Hey Friend!
How are you? How are you enjoying the summer?
We’ve officially crossed over into a new month. The sun is already rising just that little bit later and I’m hoping for a meander towards September and the new term rather than full speed ahead.
Regardless, I’m determined to fill this summer with lots of fun times and great memories to look back on.
One of which being attending Gospel Garden yesterday evening.
Littler Miss reluctantly came back early from camping… We were happy but she took a moment to warm up as she was missing her friends.
I made an early dinner, we watched a bit of Race Across the World, much to Little Dude’s annoyance. He always complains about it but then gets invested in the episode more than anyone else. A bit like Mr E when I used to watch Eastenders, but I digress…
Before we left, I asked Older Miss to get the picnic blanket out of the cupboard, which she did. We were all chatting and left the house, stopping to get ice lollies on the way.
As we walked down the hill, we saw a number of people with folding chairs. The same folding chairs that were on the list of ‘cannot bring’ items… It was at that moment that I asked where the picnic blanket was. All four of us had left the house leaving the blanket behind…
It was fine. It wouldn’t hurt us to sit on the grass, would it?
We sped past the slow moving hordes making their way into the park (OM does not have a slow speed) and found a spot to sit.
It wasn’t too full when we arrived and we quickly claimed a path of grass. The ground is parched due to the fabulous summer weather. The grass is more like straw – yellow and brittle, which meant when we stood to move closer to the stage, we pretty much had whole brambles stuck to our behinds.
Picnic blanket, anyone?
LM got the worst of it as [my] skirt is just the type of fabric that dried grass loves to stick to funnily enough. It was a good thing I’d lent it to her though as her choice of lacy mini skirt would have had her picking out grass bits for days.
We caught the end of the first act, a young man named Jerub, who was good. He was followed by Mercy Chinwo. I don’t know any of her music, but we enjoyed her set and her outfit was amazing.
Another break followed. In between each set there was a different DJ, but as they were all playing variations of the same songs, I didn’t realise initially.
There was also an MC who, in every break did a call and response of:
MC: When I say Gospel, you say Garden! Gospel!
CROWD: Garden!
MC: Gospel!
CROWD: Garden!
After the third break, the response was lacklustre to say the least.
The moment arrived. The man of the moment made his way onto the stage. The crowd went wild. The excitement on my children’s faces made it all worth it.
We sang together songs that we’ve been singing for years in our living room.
We danced like it was a personal concert just for us.
We laughed at Fred’s anecdote on not falling over and were amused when he pulled out his phone to film the crowd. I guess even performers want to keep hold of their own memories.
He finished with Blessed, of course, but it wasn’t long enough. I’d have been happy to have listened to him for the rest of the evening.
After another break, another DJ and another call and response, the E clan was starting to flag a bit. OM treated us to chips which were so hot they burnt my mouth. LD seemed not to notice and continued to scoff them down when the rest of us had had our fill.
Up next was Tasha Cobbs Leonard. I know a few of her songs but not many, but I enjoyed her time of worship.
Another break. Another DJ. Another call and response.
It was time for the headline act. The crowd had become more dense and I hadn’t even noticed until Kirk Franklin bounded onto the stage like a man many years younger.
Now, I’m not a fan of Kirk. I mean, I like his early music but the later stuff? I can leave it.
The children, however, were screaming and dancing like crazy people as he continued to wiggle, jump and gyrate across the stage. He’s definitely a man with a whole lot of energy!
The night came to a close and the masses headed for the exit.
OM insisted we get ahead of the crowds and sped-walked us through the park, at which point my feet were crying. I have never felt pain like it before and called to her to stop.
Is this what late forties feels like??
Cue me looking at foot-strengthening exercises on Instagram…
This morning I rolled out of bed after 8am (I’m usually up way before this, even during the holidays). My voice was a little horse but on the upside, my ears had stopped feeling muffled from the volume of the concert and my feet are back to normal.
Oddly, LM – who generally does not do well on little sleep – was up before me and joyfully greeted me good morning…
If the twilight zone exists, I’m in it.
My aging body aside, it was a privilege and joy to spend the time with my three favourite people, praising God together.
I’m off now to fill up the ice tray for the fifth time today…
Speak soon xx
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