Elsa Davies and Gwilym Hardy

I'm still about five weeks behind with the blog.  It's mid-December now.  Week 41, Day 280 to be exact.  I thought I'd have time to catch up but there's no way.  It's been an amazing journey so far.  When I think back on my life entirely, it's all been pretty incredible.  I'm glad I stuck with music... there's so many stories to tell and not enough time to tell them......

Anyway, a short break from Wales as I head back to Canada for x-mas.

But before I get on that plane, I have to say a quick word about Gwilym and Elsa.

It's high time to write about these two.  We haven't had a chance for all three of us to play together in a while and I really miss it.  You have no idea how much.  So a little tribute.

I know you both read this silly blog so close your eyes for a spell...

Week 34 - part 3 - Abercych

On the weekend there was finally another Abercych Twmpath.  This Twmpath is a great event hosted by Simon which brings the little village together and people of all sorts - Welshies, hippies and arty people alike.  I think it's got to be one of my top favourite events.

Elsa showed up there with a couple of family members.  It was great to see Elsa though I didn't have much of a chance to visit with her at the actual dance.

Week 34 - part 2 - Sesiwn Ystalyfera

There was a sesiwn in Ystalyfera called Sha Nol Sha Mlan.  It was hosted by Geraint and the Swansea crew.  My boy Chris Reynolds was there naturally.  I'd been rehearsing with Martin and Sille and we all thought it'd be fun to join in.

The session was held in Y Wern, the great local pub with the home brews all named after Buddy Holly.  The pub was really hopping, crazy busy.  I heard a ton of Welsh being spoken that night.

Week 34 - part 1 - Ramsey Island

On the Monday, the remainder of the group walked to see Ramsey Island.  It's an amazing walk.  We started from Porth Clais very near St. David's cathedral.  In the far distance, we were able to see St. Non's church, the mother of St. David.  It was the perfect day for walking.

As we crested the hill we were able to see the island of Gwales off in the horizon.  This is the island that features in the old Mabinogion story about Branwen and Brân.

Week 33 - Brief Digression, Yscolan's Musicians

Annwyl Yscolan...


The last post was a bit long (or rather vastly too long) but I did want to say a quick word about all the musicians that were at Yscolan and give them my deepest thanks.

Week 33 - Yscolan

The Gateway...

Another quick visit with Veronica and Mary.  It was extremely short unfortunately.  Veronica thought that she might be able to get me out to this artist's retreat in Ireland.  It didn't happen but other good stuff did, which I'll write about later.  Anyway, it was good to see them before they made their way to Ireland.

On the weekend, I went to Ceri "Ffliwt"'s music retreat, Yscolan in Sir Benfro.