It was such a treat to travel home yesterday with my brother Matt for the Christmas break, Tom my younger brother was also driving home at the same time from Glasgow. This year the timings were perfect as we were all able to make it home in time to celebrate my Dad’s birthday yesterday.

When we are all together it reminds me how lucky I am and gives me time to reflect on what has happened over the year and to plan and set my goals for the year to come. It is also a time to think about my friends, many of whom have started out on new paths of their journey through life. Some starting new careers, some studying towards their own personal goals and some starting families of their own. I wish each and every one of them a magical new year filled with happiness and contentment.

To all my friends here I want to thank you for your boundless enthusiasm, thoughtful advice, and sincere encouragement. You have helped make the last four years so enjoyable and personally rewarding and I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings.

Sadly 2016 also was the year that I lost my Mema (Grandma) who passed away in April. My Pepa (Grandpa) asked me to record a song to play at the funeral to help celebrate her life as the family gathered to say their farewells. It was a difficult song for me to perform and one of the last that I recorded quickly at the Royal College of Scotland. Because of the emotions that the song evoked, I found it difficult at first to listen back to the recording but now as I sit here with my family, having reflected on the blessings that we have all received throughout 2016 I felt it was a good time to share the recording with you.

Ave Maria – Schubert

95 thoughts on “Ave Maria”

  3. Gorgeous interpretation of a very beautiful song. What a wonderful memorial for your Mema. I hope you have a great Christmas and New years with your family!

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    1. I was looking at my Grandpa’s Christmas card he sent to us and it felt so sad to see only his name on the card, he asked for a copy of the of the recording on a CD so I hope it gave him a little bit of comfort.

      Best Wishes
      Charlotte

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  5. She’ll be in your mind and your heart at Xmas. Remember the years and remember to build more memories of love at family at this time.

    Merry Xmas, Lovely Girl.
    x

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    1. Yes lots of nice memories, Grandma knitted and crocheted my christening robe and always liked to hear how we were all doing. Merry Xmas Martin and I hope you have a lovely holiday.

      Best Wishes
      Charlotte

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  7. Charlotte I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. May next year e perfect for you.
    Love John
    Xx

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  8. A beautiful rendition, Charlotte, filled with love and longing. I’m sorry to learn that your grandmother passed away this year – may you enjoy the best of your memories of her. Wishing you and your family a good Christmas together, and looking forward to sharing your adventures in the new year.

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  10. Thank you for your beautiful rendition of Schubert’s “Ave Maria”. It’s a favorite. Listening to it always reminds me of the important things. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mundane. Again thank you.

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  14. I can understand the mixed emotions about 2016, but you made your grandfather more at ease with your magnificent song. Ave Maria brings memories to many of us. Thank you for sharing this and may 2017 be an even brighter year for you and yours!!

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  15. Charlotte that was beautiful! Very moving. I’ve listened to it twice and it is real goosebumps time. I’m looking forward to seeing you whilst your home, and the boys! 😘

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  16. Reflections and goals for this year and next, time marches on.
    Here’s to new beginnings and to thoughtful glimpses into the past. Cheers to you Charlotte, Darlene.

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    1. Thank you Annette, God bless you and I hope that you enjoy this special time of year, Merry Christmas. I hope your New Year sparkles with happiness and good luck.

      Best Wishes
      Charlotte

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  24. A lovely musical gift to us all, Charlotte. Your grandmother had to be very proud of you.
    I am amazed at your growth over the past few years I’ve been following you via your blog. I feel like a proud parent, one who had NOTHING to do with it! Keep following your dreams – don’t let anything sidetrack you. You are destined for greatness!

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    1. Thank you Noelle. I am really appreciative of everyone’s encouragement on my blog. Some days it’s nice just to sit and read over the old messages and reply to the new ones. It helps that it’s my dream, and I am doing what I love.

      Best Wishes
      Charlotte

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  25. Merry Christmas Charlotte Hoather,

    I hope you have the best time with your family over the holidays.

    ________________________________

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  27. Simply beautiful. I smiled and teared up at the same time. I used to play that on my mother’s Cable-Nelson grand a long time ago. Merry Christmas, Charlotte, and all the best to you and all your friends in the coming new year. ♥♥♥

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    1. It will be quite upsetting for Grandpa on his own this first Christmas but my Auntie and lots of cousins and their children all live close to him to keep him occupied. I hope you have a peaceful Christmas and a happy and bright New Year.

      Best Wishes
      Charlotte

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  29. WOW! Your harmonious rendition of Ave Maria gave me goosebumps, Charlotte. It was perfect. You have an amazing voice. Your grandma must surely be smiling with pride up in the Heavens.

    Have a great season. All the best! 🙂

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  30. Your voice is wonderful! Thanks for the song today – nice addition to my life and sorry about the loss- 😉
    And cheers to a new year in 2017

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  33. So beautiful, Charlotte! It was my mother’s favorite song. It brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing! Love & hugs! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! ❤️🍾🎁🎊

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      1. Thank you so much, Charlotte! Yes, I have received a little sparkle from my husband in the form of a diamond necklace. ❤️🌲🎊🎉🎁 May you have a wonderful Christmas & New Year too!

    1. Absolutely super to meet you and David, I loved reading about your holiday in Scotland. London and the Garden of England next perhaps 🙂 Wishing you both a Happy New Year.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

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  35. Hi Charlotte.
    I will listen to your recording of Ave Marie.It will have a more special purpose as it was sung in memory of you Grandma.
    I was in Carlisle Cathedral this Sunday for Readings and Carol.
    It was a truely an uplifting experience..did i see you there?
    I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
    We gain hope joy and especially love from our family.
    We are so lucky to have had the wisdom passed on to us….let it give us guidance and lead us to a happier and more fullfilled life.

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    1. Thank you Max, sadly I wasn’t in Carlisle I love uplifting services they really can make you feel so full of life. Absolutely I love spending time with my family and friends it’s nice to catch up and listen to their news.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

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    1. Keeping my fingers crossed Terry I’ve got lots of new opportunities in January 🙂 Thank you and wishing you and yours a joyous holiday and a fabulous New Year.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

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  37. Hi Charlotte, what a wonderful recording to leave the year with,soothing and serene. ave a great break, and enjoy the family. Next year sounds full of hope and opportunity, so here wishing you a happy and blessed Christmas and a great New Year. thanks for the likes on my blog 🙂 Charles.

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  38. This is so beautiful Charlotte! I know how difficult it must have been to record the song. I was asked twice by friends to sing at the funerals of their loved ones. I didn’t really know the people who had died but I found it so hard not to cry! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and all the best for 2017 xx

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  41. Beautiful Christmas tribute, Charlotte. Thank you for this inspiring piece. Have a Merry Christmas and all the best into the New Year!

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  43. Tis the Season Charlotte!Loved listening to Ave Maria,touched by your reference to your Mema,in your epilogue.Best wishes for a Happy Christmas ♥ ƸӜƷ ♥

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  44. Beautiful and angelic, Charlotte. Sending blessings for a year filled with joy and dreams come true ♥

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  46. What a lovely tribute to your grandmother! I want to wish you a very Happy New Year Charlotte. May it be filled with wonderful adventures. Looking forward to chatting in 2017….

    Reply

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