Global What?.....

So conspicuous consumption, recycling, re-purposing and re-using is something which I think about quite a lot; I try as much as possible to reduce my wastage, and dispose of things I no longer need in as responsible a manner as possible.


Freecycle is a great means of passing things on that you no longer use: it's a good place to look if there's something you need as well, particularly if you have children. All too often, they grow out of clothes before they wear them out, so being able to pass them on to others means people can get as much use as possible out of them. Not only does it keep things from being thrown in to landfill unnecessarily, but it can also help those who can't always afford to buy everything new. Click on the link and look to see if there's a freecycle group in your area; if not, why not think about starting one?


I also like the idea of re-purposing and recycling, and the internet is a mine of information; one site I visit occasionally for ideas is How Can I Recycle This? which has all sorts of suggestions; some more amusing than others (olive stones? What?) Also Recycle More, which gives loads of info, including recycling sites near you and what they will accept. Instructables is not strictly a re-purposing site, but a lot of the ideas reuse ordinary things, like this headboard:






made by Jessy, out of book covers: click on the photo to go to her website, but check out the rest of Instructables as well.


For my own part, I hate throwing anything away, so have boxes of old clothes/bags/jumpers etc that I intend to unpick and reuse the bits of fabric that no longer have holes in them, the zips, buttons, wool etc. I'm gradually getting round to it.


While I was ill, I spent quite a bit of time watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer (I've never watched it right from the beginning, so thought now as good a time as any), and madly shredding junk mail and other paper rubbish to make these:




Which I know look as if they are slightly singed already, but, honestly, it's just a trick of the light!


I'll explain all next time.


XX

Days Gone Bye...

Yet again, I apologise for not posting; this time because of illness. Twice. Thankfully, neither of them were of the piggy variety, but they knocked me for a loop, that's for sure.


First, I had some kind of bug, which left me feeling so tired, achy and lethargic, that I could barely be bothered to even walk about, so I spent a lot of time sleeping, and lying on the sofa watching VERY bad TV.


I then started to get over that, but got hit by a bad bout of the Black Dog, which is basically a metaphor made famous by Winston Churchill, to describe his depression.


So here is where I make my confession. I live with depression. On good days, I hate the saying "I suffer from depression", because of it's negativity, and because it seems, to me, to imply something that has an end, a cure. I know that there is no cure, at the moment, for my depression; I can medicate, and control it as best as possible, by certain behaviours, but it will always be there. And it always threatens to turn every day into hell.


Now, I know there will be people reading this, who will say, "I understand exactly what you mean, I've felt like that", and for some, it may be true. But the 'blue' feeling we all get sometimes, when you feel a bit down, and just want to eat chocolate and watch sad movies, is nothing like the reality of living with depression.


I characterise my depression more like a deep, dark, pit, which I slowly slide into, my hands scrabbling at the sides, until my nails are broken and covered in the slimy ooze that is slowly sucking me down. It starts off with me just feeling a little 'down', and then gradually gets worse, and worse, until I cannot see anything worth living for; I hate myself, regard my life as a waste, and don't care how anyone would describe depression, because nothing matters, except a hope for a quiet, peaceful end of existence.


I don't contemplate suicide; for one thing, that would require energy I just don't have. I do hope that I can fall asleep and never wake up, and sometimes, I have bouts of crying, sobs that are wrenched out of me, until my throat and chest ache, and I just want an end to it.


This can last for a few hours, days or even weeks, I never know until it is over. Unfortunately, depression is also a symptom of menopause, so I suppose I should expect to get bouts more often because of that, too. I take medication, but have been waiting for an appointment with the psychiatry dept at the hospital to discuss some other form of therapy, which I hope will help me fight off the Black Dog pushing me into the pit.


Thankfully, the worst of the feelings lift eventually, until I am left with something that resembles normality, as I know it. I live to breathe another day, and try to find the best in whatever I have. And sometimes, I succeed.


On a cheerier note, as I started to feel better, I decided to make some ice lollies to help with the heat. I love ice cream and sorbet, but don't love the amount of sugar that's in them, so I occasionally make my own. This time, all I did was puree fresh mango and a small tin of pineapple, including the juice. I froze it in a plastic container, then tipped it out into a bowl, mashed it up again, transferred it to ice lolly moulds, and popped it back in to the freezer.




I don't regard myself as a 'girly' girl (though some others have, strangely, described me as such), but I love these moulds. Can't remember where I got them, and I don't use them as often as I should, but they're sooo cute. And they have a built in straw thing to drink the excess juice! How cool is that!


See you soon


XX

Nucleus

This morning TTO & I went to one of our favourite cafe haunts, the New Arts Centre Cafe aka Nucleus in Chatham High Street. TTO goes there every week on Thurs mornings, as he meets up with some writing friends; I tag along every now and again, but, if I could, I'd be going almost every day, particularly in lovely sunny weather like we had today.


NAC is a secret gem, hidden down an alley off the High Street. The first indication that it's there, is the huge sculpture on the wall:




with this sculpture on the opposite side of the alley, on top of a shop:






Once you turn in to the alley, you can easily see the cafe; there are tables and chairs outside, all the better to enjoy the sunny weather




They also have folding doors at the front of the cafe that they open in good weather, which is perfect for fair-skinned damsels like me :-)


Inside, it's a combination of squishy chairs and sofas for lounging, or tables and chairs for dining



with a corner for internet access, and, of course, the food bit!




The majority of the food is made by the staff, not just sandwiches, baguettes etc, but also soups, chilli's, pasta, and some lovely cakes.


This morning, I had a large cappuccino, with a piece of homemade cherry cake; TTO had lemon cake. Sorry I didn't get a photo of it, but it didn't hang around on my plate long enough!


I love it, because it's so comfortable; you really feel as if you could hang around and relax. Because it's part of the Nucleus Arts Centre, there is local art displayed on the walls, and you can also visit the gallery next door to the cafe when they have exhibitions.


TTO, myself and Marilyn, one of TTO's friends from his writing group, were once lucky enough to be invited by local artist Peter Reeds, to view his studio space, and some of the work he had finished or was working on. I had seen some of Peters work before, as he has some exhibits at the Brook theatre, and it was a privilege to meet someone I already admired, and to see his working space. Next time you're near the Brook, pop in and check out the paintings upstairs.


XX

I Love....

Another day, another chance to let you know about some sites I love, for various different reasons.


Before that, though, I must share with you 2 major problems I have with working at my computer:

Beckett is nearly 2 years old, and is very noisy and lively, unless he's asleep, and when he wants attention, you really know about it! He has been known to jump on to the computer table and just paw at your face until you give him what he wants. He's named after Sam Beckett, but not the playwright. More about that in another post.

Holly, on the other hand, has perfected the art of THE STARE. Loud displays or begging are beneath her; she has the power to demand by thought, and uses it whenever appropriate. Holly was a rescue cat; I got her nearly 2 years ago, when my previous cat Tuppence died suddenly, and I wanted a companion for the new kitten (Beckett) I was soon to be getting.


I was planning on getting a younger cat, about 3 or 4 years, but 11 year old Holly followed me around the Cats Protection League as I was looking around, and once I read in her details that she had been there for over a year, since her previous owner had died, I couldn't say no.

So now you've met my greatest distractions (even more powerful than TTO: at least I can, occasionally say no to him )


But back to business, and some sites I would like to share.

The first one is a bit serious, but soooo useful, especially if, like me, you're constantly trying to chugg along through life on a low tank.


MoneySavingExpert has loads of advice for anyone who is in debt, wants advice about where to get the best deals on products, savings, investments etc. The forums are also a great source of info and tips; links to freebies and money off coupons are posted regularly. TTO and I have seen a few movies previewed free, and I've got loads of samples and coupons, so it's definately worth a look, and an explore.


Astronomy Picture of the Day, however, is all about WOW. Every day, a new picture is posted, with an explanation written by a professional astronomer. The images vary, from deep space,




to amazing earth-based pictures,

even diagrams

every time, with a little information about what it is. The pictures are amazing, and the info is interesting; all guaranteed to start your day with a lift, in a humbling kind of way.


Finally, anyone who has cats (and every one else, of course) should have a quick look at icanhascheesburger.com. The grammatically incorrect comments can get a little tedious at times, but for complete and utter cuteness, it is one of the best. If you need cheering up at any time, then follow the link; I defy you not to smile, even just inwardly.


Have a great day


XX

If a Job's Worth Doing...

I always have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to summer; a part of me absolutely loves the sun, but being fair-skinned, I cannot say that my complexion feels the same way. As I have (frequently) been heard to say, I am the only person I know who managed to get sunburnt, in England, in February. I kid you not.


However, I also enjoy gardening, so I've been trying to make the most of the recent not so sunny weather to catch up on some work in the garden. Today, it was a job I had been dreading, which was re-digging the Green Cone site. I love my Green Cone, would recommend it to anyone who has a garden and have been using it faithfully for a few years now; as a result, combined with all the recycling, I now only put out 1 black sack a fortnight. Admittedly, there is only me and the cats in permanent residency, with TTO staying a few times a week, but nonetheless, I'm proud of the achievement.


Unfortunately, though, when I originally dug the hole for the Green Cone, with the help of Weasley, we didn't quite dig deep enough, so the lip of the cone itself was level with the ground instead of under it. And over the years, the level dropped enough for me to recognise I needed to redo it.


Words cannot describe the horror. I must stress again, this is a wonderful device, and it works well, but, if you do ever get one, make sure you site it properly, and dig the hole properly, so it's EMPTY at the time.


At least the flower bed got dug at the same time, and I have now re-sited my rhubarb plant, so it might actually grow this time, and I've planted the peony I bought a while back. If any of my cuttings take, there's a place for them now, as well.


Just so you don't have the Green Cone image in your head for the rest of the day, here's a pic of my lovely Holly, risking life and limb, asleep on the edge of the footcube I made:


A life without cats just ain't worth livin'


XX

Time Marching

So one of the other things that has happened in the last couple of weeks, was TTO reaching (nay, stumbling indiscriminately into) his 40th birthday.


Now, I try as much as possible to live by the philosophy that you're as old as you feel, age is but a number, etc, etc, but to many people, it cannot be denied, being 40 feels IMPORTANT. I reached the mythical figure a few years ago, and I have found it a little harder to ignore my age since then, even though, as a general rule, I succeed.


So I was a little daunted at the thought of what TTO might be going through; birthdays for both of us are generally a pleasant but quiet time. He had already firmly declined his parents suggestion of a party, though accepted their invitation to go out to dinner. I marked the days with bated breath.


In the end, the day came and went, with nothing untoward happening, of course. Human beings put so much store on events that really are just random; why should a 40th birthday be any different than the others before it? It makes me remember my 5th birthday; it's the only time I've ever woken up on my birthday, and actually felt older, as if I'd grown overnight. I can still remember the feeling today, lying in my bed, wiggling my toes, as if they were further away from my head than they had been when I fell asleep the night before.


I decided to make birthday pressies for TTO; not only do I not have an awful lot of money, but I wanted to give something a little more personal. A couple of years ago, he bought a wonderful old smoking jacket in quilted burgundy from a stall in Camden, and I always thought he needed a smoking cap to go with it, so made him this:




For a first attempt at sewing for a few years, I was very pleased with it. It wasn't easy attaching the two crown parts, and I was pleased with the lining as well, except I had to machine hem it, as the iron-on interfacing I bought, wouldn't. But I was happy with it, and TTO loved it, which was the main thing (though he did say he wouldn't be wearing it out of the house, as he valued his life too much. I took this as a reflection on the area we live in, rather than my handiwork.)


I also did a painting, which I feel a little too sensitive about to show you all; I must hasten to add, it doesn't depict anything shocking, it's just that painting is not something I have done much of, and it is a little too much of me to display too openly.


Well, people, time to go for now; 2 cats to feed so we can all settle down for the evening. TTO is at his place tonight, so I have the opportunity to indulge in the TV that he doesn't normally choose to watch. Tonight, I'll be settling down in front of Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth in 'You Were Never Lovelier'. I love old movies, particularly the clothes, and, of course, approve of Rita Hayworth, a fellow redhead.


Aahh, but now I think I have revealed too much again. Bye for Now,


XX

Where Have You Been?

Well, you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun! I know, it's been such a long time since my last post - in that time my lovely son (henceforth known asWeasley) had his 21st birthday, and TTO had his 40th.


Weasley lives with His Lovely Girlfriend(HLG), and her parents, and they threw him a surprise BBQ, just close family and friends, on the 20th June, the day after his actual birthday. TTO, Shiny Thing, Her Lovely Fiance(HLF), and I all went along: his dad and stepmum also went, but later in the evening. HLG took him out for a walk with the dog while we arrived and ensconsed ourselves in their garden and waited for his return. His face was a picture when he came back and saw us - genuine surprise, which was really nice.


I must admit, I felt a little sad that other people were arranging treats for his special day, but, at the same time, I was glad at least someone was. It's one of the things you have to realise when your children leave home; you are no longer responsible for their every need.


But then, my children would probably argue that I very rarely catered for their every need! For those who may be curious as to whatWeasley's appearance is like, try clicking here. It explains his nickname perfectly, and also explains the very first words that I uttered when I first saw him - "Oh shit, he's ginger".


He'll never forgive me.


Back tomorrow with TTO birthday stuff


XX

Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday, so TTO and I went to Canterbury. I love the ambience of it: as soon as you get off the train, and cross the bridge over the main road, you're straight on to the old city wall, which you can walk along in to the city (only a couple of minutes walk away).

TTO and I walked down into the Dane John gardens, the alternative walk to the centre. It's beautiful and peaceful: the old-fashioned bandstand is so cute, and it must be lovely to have your lunchbreak there in the summer.



A view down the footpath, with one of the fountains at the end:





A quick walk later, and our lunchspot is Starbucks: thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster, we only go there occasionally! Even a skinny muffin has a rather large amount of icing on it, but I love the place.



I'm not a fan of corporate machines (don't get me started on Disney), but there are a few exceptions that I make. Starbucks is one: I like that it is Fairtrade, they seem to encourage community awareness in the branches (Canterbury staff were dressed up today, collecting for a charity donation for a local handicapped resident, I think), and the staff are so friendly. I used to support The Body Shop, for similar reasons, until the late Anita Roddick sold it to L'Oreal. That was a really sad day.



Once we're nicely refreshed, we have a wander round: the above photo which I took through Starbucks window was the closest we could get to the Cathedral without paying, which is a bit of a shame: you don't need to be religious to appreciate fine architecture. Instead, we went to an Art Exhibition at the Sidney Cooper gallery, which I will post about another day.

My must sees, though, are always the charity and secondhand shops. Canterbury, unlike a lot of other city centres, has managed to retain a degree of individuality: the chain stores are in buildings that still have their original frontage, in the main. But the stock is still the same, no matter where you are.

Not so charity and secondhand: the quality and variety of their stock is determined by whatever is donated/sourced. However, as anyone who has watched BBC2's 'Mary, Queen of Charity Shops' recently, will know, this does not necessarily mean 'the richer the area, the better the donation'. The reverse can often be the case: also, IMO, there are too many shops at the moment that think they can slap the word 'vintage' on any old trash, just because they think that will sell something that otherwise would ( and sometimes should) just rot in the corner.

Nonetheless, gems can be found: I recently bought a fantastic boho red embroidered tunic top, perfect for the summer, for £3.99, in one of the shops in Rochester. Today, my trawl was a green pvc handbac for £5, a sewing pattern for 99p, a funky multiprint M&S top for £2.99, a big rainbow scarf/shawl for £1.99, and a bridal headdress I can pull apart and repurpose, for £3.49.

The last 3 items came from a new shop in St Peters St called 'Take 2' - not the most original name, maybe, but the shop is well laidout, even though it is small, the prices are (as you can see), very reasonable, and it's well worth a look if you want a secondhand bargain. I love that the credit crunch and environmental concerns have nade people think again about secondhand: I have never known any different.

And that's a cue for another post. TTO cooked fajitas for dinner, followed by triple chocolate birthday cake:


I could not be more replete. Time to join the cats Holly and Beckett, and curl up for a snooze.

XX

Random stuff

First day of Fuse was fun, Bezah, TTO, and I went down to the High St in Chatham, and caught some of the goings on. TTO and I took part in 'Etiquette', which was set up at the New Arts Centre Cafe. Essentially, what it involves, is 2 people sit down at a table, that has a number of different objects on it. You then each put on headphones, through which you hear a voice telling you what to say to each other, and what to do with the various objects in front of you. All this takes place while the other customers in the cafe carry on around you, either watching, or completely ignoring you. It was an incredibly strange and intense experience: not sure I would want to do it again, but I was glad I was brave enough to do it this once.



We also spent a little time having a coffee and burger at the cafe (one of my fav places in Chatham, which I'll tell you more about in a future post, then ventured in to the High Street.

Have a look at this likely lot:

The Balloonatics with their 'victim' Andy, wearing his balloon aqualung

I asked his mum's permission to use this on my blog, but didn't dare ask him what his name was....especially because, when I asked if he wanted to see the photo, his response was a very curt "No".

Artizani, who were even more entertaining when they got distracted by some rather attractive young ladies walking past....

The Insect Circus Museum (no actual live insects, much to the disappointment of one spectator)

The Camera Obscura, giving you a completely different perspective on Chatham High Street.

The evening workshops on Chatham Riverside were good fun; we were joined there by my friend Sam, and we both decided to get henna tattoos:

Sam

Me

I'm pleased to say, although it has faded considerably, you can still see it a bit. A henna tattoo is something I've wanted to try for ages, so it was great to have one for free, and I'd try to do it again myself, for a bit of fun. A permanent tattoo has never appealed to me because I change my mind so easily, so this seems a fun compromise!



I also had an Indian head massage, which was very relaxing. Unfortunately, the weather was not so relaxing, so Bezah, Sam & I bought some totally gorgeous chickpea curry (TTO is not a fan of curry, so he refrained), and went back to TTO's flat for the evening. Sadly, this meant we missed the fireworks, which I heard afterwards were really good, but there are so many other events, that I'm not too sad about missing them (it was very cold by the Riverside...)



Next Saturday is Rochester's turn for the Street Theatre, and workshops; TTO is champing at the bit to have a go at the Parkour, and also have another go at Capoeira, which he tried last year. I think I'll probably sit those out.....



XX

Fuse Festival

Just time for a quick note about an event happening in the Medway Towns over the next couple of weeks. Tomorrow is the opening day of the Fuse Festival, which is not only a great, fun celebration of the Arts, but is also completely and utterly free.

Yes folks, I kid you not, all the street theatre, workshops, displays, and performances are not asking for any remuneration from you at all, something you can't often say these days.

Fuse has a special place in my heart, not only because Medway is my stomping ground (aah, I can feel all the detectives out there who've been trying to work out my identity sharpening their wits and their pencils on that one!), but also because I love the arts, theatre, and the innovation that Fuse represents.

Last year, I was lucky enough to work for some of Fuse as a steward; this year, I am on the other side, and, though I love working at it, I am also looking forward to having the time to cram in as much as possible. Check out the website here, see clips from last years festival, and details of this years events. It's great family fun, and, the more support it gets each year, the more it can grow for the future. (Plus, you may actually be standing next to me at some point, and not even realise it - cue evil laugh)



Anyway, whatever you are doing over the weekend, make it a good one, and make sure you spend a little time getting the right amount of R & R like the terrifically laid-back guy on the right, who comes to you from Monkey World in Dorset, via a snap my daughter, henceforth known as Shiny Thing, took when we visited it earlier in the year.



More about that another time.



XX

Time Management

I can't believe that it's over a week since I last posted; time has such a dreadful habit of passing you by without saying hello and reminding that that it's moving on (rather rude, I think).

Most of my time has been spent productively, though; I'm cutting down a tree in my garden, which is about 15 feet high, so it's proving to be a bit of a project. It's a fir tree that's been there for about 15 yrs, but, although it looked ok from a distance, it's actually dead, dry, brown needles on the inside, so, much as I love trees, it's got to go. Those needles are painful, though, so it's not a fun project!

It has, however, successfully distracted me from creativity, which was one of the reasons for starting this blog, so I thought I would take some pictures of a project which I've been doing for sooooo many years, it sometimes horrifies me that it's still not entirely finished. I've hung it on the wall in my 'study area' (basically the cellar where my desk and computer are), and one day, I'll manage to get it done. (Meanwhile, it covers the flaking paint really well......)



I think for many crafters who enjoy needlecrafts, patchwork is often something they try at least once; I started this when I was about 13, got bored (as you do sometimes), shoved it away to the back of the cupboard, then, over the years, kept getting it out with the intention of finishing it, but gave up again instead.

I deliberately didn't do a specific pattern, so, over the years, it has become a bit of a 'memories' quilt - here is the very first bit that I started all those years ago:

In amongst the fabrics that came from a patchwork parcel my mother bought to start me off, I have now added leftover pieces from the first clothes I made for myself, and my children, and so many other bits. I think this section shows how much of a 'life-time capsule' it has become for me:


The lovely white brocade around the edge is from an old wedding dress that my sister and I used to use for dress up, the green spotted fabric was a beautiful moire taffeta dress that my mother wore when she was about 18, the cream and brown print next to the plain navy, was a dress my mother made for me when I was about 16, and the white with red, blue, yellow and green hearts print right next to it, was a blouse that I made for myself to wear to a wedding when my son was 3 months old (let's just say it was in the 80's, OK?)

I could go on, but I wouldn't want to bore you with a list of 'fabrics that I have known and loved', but it does also make it extra special because of those memories.

Unfortunately, it will also be the only large sewn patchwork project I shall ever do; it wasn't a form that I felt comfortable with, so, although I may try something small one day, I'll approach it in an entirely different way.

I don't count this as patchwork, however, because it was knitted:


I did it as a combined Christmas and 21st birthday present for my friend (and soon to be lodger) Bezah - he is the pair of eyes you can see on the right, the eyes on the left belong to my boyfriend, The Throgtastic One (henceforth known as TTO). Bezah has long coveted one of the blankets I have on my sofa, (one knitted, one crochet) so I thought he deserved one of his own (though I didn't finish it until 4.30 am on the morning of Christmas Eve, when I was giving it to him, because I realised, when I was sewing it together, that I was 1 square short. Next time I'll be waaaay more prepared in advance!)

Until next time (which I promise will be sooner)

XX

I Love...

I follow quite a few blogs already, not just friends and family, but ones that may be focused on a subject I'm interested in. I stumbled across today's 'I Love...' a few weeks ago, when I was looking for recipes online, with the intention of going in to the kitchen and cooking up a storm.

Let's just say, I started looking for said recipe at about 5 pm. I may have finally got myself a sandwich at about 2 am (thank goodness no-one else except the cats was around). The site is called 'Cake Wrecks', and I would defy anyone to view it without at least cracking a smile. The chances are, though, that you will more likely be trying to continue breathing, whilst holding your stomach because it's aching so much, and wiping the tears of laughter from your eyes.

The basic idea is to post pictures, with a little back story if there is one, of professional cakes that have gone wrong in a funny way, whether it is incorrect spelling, misunderstood message instructions, badly constructed, or you just can't imagine why they would want a cake that looked like that, etc etc.

Sounds innocent enough, doesn't it? Sadly, it would seem that there are more bakeries and cake decorators who don't know what they're doing than you might realise.

Here's a little taster (with the links so you can read Jen, the blogger's, take on it.)

The Cake That Started it All...

Naked Mohawk-Baby Carrot Jockeys

Easter Wreck

Most times, the pictures are funny enough, but there is also Jen's hilarious commentary, which is what takes it from a blog about bad cakes, and pushes it in to side-splitting humour. I have started working my way through the older posts, but it's taking longer than I thought it would, because I have to keep stopping to have a rest every now and then. And also try to explain to my boyfriend why I'm laughing so hard at pictures of cakes.

Thankfully, Jen has also now started regularly posting 'Sunday Sweets', which are cakes that are awesome in an amazingly artistic and creative way. I can only worship at the feet of anyone who can design, bake and decorate cakes such as this:

Which was made by Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes, for the Lego Batman video game premier.

What can I say? If you link to the Cake Wrecks post, there is a link to a You-Tube video showing the cake being made. Awesome.


Finally, while I was on You-Tube, I started clicking on some of the related videos (as you do), and found this gem, set to music by Verdi.

Enjoy.

XX

The Lighter Side

There are so many websites that I use quite regularly; the BBC, Sky, MSN, Ebay, Sainsburys - I could go on forever. You know how it is, you need to get a bus or a train, you log on and check the timetable, or you check the weather to see if it's worth cleaning the bbq for sunday, or find out what's on tv over the weekend.

I've banked on the internet for years, and love the convenience of being able to check my balance at 2 o'clock in the morning (the answer to the question 'how much is in there'? Usually, 'not enough') I can now renew my library books online, and, by putting a reminder on my mobile phone, in theory, I should never have to pay a fine again. The latter reflects hugely on the former, of course. I have a dreadful memory, and, in the past, have even had library fines that reached double figures, although not just for 1 book, I hasten to add. Yes, I know - the depths of my shame knows no limit. (Though there may be a strange mound somewhere in Australia, that they mistakenly think is an ancient burial site)

But I digress. My point is, I have used, and continue to use, the internet, in a practical and, dare I say it, responsible manner.

And then there are all the other sites I visit.....

Now, I will pause a moment, as I don't want any of you to think that I mean the kind of sites you wouldn't want to discuss on a wednesday afternoon while having tea with the vicar. I have nothing against those kind of sites, they're just not my bag, y'know? (or my 20 inch stiletto heel, my goose feather, my orange, or my schoolgirl gymslip, either.)

What I do mean, is the kind of sites that make you smile, laugh, think, shout, and generally pass the time with a little bit more interest and enjoyment.

All that, was the preamble to what I hope will become a regular part of the blog, when I point you in the direction of some of my favourite sites and blogs, and give you the lowdown on why I keep going back to them.

With a bit of luck, you'll find something new/interesting/exciting/funny in them too.

XX

Who Am I?

Everyone, surely, is the sum of so many parts; people and experiences that have influenced them. Like most people, my mum has been a major figure of influence to me, so I thought I'd start by sharing a few photos that make me smile, help me remember her well, and, reflect slightly on a current theme of mine - hats. The picture above is the one that my avatar has been taken from; yes folks, that's yours truly in the pram, pulling a face as usual (I HATE having my photo taken - obviously from a very early age!) My sister is posing (also as usual, at least at that age. Thankfully, it was a habit she got out of very quickly), and, of course, mum at the back.

This was early 60's, and, of course, mum's wearing a hat, albeit a rather non-descript one, but other photos show this as a trend - I think it's a shame she stopped wearing hats as she got older, because I think she really suited them.


The first 2 photos, she's wearing outfits that she made herself, including the hats, which I think is so cool; the last one became famous in our house. It was THE HAT MUM WORE WHEN SHE MET PRINCESS ANNE (we always thought of it in capitals) The paper mill my dad worked for was officially opened by Princess Anne, and all the workers and their families were invited. Mum borrowed the hat from a neighbour, who was fairly well-to-do, and had a selection of hats, which mum, by this time, didn't.

I wish you could see it in colour, because it was beautiful; the feathers at the front were all autumn colours, with touches of deep blue and green. (I think they may have been pheasant).

Anyway, mum swore THE HAT was the reason that Princess Anne came over to speak to her, rather than any of the other ladies or gents around. The picture made the local newspaper, and was mum's pride and joy for years. Her biggest regret was that she had to give the borrowed hat back.

Now, both mum and dad are dead, and the photo is one of the things I kept when my sister and I cleared out their house. It is one that, even though I'm not a royalist, makes me smile every time I see it.

Thanks mum. XX

New Beginnings

I have to confess to being more than a little nervous about starting a blog: the idea of laying my thoughts open to scrutiny is not one that comes easy to me! But there is also a part of me that thinks this could be good for me as well; nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that. So I hope that there will be at least a few people out there who will appreciate/enjoy/be stimulated by my musings, and who will also feel prompted to give me some feedback.

So hello to any stranger-friends out there; be kind, or at the very least, be gentle.