The organist librarian

A rare opportunity to hear the Ralph Downes organ in St Clement Danes. Jack Gonzalez-Harding RCM played Wood sea songs, Howells and premiere by Geer who I also met. To Serpentine gallery for Grayson Perry then  tea in the park next to bowling green.  Took the boys to enjoyable Adventure in Moominland at South Bank centre and a good lunch at Giraffe. Last night's prom enjoyed Brahms and exuberant Schumann 3. Berg well played and the Larchner was intriguing. The talk about sleep had some good tips eg sleep 3 times a day is normal, do not worry about not sleeping, light is crucial. Work out what type you are. I am early morning awake and second wind p.m. sleepy after lunch. An enjoyable Prom with French music influenced by the Orient including Saint-Saens, Lalo, Franck and Delibes. I fell asleep during the talk on djinns. The problem was Ian MacMillan standing between the two guests so they were not speaking directly into the mikes. Elif Shafak is usually more interesting! Met C...

Liz served at the rite of election - 700 in Westminster diocese becoming Catholics this year! I went to St Margaret's Westminster for the annual day of prayer ably led by Canon Andrew Bishop of Guildford. Canon Jane Hedges got a clap on becoming Dean of Norwich! The subject was sleep and prayer and it was fascinating. We were reminded of the importance of "hallowed sleep" and the usefulness of Ignatian examen before sleep. "Being prayer than 'I am now going to pray'". A gift to be received rather than a decision to be made. When am I truly myself? Asleep or awake? Or both. The best way to flatter someone is to say "Oh you must be so busy". The danger of a sense of indispensability. The Abbey is not ideal for this. It took 10 minutes to go to the loo, 15 minutes to get a coffee, so many people I never got into the shrine or Henry VII chapel. The garden was not open although it was a lovely day so I ate my picnic in the cloisters and got chattin...