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It's two years to the day since we lost Louis tragically and suddenly. An extremely painful day to think back on, and one that pushed me into a very dark place. At some points I felt I'd stay there forever. Perhaps I almost did. Honestly, it took a lot of work just to get back on an even keel. 24 months on, I can thankfully say that I'm in a very good place, with a new lust for life, feeling inspired musically and creatively and seeing the beauty in the World again.

This video was filmed in the kitchen at my old place, back in early 2015. It's a pretty rough performance, but I absolutely adore the way the video begins. That little loving moment with Louis is one I'll always treasure. I miss this little boy every single day, but thankfully I have many of these cherished memories to think back on 🙏🏻🧡

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Rosalie

Here’s a bit of a blast from the past!.. this scrappy performance was filmed in the kitchen at my old place 8 years ago. I do miss this guitar! This tune is a traditional one called “Rosalie” and this arrangement is in Mike Dowling’s wonderful “Uptown Blues” book. If you’d like to support the work I do, feel free to buy me a coffee at this link; https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alexfarran I post most days on insta: https://www.instagram.com/alexfarranguitar #slideguitar #deltablues #mississippi #opentuning #opend #nationalguitars #resonator #nationalresonator #mikedowling #swampdog #kitchen #music #blues #musician #guitarist #roots #tricone #fingerstyle #bottleneck

Comments

Gert De Groof

Has it already been two years?! What a lovely capture of a lovely moment. I still re-watch a lot of your older lessons and I’m always enamoured when Louis decides to stop by. I witnessed the change in your mood from bright to black to blue, to bright again. Cherishing the times you had and letting those inspire you for things to come, it’s all we can do. Take care my friend, Louis forever ❤️

Joel Powell

Bless you Alex. Know that you've made a difference in other's lives. Peace.

Ron Culbertson

So many different kinds of love in this world. Animals weave their way into our hearts, and it’s such a heartbreak when we lose them. We do move on, and now you have Rosie. Anyway I sure like the song you played thanks for sharing. Have a good day.

Martin Lindsay

I’ve loved this ever since you first posted it Alex. Shown it to lots of friends too, all of whom instantly loved Louis’s performance……which is even better than yours 😉😉

scott bookman

So glad you are feeling good...I know exactly how you feel , it's been almost a year since I had to say goodbye to my best buddy Molly. I still think I see her from time to time which is a gift. Beautiful video , I think I'll watch it again. Be Well.

Michael Hurley

Against the odds, your keel is even.

Johan

We lost one of our furry little children not long after you lost Louis; Tumbleweed (Bumbles), a precious Linx point Birman. Feels like yesterday.

Rob Brazier

I watch your videos and work through your lessons every couple weeks, and each time I think of Louis. I’ve been through those dark moments, too. When my family lost Sherman, our yellow Labrador, a few years back it put me in a similar place. I’m so grateful to hear you feel you’re out of the forest. Thank you so much for sharing Louis, your music, and so much of the rest of your life, with all of us. It’s always an inspiration. Your work helps keep all of us out of the dark!

Esgi...sg

What a blessing Alex! Thank you so much for sharing and being a vulnerable friend, I am truly thankful our paths crossed all the way across the pond!

Rick

we miss Louis.My grandfather was also Louis...

Shmookie

Your strength and vulnerability are equally so powerful and inspiring. We are all so glad you managed to leave the darkest place and found the light again. The pain will slowly fade but the memories will bloom and become less bittersweet in time, as reminders of what a beautiful boy he was. He was so fortunate to have been chosen by you, and you by him. Louis will always be in your heart. Thank you for sharing him and your creativity with us. You’re amazing.

Alex Farran Guitar

Such a beautiful comment my friend, thank you so much! You guys are all a massive part of my journey and what made it possible to come back to the light again, so thank you for that too 🙏🏻🧡

Alex Farran Guitar

Haha thank you Martin, Louis always managed to steal the show without even trying! I hope you’re doing well buddy, we need a catch up soon! 🙏🏻

Alex Farran Guitar

Such a heartfelt comment Rob, thank you for the kind words my friend and I’m so sorry about Sherman. We really do journey through this life together, with all of its ups and downs. 🙏🏻🧡

Alex Farran Guitar

I feel the same way buddy, you guys mean the world to me and make me feel comfortable to be vulnerable and share my true feelings. 🙏🏻🧡

Alex Farran Guitar

Thank you Scott, and I’m sorry about Molly, she was a beauty and will always be there with you some how. I still feel Louis with me in the studio very often. 🙏🏻🧡

Alex Farran Guitar

I’m so sorry Johan, I’m sure Bumbles is right by your side in spirit. 🙏🏻

Alex Farran Guitar

Thank you Rick. I’m sure your Grandfather was a fantastic man. 🙏🏻

Alex Farran Guitar

Thank you so much my friend, that really means the world to me! To know I have such good friends who understand, here in this Patreon community with me, is a true blessing. 🙏🏻🧡

David Lockwood

I think that I know how you feel. I remember you losing Louis. Hettie was very poorly at that time with heart failure but she managed another year (it was hard work). On the 17th October it will be one year since Hettie died. I always said that she was the love of my life. I don’t think that I will ever get over her fully. We are back in Northumberland at the moment with little Bess and visiting all the places we used to go. The memories remain. There is still a tint of sadness when we go to Bamburgh in particular. I still remember her on the sand dunes and in the sea having a good time! I wish my performances had the same level of roughness that you refer to! 🤷🏻 😂😂

Tom

I am so glad you have turned that corner Alex. Losing an animal is heart wrenching. They remain with us the rest of our lives and when our time comes they await. Glad you can celebrate your precious time together with him.

Johan

As Louis is for you. Thanks again for what you do. I needed a teacher like you long ago. You’re a benefit to society sir.

Tom

I am so glad you are in a better place Alex. Having an animal pass is certainly like losing a part of oneself yet oddly over time their presence grows. We can find solace in the belief that they are with us and will be waiting for us.

Richard Stodden

Alex, so heartfelt. My wife Toni and I used to love seeing Louis make appearances in your videos and felt so sorry when you lost him. We are both pet lovers and currently have a senior dog Chloe (16) and cat Ashley (15). You really cherish your time with them. So glad that it is getting easier and that you have Rosie. Take care my friend. ❤️

John McDermott

I cannot believe that Louis passed on two years ago. I know that it hit you very hard Alex. We could all see that I am sure. I have experienced such a loss three times and it is never easy. However, It is the memories of our friends together with what you give and receive from others that keeps you going. That is what makes life worthwhile. You give a lot of joy to many people Alex. Far more than those who actually subscribe. Louis has supported you through that and his memory lives on. God Bless you Alex.

Joseph Corso

God Bless Alex...this is beautiful Thank you for sharing

Alex Farran Guitar

Thank you so much John, that seriously means a lot to me 🙏🏻🧡

Erik Tofft

Hi Alex. I feel compelled to tell you that in addition to the gift of music that you freely share with so many, sharing personal loss/difficulty in this manner helps (at least in my opinion) remind us all that we are all connected. Most of us have "been there" and felt alone in that dark place at various times in our lives. Thanks for putting something beautiful into this world and sharing it so broadly. You have inspired me and so many others. With that being said, I still can't get my thumb over the damn neck. Be well, my friend!

Epi

Alex I can't imagine how hard it must have been. My own little black cat has been my lifeboat through the hardest times. Thank-you for your what you do - you've been a wonderful source of knowledge and inspiration as I have re-discovered my love for guitar in my 40s

Alex Farran Guitar

Thank you buddy, that really means a lot. I'm so glad you find the lessons inspiring. All the best to you and your little feline friend 🙏🏻🧡

Alex Farran Guitar

Thank you so much Erik, that really means the world to me buddy. I love this community we have here, it's full of incredibly kind, sensitive and creative people like yourself and that's a real comfort to be around. P.S: Keep working on that thumb.. it will happen some day! 🤪