18 Comments

Ever thought of writing for a living? ;-)

I like the part about humans having built churches. Organised faith aside (and each to their own), it feels more and more to me these days as if that's what we need to do inside ourselves, build a little repository against the dark and fill it with whatever gets you through. Call it what you want; a church, a bulwark, a nest. A haven. Then go out into the world and share the best of ourselves with others.

I think you've made a pretty good start, so thanks.

Paul.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much hun. Calendar updated too.

Can I also express MASSIVE appreciation for the audio accompaniment for us time squeezed folks who rarely get time to sit and read even for 7 minutes - I can listen to letters while I’m *working.

😊❤️🌈

*doing my Mum and carer stuff

Expand full comment

Always a pleasure to read your words….. I do this on the way to the rebellion event in Blackpool so it’s a nice departure in speed, reflection and energy!

The diary has a placeholder for April 2024 and you made me smile because I will start small with the placeholder but will build a whole weekend round this.

Stay happy Nerina x

Expand full comment

I only just discovered Nerina through her interview with Mary Spender. I was surprised to listen to her catalogue and discover she was an actual musical genius. Who knew they still existed?

Expand full comment

Two things:

1) I've made sure April 13th is clear in my - yet to be purchased - week to a view 2024 diary. Captain Fun Times 🙌

2) Your godfather sounds like he was a lovely and well respected man. I've been to Wales a couple of times before - why in fact, I was in Cardiff only a few months ago, and I go there again at the end of October for a tour of a quite well known band I'm seeing. I've got dear long time friends from - or in the case of a good mate of mine, Eddie, originally from Chingford and now living in Llandudno - that part of the world, and honestly I've always found the Welsh really hospitable and warm.

Even in the cities like Cardiff and Swansea, you find people are a little more relaxed and friendly, willing to pass the time of day with you in a way that they're simply not in say, London. When I do go again in the autumn, I intend to hop on one of those bus tours of Cardiff City Centre, and marvel at the castles, the bridges, the architecture etc.

And I quite agree. Small acts of kindness have, in my eyes, always made the biggest difference.

Expand full comment

I have many great memories of Pembrokeshire having walked much of the coast path there in the 70s. The natural ruggedness of Strumble Head contrasting with the beauty of St Davids. Thank you for organising next year's gig on the 13th April, a nice birthday present for me (turning 75 as it happens). Don't get to see too many gigs these days, look forward to this one.

Expand full comment

I loved this so much, inspiring and beautiful! These words brought a tear to my eye! You certainly have adjusted my perspective Nerina! (As you always do!)❤️😘🙏

Much love

Paul

Expand full comment

Your words quite brought me to tears. How beautifully written. Thank you for sharing x

Expand full comment

Another lovely reflective piece of writing, Nerina - when's the book out?

Sadly I shall be in Crete (if it still operates) next April celebrating my wife and my joint 145th birthday.

Otherwise I would be there.

Love Mike x

Expand full comment

In the past, I was wowwed by big things. Maturity has taught me to see, appreciate and, yes, be wowwed by the little things that happen daily.Thank you, as always🌹🇨🇦

Expand full comment

Beautifully written and wonderfully observed! Thank you so much!

Expand full comment

What a wonderful piece of writing thnank you...roll on 13 April can't wait..

Warm greetings from Portstewart

Expand full comment

Wonderful newsletter and fabulous news about April next year, I can't wait it will be such a celebration of you, thank you Nerina.

Expand full comment

I cannot believe you were in the states and didn't come see me. Well I guess I can. I'm sorry for your loss he sounds awesome. I'm sure he's somewhere doing well.

Expand full comment

I went to school in Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro) in the 1960s.... that is all I have 😄

Expand full comment

Epiphanies come in many forms and there is nothing like them for shaking the tree a bit. Lovely writing as usual, Nerina! Great news about April 13th 2025! Happy August! 🙂❤️

Expand full comment