There is something about feeling as weak as a kitten that sends one’s mind soaring to stronger times !!
We had 40C in January, and, like an idiot I forgot to drink enough during that day.
Consequently, I lived on litres of water, and only able to stomach fruit and burnt toast.
This has never happened before, but my son reminded me that as we get older we must drink more and try to get more sun!
The thought of another glass of water turned my stomach, but needs must – Hey Ho!! ….
I thought of my glorious summer in the UK last year. I bit the bullet, and hired cars to travel the length and breadth of the UK and to get me up to Scotland.
In the 70s, when I was known as “Miriam Backhouse” I had an old Cortina station wagon with a mattress and a box of food in the back in case no one could put me up for the night. I am happy to say I never slept in that car, but the box of food always had digestive biscuits, dark chocolate, avocado, cottage cheese and wholewheat bread. I would often stop for a picnic on my travels to some of the most beautiful places in the UK.
My agent would post me the contracts for that month and off I would go free as a bird. I think that singing for people and driving are my two favourite things.
My first album, with Saffron Summerfield of Mother Earth Music, was called “Gypsy without a Road” after a beautiful song by Rosie Hardman that still rings true to this day. That Gypsy lifestyle suited me perfectly at the time.
I cherish those 4 years 1973 – 1977.
In 1977, John came over to the UK and came home with a wife. We had a wonderful life together, singing and travelling all over our Province. When our children left home at the turn of the century, I got terrible ‘empty nest’ and John, bless his heart said why don’t I try to revive my folk singing days. Hence, every summer – and one winter – since 2004 I have been lucky enough to share my songs again at folk clubs and festivals.
As you can guess, 2020 put an end to that, and then John became very ill and died in May 2023.
I lost the will to perform, but my family and friends reminded me that it is in my soul.
Last year, 2024, was amazing, I had 14 concerts. I usually relied on public transport and the kindness of friends, but having my own little car again took 50 years off my life. I can’t do night after night like I used to, but half a dozen gigs or so each year are enough to ‘keep my hand in’.
I look forward to being ‘on the road again’ in Europe this summer.
