Hello Dear Reader Once, many moons ago, one of you wrote to me on MySpace to congratulate me on my chart success while at the same time delivering the best unsolicited advice ever given on a social media portal. ‘Forgive me friend, for I am old,’ you wrote, ‘but because I am old, I can tell you this: just enjoy the ride. Try to see it for what it is, hop on, go with it and be there for every minute if you can.’
Oh, Nerina. I had no idea you had a sister with CP. Sorry to hear she died. I am sitting writing this from my son Charlie's hospital room. He has CP and on June 2 had a selective dorsal rhizotomy. He is now relearning to walk. (It's hard to learn that). He's alive and happy and courageous and getting stronger again every day.
I love the new album. It has been cathartic to sing I Don't Know What I'm Doing as I cry in my kitchen because one of my 8yo twin boys is in the hospital and my wife and I are trying to navigate keeping both Charlie and Henry's spirits up.
A a good day is, indeed, one where I don't fall apart by 10 in the morning.
Thank you for the album. It is helping me. And thank you for this newsletter.
David (in Texas but not any of the referenced people!)
So sorry to hear you news Nerina. I lost my darling Dad at the end of April to Parkinson’s with dementia , so May was a month of arrangements for me and supporting my lovely Mum who has cared for my Dad for the last 7 years.
As I have gotten older I now appreciate the sentiment that horrified me at the age of 16 when my parents, aunts and uncles we in the garden, in the sun, laughing and joking after my nanny’s funeral. It is about celebrating their life not mourning the loss, but it is about that as well if it makes sense ?
Looking forward to seeing you in October in Birmingham …. It has been too long !! In the mean time, keep safe lovely lady x
So sorry to hear about your recent loss. Life has indeed been hard and we never know what others are going through, so it pays to be kind.
I don't look like Willie Nelson (and am not he) but I did once message you on MySpace (2005-2006) 'Everybody's Gone To War' was taking off and I had tickets to see you in concert at The Lowry. I messaged you and you actually replied within minutes!
You were in Switzerland and had been (as I recall) trying to give up smoking? I then recommended, if you had time, to visit the Lindt factory. Fairly simple exchange, it was very kind of you to reply. I've seen you live a couple of times and have all your albums.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your sister, you described her life and achievements with such positivity although it still must have been, and continue to be, a difficult time for you.
I forwarded your message to my special friend in Ireland as I think she would like the idea of a "Mystery Quilt". She is a wonderful lady, my former partner when she lived in England, who also makes quilts as gifts for people, and I am proud to have a couple of them. It is hard to explain how special a gift is that someone has made for you with their own hands, even more so because she suffers with MS, which makes all physical task more difficult.
Rather bizarrely, her Grandson's name is Ronan, so your message title made me wonder if I'd gone even more loopy than I know I am already! Not very up on chart pop (I assume it's Ronan Keating's song)?
Anyway, I listened to your new album today, and I really liked it. I thought it had a really intimate soulful feel to it. I especially liked the title track for its lyrics and apparent simplicity (I doubt it was that simple to record). Listening on Spotify when the album finished Circus started playing, another beautifully "simple sounding" song which reminds me of Rickie Lee Jones in the way the pauses keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next word or note. Even after all you've achieved, your music really seems to continue to evolve into something even more beautiful. Chris x.
We all need a bit of Juliette’s spirit for life by the sounds of it! When a good one leaves us they often leave a kick up the backside and reminder to live life to the full. A reminder to do more of what you love and channel more Willy (Nelson) ...this includes dancing on tables or sitting at a piano making amazing music, it’s all optional and to definitely get out and experience life and adventure…well a weekend in Whitby at the very least. Your idea that death would be the final piece of the jigsaw and everything would then make sense is definitely a plan because death makes absolutely no sense to me at all. I am however reminded that given all that’s gone on recently for you it should be I/we helping you through and making sense of it all. And yet, as always, you’re on it and writing your way through the grief and so I know you’ll be ok and that means I can let go of my molly coddling, get my first cuppa of the day and book a day trip to Aberystwyth…I’ve no idea what it’s like or how long it’ll take me from Sheffield but it jumped in my head writing this so it feels like it is meant to be! Big hugs, Jo x ps I’m the one that never stays behind (at Nunnington) I do want to but I remove myself before I see you and start curtsying and come across all Alice off vicar of Dibley.
I know it's the same-old-same-old phrase, but time does heal. Perhaps not completely, but eventually the tremors of the earthquake become an occasional revisiting rumble from those deeply embedded trigger points we know as memories. My wife lost her two elder sibling brothers prematurely along with her mum and dad. She was de-familied before 50! That's been a tough gig to watch. But time did its work supressing the omnipresent hurt until the newness of less traumatic years could prevail. Such shared experiences are obligatory for our fragile species.
Did Juilette ever feel this way. The rush of blood, the swoon and sway. I'm sure she did. Sorry for your loss.🌷If any of your penpal's want to read a book about enjoying the ride. The Perfect Present by Dr Johnson. Short but very sweet. For a deep dive on same. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I must finish that one myself or listen to it on line. 2 yrs later and There's a river. Still my favorite.
Jul 3, 2022·edited Jul 3, 2022Liked by Nerina Pallot
So sorry for your loss <3 hope you're doing okay-ish despite the tough times you're going through right now! Things are going to get better, I'm sure. Meanwhile: we've got your back :)
So sorry to learn, of the loss of your Sister, Nerina. Heartfelt condolence, to you and your family.
Another good read!..... its true, we are only here once, in this life, so we have to make the most of it. The world lost one of my music idols in May. Andrew Fletcher from Depeche Mode, left us suddenly. A bolt out of the blue, that nobody suspected. Just goes to show, we don't know, what is around, the next bend
Such words of wisdom, from 'Willy'.....jump on board, hang on, don't get too serious and enjoy, whatever the magical mystery tour has in store.
Loving the new album and loving the musical journey you're taking us on, Nerina........and long may it last xx
Beautifully written as always, your words always carry the perfect weight of smiles, tears and wisdom. As I said before, keep on. Doing. What you’re doing.
My closest friend and longest term musical collaborator (me on drums, Nick on bass) died suddenly in May while I was out of contact in the Arctic. By the time I found out on my returned he had been buried, so I missed the funeral - at which Hozier sang (!). But you are right - the old guys advice was spot on. I should know, I'm an old guy, too....love, Mike Wade
Just beautiful, your letters always are, this one made me cry. Also thank you for the very kind message that arrived with my CD, that made my year, so grateful. Take care
Oh, Nerina. I had no idea you had a sister with CP. Sorry to hear she died. I am sitting writing this from my son Charlie's hospital room. He has CP and on June 2 had a selective dorsal rhizotomy. He is now relearning to walk. (It's hard to learn that). He's alive and happy and courageous and getting stronger again every day.
I love the new album. It has been cathartic to sing I Don't Know What I'm Doing as I cry in my kitchen because one of my 8yo twin boys is in the hospital and my wife and I are trying to navigate keeping both Charlie and Henry's spirits up.
A a good day is, indeed, one where I don't fall apart by 10 in the morning.
Thank you for the album. It is helping me. And thank you for this newsletter.
David (in Texas but not any of the referenced people!)
Brilliant - great to have another listener on board, Jo. Mike
So sorry to hear you news Nerina. I lost my darling Dad at the end of April to Parkinson’s with dementia , so May was a month of arrangements for me and supporting my lovely Mum who has cared for my Dad for the last 7 years.
As I have gotten older I now appreciate the sentiment that horrified me at the age of 16 when my parents, aunts and uncles we in the garden, in the sun, laughing and joking after my nanny’s funeral. It is about celebrating their life not mourning the loss, but it is about that as well if it makes sense ?
Looking forward to seeing you in October in Birmingham …. It has been too long !! In the mean time, keep safe lovely lady x
I
Love reading your news letters. So eloquent.
Hi Nerina,
So sorry to hear about your recent loss. Life has indeed been hard and we never know what others are going through, so it pays to be kind.
I don't look like Willie Nelson (and am not he) but I did once message you on MySpace (2005-2006) 'Everybody's Gone To War' was taking off and I had tickets to see you in concert at The Lowry. I messaged you and you actually replied within minutes!
You were in Switzerland and had been (as I recall) trying to give up smoking? I then recommended, if you had time, to visit the Lindt factory. Fairly simple exchange, it was very kind of you to reply. I've seen you live a couple of times and have all your albums.
I for one am really glad you are out there.
Take care
Pete
Sorry to hear about the loss of your sister, you described her life and achievements with such positivity although it still must have been, and continue to be, a difficult time for you.
I forwarded your message to my special friend in Ireland as I think she would like the idea of a "Mystery Quilt". She is a wonderful lady, my former partner when she lived in England, who also makes quilts as gifts for people, and I am proud to have a couple of them. It is hard to explain how special a gift is that someone has made for you with their own hands, even more so because she suffers with MS, which makes all physical task more difficult.
Rather bizarrely, her Grandson's name is Ronan, so your message title made me wonder if I'd gone even more loopy than I know I am already! Not very up on chart pop (I assume it's Ronan Keating's song)?
Anyway, I listened to your new album today, and I really liked it. I thought it had a really intimate soulful feel to it. I especially liked the title track for its lyrics and apparent simplicity (I doubt it was that simple to record). Listening on Spotify when the album finished Circus started playing, another beautifully "simple sounding" song which reminds me of Rickie Lee Jones in the way the pauses keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next word or note. Even after all you've achieved, your music really seems to continue to evolve into something even more beautiful. Chris x.
We all need a bit of Juliette’s spirit for life by the sounds of it! When a good one leaves us they often leave a kick up the backside and reminder to live life to the full. A reminder to do more of what you love and channel more Willy (Nelson) ...this includes dancing on tables or sitting at a piano making amazing music, it’s all optional and to definitely get out and experience life and adventure…well a weekend in Whitby at the very least. Your idea that death would be the final piece of the jigsaw and everything would then make sense is definitely a plan because death makes absolutely no sense to me at all. I am however reminded that given all that’s gone on recently for you it should be I/we helping you through and making sense of it all. And yet, as always, you’re on it and writing your way through the grief and so I know you’ll be ok and that means I can let go of my molly coddling, get my first cuppa of the day and book a day trip to Aberystwyth…I’ve no idea what it’s like or how long it’ll take me from Sheffield but it jumped in my head writing this so it feels like it is meant to be! Big hugs, Jo x ps I’m the one that never stays behind (at Nunnington) I do want to but I remove myself before I see you and start curtsying and come across all Alice off vicar of Dibley.
I know it's the same-old-same-old phrase, but time does heal. Perhaps not completely, but eventually the tremors of the earthquake become an occasional revisiting rumble from those deeply embedded trigger points we know as memories. My wife lost her two elder sibling brothers prematurely along with her mum and dad. She was de-familied before 50! That's been a tough gig to watch. But time did its work supressing the omnipresent hurt until the newness of less traumatic years could prevail. Such shared experiences are obligatory for our fragile species.
Thank you for sharing your news and conveying your sisters beautiful departure for which I also offer condolences.
Your songs are a constant delight and you must take inspiration from so many sources.
I hope we will hear more of your amazing Juliette.
Keep smiling wherever possible and remember the post office staff also need you and they may even, one day, smile back x
Did Juilette ever feel this way. The rush of blood, the swoon and sway. I'm sure she did. Sorry for your loss.🌷If any of your penpal's want to read a book about enjoying the ride. The Perfect Present by Dr Johnson. Short but very sweet. For a deep dive on same. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I must finish that one myself or listen to it on line. 2 yrs later and There's a river. Still my favorite.
So sorry for your loss <3 hope you're doing okay-ish despite the tough times you're going through right now! Things are going to get better, I'm sure. Meanwhile: we've got your back :)
Dear Nerina, So sorry to hear about your sister, she sounds like an amazing woman. I'm also sorry it's been a really tough time for you recently.
Your Willie Nelson correspondent is absolutely right, life is a bit like a bouncing ball, coping with the joy of the up and the inevitable descent.
You have most certainly added to the joy with your new album. ❤️
So sorry to learn, of the loss of your Sister, Nerina. Heartfelt condolence, to you and your family.
Another good read!..... its true, we are only here once, in this life, so we have to make the most of it. The world lost one of my music idols in May. Andrew Fletcher from Depeche Mode, left us suddenly. A bolt out of the blue, that nobody suspected. Just goes to show, we don't know, what is around, the next bend
Such words of wisdom, from 'Willy'.....jump on board, hang on, don't get too serious and enjoy, whatever the magical mystery tour has in store.
Loving the new album and loving the musical journey you're taking us on, Nerina........and long may it last xx
Beautifully written as always, your words always carry the perfect weight of smiles, tears and wisdom. As I said before, keep on. Doing. What you’re doing.
Glen
Commiserations on your loss.
My closest friend and longest term musical collaborator (me on drums, Nick on bass) died suddenly in May while I was out of contact in the Arctic. By the time I found out on my returned he had been buried, so I missed the funeral - at which Hozier sang (!). But you are right - the old guys advice was spot on. I should know, I'm an old guy, too....love, Mike Wade
Just beautiful, your letters always are, this one made me cry. Also thank you for the very kind message that arrived with my CD, that made my year, so grateful. Take care