Thank you for the music...and a GIVEAWAY!

One of the greatest pleasures in life (well, in my life!) is the joy at being able to listen to live music. That is; sitting in a concert hall in front of a wonderful orchestra. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen as often as I'd like just because we live in the back of bloomin' beyond....a cultural wasteland as t'were. Anyway, even if your tastes don''t run along the same lines as mine (classical) the same life-affirming (really!) experience can be enjoyed whether it's pop, rock or whatever. So, there I was last Friday evening, with the other half, in the beautiful surroundings of Sheffield City Hall listening to the mighty Halle (they've dropped the 'Orchestra'...very 'modern'!) in a great rendition of Dvorak's 9th Symphony(New World) amongst other great pieces. Oh, the joy! My admiration knows no bounds when I watch anyone playing an instrument...I am completely in awe as well as green with envy. Oh, how I wish I could bash out a few notes, let alone be capable of producing such incredible musical sublimity. How does it all come together so perfectly? How on earth do cellists make their fingers do that?! And this is a great piece to enjoy live...it makes your heart sing!! I am slightly biased as it's a particular favourite of mine as is the music of Dvorak generally.

Sorry...I do go on a bit! I'd just like people to experience what I do when I listen to beautiful music. It truly makes you glad to be alive!

(Symphony No 9 'From the New World' 1st Movement by Antonin Dvorak. Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert Von Karajan)

So, it got me thinking about those little things in life that mean a lot. Extra important at the moment with all the doom and gloom being foisted on us by the media. Apart from my love of music, I'm enjoying looking at all the spring bulbs pushing their way up through the earth; savouring that little bit of extra daylight we're getting every evening and looking forward to a 'Betty egg' for my breakfast this weekend as she's only recently started laying again after her moult. And the great thing is, none of those things costs any money.

By way of a little celebration I thought I'd have a giveaway. And what am I celebrating? Well, my new look website is finally up and running although I'm still uploading stock (phew, what a chore) and I'm also turning comments back on as of today. It would be difficult to have a giveaway otherwise wouldn't it? The website has quite a different look from the old one but still has a retro feel I think. The main thing is I've had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders but I won't go on about that...not when I'm talking of celebrating. A. is also home tonight after being away all week (grrrr) but that's just for me to celebrate!

So, the giveaway - no, your task isn't to watch the above video all the way through..hee hee (although if you do, well done on sitting through nearly ten minutes! ) I just want to know what is your greatest pleasure in life? That's after friends, family and loved ones...we'll take those as read. The winner will be...well, just the one I like the best really!

I'll leave it open for a week or so. Just leave your comment on this post. I haven't decided on the prize yet but as it will be something vintagey, don't enter if this isn't your cup of tea.

I'm very grateful for all the nice, supportive comments I received on turning off my er... comments. Thank you to everyone for their understanding. I hope you're still all out there! Thanks also to the people who've emailed me.

Have a lovely weekend..I'm off to the hairdressers tomorrow which entails a four hour round trip and far too much money but hey ho...

**Apparently, my comments were set up for 'team members' to comment only. I've rectified it now in case anyone was trying to leave a comment!**