Sarah McIntosh's blog

We have a whiteboard in the office, on which we take turns to write a short list of things that inspire us. Buchanans coffee makes it on to many lists, funnily enough, and should really go without saying but we do, simply because it is how we charge through the day. The ability the laugh at one's self is inspiring, and the comedy of John Gordillo (Sunday 25 March) is such that he reminds us of our shortcomings through detailing his own.

This week I have felt as though I've missed out on the party of the century. I'm not talking about a fabulous new club night in Aberdeen, or the possibility of reeling with the best at the Burn's Supper. No. It's that elusive and incredible phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. This week has seen the most solar activity for years, resulting in the most incredible light shows as far south as Northumberland. Even Edinburgh was backlit magnificently for one lucky photographer.

It's January and I am back in the Barn office, rattling away at the keyboard making sure that the programme for February and March is ready to be sent out and the website is updated.

Bit of a relief to be back, if I'm honest. Two weeks of having all the family at home generally results in more cleaning, more washing and much more cooking. Add to that my role as events organiser, nurse, referee, and countless other jobs, I am happy to be back in the place where my role is clearly defined and a few people appreciate the effort I make.

Happy, apart from two things.

This morning, on my drive into work, weaving between freshly ploughed fields, I saw the oddest thing.

A mid life crisis can appear in many forms. Mine arrived in the burning desire to own a trike. Yes that’s right. One of those odd, three wheel motorbike things - think Billy Connolly cruising the open roads of Britain, the wind in his beard. How cool is that?

We are very excited to see A Moment’s Peace Theatre Company coming back to us this August to develop their new show I Could Eat a Horse, a brave new play to explore our tumultuous relationship with food and set to uncover the joys and the injustices in the meals we cook, eat and share.

Our newest brochure covering summer months is now on display; it might even have popped through your door recently! 16 pages packed full of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, workshops and more - it’ll blow you away...

So go make yourself a good cup of tea and take some time out to browse and bookmark events at the Barn. Online programme here!