I hope my final post of the year finds you well.

On Thursday evening I sang at a Christmas Concert showcasing the talent emerging from Tasmania’s “The Natural Voice: Singing and Breathing Studio”. It was a wonderful evening with performances from students ranging in age from under 10 to students in their 60s and I felt very privileged to be a part of this amazing group of singers and musicians.  Eleanor Webster, my vocal coach, accompanied me on the piano for my performance of a very beautiful traditional song called ‘The Water is Wide’.

This ends the most amazing music year for me when I really feel as though, thanks to Eleanor, I have discovered my voice, and I now feel very excited about what 2018 hold in store for me. I have a new album coming out (a collaboration with Mike Raine) and, following initial discussions with a very talented pianist at the concert, I’m hoping to also start performing some live sets, locally. For now though, I’m going to have a break from lessons/ recording / performing until after the long Australian summer holidays.

Reflecting on 2017, as I said it has been an amazing year for me which saw the release of my debut album (Laini Colman), recording and releasing covers with Mike Raine, and moving onto our new home/boat ‘Dream Catcher’.

The low of the year has to be Peter’s paragliding accident, but I could add another high onto that which is his surviving the accident!  Life has certainly changed since, and it did slow down my plans for my music for the end of this year ( I had hoped to be able to release an original single)  but slowing down is no such bad thing 🙂

Peter is gradually recovering although it will be a little while before he is able to start walking properly again.  As I mentioned in my last newsletter though he is incredibly determined and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he isn’t back up in the air within 6 months.

For now though, we’re looking forward to Christmas without any more house moves, re-adjustments etc.  My Mum arrives from England today for 6 weeks which I’m really excited about and this will be my last newsletter until after the holidays.

So, all that’s left for me to do now is to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.  I hope it is filled with lots of love and laughter.

Until 2018, take care

Laini xx