Change of air...in Hertfordshire.....relaxing at home

After all the excitement and adrenalin "rushes" over the past few weeks, one can't expect to stay on a normal level of life when in the company of such illustrious artists as I'm privileged to breathe, and live with !! So yesterday and today I've been "running down" the energy levels in order to recharge for the next series - it goes in cycles, and it is neccesary to REST and recuperate if you are to survive in such a highly charged occupation. This applies to everyone in the performing arts, technicians, management, artists, musicians, etc. etc., otherwise we simply - burn out. Oh yes, it happened to me when I thought I was infallible; the jolly old ego urging one on, feeling good about the quality of one's performance - sheer, blind enthusiasm and loving every minute of this "cloud cuckoo" profession ! It knocks spots off a mundane, boring day to day existence, and one is so lucky to be part of it, but try not to be carried away by the sense of elation - easier said than done. If you are blessed with a good and trusted friend , take note of it when they quietly, and sometimes hesitatingly, suggest that you should "slow down a bit". They can see from the outside what is not obvious from the inside, so try not to retort "Mind your own business, I know what I'm doing!" It's obvious to them that you don't ! The pressure of overlong rehearsals without adequate breaks and regular nourishing meals, grumpy colleagues, etc., is very debilitating as we all suffer from tiredness, and can become short tempered to much the same degree. As soon as one becomes uncivil is the time to stop and go out of the building, have a nice walk or anything that will "clear the air" - here we go - it's all about the air in one way or another - ! YES - a few deep breaths of good clean oxygen can make a world of difference. A modern problem is where to find nice clean air - one college of music has it's air conditioning intake in - the underground garage - nice one !!!My German tutor, whom I always met late afternoon at the London Opera Centre, usually said before we started "Darling, please go outside and breathe - your brain is dead !" -and it was ....I would take a walk along the embankment of the River Thames, then return refreshed - I don't think it improved my German, but I felt a lot better ! So please try to take it easy and don't exhaust youself or OVER execise. One young man had "knackered both his knees, and one hip , working out at gym, before he was twenty five years old - ouch...! Respect your body, you only have the one original. Must stop now as my ancient eyes are rather tired, and you all know how unreliable they are at checking text at the best of times......nighty night - k..p b.......g ....zzzzzzzzzzz..