We’re in the first weeks of autumn and the cool nights descend. Felt a little nervous, after an absence of a week, about playing at The Imperial. First there and I started to set up the room. Got it done and the nerves diminished plus I played a rendition of ‘Overflow’ before the evening started. It was an excellent night all round although the audience is, generally, the performers themselves. Gordon turned up and introduced himself with a snare drum and brushes. Simon provided blues harp and Bruno lent his lead guitar to my songs. Played a few songs standing up which is ‘more better’ but still ‘not easy’. By a little after 11pm, the last song was played with Pennie and I dancing to the groove. No other audience by then but a lovely moment on stage.
Today was an early start with a monthly team meeting and additional training at the Group Home in which I work. This was then followed by the Annual Individual Plan meeting for the client for whom I’m a key worker. Definitely a bit frazzled by the end of the day but it all got achieved although I don’t feel I covered myself with glory. Oh to have a key worker and an annual individual plan. They’re a damn good idea and take some effort to do well. Anyway, I’m in a position to set my own goals. My client isn’t without some help.
I’m now working towards the Ironfest in Lithgow. This is held in late April where - all things being equal - I’ll play a 45 minute set each day over a three day period. There’s a challenge for me but I feel anticipation, at the moment, rather than nerves. I’ve taken seven small steps, after many a false start, into a less solitary field than that of pure songwriting. I’m happy about that.