When I was seven ...

I was making my first communion, excited about wearing a pretty dress and nervous about singing during the mass. Afterwards we went to my uncle's pub for soup and sandwiches, which was a big deal as we children weren't usually allowed in the pub. I remember everyone had a couple of drinks and as the evening went on they started singing songs. My uncle gave my brother and I 50p each to go and get more sweets.

The first time my heart was broken ...

I have thought it was broken lots of times, but it wasn't really, it was just a bit of hurt and wounded pride. My mammy passed a few months ago and that has broken my heart. We would speak on the phone at least once or twice a day. I miss her so much. I still don't quite believe it.

The wisest thing my grandmother told me ...

Keep your ears cocked and your eyes peeled. I also used to hear her tell my mam: "Many's the slip between the cup and the lip." When I was little it didn't make any sense but now, coming from my granny who had nine children and my mum, likewise nine, I know what she meant. Did I pay heed? Well, I only have one child so far ...

The biggest adversity I have overcome ...

Accepting the guilt that comes from being a working mother. I'm never going to get it perfect, but I'm doing my best.

My motto for life ...

Live in the moment and don't worry about the little things. I don't achieve it all the time, but it's what I try to aim for. It often takes something big to happen for you to realise life is short.

My soul mate is ...

My husband, John [McCusker, a Scottish folk musician]. He's a fantastic partner and father – his attributes are too many to list. He's a great man.

Not many people know that ...

I'm double-jointed and can pop my shoulder in and out. I don't do it often, it's uncomfortable more than sore.

The most inspiring book I've read was ...

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr Norman Vincent Peale. I went through a period of feeling overwhelmed and anxious after I had my daughter. Reading this book helped me put things back in perspective.

If ever I feel lonely I ...

Call my husband or my friends, KT or Morella. I was in a band with them for several years when I lived in America.

What I look for in a friend is ...

Someone genuine, honest, with a good sense of humour, who is kind and loyal.

I believe the secret to a strong relationship is ...

Love, honesty, loyalty, kindness, patience, humour – and you should fancy each other.

Something I wish I'd done earlier ...

Had a baby because it's the best thing I've ever done. I was 30 when I had Molly Mae who is two-and-a-half now. Being a mum has brought so much happiness and I hope to have at least a few more.

My all-time favourite YouTube clip ...

The angriest guitar player in the world. It's such a funny clip.

My childhood hero was ...

First it was Madonna, then Kylie, then Irish folk singer Mary Black.

The place I most like to call home ...

Our house in the Scottish Borders, but if my husband is away on a long tour – he can be away with Mark Knopfler for up to six months at a time – I'll go back to my mum and dad's house in Kildare, Ireland. Molly and I sleep in my old room, falling back into the chaos of a large family.

Heidi Talbot plays the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, as part of Celtic Connections, on January 27. Her album Angels Without Wings is out on February 18. Visit www.celticconnections.com or call 0141 353 8000, www.heiditalbot.com