...I am a fat, middle-aged woman with depression.......?
[silence]
Go on, deny it!
[silence]
[I laugh bitterly in my doctor's face]
You can't!
[he colours slightly]
Blood tests all normal, there is nothing nasty going on other than the voices in my head.
And no, he didn't notice any loss of weight, and I was too self-conscious to mention it......
cq
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
All Over the Place
I'm a bit discombobulated at the moment.
It's my birthday at the weekend. I was planning to go to a medieval banquet for my birthday but the stunt riders are otherwise occupied, filming 'The Duchess' with Keira Knightley.
Now the plan is to go bowling and have a meal for my birthday with the gang.
My father is still in hospital and will probably be there for another week, maybe two. He is still in high-dependency ward, and we are still waiting for the results of his biopsies, so that's all up in the air and we are walking on unknown ground.
I am very tired and was supposed to be at Aquafit tonight, but a bad tummy has kept me at home.
I have just found out that MB has to travel to Scotland on my birthday.
I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, for the results of my blood tests and a 'how're you getting on these days'....I hope he notices I have lost 4lb in a week!
cq
It's my birthday at the weekend. I was planning to go to a medieval banquet for my birthday but the stunt riders are otherwise occupied, filming 'The Duchess' with Keira Knightley.
Now the plan is to go bowling and have a meal for my birthday with the gang.
My father is still in hospital and will probably be there for another week, maybe two. He is still in high-dependency ward, and we are still waiting for the results of his biopsies, so that's all up in the air and we are walking on unknown ground.
I am very tired and was supposed to be at Aquafit tonight, but a bad tummy has kept me at home.
I have just found out that MB has to travel to Scotland on my birthday.
I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, for the results of my blood tests and a 'how're you getting on these days'....I hope he notices I have lost 4lb in a week!
cq
Monday, October 29, 2007
Father, Dear Father
Thank you to everyone who left messages for my dad and my family.
My dad is now in the high-dependency unit on oxygen recovering from his surgery. We still are awaiting the results of his biopsies.
More later.
cq
My dad is now in the high-dependency unit on oxygen recovering from his surgery. We still are awaiting the results of his biopsies.
More later.
cq
Friday, October 26, 2007
HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the Middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger!!!!!!. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride".
cq
Thank you all for your good wishes. My dad made it through surgery safely and is now recovering in intensive care. The biopsy results will take about a week.
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the Middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger!!!!!!. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride".
cq
Thank you all for your good wishes. My dad made it through surgery safely and is now recovering in intensive care. The biopsy results will take about a week.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Worried
I've just got off the phone with my mother, checking up on my dad who has recently been admitted to hospital.
They are operating tomorrow on a suspected bowel tumour after two days of testing him.
Although he is not my biological father, this man has loved and cared for me for the last thirty seven years as though I were his own. He is not a natural father, but we managed to knit together a very sweet friendship, based on mutual trust. He has faltered over the years, stressing out over a wife and four step children, but when I have needed him he's been there.
He is my 'dad' and I am his daughter.
I'm worried. Please keep him in your thoughts.
cq
They are operating tomorrow on a suspected bowel tumour after two days of testing him.
Although he is not my biological father, this man has loved and cared for me for the last thirty seven years as though I were his own. He is not a natural father, but we managed to knit together a very sweet friendship, based on mutual trust. He has faltered over the years, stressing out over a wife and four step children, but when I have needed him he's been there.
He is my 'dad' and I am his daughter.
I'm worried. Please keep him in your thoughts.
cq
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
One Step (Updated)
OK, to summarise the story so far......
Emotional crash on Thursday
Insomnia
Nightmares
Stressed
Crying jags
Paranoia fuelled by cancelled birthday plans
But I'm not one to wallow. I've had this problem for long enough I know what is happening and I do know what I need to do. But it's just getting the 'umph' to actually get up and do something.
I know I have to do everything one step at a time.
Yesterday (up since 2.30am):
Step One - got dressed (didn't manage it before lunchtime, but 'dressed' is good).
Step Two - looked on the internet for some form of gentle exercise locally to help with the weight problem.
Today (up since 3am):
Step One - managed to get dressed before 10am (quite an achievement as I have been up since 3am)
Step Two - went to the Sport Centre to enquire about Aquafit (aqua-aerobics) times and prices.
Step Three - said to the lady at the till 'See you later'.
Step Four - WENT TO AQUAFIT! [puff pant] Ol' cq got a couple of gold stars - one for sheer effort and one for being able to hold my breath the longest. I was pleased I managed the whole hour.
Tomorrow:
Step One - get dressed before 7am.
Step Two - go to work.
Step Three - go out with the gang to celebrate bionicdwarf's birthday with munchies and movie.
btw - BIG LOVE to the wonderfully supportive Naomi over there in the Hollywood Hills for her encouraging and loving email.
cq
Emotional crash on Thursday
Insomnia
Nightmares
Stressed
Crying jags
Paranoia fuelled by cancelled birthday plans
But I'm not one to wallow. I've had this problem for long enough I know what is happening and I do know what I need to do. But it's just getting the 'umph' to actually get up and do something.
I know I have to do everything one step at a time.
Yesterday (up since 2.30am):
Step One - got dressed (didn't manage it before lunchtime, but 'dressed' is good).
Step Two - looked on the internet for some form of gentle exercise locally to help with the weight problem.
Today (up since 3am):
Step One - managed to get dressed before 10am (quite an achievement as I have been up since 3am)
Step Two - went to the Sport Centre to enquire about Aquafit (aqua-aerobics) times and prices.
Step Three - said to the lady at the till 'See you later'.
Step Four - WENT TO AQUAFIT! [puff pant] Ol' cq got a couple of gold stars - one for sheer effort and one for being able to hold my breath the longest. I was pleased I managed the whole hour.
Tomorrow:
Step One - get dressed before 7am.
Step Two - go to work.
Step Three - go out with the gang to celebrate bionicdwarf's birthday with munchies and movie.
btw - BIG LOVE to the wonderfully supportive Naomi over there in the Hollywood Hills for her encouraging and loving email.
cq
Monday, October 22, 2007
Best Laid Plans etc
Birthday plans made here are cancelled.
The stuntriders are working on a film in November.
I'm gutted.
'Bout par for the course, though :-( Life sucks atm.......
cq
The stuntriders are working on a film in November.
I'm gutted.
'Bout par for the course, though :-( Life sucks atm.......
cq
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Collector
I am a collector. Wherever I, or friends or family, go I have to have something from there to remind me. I have books, ornaments, jewelry and clothing - but mostly I have T-shirts. My dad travelled all over the world with his job when we were children and brought me back T-shirts from everywhere, which started it all off.
These are the actual country ones I gathered together for the photo. This is a king-size bed! From the top left, reading across each row left to right:
These are the actual country ones I gathered together for the photo. This is a king-size bed! From the top left, reading across each row left to right: Scotland, Scotland, Cornwall - Lands End, Scotland, Canada - Victoria, Greece - Thassos, Corfu, Austria - Kanzelwand (that's a mountain!), Gibraltar, Tunisia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Lanzarote, Greece - Kefalonia, Lanzarote, Cyprus, Tunisia, Gibraltar, Sri Lanka - Skanska (Swedish firm my dad worked for), Bali - Lombok Island, Cornwall - St Ives, New York, Tunisia - Hammamet.
Lots of Scotland (visiting my parents) and lots of Tunisia (reflecting 12 years of holidaying there!).
And the little pink and white one, bottom right? That's my Cancer Breakthrough long sleeved T, for work - very Special.
These are just some of my collection, I also have some stored away in the loft. I also have numerous special T-shirts, purchased at events, venues and as gifts.
cq
Saturday, October 20, 2007
[hangs head]
I do apologise for that self-indulgent unhappy post yesterday - but, hey, I can't be the Life and Soul all the time....
I have decided I need Stress Management.......
Here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological journals. The funny thing is that it really does work. Think about each step below. The entire process can be successfully accomplished in less than one minute.
1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.
2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.
3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.
4. No one knows your secret place.
5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.
6. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater.
I have decided I need Stress Management.......
Here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological journals. The funny thing is that it really does work. Think about each step below. The entire process can be successfully accomplished in less than one minute.
1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream.
2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.
3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.
4. No one knows your secret place.
5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.
6. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater.
[typing around very stubborn old cat who is crammed onto my lap next to my laptop and is dribbling down my arm - well, she has no teeth to speak of.......]
Thank you to cyberkitten! We went out the other day to see 'Ratatouille'. I wasn't the best company but we went shopping for the double CD soundtrack of 'Across the Universe' - we could only find one copy. CK, being CK, told me to have it. I am playing it now - it's fabulous! I love my friends.
cq
Friday, October 19, 2007
It's a Long Drop
It's that time of year again. Like a well-meaning friend, my depression creeps up on me and puts it's hands over my eyes shouting 'Surprise!'.......
I can control the darkness somewhat in the summer months, but it becomes overwhelming in autumn and winter, knowing I have four to six months of darkness and desperation in front of me makes me feel totally helpless.
I have had my usual autumn doctor's appointment. I hate going to the doctor, there's nothing they can do about a chemical imbalance other than give me drugs, they can't make it better or improve my quality of life. I hate sitting there basically complaining while they listen sympathetically. It is also always very, very traumatic as I have to face my depression and actually speak the words I usually conceal.
They had me do the psychometry test for depression, and surprise - I am 'severe'.
I hate this non-illness. It's not real, there is nothing physically wrong with me - except everything is a struggle. It's all in my head, as the saying goes.
My life is a constant effort to hide my unhappiness and misery from those around me. The occasional bouts of agorophobia or paranoia cripple me. the daily effort to remain 'normal' and balanced at work exhausts me.
I'm paying for my stubbornness too. I won't take Prozac in the summer, I refuse to become a Prozac junkie. But when autumn comes and winter looms, I end up worse off as I have to adapt to Prozac again.
My doctor pointed out I should take it all year round - he's right, but I don't want to be that person.
I told my doctor for the first time that I had given up smoking 12 months previously. He agreed that could explain the weight increase, but he also wanted to do the usual full blood work up - testing me for everything from thyroid to cholesterol.
I even had a spyrometry test, to check my lungs, because I am still wheezing and breathless. They were worried I might be asthmatic ('or worse' to quote my doctor!) after 30yrs smoking. My lungs have 90+ capacity so, as I said to the nurse, 'I am just an overweight, middle-aged woman with depression - I might as well start smoking again.'
This middle-aged woman is currently walking on the rim of a black, dank, bottomless pit, with an ugly monster whispering in her ear 'go on, jump.....'
cq
I can control the darkness somewhat in the summer months, but it becomes overwhelming in autumn and winter, knowing I have four to six months of darkness and desperation in front of me makes me feel totally helpless.
I have had my usual autumn doctor's appointment. I hate going to the doctor, there's nothing they can do about a chemical imbalance other than give me drugs, they can't make it better or improve my quality of life. I hate sitting there basically complaining while they listen sympathetically. It is also always very, very traumatic as I have to face my depression and actually speak the words I usually conceal.
They had me do the psychometry test for depression, and surprise - I am 'severe'.
I hate this non-illness. It's not real, there is nothing physically wrong with me - except everything is a struggle. It's all in my head, as the saying goes.
My life is a constant effort to hide my unhappiness and misery from those around me. The occasional bouts of agorophobia or paranoia cripple me. the daily effort to remain 'normal' and balanced at work exhausts me.
I'm paying for my stubbornness too. I won't take Prozac in the summer, I refuse to become a Prozac junkie. But when autumn comes and winter looms, I end up worse off as I have to adapt to Prozac again.
My doctor pointed out I should take it all year round - he's right, but I don't want to be that person.
I told my doctor for the first time that I had given up smoking 12 months previously. He agreed that could explain the weight increase, but he also wanted to do the usual full blood work up - testing me for everything from thyroid to cholesterol.
I even had a spyrometry test, to check my lungs, because I am still wheezing and breathless. They were worried I might be asthmatic ('or worse' to quote my doctor!) after 30yrs smoking. My lungs have 90+ capacity so, as I said to the nurse, 'I am just an overweight, middle-aged woman with depression - I might as well start smoking again.'
This middle-aged woman is currently walking on the rim of a black, dank, bottomless pit, with an ugly monster whispering in her ear 'go on, jump.....'
cq
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Variety and Spice
Few bits and pieces for you all today..........
Still poorly - back on the Prozac and Vitamin B, struggling with the usual stomach aches and killer headaches while I get used to the chemicals which help me survive miserable old dull winter.
All my life I wanted to be Popular. You know, Popular with a Capital P, like the pretty, blonde, skinny, perky girls at school. I had to wait over 20yrs but - finally I am Popular - see Barbara's blog here.
Apparently, the sweet Barbara has done some addition and division.....and even a bit of long multiplication.....to work out who are popular in our little bit of the blogosphere - and I came second......after the lovely Lazy Daisy! Whaddyerknow!
My bestest mate Aginoth has not been blogging of late, he's been poorly. But now, he has said he is back in the blogosphere and blogging like the Aginoth of old - just slower 'cos of his arthritis. Go visit, say hello :-)
Hearing something on TV struck a chord. Son of Legendary Rockstar said:
"Dad calls it 'Happily Unmarried'......."
Dad chuckles
"Mom calls it [-pauses for effect-] 'Waiting'.......!"
Yep - my life mirrors the life of Shannon Tweed, un-wife of rock giant Gene Simmons, just without the money, the house, the Hollywood lifestyle, the rockstar partner and the two fabulous kids..... [chuckle]
I may shout at her and curse her when she gets all clingy, and get annoyed when she gets under my feet or wakes me at 3am - but everyday I give thanks for one more day with my little old girl, Pandora - 18yrs young (85+ in cat years). We' ve had her since she was a small kitten and knew her mum-cat when she was pregnant - so Pandy is extra-special. Long may she stay this side of the Bridge.
cq
Still poorly - back on the Prozac and Vitamin B, struggling with the usual stomach aches and killer headaches while I get used to the chemicals which help me survive miserable old dull winter.
All my life I wanted to be Popular. You know, Popular with a Capital P, like the pretty, blonde, skinny, perky girls at school. I had to wait over 20yrs but - finally I am Popular - see Barbara's blog here.
Apparently, the sweet Barbara has done some addition and division.....and even a bit of long multiplication.....to work out who are popular in our little bit of the blogosphere - and I came second......after the lovely Lazy Daisy! Whaddyerknow!
My bestest mate Aginoth has not been blogging of late, he's been poorly. But now, he has said he is back in the blogosphere and blogging like the Aginoth of old - just slower 'cos of his arthritis. Go visit, say hello :-)
Hearing something on TV struck a chord. Son of Legendary Rockstar said:
"Dad calls it 'Happily Unmarried'......."
Dad chuckles
"Mom calls it [-pauses for effect-] 'Waiting'.......!"
Yep - my life mirrors the life of Shannon Tweed, un-wife of rock giant Gene Simmons, just without the money, the house, the Hollywood lifestyle, the rockstar partner and the two fabulous kids..... [chuckle]
I may shout at her and curse her when she gets all clingy, and get annoyed when she gets under my feet or wakes me at 3am - but everyday I give thanks for one more day with my little old girl, Pandora - 18yrs young (85+ in cat years). We' ve had her since she was a small kitten and knew her mum-cat when she was pregnant - so Pandy is extra-special. Long may she stay this side of the Bridge.
cq
Monday, October 15, 2007
WOW....
Will you just take a look at the clicker in my sidebar - who'd have thunk it??
1 year down - 40 odd to go.
Mah Blogsistah in BC has asked how I'm intending to celebrate.
I have no plans. I was ill last night and have spent today recovering.
MB is away and I was kinda hoping for some flowers or something........nope, no flowers.
To me a huge milestone - in the Grand Scheme of Things, just another day.
cq
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Gettin' Excited.....
It's my birthday soon and I, with five friends, are going back to Wychwood to see this man.....
[does Chandler dance] I'm gonna see my Black Knight!cq
Friday, October 12, 2007
Our Boys and Girls
I was very upset at a news item this week.There was a segment devoted to the unfortunate loss of Major Alexis Roberts in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Major Roberts principally garnered his own news spot because he was the former platoon commander of Prince William.
In the MOD, our intranet web service has almost daily notifications of our boys and girls who lose their lives in operations around the world. In Afghanistan alone, 82 servicemen have died since 2001.
So I felt that the wide news exposure on the loss of Major Roberts was inappropriate given how many of his comrades had gone before him.
So please spare a thought for the following servicemen. From 18 to 49, death is the eternal leveller.
Pte Darren George 23 09/04/02
Cpl John Gregory 30 17/08/02
Sgt Robert Busuttil 30 17/08/02
Pte Jonathan Kitulagoda 23 28/01/04
L/Cpl Steven Sherwood 23 29/10/05
Cpl Mark Cridge 25 22/03/06
L/Cpl Peter Craddock 31 27/03/06
Capt Jim Philippson 29 11/06/06
Sgt Paul Bartlett 35 27/06/06
Capt David Patten 38 27/06/06
L/Cpl Jabron Hashmi 24 01/07/06
Pte Damien Jackson 19 05/07/06
Cpl Peter Thorpe 27 05/07/06
2nd Lt Ralph Johnson 24 01/08/06
L/Cpl Ross Nicholls 27 01/08/06
Capt Alex Eida 29 01/08/06
Pte Andrew Cutts 19 06/08/06
Pte Leigh Reeves 25 09/08/06
L/Cpl Sean Tansey 26 12/08/06
Cpl Bryan Budd 29 20/08/06
L/Cpl Jonathan Hetherington 22 27/08/06
Ranger Anare Draiva 27 01/09/06
Marine Joseph Windall 22 02/09/06
Sgt Benjamin Knight 25 02/09/06
Cpl Oliver Dicketts 27 02/09/06
Flt Lt Steve Swarbrick 28 02/09/06
Flt Lt Leigh Mitchelmore 28 02/09/06
Sgt John Langton 29 02/09/06
Flt Lt Steven Johnson 38 02/09/06
Flt Lt Allan Squires 39 02/09/06
Flt Lt Gareth Nicholas 40 02/09/06
Sgt Gary Quilliam 42 02/09/06
Flt Sgt Stephen Beattie 42 02/09/06
Flt Sgt Gerard Bell 48 02/09/06
Flt Sgt Gary Andrews 48 02/09/06
Flt Sgt Adrian Davies 49 02/09/06
Pte Craig O'Donnell 24 04/09/06
L/Cpl Luke McCulloch 21 06/09/06
Cpl Mark Wright 27 06/09/06
L/Cpl Paul Muirhead 29 06/09/06
Marine Gary Wright 22 19/10/06
Marine Jonathan Wigley 21 05/12/06
Marine Richard Watson 23 12/12/06
Lance Bombardier James Dwyer 22 27/12/06
Marine Thomas Curry 21 13/01/07
L/Cpl Mathew Ford 30 15/01/07
Marine Jonathan Holland 23 21/02/07
Marine Scott Summers 23 21/02/07
Lance Bombardier Liam McLaughlin 21 03/03/07
Lance Bombardier Ross Clark 25 03/03/07
Marine Benjamin Reddy 22 06/03/07
Warrant Officer 2nd Class Michael Smith 39 08/03/07
Guardsman Simon Davison 22 03/05/07
Pte Chris Gray 19 13/05/07
L/Cpl George Davey 23 20/05/07
Guardsman Daniel Probyn 22 26/05/07
Cpl Darren Bonner 31 28/05/07
Cpl Mike Gilyeat 28 30/05/07
L/Cpl Paul Sandford 23 06/06/07
Guardsman Neil Downes 20 09/06/07
Drummer Thomas Wright 21 24/06/07
Capt Sean Dolan 40 30/06/07
Sgt Dave Wilkinson 33 01/07/07
Guardsman Daryl Hickey 27 12/07/07
L/Cpl Alex Hawkins 22 25/07/07
Guardsman David Atherton 25 26/07/07
Sgt Barry Keen 34 27/07/07
L/Cpl Michael Jones 26 29/07/07
Pte Tony Rawson 27 10/08/07
Capt David Hicks 26 11/08/07
Pte Robert Foster 19 23/08/07
Pte Aaron McClure 19 23/08/07
Pte John Thrumble 21 23/08/07
Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge 20 30/08/07
Pte Ben Ford 18 05/09/07
Pte Damian Wright 23 05/09/07
Pte Johan Botha 25 08/09/07
Sgt Craig Brelsford 25 08/09/07
L/Cpl Ivano Violino 29 17/09/07
Pte Brian Tunnicliffe 33 20/09/07
Colour Sgt Phillip Newman 36 20/09/07
Major Alexis Roberts 32 04/10/07
This post is dedicated to all our boys and girls, who are dying for an ideal of world peace, and their families and friends.
cq
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Scared
Minerva is, understandably, very scared.........
I have racked my brains to think what to give her to help with her fears........
so, a candle to light the way on the dark days to come.........
I have racked my brains to think what to give her to help with her fears........
so, a candle to light the way on the dark days to come.........
I offer a shoulder to cry on - or scream on - or laugh on......
a hand offered in friendship - or for company on this unknown journey....
It's not much, but it comes from the heart.
cq
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Begging for More
Have you been across the universe yet?
OK.......so...........
Have you been to see Julie Taymor's stunning and incredible film 'Across The Universe'?
(imdb) An original musical film, Across The Universe is a fictional love story set in the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, mind exploration and rock and roll. At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, the story moves from high schools and universities in Massachusetts, Princeton and Ohio to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Detroit riots, Vietnam and the dockyards of Liverpool. A combination of live action and animation, the film is paired with many songs by The Beatles that defined the time.
Stocked full of gifted young actors and singers, this film was an absolute delight. I missed Beatlemania by a couple of years, but was still able to sing along with most of the songs.
The film starts with the same song being sung between an American high school prom and the Cavern in Liverpool, instantly showing us the background of the two main players. This beginning made us sit up and take notice, and we didn't take out eyes off the screen for the next two hours.
I came out of ATU desperately wanting a cigarette! - that film was better than sex! It was an assault on the senses, a visual and aural onslaught that left one breathless and begging for more. About half way through I whispered to cyberkitten that I was exhausted....!
If I come out of a film wanting to go back and watch it all over again, then it has to be 10/10.
cq
Once you've left your mark here please go visit my friend Minerva, even if you've been before (multiple visits are not a bad thing!), leave her your comments, strength, love, prayers - anything you can think of to say 'I Was Here'.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Twisted Meet and Greet
It's the weekend and it's time for Michele's Meet and Greet.
But a certain someone has been preying on my mind for the last couple of days.
A much-admired blogfriend, Minerva, has been diagnosed with secondary cancer. She has battled cancer three times and this diagnosis is a body blow for her. She has glimpsed her future and it is bleak.
Once you've left your mark here go visit her, even if you've been before (multiple visits are not a bad thing!), leave her your comments, strength, love, prayers, jokes - anything you can think of to say 'I Was Here'.
cq
But a certain someone has been preying on my mind for the last couple of days.
A much-admired blogfriend, Minerva, has been diagnosed with secondary cancer. She has battled cancer three times and this diagnosis is a body blow for her. She has glimpsed her future and it is bleak.
Once you've left your mark here go visit her, even if you've been before (multiple visits are not a bad thing!), leave her your comments, strength, love, prayers, jokes - anything you can think of to say 'I Was Here'.
cq
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
DAMN!!
I want to yell.
I want to scream.
I want to drive to London to see a woman I have never met in person.
I want to hug that certain woman close to me.
I want to give her some of my life time.
I want her to live a long lovely life with her family.
I want........
I want........
I want you all to go and see Minerva, leave her some bloglove.
cq
I want to scream.
I want to drive to London to see a woman I have never met in person.
I want to hug that certain woman close to me.
I want to give her some of my life time.
I want her to live a long lovely life with her family.
I want........
I want........
I want you all to go and see Minerva, leave her some bloglove.
cq
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Some Thoughts on Illness
I was just over at Minerva's place, seeing what was happening at Womanly Parts, and she raises an interesting question:
[smoking is a cause apart, a world of addicts to a substance that is life-threatening who are unable or unwilling to give it up]
Of course not, any idea that one would know why they had cancer would be ludicrous. Er - because if they did, they would likely stop whatever it was. But then we are getting very mixed messages.....
Lettuce causes cancer - stop eating it.
Lettuce prevents cancer - every meal then!
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But it's not as crazy as some of the experts have told us over the years.
And once we know what supposedly is bad for us - a few weeks later it is good for us. 'It' may cause cancer, but 'It' might prevent altzheimers. How many times have we seen this kind of information? No wonder we are confused and scared.
I have been tested for melanoma and uterine/ovarian cancer. Both were, thankfully, negative.
I'm a vegetarian, therefore I'm vulnerable to certain cancers.
But - because I don't eat meat, I am protecting myself against 'meat caused' cancers.
I was on the pill for 12yrs, so I am a breast cancer risk - apparently.
On the plus side I can't get cervical cancer - because I don't have one!
I have known people who live a blameless life and still get (and die from!) cancers. A young female relative with a small baby died from breast cancer. A family friend died from bowel cancer. The elderly wife of a colleague is fighting breast cancer.
Even the healthy food/living 'poster girl' Linda McCartney succumbed to breast and liver cancer.
Illness is a form of Russian Roulette.
Spin the barrel to see what illness you will get.
So, I will go on with my life, eating reasonably, getting some exercise, indulging in chocolate 'occasionally' [snigger], sleeping at night, working during the day, eating fruit and vegetables, avoiding meat and fish.
And then when, and if, I get ill (which I will because apparently 'age' increases the risk of cancer!) and some bright spark asks me what I thought caused it - I'll answer 'Science or Religion - you choose!'
cq
Time after time, I am asked, why do you think you were the one to get this illness? Was it, and then you can put in any number of words denoting various potential causes of cancer including theOther than not smoking [polishes ticker in sidebar] is there any way to avoid cancer? Or can you actually court it? If you can - why on earth would you want to??
pill/stress/depression/diet/exercise/breastfeeding or not breastfeeding.
[smoking is a cause apart, a world of addicts to a substance that is life-threatening who are unable or unwilling to give it up]
Of course not, any idea that one would know why they had cancer would be ludicrous. Er - because if they did, they would likely stop whatever it was. But then we are getting very mixed messages.....
Lettuce causes cancer - stop eating it.
Lettuce prevents cancer - every meal then!
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But it's not as crazy as some of the experts have told us over the years.
And once we know what supposedly is bad for us - a few weeks later it is good for us. 'It' may cause cancer, but 'It' might prevent altzheimers. How many times have we seen this kind of information? No wonder we are confused and scared.
I have been tested for melanoma and uterine/ovarian cancer. Both were, thankfully, negative.
I'm a vegetarian, therefore I'm vulnerable to certain cancers.
But - because I don't eat meat, I am protecting myself against 'meat caused' cancers.
I was on the pill for 12yrs, so I am a breast cancer risk - apparently.
On the plus side I can't get cervical cancer - because I don't have one!
I have known people who live a blameless life and still get (and die from!) cancers. A young female relative with a small baby died from breast cancer. A family friend died from bowel cancer. The elderly wife of a colleague is fighting breast cancer.
Even the healthy food/living 'poster girl' Linda McCartney succumbed to breast and liver cancer.
Illness is a form of Russian Roulette.
Spin the barrel to see what illness you will get.
So, I will go on with my life, eating reasonably, getting some exercise, indulging in chocolate 'occasionally' [snigger], sleeping at night, working during the day, eating fruit and vegetables, avoiding meat and fish.
And then when, and if, I get ill (which I will because apparently 'age' increases the risk of cancer!) and some bright spark asks me what I thought caused it - I'll answer 'Science or Religion - you choose!'
cq
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Caption Competition
Originally inspired by Carmi over at Written Inc, I throw these caption competitions in on the weekends - if I can find a suitable picture.
I think this is eminently suitable :-)
Pandora (18) is on the right and Charlie (2) is on the left. This is the only time I have ever seen them quietly eating side by side. Normally Charlie is fed around the corner!
I think this is eminently suitable :-)
Pandora (18) is on the right and Charlie (2) is on the left. This is the only time I have ever seen them quietly eating side by side. Normally Charlie is fed around the corner! Pandora is a delicate little old lady (18 is 85+ in cat years), a very clever cat but with an evil personality. Charlie is huge, but it's all frame and fur, there's not a spare bit of flesh on him. He has a slightly deformed jaw so he only eats what he needs. We got him as a spiky kitten who was so big we (my vet and I) actually misjudged his age. Unlike Pandy, Charlie is a complete nit - but they are both totally devoted.
Add your captions to the comments.
If you are following my old nanowrimo, the story is gaining momentum over at the storystore - I'm addicted.....and I wrote it!!
So far Dawn and Naomi are shrieking for more chapters....they ain't seen nuthin' yet!
But it's an unfinished manuscript - I guess I should really finish it!
I wonder what I can write for this year's nanowrimo.
cq
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Thank You
[smiles sheepishly]
Wow, my old nanowrimo has got you all pleasantly surprised.
In response to mah Blogsistah's desperate plea, I have published Chapter Five - but I don't think that's going to relieve her frustration, quite the opposite probably.
Update: As I'm off to bed now, I have published Chapter Six to keep you going. More tomorrow! :-)
And Chapter Seven is there now.
Eight will be up later today.
So go on, click here and enjoy.
if you don't like the nanowrimo story - check out the archives and you'll find some of my old short stories.
cq
Wow, my old nanowrimo has got you all pleasantly surprised.
In response to mah Blogsistah's desperate plea, I have published Chapter Five - but I don't think that's going to relieve her frustration, quite the opposite probably.
Update: As I'm off to bed now, I have published Chapter Six to keep you going. More tomorrow! :-)
And Chapter Seven is there now.
Eight will be up later today.
So go on, click here and enjoy.
if you don't like the nanowrimo story - check out the archives and you'll find some of my old short stories.
cq
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Short and Sweet
Go here.......
Check it out
Read
Enjoy
Check it out
Read
Enjoy
Let me know what you think :-)
Update - Chapter Four is published.
cq
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Easy Sunday
Well, I wasn't woken at 2.30am this morning, but 5.30am on a Sunday is still an anti-social hour. Pandora gets bored waiting for us to get up, so she walks from one bedside cabinet to the other, across any occupants in the bed, regardless of whether they are asleep or not. It's understandable, given her age, but annoying as Charlie (at 2 1/2) has just learnt that dark time is sleep time for humans.
Apparently, I am a nice blogger.......yup, I am - see......?
Apparently, I am a nice blogger.......yup, I am - see......?
I have been awarded the Nice Matters Award from my sweet Bobkat over at Bobkats house. Now, Bobkat is the definition of nice. She's one of my closest friends, blog or otherwise. In fact, I wouldn't be where I am now without Bobkat.
This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world.
The award should be passed on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award. So I now have the honour of passing on the award to others. This is very difficult as there are so many of you who deserve it - so many nice people in this big bad world.
All my blogpals are nice people, but I have managed to pick out some that brighten everyone's day and help me through dark times as well as bright.
Dawn at Retarded Rugrat is a genuinely nice girl. She's mah blogsistah and we met through a fellow blogger called Eric Mutta. She is from Yorkshire in England, but now lives in British Columbia with her fiance Jeff. She's kind, thoughtful and generous of spirit.
Yellow Rose of Texas (formerly of Georgia!) is another nice blogging person. She and Big D have just moved to their new house in Texas and she has still managed to find time to blog and keep us all up to date with everything going on in her beautiful garden, boxes and all.
david at Sugarloaf Mountain is a wonderful man. We 'met' through Michele and have kept in blogtouch since. What with defending Michele's honour and being there supporting Minerva through her trials, he is a real champion. His blog is a great place to get to know david.
Missee Bug, at Ladybug Crossing, is a very welcome visitor. She regales us with the trials and tribulations of life at the Bug Mansion. Not only is there her, Mr Bug, #1 and LLB (Li'l LadyBug), but they have added an annex and moved the GrandBugs in too.
Life in the raw can be found at Redneck Mommy's blog. She is mother of two, Fric and Frac, and has a hubby, Boo. T is a kind and thoughtful soul, and her blog is her deepest thoughts and desires. Motherhood uncensored is the theme of this wonderful blog.
Another mommyblog I enjoy visiting is Mamahog and her wonderful lovelets, Loveday and Yashi. Keda is from sunny Cornwall in England, but now resides in sunny Istanbul (no pleasing some people!) and her blog is almost a devotion to her daughters, the most important things in her life.
Can there be a Nice Award without nominating Michele? Her of the magical Meet and Greet where most of us have met and swapped links. Michele is an icon of blogging consideration and entertainment. During the week there are loads of quizzes and games to play - and sometimes she even talks about herself!
btw: if you're looking for a new blogging toy, Blogger Play is up and running. Blogger Play will show you a never-ending stream of images that were just uploaded to public Blogger blogs. You can click the image to be taken directly to the blog post it was uploaded to, or click “show info” to see an overlay with the post title, a snippet of the body, and some profile information about the blogger who uploaded it. It's kinda cool and wonderful to see the variety of pictures being uploaded around the world.
cq
Saturday, September 22, 2007
4am
It's 4am here in the UK and my darling felines woke me at 2.30 this morning [gives cats filthy look].
So - what to talk about at 4am? [listens to silent house]
I have just spent my third week without my mobile phone. It's a grand phone, with camera and video and all sorts but I worked out that, on my contract, I was paying through the nose for a mobile I was hardly ever using - other than texting friends. I'm not a big fan of phones and had been struggling with spam calls from my provider. And, oddly enough, despite one or two moments mostly while on the road, I have not missed it at all. I managed life fine without it before they were invented and I'm sure I'll live without it again. Not having one will sure save me money!
So I'm in no rush to get another account.
Has anyone seen Men in Trees? Is that a cool TV series or what? A 'relationship coach' ends up in, and adapts to life in, Elmo Alaska where the ratio of men to women is ten to one and she realizes she can truly learn about the subject she thought she knew so well -- how to find, and keep, a good man. The real attraction of this series for me is Abe Benrubi. I adore this man! He's big, cute and talented. I can see people going for Anne Heche or James Tupper, but for me it's Abraham all the way! So many series are started and then cancelled, let's hope this is one that runs and runs!
So - what to talk about at 4am? [listens to silent house]
I have just spent my third week without my mobile phone. It's a grand phone, with camera and video and all sorts but I worked out that, on my contract, I was paying through the nose for a mobile I was hardly ever using - other than texting friends. I'm not a big fan of phones and had been struggling with spam calls from my provider. And, oddly enough, despite one or two moments mostly while on the road, I have not missed it at all. I managed life fine without it before they were invented and I'm sure I'll live without it again. Not having one will sure save me money!
So I'm in no rush to get another account.
Has anyone seen Men in Trees? Is that a cool TV series or what? A 'relationship coach' ends up in, and adapts to life in, Elmo Alaska where the ratio of men to women is ten to one and she realizes she can truly learn about the subject she thought she knew so well -- how to find, and keep, a good man. The real attraction of this series for me is Abe Benrubi. I adore this man! He's big, cute and talented. I can see people going for Anne Heche or James Tupper, but for me it's Abraham all the way! So many series are started and then cancelled, let's hope this is one that runs and runs!
Update: I picked up a book while dawn shopping at the store. The new PJ Tracy book, Snow Blind. I love PJ Tracy, they are fabulous writers! I managed to not read the book for about an hour, then I gave in, turned the TV off and I munched through it in four hours! Excellent book, ladies! (ladies - PJ and Traci, mother and daughter author team), number four and another fantastic investigation!
It's Saturday evening, MB is getting ready to go out with his friend and I am enjoying 'Cocoon'. I have adored Brian Dennehy all my life - anyone got his number?? I think it's something to do with the big manly chest, the gentle voice, the sweet, sweet smile and those sparkling blue eyes....hubba hubba....!
cq
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thank You [bows] Thank You
I have an award!!
The Rules:
* Display the award on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated at Skittles’ Place so Barb can follow it’s journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.
On another note, just to warm the cockles ready for nanowrimo 2007, I have started serialising my 2005 attempt on the storystore.
cq
Dawn honey, you'll always be mah girlie. I love you to bits and people should go over and say hello. They should also congratulate you, cos you have reached a magnificent milestone and I'm so proud of you!!
Now down to business, who will I pass on this honoured award to?
Naomi - of course. Naomi is the much loved Old Old Lady (not so old at heart, really!!) who lives in Beverley Hills and is a constant source of inspiration and strength to all of us with her wise words and her beautiful photographs of her precious home in the The Hills. I adore Naomi, she is so patient with me when I am not feeling so sociable. Now, because Naomi is such a kind caring person, she is excused from singling out one or two people from her blogroll fanclub :-))
Carmi and Morahmommy. Carmi over at Written Inc always stirs deep thought and opinion from us using his keen and original eye to see ordinary life in an extraordinary way. In addition, he is very much a family man and he and his wife MorahMommy share their delightful family life and are so welcoming to visitors to their blogs.
Minerva. Minerva at Womanly Parts is an amazing woman. I am always standing on the sidelines of her ongoing battle with cancer, cheering her on. I cannot imagine what my life would be like with such a Sword of Damocles hanging over my head, but Minerva explains everything so clearly with that personal touch that brings her battle into your head and heart. You can't help but love her, admire her honesty and fight her corner.
Of course, the Blogging Star Award has rules, everything has rules....The Rules:
* Display the award on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated at Skittles’ Place so Barb can follow it’s journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.
On another note, just to warm the cockles ready for nanowrimo 2007, I have started serialising my 2005 attempt on the storystore.
cq
Sunday, September 16, 2007
More Decisions
Blimey, I am on a roll with these decision thingies......
I have decided to have another go at this:
I have decided to have another go at this:
National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.
Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
And I have the perfect subject! No more fantasy for me (although I did enjoy my foray into demons the other year!), this year I am going for biographical - there's a challenge......
I realised that I never set a caption competition this week. Well, I am going to design my own nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) icon for my blog - and I need a slogan (a short, memorable advertising phrase: Examples include "Coke Is It," "Just Do It," and "Don’t Leave Home Without It.") for it.
So come on, you bright clever people, let me have your suggestions!
The last Palace caption competition was incredibly difficult to judge, so everyone is a winner - check it out here.
cq
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Decision Time
You can see my thoughts here, here and here. It's decision time at the Palace. I've just finished my first year in re-enacting medieval English life.
I gave myself a year to see if I liked it or not........
From this (Sept 06).........
to this (Nov 06)........
to this (Jul 07)......... 
I gave myself a year to see if I liked it or not........
From this (Sept 06).........
to this (Nov 06)........to this (Jul 07)......... to this (Sept 07)......
Yeah, you were all right - I'm going to do another year.
I'm still learning a lot about re-enactment and the period, but the moneying seems to come naturally to me.
What helped me to make my decision?
My vet went to a recent event and she said her daughter loved me! That's gold-dust - and totally unexpected!
The first morning I woke up in a re-enactment tent and stepped outside into a ruined castle - how else do I get to sleep in castles?
I have made lots of friends, and have been making plans to share a tent with one of them next year.
I have a skill! Not only that, but I have a skill that benefits events initially and the Company in the long run.
So, just call me Mistress cq; woman peasant and moneyer to My Lord Thomas Hungerford :-)
cq
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The End - or is it? Part 3
[The end of a re-enactor's first season]
Part 1 here
Part 2 here
So, what does the Company of Chivalry do at these living history events?
One half of the company provide living history market stalls with everything displayed from grinding wheat to making leather goods, spinning wool to hammering coins. The other half (mostly men) provide the military insight into 1370. We have a small set of soldiers who display drill, fighting techniques and weaponry. We also include a small tournament usually pitting one Knight against another with the support of their troops.
Some photos of our company:
On the right is Lord Berkeley, and on their knees are his supporting soldiers.
This is my Lord Thomas Hungerford, with his trusty soldier Master Caunsfield.
Ah, the Young Lord Hungerford (son of Hungerford, above) engages with Lord Courtney.
This is the melee, with the soldiers from both sides engaging. This was an illegal act and the master of ceremonies would have withdrawn and washed his hands of the whole affair.
One of our neighbour's tents with their weaponry stacked up.
And finally, the soldiers supporting My Lord Hungerford, and a familiar looking woman peasant (ooh, that would be good ol' cq!) on hand to hand out water to ensure the soldiers are properly hydrated in the heat with their thick padded jacks and mail/plate shirts.
Of course, it being a medieval fair and joust, it would be unfair not to include a photo of the jousters in combat.
The Knights of Royal England were very popular over the weekend. A couple of the Knights even joined our Company for drill practice - a bit of a show of 14C military drill with the opportunity for kids to join in and have some fun. The punters told me they thoroughly enjoyed the jousts, but I didn't get to see any, as I was either helping arm My Lord, preparing water supplies or hammering coins.
So, the successful weekend drew to a close, and my time limit had arrived - I gave myself a year to see how I felt about re-enactment, perhaps find a skill and see if I liked it.
As I prepared to leave on Sunday evening, I nipped into My Lord Hungerford's tent to say farewell and I let him know my decision.
But what was it? Will I be returning next season, or am I preparing to sell my kit?
cq
(Thank you to Graham of Berties World on Flickr for giving me permission to replicate his photos here. I understand they had a wonderful day out, and it was amazing to be a part of that.)
Part 1 here
Part 2 here
So, what does the Company of Chivalry do at these living history events?
One half of the company provide living history market stalls with everything displayed from grinding wheat to making leather goods, spinning wool to hammering coins. The other half (mostly men) provide the military insight into 1370. We have a small set of soldiers who display drill, fighting techniques and weaponry. We also include a small tournament usually pitting one Knight against another with the support of their troops.
Some photos of our company:
On the right is Lord Berkeley, and on their knees are his supporting soldiers.This is my Lord Thomas Hungerford, with his trusty soldier Master Caunsfield.Ah, the Young Lord Hungerford (son of Hungerford, above) engages with Lord Courtney.This is the melee, with the soldiers from both sides engaging. This was an illegal act and the master of ceremonies would have withdrawn and washed his hands of the whole affair.One of our neighbour's tents with their weaponry stacked up.And finally, the soldiers supporting My Lord Hungerford, and a familiar looking woman peasant (ooh, that would be good ol' cq!) on hand to hand out water to ensure the soldiers are properly hydrated in the heat with their thick padded jacks and mail/plate shirts.Of course, it being a medieval fair and joust, it would be unfair not to include a photo of the jousters in combat.
The Knights of Royal England were very popular over the weekend. A couple of the Knights even joined our Company for drill practice - a bit of a show of 14C military drill with the opportunity for kids to join in and have some fun. The punters told me they thoroughly enjoyed the jousts, but I didn't get to see any, as I was either helping arm My Lord, preparing water supplies or hammering coins. So, the successful weekend drew to a close, and my time limit had arrived - I gave myself a year to see how I felt about re-enactment, perhaps find a skill and see if I liked it.
As I prepared to leave on Sunday evening, I nipped into My Lord Hungerford's tent to say farewell and I let him know my decision.
But what was it? Will I be returning next season, or am I preparing to sell my kit?
cq
(Thank you to Graham of Berties World on Flickr for giving me permission to replicate his photos here. I understand they had a wonderful day out, and it was amazing to be a part of that.)
Monday, September 10, 2007
The End - or is it? Part 2
Part 1 here
OK, so it wasn't such a hot first night, but Saturday started really well. It didn't rain, in fact it was blazing hot - which made wearing wool a challenge......
By eleven am we were authentic and ready to roll. I was in my usual place at my moneyer's stump.
I have shown a proficiency at not only hammering coins, but also at selling the coins to the public. The kids love me and their parents think I'm funny too.....
You can see a picture of me at Pembroke Castle with my moneyer stump here.
The coin die comes in four pieces; a strong large tree stump, the 'pile' which is fixed firmly into the stump by a spike, the 'collar' which slips over the pile and holds the die together and the 'trussel' which slots into the collar and sits on top of the pile. One side of the coin is etched into the pile, the other side of the coin is etched on the trussel. You put a 'blank' (coin shaped piece of metal) onto the pile (lining the blank up with the design), you put the collar on, slot in the trussel and then hit the whole shebang with a very heavy hammer. Pulling the die apart, you then get a coin which is instantly struck on both sides. This year I have been hammering Edward III silver pennies, period 1370.
A sample of questions I have been asked:
'Where do you all sleep?' - to which I just waved over at the ranks of pretty medieval tents behind me and said 'er - here?' That usually gets an impressed chuckle :-)
'Where do you all go for a bath?' - of course, being a proper medieval peasant woman the only correct answer is 'what's a bath?'. That had the little girls taking about 2 hours out of their day to attempt to describe a bath to us.
'What do you do in your real life?' - which I answered with my hammer in mid-swing 'Why, I'm a health and safety officer'. That one always guaranteed a laugh.
And on this event one woman plucked up courage and said 'Can I ask about your underwear?'. Aginoth and I looked at each other and replied 'You could, if we wore any.........'. [chuckle]
[whisper] we actually do - but our medieval counterparts wouldn't have.
These were good humorous questions, so I worked them into my spiel.
Hmm - my spiel.....the design of the coin die, the etched images, the way it fits together, some background to the silver penny, medieval coins and moneyers in general, some cutesy stuff for the children and some historical fact for the mums and dads. Moneying is good fun with a crowd, because people ask lots of questions, the same jokes come out and the crowd always swells.
Saturday was a slow day for the Company of Chivalry. Not only did we not get a lot of advertising during the day, but our arena shows were drowned out by the site PA system. But we resolutely soldiered on, and there will be more about the show tomorrow.
A very nice gentleman who was at the show and 'Flickred' his photos has given me permission to use them - so they will be on here tomorrow.
cq
OK, so it wasn't such a hot first night, but Saturday started really well. It didn't rain, in fact it was blazing hot - which made wearing wool a challenge......
By eleven am we were authentic and ready to roll. I was in my usual place at my moneyer's stump.
I have shown a proficiency at not only hammering coins, but also at selling the coins to the public. The kids love me and their parents think I'm funny too.....
You can see a picture of me at Pembroke Castle with my moneyer stump here.
The coin die comes in four pieces; a strong large tree stump, the 'pile' which is fixed firmly into the stump by a spike, the 'collar' which slips over the pile and holds the die together and the 'trussel' which slots into the collar and sits on top of the pile. One side of the coin is etched into the pile, the other side of the coin is etched on the trussel. You put a 'blank' (coin shaped piece of metal) onto the pile (lining the blank up with the design), you put the collar on, slot in the trussel and then hit the whole shebang with a very heavy hammer. Pulling the die apart, you then get a coin which is instantly struck on both sides. This year I have been hammering Edward III silver pennies, period 1370.
A sample of questions I have been asked:
'Where do you all sleep?' - to which I just waved over at the ranks of pretty medieval tents behind me and said 'er - here?' That usually gets an impressed chuckle :-)
'Where do you all go for a bath?' - of course, being a proper medieval peasant woman the only correct answer is 'what's a bath?'. That had the little girls taking about 2 hours out of their day to attempt to describe a bath to us.
'What do you do in your real life?' - which I answered with my hammer in mid-swing 'Why, I'm a health and safety officer'. That one always guaranteed a laugh.
And on this event one woman plucked up courage and said 'Can I ask about your underwear?'. Aginoth and I looked at each other and replied 'You could, if we wore any.........'. [chuckle]
[whisper] we actually do - but our medieval counterparts wouldn't have.
These were good humorous questions, so I worked them into my spiel.
Hmm - my spiel.....the design of the coin die, the etched images, the way it fits together, some background to the silver penny, medieval coins and moneyers in general, some cutesy stuff for the children and some historical fact for the mums and dads. Moneying is good fun with a crowd, because people ask lots of questions, the same jokes come out and the crowd always swells.
Saturday was a slow day for the Company of Chivalry. Not only did we not get a lot of advertising during the day, but our arena shows were drowned out by the site PA system. But we resolutely soldiered on, and there will be more about the show tomorrow.
A very nice gentleman who was at the show and 'Flickred' his photos has given me permission to use them - so they will be on here tomorrow.
cq
Sunday, September 09, 2007
The End - or is it? Part 1
This weekend was the final event of the re-enactment calendar, a local Medieval Fair in Somerset, complete with joust and medieval living history (us!). I was in two minds about going as I was quite depressed and tired on Friday. I got lost twice on the way and nearly succumbed to the desire to turn around and drive home, but I headed on, the car blue with curses, until I found the site and pulled up in the absolute dark (getting lost made me an hour late) to a cluster of medieval tents and people huddled around the fire.
I asked if the people who had the tent I was intending to purchase had arrived and they had apparently gone back home - with the tent still in the back of their van. Thinking maybe this was a bad sign, I thought maybe I should have gone with my gut feeling on the road.
I scrounged a bit of floor in the tent of one of our 'smelly soldiers' Master C (thank you, Matt!!) and put down my bed. Pulling out a large bottle of cider I joined my fellow re-enactors around the fire.
The news that the portaloos were closed overnight was a bit of a downer, as there were about 40 people on site, drinking and eating. One elsan each for male and female didn't really make the math.
But we made the best of it, with a roaring fire, lots of alcohol and singing we all had a wonderful evening and wound our way to our beds at various times through the night - I understand my esteemed landlord got back to the tent at 2am.....
The next day we arose to the sounds and smells of Vintner preparing one of his classic re-enactor breakfasts (bacon, sausage, black pudding, egg, bread - enough for all). Life seemed a little better after breakfast, the toilets were opened (you've never seen anyone so happy to see a flushing toilet as us!), the sun came out, and the site began coming to life. We donned our kit, dusted off our weapons and market stalls and prepared to meet our public for the last weekend of the year.
cq
I asked if the people who had the tent I was intending to purchase had arrived and they had apparently gone back home - with the tent still in the back of their van. Thinking maybe this was a bad sign, I thought maybe I should have gone with my gut feeling on the road.
I scrounged a bit of floor in the tent of one of our 'smelly soldiers' Master C (thank you, Matt!!) and put down my bed. Pulling out a large bottle of cider I joined my fellow re-enactors around the fire.
The news that the portaloos were closed overnight was a bit of a downer, as there were about 40 people on site, drinking and eating. One elsan each for male and female didn't really make the math.
But we made the best of it, with a roaring fire, lots of alcohol and singing we all had a wonderful evening and wound our way to our beds at various times through the night - I understand my esteemed landlord got back to the tent at 2am.....
The next day we arose to the sounds and smells of Vintner preparing one of his classic re-enactor breakfasts (bacon, sausage, black pudding, egg, bread - enough for all). Life seemed a little better after breakfast, the toilets were opened (you've never seen anyone so happy to see a flushing toilet as us!), the sun came out, and the site began coming to life. We donned our kit, dusted off our weapons and market stalls and prepared to meet our public for the last weekend of the year.
Honesty Rain asked what black pudding is: read here for detail. Being a vegetarian I have no idea what it tastes like......
Tired now, more tomorrow.....
cq
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Surprise, Surprise
While at the cinema to see Hairspray, this movie was advertised.....obviously a chickflick, it immediately caught my attention - me and Bobkat like a chickflick now and then......they go well with pizza and gossip.....and I definitely noticed the lead man.....
Aaron Eckhart, I replied - isn't he gorgeous? 
[chuckle]
cq
mm....I muttered to Bobkat in the dark.......isn't he lush?
Who is he? asked Bobkat, bemused.
Aaron Eckhart, I replied - isn't he gorgeous?Who's Aaron Eckhart? asked Bobkat - understandably, really..........
Um - remember Erin's hairy neighbour and love interest in Erin Brockovich? I replied.....
There was a short silence while Bobkat rationalised the pretty boy above with the rough hirsuite chap pictured below.
[chuckle]cq
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Caption Time
This is the 14th century 'me' sitting at my moneyer stump (I'll tell you more about that another day) discussing something in depth with a priest and two other women - but what are we saying?'Nuff said - captions, please :-)
Lots of brilliant suggestions last week, for another historical (hysterical) caption competition.......impossible to decide between these three........
Joint winners were Bilbo (a new face here at the Palace, here's hoping he returns):
"Darn Omar the Tentmaker and his too-long hems!"
"One more stitch and I'll be finished reattaching my legs to the rest of me."
and Dara:
"Best way to have a quick nap in full view of everyone - notice the needle never moves?"
Special mention to Bobkat, as I did indeed sew the dress to my trousers whilst distracted......
"Dang it! I've sewn my undies to my skirt again!"
cq
At the Cinema
Having been up since early o'clock with a stuffed up nose, I realised I never posted my review about Hairspray 2007.
I went with my darling Bobkat on one of our pizza and movie nights.
Now, I posted on this blog here how nervous I was of going to see a remake of one of my favourite timeless cult movies.
It wasn't an absolute copy, it was an updated version of a 60's dance movie - kinda. With all new song and dance routines, new stars (although some old familiar faces turned up) and headed up by the much vaunted Mr Travolta as Edna Turnblad, it was clear they anticipated this film being as popular as the original.
John Waters turned up in the first five minutes as a flasher, stamping his approval on the new version. Of course, if you didn't know Waters, you wouldn't have caught the signature appearance. In the original movie he was the psychiatrist brought in to 'de-programme' Penny Pingleton - not a lot of people know that!
Nikki Blonski, who played Tracy Turnblad, made a reasonable fist of recreating a legendary teen character. But I felt the new script lacked a lot of the punch of the original version. The way Tracy was admitted to the Council, the reason for her straightening her hair (she ironed it while in prison, after meeting Beatnik Chick, Pia Zadora), even the ending was rather pathetic and, I felt, was an expression of this new politically correct world.
I was desperately waiting for that immortal line 'Penny Pingleton, you are positively, permanently punished!' - and I had a long, long wait......
There were a few plus points -
Queen Latifah made a wonderful Motormouth Maybelle, but then can Queen Latifah do any wrong??
Elijah Kelley was a strong Seaweed character, although he lacked the spark of the original Clayton Prince.
The 2007 Penny Pingleton relied strongly on the original, complete with funky bunches and permanent chewing gum.
Christopher Walken made a loveable Wilbur Turnblad, and we even saw the Hardy Har Joke Shop! Finally, a proper opportunity for Christopher to show off his song and dance talents - and boy, can he dance, and has such a sweet singing voice!
Minus points -
It wasn't the original.
The original film opened with the excellent song 'Hairspray' ('Can't you see, I'm spraying my hair!') and had rocketing number after number (Madison Time, Mama Didn't Lie, Town Without Pity, Roach). The new film opened with 'Good Morning Baltimore' (which I hated) and the new songs weren't half as good as those in the original.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Tussle was terrible. I was aching for Debbie Harry to step back into those marvellously vindictive shoes. And they screwed around with her character and somehow put her in charge of the Corny Collins show, which was very odd - because everyone knew Arvin Hodgepile was the owner of the TV station and therefore had the final say on programming. The new Velma did not work!
Sadly, after all the hype, John Travolta did not work as Edna Turnblad. Divine (the late Glen Milstead - who was also Arvin Hodgepile!) was a hard act to follow, and his Edna was the first, and the best. Travolta in a fat suit just didn't pull it off - not only that, but what with the fat face plates and John's own emphasised accent his words were muffled and often not heard at all - whereas Divine had a superb screech that meant every word was etched on your eardrums.
The only bit of the film where Travolta 'worked' was the achingly sweet dance routine with Christopher Walken - only really because we saw a whole new side to Walken that all the women just sighed over in the cinema. He managed to convey the depth of love Wilbur had for the overweight Edna with the duet 'You're Timeless to Me'.
So, whereas I would give 1988 Hairspray a 9/10, the 2007 version falls sadly short at only 6/10.
Not only all that, but they changed the ending, and got rid of the Auto Show - terrible [shakes head] - but then John Waters has always been unpredictable.
I went with my darling Bobkat on one of our pizza and movie nights.
Now, I posted on this blog here how nervous I was of going to see a remake of one of my favourite timeless cult movies.
It wasn't an absolute copy, it was an updated version of a 60's dance movie - kinda. With all new song and dance routines, new stars (although some old familiar faces turned up) and headed up by the much vaunted Mr Travolta as Edna Turnblad, it was clear they anticipated this film being as popular as the original.
John Waters turned up in the first five minutes as a flasher, stamping his approval on the new version. Of course, if you didn't know Waters, you wouldn't have caught the signature appearance. In the original movie he was the psychiatrist brought in to 'de-programme' Penny Pingleton - not a lot of people know that!
Nikki Blonski, who played Tracy Turnblad, made a reasonable fist of recreating a legendary teen character. But I felt the new script lacked a lot of the punch of the original version. The way Tracy was admitted to the Council, the reason for her straightening her hair (she ironed it while in prison, after meeting Beatnik Chick, Pia Zadora), even the ending was rather pathetic and, I felt, was an expression of this new politically correct world.
I was desperately waiting for that immortal line 'Penny Pingleton, you are positively, permanently punished!' - and I had a long, long wait......
There were a few plus points -
Queen Latifah made a wonderful Motormouth Maybelle, but then can Queen Latifah do any wrong??
Elijah Kelley was a strong Seaweed character, although he lacked the spark of the original Clayton Prince.
The 2007 Penny Pingleton relied strongly on the original, complete with funky bunches and permanent chewing gum.
Christopher Walken made a loveable Wilbur Turnblad, and we even saw the Hardy Har Joke Shop! Finally, a proper opportunity for Christopher to show off his song and dance talents - and boy, can he dance, and has such a sweet singing voice!
Minus points -
It wasn't the original.
The original film opened with the excellent song 'Hairspray' ('Can't you see, I'm spraying my hair!') and had rocketing number after number (Madison Time, Mama Didn't Lie, Town Without Pity, Roach). The new film opened with 'Good Morning Baltimore' (which I hated) and the new songs weren't half as good as those in the original.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Tussle was terrible. I was aching for Debbie Harry to step back into those marvellously vindictive shoes. And they screwed around with her character and somehow put her in charge of the Corny Collins show, which was very odd - because everyone knew Arvin Hodgepile was the owner of the TV station and therefore had the final say on programming. The new Velma did not work!
Sadly, after all the hype, John Travolta did not work as Edna Turnblad. Divine (the late Glen Milstead - who was also Arvin Hodgepile!) was a hard act to follow, and his Edna was the first, and the best. Travolta in a fat suit just didn't pull it off - not only that, but what with the fat face plates and John's own emphasised accent his words were muffled and often not heard at all - whereas Divine had a superb screech that meant every word was etched on your eardrums.
The only bit of the film where Travolta 'worked' was the achingly sweet dance routine with Christopher Walken - only really because we saw a whole new side to Walken that all the women just sighed over in the cinema. He managed to convey the depth of love Wilbur had for the overweight Edna with the duet 'You're Timeless to Me'.
So, whereas I would give 1988 Hairspray a 9/10, the 2007 version falls sadly short at only 6/10.
Not only all that, but they changed the ending, and got rid of the Auto Show - terrible [shakes head] - but then John Waters has always been unpredictable.
Lastly - a message for Mr Waters........PLEASE DON'T REMAKE CRYBABY!!
cq
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