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Karen's Corner - Coming Home Early & Leaning Into What Matters Most - 31.08.25

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August has been one of those months that feels like three rolled into one ... equal parts family, 'farm', and figuring things out.


The month began with the kids heading off camping with their dad, which gave John and I the chance for a little getaway of our own. We headed north to stay in an “airship” ... unusual, quirky, and just the kind of off-grid adventure we thought we were after. And while it did tick the boxes of reading, cooking, and creating (the essentials for any good retreat), it didn’t quite scratch the Mull 'itch' we’d been hoping for. In the end, we came home a day early, realising that sometimes the most magical place of all is home. Lesson learned.



Back at Fossoway, the kittens, now a very lively seven weeks old, have graduated from our bedroom to the living room, which has improved our sleep immeasurably. They’re wild, curious, endlessly entertaining little things, and watching them explore has brought so much joy and a few scratched ankles.


Family-wise, my brother, his wife, and kids came over from the States for a few days, and it was lovely to have them here. Their visit coincided with Callan’s 12th birthday, some unusually hot Scottish weather, and Callan’s first year playing in our annual family golf competition which he only went and won! A proud moment for him (and us).


As the kids have now returned to school, work life has cranked back up here at Fossoway. Our clubs are back in action ... Playmakers, Playmakers Juniors, and brand new this term, Fossoway Farmyard. Mum runs the Playmakers clubs, and I’ve taken on Farmyard. It’s been a while since I worked directly in childcare and wow, it’s harder than I remembered! Our little farmyard gang are wonderful though, enthusiastic, energetic, very loud and I’m excited to spend the term helping them learn about the land, caring for animals, and growing food.


Next week, we’ll be out at the Fossoway Gathering, a brilliant local community event. I’ve been busy planning our stand, ordering flyers, and crossing my fingers that our new merch samples arrive in time. I love the chance to connect with the wider community and share what we’re doing here.


Speaking of new things, John officially launched The Fiddle Line podcast this month ... a beautiful new string to his bow (pun absolutely intended). I’m so proud of him and of Everything & Nothing for bringing another podcast into the world. Each new project like this represents months of quiet planning and preparation, so it’s worth pausing to acknowledge these small but significant milestones.


Meanwhile, I’ve been spending a fair bit of time on the quad, topping paddocks. It’s not the most glamorous of jobs, but there’s something satisfying about tidying fields and seeing the land look well cared for. Hours of humming along on the quad later, and suddenly things just feel calmer, smoother, more in order.


Over on The Sieve, I’ve pressed pause while I batch-record some new episodes. In a fit of boldness, I reached out to a few dream guests who, on paper, felt very much “out of my league.” And yet, the responses have been a humbling reminder that when you simply ask, people often say yes. I’m learning so much through these conversations and slowly but surely finding my rhythm as host. I can’t wait to share the next set with you.


On the subject of batching… I took myself off to Edinburgh this week for an Egg “Women on Top” event at the W Hotel, where Suzanne Mulholland, aka The Batch Lady, was being interviewed. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be such a fun, well-organised, welcoming event. I came away inspired and asking myself: what in my own life could I batch? I used to be far more organised than I am now ... lately I’ve slipped into a more laid-back rhythm, which has actually been good for me. But there are definitely moments where I feel the time pressure creeping in. Maybe a bit of batching is the answer and getting ahead while keeping the ease I’ve grown to love.


So yes, August has been a month of lessons (aren't they all!) ... That home really is the best place of all. That kittens improve sleep once they leave your room. That 12-year-olds can surprise you with golf trophies. And that sometimes, the best way forward is just to ask ... whether it’s a podcast guest or a better way to organise your week.


Until next month,


Karen xx


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WHAT'S ON


Sunday 14th September 2025, 7.30pm - John McCusker Trio with Sam Kelly & Toby Shaer at The Crook of Devon Village Hall. The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the world’s most accomplished and celebrated traditional musicians. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John’s decades-long career has seen him work with some of the biggest names in folk and beyond – from Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller, Eric Clapton and David Gilmour to the BBC TransatlanticSessions. Renowned for his emotive playing and genre-defining compositions, John is a vital figure in contemporary folk music.

He is joined by two of the UK’s most talented and in-demand young musicians. Sam Kelly … a

finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee, charismatic frontman of Sam

Kelly & The Lost Boys and member of the Kate Rusby band, brings rich vocals and rhythmic guitar. Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose virtuosic playing on flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a sought-after performer across the UK folk scene with the likes of Cara Dillon. Together, the trio delivers an evening of world-class musicianship, combining original compositions, traditional melodies and compelling songs. With warmth, humour and a deep connection to the music they love, The John McCusker Trio offers a rare live experience … rooted in tradition, alive with innovation, and full of heart. Buy your tickets here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1263955778759?aff=oddtdtcreator


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