Well, March

1st - 12th

So, I was in March. And, there I was, ready for my next round of detox - DULL, DULL DULL. Garlic, herbs, vegetables, nuts. DULL, DULL, DULL, Blah, blah, blah.Happy birthday to my liver and kidneys - I REALLY hope that they appreciate all this stuff I do for them!

At least I had one exciting thing to do this week. Yes, I had to get my wee studio sorted out. I have started working with a new programme - Reason. I'm sure many of you have heard of it, but, as I am only now entering the 21st Century, please, humour me!

So, I was all sorted out, getting my sleeves rolled up, moving speakers, setting up speakers stands, working out midi keyboards, boring all my friends and thinking to myself 'hmm, I think I'll get broadband while I'm at it'. My own broadband this time, not the one where I'm piggybacking onto my neighbour's connection!

I got it all sorted out; Tiscali seems about the best deal for what I wanted. So, got my modem plugged in beside all my firewires and usbs and orgasmatrons and stuff. And, could I get it to work? No, I could not! And now, into April, I still cannot get it to work. And when trying to get any sense out of the helpline people, all they do is speak in a language somewhere above my head! Not 'double dutch', no, more a kind of d*%cou@be@£r. Get it? I'm still at it though. I refuse to be beaten and will keep you informed of my progress. If I ever get it sorted out, I intend to invent a broadband thing where all you do is press enter and its all up and running and there is no need to have a vat of wine after you try to tackle it for the 15th time!

Okay, moving on.

Did I mention that Caitlin (beloved God-daughter) had asked me to teach her the guitar? Well, of course, being the most impatient person in the world, I said no. Then she looked at me in a way that kind of said, 'you're the auntie, I'm the beloved god-daughter, you're round my little finger and if I ask you nicely, then you'll renege and give me the damn lessons!'

So, the lessons began at the beginning of March.

Now, of course I know that I'm biased, but believe me, I do have a rational side too and I am delighted to note that she has a real propensity for it. So, onwards and upwards Caitlin, see you in the charts girl!

I also had the benefit show in Airdrie, you know, the one for the Moira Anderson Foundation? It was really quiet unfortunately, but it was a real crackin' night. Pam and David played a stormer.


13th - 19th

Another shopping trip was on the horizon. Unfortunately not the one where I got to shop for a new iMac, but one where Judy took me round shops, looked at stuff on hangers, told me to try them on, then shook or nodded her head accordingly.

I took ages - well about half-an-hour and I never found a thing. (this reminds me of a story that someone told me about going shopping. He said he couldn't go into TK Maxx for anymore than 45 minutes.if he hadn't found anything he just left. 45 minutes I thought, bloody hell, what about 4.5 minutes, that's enough for me - and I'd like to have done 4 shops in that time too!)

Anyway, enough of that. Suffice to say, I have no new clothes but am more than handling it! Mind you, I did buy a new salt and pepper mill - now, THAT'S my kind of shopping!

I also had a wee phone interview with Bill Stevenson from Heartland FM in preparation for the upcoming show in Dalguise.

He called me and we chatted, just before we went on air. Then we were going live. 'Hello Carol, how are you'. And there I was, launching into my big long laborious answer and all I could hear was him saying 'hello, Carol, are you there? Carol?' Technology had failed us horribly.


20th - 31st

This week found me in Radio Scotland's Radio Café. I was to chat about writing duos, in particular, the love hate relationship that seems to be needed to make them work.

We chatted about the Usual Suspects, Lennon/McCartney, Bacharach/David and so on and so on.however, it left me wondering as I am now - I defy anyone to give me the names of a female writing duo. I don't mean someone like the Indigo Girls, I mean someone mainstream and as well knows and the names I gave earlier - go on, get your thinking hats on.

I also played a session on Mary Anne Kennedy's last ever Celtic Connections with Pam and David. This was just a wonderful session. She is such a great interviewer and always seems to do her research. Plus, it was fantastic to play with David and Pam again.a wee rehearsal for our couple of shows this month.

And so, the first show - Dalguise village hall. This is always a tremendous gig and tonight was no different. Well, it was actually, because, this time I had asked David and Pam to play with me. It was such great fun, great banter with the band and with the audience who always listen with the utmost respect.

The other show we had was a launch for Peter MacCalman's Acoustic Affair album. This was a brill night at the ABC in Glasgow. What a fabulous venue it is, and of course, a no smoking venue at that! It was a really fun gig to do.

The Acoustic Affair album is due out in April/May and there is a Carol Laula track on it. Of course, there are many wonderful Scottish acts on it too, so look out for it, it will make a great Easter pressie!

And, on that note.I'm off to get on with April. Like I said before, I don't mind it being really cold for now, I just with I knew if it was going to be boiling in the summer - I think that's a fair trade off, no?

Plus, it means I'd be able to get Zelda out. 'Zelda?' I hear you ask. Well, Zelda is the scooter formerly known ad Zippy. I have decided that Zelda is a better name.thank you for your suggestion mrgray237, it is much appreciated!

Until next month, be well and please, as well as praying for snow, please pray that George W Bush (the messiah?) doesn't feel the need to bomb Iran!

Be safe and well

Carol