compare and contrast

The Clash - White Riot
vs
Li'l Chris

I know which one I like best!

every generation has their Jimmy Osmond

Li'l Chris

I have put this up here not for my own sake but for my lovely daughter Eva (aged 7) who loves this little lad. Now obviously it is something for the kids because it doesn't make much sense to me. It is so fake rock and roll and he is too small to reach the peddles of his big guitar. But, hey, I am a grown-up and these things are supposed to be a mystery. I guess every generation has their Jimmy Osmond.

Bruce Cockburn

I have been thinking about Bruce a lot since the London trip last week. Although I am still feeling pretty rubbish - I now have antibiotics - I want to cheer up. Perhaps it is just the January blues but I am feeling quite melancholic. Anyway, to cheer myself up I want to share this with you. It is not really a video - because there are no images, just the lyrics scrolling down the page. But, nevertheless it is a beautiful song and it made me cry (a little bit).

what's playing on my car stereo

The only way I can methodically listen to music at the moment is in the car. So, I try to change the CD's as often as possible. I need to be able to get to the point where I have heard the same songs over and over and have chosen my favourite tracks from each. I have just made a new selection.

The Gospel Truth - compilation of Gospel Music
The Beatles - Rubber Soul
Take That - Beautiful World
Michael Franti and Spearhead - Yell Fire
Gossip - Standing in the Way of Control
Randy Newman - Lonely at the Top

Philly J's Pop Blog

Phil Jackson has a blog!

It is, as expected, poptastic. He has, in just one day, managed to review more pop music than most people listen to in a year. That is what Saturdays are for. I have to say it is a relief to have Phil blogging because now I can keep the pop music real by popping into his world for advice. So, welcome aboard old friend and enjoy the ride.
xxxx

London

I have been to London. Thursday my mum came down to look after Eva whilst mark and I went into Town. I was still feeling coldy but I had been looking forward to our escape to the city for so long I threw caution to the wind. Mark and I had bought tickets to see Bruce Cockburn last Oct and to be honest I hadn't twigged that the gig was on a Thurs night until a few weeks ago. So, I was having to bunk off college (not that I crept away - I did tell my tutors - after all I am training to be a vicar I think proper bunking off would be pretty poor - it's not just Jesus who is watching me now!). Anyway, we had booked a hotel near to the venue - the Borderline - and we just got there in time to get a bite to eat and settle down. We managed to wedge ourselves into a corner which gave us a reasonably good vantage point - and it meant that I had a wall to lean against. I was still feeling rubbish so leaning was a very good idea.

Now, I love Bruce Cockburn, I have done since the late 1980's and he is has been one of my guilty pleasures because people who are cool take the p*** out of me for liking him (in the same way as they are mean about my love of U2). But now I am getting old and there is no hope of ever being cool I am less afraid of my geeky passions. I like all sorts of things that are not fashionable: profiteroles, flat shoes, comfy lounge pants, Bruce Cockburn, socialism, ready salted crisps, Crime watch, saabs, etc. I wonder if the problem cool people have with Bruce Cockburn is that he sings about things that you are not supposed to sing about in public - revolution, social justice, God, the mystery of faith, being very bad at being in love, and Iraq. He is not very good looking, he is now middle aged and has too many guitars. He is a bit of a loner and I am imagining a little testy. But I love him. He doesn't know this (and I don't want anyone to tell him).

Anyway, I loved the gig. Bruce was fab. He played some of my favourites - Wondering where the Lions are, and Mystery were particularly good. When I was younger I wanted to play the guitar like Bruce. I have only managed to be an ok rhythm guitarist and that's ok, but I still dream I can finger pick quick. There were quite a few Greenbelt faces in the audience. Which was good to see. If only Bruce could come to Greenbelt again. Those were the days!

After the gig I was too tired to go out to a club so we went back to out hotel via a waffle shop! Friday we went down Oxford Street for a mosey about. Bought nothing (no money) but had a good walk. Then too a tube to the National Theatre because I wanted to see the exhibition of Joan Littlewood/The Arts of the Theatre Workshop. They don't make theatre like this anymore! Phil Christopher and I directed Oh What a Lovely War when I was pregnant with Eva. Blimey that seems such a long time ago. We then went to the Barbican to an exhibition - The Face of History: European Photographers in the 20th Century. It was an amazing collection of work, different styles and themes, various techniques and subjects. But, there was too much for one visit and we left feeling quite exhausted. If you go take a long time and go for a coffee at least once. You need to give your eyes/brain a rest.

So, it was a fun packed couple of days of culture. I really needed to have an injection of the real world. And I got it. The pushy, restless spin of London has taken what was left of my coldy body and wrung me out. I didn't got to Morris dancing. I didn't go to Andrew Hargreaves party. I went to bed and didn't wake up until 10am this morning. Eva and I have been watching DVD's and are just off to Tesco! Mark is working at Spappy Snaps, White Ladies Road. I feel like a wet lettuce. Hey Ho.

missing college - strangely thawed

I am at home today with a little cold. I am feeling like I am missing out on college. I tried to do common worship morning prayer on my own but it was a bit sad and lonely. It is cold and I have a fuzzy head. Anyway, today's psalm was psalm 147 which contains this:

16He sends forth his command to the earth •
and his word runs very swiftly.

17He gives snow like wool •
and scatters the hoarfrost like ashes.

18He casts down his hailstones like morsels of bread; •
who can endure his frost? R

19He sends forth his word and melts them; •
he blows with his wind and the waters flow.

Which speaks to me in many ways - obviously about the inclement weather - but also about when things feel bound up, frozen and static God sends his word to melt these things away. Which is exactly what this passage has done. Although I feel crap and out of touch in my bed at home I also feel strangely connected to people because I know they read these words today.

I am doing some reading about Revelation. Which is interesting. I am also reading Heat magazine. Just to keep it in the mix! I hope I don't get the two mixed up...

Christmas at the Loudons

Watching TV - I don't know what was so interesting but it must have been good!

Just look at Joe as Santa (a little tradition has emerged that the person who dishes out the pressies from under the tree has to wear the santa outfit). This year it was Joe's turn.

Places I have been

create your own visited countries map

whole sways of the planet I haven't visited! Blimey must get out more before the fossil fuel runs out...

Thanks to Liz Hassall for the inspiration.

Jesus Pets

With freakish coincidence both Augean Stabletalk and Tim Summers put me on to this organisation quite independently in the last 24hrs. Just in case you have been wondering what to do with your pets after the rapture here are some people to help. See what you think!

Their site reads:

"What is JesusPets?

Who is going to care for your pets after you are raptured into heaven?

Many Christians believe that animals do not go to heaven. So when Jesus comes back and you return with him to heaven, will there be somebody to take care of your dog or cat?

If you have a non-Christian family member, they might take care of your pet, but if not, have you made any plans? Imagine being taken to streets of gold while your dog starves to death walking around in his own feces trapped in your small house or apartment, subject to fire and earthquakes or even being eaten by heathens searching for any remaining morsel of food. Do you want that to happen?

With the imminent collapse of the global economy and rampant godlessness, even the community shelters will not have the resources to care for your poor, hungry animals. So you need to make preparations.

That’s what JesusPets is for. We are assembling a community of heathen pet-lovers to care for pets that are “left-behind.” We are coordinating with feed mills and kennels in preparation for your post-apocalyptic pet care needs."

I am not sure I want a group of 'heathen pet lovers' looking after my Benny when I am gone. Blimey, is there no end to what people will spend their money on?

Morrising

Pigsty Morris, dancing at Blaise Castle

Yes, as you may well have guessed Liz Hassall and I went Morris Dancing on Friday night. Some people (bigdaddystevieb being one of them) have raised a few issues with ordinands dancing the Morris. I can assure you that any Morrising that is danced in the twenty first century is done without any pagan intention. Most Morris dances that exist today have more in common with Victorian obsessions with ideal notions of English 'folk' than with dangerous pagan rites. Cecil Sharpe was an effective collector of the English folk song and dance and most of what we see and hear today is down to him and his contemporaries.

Anyway, we went to the Kelvin Players rehearsal rooms/theatre, off the Gloucester Rd, for a Morris Dancing taster session led by Pigsty Morris. They were great enthusiasts and made the dances look very easy (I can assure you they weren't). The best thing about the group was their generosity and ability to include us. I realised quite how unfit I am - but I am at least co-ordinated so I didn't cause any injury with my stick. I danced with a stick! My hands are still sore because one of the pigsty morrisers was a bit rough and repeatedly hit my stick too hard. It was the bouncing that got me (I think I might need a slightly firmer bra). You have to bounce a lot.

I really have had a very exciting week. But today I am paying the price for my exuberance. I have sore legs, the soles of my feet feel like they have been slapped with twigs repeatedly, my arms hurt and my hands are very weak and red (they also have required quite a lot of hand cream to make them soft). So, I am having a well earned early night.

venus bogardus

I knew Charity would come up trumps. The band we saw last night was venus bogardus and thanks to Charity I have been able to check out their myspace site. If anyone in Liverpool is interested in seeing them they are playing The Cavern on 27 March. As Charity says they are worth catching for the drummer alone!



If you are wondering what I got up to tonight...I will keep you guessing! Sticks were also involved...

blind date

A while ago I blogged about missing Liverpool. It's not that I don't like Bristol, far from it, but it would be great if Liverpool and Bristol were a bit closer and I could pop back and see my old friends more often. If we could somehow merge the two cities that would be even better. Anyway, Charity was very supportive and helped me through this minor crisis. But, even more that this she has had some useful practical solutions. So, last night Charity took me out last night on blind date (obviously I knew she was the dater but I had no idea what the date would be). I have to admit was a bit scared...

But I needn't have been. We went to the Louisiana to listen to see a few lovely loud bands. I haven't been to see a band for ages (apart from the brief encounter with Orson in Oct - see previous post). So, it was great. I can't remember who we saw (and I can't check because the website is down). But I can tell you that the bassist of the first band (a girl) had very small hands and a slightly squeaky voice. They were quite good - but they had too many ideas! Which would have been ok had they not tried to put all of these ideas into all their songs at once. It was a bit of a muddle. The second band (the one we had come to see) were great. Again they had a female bassist but she shared the lead with the guitarist (who I believe is her husband - and was wearing a new pair of Dr Martins). She had well proportioned hands, and their vocals were great together. They were better together than apart (perhaps a metaphor for marriage?). I liked their 90's sound. They had some great tunes with well thought through coherent ideas. Shame I can't remember their name. I am sure Charity will comment on this and let us know.

In front of me was a young man wearing very baggy jeans who seemed to be otherwise entirely fashioned from wool. He was struggling with a camcorder that was set too high for him. It kept me amused watching him try to find things in is baggy pockets and stand on tippy toes to see the viewfinder.

I had a great time, so thank you so much Charity. I missed the last band because I needed to get home to bed. I am sure Charity will report on the last bands performance. I felt oddly refreshed by being outside of the college environment and doing something different. What used to be a weekly (sometimes nightly) event for me has become something 'different'. Wow, how times have changed!

I am off on another adventure tonight with Liz Hassell (my studymate). I won't tell you what it is but I will tell you it involves bouncing, bells and hankies!

Dream Lectio

Since the beginning of Advent I have been trying to follow Liverpool's Dream Community 'Dream Lectio'.

The point being:
1. This is a new and very simple blog. ‘Dream Lectio’ (based on the ancient monastic practise of meditative reflective reading)
2. Every day there is a very short bible passage posted onto it. As it was advent when we began, we started with Matthew and are working our way through the New Testament.
3. Occasionally there will be a particular tool or approach to bible reading and study.
4. Whenever anyone has a thought, questions, insight, frustration, etc they can add it as a comment on that day’s post, for others to read and respond to. Ground rules are that nothing is too simple to ask or to outrageous and heretical to express. Everyone’s contribution is valuable.

It has been an interesting way of doing both private mediation and a virtual bible study. Do give it a go.

too busy to blog

I am rushed off my feet.
8.40am - Chapel (which went over 10mins which compromised my ability to get a cup of tea before the lecture)
9.20am - Church History
12.10pm - get packed lunch and off to placement at one25 (I had to miss Sickness, Healing and Dying lecture because I had pre-booked my placement and couldn't swop shifts)
12.30 - 4.30pm - double session at one25 (making lots of tea, dishing out food and cake, watching films and chatting)
5pm - back at college - just enough time to update the foundation website
6pm - just off to catch my tea (chicken pie - I think) in the dinner hall at Trinity
7pm - lecture - Christian Doctrine
10pm - home
11pm - bed (I hope!)

It's all go being an ordinand.
So, I am obviously too busy to blog...

mark's birthday

My mum came over yesterday so Mark and I could go out for his birthday treat. We went out for a meal at Plantation - which provided 'a taste of the Caribbean'. It was very tasty - I had my first Bristolian curried goat, which I had to say matched anything I have had in Liverpool - tender and smooth. The rice and peas were fantastic. We plumped for the buffet which meant we were able to mix all sorts of flavours and could keep going back for the best bits.

We then went to Cribbs Causeway to vue cinema. Now, call me old fashioned but going to the cinema shouldn't be this sterile. I hated everything about this venue. The loos were grim, there were too many security guards, the nachos were nasty looking, the popcorn had been made a long time ago, and the auditorium was very messy. Cinema entertainment should be a special thing not a dirty, smelly, slightly menacing experience.

Anyway, we went to see Apocalypto. Which is one of the loudest films I have ever seen (the other very loud film 'I have ever seen' was King Kong, which oddly enough provoked similar emotions in me). I found it rather pointless. It was, in cinematic terms, compelling and visually spectacular. But I am not sure what the point was. It was rather like Mad Max. But, set in the past, in south America, with subtitles. The chase scenes were the same, the blood and gore was the same and the apocalyptic vision was a direct echo. Anyway, Mel Gibson's recent arrest hasn't done the profile of this film any favours and if this showing was anything to go by punters aren't flooding to the screenings. In fact we only went because Casino Royale had sold out.

My mum was waiting up for us when we finally got in at midnight (it was very long)! But Mark was happy, we had had a good evening. No arguments, good food and a film that got us talking!

Today we have had a restful day. We didn't make it to church because we knew that both of us could go to Foundation (Mum is staying until tomorrow). Eva had a nasty cough so in the end Mark and I went on our own to see Annabel, Rupert, Walter and the new baby Morgan. She is so cute, she smells lovely and was very content. I am pleased to say that Annabel was quite well which is a relief. When we got back I cooked a huge roast beef dinner. Joe had made a fantastic chocolate mouse for pudding. Yum Yum.

After foundation, which was an interesting reflection led by Ian McColl, we went to the Highbury Vaults for little half then home for a reasonably early night. I am off to a crematorium and funeral directors tomorrow (compulsory elements of the 'sickness healing and dying' course I am taking as part of my ordination training). So, I would like a clear and refreshed head in the morning.

Rex the Dog & Punk Monkey sing The Sounds 'Tony The Beat'

I have just started listening to the Sounds and think they are fab. Pop Justice have featured Rex the Dog & Punk Monkey on their latest posting so I am sharing this mix of Tony the Beat with you. The other video is the original Sounds edit. The Sounds myspace is cracking.

The Sounds 'Painted by Numbers'

tired but happy

This is a picture of (left to right) Joe, Harriet and Elise - taken over Christmas. There are some more pictures of the fantastic teenagers on Mark's site. They drank all our beer, they ate all the food, they made a lot of noise and hogged the tv but I miss them.



We have had a plenary week at Trinity this week. Which has meant that the ordinands have had a chance to spend some time together looking at issues relating to ethnicity, worship, music, and work with young people and children. It has been a pretty packed week. But it has made me think about what is ahead of me - what kind of work I will end up doing in a parish? What am I equipping myself for? At the moment I am just trying hard to take in as much theology and practical skills based stuff as possible because I have no idea what my ministry will be like. The more I do, the more I take in, the more I experience of faculty and colleagues, the more I realise I have so much to learn. There has not be a day since I got here that I have not been challenged. Which is great, but oh so tiring.

Apart from all the useful and inspiring things I have learnt during the sessions this week has been great because I got to see just how talented, clever, generous and kind people here are. These people are going to be vicars one day and the are all fantastic. I don't always agree with them and I am sure they don't always agree with me. But seeing people work together this week, sharing our ideas, and just having a laugh has been so edifying. I am so tired though. I couldn't get up this morning and I really should be finishing off an essay. But I have a headache (too many big ideas went into 'poor old brain' this week...it has expanded and is touching the sides of my skull).

This weekend is a bit packed. My mum is coming over to babysit so that I can take Mark out for a birthday treat on Saturday (he is ** on Sunday). I don't know what to get him for his birthday though. Any suggestions please do email me.

Hopefully we will get to see Annabel and Rupert's new baby girl (Morgan) on Sunday. I can't wait - I love new baby's they are all soft and small and they smell so lovely (if they are kept clean - and I am sure Annabel and Rupert keep their baby clean). Eva loves playing with their eldest Walter so it will be great to see them.

Tonight I am off to Tara's for 'femdation' dinner (the ironic female wing of foundation). Though I have to say I am pretty whacked so I am not sure if I am going to be much fun. Perhaps I will pick up later.

To the Students of the Workers' and Peasants' Faculty

So there you sit. And how much blood was shed
That you might sit there. Do such stories bore you?
Well, don't forget that others sat before you
who later sat on people. Keep your head!
Your science will be valueless, you'll find
And learning will be sterile, if inviting
Unless you pledge your intellect to fighting
Against all enemies of all mankind.
Never forget that men like you got hurt
That you might sit here, not the other lot.
And now don't shut your eyes, and don't desert
But learn to learn, and try to learn for what.

Brecht


I have been thinking about the privilege of learning. Particularly the sort of learning I am engaged with at the moment. I am tired and challenged but it is easy to take what I have here for granted.

back safe and sound

Well we are home. Tired and happy. Happy because we had a fantastic time away. The panto was great. I really can recommend pantos. This one was Cinderella at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking Staring Patrick Duffy (Dallas, Man From Atlantis), Susan Hampshire (Monarch of the Glen) and Paul Zerdin. Paul Zerdin was the best thing in it. His little friend Sam was very cheeky. I laughed so much I nearly burst. Anyway, my Mum had a fab time - this is was her birthday treat. This was Eva's first panto - and she loved it.

Friday we went to Liverpool. I hadn't realised how much I had missed home until we stopped for tea just before we got into town. I was quite apprehensive and not sure how I felt about going back. We drove past our old house and the street was strangely clean (is it possible that the litter that blew about the street when we lived there was all down to us? Oh no that can't be true!). It was odd not having somewhere to go home to. Being a stranger in your own city is very odd. I haven't had that feeling for a long time. Thank goodness we have such hospitable friends who just took us in and made us feel so welcome. Home from home. Bob and Sue were great. Made us tea, let us invite people round for drinks and chilling out. And lying about on Andrea's sofas was just like the 'old days'.

Eva stayed with Matt and Kate so she could play with Maddie and Gracie. We all went to the Unity show The Tinderbox on Saturday afternoon. Which was suitably dark but very good. The music was fantastic and I really liked the design. Our lot seemed to have a good time. I think children like to be scared just a little bit (but not too much). Don't we all? I was so knackered when we got back to Bob and Sues that I fell asleep putting Eva to bed. Hey ho!

We went to Christ Church (for half the service because we had to get to Southport for mid-day). I am so glad we did. It was great to see everyone again. Almost like we had just been away for a few weeks. I was sorry to hear that Steve and Irene have been feeling so rubbish. But it was great to see Annette so well. Thanks to everyone for making us feel so welcome and for your love and support.

The Christening of little baby Alex was such a treat. He was wearing a tank top! How cute is he? I couldn't get over how small and perfectly formed he is. It was lovely to see people from my old work and find out a little bit about what has been going on at Edge Hill. It seems so far away now. As if I have been away for a long long time. I don't miss Edge Hill at all. The people yes but not the place.

So, here I am back home in Bristol. happy to be here, but missing everyone in Liverpool so much I could burst. I knew going back would be hard and that I would have mixed feelings about returning to Bristol - Leaving Liverpool to 'come home' here (it almost feels like I am being unfaithful! How mad is that?). Actually I am pleased to be here in Bristol - on this adventure. It is a gracious time being here doing all these new and exciting things. Seeing David Parry and thinking about coming back to Liverpool in 2008 made me realise how important it is that we have this time here particularly the training at Trinity. It would have been so hard to do this if we had stayed in Liverpool.

Anyway, tomorrow I have to be in chapel at 8.30am so I had better get off to bed. A hard week ahead of me. I go to bed tired, a bit wistful but content.

Off on an adventure

This is the waterfall at Virginia Water Lake. Very nice!







We are off to Virginia Water today to see my mum. We have to make a claim on the insurance for the car that I have crashed and tomorrow is her birthday so we are going to the pantomime.

Then we are off to Liverpool. I have been dreaming about driving into Liverpool. Coming off the M62 to at the rocket and driving down Edge Lane. I am sure it won't look like this but I am hoping it will be as ordinary as I remember.

The plan is to stay at Bob and Sue's, we are having dinner at theirs on Fri. I am off to see David Parry for a chat sometime in the evening (which reminds me - I must give him a ring).
Saturday daytime is a bit flexible - so probably will see Elise in the Lotus Room and have a little scoot around town. We are off to the Unity to see Tinderbox early Saturday evening with The Norfolk clan (et al). Hoping to find Andrea and Andy as well.
The Sunday is the Catholic Christening of Little baby Alexander in Formby. I am doing a little reading and am very excited about seeing him (I hope he is wearing a tank top).

Anyway, I am genuinely excited about going home (and I am way to cynical to be excited about much these days) . Get the flags out...the Loudons are on their way! Horray!

New Year

Last year was an amazing year. So many changes that to list all of them would be exhausting. But here's a few:

• we moved from Liverpool to Bristol
• we sold our house in inner city Liverpool, that we had spent nearly 6 months restoring and modernising, and moved into a rented house in the suburbs
• we both gave up our jobs
• I became a student
• Mark became unemployed
• Eva started a new school
• I started ordination Training
• we started a new church (Cotham) and joined a new worshiping community (Foundation)
• we left friends (many of whom I had know since I was 18year old) in Liverpool and have met so many great new people here in Bristol

It has been a real challenge making taking these (and many other) new steps. But it has been fantastic. I have no idea what is ahead of us but am a happy to be on this adventure.