As we begin the month of September I have a bit of a feeling that summer is behind us, the schools are returning and the season of goodwill is not too far ahead of us. That perennial question is lodged in the back of my mind, “Where has the time gone”? To be honest, I have had a challenging year and what has kept me afloat is my family, making music, church and friends. Composition has taken a back seat although playing and studying music have carried on as usual. This is deliberate. I have learnt over the years that to survive the “slings and arrows” one must take core of oneself, and orchestra and choir are the 6 hours a week that are for me, and I keep them sacrosanct. Time spent in the moment doing what I love with people I respect and admire is for me a fast charge. That said, the summer break has left me bereft of even that routine, but at last normal service will resume next week. This is a relief. So my friends, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, take care and make time for yourselves. Remember, graveyards are full of indespensable people!