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Busy, Balanced & Building Something New - Karen's Corner - 29.03.26


If I had to choose one word to describe March it would be … chocca.


It's been one of those months where the days feel full before they’ve even begun balancing family, work, and the ever-present rhythm of life on the estate. There’s been a lot of movement, a lot of shifting, and a sense that things are evolving into something new.


One of the biggest changes for me has been how my working days now look. I find myself spending far more time in front of a laptop than I used to which still feels a little strange when your instinct is to be outside in the fresh air, but the work itself has been really exciting.


At Fossoway Stables, there are the usual emails and content creation, and my role with FossoPLAY has always been admin-based. But Everything & Nothing, the PR and marketing company John and I set up just over two years ago, has really started to grow arms and legs (happily!). I’m spending more and more time working on campaigns both for us and for our clients and it genuinely feels like everything I’ve done over the last decade (and more) has been leading to this point. It’s a good feeling, busy but purposeful.


That said, the laptop isn’t replacing the land just yet. I’m still very much juggling veg boxes, animals, and planning the return of Fossoway Farmyard in May ... our little yard-based after-school club, which I’m really looking forward to bringing back for another season.


We’re also gearing up for our Big Barn Sale on 12th April, which is shaping up to be a good one. The barn is slowly filling with things, S) many things, all ready to find new homes. I'm excited about it, not just for the clear-out, but for the chance to welcome people into Fossoway and have a proper catch-up with the community.


Looking ahead, the calendar is filling nicely. John’s next Fiddle Weekend is coming up on the 2nd and 3rd of May, this time with special guest Duncan Chisholm. These events are always such a warm, friendly gathering of musicians of all levels, and a joy to host. Then in June, we have the John McCusker Trio (featuring the brilliant Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer) performing in Crook of Devon Village Hall as part of their 25-date UK tour … (which I have booked and routed for them - so no pressure!)


Sam and Toby are actually coming to stay with us next weekend to record their new EP ahead of the tour, so it really is all go.


Away from work, March has been full in the best way. John is just finishing up his UK tour with McGoldrick McCusker Doyle, and this weekend we’re all heading down - me, the four kids, Mum and Dad - to see the final show and spend a few days in London. My brother, sister-in-law and nephews are flying in from New York too, so it’s shaping up to be a bit of a clan gathering in the big smoke.


Over the past few weeks, I’ve managed to dip in and out of tour life, popping down to meet John in whichever city he’s playing. These little trips have felt like mini holidays for me, even if he’s still very much working, and it’s been so lovely to carve out that time together in amongst everything else. It’s been a long stretch this one, so I’m very much looking forward to bringing him home again.


There have been quieter moments too. A day in Edinburgh catching up with my friend Barry, who was over from Abu Dhabi (and ended up stranded here a little longer than planned due to the war). A beautifully indulgent evening at Gleneagles with Mum and Dad which was one of those nights where you get dressed up and remember how nice it is to do something a little elegant every now and then, and a gentle Mother’s Day trip to Dunkeld for a wander round the shops, a good lunch, and a slower pace.


So yes, March has been full and busy and sometimes a bit stretched but also wonderfully balanced ... work and play, movement and stillness, planning and doing.


Perhaps that’s the theme I’m taking from it ... that even when life feels full to the edges, there’s still space to enjoy it, if you remember to look for it.


Until next month,


Karen xx


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