Weekend blues

My dear Friends

Its Shabbat, I am feeling under the weather but had to come in to the UL (University Library) to check out some details for my concert programme. Consolation is, the Anderson Music Room is beautiful, with long elegant desks. Sorry, to my great surprise, a whole bunch of sixteen year old boys from Westcliff-on Sea have just invaded the computer room, where I am writing the blog! I managed to exchange a few words with their 'leader' - I have no idea what they are doing here, but seeing ten of them troop in cheered me up.

To get back to the Anderson Room, a very nice young man is sitting there, who is a former Music student, now working in the Faculty. He has aided me with the computer and chatted to me about the concert-hopefully he may even come. I have done a lot of advance publicity, and it has gone onto an email of the Jewish community; I am singing a lot of Jewish music and the Concert is in memory of Professor Risa Domb, who died last year and who was my Hebrew teacher here in Cambridge, when I did my degree from 1988-1992.

Risa was an exceptional person. Israeli, born in Natanya by the sea, she married Dickie, an Englishman, and lived with him and their children between here and Israel for many years. She understood what it was like to live in '2 Landscapes' and I feel she is still with me now. Right at the start of The Little Sisters of Joy she gave me her support and encouragment, telling me not to be afraid of confrontation-sometimes it is necessary to get to resolution. She told me to persevere, despite any hostility I might encounter. Easier said than done, but I do try!

Since the New Year, my life has got a little more peaceful and I am looking ahead. I miss Alexia and my friends in Paris, but hopefully it won't be too long before we are reunited.

A bientot!
Shabbat Shalom!
Sister Gila