Singing New Songs

I love music. This last few days have reminded me how much it has marked and continues to mark my life. Like rings in a tree’s trunk, there are so many songs that are part of my growing up; so much music that has left its groove in me forever. We are staying with close friends in Ireland, celebrating their little girl’s baptism. We have been part of family celebrations with them for over 15 years and music has always been present at these events, in the way that only seems to happen organically in Ireland. Somebody brings a guitar, or whatever comes to hand, and by a certain point in the evening, the music starts. Sunday night was no exception and we had a joyous few hours singing and laughing together. But last night was even more special. The majority of the party had headed home, leaving us and our good friends together. We met when, as part of our degree 21 years ago, we all three were placed as English Language Assistants in the same French town. Our Year in Compiegne was gl...

I'm writing this from New Wine, which is a big, Christian gathering in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. GiraffeBoy, SmallBoy and I have been coming to this with church friends since 2012 and we have always loved it. There is great, age-appropriate children's work twice a day, fantastic worship and teaching for the adults from some of the most interesting Christian speakers around the world and, the biggest bonus, it involves camping for the whole week - one of mine and my boys' favourite things to do together. M doesn't camp and doesn't much like the idea of the whole thing anyway, so it's something that is purely for me and my boys. This year, we have shared camp with another friend's church, so we're making new friends and connections too. The only fly in the ointment has been the truly spectacular British summer weather. We're used to needing waterproofs and wellies, as well as suncream at New Wine but this year has taken the biscuit. Don...