Emily Smith

Hi folks

I was asked to perform at the Robert Burns Humanitarian Awards on Saturday night.  It turned out be an evening filled with inspiring conversations, quirky co-incidences and a welcome break from the sometimes un-inspiring little bubble I can find myself in when not on the road.
On Friday I was feeling a bit hemmed in, maybe it's the weather (I know I'm always banging on about being affected by the weather!!), or maybe the amount of time I've been spending on administrative stuff or maybe I'm just tired....a feeling of not being able to see the wood for the trees...not much creativity going on and just an endless list of stuff to do that doesn't relate to making music.  Mundane.

So, I began the evening on Saturday feeling a bit down but looking forward to a night out, looking forward to meeting First Minister Alex Salmond and of course, looking forward to having my dinner cooked for me! 
The person who made the seating plan did a grand job - Jamie and I were sat with BBC 1 Scotland's Jackie Bird who I met on the Hogmanay show and who was MC for the evening.  Next to Jackie was opera singer Nicky Spence who I was at school with, Nicky and I hadn't seen each other for about 10 years so there was plenty of banter to be had, next to Nicky and his partner was Scottish photographer Andy Hall and his wife, who turned out to be my best pal's God parent's, and next to me was legendary Scots actor John Cairney and his wfe Allanagh.  Allanagh is an actress and script writer and also a kiwi, born in the same small town as Jamie in Hamilton, NZ.  It was so refreshing to talk to these folk from different walks of life and work, compare experiences and ideas.

The main event of the evening was of course the presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year Award which was awarded to Guy Willoughby of the HALO trust, a charity with over 8000 employees who de-activate landmines in worn torn countries.  Both Jamie and I were moved by Guy's speech and left with a feeling of wonder at the amazing things people do for others and with an urge to do something to help in our own way.  Guy specifically spoke up for the workers of the HALO trust who are often posted in remote areas - they spend the day doing the dangerours but also slow and monotonous work of deactiviating landmines.  At night they have no internet to catch up with friends on facebook, no pub to go and socialise in and satellite communication is for emergency use only. 
But they do have a feeling of fulfilment and an instant visible result from their efforts when farmland is restored to being cultivated and no longer abandoned in fear of the presence of landmines.  Children are free to run and play and communities can be re-stored.

The after dinner entertainment was provided by Scottish singer and songwriter Midge Ure who was pure rock and roll, just him and his guitar belting out songs and there was an audible ripple of excitement when he played his hit song 'Vienna'.  I'm sure we were all sitting in our seats eager, but too polite to stand up and join in on the chorus.

So, feeling refreshed, inspired and counting my blessings I drove back home ready to continue along my own unique path with renewed enthusiasm and a determination to overcome the mundane.

Emily x