Friday, June 03, 2011
This week....
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - winning and losing
Fanfare please...................the last madhouse post..............a day early this week as I have friends down to visit tomorrow and will be agreeably engaged elsewhere.
I have body image issues. I have ever since I had my emergency c-section. My stomach muscles were damaged and they never recovered so I have a ring doughnut belly and my belly button is AWOL. I can't wear a bikini anymore. I am so self conscious about this.
I also battle with my weight. Pre J I was a size 12, post J I got to a comfy 14 using WW points. But I find dieting impossibly hard and I have an intense dislike for exercise. I also like food and live with someone who loves to cook and does it so well.
I loose the battle of bulge and then I hate my body even more. These days I fluctuate between a 16 and 18. To me my view of my body and trying to get where I'd be happy is a battle that I never win. Or it was......
I still have issues and still have bad days but they are getting less and less - what is my miracle cure? Have I slimmed down to a curvy 12 or 14? No. But I realised that I am happy. When I diet I am unhappy. I spend too much time worrying about putting weight back on rather than enjoying what I've achieved. I am fit. I am healthy and I am pretty much content most of the time. I have a family who love me and I no longer spend time worrying over what I can or should eat. And the amazing thing is, since I got my head round this simple way of looking at stuff, my weight has stayed the same. I lost some weight in the winter and it hasn't gone back on. I eat healthy 80% of the time. I take moderate exercise most days and I maintain a status quo that although isn't perfect I can live with. Perhaps that means that I am winning.
That's all folks. No more madhouse.
I have body image issues. I have ever since I had my emergency c-section. My stomach muscles were damaged and they never recovered so I have a ring doughnut belly and my belly button is AWOL. I can't wear a bikini anymore. I am so self conscious about this.
I also battle with my weight. Pre J I was a size 12, post J I got to a comfy 14 using WW points. But I find dieting impossibly hard and I have an intense dislike for exercise. I also like food and live with someone who loves to cook and does it so well.
I loose the battle of bulge and then I hate my body even more. These days I fluctuate between a 16 and 18. To me my view of my body and trying to get where I'd be happy is a battle that I never win. Or it was......
I still have issues and still have bad days but they are getting less and less - what is my miracle cure? Have I slimmed down to a curvy 12 or 14? No. But I realised that I am happy. When I diet I am unhappy. I spend too much time worrying about putting weight back on rather than enjoying what I've achieved. I am fit. I am healthy and I am pretty much content most of the time. I have a family who love me and I no longer spend time worrying over what I can or should eat. And the amazing thing is, since I got my head round this simple way of looking at stuff, my weight has stayed the same. I lost some weight in the winter and it hasn't gone back on. I eat healthy 80% of the time. I take moderate exercise most days and I maintain a status quo that although isn't perfect I can live with. Perhaps that means that I am winning.
That's all folks. No more madhouse.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday Madhouse - Missed Chances.
I know the penultimate one and I'm a day late.....so sue me. One reason I am late is I have a complete blank over this one. There are things I could have done or maybe should have done, but as I try to live my life without regrets, there is nothing much that I see as a missed chance - they have been more about choices of direction.
However, I could be all serious and find something deep and emotive from my past to bring a tear to your eye of loves lost etc (not really - meeting M at age of 15 kind meant anyone before him wasn't love, it was teen lust) or the regrets over family misunderstandings (and there have been a few) but again I believe in no regrets so that doesn't work either. I could spin you the heart rending tale that my Father died without ever telling me he loved me....but it is ancient history and I have so come to terms with it....so what can I tell about missed chances........
1) I missed the opportunity to punch the girl, who bullied me at school for over 4 years, on the nose and if I had my time over - I would and if she crossed my path now - I would take her to task and probably deck her.
2) There are a few people that I should have 'told it how it is' to at the moment they deserved it but I did the grown up thing and turned the other cheek - I missed my chance.
3) There are a few peeps that I should have helped remove their heads from their rectums but I didn't. I have made a solemn vow to rectify this (get it?) and from now on if you talk to me with your head up yer bum I will tell you to so and ask you to remove it.
4) I should have told MJ years ago that he always spouted 'bollocks'.
5) There are a few peeps I've shown kindness to who have then preceded to shit on me from a great height - I know now and will not repeat my kindnesses but will bestow them on others who deserve them. If you ask again -I will be reading you your life history cos I didn't at the time and I should have!
6) I missed my chance to learn to drive - dear lord I am useless behind the wheel of a car.
7) I should have stayed having the drama lessons - I think they would have made me a better liar than I am.
8) I kind of wished we hadn't gone on holiday to Cornwall when we did -cos then I could have spent the last week of Loobles life with her.
9) I regret (yes a regret) starting this cos I want to get to 10 and I've run out of ideas.
10) All the knitting projects I've frogged and then a month later thought ............"Shit!" I did like that after all.
Almost there one left - phew. Back next week for the madhouse finale....like anyone reads this drivel or gives a fuck!
However, I could be all serious and find something deep and emotive from my past to bring a tear to your eye of loves lost etc (not really - meeting M at age of 15 kind meant anyone before him wasn't love, it was teen lust) or the regrets over family misunderstandings (and there have been a few) but again I believe in no regrets so that doesn't work either. I could spin you the heart rending tale that my Father died without ever telling me he loved me....but it is ancient history and I have so come to terms with it....so what can I tell about missed chances........
1) I missed the opportunity to punch the girl, who bullied me at school for over 4 years, on the nose and if I had my time over - I would and if she crossed my path now - I would take her to task and probably deck her.
2) There are a few people that I should have 'told it how it is' to at the moment they deserved it but I did the grown up thing and turned the other cheek - I missed my chance.
3) There are a few peeps that I should have helped remove their heads from their rectums but I didn't. I have made a solemn vow to rectify this (get it?) and from now on if you talk to me with your head up yer bum I will tell you to so and ask you to remove it.
4) I should have told MJ years ago that he always spouted 'bollocks'.
5) There are a few peeps I've shown kindness to who have then preceded to shit on me from a great height - I know now and will not repeat my kindnesses but will bestow them on others who deserve them. If you ask again -I will be reading you your life history cos I didn't at the time and I should have!
6) I missed my chance to learn to drive - dear lord I am useless behind the wheel of a car.
7) I should have stayed having the drama lessons - I think they would have made me a better liar than I am.
8) I kind of wished we hadn't gone on holiday to Cornwall when we did -cos then I could have spent the last week of Loobles life with her.
9) I regret (yes a regret) starting this cos I want to get to 10 and I've run out of ideas.
10) All the knitting projects I've frogged and then a month later thought ............"Shit!" I did like that after all.
Almost there one left - phew. Back next week for the madhouse finale....like anyone reads this drivel or gives a fuck!
52 books - 29 - 40
I have seriously remiss in posting my reading. So I decided to do a bulk list and as I have been reading loads of crap quick fix fantasy stuff I will only review the books I really loved.
Book 29
The Three Musketeers - Dumas.
Format - Audiobook - Librivox.
Never read this before (or listened to it) I love the story - fab. But as it had different narrators which differing French accents and pronunciation it wasn't an easy listen. It has however made me determined to read it for myself or at the very least get a decent audio version.
Book 30
The Beekeepers Apprentice - Laurie R King.
Format - Kindle.
This is a really good read. I saw that Wibbo had read it in her 2010 book challenge, I enjoyed her review and decided to give it a go....well it's a variation on a theme with added Sherlock Holmes - how could I resist?
I am so glad I didn't resist. I loved it. I will be reading more of this series.
Book 31
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
Format - Audio book
This is a really old download that is on my previous iPod (which I use now mainly for audio books) and I cannot find anywhere who the narrator is -but however she is, she is wonderful.
I was a late comer to this book as I didn't read it until I was in my 20's and on my first reading I enjoyed it but it wasn't at all what I was expecting. It is now a favourite classic and one I return to time and time again. It is such a clever, thought provoking read - I love the dialect usage and the language - it is a book that makes you feel it.
Book 32
Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch
Format - Kindle.
This is my bandwagon book. I saw that quite a few friends had read and enjoyed it. I read its synopsis and some reviews and decided to download it. It is really good. Not my normal stuff but a change is good for you. I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down. I love the mix of thriller, police drama and a sprinkle of ghosts, spirits and magic -really works. I can't wait to download and read the next one.
Books 33 - 36.
Format - Kindle
(all chick lit)
Cinderella Deal - Jennifer Crusie
The Way to a Womens Heart - Christina Jones ( I love Christina Jones - her books are fab)
The Moon and Back - Jill Mansell
Summer of Love - Katie Fforde.
Books 37 - 40
Format - Kindle
(all fantasy)
My Love Lies Bleeding and Out for Blood - Alyxandra Harvy
My Soul to Take and My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent
The above four books are all good reads but they are all very much on a par with the Twilight and Vampire Diaries style of book - with different twists - first two are vampires but it is more a telling from their world and perspective the Rachel Vincent books deal with banshees - but still are a variation on a theme. I would read more from Alyxandra Harvy but not of the others.
Book 29
The Three Musketeers - Dumas.
Format - Audiobook - Librivox.
Never read this before (or listened to it) I love the story - fab. But as it had different narrators which differing French accents and pronunciation it wasn't an easy listen. It has however made me determined to read it for myself or at the very least get a decent audio version.
Book 30
The Beekeepers Apprentice - Laurie R King.
Format - Kindle.
This is a really good read. I saw that Wibbo had read it in her 2010 book challenge, I enjoyed her review and decided to give it a go....well it's a variation on a theme with added Sherlock Holmes - how could I resist?
I am so glad I didn't resist. I loved it. I will be reading more of this series.
Book 31
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
Format - Audio book
This is a really old download that is on my previous iPod (which I use now mainly for audio books) and I cannot find anywhere who the narrator is -but however she is, she is wonderful.
I was a late comer to this book as I didn't read it until I was in my 20's and on my first reading I enjoyed it but it wasn't at all what I was expecting. It is now a favourite classic and one I return to time and time again. It is such a clever, thought provoking read - I love the dialect usage and the language - it is a book that makes you feel it.
Book 32
Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch
Format - Kindle.
This is my bandwagon book. I saw that quite a few friends had read and enjoyed it. I read its synopsis and some reviews and decided to download it. It is really good. Not my normal stuff but a change is good for you. I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down. I love the mix of thriller, police drama and a sprinkle of ghosts, spirits and magic -really works. I can't wait to download and read the next one.
Books 33 - 36.
Format - Kindle
(all chick lit)
Cinderella Deal - Jennifer Crusie
The Way to a Womens Heart - Christina Jones ( I love Christina Jones - her books are fab)
The Moon and Back - Jill Mansell
Summer of Love - Katie Fforde.
Books 37 - 40
Format - Kindle
(all fantasy)
My Love Lies Bleeding and Out for Blood - Alyxandra Harvy
My Soul to Take and My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent
The above four books are all good reads but they are all very much on a par with the Twilight and Vampire Diaries style of book - with different twists - first two are vampires but it is more a telling from their world and perspective the Rachel Vincent books deal with banshees - but still are a variation on a theme. I would read more from Alyxandra Harvy but not of the others.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Just a little post
sham 012
Originally uploaded by loobles2002
I love graveyards. They have a silence about them. No rowdy, no radios, very little litter and a calmness.They are little pools of peace in the middle of a shopping area...like this one in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Round like a circle in a spiral....
The pattern is a free one which can be downloaded from here there is also a link to Spinoff Mag from Ravelry.
Wednesday Madhouse - Happy.
Define happy? Happy is surely different for everyone. It is such a daft word for such a strong feeling.
I don't think I really get happy or do happy that much. I can't abide jolly cheery sorts, I find them intensely irritating, if I'm honest, I just like normal everyday kinds of being, maybe bordering on morose or slightly grumpy.....Oh I've just described myself. If I do jolly it feels like wearing the wrong size shoes.
I think extremes of emotion on a regular basis are unhinging anyway. So why do people feel the need to convince us they are happy with wonderful lives? Why do people feel the need to pursue happiness? How can you pursue something so fleet of foot and brief? And surely once you reach the pinnacle of happiness then what is left? Or is that then a done deal and you have to find some new kind of happy to chase down?
Personally, I am 'happy' (get it?) to find contentment in who I am and what I have. I would rather have moments where all is right in my world in little ways then be trying to be or to achieve something that isn't really me at all.
I feel no need to hold my life up and find it lacking in someway, though I'm sure to many others it is. There is nothing I need to pursue to make me happy. I think this idea of happy and needing to show the world you are happy is what causes so much discontentment in modern life. We are encouraged by envy and social media to see what we have or are as lacking in someway if we cannot reach understood measures of happy.
I do not need a bigger TV than my neighbours, a newer car than the people over the road, a better holiday than my friend or a more whizzy mobile phone than her down the street to be any more happier than I am right at this minute. The new obtained bit of material happy may produce a brief happy dance but is it really happiness I've gained? Or would I just be being brainwashed by pressures of the modern school of being that equates retail therapy and material posessions with being happy?
Happy is someone making you smile or laugh - freely and without restraint. Happy is waking up naturally when your body tells you, not when you have to. Happy is finishing a good book with a sigh of contentment that the author whisked you away from yourself. Happy is a hug from someone who wants to hold you. Happy is Lottie finding her babble ball and wagging her tail off. Happy is watching your kids grow up healthy and strong. Happy is acceptance of life as it is right now.
No Madhouse next week as it is a topic repeat and I can't think of anything else to say about 'shoes'. Then there are only two more after that.
I don't think I really get happy or do happy that much. I can't abide jolly cheery sorts, I find them intensely irritating, if I'm honest, I just like normal everyday kinds of being, maybe bordering on morose or slightly grumpy.....Oh I've just described myself. If I do jolly it feels like wearing the wrong size shoes.
I think extremes of emotion on a regular basis are unhinging anyway. So why do people feel the need to convince us they are happy with wonderful lives? Why do people feel the need to pursue happiness? How can you pursue something so fleet of foot and brief? And surely once you reach the pinnacle of happiness then what is left? Or is that then a done deal and you have to find some new kind of happy to chase down?
Personally, I am 'happy' (get it?) to find contentment in who I am and what I have. I would rather have moments where all is right in my world in little ways then be trying to be or to achieve something that isn't really me at all.
I feel no need to hold my life up and find it lacking in someway, though I'm sure to many others it is. There is nothing I need to pursue to make me happy. I think this idea of happy and needing to show the world you are happy is what causes so much discontentment in modern life. We are encouraged by envy and social media to see what we have or are as lacking in someway if we cannot reach understood measures of happy.
I do not need a bigger TV than my neighbours, a newer car than the people over the road, a better holiday than my friend or a more whizzy mobile phone than her down the street to be any more happier than I am right at this minute. The new obtained bit of material happy may produce a brief happy dance but is it really happiness I've gained? Or would I just be being brainwashed by pressures of the modern school of being that equates retail therapy and material posessions with being happy?
Happy is someone making you smile or laugh - freely and without restraint. Happy is waking up naturally when your body tells you, not when you have to. Happy is finishing a good book with a sigh of contentment that the author whisked you away from yourself. Happy is a hug from someone who wants to hold you. Happy is Lottie finding her babble ball and wagging her tail off. Happy is watching your kids grow up healthy and strong. Happy is acceptance of life as it is right now.
No Madhouse next week as it is a topic repeat and I can't think of anything else to say about 'shoes'. Then there are only two more after that.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Looming lovely
I love my knitters loom and really love this fabric *does happy dance*.
Monday, May 09, 2011
52 Books - playing catch up - 23 - 28
Have been reading loads just haven't been 'asked' to blog about it. So thought I'd better play catch up. To date I have read/am reading book 41. So I am rather behind - whoops.
Book 23.
The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir
Format - Book.
I love history. I love reading about history and one of my favourite time period runs from Henry viii to Elizabeth i. I have read so many books, by so many authors that I didn't think there would a new slant or commentary that I hadn't come across but this book ticks the 'new idea' box wonderfully. It is well written, easy to follow and very informative without being too dry. I've not read this author before but on the performance of this book, I would happily read her work again.
Book 24.
Firelight by Sophie Jordan.
Format - Kindle.
I have been having a binge of teen fantasy lit - cos I like it! This one is a corker. In fact the abrupt ending was a shock I was so sucked into it. The book came up in the Kindle sale and I decided just to give it a go, now I can't wait for the follow up. Dragon/people - who can fly - yes!
Books 25 and 26.
Kisschase by Fiona Walker/ Kiss and Tell by Fiona Walker
Format - Kindle.
I haven't read any Fiona Walker for years - I went off her. But in 'Kiss and Tell' she revisited some characters that I liked from a previous book so I thought 'why not'. It took me a while to get back into her style and there were still some of the issues that stopped me reading her books, but once it got going it was good. A romping 'Jilly Cooper-esqe' style or perhaps that was the horsey setting? But by the end of the book I realised I had enjoyed it but it still, in my memory didn't match up to the first book of hers I ever read 'Kisschase'. I thought a comparison read would be good so I downloaded it there and then (got to love yer Kindle) as I had no idea if I'd kept the book. Now this is a book I read over and over when it first came out but that was a while ago and it was hazy - and my tastes have changed. I still love it! It is fab, girly, but fab. Her style and content have changed but I'd say for the worse in her more recent books, if she went back to this I read everything she wrote.
Book 27.
Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Format - Audio book read by Greta Scacchi
I think this is my second favourite Austen. I love Capt Wentworth as a hero. I want to visit with the Musgroves and go to Lyme. I think it has the most satisfying ending of all her novels - the letter gets me every time. This audio is great - Ms Scacchi handles the telling well and does good characterisation without distracting from the story. She has amazingly clear diction too. I never ever tire of this.
Book 28.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Format - Book.
I realised that I haven't re-read this book since my 20's. I found my copy of it in J's room and borrowed it back -it was a perfect way to spend a Sunday evening/night a couple of weeks ago. Scandalous as it may seem I don't really like LOTR - I've read it twice and it is boring IMHO - but 'The Hobbit' I loved and still do. I got pulled straight into it and had to be forcibly dragged out of it to go to bed! I still love the mutton chapter and still think Gollum is better in this book than LOTR (I do like the films!) and it stills calls to the 12 year old who first read all those years ago. It was my first experience of the fantasy genre and has shaped a lot of what still appeals to me again. I also loved that this battered copy had the lovely old book smell - you don't get that with yer Kindle!
Book 23.
The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir
Format - Book.
I love history. I love reading about history and one of my favourite time period runs from Henry viii to Elizabeth i. I have read so many books, by so many authors that I didn't think there would a new slant or commentary that I hadn't come across but this book ticks the 'new idea' box wonderfully. It is well written, easy to follow and very informative without being too dry. I've not read this author before but on the performance of this book, I would happily read her work again.
Book 24.
Firelight by Sophie Jordan.
Format - Kindle.
I have been having a binge of teen fantasy lit - cos I like it! This one is a corker. In fact the abrupt ending was a shock I was so sucked into it. The book came up in the Kindle sale and I decided just to give it a go, now I can't wait for the follow up. Dragon/people - who can fly - yes!
Books 25 and 26.
Kisschase by Fiona Walker/ Kiss and Tell by Fiona Walker
Format - Kindle.
I haven't read any Fiona Walker for years - I went off her. But in 'Kiss and Tell' she revisited some characters that I liked from a previous book so I thought 'why not'. It took me a while to get back into her style and there were still some of the issues that stopped me reading her books, but once it got going it was good. A romping 'Jilly Cooper-esqe' style or perhaps that was the horsey setting? But by the end of the book I realised I had enjoyed it but it still, in my memory didn't match up to the first book of hers I ever read 'Kisschase'. I thought a comparison read would be good so I downloaded it there and then (got to love yer Kindle) as I had no idea if I'd kept the book. Now this is a book I read over and over when it first came out but that was a while ago and it was hazy - and my tastes have changed. I still love it! It is fab, girly, but fab. Her style and content have changed but I'd say for the worse in her more recent books, if she went back to this I read everything she wrote.
Book 27.
Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Format - Audio book read by Greta Scacchi
I think this is my second favourite Austen. I love Capt Wentworth as a hero. I want to visit with the Musgroves and go to Lyme. I think it has the most satisfying ending of all her novels - the letter gets me every time. This audio is great - Ms Scacchi handles the telling well and does good characterisation without distracting from the story. She has amazingly clear diction too. I never ever tire of this.
Book 28.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Format - Book.
I realised that I haven't re-read this book since my 20's. I found my copy of it in J's room and borrowed it back -it was a perfect way to spend a Sunday evening/night a couple of weeks ago. Scandalous as it may seem I don't really like LOTR - I've read it twice and it is boring IMHO - but 'The Hobbit' I loved and still do. I got pulled straight into it and had to be forcibly dragged out of it to go to bed! I still love the mutton chapter and still think Gollum is better in this book than LOTR (I do like the films!) and it stills calls to the 12 year old who first read all those years ago. It was my first experience of the fantasy genre and has shaped a lot of what still appeals to me again. I also loved that this battered copy had the lovely old book smell - you don't get that with yer Kindle!
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Music.
Lalalallllllllaaaaaalalalalalalllllllllaaaaaaaalllalalala dee-dum-dim-deeeeeeeeeeedummmmmmmmmmmdididididideeeeeeeedum.
I thought I'd sing you a little song.
I like music.The room I am in right now has at least 10 different instruments easily to hand. I like to sing and make sound (it sounds like music to me). I like natures music, right now a Robin is singing right outside the window,a Wood Pigeon is calling in the distance and the leaves are rustling in the breeze - no cars.
If I have a choice I would rather sit and listen to music than watch TV. One of the few things we spend a lot of ££'s on is our music system - far more than we'd spend on a TV, games system etc. It is wonderful to be able to flood the room with good quality musical sound.
As for musical taste mine is always mood related but it wide ranging. There aren't that many music types that I don't do - off the top of my head I can only think of Improv Jazz. Though I must be getting old because a lot of stuff that is current and IMHO manufactured I can't abide. Occasionally I hear something and it resonates for instance I never thought I'd like Lady Gaga, but I do.
This weeks listening has been - Tori Amos, John Frusciante, Simon and Garfunkel, The Raconteurs, Slipknot, RHCP, Smetana, William Orbit, Geoffrey Oryema and Lisa Gerrard.
Who shall I listen to today?
I thought I'd sing you a little song.
I like music.The room I am in right now has at least 10 different instruments easily to hand. I like to sing and make sound (it sounds like music to me). I like natures music, right now a Robin is singing right outside the window,a Wood Pigeon is calling in the distance and the leaves are rustling in the breeze - no cars.
If I have a choice I would rather sit and listen to music than watch TV. One of the few things we spend a lot of ££'s on is our music system - far more than we'd spend on a TV, games system etc. It is wonderful to be able to flood the room with good quality musical sound.
As for musical taste mine is always mood related but it wide ranging. There aren't that many music types that I don't do - off the top of my head I can only think of Improv Jazz. Though I must be getting old because a lot of stuff that is current and IMHO manufactured I can't abide. Occasionally I hear something and it resonates for instance I never thought I'd like Lady Gaga, but I do.
This weeks listening has been - Tori Amos, John Frusciante, Simon and Garfunkel, The Raconteurs, Slipknot, RHCP, Smetana, William Orbit, Geoffrey Oryema and Lisa Gerrard.
Who shall I listen to today?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Hidden Talents.
But if I tell they won't be hidden!
1) I can play the Clarinet and the penny whistle.
2) I can do the splits.
3) I can suck my big toe.
4) I am brilliant at untangling knots and jewellery.
5) I snore better than M. I think that's a talent in itself.
6) I do the loudest sneezes they can damage your ear drums.
7) I do a great Welsh accent.
8) I am ace at building with stuff like Lego and Meccano.
9) I can sing.
10) I can still tap dance.
11) I can do a cart wheel.
12) I can float like I am lying on a lilo (without a lilo) and go to sleep doing so.
I am just so dang talented.
1) I can play the Clarinet and the penny whistle.
2) I can do the splits.
3) I can suck my big toe.
4) I am brilliant at untangling knots and jewellery.
5) I snore better than M. I think that's a talent in itself.
6) I do the loudest sneezes they can damage your ear drums.
7) I do a great Welsh accent.
8) I am ace at building with stuff like Lego and Meccano.
9) I can sing.
10) I can still tap dance.
11) I can do a cart wheel.
12) I can float like I am lying on a lilo (without a lilo) and go to sleep doing so.
I am just so dang talented.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Perfect moment.
I know I should post about something like my wedding or the birth of J etc but OK they are pretty amazing moments but not perfect. I think it all depends on your definition of perfect.
Even on the shittiest day imaginable I can have a perfect moment because to me a perfect moment is a moment out of time that just fills you to the brim with a sense of ease, contentment and bliss. Some days I have lots of perfect moments.
I like to think that moments that feel that good shouldn't be confined to monumental events or even only to days where you are happy - they should crop up, here and there even on the grumpiest or most mundane day.
Here are some examples of moments that I think are perfect;
A little chunk of pure peace and quiet with just the birdies in the background - when you can take a couple of minutes just to listen to them sing.
A well made, perfect temperature cuppa after a couple of hours of madness - the sink into a comfy chair, put your trotters up and just be still and relish your brew.
Finding a poem that moves you or relates to something you think or feel - the same can be said of music. Sometimes 10 minutes just doing nothing but being carried off by a piece of music can be sublime.
Hugs! I love to be hugged. M does the best hugs ever.
I love it when M and I have the chance to go out alone - no kids or dogs - just us. To go somewhere with no time limits and be together - pure bliss. Hand holding adds bonus bliss.
But my favourite moments are moments when you suddenly realise, no matter what you are doing or where you are, that right in that second, you are totally 100% content and life could, right then and there, not get any better. Doesn't matter if that lasts seconds, minutes or hours - it is recognising it and feeling it that counts.
Even on the shittiest day imaginable I can have a perfect moment because to me a perfect moment is a moment out of time that just fills you to the brim with a sense of ease, contentment and bliss. Some days I have lots of perfect moments.
I like to think that moments that feel that good shouldn't be confined to monumental events or even only to days where you are happy - they should crop up, here and there even on the grumpiest or most mundane day.
Here are some examples of moments that I think are perfect;
A little chunk of pure peace and quiet with just the birdies in the background - when you can take a couple of minutes just to listen to them sing.
A well made, perfect temperature cuppa after a couple of hours of madness - the sink into a comfy chair, put your trotters up and just be still and relish your brew.
Finding a poem that moves you or relates to something you think or feel - the same can be said of music. Sometimes 10 minutes just doing nothing but being carried off by a piece of music can be sublime.
Hugs! I love to be hugged. M does the best hugs ever.
I love it when M and I have the chance to go out alone - no kids or dogs - just us. To go somewhere with no time limits and be together - pure bliss. Hand holding adds bonus bliss.
But my favourite moments are moments when you suddenly realise, no matter what you are doing or where you are, that right in that second, you are totally 100% content and life could, right then and there, not get any better. Doesn't matter if that lasts seconds, minutes or hours - it is recognising it and feeling it that counts.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
52 Books - 21 and 22
The Host by Stephanie Meyer.
Format - Kindle.
OMG how much do I love this book? It is a little slow going at first but once it gathers pace it is brilliant. I prefer it to her 'Twilight' books by far (and I love the Twilight books). I loved this twist on an old sci-fi favourite 'body snatchers'. The development of the symbiotic relationship of the two main characters is really good and although you start disliking the alien by the end you are willing for her survival in some way. I really could not put this down - not for anything.
I'm sure Hollywood will put it in a film and bollix it up - but I wish they wouldn't it is far too good for that - but then that didn't stop them ruining Jane Austen's stuff did it?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Format - Audio book.
This is an old download from when I got my first ever iPod -I have no idea who narrates it - it sounds a bit like Gerladine McEwan but whoever it is they do a first class job.
I love this book. I hated it when I read it for my English Literature O'level but when I revisited it as an adult I found a story that I never grow tired off. I'm not usually a big fan of first person narration but it works so well here - is seamless - that I forget it as I get lost in the story. The narrator puts hope, youth, loss and lethargy across within her characterisation so well, you can visualise it in your mind perfectly. It really is a wonderful place to get lost in for a few hours.
Aside from the audio presentation it is a story I can read over and over again in book form. My copy is seriously battered. From the opening pages with the Reed children and Aunt Reed, all through her school years and the death of Helen Burns, the growing romance, the Gothic madness to being lost on the moors, I am entranced.
I've made myself want to read it again now.....perhaps I should try the version called Jane Slayer which I've recently downloaded on to my Kindle instead?
Format - Kindle.
OMG how much do I love this book? It is a little slow going at first but once it gathers pace it is brilliant. I prefer it to her 'Twilight' books by far (and I love the Twilight books). I loved this twist on an old sci-fi favourite 'body snatchers'. The development of the symbiotic relationship of the two main characters is really good and although you start disliking the alien by the end you are willing for her survival in some way. I really could not put this down - not for anything.
I'm sure Hollywood will put it in a film and bollix it up - but I wish they wouldn't it is far too good for that - but then that didn't stop them ruining Jane Austen's stuff did it?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Format - Audio book.
This is an old download from when I got my first ever iPod -I have no idea who narrates it - it sounds a bit like Gerladine McEwan but whoever it is they do a first class job.
I love this book. I hated it when I read it for my English Literature O'level but when I revisited it as an adult I found a story that I never grow tired off. I'm not usually a big fan of first person narration but it works so well here - is seamless - that I forget it as I get lost in the story. The narrator puts hope, youth, loss and lethargy across within her characterisation so well, you can visualise it in your mind perfectly. It really is a wonderful place to get lost in for a few hours.
Aside from the audio presentation it is a story I can read over and over again in book form. My copy is seriously battered. From the opening pages with the Reed children and Aunt Reed, all through her school years and the death of Helen Burns, the growing romance, the Gothic madness to being lost on the moors, I am entranced.
I've made myself want to read it again now.....perhaps I should try the version called Jane Slayer which I've recently downloaded on to my Kindle instead?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Alfie and the Bonsai.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Eye Contact.
I used to work with someone who thought it was important to stare you straight in the eyes when he spoke to you. I am no shrinking violet but I found this most uncomfortable and awkward because, firstly, I couldn't stand the bloke and secondly I was aware of my eyes not being able to hold his and this made me feel like he would think I had something to hide or was dishonest or something. I hated getting cornered by him but as he was the bosses son and my direct superior it happened most days. To this day I still dislike someone staring directly into my eyes. I don't find it an act of honesty - I think it is fuckin rude and can feel intimidating.
But as with everything there is one exception to the rule;- kitties. Everything is better with kitties.
I love the trust of a kitty when it looks directly at you and then does one slow, long blink. From what I've read this is cat body language for reassurance. All my cats of have done it and one of the best things is if you blink at them first and then they blink back at you. It feels kind of good.
Because I've always done this with my kitties I must have also done it with puppies (I was never aware that I did) until the day I realised that I had slow blinked at Lottie and she responded in kind! It probably doesn't mean the same to her, but it is a taught behaviour and she quite often blinks back at us and at Conkers too. Fergus hasn't picked up on it....yet....and I don't know if he will. But I think cos Lottie was such a hyper mad puppy I must have done it as a calming reassurance thing with her - Fergus being a good calm pup didn't need it.
The only creatures allowed to look me straight in the eyes for a sustained period are kitties and Lottie - everyone else.....look away or I'll change my name to Medusa.
But as with everything there is one exception to the rule;- kitties. Everything is better with kitties.
I love the trust of a kitty when it looks directly at you and then does one slow, long blink. From what I've read this is cat body language for reassurance. All my cats of have done it and one of the best things is if you blink at them first and then they blink back at you. It feels kind of good.
Because I've always done this with my kitties I must have also done it with puppies (I was never aware that I did) until the day I realised that I had slow blinked at Lottie and she responded in kind! It probably doesn't mean the same to her, but it is a taught behaviour and she quite often blinks back at us and at Conkers too. Fergus hasn't picked up on it....yet....and I don't know if he will. But I think cos Lottie was such a hyper mad puppy I must have done it as a calming reassurance thing with her - Fergus being a good calm pup didn't need it.
The only creatures allowed to look me straight in the eyes for a sustained period are kitties and Lottie - everyone else.....look away or I'll change my name to Medusa.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
52 Books - 17, 18, 19 and 20 - bumper crop!
Morning peeps - gosh that wind is little brisk. I got quite chilly pegging out the washing - back to brrrrrr.
Thought I'd better catch up with this as it has been a little neglected.
Book 17 - Sense Sensibility and Sea Monsters - by JA and Ben. H. Winters.
Format - Kindle.
OK so I loved and I mean really loved 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' - so I was looking forward to this like you would not believe, but oh boy did I struggle with it. If I'm honest 'S & S' is not my favourite Austen but I don't dislike it, I've just read it less than the others. The addition of sea monsters didn't freshen it up or make it more exciting, if anything, I thought it made a slow book, well, slower. The humour didn't come through the way it did in 'P & P & Zombies' at all in that you could still hear the original text with its original humour under the addition of the zombies, but Eleanor et al were lost within this ridiculous setting. There were some things that worked but I honestly think they tried too hard. Tedious, very, very tedious.
Book 18 - Far from the Madding Crowd - by Thomas Hardy.
Format - Audio book - read by Martin Shaw.
Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.
Have always loved this book - not a massive fan of Hardy but this is my exception to the rule book. It works for me on every level. Martin Shaw really, really gets it. Good even reading and a little addition of dramatisation and vocalisation just adds to the whole thing. I could listen to this over and over again.
100% Excellent.
Book 19 - Perfect Proposal - by Katie Fforde
Format - Kindle.
I have a secret passion for feel good, humorous chick lit. There are times when ones of these genre of book are just the perfect pick me up and comfort food in literary form. Katie Fforde is a favourite provider. I have read all but one of her books - my late MIL started me off on reading this author and it was one of the few things we agreed on. I haven't read one of her books for a while but really felt in the mood for her brand of sensible but funny-ish heroines and this did not fail me.
There is a formula to her story telling but it doesn't get stale as she adds enough flavouring and humour to keep it all fresh. I really engage with her characters because she often makes them seem quite normal and not as dipsy, randy or stupid as a lot authors tend to make their characters in this genre of story telling. There have been times with other authors when I have thrown books down in disgust because they make their characters so dumb - (can't do that with a Kindle though - bit expensive) Katie Fforde has never done that to me. I have another of hers downloaded ready to go and am waiting for the perfect moment of need to indulge myself again.
Book 20 - Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - by J.K Rowling.
Format Audio Book - read by Stephen Fry.
Everyone (who likes them) has a favourite HP book and mine is the first one. It has wonderful associated memories of sharing it with a very young J at bedtime, it was such fun and so special as we both couldn't wait for the next chapter it led to a few late nights.
I have listened to this on audio books many times before and, for me, it never gets old. It is like a pair of old slippers and is perfect for some chill out knitting time when I want to escape the noise (especially of next doors toddling screamers). I love Stephen Fry's telling of the story he does it so well I actually forget it is him and just settle down and wallow in the fantasy.
I do know HP isn't every ones cup of tea - but I still enjoy all sorts of children's literature and the HP books were a great motivator for J to want to be able to read them for himself which then led him on to other authors. I bought them for him but they live in my book cupboard. I can't knock the books at all and think they a wonderful.
Thought I'd better catch up with this as it has been a little neglected.
Book 17 - Sense Sensibility and Sea Monsters - by JA and Ben. H. Winters.
Format - Kindle.
OK so I loved and I mean really loved 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' - so I was looking forward to this like you would not believe, but oh boy did I struggle with it. If I'm honest 'S & S' is not my favourite Austen but I don't dislike it, I've just read it less than the others. The addition of sea monsters didn't freshen it up or make it more exciting, if anything, I thought it made a slow book, well, slower. The humour didn't come through the way it did in 'P & P & Zombies' at all in that you could still hear the original text with its original humour under the addition of the zombies, but Eleanor et al were lost within this ridiculous setting. There were some things that worked but I honestly think they tried too hard. Tedious, very, very tedious.
Book 18 - Far from the Madding Crowd - by Thomas Hardy.
Format - Audio book - read by Martin Shaw.
Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.
Have always loved this book - not a massive fan of Hardy but this is my exception to the rule book. It works for me on every level. Martin Shaw really, really gets it. Good even reading and a little addition of dramatisation and vocalisation just adds to the whole thing. I could listen to this over and over again.
100% Excellent.
Book 19 - Perfect Proposal - by Katie Fforde
Format - Kindle.
I have a secret passion for feel good, humorous chick lit. There are times when ones of these genre of book are just the perfect pick me up and comfort food in literary form. Katie Fforde is a favourite provider. I have read all but one of her books - my late MIL started me off on reading this author and it was one of the few things we agreed on. I haven't read one of her books for a while but really felt in the mood for her brand of sensible but funny-ish heroines and this did not fail me.
There is a formula to her story telling but it doesn't get stale as she adds enough flavouring and humour to keep it all fresh. I really engage with her characters because she often makes them seem quite normal and not as dipsy, randy or stupid as a lot authors tend to make their characters in this genre of story telling. There have been times with other authors when I have thrown books down in disgust because they make their characters so dumb - (can't do that with a Kindle though - bit expensive) Katie Fforde has never done that to me. I have another of hers downloaded ready to go and am waiting for the perfect moment of need to indulge myself again.
Book 20 - Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - by J.K Rowling.
Format Audio Book - read by Stephen Fry.
Everyone (who likes them) has a favourite HP book and mine is the first one. It has wonderful associated memories of sharing it with a very young J at bedtime, it was such fun and so special as we both couldn't wait for the next chapter it led to a few late nights.
I have listened to this on audio books many times before and, for me, it never gets old. It is like a pair of old slippers and is perfect for some chill out knitting time when I want to escape the noise (especially of next doors toddling screamers). I love Stephen Fry's telling of the story he does it so well I actually forget it is him and just settle down and wallow in the fantasy.
I do know HP isn't every ones cup of tea - but I still enjoy all sorts of children's literature and the HP books were a great motivator for J to want to be able to read them for himself which then led him on to other authors. I bought them for him but they live in my book cupboard. I can't knock the books at all and think they a wonderful.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Weekend round up.
A friend who I've not seen for a couple of months popped in Friday to pick up some stuff and have a cuppa and it was lovely sitting and catching up. She's a fibre freak too - so there was plenty of chat, plus the babies adore her -lucky for us she loves them right back.
We all popped out to a wonderful local garden centre - had a nosy about and came home with a lovely twisted Hazel and a gorgeous pot. I have wanted one of these for ages - I've called him Alfie.
We finished the day with a lovely homemade lasagna and a very chilled bottle of white wine - sitting out in the evening sun. A truly wonderful and a relaxing day.
Sunday - I gave M the entire day off from chores and cooking. I thought it would be nice for him just to have a whole day to do whatever he wanted to do - as opposed to what happens most Sundays - he ends doing what 'needs' to be done. I enjoyed a chance to take over the kitchen - made a scrummy almond and cashew nut roast with a mixed salad and roast tatties. None left - they/we scoffed the lot.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Sunshine babies
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Faux Pas.
Hmmm don't know about 'faux pas' but I could win prizes for my ability to insert my foot into my mouth. I could recount endless examples of this talent....but I would rather talk about the how.
Sometimes, if I'm really honest, I am totally aware of what I am saying and I make a vocal gaff to provoke reaction or to piss someone off. I am petty like that. I can garner immense pleasure of saying something that can be taken as an innocent mistake or a deliberate prod. I'm not proud of this (well not always) but it is a part of my make up and I never claimed to be anything other than an arsehole.
However, I do quite often say something that I have no idea could be read the wrong way, normally due to thoughtlessness on my part or my hatred of awkward silences and the overwhelming need I get to fill the gap, which results in a 'blurt out the first thing that pops into my head' moment. Quite often I am so unaware that what I've said could be taken the wrong way, because I've said it in all innocence, and it is not till we get home and M comments or points out how my 'blurt' could be misconstrued that I realise what I've done. This happened this weekend, I had no idea that I might have said something that could be seen as a slight or rude to my SIL but when M told me I was horrified, it hadn't crossed my mind that she could have seen it that way! Hopefully she's known me long enough to realise that along with sometimes being an arsehole I balance it with being an idiot. Whatever though, it will be a case of least said soonest mended.
Perhaps I should just learn two skills to solve these aspects of my flawed character - 1) learn to let opportunities pass and be a nicer person and 2) learn to let others fill the silence or to let the silence flow and be comfortable with the awkwardness.
p.s I think some peeps take my posts to heart - a lot of what I type is tongue in cheek and I love to take the piss out of myself within my blog writing. Also I quite often get stumped with the Madhouse topics and type a load of ole bollocks just to make a post because my OCD will not let me miss one!
Sometimes, if I'm really honest, I am totally aware of what I am saying and I make a vocal gaff to provoke reaction or to piss someone off. I am petty like that. I can garner immense pleasure of saying something that can be taken as an innocent mistake or a deliberate prod. I'm not proud of this (well not always) but it is a part of my make up and I never claimed to be anything other than an arsehole.
However, I do quite often say something that I have no idea could be read the wrong way, normally due to thoughtlessness on my part or my hatred of awkward silences and the overwhelming need I get to fill the gap, which results in a 'blurt out the first thing that pops into my head' moment. Quite often I am so unaware that what I've said could be taken the wrong way, because I've said it in all innocence, and it is not till we get home and M comments or points out how my 'blurt' could be misconstrued that I realise what I've done. This happened this weekend, I had no idea that I might have said something that could be seen as a slight or rude to my SIL but when M told me I was horrified, it hadn't crossed my mind that she could have seen it that way! Hopefully she's known me long enough to realise that along with sometimes being an arsehole I balance it with being an idiot. Whatever though, it will be a case of least said soonest mended.
Perhaps I should just learn two skills to solve these aspects of my flawed character - 1) learn to let opportunities pass and be a nicer person and 2) learn to let others fill the silence or to let the silence flow and be comfortable with the awkwardness.
p.s I think some peeps take my posts to heart - a lot of what I type is tongue in cheek and I love to take the piss out of myself within my blog writing. Also I quite often get stumped with the Madhouse topics and type a load of ole bollocks just to make a post because my OCD will not let me miss one!
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Three early morning visitors
Monday, April 04, 2011
Monsters!
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Your knitting and crochet time.
Knitting and Crochet Blog Week.
Day seven: 3rd April. Your knitting and crochet time.
Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.
My 'crafting' time is dependent on what I feel like doing. If it is something complex then I will wait until I have peace and quiet (a fairly unusual occurrence around here) and sit undisturbed and concentrate. For this type of work, I either, sit, when the house is empty and next door are out, in the conservatory at the glass table, surrounded by dogs and kitties, listening and watching da birdies on the feeders or I hide away upstairs in my little corner of the bedroom with the door shut.
For everything else then it is happens wherever I happen to be - at home, travelling, waiting around for stuff and generally out and about. I do like a little outdoor knitting in good weather. Sewing and spinning tend to take place at home either in the craft/crap room or sitting at my desk upstairs. Embroidery and needlepoint tend to be in the conservatory - brilliant light and knitting and crochet - nothing better than my comfy leather recliner in the afternoon sun....though there is always the threat of a nap attack.
I don't 'craft' much in the evening as with a family and pets and life - I find it harder to settle and I like to read in the evenings. Afternoons are my favourite 'crafting' time and sometimes a little naughty 'crafting' (or it feels naughty to me as I should doing chores) on a weekend morning.
That's it. Managed to stick with it for a week - hurrah!
p.s The word 'crafting' makes me wanna puke.
Day seven: 3rd April. Your knitting and crochet time.
Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.
My 'crafting' time is dependent on what I feel like doing. If it is something complex then I will wait until I have peace and quiet (a fairly unusual occurrence around here) and sit undisturbed and concentrate. For this type of work, I either, sit, when the house is empty and next door are out, in the conservatory at the glass table, surrounded by dogs and kitties, listening and watching da birdies on the feeders or I hide away upstairs in my little corner of the bedroom with the door shut.
For everything else then it is happens wherever I happen to be - at home, travelling, waiting around for stuff and generally out and about. I do like a little outdoor knitting in good weather. Sewing and spinning tend to take place at home either in the craft/crap room or sitting at my desk upstairs. Embroidery and needlepoint tend to be in the conservatory - brilliant light and knitting and crochet - nothing better than my comfy leather recliner in the afternoon sun....though there is always the threat of a nap attack.
I don't 'craft' much in the evening as with a family and pets and life - I find it harder to settle and I like to read in the evenings. Afternoons are my favourite 'crafting' time and sometimes a little naughty 'crafting' (or it feels naughty to me as I should doing chores) on a weekend morning.
That's it. Managed to stick with it for a week - hurrah!
p.s The word 'crafting' makes me wanna puke.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Something to aspire to.
Knitting and Crochet Blog Week;
Day six: 2nd April. Something to aspire to.Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make bu can admire the result of those that have.
I have two aspirations one is to keep my WIP's (works in progress) at a controlled level, which means also controlling my STARTITUS issues and finishing things once they start to bore the tits off me. Personally, I really don't think this will ever happen but it does need to to enable to achieve aspiration number two which is.........
this. From Jane Sowerby's 'Victorian Lace Today' book. I dream of completing this lovely bit of lace.
Day six: 2nd April. Something to aspire to.Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make bu can admire the result of those that have.
I have two aspirations one is to keep my WIP's (works in progress) at a controlled level, which means also controlling my STARTITUS issues and finishing things once they start to bore the tits off me. Personally, I really don't think this will ever happen but it does need to to enable to achieve aspiration number two which is.........
Friday, April 01, 2011
Sock Blast.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Where are they now?
Knitting and Crochet Blog week - day 4.
This post is meant to be about a project you've knit and what has happened to it.....gonna tweek it a little.
I have spent the last 40 minutes trying to find a photo/date/blog entry/Ravelry link for this item and I can't find a thing. I must have never blogged etc about it. I have no photos of it and as for where it is.....folded up on the end of my bed.
My 'Cozy'.
The pattern was published in Knitty in 2004 - I think I must have made mine 2005 ish. It is knit in Jaeger Trinity in a kind of weird green. I hated knitting it. I made so many mistakes - it was my first big lace project and it took me forever to finish it. I shoved it in a drawer and left it to fester, unblocked and unloved.
I don't remember when but I got cold one day and decided to use the 'Cozy' for what it was designed for. It is stretchy and versatile and warm. The bloody thing has been in almost constant use ever since. I love it. I'd be lost without it. It is very tatty now but I still turn to it when I am chilly more than anything else I own. It gets used as a giant scarf, a blankie and a wrap. I have attempted to make its replacement but have frogged each attempt - cos I still hate knitting it (quite a boring pattern) and the attempts never quite match up to my lovely scruffy and battered existing one. It has been camping, worn to a wedding and I took it to Bath with me last month. It has been washed and washed and washed and I still love it. It is like comfort food in knitted form. In fact I'm a little cold now - better go and liberate it from the end of the bed.
This post is meant to be about a project you've knit and what has happened to it.....gonna tweek it a little.
I have spent the last 40 minutes trying to find a photo/date/blog entry/Ravelry link for this item and I can't find a thing. I must have never blogged etc about it. I have no photos of it and as for where it is.....folded up on the end of my bed.
My 'Cozy'.
The pattern was published in Knitty in 2004 - I think I must have made mine 2005 ish. It is knit in Jaeger Trinity in a kind of weird green. I hated knitting it. I made so many mistakes - it was my first big lace project and it took me forever to finish it. I shoved it in a drawer and left it to fester, unblocked and unloved.
I don't remember when but I got cold one day and decided to use the 'Cozy' for what it was designed for. It is stretchy and versatile and warm. The bloody thing has been in almost constant use ever since. I love it. I'd be lost without it. It is very tatty now but I still turn to it when I am chilly more than anything else I own. It gets used as a giant scarf, a blankie and a wrap. I have attempted to make its replacement but have frogged each attempt - cos I still hate knitting it (quite a boring pattern) and the attempts never quite match up to my lovely scruffy and battered existing one. It has been camping, worn to a wedding and I took it to Bath with me last month. It has been washed and washed and washed and I still love it. It is like comfort food in knitted form. In fact I'm a little cold now - better go and liberate it from the end of the bed.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tidy mind, tidy stitches.....???
Knitting and Crochet Blog Week - post 3.
I first read the title as 'tiny mind' etc.
I don't have currents photos of my stash because it would be a nightmare to get the whole of it out and takes its picture but it is kind of organised or it was.
At one time I had an up to date list of all the yarn and fibre I owned and was in use and as I used stuff or added to it, I updated the list. This wonderful organised feeling last about 6 months. The list in now buried and woefully out of date. But I like the surprise element that my stash sometimes throws at me when I am having a good deep rummage.
I have 3 hinged baskets in my sitting room. They hold a couple of old UFO's and the relevant yarn for them. The also house my needles, hooks, patterns and sundries. They also are home to some fibre, spinning wheel bits and bobs, loom stuff and spindles and they are fairly organised. I can always lay my hands on what I need with ease.
I have a box in the lounge that keeps tidy the yarn and fibre for my current projects - so I can lay my hands on the next skein without a mega stash dive. My actual projects are kept in separate project bags so kept moth proof.
Everything else....? Is in the hall cupboard in 3 large crates and assorted other storage methods. I have one crate with all my most luscious and favourite stuff in (it hardly shuts), one with lesser yarn and hand spun and one with odds, sods and left over sock yarn. All the yarn is in individual zip lock bags to keep it protected. But it is a mammoth task liberating it and with a low door frame (it houses the tank and cylinder) I am guaranteed to bang my head every time. That might explain why I am so addlepatted.
It isn't perfect. In a perfect world I'd have a yarn room (full to the brim) with special glass fronted cupboards and oodles of space .......maybe one day.
I first read the title as 'tiny mind' etc.
I don't have currents photos of my stash because it would be a nightmare to get the whole of it out and takes its picture but it is kind of organised or it was.
At one time I had an up to date list of all the yarn and fibre I owned and was in use and as I used stuff or added to it, I updated the list. This wonderful organised feeling last about 6 months. The list in now buried and woefully out of date. But I like the surprise element that my stash sometimes throws at me when I am having a good deep rummage.
I have 3 hinged baskets in my sitting room. They hold a couple of old UFO's and the relevant yarn for them. The also house my needles, hooks, patterns and sundries. They also are home to some fibre, spinning wheel bits and bobs, loom stuff and spindles and they are fairly organised. I can always lay my hands on what I need with ease.
I have a box in the lounge that keeps tidy the yarn and fibre for my current projects - so I can lay my hands on the next skein without a mega stash dive. My actual projects are kept in separate project bags so kept moth proof.
Everything else....? Is in the hall cupboard in 3 large crates and assorted other storage methods. I have one crate with all my most luscious and favourite stuff in (it hardly shuts), one with lesser yarn and hand spun and one with odds, sods and left over sock yarn. All the yarn is in individual zip lock bags to keep it protected. But it is a mammoth task liberating it and with a low door frame (it houses the tank and cylinder) I am guaranteed to bang my head every time. That might explain why I am so addlepatted.
It isn't perfect. In a perfect world I'd have a yarn room (full to the brim) with special glass fronted cupboards and oodles of space .......maybe one day.
Wednesday Madhouse - Not enough
Not enough time,
Not enough wine,
Not enough of Mike's carbonara,
Not enough yarn,
Not enough socks,
Not enough books,
Not enough money,
Not enough relaxing,
Not enough playing,
Not enough music,
Not enough cheese,
Not enough colour,
Not enough sleep,
Not enough poetry,
Not enough deodorant.......phew
Not enough terriers and kitties,
Not enough space,
Not enough thinking.
Loads and loads of love though.
Not enough wine,
Not enough of Mike's carbonara,
Not enough yarn,
Not enough socks,
Not enough books,
Not enough money,
Not enough relaxing,
Not enough playing,
Not enough music,
Not enough cheese,
Not enough colour,
Not enough sleep,
Not enough poetry,
Not enough deodorant.......phew
Not enough terriers and kitties,
Not enough space,
Not enough thinking.
Loads and loads of love though.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Skill + 1UP
Day 2 of Knitting and Crochet Blog Week.
Today it's all about new things learnt in knitting and crochet over the past year. For me the last 12 months have been about acquiring new construction techniques particularly in lace knitting. I have had a go at Orenburg lace and that style of knitting a portion of the border first, then knitting the body and side border and finishing with the top border - it also covered garter stitch lace which I hadn't done much of and lace stitches in all rows. I've had a dabble with Estonain lace (my current lace project is in that style). I also had a good go at new techniques with knitted on borders (see above) and lace scarf construction (see below).
I find a lot of my knitting pleasure comes from learning how to make new things work. I like new cast on and bind offs and different ways of making garments more than learning styles of knitting.
This year I've also learnt to cable without a cable needle and to purl using a continental method that keeps the yarn at the back - can't for the life of me remember its proper name, learnt a lovely stretching cast/bind off perfect for lace knitting and worked hard to improve my stranded knitting too.
I want to carry on working on perfecting my lace knitting techniques and maybe try a few new sock construction ideas over the next 12 months. I'm pretty sure I'll find other things to get distracted by as well - that's the great thing about knitting there is always something new to find.
I find a lot of my knitting pleasure comes from learning how to make new things work. I like new cast on and bind offs and different ways of making garments more than learning styles of knitting.
I want to carry on working on perfecting my lace knitting techniques and maybe try a few new sock construction ideas over the next 12 months. I'm pretty sure I'll find other things to get distracted by as well - that's the great thing about knitting there is always something new to find.
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Tale of two yarns
It's Knitting and Crochet blog week - huzzah!
Todays post should be about a yarn you lurve and a yarn you abhor.
My most favourite yarn in the world ever - has to come from sock yarn as I knit more socks than anything else and it is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. I just adore it. I would like a massive pile of the stuff (more massive than I have) and I would like to wallow around nekkid in it. It makes great socks which wash well and are hard wearing and it has lovely stitch definition and it never makes my hands sore (some sock yarns do as they feel coarse until they are washed). They have the most amazing range of colours and I covet every skein that has ever been produced.
I haven't got a specific brand of yarn I dislike - I have types of yarn I dislike for example - yarn barf which is bobbly with bits on or fluffy or like ribbon. The main reason behind my dislike of yarn barf yarn is two fold. Firstly they are normally fookin pants to knit with - not easy to handle or splitty - stuff like that and secondly 99.9% of them, in my experience, squeak as you knit them. The kind of squeak that sets your teeth on edge and makes you shudder (similar effect to drinking cheap whiskey). It's like knitting with a mutant demented mouse that has been through a barf dispenser. Yuck.
P.S - Also most stuff knitted with yarn barf comes out looking pants cos the patterns written for this type of yarn (again IMHO) are total shit.
Todays post should be about a yarn you lurve and a yarn you abhor.
My most favourite yarn in the world ever - has to come from sock yarn as I knit more socks than anything else and it is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. I just adore it. I would like a massive pile of the stuff (more massive than I have) and I would like to wallow around nekkid in it. It makes great socks which wash well and are hard wearing and it has lovely stitch definition and it never makes my hands sore (some sock yarns do as they feel coarse until they are washed). They have the most amazing range of colours and I covet every skein that has ever been produced.
I haven't got a specific brand of yarn I dislike - I have types of yarn I dislike for example - yarn barf which is bobbly with bits on or fluffy or like ribbon. The main reason behind my dislike of yarn barf yarn is two fold. Firstly they are normally fookin pants to knit with - not easy to handle or splitty - stuff like that and secondly 99.9% of them, in my experience, squeak as you knit them. The kind of squeak that sets your teeth on edge and makes you shudder (similar effect to drinking cheap whiskey). It's like knitting with a mutant demented mouse that has been through a barf dispenser. Yuck.
P.S - Also most stuff knitted with yarn barf comes out looking pants cos the patterns written for this type of yarn (again IMHO) are total shit.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Last nights Border to Kitty conversation.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday Madhhouse - Getting caught.
This title has fried my noodle. I never got caught. Not smoking in the school grounds, not making out with a boyfriend, I never did shoplifting or any kind of stealing, I never smashed windows, did graffiti - in fact I can't think of anything where I got caught.
I thought through ways of twisting it - like getting caught in a long term (life term) relationship at 15 or catching a crafting bug or some other obsession but I truly cannot get inspired.
So, for the first time, I am bugging out of this weeks topic. Next weeks looks more inspiring.
I thought through ways of twisting it - like getting caught in a long term (life term) relationship at 15 or catching a crafting bug or some other obsession but I truly cannot get inspired.
So, for the first time, I am bugging out of this weeks topic. Next weeks looks more inspiring.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Labour of love in green
I am very happy with it now it's done - the ends need sewing in when it's blocked and dry. It is for me and I look forward to wearing it.
Tech bits of pattern/yarn etc can be found on Ravelry.
Books 14, 15 and 16.
The Dreamers Cat - Stephen Leather
This was the first book I read on my Kindle. It was a recommendation by my sister-in-law.
Not the worlds longest read or the hardest but definitely an intriguing one. It had a good paced plot, with lots of interesting changes of scenario but all the while keeping the main plot carrying forward. The main human character didn't have that much depth but his cat certainly did. I like Sci-fi but am not normally a fan of thrillers, the mix of genres in this story works really well and it added another dimension to the plot line.
I did work out the end before I reached it - that is the main reason I tend not to read thrillers I have an uncanny ability to suss them out really early into a book! I have another of this authors books downloaded ready to read - I hope it lives up to this one.
American Gods - Neil Gaiman.
I can never choose between this one and 'Neverwhere' . I love them both.
Revisiting this book was wonderful. I love Gaiman's tone and pace. His use of language and the overall weirdness of his story telling and Shadow is probably my favourite main character (though my real Gaiman favourites of all time are Vandemar and Croup).
One of the delights of this story is the uncovering of the old gods and the telling of what they are now and how they have merged into our society to survive - it is all very clever stuff.
I don't want to give too much away - for anyone who hasn't tried Neil Gaiman's books - 'American Gods' is a good place to start.
Immortal - Lauren Burd.
More vampires this week. What can I say about this Twilight/Vampire Diary hybrid?
Well I was taught that if you can't say anything nice - then say nothing.
"Nothing."
This was the first book I read on my Kindle. It was a recommendation by my sister-in-law.
Not the worlds longest read or the hardest but definitely an intriguing one. It had a good paced plot, with lots of interesting changes of scenario but all the while keeping the main plot carrying forward. The main human character didn't have that much depth but his cat certainly did. I like Sci-fi but am not normally a fan of thrillers, the mix of genres in this story works really well and it added another dimension to the plot line.
I did work out the end before I reached it - that is the main reason I tend not to read thrillers I have an uncanny ability to suss them out really early into a book! I have another of this authors books downloaded ready to read - I hope it lives up to this one.
American Gods - Neil Gaiman.
I can never choose between this one and 'Neverwhere' . I love them both.
Revisiting this book was wonderful. I love Gaiman's tone and pace. His use of language and the overall weirdness of his story telling and Shadow is probably my favourite main character (though my real Gaiman favourites of all time are Vandemar and Croup).
One of the delights of this story is the uncovering of the old gods and the telling of what they are now and how they have merged into our society to survive - it is all very clever stuff.
I don't want to give too much away - for anyone who hasn't tried Neil Gaiman's books - 'American Gods' is a good place to start.
Immortal - Lauren Burd.
More vampires this week. What can I say about this Twilight/Vampire Diary hybrid?
Well I was taught that if you can't say anything nice - then say nothing.
"Nothing."
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Avenue
Who has not seen their lover
Walking at ease,
Walking like any other
A pavement under trees,
Not singular,apart,
But footed, featured, dressed,
Approaching like the rest
In the same dapple of the summer caught;
Who has not suddenly thought
With swift surprise:
There walks in cool disguise,
There comes, my heart.
Frances Cornford (1886 - 1960)
Walking at ease,
Walking like any other
A pavement under trees,
Not singular,apart,
But footed, featured, dressed,
Approaching like the rest
In the same dapple of the summer caught;
Who has not suddenly thought
With swift surprise:
There walks in cool disguise,
There comes, my heart.
Frances Cornford (1886 - 1960)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Crafts
I grew up in a house full of crafts. My Mum sewed, knit, crocheted, made my ballet costumes and clothes, did macrame, made candles, baked, did embroidery and was always making crafty things for fund raisers and school fetes. She collected 'Golden Hands' and 'Craft' and turned her hand to most things in there at one time or another. I know this is where my love of crafts comes from and my older Sister and I were encouraged to try stuff out and learn new skills. Despite this, it was my Sister who taught me knit, not my Mum. One birthday K bought me a knitting pattern (dolls clothes) and needles - she got me a tape measure and made a felt case for it and made me a sewing needle case with needles and a thimble in and some little scissors but the best part of her gift is she took me to a yarn shop in town (Castle Square, Brighton) and bought me yarn - in skeins (which I'd never seen before) - to make the pattern for my doll. I still have the pattern. We came home and together we wound up the wool.
I did knit as a child, K showed me the basics, I used to make shapes up, guessing how to increase and decrease. My Barbie had a lovely selection of garters stitch halter tops (child of the 70's) in a bright lilac colour, but I didn't love knitting for a long time. Even as a young adult I prefer to sew or do needlepoint or crochet. I became a sporadic knitter.
After J was born I discovered patchwork - spent 3 years going to classes - loved it. Went to shows made numerous quilts, cushions, spent almost every free indoor minute working on it. But, isn't there always a but? Too much of a good thing, studying with the OU and preferring machine piecing (at that time) meant I started to fall out of love with patchwork and quilting. Around this time I rediscovered knitting - we were going on a canal holiday and I wanted to take something portable with me for the evenings to keep my hands and mind occupied. There was a trend for big yarn and big needles (one of my previous issues with knitting was everything, other than baby stuff, took too long) I bought some supplies and pattern and had a 'eureka' knitting moment on the Kennet Avon canal. T'was a rediscovered skill that became a passion. At first I had to badger my Mum quite a bit as I was very rusty with my skills, but then I discovered Knitty and other online resources and off I went.....quite funny really as now Mum picks my brains.
I still do other crafts - including patchwork when the mood takes me. And I am still surrounded by crafts as Mum makes cards and M has his pottery and drawing. At the moment J shows no interest in any craft, perhaps it may skip a generation or it may just be taking its time and sneaking up on him.
I don't know how people live without making stuff and crafting, it has always been such a part of who I am, I'd be lost without it.
I did knit as a child, K showed me the basics, I used to make shapes up, guessing how to increase and decrease. My Barbie had a lovely selection of garters stitch halter tops (child of the 70's) in a bright lilac colour, but I didn't love knitting for a long time. Even as a young adult I prefer to sew or do needlepoint or crochet. I became a sporadic knitter.
After J was born I discovered patchwork - spent 3 years going to classes - loved it. Went to shows made numerous quilts, cushions, spent almost every free indoor minute working on it. But, isn't there always a but? Too much of a good thing, studying with the OU and preferring machine piecing (at that time) meant I started to fall out of love with patchwork and quilting. Around this time I rediscovered knitting - we were going on a canal holiday and I wanted to take something portable with me for the evenings to keep my hands and mind occupied. There was a trend for big yarn and big needles (one of my previous issues with knitting was everything, other than baby stuff, took too long) I bought some supplies and pattern and had a 'eureka' knitting moment on the Kennet Avon canal. T'was a rediscovered skill that became a passion. At first I had to badger my Mum quite a bit as I was very rusty with my skills, but then I discovered Knitty and other online resources and off I went.....quite funny really as now Mum picks my brains.
I still do other crafts - including patchwork when the mood takes me. And I am still surrounded by crafts as Mum makes cards and M has his pottery and drawing. At the moment J shows no interest in any craft, perhaps it may skip a generation or it may just be taking its time and sneaking up on him.
I don't know how people live without making stuff and crafting, it has always been such a part of who I am, I'd be lost without it.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Well really
I've been a little remiss with my blogging - just books and madhouse really. It's not that I can't be asked, it's just although I am busy it is all stuff that is mundane and really not worth blogging about. Boring stuff like dental visits, vet visits, shopping, chores and so and so forth. I've been catching up on stuff that got overlooked or forgotten and other bits like clearing out drawers and cupboards which creates a mountain of recycling which seems to take forever to sort through. See really riveting.
I have been knitting and spinning and sewing but it is all stuff in progress - so no pictures or details really. One shawl got 80% of it's body knit in a week as I was determined to move it along but since that burst I've not had the time (due to so many bloomin appointments) to carry on with my massive push on it. I lost my sock mojo for a while (might have re found it now), the gnome gloves still need finishing.....I got distracted.
To make it worse I've put my neck out and am on pain killers which make me sleepy. I think I'll have to go back to the quack as it isn't getting better and I'm having problems sleeping too as I can't get comfortable.
I think I will, try, this week to waste less time faffing about (getting distracted) by all the pretty/blogs/knitting/FB/BTW and get some stuff moved along.
As I've nothing to show you here is a picture of a disgruntled Bo-bo - her expression very much mirrors my own right now.
"Who do you think you are a looking at Matey?"
I have been knitting and spinning and sewing but it is all stuff in progress - so no pictures or details really. One shawl got 80% of it's body knit in a week as I was determined to move it along but since that burst I've not had the time (due to so many bloomin appointments) to carry on with my massive push on it. I lost my sock mojo for a while (might have re found it now), the gnome gloves still need finishing.....I got distracted.
To make it worse I've put my neck out and am on pain killers which make me sleepy. I think I'll have to go back to the quack as it isn't getting better and I'm having problems sleeping too as I can't get comfortable.
I think I will, try, this week to waste less time faffing about (getting distracted) by all the pretty/blogs/knitting/FB/BTW and get some stuff moved along.
As I've nothing to show you here is a picture of a disgruntled Bo-bo - her expression very much mirrors my own right now.
Friday, March 11, 2011
52 Books - 12 and 13
Doing these two together because they are by the same author are 1 and 2 in the series and that's the way (uhuh-uhuh - I like it) I read them.
Vampire Diaries - The Awakening/The Struggle - L.J. Smith
I have, since my teens, loved vampires from my first ever reading of Bram Stoker aged about 13 which led me to read Anne Rice and so on.
In recent months I have read all the of the Twilight Saga (J calls them Twishite) and all of the current Sookie Stackhouse books and I know they are not erudite or profound by I loved them. And even though I'm not really into cinema or TV that much I have watched Trublood and seen the Twilight films - I have also watched Vampire Diaries (season 1 & as much of season 2 as they've shown so far) and I have loved all of these also. When ITV2 announced another Vampire Diary TV break I decided to give the books a ago, with some trepidation, as I had read review that they were very much more aimed at a teen audience than others but they were quite cheap on my Kindle so I downloaded 1 and 2 as I thought 2 books would give me a good taste.
I will not be downloading the rest. Sorry but me no likee. The book characters are not much like the TV ones and they didn't draw me in at.....not even Damon. I decided book Elena was stupid and couldn't engage with her personality and book Stefan needs a kick up the arse. They weren't scary, thrilling or even that romantic. In fact one word sums it up and that word is 'pants'.
Vampire Diaries - The Awakening/The Struggle - L.J. Smith
I have, since my teens, loved vampires from my first ever reading of Bram Stoker aged about 13 which led me to read Anne Rice and so on.
In recent months I have read all the of the Twilight Saga (J calls them Twishite) and all of the current Sookie Stackhouse books and I know they are not erudite or profound by I loved them. And even though I'm not really into cinema or TV that much I have watched Trublood and seen the Twilight films - I have also watched Vampire Diaries (season 1 & as much of season 2 as they've shown so far) and I have loved all of these also. When ITV2 announced another Vampire Diary TV break I decided to give the books a ago, with some trepidation, as I had read review that they were very much more aimed at a teen audience than others but they were quite cheap on my Kindle so I downloaded 1 and 2 as I thought 2 books would give me a good taste.
I will not be downloading the rest. Sorry but me no likee. The book characters are not much like the TV ones and they didn't draw me in at.....not even Damon. I decided book Elena was stupid and couldn't engage with her personality and book Stefan needs a kick up the arse. They weren't scary, thrilling or even that romantic. In fact one word sums it up and that word is 'pants'.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - Teachers.
Interesting subject from my perspective because I am not only the parent but am also the teacher. Not a teacher who works a class full of kidlets but a parent who chooses to educate otherwise or home educate her child.
This duel role can make for some challenging issues at times but it is also one of the most rewarding things I have ever undertaken. It is also one of the scariest too - especially now as we start to approach the age of exams and thinking about the future. There is no-one to shoulder this for us - we have to step up to the mark and make choices.
The positives of home educating and the dual role of parent and teacher are the same as all parents experience before their children enter the education system - it just lasts longer in a home ed situation. I see first hand everyday J's triumphs and his disasters - in fact these are both shared. If he fails, then it means I fail too etc. Over the years we have shared some amazing things amongst these are the most brilliant moments of all, the moments of distraction when a question or a comment sends us off on a tangent and we can be distracted by something new that neither of us knew about before.
I have learnt so much. I have learnt new ways of doing and learning, I have learnt to be more accepting, patient and open minded, I have learnt to say "Damn it, it's not working, lets do something different." And most importantly, for me, I have been there seeing J learn.
He isn't a genius, he's an average teen boy. But he has an enquiring mind and has learnt at his speed using things that interest him - we have both learnt together.
The pros of my dual role definitely outweigh the cons.
This duel role can make for some challenging issues at times but it is also one of the most rewarding things I have ever undertaken. It is also one of the scariest too - especially now as we start to approach the age of exams and thinking about the future. There is no-one to shoulder this for us - we have to step up to the mark and make choices.
The positives of home educating and the dual role of parent and teacher are the same as all parents experience before their children enter the education system - it just lasts longer in a home ed situation. I see first hand everyday J's triumphs and his disasters - in fact these are both shared. If he fails, then it means I fail too etc. Over the years we have shared some amazing things amongst these are the most brilliant moments of all, the moments of distraction when a question or a comment sends us off on a tangent and we can be distracted by something new that neither of us knew about before.
I have learnt so much. I have learnt new ways of doing and learning, I have learnt to be more accepting, patient and open minded, I have learnt to say "Damn it, it's not working, lets do something different." And most importantly, for me, I have been there seeing J learn.
He isn't a genius, he's an average teen boy. But he has an enquiring mind and has learnt at his speed using things that interest him - we have both learnt together.
The pros of my dual role definitely outweigh the cons.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
52 Books - 9, 10 and 11
Book 9 - King Arthur - Dragons Child by M K Hume.
I came across this book after reading Wibbo's review of it for her 52 books in 2010 (Wibbo's book blog here). It sounded like my sort of read so right at the beginning of the year I ventured into Brighton city centre and managed to find a copy in Waterstones. I am so glad I did. I read it in 2 days and I loved every page.
It is the legend of the Arthur but with a twist - Arthur is raised by a Roman family - this gives the book a whole different feel from the more traditionally told versions, but the difference really works, it actually makes it feel more real.
This is quite a dark and violent book in places and there some disturbing areas, however, it is part of the story and doesn't seem gratuitous. I like a book and that can shock within a good story without detracting from the tale and this book definitely does that.
I have the second book downloaded onto to my Kindle - but am saving it for when I need a really good, absorbing read and I also have time to loose myself for a couple of days.
Book 10 - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet.
Loved the TV series decided to read the book or should that be tome. It is a long book and not good for travelling, hence it took me a little longer to wade through. I did enjoy it though. There are subtle differences from the TV version but it was close enough. The details are there and didn't detract from the story telling - the feel of characters worked well, though, I did picture the actors as I read which I didn't like so much but can live with....who wouldn't mind picturing Rufus Sewell?
Not sure I'd bother with the follow up though. I liked book because of the series but am not so sure that Mr Follets style of writing is one I'd be too eager to revisit - that is just a personal thing though.
Book 11 - Sign of the Four - Arthur Conan Doyle.
This was another Holmes book that got missed from 2010's marathon. I downloaded this as a free audio book from LibriVox for knitting time. I loved it. It has to be one of the most intriguing and exciting Holmes stories I've read - I got an awful lot of knitting done as I was engrossed in the story. It seemed the word pictures of London and the River Thames were more vivid than in other longer Sherlock Holmes stories - perhaps Conan Doyle needed to pad out his word count - but for whatever reason it worked for me.
That's me all caught up with my books. I am happy that at week 9 - I have managed to post about 11 books and still have 4 in hand.
I am reading 3 books and listening to 1 at the moment. It's all looking OK to make 52 in a year so far.
I came across this book after reading Wibbo's review of it for her 52 books in 2010 (Wibbo's book blog here). It sounded like my sort of read so right at the beginning of the year I ventured into Brighton city centre and managed to find a copy in Waterstones. I am so glad I did. I read it in 2 days and I loved every page.
It is the legend of the Arthur but with a twist - Arthur is raised by a Roman family - this gives the book a whole different feel from the more traditionally told versions, but the difference really works, it actually makes it feel more real.
This is quite a dark and violent book in places and there some disturbing areas, however, it is part of the story and doesn't seem gratuitous. I like a book and that can shock within a good story without detracting from the tale and this book definitely does that.
I have the second book downloaded onto to my Kindle - but am saving it for when I need a really good, absorbing read and I also have time to loose myself for a couple of days.
Book 10 - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet.
Loved the TV series decided to read the book or should that be tome. It is a long book and not good for travelling, hence it took me a little longer to wade through. I did enjoy it though. There are subtle differences from the TV version but it was close enough. The details are there and didn't detract from the story telling - the feel of characters worked well, though, I did picture the actors as I read which I didn't like so much but can live with....who wouldn't mind picturing Rufus Sewell?
Not sure I'd bother with the follow up though. I liked book because of the series but am not so sure that Mr Follets style of writing is one I'd be too eager to revisit - that is just a personal thing though.
Book 11 - Sign of the Four - Arthur Conan Doyle.
This was another Holmes book that got missed from 2010's marathon. I downloaded this as a free audio book from LibriVox for knitting time. I loved it. It has to be one of the most intriguing and exciting Holmes stories I've read - I got an awful lot of knitting done as I was engrossed in the story. It seemed the word pictures of London and the River Thames were more vivid than in other longer Sherlock Holmes stories - perhaps Conan Doyle needed to pad out his word count - but for whatever reason it worked for me.
That's me all caught up with my books. I am happy that at week 9 - I have managed to post about 11 books and still have 4 in hand.
I am reading 3 books and listening to 1 at the moment. It's all looking OK to make 52 in a year so far.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Wednesday Madhouse - 2 for the price of 1.
I missed last week so I am attempting to play catch up this week.
23rd February - Insomnia.
I am a sporadic insomniac. Most of the time I sleep quite well, but when something is bothering me than it can, and often does, effect my sleep pattern. I find I have the personality type that has a night time brain; by this I mean that once awake, say for a bathroom trip, then if I am worried about something, my brain will suddenly ping into awake mode right in the middle of the night, quite often with no warning. I am a born worrier but during the day I can bury things or distract myself but at night even the smallest worry becomes magnified and sleep becomes a distant friend. M is good, he always tells me to wake him - but it's like waking an Oak tree in the dead of winter, he does try, but sleeping is his natural state!
I have strategies for these periods when I become sleepless. Sometimes I let my brain do its thang and wear itself out, but this can take hours. Sometimes I use meditation techniques and try and rebuild in the finest detail a favourite beach in Cyprus and sometimes I just wipe it out by building mental castles in the sky. These work about 60/40. On the the nights they don't I toss and turn, complain and give up and read a book knowing that tomorrow will see me wrecked and bad tempered (shhhh everyone who said "normal then ?").
I don't know how proper insomniacs manage - a couple of nights with bad sleep ruins about 10 days for me. I hope that I never get beyond the sporadic attacks that I get now.
2nd March - Fire
M is an amateur pyromaniac (something he had in common with my Dad), a love of burning stuff - bonfires, chiminea fire, bbq's - you name it and M loves it. If he had his way we'd have bonfires every night. I think then, it is a very good thing that he discovered Raku.
Raku is an ancient Japanese way of decorating biscuit fired pottery it involves (my technical knowledge is a little sketchy - I am not a potter) glazing the pot, heating it with a gas burner fired into a Raku kiln, lifting it out, glowing hot, very carefully with big, big tongs and then stuffing it into a reduction chamber - filled with all manner of combustible material - and shutting it in there to see what effects you get. If this works then this should link you to one of my favourite pieces of M's Raku - I love the rainbow flashes within the copper matt wash. If not this link goes to his blog and there are Raku, Naku and smoked fired pieces scattered about in there - all of the above use fire.
I've not tried Raku, me and pottery don't get on, but if you ever get the chance to see Raku taking place - grab it. The glowing hot fired pottery and then the burst of flame as it enters the reduction chamber is enough to stir the amateur pyromaniac in us all.
23rd February - Insomnia.
I am a sporadic insomniac. Most of the time I sleep quite well, but when something is bothering me than it can, and often does, effect my sleep pattern. I find I have the personality type that has a night time brain; by this I mean that once awake, say for a bathroom trip, then if I am worried about something, my brain will suddenly ping into awake mode right in the middle of the night, quite often with no warning. I am a born worrier but during the day I can bury things or distract myself but at night even the smallest worry becomes magnified and sleep becomes a distant friend. M is good, he always tells me to wake him - but it's like waking an Oak tree in the dead of winter, he does try, but sleeping is his natural state!
I have strategies for these periods when I become sleepless. Sometimes I let my brain do its thang and wear itself out, but this can take hours. Sometimes I use meditation techniques and try and rebuild in the finest detail a favourite beach in Cyprus and sometimes I just wipe it out by building mental castles in the sky. These work about 60/40. On the the nights they don't I toss and turn, complain and give up and read a book knowing that tomorrow will see me wrecked and bad tempered (shhhh everyone who said "normal then ?").
I don't know how proper insomniacs manage - a couple of nights with bad sleep ruins about 10 days for me. I hope that I never get beyond the sporadic attacks that I get now.
2nd March - Fire
M is an amateur pyromaniac (something he had in common with my Dad), a love of burning stuff - bonfires, chiminea fire, bbq's - you name it and M loves it. If he had his way we'd have bonfires every night. I think then, it is a very good thing that he discovered Raku.
Raku is an ancient Japanese way of decorating biscuit fired pottery it involves (my technical knowledge is a little sketchy - I am not a potter) glazing the pot, heating it with a gas burner fired into a Raku kiln, lifting it out, glowing hot, very carefully with big, big tongs and then stuffing it into a reduction chamber - filled with all manner of combustible material - and shutting it in there to see what effects you get. If this works then this should link you to one of my favourite pieces of M's Raku - I love the rainbow flashes within the copper matt wash. If not this link goes to his blog and there are Raku, Naku and smoked fired pieces scattered about in there - all of the above use fire.
I've not tried Raku, me and pottery don't get on, but if you ever get the chance to see Raku taking place - grab it. The glowing hot fired pottery and then the burst of flame as it enters the reduction chamber is enough to stir the amateur pyromaniac in us all.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Last bit of Bathy time fun.
We headed back to the hotel, after a visit to the Hawkins Bazaar shop to find a gift a for J, and rested our aching feet in the bar.
As a side note, I need to say that the Travelodge (Waterside) at Bath is brill. More hotel than most Travelodge with a lovely lounge area bar and waterside restaurant. The room was spotless, the staff were very helpful and friendly and the buffet brekkie was a winner with us both.
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