The Russian Songs

This is probably a little off-the-wall but, if you sing in the shower, then maybe you’ll understand.

I don’t, as it happens.  Sing in the shower, that is.  But I do sing when I’m traipsing the moors - strictly when there’s no-one about, of course.  I stroll along making up little ditties as I go.

However - and this is rather strange - they mostly come out sounding very Russian.  At least, to my ears.  I daresay if you were actually Russian, they might not sound remotely so.  But they’re my idea of Russian.

It’s totally unintentional.  And a bit of a mystery. It’s not as if I’m in the habit of listening to Russian music (well, not that sort).  They just appear.  Slavic melodies stream from my mouth - completely different to the stuff I compose at the piano.  And even the words (oh, yes, there are words!) sound Russian to me.  Utter gobbledegook, of course, but Russian-sounding gobbledegook.

Anyway, the thing is this.  A few weeks ago, I lost my voice (you may remember).  Well, my speaking voice has just about returned - albeit huskily.  But I still can’t sing.  And I’m really missing my Russian songs….

(Told you it was off-the-wall!)

Winter Tea

It’s bitter and snowy outside tonight but I’ve got my hands curled around a big mug of custom-blend Winter Tea….so let it snow!

This delectable concoction was born a couple of months ago when I decided to throw some of my favourite things together and see what alchemy occurred.  The answer: true magic!  The result is a syrupy, dark nectar - the ultimate comforting, winter warmer (and a seriously good cold remedy).  I’ve drunk it pretty much every day since.

If you want to try it, then the abracadabra ingredients are:

1 peppermint teabag
A hunk of cinnamon stick
A chunk of boiled liquorice (I buy mine in sticks from the health food shop and break each one into pieces)
A slice of fresh ginger
A small handful of goji berries
A teaspoon of honey

Just pour boiling water over then leave everything to brew for a few minutes.  Give the tea a really good stir then either strain it or drink it as is  (the goji berries will bob against your lips but you can always eat them!).

Of course, you need a pretty huge mug to accommodate all this delicious stuff and still have room for a decent amount of water.  But it tastes so good you’ll want a proper mugful.  Besides, a big cup gives you more surface area to wrap your mitts around!

My own special mug - shown above - came from a little store in Burlington, Vermont, many years ago.  It’s rather too big for ‘normal’ tea but absolutely perfect for this.

Oh, one final tip.  If you do give it a whirl, then make sure you empty the cup of all the bits and pieces as soon as you’ve finished drinking the liquid inside.  Otherwise the liquorice has a habit of welding itself to the mug making it nigh on impossible to clean!

Features of the Landscape: The Moors

I thought this year I’d take you on a tour of some of the features that make up the Pennine landscape – those things which contribute to its unique identity.

Of course, there’s only one place to start – and that’s with the moors.  Stretching for mile upon mile across the Pennine hills, the moors are synonymous with this area’s bleak and rugged beauty.  It’s a bleakness some find too harsh, but which others love.

The moors by definition cover upland areas where the climate is too hostile for cultivation.  There are few trees.  Just mile after wild mile of heather and bilberries and coarse grass.

Hardy breeds of sheep can survive on the terrain; and gamekeepers monitor the numbers of grouse and other game birds.  But mostly, the moors are deserted places – home to wild animals and visited only occasionally by hikers and dog walkers.

I’m one of those who has been seduced by the spare beauty of the moors.  Who revels in their changing moods and can find endless interest in their stark aspect.  But that, I’m sure, is patently obvious.

New Home!

New year, new website!

Dixon Hill has a new home on the web (we’ve moved from Wordpress to Squarespace). Which means that if you subscribe to the blog, you’ll need to RESUBSCRIBE. You can do that at the top right of this page (please do!).

The changes are mostly cosmetic right now but over the coming weeks and months there’ll be all sorts of new stuff appearing. First up will be an extra post each week. Monday Meditation is designed to start your week in a positive way. A pretty picture and juicy quotation will connect you with what matters and put you in a good place. Watch out for it from the beginning of February.

There may be one or two teething problems with the site over the next few days. But if you experience hiccups beyond that then please let me know. I’ll be glad of the tip-off.

Finally, just have to say an ENORMOUS thank you to my techy guru husband without whom none of this would have happened. I’m so grateful for an expertise I don’t possess!

The Wisdom of the Spindly Tree

(Observed putting forth buds in the midst of a terrific storm.)

Don’t be distracted by what’s happening around you. Don’t make excuses or wait for another day. Focus quietly on the job in hand. Stick to your purpose. Go gently but doggedly about your business.

Then, when it’s time to blossom, you’ll be ready.