Phrase Writers Group

During July and August 2021 I took part in a writing workshop organised by local best-selling author Leigh Russell (leighrussell.co.uk).

Each week we were given optional homework.

In the Comfort Zone cafe, who would willingly leave?

COMFORT ZONE

“It’s alright for you” moaned Louise, stuffing a chocolate doughnut past her jam-smeared lips. “Not everyone can eat what they like and stay thin.”

Sophie looked wistfully at her cucumber and watercress salad. The seeds added extra nutrition, but Sophie had to watch how many she ate.

It was their weekly meet-up at the Comfort Zone cafe. Louise maintained she needed nutrition before adjourning upstairs, the real reason they met.

“I enjoyed yesterday at the care home” said Louise, blowing some doughnut crumbs. “But they didn’t like my party piece.”

The two friends had formed their musical duo Ellis while at school a decade ago. Louise was learning the piano back then while Sophie chose the guitar. Ellis was their initial idea.

They now rehearsed every week, upstairs at Comfort Zone. It had great acoustics. Rather the room was small and cheap, with an ancient honky tonk piano and no plugs for Sophie’s electric guitar.

Ellis had regular gigs at local care homes and clubs for older people, playing singalong songs. Louise always performed her party piece that had won a music writing competition at school, when she passed her Grade 3 piano exam.

“They’ve always liked my song before” said Louise. “What’s changed?”

“Well you have been playing it for 10 years” mused Sophie. “Maybe write something new?”

Louise shuddered. “I can’t” she whispered. “Don’t make me Sophie. I’m happy playing what I can. It’s alright for you. You just pick up an instrument and within weeks are in demand at Abbey Road.”

“Not quite” smiled Sophie. “Sore hands, frustration at times and a few tears. Took me months to play barre chords properly on the guitar. And best part of a year to make an acceptable noise on the accordion. Daily practice, learning new techniques and music, making mistakes. Lots of those.”

Louise looked at her friend. Frustration? Tears? Mistakes?

She considered her life. A musical prodigy, so her admiring parents kept telling her. Playing the piano came easily, never had to practise or listen to the teacher. Sailed through her piano grades. Won that competition. Then came the failed exam. And she never looked forward again. Stuck with what she knew.

Louise smiled. “Let’s revisit the Ellis repertoire. Maybe some 50s Rock ’n’ Roll. We’ll both learn new playing styles, have fun again in our rehearsals.

“Let’s go make some mistakes.”