Funny how thirty eight years ago I couldn’t get away fast enough and yet now…
Escaping to London and later Hertfordshire, I formed a rock band, CAT. We travelled the UK and Europe, performing our album, a mesmerising, awakening experience. The bright lights and constant pulse of a multifaceted life were far removed from the dark, silent village I’d left behind.
When I had my daughter, I decided to focus on another dream, of becoming an author. My over active imagination finally found its voice. Life became exciting. I had three books published and several others written, waiting for editing.
Book signings and events were in place when lockdown hit.
Like many others, my whole life turned upside down. I did not fair well in lockdown, anxiety stifled my creativity. It seemed no sooner were we out of lockdown when my father died, suddenly drawing me back to Hampshire. As I negotiated my way through this new reality, I kept trying to figure out where I fitted in.
After all I’d been gone so long.
I was grieving, I was missing Hertfordshire, my home, my friends and daughter. I was lost and craved solace. Half written songs, unfinished novels and the show I’d written, now seemed to taunt me. Each creation fighting for its time to shine.
Then something remarkable happened.
I’ve never really believed in fate and yet people gathered me up. Introductions were made and then unexpectedly, I found my mojo in the last place I’d thought I’d find it. Old friends and family welcomed me with open arms,. New friends and acquaintances were made, suddenly the dark, silent village was set ablaze by the love, light and laughter that these people put in my heart.
Opportunities arose. I met some incredible musicians and a producer who I’ve been writing new songs with. We had our debut gig recently and are about to release our first single. A well-connected family friend introduced me to a talented composer who I shall be working with to get the show completed next year.
Much like me, Hampshire has changed a lot.
Stockbridge has become a fascinating little town with a collection of unique pubs and shops, one could quite easily lose themselves for days exploring.
As for our village, Houghton. The fabulous eclectic people who live here often share my love of its anchor, our fabulous local Pub which has doubled up as my second office when needed. I am currently writing a romantic novel set in Stockbridge and a journal of my life getting reacquainted with Hampshire.
So yes, all roads have led me back to Hampshire and when I do have to venture beyond, I can’t wait to get back.
Please do come along to one of our gigs or my book signings, all details to be found here online.
Soon you can also purchase my books directly from my website and I shall personally sign them for you.
Beach Hut by Catherine Lawless
After struggling for years with crippling anxiety and an unhappy relationship, songwriter Sam Tate finally moves away from London, into the heart of a beautiful village called Willow Green. Buying the picture perfect `Wisteria Cottage’ on the opposite side of the green to her parents house, she and her four year old daughter, Lucy start their new lives. However it’s the first day at the local primary school and Sam overhears how she has set tongues wagging. The locals speculate as to what requires strange men turning up at Sam’s cottage at all hours. Is history about to repeat itself and will Sam be isolated and alone once again or can she finally start the new life she’s always dreamed of? Can she ever heal and reconnect with long forgotten feelings of optimism and trust? Will she ever be free of the anxiety shackled to her? And will Sam ever find the faith and courage to perform again? The only thing certain for Sam is that there’s no going back.
Broken Angels by Abigail Sinclair
It is estimated that over 130,000 children live in homes where there is high-risk domestic abuse in the U.K. alone and that 62% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by the perpetrator of the abuse. Broken Angels is a heartfelt and raw journal written by Abigail Sinclair in the hope that it will inspire others to remove themselves from relationships that are clouded by domestic abuse which can affect anyone; men, women, children, siblings, parents and those in same sex relationships. Abigail had the privilege of residing in a women s refuge with her daughter and hopes this account will challenge and remove the many stigmas attached to life in a refuge, which formed the major part of her incredible healing journey. She hopes this journal will give a glimpse of refuge life and to spread the word that there really is a place where people can escape. A place that is safe and clean, offering incredible support, guidance and boundaries. A place where women and their children can rest a while and begin to fix their broken lives and dreams, until it s time to move on.
J J and the Big Bend by Chris Spicer with Catherine Lawless
Ever felt you just don’t measure up and no matter what you say or do, you always come up short? If that’s true, then you’re certainly tall enough to read this book! Set in 70’s small town America JJ & the Big Bend is the story of a ten-year-old boy called JJ, or to give him his full title, Josaih, James Maloney III. Bullied and miss-understood, life for JJ has become an emotional roller coaster. Hating School and unhappy at home, things would be unbearable if it were not for Toby, a pet dog of questionable pedigree and Grandpa Joe, a grey-haired, kind-hearted gentleman who is JJ’s guiding light in a dark world. Journey with JJ through the ups and downs of everyday life and share with him as he makes a life-changing discovery!
