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 ...