Mark's Journal

 It's Twelfth Night, the Epiphany. Did you remember to leave your Christmas lights up to guide the Wise Men? You don't want to start the new year lost in foolishness. 😀 To finish off the Christmas season, here are some photos taken over the holiday period. I also have an album of  Glasgow's Southside on Christmas Night over on my Lomography home . Have a look before diving on into the teeth of winter. So here is a wee Christmastime gallery for you.  

 You do get some tough years and two bereavements in one year is enough to qualify. There have been some very good things this year too but they sit in the shadow of loss. My mum passed away, just worn out late one wet November night. We look back on a very full and rich life and remember her. Carrie’s 21 st Birthday Andrew Robertson   Each birthday is a little rung On the ladder you must climb, On this one – number 21 You’ve reached a height sublime.   Your Girlhood you have left behind To Womanhood you’ve come, Dame Fortune keep you e’er in mind Throughout the years to come.   Should troubles grip you in their vice Or problems make you sad, Don’t hesitate to seek advice From dear old Mum and Dad.   Be ever righteous in your ways Your thoughts be good and true, May friends surround you all your days – this is our wish for you. Mum and Dad.  (Love and all good wishes to our baby on her 21 st Birthday – xxx.) Carrie The strong, gui...

The family illness that has been overshadowing the start of this year has ended but not as we had hoped. My dear wife, Ann, finally succumbed to the brain cancer she has been living with since October 2020. It's been a very sad time but there has been a lot of love coming from all of the people Ann touched throughout her life. A gentle supportive soul, she reaped much more love than she sowed. It has been a mixed time for me and my family, suffering the loss of Ann and sorrowing for her and the early loss of her life, but having the support of so many lovely people.

  It's Christmas, as the song goes. I hope my readers are managing to have a happy day and that you have someone to share it with. We're coming to the end of the feasting bit, which was delicious, and Simon and I had a great time last night, with Andy our drummer, as we lead the music at St John's Christingle service. Lovely to hear all those little voices singing along.   So, Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Math Ùr!

 I previously blogged about my son's band Sekoya. On Tuesday this week, they launched their new album Shuna ( you can hear it and get it here ). This time they were in the Rum Shack in the southside of Glasgow, a great wee venue, and they were promoted by Lay Low , the first time they've used a promoter.  A nice sized crowd came along and completely filled the venue and we were treated to some great music and a nice line in commentary and chat from the band. They also specialise in a unique merch table which has no music on it but it does feature tea, calligraphy and paper plates. They're an arty band.