZxyB7pkmdcK6yhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6074.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>My friend Cat and I went to see the American knitting designer Stephen West at <a href="http://woollinn.com/">Woollin</a> outside Dublin earlier in the Summer. He was a hoot, so over the top, and a perfect antidote for me who has to do everything by the book. </div>
<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>I decided to do one of his patterns - this is The Doodler which was great fun to knit and I know it's more of a shawl than a scarf, but I wouldn't have the nerve to wear it as a shawl, so scarf it is! And it's a bit out of focus cause the wind just wouldn't keep still for a second.</div>
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<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>There are thousands of cob spiders around at the minute and cobwebs everywhere - our house is quite old and if you leave it for a couple of days it's been invaded again. </div>
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<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>What can I say? Not my finest hour lol . This should have been a nut crust for a quiche ... oops<br><br> </div>
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<div style='font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif;'>I have to include another pic from my flight at the start of the month - and yes, I'm still smiling about that. But it's a full year past now since the big birthday ( a year ago today in fact :) ) - this birthday doesn't count for anything other than the fact that I've managed to survive another year.<br> </div>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724842019-09-18T21:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:04:29-12:00New Voices of Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0jWFWQBqF4/XX1fXPjJSUI/AAAAAAAAFbE/p-Q7ehcq2Q8SEvTkezc2vQRT4aYacgEMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/New-Voices-Invite-2019-web-use-1-portrait.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0jWFWQBqF4/XX1fXPjJSUI/AAAAAAAAFbE/p-Q7ehcq2Q8SEvTkezc2vQRT4aYacgEMACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/New-Voices-Invite-2019-web-use-1-portrait.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
<p>Dublin is a cacophony of sound and the most noticeable thing for me are all the different languages and accents you hear walking down the street. So an exhibition of immigrant artists and connected themes was a perfect end to our day in the city last week.<br><br><a href="http://cfcp.ie/">New Voices of Ireland</a> is run by the Centre for Creative Practice, an organisation in Dublin who facilitate immigrant artists and local artists working with immigrants, helping them integrate into the arts scene in Ireland and helping them get their work out there. <br><br>The opening speaker Ailbhe Murphy, an Irish gay activist, was very eloquent and asked an interesting question about the word immigrant - if we went to work in New York say, would we be immigrants? Probably not ... We'd more likely just be people who have moved to NY for work. So why is it different? in a country who's people have been so badly treated down through the years as emigrants, why are we so bad at welcoming this new wave of people to our shores.<br><br>My friend Csilla from Hungary is a poet and film maker writing in English. She was one of 10 artists selected for this exhibition and it was a very inspirational evening. Ranging from a play, a monologue, photography, architecture, film, and a very unusual installation of written words, the show was varied and of the highest standard. <br><br>One who really caught my attention was <a href="https://nicolaanthony.co.uk/">Nicola Anthony</a> who is based in London, and takes stories from refugees and immigrants and turns them into mini works of art - words carved in bronze, put in a bottle with a clock mechanism and sometimes with sound - I found it incredibly moving.</p>
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<p><br><a href="https://nasringolden.com/portfolio/replication/">Nasrin Golden</a> from Iran, takes items from her home and turns them into large scale photographs that end up resembling Persian carpets - beautiful work. </p>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-size: 16px;"><i><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'>She says: "The project uses images from the past, the longed for. However, they are shaped by the experience of cultivating a new identity in the here and now, mirroring and duplicating in an attempt to replicate the identity of the observed and create the new. Questioning the order of form in the world around us by surrounding our self with perceptions of our own identity." </span></i></span></blockquote>
<p> </p><p><br><a href="https://www.csillatoldy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Csilla Toldy</a> presented two short film poems about Belfast - the changing view of the city - an outsider looking in. They're not up on her website yet, but it was interesting seeing what an newcomer sees of our city - I tend to not see the mundane side of it and only view the nice bits, but she very cleverly highlighted the similarities between the two sides of the still divided town. This is one of her other short film poems.</p>
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<p> </p><p><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4p8UWTMDpY/XYIDoZjLRcI/AAAAAAAAFbs/vbpOPe9z-Ogug7ySvBHj-88h7sJNqfPTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/MV5BYmZlMGI3Y2UtMTQzOS00OGViLTk5MDItZGJjYTU1NTBlZjU4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjUzNjIyNzk%2540._V1_UY268_CR4%252C0%252C182%252C268_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4p8UWTMDpY/XYIDoZjLRcI/AAAAAAAAFbs/vbpOPe9z-Ogug7ySvBHj-88h7sJNqfPTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/MV5BYmZlMGI3Y2UtMTQzOS00OGViLTk5MDItZGJjYTU1NTBlZjU4XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjUzNjIyNzk%2540._V1_UY268_CR4%252C0%252C182%252C268_AL_.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a>Unfortunately I didn't get time to view "Still Waiting for the Summer" by the German film makers Barbara Lubich and Michael Sommermeyer, documenting how a musical group made up of people from several different nationalities, challenged the very strong right wing element present in Dresden where they all live. Well worth watching I'm told. Over 30% of people in Dresden voted for the right wing Deutschland fur Alles in the last election - a very scary thought.<br><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/238102310" width="640"></iframe><br><br><a href="https://vimeo.com/238102310">Wann wird es endlich wieder Sommer / Waiting for the summer's return (Trailer)</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/hechtfilm">hechtfilm - filmproduktion</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>
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<span style="text-align: start;">All of the pieces presented on the night were very interesting - the other artists were </span><span style='font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;'><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Mirjana Reneduzic an actress from Croatia, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://twitter.xn--com%20%20romidublin-lv6k/" target="_blank">Romi Cruanas</a> a theatre director from South America, <a href="http://leiamocan.com/" target="_blank">Leia Mocan</a> who presented several pieces made from recycled waste, Irish digital artist <a href="http://joeryandigitalart.com/" target="_blank">Joe Ryan</a> who looked at the point when an old building is taken over by a new structure and how it changes the community.</span></span>
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<p><br>Lots of food for thought.</p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724852019-09-17T21:47:00-12:002020-06-25T03:04:39-12:00Not good at change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh7SgiQ3u5I/XYH8l7hECsI/AAAAAAAAFbM/fLF157gV8QUB2_hwyuhDZv9AzeVOmZTMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7655.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh7SgiQ3u5I/XYH8l7hECsI/AAAAAAAAFbM/fLF157gV8QUB2_hwyuhDZv9AzeVOmZTMACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_7655.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="189" width="200" /></a></div>
<p>There's so much new stuff to learn all the time these days, particularly to do with computers and various devices. As a result when I find one thing I like I'm very reluctant to change. <br><br>But, I've finally given in and changed my browser from Safari - for months now I've not been able to leave comments on your blogs from my laptop, but could do it on my computer. Now it won't play either. I really don't like using all Google products, or all from any company for that matter, but it's so annoying when you spend ages writing messages and none show up. So apologies if I've been AWOL and I'll see if Google Chrome performs any better. <br> </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-2H1g2B-ZQ/XYH8z1COV-I/AAAAAAAAFbQ/M3v6iZkm1hMDSyIgeZvalkr3RsW6TO_NACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7768.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-2H1g2B-ZQ/XYH8z1COV-I/AAAAAAAAFbQ/M3v6iZkm1hMDSyIgeZvalkr3RsW6TO_NACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7768.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sat with my mother for an hour on Sunday eating ice cream and looking out at the sea at Bundoran.<br> The hills of north Donegal were just about visible across the bay<br> It is still the most calming thing... looking at waves ... love it.</td> </tr>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724862019-09-16T03:20:00-12:002020-06-25T03:05:19-12:00In Dublin's Fair City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a gorgeous day here today but I'm sitting in a long queue on the phone waiting to get through to national insurance people so I'm putting the time to good use. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a myriad of reasons we had to cancel our planned holiday in France this year so we decided on a few day trips to make up for it. Firstly to Dublin</div>
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<p>And we had blue skies and warm sunshine for it on Friday. My friend, Hungarian poet Csilla Toldy, with whom I collaborated on a two handed theatre piece called The Emigrant Woman's Tale, had a video poem in an exhibition of <a href="http://www.cfcp.ie/">New Voices of Ireland</a> (I'll give this a separate post) so we decided to make a day of it. The train to Dublin always feels like a treat to me (trains were already gone when I was growing up in rural Fermanagh) and after lunch in my favourite Lebanese restaurant and a wander around Grafton Street we headed in to Trinity College to see <a href="https://www.tcd.ie%20%E2%80%BA%20library%20%E2%80%BA%20manuscripts%20%E2%80%BA%20book-of-kells">the Book of Kells</a>.<br> </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photography was not allowed in the main room where the actual book is on display so I've borrowed these couple of images from the Internet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I'm sure all you learned folks reading this know about or at least have heard of The Book of Kells. It's a 9th century illuminated manuscript of the Four Gospels plus some introductory texts which was written by 4 scribes and 3 artists as far as scholars can tell. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It really is a beautiful thing and is considered the oldest example of its kind in Europe and is Ireland's greatest treasure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As well as the main manuscript, the University also holds 7 out of around 20 remaining small transcribed books that monks would have written themselves before setting out around the world to preach the gospel. </div>
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<p>The exhibition From Darkness to Light describes the making of the book, plus The Book of Armagh which was written slightly earlier and the Book of Durrow, what inks were used and how they. were made and the fact that the exhibit book took somewhere around 189 calf skins to make. Such laborious work. And the scholarly research is impressive.</p>
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<div>I've wanted to visit this for as long as I can remember, but I'm a terrible tourist and never got around o it and unfortunately when we went in the place was packed - apparently there was a cruise ship in for the day. We got a glimpse of the book for a couple of minutes and the young people from the tours were so noisy we couldn't wait to get out again. I will go back sometime though - perhaps in Winter. </div>
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<div>The best part by far of the exhibition for me was walking through The Long Room which is the oldest library in the world and was built in the mid 1700s to house every book that was printed in the British Isles. It's a beautiful space and houses over 200,000 ancient books and manuscripts including an original copy of the Irish Declaration of Independence - apparently only 2 of them exist. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6b5U7bC5hk/XX1a7yH4opI/AAAAAAAAFaw/O3kn4xhAUr87aN9rHwmoVGeZ_dKSZJo8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6b5U7bC5hk/XX1a7yH4opI/AAAAAAAAFaw/O3kn4xhAUr87aN9rHwmoVGeZ_dKSZJo8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7753.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice there's no J on the edges - there was no<br> letter J in Latin</td> </tr>
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<p> The library also houses the Brian Boru harp which interestingly (for me anyway ) has nothing to do with the 11th century High King of Ireland Brian Boru, but was given to Trinity in the 18th century and dates back to the late 14th or early 15th century. It is the symbol of Ireland and is one of only three instruments of its kind in existence.<br>Again there were so many people around it was hard to get a decent photo but I loved the detail on this - it's encrusted with tiny jewels and crystals which suggests that it was the instrument of a master musician or bard or someone from a very prominent family.</p>
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<div>So all in all a very interesting browse and I'd highly recommend it, if you haven't already visited. Trinity is right in the centre of Dublin so very easy to get to - but try to avoid the cruise ships unless you're actually on it yourself lol</div>
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<div>So from there after a wee sojourn in Powerscourt Town House for tea and cakes, it was a long walk to the exhibition which was a delight. </div>
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<div>As I said earlier I'll do a separate post for the exhibition .... stay tuned :)<br><br><br><br><br> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724872019-09-08T08:04:00-12:002020-06-25T03:05:29-12:00A walk in the woods and a new sculpture in the park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeiSfzHKVVM/XXVdhiARbQI/AAAAAAAAFY0/4mO5bzqSwmIOCu3FFJqHWYDSaxsCcHmcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7678.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeiSfzHKVVM/XXVdhiARbQI/AAAAAAAAFY0/4mO5bzqSwmIOCu3FFJqHWYDSaxsCcHmcQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7678.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<p>Hello all<br>It was lovely to hear from some of you last week and good to get back to having a bit of space in my head again. <br> </p>
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<p>For the record, I spent ages leaving comments over a couple of weekends only to find out that my laptop doesn't like to play with Safari :( and kept none of the comments .... So hello to <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/2019/08/augusts-photo-link-up-party.html">Kate and all the Scavenger Hunt players</a> for the last couple of months - I loved your photos - Kate always puts up some out of the box words to illustrate with a photo and the challenge is a great way of catching up on the month gone by - my drafts folder is full of *nearly* ready to post posts that didn't quite make it ... maybe this month.</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOAyKRAZeRE/XXVdhe82_5I/AAAAAAAAFYw/mUP8kHFaBVsp0PoOB-MdMMk2suEwD3U8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7683.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOAyKRAZeRE/XXVdhe82_5I/AAAAAAAAFYw/mUP8kHFaBVsp0PoOB-MdMMk2suEwD3U8wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7683.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if I like her but she'll not blow away<br> like the willow figures</td> </tr>
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<p><br>Have a great week - hopefully the Autumn isn't in full swing yet and that there's a bit of sunshine left</p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt9yiN5YC-4/XXVdi4ewWPI/AAAAAAAAFY4/mlCx-Kt12hc3U3lRY1m7kJdkO1eQxu41wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7686.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt9yiN5YC-4/XXVdi4ewWPI/AAAAAAAAFY4/mlCx-Kt12hc3U3lRY1m7kJdkO1eQxu41wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7686.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beech nuts in profusion this year</td> </tr>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724882019-09-01T23:54:00-12:002020-06-25T03:05:39-12:00Flying in to September<p>Hello Blogland friends</p>
<div> <div>I hope you are keeping well. </div>
<div> <div>It's been ages since I've posted here - life has a habit of getting in the way of things at the minute. There are several half finished posts waiting for a bit of editing and shuffling around that are now way out of date but they may still see the light of day if I can get a bit of head space. <div> </div>
<div>Can you believe it's September already - although it feels a bit like Winter here today - at least we're not getting what the poor people in the Bahamas are having to face. <div> </div>
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<div>Yesterday was so different though - in between the showers there was good bouts of sunshine and I got to take the last part of my (last year's) big birthday present - a flight in a Cessna plane!! Wow - what a fabulous experience and what a wonderful present. </div>
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<div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5eWbNN_WeI/XWz8rXQ-G8I/AAAAAAAAFYA/cF0C5OE-5G8-vZ_QfNXubg8ak9R_LBwIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7644.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5eWbNN_WeI/XWz8rXQ-G8I/AAAAAAAAFYA/cF0C5OE-5G8-vZ_QfNXubg8ak9R_LBwIgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7644.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strangford Lough from a Cessna plane</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>We flew from Newtownards down to Newcastle with the Mournes in our sightline - that's what I was aiming for when the pilot let me take the controls - talk about exciting - I'll be grinning for a week. I was so excited I forgot to take a photo though.<br><br>And then back up the Ards Penninsula which is simply beautiful to fly over - lots of wee islands on Strangford Lough, and as the tide was low we got a really good view of the shape of the lough<br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW8hDeYzMd4/XWz92Z4YU2I/AAAAAAAAFYI/qFEj7mn3Et0K9qEJQn0Erve-9FElU2bxwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7641.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW8hDeYzMd4/XWz92Z4YU2I/AAAAAAAAFYI/qFEj7mn3Et0K9qEJQn0Erve-9FElU2bxwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7641.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">even spotting a shipwreck....</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlgqS3ullEY/XWz-sbZ3RlI/AAAAAAAAFYc/794ZkWYvIBMuilDhbgKb-jjGc8mA2anSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7641%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlgqS3ullEY/XWz-sbZ3RlI/AAAAAAAAFYc/794ZkWYvIBMuilDhbgKb-jjGc8mA2anSwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7641%2B2.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="257" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the ship broken in two here - one half lying out of the water on the bottom right<br> and the other half up near the shoreline beside the 6 white dots (boats)</td> </tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> We were so lucky with the weather - a huge cloudburst landed just 2 minutes after us but the whole flight was just perfect.<br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA8SImA2G1w/XWz98a6KqPI/AAAAAAAAFYM/syykVyU0sa4aFLo7nDZ-9uZpoMXGATJYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7590.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jA8SImA2G1w/XWz98a6KqPI/AAAAAAAAFYM/syykVyU0sa4aFLo7nDZ-9uZpoMXGATJYgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7590.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br>I've wanted to do this all my adult life but never quite got around to it. Then for my 60th last year, my lovely choir clubbed together to get it for me - one of the ladies had heard me talking about it one time when we were all talking about things we'd wished we'd done.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCoDsibBvOg/XWz99aBnUkI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/MOOr_gnZ0PYcOB_aXOEe9Jbp07ScnJW7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7635.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCoDsibBvOg/XWz99aBnUkI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/MOOr_gnZ0PYcOB_aXOEe9Jbp07ScnJW7QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7635.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="480" width="640" /></a></div> The islands looked like jewels in the water - you know like the big blocks of amethyst you see in crystal shops that have edges that look like they've come out of the water.<br> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAhoI6UBBKA/XWz-0dl51cI/AAAAAAAAFYg/nx88mkcbnNQapp9MOiG7mqpkhbBvta8FwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7646.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAhoI6UBBKA/XWz-0dl51cI/AAAAAAAAFYg/nx88mkcbnNQapp9MOiG7mqpkhbBvta8FwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7646.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="300" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td> </tr>
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<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>I hope you're all keeping well -whether you're heading for Autumn or Spring at the minute - best wishes from Belfast where I'm sitting in a cafe catching up. </div>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468152019-08-06T12:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:05:44-12:00Summer Sing Singing Workshop<p>Now that Festival fever is over in these parts for another year, it's time to start looking forward. </p>
<p>A few things to watch out for</p>
<p>I'll be co presenting a <strong>singing workshop </strong>with Laura Plummer of Voices of Lecale on <strong>Saturday 24th August</strong> in An Cuan, Rostrevor. Singing from 10.15-12.15, lunch (optional extra) in The Rostrevor Inn at 12.30 followed by an Al Fresco Sing in the Fairy Glen from 2.30. Tickets £12 at the door. Please phone first to reserve a place (07803 226279)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/ea53041433d47f612852dccd9549ac72e4c6370a/original/summer-sing-2019.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQ4eDM1MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="351" width="248" /></p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468142019-07-31T12:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:05:49-12:00The Birds' Song Book<p><em>Delighted to announce that the children's book of Tom's song The Birds' Song is now available for sale in <a data-imported="1" data-link-type="page" href="/shop">our shop</a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a data-imported="1" data-link-type="page" href="/shop"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/89cd7f9de887d1273865d7ec8e3f0daf77fc0b16/original/birdsong-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTUweDIxMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="212" width="150" /></a></p>
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<p>The launch was a huge success at Fiddlers Green Festival and we're so excited to see the reaction to the song and the book which has been beautifully illustrated by Colum McEvoy. </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724892019-07-09T03:47:00-12:002020-06-25T03:06:24-12:00A quick trip to West Cork and a great idea<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmo35RcgioE/XSSrnhKXqcI/AAAAAAAAFVo/nj0P6w5yc6QnPOB3ZY1g7kHVzMpwTuJSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7304.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmo35RcgioE/XSSrnhKXqcI/AAAAAAAAFVo/nj0P6w5yc6QnPOB3ZY1g7kHVzMpwTuJSgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7304.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gosh I'm so far behind with posting photos and coming by to say hello. Every time I think I've something ready, something else needs doing .... aargh ... but I'll catch up. I will, I will, I WILL :)</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So to recover we ran away for a few days to West Cork. And got a heatwave for our trouble. </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PURE BLISS.</div>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">We did a couple of songs with the fabulous <a href="http://www.johnspillane.ie/">John Spillane</a> (the essence of West Cork someone called him) in the wonderful <a href="http://www.debarra.ie/">de Barra's Folk Club</a> which was our reason for being down that far south (it's about a 5 hour drive from here) - so to capitalise on it we decided to take our caravan (adding another couple of hours to the drive) and have a wee break which was worth it. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NRMvEouFfk/XSS0nXT-CCI/AAAAAAAAFWw/0oO7T0RUDhM7z1NFznkesn9RuN-u-aHKACLcBGAs/s1600/de%2Bbaras%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NRMvEouFfk/XSS0nXT-CCI/AAAAAAAAFWw/0oO7T0RUDhM7z1NFznkesn9RuN-u-aHKACLcBGAs/s320/de%2Bbaras%2Bcollage.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td> </tr>
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<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhphkawRxTY/XSSrtiCtl_I/AAAAAAAAFWY/CEgjI7FCmi87zQMaQyscW97mnjQyFlMlACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7266.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YhphkawRxTY/XSSrtiCtl_I/AAAAAAAAFWY/CEgjI7FCmi87zQMaQyscW97mnjQyFlMlACEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_7266.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="150" /></a><br><br><br><br><br>We've played in de Barra's several times, but maybe 25 years ago - we were wondering if one of our posters might be at the bottom of this pile we spotted on the wall!<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>As a bonus we hit upon the annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClonakiltyOldTimeFair/">Old Time Fair</a> and Brass Band Competition on Saturday - a really joyful day of swing music, old trades, everyone in great form and the shops doing flying business.<br><br><br>Clonakilty is a beautiful town at the best of times, with loads of boutiques, great places to eat, excellent music and lovely pubs - it's about 40 minutes west of Cork city and well worth a visit if you're ever around those parts.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByUQGa2Wmfc/XSSzdx98O0I/AAAAAAAAFWo/5C4XKDpxLdASb5mbYlZ3j0hrR_kb7hKTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Clon%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByUQGa2Wmfc/XSSzdx98O0I/AAAAAAAAFWo/5C4XKDpxLdASb5mbYlZ3j0hrR_kb7hKTgCLcBGAs/s400/Clon%2Bcollage.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<p><br>Here's a blast of the wonderfully fun (and pink) <a href="http://theamblingband.co.uk/">Ambling Band</a> from Bristol who treated us to a splendid round of well known songs and got the whole crowd joining in the Can Can. And they lead the final parade of vintage cars and steam engines in the evening. If you're ever needing a band to add a bit of fun to your festival these guys are the business.</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">And the wonderful idea? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">I spotted this sign in a cafe and I'm sure there are uses for it everywhere ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">The photo's a bit blurry but it says</div>
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<br> <br> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7T2w35TxTo/XSD987_Xm-I/AAAAAAAAFVU/bKsWT1NZtsA0YL1Nlp2A-hrOaR0CHwUkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7T2w35TxTo/XSD987_Xm-I/AAAAAAAAFVU/bKsWT1NZtsA0YL1Nlp2A-hrOaR0CHwUkgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7295.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="222" /></a>
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Brilliant Idea.</td> </tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">RECYCLED MUGS</span><br> <span style="font-size: small;">TO TAKE AWAY</span><br> <span style="font-size: small;">Reduce Use of Paper Cups</span><br> <span style="font-size: small;">If possible please return</span><br> <span style="font-size: small;">DROP OFF YOUR UNUSED MUGS HERE.</span>
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<p><br>We're getting ready for <a href="http://www.fiddlersgreenfestival.eu/">Fiddlers Green Festival</a> now, coming up in under 2 weeks - a couple of gigs for us and for Singmarra and Tom's book launch - and also preparing for a tour of <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/the_emigrant_womans_tale/">the Emigrant Woman's Tale</a> over the Winter - so lots going on.<br><br>Hopefully I'll see you again before too long.<br>In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying your summer (or Winter, Susan :) ) .</p>
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<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468132019-06-30T12:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:06:30-12:00A wee gig with John Spillane<p>Looking forward to singing a few songs with John Spillane in de Barras in Clonakilty this Thursday night. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/6ece960344c0e58570b0b2791dc0fca0ab246e2c/original/johnspillane.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDM3NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="375" width="500" /></p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468122019-06-30T12:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:06:34-12:00The Birds Song Book Launch<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/3f9dda8c1faccd4a1b8da3fa674ae6cf09ba5036/original/the-birds-song.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTQyeDMwNSJd.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="305" width="542" /></p>
<p>Illustrated by the wonderful Colum McEvoy, Tom's song The Birds Song, a parody about immigration, has been turned into a short book for children which will be launched at Fiddlers Green Festival on Friday 26th July at 2.30pm here in Rostrevor.</p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724902019-06-25T22:14:00-12:002020-06-25T03:06:43-12:00The Birds Song<p>The <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/">RSPB</a> recently released a record of birdsong which managed to go to the top of the charts - a fantastic achievement. And they've now started a Birdsong Radio - wonderful. It is surely the biggest delight of my day to hear the birds singing in the morning and to watch them feeding in the garden. Check it out <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/let-nature-sing/birdsong-radio?utm_source=birdsong_radio_solus_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=birdsong_radio&utm_content=b0_cta">here</a><br> </p>
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<div>On our recent trip to England and Scotland we had a morning off in the Lake District and found <a href="https://birdsbistro.co.uk/">TheBirds Bistro</a> :). A brilliant place to buy special foods for the birds and squirrels. We came home loaded down. Check it out if you're in the area. </div>
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<div>And at the same time, my Tom has written a fun song called The Birds Song - a parody on immigration - have a listen - and a watch of our birds :). </div>
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<div>He's working on a children's book at the moment illustrated by a friend, Colum McEvoy. I'll post some of the images in a future blog post - it will be launched at our festival here next month. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"We may have different feathers and sing a different song</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But when we sing together, the differences are gone. "</span></i></div>
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<div> </div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724912019-06-12T03:48:00-12:002020-06-25T03:06:52-12:00Getting the ducks in a row<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKCMiLSzdj0/XQEdaQESYRI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/PPW8r6-XnaMBbbngnI2KLI-C9viv6ulmgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKCMiLSzdj0/XQEdaQESYRI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/PPW8r6-XnaMBbbngnI2KLI-C9viv6ulmgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF3148.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="240" width="320" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside a farm shop in Fife, these wee chaps were almost in line</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><br>Firstly thank you all for your lovely comments on the photo Scavenger Hunt last week - I really enjoy that challenge and the lovely community that has built up around it.<br><br>And secondly, what on earth is going on with this weather! I had to go to Belfast early this morning and as yesterday was sunny I thought 'no need for a scarf or warm coat' - I nearly froze. It's like February - or as I heard someone on the radio saying "the month of Donegal" :)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<h4>Now, a question for you ... </h4>
<p>If you're looking for information on the internet, where do you search first? Do you go directly to a website, or to Facebook, or do you just type in a name in Google or some other search engine? I'd be very interested to know.<br><br>When we were in Germany last month someone said that when they searched for us on the internet, it was a different type of music coming up than what we played in our concert ... I never thought to ask where they'd searched.<br><br>So when we returned home I started looking around - something that should have been done months, even years, ago, and sure enough depending on where you search, different information comes up, some of it years out of date. I've had a website for nearly 20 years and what was really ahead of time back then is so outdated now and technology has jumped on ahead of us, confusing the issue (and me).<br><br>So since we came back we've been trying to get everything to line up ... not an easy job and seriously doing my head in. And it'll take another couple of weeks of concentrating on it.<br><br>So do let me know what you do - what's your preferred way of hunting down information.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzDX0n1Rny8/XQEda8FS5oI/AAAAAAAAFTU/QW7TACIoQ3ku-aC5dqx7-TbolF2xUrynACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1656.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzDX0n1Rny8/XQEda8FS5oI/AAAAAAAAFTU/QW7TACIoQ3ku-aC5dqx7-TbolF2xUrynACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1656.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="128" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Geese on Hallig Hooge - they know how to line up, almost</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468112019-06-03T12:00:00-12:002019-06-03T17:34:39-12:00FairPlé: Rising Tides
<p>Fil will be chairing a panel discussion at the Women's Work NI Festival on Saturday. </p>
<p>Hosted by FairPlé, an all Ireland organisation looking at gender equality in traditional and folk music, the other panelists are singer Pauline Scanlon, agent and tour manager Una Molloy and arts programmer and former chairperson of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh.</p>
<p>Check <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/upcoming_concerts/" data-imported="1">UpComing Concerts</a> for venue details</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61724922019-06-03T02:13:00-12:002020-01-25T05:50:56-12:00A walk through May - Photo Scavenger Hunt<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm very late joining <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/">Kate's Scavenger Hunt </a>this month, but I just noticed there's a few hours left for the Linky to stay open. </span><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been ages since I've posted anything and have missed this blogging community, but work and stress have been the ruling forces for ages now and my biggest challenge has been trying to get some rest and balance as well as putting some sort of order on work, house, garden, parents, home, internet (bane of my life) and friends. So we're supposed to be on holiday today but the car broke down and kept us at home, so I've decided the day is being spent on the sofa with reading and writing blogs, knitting and tv (and maybe there's enough in the freezer for dinner!)</span><br><div style='font-family: "helvetica neue";'><br></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So here are this month's words</span>
</div><h3>Seat </h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel a bit mean showing a snowy scene at this time of the year - although we did have snow once on June 8th here a bout 20 years ago - but this was the only seat I could find in old pics .--- It was taken at Annahgakerrig in Co. Monaghan, the artists retreat I've written about a few times. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLtxAEI9pCQ/XPUlMJ2R89I/AAAAAAAAFSA/2Hmj-WcVm68mreHyI59dGwuQCr0iQwA_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6589.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLtxAEI9pCQ/XPUlMJ2R89I/AAAAAAAAFSA/2Hmj-WcVm68mreHyI59dGwuQCr0iQwA_QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6589.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="335" /></a></div><div><br></div><h3>View (from the seat!)</h3><div>And on a summer's day you could enjoy the view around the grounds - only a glimpse here.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzgYFPfDy8o/XPUllS-kbuI/AAAAAAAAFSY/Csgo-9q7GC4nkIfno2Ns16XWBwIMrS1aQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzgYFPfDy8o/XPUllS-kbuI/AAAAAAAAFSY/Csgo-9q7GC4nkIfno2Ns16XWBwIMrS1aQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6592.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="179" width="320" /></a></div><div><br></div><h3>Lunch</h3><div><div>We've had the most lovely visitors to the garden this spring - earlier in the year there was a pair of jays, now we've got a pair of doves and the biggest surprise - a Red Squirrel. There's been a huge effort to reintroduce reds into the Mournes as there were only greys here for years and years. So here's our wee visitor having his <i>lunch.</i>
</div></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wB7oqvfDH2I/XPUcGCyjcmI/AAAAAAAAFR8/3Rx6t3-R00ALfCd2nK5VcJABP2dBlo38wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wB7oqvfDH2I/XPUcGCyjcmI/AAAAAAAAFR8/3Rx6t3-R00ALfCd2nK5VcJABP2dBlo38wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_7040.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="179" width="320" /></a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><h3>Starts with a P</h3><div>I was given a present at Christmas for a pottery class and loved it so much I joined up for a run of classes - I think the wheel is not going to be my thing - gosh can I make a mess but it's great fun - but I really liked making a pinch pot. This was my second attempt before firing - although I messed it up after this pic by punching holes in it, so you'll not be seeing the finished picture I don't think lol </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gLkz_tIjPI/XPUlkfm09WI/AAAAAAAAFSU/GT9dwGKOrJ85EkzrMJHPO06O1ZwzH7ADgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gLkz_tIjPI/XPUlkfm09WI/AAAAAAAAFSU/GT9dwGKOrJ85EkzrMJHPO06O1ZwzH7ADgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6976.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br></div><h3>Transport</h3><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've made seven trips now out to Hallig Hooge off the north west coast of Germany, mostly in May. Normally we catch the early morning ferry but for a change this year we </span>travelled<span style="font-family: inherit;"> later in the day and this was a gorgeous sunny afternoon.</span>
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5chAYjikcWw/XN6dS2MLJwI/AAAAAAAAFQY/UvsuIzM9CzMw7AYOf_fyzBarBeFg7wM3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5chAYjikcWw/XN6dS2MLJwI/AAAAAAAAFQY/UvsuIzM9CzMw7AYOf_fyzBarBeFg7wM3QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6882.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ferry coming onto the mainland from Hallig Hooge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'><br></div><h3>My own choice.</h3><div>I've had this little lilac bush for years and this is the first time it bloomed - it was in full bloom when we arrived back from Germany - a lovely welcome home gift. </div><div><br></div><div></div><div style='font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;'>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnCqZazUxnY/XPUlhfaizrI/AAAAAAAAFSo/uR0aOcCSHJgaKYIfNRkephQ4zPJ8Tf-qwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6967.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnCqZazUxnY/XPUlhfaizrI/AAAAAAAAFSo/uR0aOcCSHJgaKYIfNRkephQ4zPJ8Tf-qwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6967.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So that's it from me for this month. See you all next month. If you fancy joining in, the Scavenger Hunt is run by <a href="http://livelovecraftme.blogspot.com/">Kate</a> and she'll be posting the June words in the next few days, I'd imagine. </span><br><div style='font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;'><br></div>
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</div>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468102019-05-15T12:00:00-12:002020-06-25T03:08:25-12:00End of the tour<p>Some lovely photos posted today on <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.facebook.com/filcampbell/">Facebook</a> from our concert in de Lantaern Folk Club in Zevenaar, which finished our European Spring tour </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/04f24c83da263433f589201defdc059cb7f02792/original/zevenaar.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDMzOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="338" width="600" /></p>
<p> </p>Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468092019-04-03T12:00:00-12:002019-04-03T20:51:18-12:00Singing and Bodhran Workshops next month in Kiel
<p>We will both be doing workshops on our upcoming trip to Germany - in Hof Akkerboom in Kiel on Tuesday 7th May between 15h and 17h. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Fil will present a group singing workshop - simple harmonies, beautiful songs from around the world and fun warm ups and exercises. </p>
<p>Tom will do a bodhran workshop for beginners and improvers at the same time in the same venue. </p>
<p>Full details on <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/upcoming_concerts" target="_blank" data-imported="1">our concerts page</a>.</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468082019-03-16T12:00:00-12:002019-03-15T16:28:26-12:00Happy St Patrick's Day
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/e45767b6b55c73b0567c313eeb32f7c88769e2c0/original/img-1114.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTYxeDIwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="200" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="161" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sending love and blessings to our friends around the world on this St Patrick's Day xx</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468072019-02-28T12:00:00-12:002019-02-28T16:02:20-12:00Newry TradFest
<p>Fil and Tom will be hosting the TradFest singing session on Saturday 16th March in Newry's fashionable Art Barfunkel between 2 and 4 pm. </p>
<p>Bring yourself and a couple of songs or stories or poems or tall tales and join in a gentle afternoon's craic as part of this lovely festival. All ages welcome.</p>
<p>Further information from www.newry.com</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468062019-02-14T12:00:00-12:002019-02-14T15:13:33-12:00Burren Captured
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/f6644e46fecc0a7ac4ba2ae57e2b5f8c7f44c069/original/burren.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTI1eDI5MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="292" width="525" /></p>
<p>Terrific night in Burren Heritage Centre - thanks to Heather for the pic</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468052019-02-13T12:00:00-12:002019-02-13T03:21:03-12:00Valentine's Day in Burren
<p>Happy Valentine's Day one and all :) <br>And this year we're celebrating in a different way performing a concert in the lovely Burren Heritage Centre in Warrenpoint. It's great to be doing a home concert and a great chance to be wheeling out lots of love songs old and new. </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468042018-12-31T12:00:00-12:002019-01-02T00:08:13-12:00Happy New Year
<p>We wish you a wonderful 2019 wherever you are in the world. </p>
<p>May your days be filled with fun, lots of music, good friends and plenty of joy and we hope our paths cross at some point along the way. </p>
<p>Beannacht libh! </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468032018-12-11T12:00:00-12:002018-12-11T16:50:25-12:00Co. Down concerts in the New Year
<p>We're delighted to announce two local dates here in Co. Down in February. </p>
<p>The first is in Burren Heritage Centre on St Valentine's Day at 8pm. This is a beautiful venue - an old primary school that has been restored - in Burren village just outside Warrenpoint. Tickets will be available at the door on the night and cost £10. </p>
<p>The following night, Friday 15th February, we'll be returning to Down ARts Centre in Downpatrick. We both love this little theatre and look forward to seeing friends old and new there. Tickets are now on sale from the <a title="Down Arts Centre Box Office" href="http://www.downartscentre.com/opencontent/default.asp?itemId=6" target="_blank" data-imported="1">theatre Box Office</a> and would make ideal Christmas gifts! </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468022016-01-11T12:00:00-12:002016-01-25T18:29:15-12:00Rostrevor and Belleek Shows
<h1>Happy New Year to all our friends far and near</h1>
<p>There's already a litte stretch in the evenings here in Co Down and there's a fresh energy around to get things moving for the New Year. I hope you and yours weren't affected by all the recent bad weather - particularly closer to home across Ireland and the North of England and into Scotland. I cannot imagine how terrible it would be to have your home flooded. Thankfully we got off very lightly this year but we're all very glad to see some blue skies and no rain for a while. </p>
<p>Tom and I are heading to Australia towards the end of February - for some concerts, a festival and to spend time with family and friends. It's our first time to go to the southern Hemisphere and we're really looking forward to the trip. We'll be stopping off in Dubai for a few days on the way - the thought of sunshine is making my heart burst at the minute. </p>
<p> -------------</p>
<p>Before we go we have two lovely concerts at home - at both homes - Belleek and Rostrevor</p>
<p><strong>Friday 12th February, 9pm</strong></p>
<p><em>The Jolly Farmer, Clyhore, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh</em> (The Jolly Farmer is actually across the bridge in Belleek in Co. Donegal - so it's a cross border gig, literally)</p>
<p>This concert is in aid of our friend Peter McMahon's charity trip to Africa later this year with <a href="https://www.melloneducate.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Niall Mellon Educate</a>, where he and more than 200 other volunteers will be building a new school in the Townships in South Africa.</p>
<p><strong>Saturday 13th February, 8pm</strong></p>
<p><em>An Cuan, Rostrevor</em></p>
<p>This concert is to raise funds for the Southern Area Hospice where our friend Bronagh from my singer's group passed away last Spring. </p>
<p><strong>Raffles</strong> </p>
<p>At both events, to boost the fund raising, we'll be holding a raffle. If you are close at hand and would like to donate something for the raffle, we'd be very grateful. </p>
<p>Download the flyer <a href="/files/540375/filcampbella5flyer-press.pdf" data-imported="1">HERE</a></p>
<p>-------------</p>
<p><strong>Australia</strong></p>
<p>We'll then be at the following places in Australia from the 3rd March.</p>
<p>Melbourne, Berwick, Warragul, Canberra, Penrith, Wollongong, Sydney, Tullamore, Bowral, Brisbane. All dates are now on the <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/calendar" target="_blank" data-imported="1">website</a> and any additions to the trip will be added there as we go along.</p>
<p>We will also be doing workshops in Newport, VIC and for some choirs in the North Fitzroy area of Melbourne. </p>
<p>-------------</p>
<p>So that's our first part of the year. </p>
<p>Singing groups start back on Wednesday 13th at 7.30pm in An Cuan in Rostrevor and then in Bryansford on Monday night. Email me if you would like details for either group. </p>
<p>I wish you a wonderful New Year </p>
<p>Best wishes to you all </p>
<p>Fil and Tom </p>
<p> </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468012016-01-04T12:00:00-12:002016-01-07T03:50:38-12:00Best of Year Review
<p>We're delighted to be included in this blog featuring the best of live music for the year in the Bonn area. Thanks to John Hurd :)</p>
<div><a href="http://3songsbonn.com/2015/12/31/2015-review/" data-imported="1">http://3songsbonn.com/2015/12/31/2015-review/</a></div>
<p> </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61468002015-12-20T12:00:00-12:002016-01-07T03:49:13-12:00Christmas Newsletter
<p>Greetings one and all and a special hello to all the new people who have signed up to this list from our tours in Europe and the UK in September and October.</p>
<p>As the year is coming to a close, it's a lovely time to look back on the year, and look forward to a little bit of hibernating time to recharge the batteries.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who supported us through 2015 - everyone who booked us, came to our concerts and bought our CDs, to all the singers who came to my workshops and all the artists who came to the studio to record with Tom. And especially to all the friends and family for being there for us.</p>
<p><strong><em>We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year and look forward to seeing you all again somewhere along the road in the next 12 months. </em></strong></p>
<hr>
<p><br> </p>
<p>This year has been terrific for us with concerts in 7 different countries - on our European trip we travelled more than 6000 kms in just over 3 1/2 weeks and took ages to recover! We played house concerts in Denmark, France and Luxembourg and had dates in churches, theatres, book shops, and cafes - and then a few weeks back had a 2 weeks of really nice folk clubs in England and Scotland - our second trip over there this year, catching up with old friends and meeting lots of new ones. <a href="http://3songsbonn.com/tag/fil-campbell/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Here's a link</a> to a smashing review from blogger John Hurd after a mad gig in Bonn where we played in an aircraft hangar!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/9beeca686147dbddfe8ea9484de70b495b808869/original/folkcluboct2015-70.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDMzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="334" width="500" /></p>
<p>We've also started to get some lovely press reviews about our new album Back There. Click <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/pressreviews1/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a> for the Irish Music Review and another from Living Tradition. We're already collecting material for our next recording which we'll be working on early next year.</p>
<hr>
<h1><strong>Singing Groups </strong></h1>
<p>For my Rostrevor singing groups this has been a mixed year - we were very sad to say goodbye to Larry and Bronagh but have all been overjoyed at how close we have become as a group. Then in June I was thrilled to be invited by Mourne Heritage Trust to start a group in Bryansford in the middle of the stunning Mountains of Mourne. It has been a wonderful chance for me to get to know this part of the locality and to get to know another group of very enthusiastic and wonderful singers. Both groups combined to take part in the Christmas pageant here in Rostrevor a few Saturdays back - it's a lovely event - here we are at the Christmas tree after Santa had turned on the lights.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/936921877f53353046cc182235243a0826712e34/original/choir-2015.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDM3NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="375" width="500" /></p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<p><strong>The Emigrant Woman's Tale</strong></p>
<p>The Emigrant Woman's Tale was launched bt poetess Csilla Toldy and myself in March to a home audience at the Book Corner in Rostrevor and we went on to bring our story of emigration and hope to several more audiences over the year.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/d1734685ec6428f42fa83ef589bf385a293e4ec3/original/dscf1051.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDM1NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Csilla and Fil" height="357" width="500" /></p>
<p>Csilla's story of escaping from Communist Hungary as a teenager sturck many chords with listeners especiall in view of the mass migration of people that we've seen from the East this year that is still ongoing . We both look forward to taking this show out from time to time in the coming year. </p>
<p> </p>
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<h1><strong>Tour planning - Australia, Germany and Ireland</strong></h1>
<h2>My final news is that Tom and I are preparing for our first trip to Australia!! Woohoo. I cannot wait. Apart from doing some great workshops and concerts it will be a chance to see this amazing country and to catch up with family and friends. We'll be taking part in the Tullamore Irish Festival with Damien Leith and Saoirse and several other bands over Easter Weekend in New South Wales and have lots more dates mostly in and around Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Our dream is to see Ayers Rock - or Uluru to give it its proper name - so the holiday part of the trip will have to be planned now.. </h2>
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<h2>We will also have a return trip to Germany during the second half of May and closer to home we will be playing in Rostrevor on 13th February and dates in Belleek and Belfast will be confirmed in the New Year.</h2>
<h2><a href="http://filcampbell.com/calendar/" data-imported="1">Check the calendar page of our website for full details. </a></h2>
<p>I hope this finds you well. If you have time, drop me a line - you know I love to hear your news. And if you are interested in perhaps running a concert for us, or having a house concert, or if you know of a venue near you that you think would suit us, then please get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.</p>
<p>Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, whether it's sunny or snowing and I look forward to our paths crossing at some point in the coming year.</p>
<p>Fil & Tom xx</p>
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<h3><strong>You can find me at these various online places</strong></h3>
<p>Come and read <a href="http://www.fil-campbell.blogspot.co.uk" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my blog</a> about our travels, work, and any other ramblings that take my fancy. And please sign up to follow me if you're into reading blogs.</p>
<p>At<a href="http://www.filcampbell.com" target="_blank" data-imported="1"> my website</a> Tom is continually putting up new videos from local performances and all our gig and touring information is there. </p>
<p>Visit my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/filcampbell%20" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Facebook Page</a> for more day to day meanderings. </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467992015-12-06T12:00:00-12:002020-09-28T12:36:50-12:00Australia
<p>So excited to be heading to Australia in March 2016. We're gradually posting dates on the website here and are looking forward to doing several workshops, both for choirs and for bodhran in the Melbourne area ... as well as folk clubs and Irish clubs in both Melbourne and Sydney. Details here as we get closer to the time </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467982015-11-06T12:00:00-12:002015-12-06T17:16:16-12:00Scotland and England Tour
<p>We're very much looking forward to getting back over to England and Scotland for the second time this year. </p>
<p>We'll be in Birmingham at the Red Lion Folk Club on Wednesday 18th, the Topic in Bradford on Thursday 19th and Bollington Folk Club near Macclesfield on Friday 20th. Then up to Scotland to do Leith Folk Club on Tuesday 23rd, Irvine Folk Club, Wednesday 24th and a house concert for John Weatherby at Sound Sense in Moffat, Dumfriesshire on Thursday 25th November. </p>
<p>Hopefully I'll have a few photos to post when we come back. </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467972015-08-03T12:00:00-12:002020-01-22T05:54:39-12:00Back There - our new CD has arrived
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<p>Our new CD has just arrived and will be up in the shop and available on iTunes in the next couple of days. Back There has 11 tracks, some of our own songs and some by our Irish songwriter friends. Looking forward to getting it out into the world over the next while.</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467932015-07-31T12:00:00-12:002015-08-02T22:08:51-12:00Review - the Emigrant Woman's Tale
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/adc9668e74cb4b0f9b4f79a8e56843a40961a002/original/ewt.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDIxOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="219" width="200" />We received this lovely review for The Emigrant Woman's Tale from Colum Sands of BBC radio Ulster's Folk Club programme </p>
<p><strong>In The Emigrant Woman's Tale, Fil Campbell and Csilla Tsoldy draw on memories of Belleek and Budapest to weave a striking tapestry of song, poetry and spoken word. They take their audience on a journey that crosses borders on maps and in minds in search of that elusive place that we call home. An inspirational performance that is sometimes humorous, often moving and always thought provoking....highly recommended.</strong></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467922015-07-29T12:00:00-12:002015-08-02T22:05:32-12:00Fiddlers Green Festival 2015
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<p>Another wonderful <a href="http://www.fiddlersgreenfestival.co.uk/" data-imported="1">Fiddlers Green Festival</a> has come to an end here in Rostrevor - the 29th festival. Tom and I had our main performance on Friday night - we did the first part of the main concert where Seamus Begley received an award for services to traditional music. It was a really enjoyable set and it was great to see lots of friends in the audience - our folk family from Germany, Scotland, England and Luxembourg. Earlier in the week Csilla and I performed the Emigrant Woman's Tale to a packed house, and my singing workshop had a lovely crowd too. All in all a good week was had by all. </p>
<p>Fiddlers Green is a wonderful mixture of outdoor ceilidhs, pub sessions, events up the mountain and on the water, a Duck Derby of course :), lots of childrens' events, art exhibitions - this year featuring Kingerlee and the photographer Minihan as well as many amateur art events, pop up cafes, 3 concerts a day, poetry readings and barely time to sit down and have a chat with all the visitors that come in - old friends from around the world and new friends waiting to be made... It's a wonderful event - I thoroughly enjoyed it and now it's time for a rest :)</p>
<p>Read about some of my favourite concerts on <a href="http://fil-campbell.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/fiddlers-green-festival-2015.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my blog</a>.<br></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467942015-02-13T12:00:00-12:002015-08-02T22:06:12-12:00Scotland/England Tour February/March 2015
<h3 class="post-title entry-title">Off on the road again - UK tour</h3>
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Tom McFarland and I are starting out on our first gigs of this year by getting across the water for a lovely wee tour to visit some great folk clubs in Scotland and England and catch up with friends on the way. <br><br>Starting in Glasgow on the 17th and ending up in Keighley in Yorkshire on the 27th if the snow stays away it'll be a very pleasant trip. </div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">For info about dates check <a href="http://fil-campbell.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/off-on-road-again-uk-tour.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>
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Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467952014-12-01T12:00:00-12:002015-08-02T21:59:15-12:00A visit to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre
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<p>I've fulfilled a long held ambition this weekend past, to have a stay at the <a href="http://tyroneguthrie.ie/" data-imported="1">Tyrone Guthrie Centre</a> in Co. Monaghan.<br><br>This is a residential retreat for artists of all disciplines to come and have a space away from home and be looked after, fed, watered and housed to facilitate the creative process.<br><br>And it is magnificent. <br><br></p>
<p><a href="http://fil-campbell.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/an-artists-retreat.html" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Read more about our visit </a>- myself and Hungarian poet Csilla Toldy </p>
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Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467912014-01-23T12:00:00-12:002015-08-02T21:58:15-12:00The Spinning Wheel
<p><strong style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">The Spinning Wheel (John Frances Waller)</strong></p>
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<p>Listen to : <a style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;" href="http://open.spotify.com/track/43L5HSQ0D4sCLF0I58sixQ" data-imported="1">Fil Campbell – The Spinning Wheel</a></p>
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<p>From the TV series - <a href="/songbirds" data-blogger-escaped-target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Songbirds - the First Ladies of Irish Song</a></p>
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<pre><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">Mellow the moonlight to shine is beginning </em></pre>
<pre><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;"></em><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">Close by the window young Eileen is spinning</em></pre>
<pre><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;"></em><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">Bent o’er the fire her blind grandmother sitting</em></pre>
<pre><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">Is crooning and moaning and drowsily knitting<br><br></em></pre>
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<p> When I first learned this as a little girl I pictured this beautiful young girl gazing longingly out of the window, dressed of course in a perfect long skirt, with long hair and an angelic face!! The old lady was knowingly sitting in the corner .... </p>
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<p> I can still see the sash window, the moon shining, the wood outside where the young lovers ended up walking ... Isn't it funny the pictures that stay in your head with a song:))</p>
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<p><strong>Background</strong> </p>
<p><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">The Spinning Wheel</em> is one of the most famous Irish folksongs and was one of the first songs I learned as a child.</p>
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<p><em style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">The Spinning Wheel </em>was written in the late 1800s by John Frances Waller (1909-1894) and it's said that the melody is actually French, although it quickly became known as an Irish song. Really, it was a parlour song that was part of the Anglo Irish tradition, nothing at all to do with traditional Irish music, but more to do with an idealised quaint way of life. It quickly became a favourite for young girls to sing and instantly brings back memories of a gentler way of life.</p>
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<p><em><strong>Well known singers of the song</strong></em></p>
<p>It was one of the songs recorded by Delia Murphy in her first recording session in 1936, one of the songs that made her a star and she in turn was the person who made the song popular.</p>
<p> Later, it became the first international hit for Mary O'Hara, although she didn't even want to record it. Delia sang it at her husband's inauguration as the first Irish Ambassador to Australia and she said that if it's sung correctly you should feel the spinning wheel turning. In our TV series - <a style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;" href="/songbirds" data-blogger-escaped-target="_blank" data-imported="1" data-link-type="page">Songbirds, the First Ladies of Irish Song</a> - it was the only song that we found that had been recorded by all the featured ladies - Ruby Murray, Margaret Barry, Bridie Gallagher, Delia Murphy and Mary O'Hara - and they all sang it in very different styles.</p>
<p><strong style="font-family: times, serif; font-size: small;">The Lyric</strong> </p>
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<p><em>Mellow the moonlight to shine is beginning<br>Close by the window young Eileen is spinning<br>Bent o’er the fire her blind grandmother sitting<br>Is crooning and moaning and drowsily knitting<br><br>Eileen a chara I hear someone tapping<br>Tis the ivy dear mother against the glass flapping<br>Eily I surely hear someone sighing<br>Tis the sound mother dear of the autumn winds dying<br><br>Merrily cheerily noiselessly whirring<br>Swings the wheel spins the reel while the foot’s stirring<br>Sprightly and brightly and airily ringing<br>Thrills the sweet voice of the young maiden singing<br><br>There’s a form at the casement the form of her true love<br>And he whispers with face bent “I’m waiting for you love<br>Get up on the stool through the lattice step lightly<br>And we’ll rove in the grove with the moon shining brightly”<br><br>The maid shakes her head on her lip lays her fingers<br>Steals up from the seat, longs to go and yet lingers<br>A frightened glance turned on her drowsy grandmother<br>Puts one foot on the stool spins the wheel with the other<br><br>Lazily, easily swings now the wheel round<br>Slowly and lowly is heard now the reel sound<br>Noiseless and light through the lattice above her<br>The maid creeps then leaps to the arms of her lover<br><br>Slower and slower and slower the wheel spins<br>Lower and lower and lower the reel rings<br>E’er the reel and the wheel stop their ringing and moving<br>Through the grove the young lovers by moonlight are roving</em></p>
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<p><em><strong>The songwriter: </strong></em></p>
<p><strong>John Francis Waller</strong> (1810 - 1894) was born in Limerick, educated at Trinity College, Dublin and was called to the Irish Bar in 1833. He became a contributor to and ultimately editor of the <em>Dublin University Magazine</em>, usually writing under the pseudonym of "Jonathan Freke Slingsby"</p>
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<p>He published several volumes of poems and also wrote popular songs, including <em>Cushla Ma Chree</em>, <em>The Spinning Wheel</em> and <em>Song of the Glass</em>. He was responsible for the explanatory notes and a life of the author in a new edition of "Gulliver's Travels" written by Dean Jonathan Swift. </p>
<p><em><strong><br>Connected</strong></em></p>
<p>If you're interested in spinning as an art I found this <a href="http://perfectweatherforspinningandknitting.blogspot.co.uk/2011_06_01_archive.html" data-blogger-escaped-target="_blank" data-imported="1">fascinating blog</a> from a lady in Scotland.</p>
<p><br>Have you any memories of the song? I'd love to hear from you.</p>
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Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467902013-09-24T12:00:00-12:002014-02-17T16:32:38-12:00Singing is Good For you ..Community choir starts back this week.
<p>Singing is Good For You!</p>
<p>So say the scientists...</p>
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<p>Group singing sessions start up again on 2nd October and every following Wednesday night in An Cuan in Rostrevor at 7.30pm. </p>
<p>This will be a 4 part evening - class of exercises, group singing session, tea and chat break and finishing up with a singsong/singaround. If you're in the area and would like to join us please come along -- all the details are <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/522473837829318/" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
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<p>I teach a natural way of singing - - no training the voice for operatic work - but grounding the voice in telling the story. I work to help people use the muscle of their voice and get used to the idea that their voice is unique and even though it doesn't sound like the person you feel it should sound like in order to think of yourself as a good singer, the fact that you are singing will make your voice strong. A lot of these ways are similar to those ideas promoted by the NVPN - <a href="http://www.naturalvoice.net/" data-imported="1">Natural Voice Practitioners Network. </a></p>
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<p>So here are some ideas of why it's good for you... courtesy of my good friend <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/lauraplummer" data-imported="1">Laura Plumme</a>r who runs the Voices of Lecale community choir in Downpatrick ...</p>
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<p>Singing is good for you – it’s official. Recent research carried out at the University of Frankfurt in Germany indicates that singing strengthens the immune system, increasing significantly the levels of immunoglobulin A (proteins which functions as antibodies) and hydrocortisone (an anti-stress hormone). This German study and other research findings on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years have yielded encouraging evidence of the health benefits of singing.</p>
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<p><strong>12 good reasons to take up singing</strong></p>
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<p>Singing boosts the immune system, improving circulation which oxygenates your cells</p>
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<p>Singing improves your mood & helps combat depression; it releases the same ‘feel good’ endorphins as chocolate and sex!</p>
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<p>Singing gives your upper body a workout – lungs, abdominal, intercostal muscles & diaphragm – and improves posture</p>
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<p>Singing is aerobic & releases muscle tension</p>
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<p>Singing keeps your vocal chords in good shape and your voice youthful</p>
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<p>Singing gives YOU immediate pleasure (your sacculus organ in the inner ear is connected to the part of the brain which registers pleasure!)</p>
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<p>Singing clears your sinuses and respiratory tubes</p>
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<p>Singing stimulates insight into poetry, prose & the inner meaning of words</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/7815d53869135000c67c2ade53e4c75eb9aa740a/original/fil-blanquefort.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDQwOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="408" width="300" /></p>
<p>Come by and say hello - <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/" data-imported="1">www.filcampbell.com</a></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467892013-08-06T12:00:00-12:002013-08-06T18:43:36-12:00Clough Mor and Finn McCool
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><em>Clough Mór</em> means big stone in Irish ... and the Big Stone dominates the local landscape here in Rostrevor .... It lies at the top of Slieve Meen in the Mourne Mountains about 1000ft above the village. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;"><a style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eA76X1soLY/UgDtoKNiLhI/AAAAAAAAAVU/dp46_s-Pvqw/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" data-imported="1"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eA76X1soLY/UgDtoKNiLhI/AAAAAAAAAVU/dp46_s-Pvqw/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"> But legend says it was thrown by the giant <em>Finn McCool</em> - who threw most of the big stones that are littered across the North of Ireland - he liked throwing things did Finn! He was also responsible for creating the Giants Causeway, the Isle of Man and Lough Neagh and he gives his name to the mountains across the Lough - the Cooley mountains - where he sleeps on top of them. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;">Looking across the Carlingford Lough to the Cooley Mountains from CloughMor</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><em>The story goes</em> that while Finn was out hunting boar one day, a huge shadow fell across the Lough and another giant stood there - as big as he himself was. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">This giant was called <em>Ruscaire</em>, the giant of Snow and Ice. He challenged Finn who was the giant of Summer, to a fight and both giants drew their swords each with a foot in Carlingford Lough and their other foot astride the mountains on either side. They fought all day with swords and the second day with clubs. On the third morning Ruscaire arose and stole Finn's sword while he still slept, although honour stopped him killing him. But when Finn awoke and found that his sword was missing and that Ruscaire had taken it, he started throwing rocks and stones at him and a battle ensued that shook the mountains to the core. The Cloughmor Stone was beside him - it weighed 50 tons and with great effort Finn put his giant arms around it and hurled it at his enemy, burying him under the weight of it, where he melted away like ice into the mountain.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;">Finn McCool asleep on the mountain</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Finn was so exhausted after the effort that he lay down and never wakened. Some people say that the little people covered him stones when they couldn't waken him and others say that over the years he simply turned to stone. We'll never know the truth but his image can still be seen there to this day.</p>
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<p class="separator" style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">For more myths and legends about Finn, Queen Maeve, Cuthulainn and the little folk in and around Carlingford and Mourne, there's a great website - <a href="http://www.carlingfordandmourne.com/" data-imported="1">http://www.carlingfordandmourne.com</a></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467882013-07-31T12:00:00-12:002020-01-22T05:54:37-12:00Fiddlers Green Festival 2013
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Taking part in a <a href="http://www.filcampbell.com/dashboard/pages/blog/post/http" target="_blank" data-imported="1">well known festival </a>in your home village is a special honour .... here are some of my memories of the week ...</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Setting the scene at Fiddlers Green .... about 700 feet up the mountain in a meadow called Fiddlers Green - sailors' heaven ... 200+ people walked up with picnics, instruments, childrens' push chairs, blankets and excitement ...</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">....and took part in a concert....</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">The stage all set for brilliant music - traditional tunes at their best ..</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Spoken Dance at the Music of Healing .... absolutely breathtaking ...</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">The week started out sunny and ended in a thunderstorm further up the mountain ... with a glass of whisky to toast the occasion - we were all like 'drownded rats' as they'd say around these parts ...</p>
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<p class="separator" style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;">Haven't laughed so much in years though .... it felt like being a child again, standing out in the rain ...<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnhNVRiSDjY/Ufo_fBSGPPI/AAAAAAAAASo/NPveLmR59wo/s1600/Cheers+from+Slieve+Martin+in+the+rain.jpg" data-imported="1"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnhNVRiSDjY/Ufo_fBSGPPI/AAAAAAAAASo/NPveLmR59wo/s320/Cheers+from+Slieve+Martin+in+the+rain.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align:center">And the view was worth it ....</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;">Afterwards it looks pretty innocent ... with clouds steaming off the Cooley Mountains across the water.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">All in all a fun week with great friends, great music and great craic... See you next year :)</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Now it's time to get back to work and get some new songs ready for the next venture.</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467872013-07-02T12:00:00-12:002013-07-02T20:51:10-12:00A Walk in the Mournes
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so beautiful here on the last Sunday of June - we headed up into the Mournes at the Bloody Bridge - walking away from the sea for a change... </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">Looking down to the Irish Sea - it was so clear we could just about see the Isle of Man in the distance</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px;">The colours in the rock pools were so clear...</p>
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<p class="separator" style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG1LxGKJZnU/UdLvfRFgzoI/AAAAAAAAAOo/02P10lnke5c/s1600/weathered+wood.JPG" data-imported="1"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG1LxGKJZnU/UdLvfRFgzoI/AAAAAAAAAOo/02P10lnke5c/s320/weathered+wood.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>I love the shadows ... this was on the bridge that Tom was standing at earlier ..<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVCVjlpmPuI/UdLvcmHGeOI/AAAAAAAAAOU/cmpNXwXaCrY/s1600/shadows.JPG" data-imported="1"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVCVjlpmPuI/UdLvcmHGeOI/AAAAAAAAAOU/cmpNXwXaCrY/s320/shadows.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>Knew I had long legs in some part of my life!!!</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"> and back down again .... next time we'll get up to the Mourne Wall ...</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467862012-12-31T12:00:00-12:002012-12-31T18:56:38-12:00Happy New Year
<p style="text-align: center;">A big welcome to 2013!! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/d6dcb5035572a3e90135c0adc36477a255a35b2e/original/happy-new-year1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDQyNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="424" width="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I am truly looking forward to the year to come ... and am starting out the year with plenty of plans for new projects and some lovely tours on the horizon to look forward to ... England and Scotland in March; Europe in April - and that will take us through Holland, Germany, Denmark and Luxembourg ; then the US in August/September and another trip back to the UK in November ... Looking good. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I wish you and yours a wonderful, creative and above all else, peaceful 2013. </p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467852012-09-12T12:00:00-12:002020-01-22T05:54:36-12:00Courtmacsherry Storytelling Carnival
<p>Well! What a weekend we had down in West Cork at the Courtmacsherry Storytelling Carnival. Tom and I have been visiting West Cork for many years and it's without a doubt my favourite part of the country. The sense of humour, the scenery, the music and above all the accent are all a treat! I had the great honour of being on the bill with the wonderful Sean Ó Sé - storyteller par excellence and a fabulous singer - he was the vocalist with the Sean O'Riada orchestra, the Gael Linn Cabaret and many many other brilliant shows. </p>
<p>Here's a You Tube video of Sean earlier this year telling a story at the Kerry Hall in Yonkers in New York ... you'd need to have a bit of a clue about old Irish ways for this to make sense ... </p>
<p></p>
<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ftazaj09fk0" width="560" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
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<p>The weather was very kind most of the weekend and we had a gorgeous room overlooking the bay and with a four poster bed!!!! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/80199d0d894bebccefe97a06de87399d3837d45a/original/horses-in-the-morning.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/17ba02c458b67d57b5770f160727bdd982e0e9aa/original/our-room.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/6167d57f1790c87e48df47751defe9226001e67f/original/sunset-over-courtmacsherry-bay.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDMwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="400" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/ee853f15bc80ec64224b70f687581160a23130ca/original/bob-jennings.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzUweDI2MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="263" width="350" /></p>
<p>Cliff Wedgebury did a lovely set of Sea Shanties on the Sunday and the last act on the Festival were local guys Pat Kelleher and Dan O'Sullivan doing a really lovely tribute concert to the Clancy's</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/5497be4c849dc61d0e64928d7cf4e227f72de8b1/original/pat-kelleher-and-dan-osullivan.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDE4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="188" width="250" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/393260/0891df430ae17be4ea51c7c037832e419eefb9f6/original/cliff-wedgebury.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDE4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="188" width="250" /></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467832012-08-30T12:00:00-12:002012-08-30T22:36:40-12:00Donegal
<p><a href="http://fil-campbell.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/donegal.html" data-imported="1">http://fil-campbell.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/donegal.html</a></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467842012-08-29T12:00:00-12:002012-09-02T21:30:59-12:00Singing Workshops starting back next week
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>As we're back in to a new term, our Adults Singing Classes start back again on Monday nights. Here are all the details</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Carlingford Lough Singing Circle & Community Choir</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Singing for fun!</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Every Monday night, 7.30pm - 9pm</p>
<p>Warrenpoint Town Hall </p>
<p><em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000">Starts back Monday 3<sup>rd</sup> September</span></strong></em></p>
<p>This workshop is suitable for <em>all levels of singers </em><em>Aged 16+</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Easy Repertoire …</em><em> </em></p>
<p><em>Folk songs from around the world, old pop songs, standards, rounds and simple harmonies.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>New voices always welcome</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>Pop in for one night or stay for the season </p>
<p>No audition necessary</p>
<p><em>By donation – suggested donation £5 per week.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Workshop leader: Fil Campbell<br>Tel: 028 417 38052/07803 226279<br>Email: </em><a href="mailto:fil@filcampbell.com" data-imported="1"><em>fil@filcampbell.com</em></a></p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarlandtag:filandtom.com,2005:Post/61467822012-06-17T12:00:00-12:002012-09-02T21:35:43-12:00Who said you couldn't sing?
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#6aa84f"><strong>Everyone can sing ... if you can talk you can sing! </strong></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#00ff00"><strong><br></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#3d85c6">I recently had a student who was told she couldn't sing when she was very small - she's now retired. So she kept joining in, wanting to sing, but was laughed at cos she wasn't brilliant... After her initial nervousness and doubt I discovered a lovely sweet voice in there... totally in tune, with a perfect sense of timing. What a waste ... all those years of believing she was wrong. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#3d85c6"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color:#3d85c6">Let me repeat this ....</span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color:#3d85c6">"Everyone can sing ... if you can talk you can sing!" </span><span style="color:#073763"> I feel like I need to shout that!</span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color:#073763"><br></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#990000">Now the big problem is</span>, if we can't sing like Pavarotti or Streisand or Ella or whomever your ideal voice is then we think we can't sing at all .... </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#274e13">Total rubbish!!</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#674ea7">The thing is ... </span>you can never sound like one of them because <strong>our voices are totally unique</strong> - there can only be one Pavarotti or Streisand just like there can only be one you. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">And of course we need to improve - that's human nature - you never stop improving... <span style="color:#f1c232"><strong>but you've got to start somewhere!</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">I believe that we have a physical need to sing - just see how much your spirits lift after singing to yourself in the shower or the car. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color:#f6b26b">So, if you've always wanted to have a go, just get on with it and practice. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">There's bound to be a teacher near you who can offer you advice and encouragement ...</p>
Fil Campbell & Tom McFarland