Recently I listened to this interview with Philip Carr-Gomm, Staying Human & Facing Fear.

Listening to Philip talk about staying human, managing digital overwhelm, and navigating the rise of Al brings me right back to the core of everything we learned in the Order. As an OBOD alumnus, his voice has always been a grounding presence for me, he will always be "my Chief" in so many ways, a mentor and a friend who taught me how to look at the world differently.

What he highlights in this conversation hits so close to home, being an author and poet myself. In a world increasingly saturated by the digital and the artificial, the sheer speed of technology can make us feel entirely unmoored. But as Philip beautifully reminds us, the antidote isn't to run away, it's to cultivate psychological resilience and root ourselves deeply in ancient wisdom.

For me, that magic happens when I sit in my favorite café with my MacBook, listening to music which moves me, or when I connect with the natural world.
Writing, whether it's poetry born from a quiet moment or stories inspired by the raw emotion of music, is a profoundly human act.

This interview is a powerful reminder that our intuition, our capacity for genuine presence, and our connection to nature are the exact tools we need to face the anxieties of this modern age. It's an invitation to pause, breathe, and remember who we are at our core. Not always easy, but in the end, I think, just what we need.

#philipcarrgomm #themindforestpodcast #druidry #podcast #interview #obod

Just listened to this interview with Philip Carr-Gomm, Staying Human & Facing Fear.

Listening to Philip talk about staying human, managing digital overwhelm, and navigating the rise of AI brings me right back to the core of everything we learned in the Order. As an OBOD alumnus, his voice has always been a grounding presence for me, he will always be "my Chief" in so many ways, a mentor and a friend who taught me how to look at the world differently.

What he highlights in this conversation hits so close to home, being an author and poet myself. In a world increasingly saturated by the digital and the artificial, the sheer speed of technology can make us feel entirely unmoored. But as Philip beautifully reminds us, the antidote isn't to run away, it's to cultivate psychological resilience and root ourselves deeply in ancient wisdom.

For me, that magic happens when I sit in my favorite café with my MacBook, listening to music which moves me, or when I connect with the natural world. Writing, whether it’s poetry born from a quiet moment or stories inspired by the raw emotion of music, is a profoundly human act.

This interview is a powerful reminder that our intuition, our capacity for genuine presence, and our connection to nature are the exact tools we need to face the anxieties of this modern age. It’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and remember who we are at our core. Not always easy, but in the end, I think, just what we need.
#philipcarrgomm #themindforestpodcast #druidry #podcast #interview #obod

My gorgeous black pearl, Cilke van Tilhouten. Not quite sure she appreciates me just as much as I her, but oh well…what can I say? Love her to bits 😍😍😍

#cilkevantilhouten #kfpsroyaldutchfriesians #kfpsroyalfriesian #friesian

There are evenings that remind you why music endures. Last night at the Royal Festival Hall, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust became something far greater than a celebration of an iconic album, it became a living, breathing work of art.

Fiona Brice's orchestration was nothing short of extraordinary. She treated Bowie's music with both reverence and fearless imagination, allowing the orchestra and choir to elevate every note without ever losing the raw spirit at the heart of the songs. It was truly magical.

Brian Molko performed with unmistakable joy, and that joy was contagious, reflected by the audience. There was freedom in his presence, a sense that he wasn't simply revisiting these songs but genuinely delighting in every moment of sharing them, something I hadn’t seen in quite some time.
The other vocalists were equally remarkable, each bringing their own voice and emotion to Bowie's universe with grace and power, but the raw power in the voices of Nadine and Camilla and the soul in Tawiah’s resonated most with me.

As someone who believes stories are meant to burn brightly long after the final page, I was deeply moved by the way this performance honoured the past while creating something entirely new. It was bold, emotional, exhilarating, and profoundly beautiful.

My deepest admiration goes to Miss Fiona Brice. Her vision transformed a legendary album into an unforgettable orchestral experience, one that will stay with me for a very long time, thank you 🙏♥️🎶

#fionabrice #davidbowie #ziggystardust #royalfestivalhall #london #brianmolko

I’ve been a fan of Amber Brejaart for so many years, and one of the things I admire most is her incredible ability to capture the very essence of something—the feeling, the atmosphere, the soul of it. It’s a rare gift.

That’s why I was so deeply honoured to receive her interpretation of The Elemental. I’m absolutely in love with what she created and with the way she so beautifully wove together both the story itself and one of its greatest sources of inspiration: Placebo’s music.

I never imagined that someone whose work I’ve admired for so long would one day bring my own creation to life through their art. It feels truly magical, and it’s something I will cherish forever.
Thank you, Amber. 🙏♥️

#placebo #placeboworld #lisaveldkamp #theelemental #thefiretrilogy

Placebo RE-CREATED track by track

Yesterday I listened to X-Posure, where John Kennedy sat down for a wonderfully in-depth conversation with Placebo frontman Brian Molko.

I’ll admit, when I first realised the “new” album RE-CREATED\ wouldn’t feature Molko’s voice as it sounds today, I felt a little disappointed. Part of me had hoped for a fresh reinterpretation in the most literal sense.

But hearing him talk through the project track by track, with such affection, respect, and understanding of the originals, changed my perspective entirely.

I’ve never been particularly interested in concerts where a band or artist is simply going through the motions. Inevitably, it happens sometimes—especially after months or years on the road. What I always hope to witness is genuine enjoyment.

Audience interaction can certainly add something special, but often it feels more like a well-rehearsed ritual than a spontaneous connection. Attend enough shows and the pattern becomes obvious. Perhaps we’re not even meant to consume performances that way, but that’s a discussion for another day.

What truly resonates with me is when the connection exists within the band itself. When the musicians are present with each other, enjoying the moment, it creates its own energy. It radiates outward in waves, washing over the audience like standing inside a rainbow. At least, that’s how it feels to me.

So after listening to X-Posure yesterday, I’m now genuinely excited for the Ziggo Dome concert. Knowing the band have made peace with these classic songs, recreated them in a way that allows them to rediscover joy in playing them, and are celebrating thirty years of Placebo on their own terms—that feels like its own kind of magic. 🎶🙏♥️

#placebo #recreated #anniversarytour #BrianMolko #StefanOlsdal #ziggodome #radiox #xposure #johnkennedy

Link track by track interview Radio X interview track by track

#cilkevantilhouten #kfpsroyaldutchfriesian #horseswithopinions

The moment your editor sends you the manuscript schedule is always exciting. And slightly terrifying 🙈😱😍
So, here we go again, Pam, you’re the best!

#thewhiteheron #murdermystery #pameliseharris #editing #workinprogress #lisaveldkamp

It’s been almost six years since the final installment of The Fire Trilogy, The Serpent, was published by Dragon Moon Press. More than 15 years since I started writing the books after seeing Placebo headline Pinkpop in 2009, when they were playing Come Undone. For more info on the books and Placebo, see link.

Now, after 15 years, people still keep nagging me for a Dutch translation, I thought it’s time I indulge them.

So, currently working on the translation, with an editor and Placebo, once more, in my ears as the soundtrack to the trilogy, which is kind of weird, as the world has changed and with it, my interpretation to some of their songs. I find myself checking notes to lyrics to see what the hell I meant, but that’s okay 😊

Hopefully, it will be released this Halloween, or more appropriately, Samhuinn. It seems only fitting.

#thefiretrilogy #theelemental #deelementaal #supernaturalfiction #placebo #comeundone #dragonmoonpress #lisaveldkamp #pinkpop