I went to the Steeleye Span gig in Southport last night with my 2 19 year old daughters. They took me! (Although it was Dad that paid...) Had a wonderful time at the gig. Steeleye were as crack on form as usual. Stayed overnight in one of the best Hotels in Southport and had a good wander round this morning. While at the gig I was grinning like a Cheshire cat and realising what a wonderful experience it is to share music with your loved ones. This got me reflecting on all the other marvelous things that happen in life. OK, I know it gets shitty at times and I have my downers as well but while on a high why not share it?

I have seen bands like Steeleye Span, Incredible String Band and Fairport Convention. I have been involved with a great folk club and met great people like Martin Carthy, Anthony John Clarke and Vin Garbutt. I have sung and made music both with friends and in front of unknown audiences.

I have had experiences ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. In one day I swam in the Atlantic ocean in the morning and the Carribean sea in the afternoon. I have got drunk on tequilla with a Russian in an Irish bar in Belgium. I have seen the red sun set over the turquoise seas of Antigua. I have seen the sun rise over the snow capped peak of Ingleborough on a morning where the sky was so blue it hurt your eyes. I have been in a caravan where it was so cold that boots were frozen to the floor. I have been in the same caravan jamming with Kendall and Mortica in a torrential rainstorm while getting rid of too much spiced rum!

I don't think anyone can ever say they have done everything they wanted to but, on the basis that I never know what I want, I can be pretty damned close:-) We can never live those precious moments for ever but we can and do revist them on a regular basis. I am a great one for living for today. I never plan ahead and never dwell on the past but those moments all come back whenever I am happy to make a good experience great.

I am lucky enough to have a family and friends that not only let me into their lives but sometimes make the scary journey into my life as well! Tomorrow? Well, I may be sad or depressed or any of the umpteen other things that spoil it but right now I feel like sharing. If I have bucked anyone up by sharing then all the better. If not - hey, you can't win 'em all:-)

Give us some of the moments that come back to you and spread the spirit around a bit. No, I don't mean that kind of spirit but if you happen to have a nice Speyside around...

Cheers

Dave the Gnome