Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

I began listening to Gregory Porter's latest album just before Christmas, but had heard tracks from it on Jazz FM many times in previous three months or so. I thought I loved it, but now I think that's developed into a passion. It's a truly exceptional album, with beautiful compositions, arrangements and performances. The sax playing is something my ear seems naturally attuned to and it's extraordinary on several on the tracks. Must find out who is responsible for it. Posted via my iPad

A few days into January I began '#100happydays' on twitter. The idea is to post photos of something that makes you happy every day. Someone I mentioned this to concluded that such a project might bring happy things a person's way. Certainly, the act of looking out for things that make me smile has helped me find them. I'm generally a 'glass half-full' kind of person, but the last few months have been kind of tough and it's not always been easy. Now I'm looking out for something that makes me smile. It tends not to be things, but I can't keep posting pictures of sunrises and sunsets. Perhaps the spirit of the thing is to find something new each day. I also want to avoid taking pictures of people, in respect of their privacy. Also, a lot of the things that make me smile are unphotographable. Loving the album by Gregory Porter, for instance, and I can't keep posting the album cover. In any case, I'm not yet even to 20 days, so let's see if i...

Fifty was not a great year for me. I do remember starting my 50th birthday celebrations with a determination to have a good life. It didn't quite turn out that way, but I still entered my 51st celebrations this evening with the same determination. So far, so good. No broken bones or trips to A&E. Lots and lots of lovely friends enjoying a meal and a drink. I was blessed to have so many people around me who care about me. Plus several who couldn't make it but sent me birthday wishes. If you ever doubt the value of sending a card to someone, do it anyone. I guarantee they'll love it. I did. Posted via my iPad

Posted via my iPad Location: Sumner Street,London,United Kingdom

Just a beautiful day today. The fields outside Hitchin were bathed in sunshine and the dog and I had a gorgeous walk for nearly two hours. That'll keep her quiet this afternoon.

What I know about Gregory Porter could be written in capital letters on the back of a postage stamp. I think he's American. I've never heard him speak or seen any photos other than those on album covers. But his music moves me and I'm sure that, if I met him, I would like him. There's a song he sings about a lion. I wish I could remember what it's called, but I love it when I hear it. Louis Armstrong's famous quote - "if you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know" - really rings true when it comes to people like Gregory Porter. It just IS jazz. I'm sure the bulk of the tracks on 'Liquid Spirit' feature some improvisation. Musicians being given the freedom to express themselves is intensely interesting and attractive. Billie Holiday allegedly hated ever singing a song the same way twice. That's where I come from and this album feels that way, too. After just a few plays through of the album, my favourite track is 'I fall in ...

Yesterday started as a good one. For some reason, I was feeling strong. Got on with lots of work and produced the goods. Then I paid a visit to my local bookshop in Bankside. It's sadly set to close next week and its closing down sale has some extraordinary bargains. Including my new mug, which seemed to sum up how I was beginning to feel. The day just got even better and I realised that sometimes, when people are critical, it's their problem. Live well. Laugh often. Love much. Posted via my iPad

Posted via my iPad

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's right. Bancroft Gardens in Hitchin is a bit of a waste of space that could be so much more beautiful and useful. It's up for redevelopment and the potential is there to turn it into a useful green space. It could mark one end of Hitchin's main town centre and be used to draw people further along Bancroft, boosting sales for the businesses down there. Only time will tell.

Well, I've just finished reading 'Elizabeth, Peter & Me', published a couple of months ago by Mark Baxter. It's truly a ripping yarn, with a very definite, London voice. In his own, inimitable style, Mark has written a novel that engages the audience with the story and won't let go until the final page. It's got Cockney rhyming slang aplenty and tons of ducking, diving and dodgy geezers. What stays with you when reading this novel is the ubiquitous voice of the 'hero'. Vinny is an old man who decides to regain some of his lost youth in the most bizarre and gripping of ways. I was lucky to meet a reformed ex-criminal last year who is actually one of the nicest men I've ever met, so I could quite believe in this character. People DO change. And sometime they try to get what's theirs. Well, sort of. By no means a perfect piece of literature, 'Elizabeth, Peter & Me' does, nevertheless rewards the reader with an unusual viewpoint. It...