Autumn Leaves

The leaves are turning, the wind is howling, and the conkers are persistently falling!
What a change in the weather, blistering winds crashing against every sense I have as I battled my way through to the wifi gifted coffee shop! Fantastic to see everyone leaning into the wind as if facing a battle each step they take! Makes a great thought for some sketching!
I am sat here awaiting a skype from my brother who is currently working in Germany on a performance which will be touring Europe in a few months. Exciting and exotic, you may think the life of a travelling musician but it isn't all roses! Struggling with the fact that he is the only English speaking person in the group, trying to piece together instructions, and conversation is challenging! However he is very happy that communication through music, is the same everywhere, and he is managing to deliver what is wanted in his clarinet playing! He seems to be having a great time, and I am so proud of him. Working so hard to get to where he wants. Being a musician is no easy feat. People may see it as a hobby, or working for pleasure, but it is more than that it is an art, which takes true dedication, every minute of your time focusing, learning, refining, and performing. In most cases for peanuts! Every aspect of his day is dictated by the amount of practice, work and performance that he can get. And yes he loves it, but he is the hardest working individual I know. I find it shocking as a music teacher, that our country is cutting art funds, support and resources for the education and enjoyment of the arts - and not enough is being done to fight it. Because we do what we love, but just because someone tells us we should do it for peanuts does not mean what is done is worth peanuts.
I like a lot of others in the arts community and this leaf am in a transition of change, waiting for someone to notice that what we do for love is worth more than a chill breeze and cut of arts funding.
Hope everyone s having a lovely weekend. G x