NEW BLOG

I have moved my postings to a new blog! It is called Diakonia. This new blog will only last for my diaconate year. I don't have a plan for content yet but I suspect it will be similar to this one.

thanks for tuning in to this blog over the last couple of years. Hope you can join me in my new virtual world.

I am all revd up!

So, it is all done. I am a reverend, living in vicarage. I got ordained on Sunday having spent 3 glorious days on ordination retreat (ordination retreat was blooming marvelous, met some fantastic people and really had a great start to my new life). Getting ordained was pretty good as well.

This picture is of the people who were on the ordination retreat - 19 people got ordained this week (15 in the cathedral on Sunday and the other 4 in their churches over the week). The picture was taken at Crosby beach - you might be able to make out one of the Crosby iron men wearing a cassock in the background (we know how to have a laugh in the church of England you know...dressing up the public art in clergy garb!). The retreat took place very near by Crosby beach (not that I left the house much) and this picture was taken for the Church Times. I wonder if they'll use it?

The service itself was extremely moving and I found it affirming and empowering, and a bit awe inspiring. I am not sure that living up to that fanfare of a start will be very easy. Hey ho. I also found it very tiring and my bones have been aching ever since (probably the kneeling and special slow holy walking that was done!). Unfortunately I have to go to the mid-week healing service now so can't really tell you much more about the ordination or what's happened since. Well, not just now anyway!

I also have to tell you about my new blog. From now on I will be blogging on here - it is called diakonia and will track my year as a Church of England Deacon. I haven't put anything on there yet but I will announce the first posting as soon as it is up. see ya.

B-T-W the man with the yellow spade (bottom right) is David Parry the Diocesan Director of Ordinands! It's a hard job but someone's got to do it...

getting ready for retreat

We have managed to get the house sorted for the visitors expected for ordination weekend. The family are travelling from far and wide to be here - no pressure then! The beds are all made up and I have planned menus for most of the days I am away (cake baking begins in earnest tomorrow). The rehearsal is on Wednesday and the retreat starts on thurs evening. In preparation for the weekend I have been sleeping as much as possible, catching up with friends, seeing the new stuff that has been built in Liverpool since I was last here (e.g. the Liverpool One shopping centre, the urban design centre, the echo arena) and reading a Surprised by Hope by Tom Wright. I a afraid I am not being all that holy. I'm not being not holy but I thought I might find myself being more holy this week but there are still shelves to put up, trips to the dump to do etc. Finding heaven in these ordinary things has been a challenge but God has been there in it all! I realised this when I was at Christ Church yesterday (my sending church and the place where all this 'being a vicar' stuff began). I looked up at the stained glass window from the pew I always sit in and remembered the day that I felt that calling for the first time (I was breast feeding Eva at the time and about to hand her on to someone else to hold her because I had to play the guitar), I had jut been declared bankrupt, had not long been married, was living in a hippie commune and struggling with my faith in a way that I had never experienced before. In the past my faith was a theory, at that time I was clinging on to it for grim death and was living it so tightly I could hardly hold on.

But, during the process of bankruptcy I had for the first time accepted that I was forgiven and that God loved me more than I would ever know or feel - it was an assurance of love that was so deep that I didn't even need to feel it. And as I sat there that day it felt like I could give myself back to God - give up hanging on to my life and it occurred to me that I could be a priest, that I could serve God in a way that was public and transparent. That I could also serve the church (the fragile church that I have had so much beef with over the years!)...and that was it. I made a commitment to God then to pursue that calling and haven't ever felt any differently about it since. That is where it started! Now I am about to make that commitment in front of everyone else and start my new job. So, this week I am trying to be ordinary, getting on with the stuff of life, but just remembering the journey from there to here .

new house

Well, we are in Liverpool and are starting to get settled. It has been ages since I have blogged or even gone on-line. The problem is that thee is no internet connection here - the only way to get on-line is to piggieback on someone else's connection or go to an internet cafe! Both have their own problems neither are effective really and I have very little time at the moment to sort it all out. Anyway, enough of all that - Liverpool is great, the house is getting great and once we have things under control (as much control is possible in the circumstances) I am sure I will feel a bit better. This in between stage of not being student any more and not starting my new job is quite odd.

I would love to blog about this more but unfortunately my time has run out. I will be on-line properly sometime next week and I hope to get some more time before then to check email etc. If you are trying to contact me then the best way is to phone my mobile or leave a comment here or email (as long as you can wait) and I will get to it asap.

valedictory 2008 - pictures

This is a lovely picture of Elise, Eva and I with Bishop Roger Sainsbury and his wife Jenny at yesterday's valedictory service.

I no time to blog! Here are some more pictures of the valedictory on Marks Picassa site

last day with my Trinity friends

So, today was the last time together here at Trinity. The valedictory service went off ok...no tears, only a small fight with Mark at the start and a last chance to say goodbye to people. My head is so full of moving that I was hardly able to take it all in. But it is all done now.


The house is now in complete chaos and it sounds like our new house is a bit chaotic too. The carpets can't get cleaned until the day we actually move in so I have a feeling that the carpet cleaner and the removal people are going to meet on the stairs. hey ho.

Mark has nearly finished cleaning the cooker and there is only Eva's room to sort and the outhouses to clear. So, we are on target. I can't remember it being this last minute when we left Liverpool.

Right I am off to try to sleep. Got to still my head and quieten my heart. The apprehension has kicked in now and worse case scenarios are playing away in my head. My fertile imagination isn't helping very much!

wilson keppel and betty

I needed a bit of cheering up and Ravi reminded me that music hall is always a good cure for..well almost anything. So I have been searching youtube for music hall act. I am not using this act as part of my PhD nevertheless they are very good. Are they a dance act? A comedy trio? A foreign turn? I never really know where to place WK&B. But they always make me laugh and confuse me. So, if you haven't already had the pleasure - Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Wilson Keppel and Betty:

clearing up

There is a lot to do at Loudon HQ. I have made a start today and managed to fill 4 bin bags and made some tough decisions about nick nacks! In addition I made some interesting phone calls to insurance companies to find out how much it is going to cost us to insure the car and house in Liverpool 6. I made some unpleasant discoveries: With my current providers the car insurance was going to go up £400 to £923 and the household £180 to £340. Now that is a steep increase from leafy Sea Mills to lovely Everton...and one that is at once shocking and is surely an injustice. No wonder poorer people don't buy insurance - they pay twice as much as the rich!

Anyway, I made a number of phone calls and managed to get some really good deals with Ecclesiastical Insurance who not only made good discounts for me as a curate but also gave a first policy discount and discount for taking out two policies. The saving was great but the price difference is still shocking.

I am going to sort out some more stuff, clean some more stuff, move bits and bobs about and make sure I get an early night. I am getting excited now about the move (only 3 sleeps left!!!!). The excitement has nearly beaten the fear.

Bridget and Liz H

Liz H has had a little boy - Tobias. He was born in the early hours of the morning. I am so made up because that means I get to see him before we leave. I am so excited for Phil and Liz that they have a little boy, they are coming out of the hospital later tonight and tomorrow Bridget and I will go and visit the brood.

I have had a great day - after my feeling strange day yesterday I am relieved that I managed to turn some of the negativity around (see as the classic Sunday school songs says - "a little talk with Jesus makes it right all right") I problem shared with God is not much of a problem after all. Not to say that the anxiety has magically disappeared but just when I needed to feel like I had a friend I got a great morning shopping, chatting and eating cake with Bridget. I know we left it a bit late to get to be good friends but I love Bridget and she is great.

I am going to miss both Liz and Bridget a great deal when I move. The risk of being good friends with anyone is that you will miss them when they aren't about any more. Love is a crazy thing isn't it: Love only works if you take the risk and that is what makes it hurt when it goes. Not that Liz, Bridget and I will not love each other anymore just that not being in the everyday of each other's lives will mean that we have to renegotiate our relationships. So, that hurts a bit. But I have to say it has been worth it.

a bit strange

It has all gone a bit strange! I now feel like I am out of my depth or a bit lost at sea (or other wet, worried about drowning, unsettled feeling metaphors). I have finished at Trinity (bar the meetings, ceremonies and parties) but am not ready for the next thing. I am moving on Monday and yet not even slightly ready for it. I have nothing packed, everything is a mess, I haven't sorted the cleaning of this house and I don't know if I need to clean the new one (?). We haven't got a cooker for the new house, the carpets (i.e. who's going to pay for them) haven't been sorted, I haven't changed the insurance or the electricity. Suddenly I we are moving and there is so much to do and I have no time to sort it.

Anyway, I had a great day with my new boss, the incumbent (vicar) at the churches I am going to in Liverpool. He came down for a day at Trinity to meet everyone here and hear a bit about what I have been up to. It was a bit strange but it was also a good way to break us into being colleagues. I think my head is going to explode with all this new stuff. It just seems like I am having to react to too many things.

Anyway, the danger is that I panic now and become reactive to all this in a negative way instead of making sure that this is a positive experience. It is only a move after all...

all done

The exam is done and I am now free! The stress of this has been building for so long it feels very strange to be free of it. I can't really discuss how I did and I am finding it difficult to process the whole thing (I shall never speak of the exam again!). I now have a nasty headache and a lot of nervous energy. However, I have got a new haircut (I got a lovely head massage and sat in the massage chair for quite sometime which was great) and I also have collected my special linen black ordination trousers which were specially made for me. So, all is well.

I am sitting in front of the telly, awaiting a plate of chicken curry and a glass of white wine (it will be just a glass as I have a busy day tomorrow and my new boss is coming to stay - he arrives very late this evening). I have a few post-Trinity leavers chores to do and seeing as Liz H has gone into hospital (perhaps a baby might come out in the next 24hrs?) I have a few more bits and bobs to do than I had expected. It would be so great if she gives birth soon because I ould love to see the baby before I leave. I am actually very very excited about the prospect of a small Hassall child.

So, the next few days will be quite busy with meetings and parties. A wonderful combination - and quite typical of the Church of England. I will keep you posted.

foundation

Over the last 2 years I have blogged about Foundation a lot. If you want to know how many times then do a blog search and you'll see! I love Foundation. Even when I have found it hard I have loved Foundation. Perhaps my longing for it as a community has sometimes led me to be cross or protective or romantic but it has been a significant part of my life in Bristol and I am going to miss it a great deal. I say "it" but actually I mean (in no particular order) the people, the fellowship, the theology, the debate, the craic, the pub, Cotham church.

Last night I went to my last little service admirably led by fellow ordainand Philippa. As we all sat around the church and reflected on our limitations (Philippa's theme for the reflection) I was struck by just how limitless God's love is for us. There we were just 'being' together and there was the limitless love of God reflected in our 'being'. We, the ramshackled people of God, 'doing our do' - and in felt good.

As ends go it was a good one. I was very grateful for Paul Robert's affirming prayer for me and my family. I was pleased to be able to say goodbye to my friends and fellow pilgrims. So, thanks Foundation for everything.

I will see you at Greenbelt (or the 'next place') and will miss you loads. xxx

Dr Eisenbarth Wanderbuhn

A little while ago I put up a video on youtube of Mark and I's exploits at the circus with Dr Eisenbarth. The problem was that the video was too long and the quality had ended up being very pixilated. So, we have uploaded it again but this time it is 2 parts. Please remember that I shot this with super8 film so it has a strange quality anyway. It was only 10years ago but it feels like a lifetime away.

Part One


Part Two

Britains got talent

This was my favourite act from this year - they didn't win but they were fab


George was the winner


obviously it was a dancing year this year!

If you didn't see the moment that George won - here it is!

not much to say about exams and the like

I have my family back. They returned home last night. It is great to have them back, I hadn't realized how much I'd missed them. Having said that I couldn't get to sleep for ages after they'd got back and ended up staying up watching a documentary about The Who and eating crisps until very late. This morning has been a bit tough as a result. Eva didn't wake up until 10am (so I was spared the early morning call of "Muuuuum, can I watch TV? I'm hungry!") Mark is at Snappy Snapps (his last Saturday). So, Eva and I have been lounging about - some clergy shirts arrived this morning (I think I look like a bit pudding but Eva says "they're beautiful" The puffy sleeves are stupid and my need resewing).

I have to do a bit of exam revision today (just a little each day is going in like small pippet of knowledge into a big bucket of irrelevant ideas - my head is awash with irrelevance, knowledge is struggling to survive). I feel I have little hope of being sane by Tuesday. Exam stress is taking on comedic characteristics - slurred speech, comedy wind, the eating of weird combinations of food, forgetfulness and sleeping with the light on holding chamomile tea. I will be so happy at 1pm Tuesday. This stupid, mean, torturous exam will be over.

Anyway, I am off to the shops to buy a duvet and take the car to the car wash.

Luis Hardt

A while ago I mentioned a woman called Ann who got in touch with me about Luis Hardt (one of the acts I am researching as part of my PhD) and she sent me a fantastic picture of him sitting ponderously on a chair. I have had another picture (this one) sent to me by a man called Ed. I missed out on bidding for the picture on ebay (which is a shame) but it is nice to have got this copy of him in a romantic mythical stance. Thanks Ed.

revision

I have a lot of revision to do so have promised myself not to spend too much time on the internet (who know what 'too much' actually means - it is a subjective thing and therefore open to interpretation) I will do my best to achieve this goal. So, if you (dear reader) feel abandoned I am sorry but this is the last hurdle to cross in my theology degree, and despite the obvious injustice if a 20 year old dyslexic woman having to sit an exam, I am determined to give it my best shot.

I am all alone now (Joe and Eva got to Belfast safely) so apart from a few college meetings and a garden party I have a few days of complete quiet and revision concentration.

Anyway, times up. I must go and read more about the three fold ministry...

odd day

Today has been quite strange, not least because I started off by being alone and going to St Peter's for the last time on my own. It was a lovely service and I got quite emotional saying goodbye - they gave me a the lovely ordination stole which I had asked Ann to make for me and some very useful books. I had got quite used to St Peter' and have appreciated the support of the vicar - Jenny Low. She really has been great for me and I will miss her.

After I got back I had a spot of lunch and then had to go off to get Eva from Badminton - I took Elise and Wayne with me because when I dropped Eba off we got stuck in the mud and I needed moral support. Eva had had a lovely time, she was completely pooped and all she wanted to do was eat and got to sleep. However, the reality of an early night was slightly different - it has take her ages to calm down and get off. So here I am thinking another day has past and I haven't got much revision done. I am starting to feel I am going to have to go into this exam a little more stressed than I had hoped. Anyway, I had better get back onto looking at the sacraments.

By the way - I was well peeved at the Eurovision result yesterday. I deciced having seen al the acts that I liked Israel and Denmark best (with Sweden next - but actually she was too strange for me to fully plump for in the end) I had a smidgen of respect for Russia but I have no idea why Uk came so low down - surely Spain (who got booed) didn't deserve to do better than us? Anyway, I have to say I don't know what to think about it all...will we ever be liked in Europe again? Are we such social pariahs that we can not even make it off the bottom 3? Very disappointed indeed! Hey ho.

infant baptism and eurovision

...An unlikely combination but that is what my day will be focusing on (what's left of it). I have a strict revision regime to stick to and if I haven't don't know enough about infant baptism by 8pm then I am in for a sad eurovision night. So, I am not going to hang about here...I am just going to play you what Phil Jackson and I think will the winning song (well hedging our bets it should come in the top 3).

Eurovision 2008 Sweden Charlotte Perrelli - HERO (performance in the semifinal)



please pay no attention to the Latvian Pirates

not long till Eurovision

This year is going to be a bit of a rough eurovision for me - I will be all alone! Mark is off to Liverpool, Eva is at Brownie camp and Philly J is in Belgrade watching it live! I have to be up early to lead the Sunday service at St Peter's so I can't be 'having it large' so I think it will be a small glass of white wine and some peanuts.



Phil Jackson at the Eurovision semi-final dress rehearsal last night (taken from his world famous blog)


If you want to know first hand, from the horses mouth, all the eurovision gossip as it happens then crawl over to Phil 'I cheated death' Jackson's 2008 Eurovision blogsite. It really is genius.

leaving - getting ready to go - pretending to be a vicar

These are the first of many leaving photos. The first one is of me and George Kovoor (the Trinity College principal). The other one is of some of us who are leaving wearing our new clergy-wear. Now, I know that technically we shouldn't be wearing our collars and that it is illegal to impersonate a vicar but this is just a dress rehearsal so please don't take this as a final vision of how we will actually look when we are church of England curates. I haven't decided on hair colour (please state your preference - though red is out of the question because that wouldn't go down well in Everton) and this isn't the stole (the red scarf like thingy) I will be wearing on the day - that will be white (but it is still being hand-made by a member of St Peter's Lawrence Weston church).

I am still feeling a bit sick from the fish quiche incident, I've been to college today to panic about the exam (revision is not going well) and have to sort out Eva's stuff for Brownie Camp which starts tonight. So, best get on.

fish quiche

I ate fish quiche accidentally last night and have been quite ill as a result. I am lying in bed trying not to move to quickly and eating a banana slowly. Unmarked food is always a danger at buffets but this one was a complete shock. I harmless looking asparagus quiche had something fishy in it and I took a bite. Admittedly it wasn't in my mouth for too long but nonetheless the harm was done and now I am suffering. If you remember all the way back to October 2006 I was poisoned by fish back then as well and blew up like a balloon. This time isn't as bad but I am taking no chances so have taken the day off and will read about the Anglican way of being church in preparation for my exam. Not the best day of my life but being here means I have taken delivery of a set of cutlery, a hat box and some knives ordered from ebay. Also a delivery from Lakeland. So, its not all bad!

eva

The picture of cousin Ian jumping out of the plane reminded Mark of this picture of Eva skipping. She is so happy and determined in this picture - taken at Julian and Andrew's do! (click on it and it will get bigger). She really has enjoyed her time in Bristol but she is looking forward to seeing all her old friends - particularly Maddie and Gracie back in Liverpool. I have spoken to her new school teacher today and she is starting at the school in Anfield as soon as we move in June. I think she is excited about it and they seem very pleased to have her. I do hope it works out well for her as she has really enjoyed her time at Our Lady of the Rosary here in Bristol. I know she'll miss her friends and the school regime here but I think she will settle ok at her new school. If you get a moment and could pray for her and the transition that would be great. Thanks.

cousin Ian

I got an email from my cousin today. He did a parachute jump on Sunday and he sent this picture to prove it. He also reminded me that my Dad used to be in the parachute regiment after the war so regularly jumped out of 'planes. Apparently he once said to my cousin "nothing can beat the feeling of free falling and then when you open your chute, it's like the hand of God coming down and pulling you up and rescuing you."

Now, my Dad died five years ago and I hardly ever see my cousin but this snippet of an insight into their relationship was quite moving to read. I have never jumped out of a plane but I know what it feels like to be rescued by the hand of God - if it's like that it must be amazing.

Baptists

You may well know that Trinity college is 'in a relationship' with the Baptist College (they call it a Federation - which is another way of saying they love each other very much but there is no kissing). Well, the Baptists are great! I say this because I have just read a book about the way they do church, what they think is important and general stuff about the way they developed their theology of church and I found myself being very sympathetic to their decisions. Don't worry I am not turning Baptist but I can see why my family were congregationalists...whilst not the same as Baptists their self-governance and commitment to mission is particularly compelling. I am an Anglican through and through (cut me in half and "CofE" is written round my inside) but I think I am a Baptist sympathizer.

On another subject altogether. It is 3 weeks till we move! A fact that slightly disturbed me today and I got stress tummy. I wonder if my study in the vicarage will look like this:




another fab cartoon (click on it and it gets bigger) by Dave Walker who now is writing the Church Times Blog. Genius at work.

family

It has been a fantastic family day here at Loudon Bristol HQ. Despite it being a bit sad because we knew it was the lat time we'd all be together in Bristol it was a fab day. Mum had bought a great big piece of beef which was cooked to perfection and served with yorkshire puddings, fresh green beans, asparagus, new potatoes and carrots. For pudding we had a chocolate cloud cake. Lovely lovely.

I am very tired now and really should be asleep but i have a few more chores before bed. So, best get on.

my mum

I have spent the day with my mum. I always knew it was going to be a bit tricky because today is the last day I will spend with her doing bits and bobs in Bristol. We have got used to just hanging out and chatting. So, this is the last weekend that we are going to be together and it does feel quite strange. To be honest I feel quite sad. I know she will come and visit us in Liverpool but it won't be the same as her being to pop over whenever she fancies it.

We had a good day pottering about. Mum got us a dishwasher from Lewis's...I had no desire to get one bit mum insists that we will need one in the vicarage and who am I to argue. Mark and Elise went off to Shroud to Neil's 40th. Mum, Eva and I watched TV and chilled out. It sounds mundane but I am feeling really quite sad. We have a big family lunch planned for tomorrow and I really do think I will need tissues.

last academic board

Every day I seem to face a new 'last thing'. Today it was academic board. In my past life I was also on academic board as a senior academic but it was quite a different experience - it was hostile and unforgiving, you had to watch your back, be on top form and watch out for aggressive tactics from other departments (and sometimes those in your own). Being on academic board at Trinity is so far removed from my previous experiences that it has almost (but not quite) restored my faith in such assemblies. It is possible to approach the rough and tumble of academic disciple without it being at the cost of others. I can't actually believe that I will miss it...what a geek!

Anyway, we have a busy family weekend ahead - my mum's here and we have everyone coming over on Sunday for lunch. Another 'last thing' = the last time we will all be together as a family in Bristol. I might need tissues.

top hat

here is a picture of me in my new top hat.

I have had a great day today. Not least because I have a great debate with Jonathan Swales about all kinds of things but which started with the equality of people and gender difference. I also participated in a great seminar about infant baptism. Added to this edifying conversation we had 'all day breakfast' for lunch, which really was a treat.

This evening we have the pleasure of welcoming Lee and Mary Barnes and Tom Donaghy to Loudon Bristol HQ for a spot of dinner. Mark has a fantastic menu planned. Before they arrive I have to do some reading and try to find places for all the stupid things I have been buying on ebay and additional furniture for the new house which doesn't have a proper place in this house.

And, all is well because I have a new top hat!!!

croquet

Today was the first time have played croquet this summer and it was very enjoyable. Having said that, this year our pastoral group has a very good croquet player so I wasn't able to slaughter them in the same way as I did last year. Actually I was so out of practice I didn't do as well as I had hoped. Hey ho. It was very nice to be out in the sun and be doing something rather than chatting (we are very good at chatting and in our pastoral group - not so good at doing). I have found the pastoral group very supportive and rewarding this year. We may not have been as dynamic as last year but we have been able to listen to each other, attend to our group and personal needs and just hang out together. Talking about God in this group has been great and we have such different perspectives on life that this has fed into our time together and added a richness to discussion. So, as I come to the last 3 weeks of term and my time at college as I think of the pastoral groups I have been in I feel very fortunate and blessed.

babies and glastonbury

Mark has sent me on some excellent pictures of the new Belfast babies - Sam and Angie. What fantastic babies they are and everyone looks so proud and made up with the beautiful bundles of joy. many blessings to both families. I am unfortunately not going to be able to get over to see them when Mark, Joe and Eva go to Belfast for half-term. I have to stay here to revise for this stupid exam. Hey ho.

Today I have been to Glastonbury on a DOCTRINE OF GOD, CHRISTIAN HOPE AND LIBERATION module day out to explore Christian expressions of faith in the town and alternative spiritualities. It was a jolly good day: I sampled some good cake, had a walk round the Abbey, got some lavender oil from a shop under the Goddess Temple, listened to the curate of St John's church talk about her experience of being a priest in the town, listened to the Goddess Temple Melissa speak about her experiences and did a spot of shopping. All in a days work for an ordinand in the Church of England!

I am trying to get an early night and sort my reading out for tomorrow. So, best get off and do that.

finance

Today we had a visit from the clergy finance people to talk about stipends, housing and pensions. I am just starting and already thinking about my retirement (in 25years time!). I have to say it is a very scary thing for me to think about money but I guess I need to have a bit of think about it. We will be in dire straits if we don't plan ahead but Mark has decided that he is going to make lots of money and all will be well. I am hoping this is true but I might just seek some professional help just in case.

It is a very hot day and I am not getting very far with my revision. I have spent the last 20mins or so trying to bid on a top hat on ebay. I want one for 'events' - I really wish I had had one for Julian and Andrew's do (see pic above and for a load more pictures see Mark's Picasa site). Anyway, after many days trying I now have a 1930's silk top hat (for £20). Oh joy.

I am off to a Brownie meeting with Eva in a short while and Becky's over for tea so best get on.

prison

I am just back from Bristol prison and all that sleeping yesterday seems such a long way away. I was up early and now I am in need of a further rest and food (I think there's a bit of last night's takeaway to eat). Mark and Eva are doing a it of work on the garden and I am trying to bid on a top hat on ebay. Life's hard isn't it!

I am hoping that we will get out to see Steve and Moira's exhibition on the Bristol Arts trail later. But we also have Elise and her granny coming over for dinner. So, it's all go here. Anyway, it is a lovely day and I need some lunch so I'm off to sit in the garden.

bed

I am in bed. I am feeling a bit groggy and think here is the best place to be for a while. Mark has an unexpected day off so we are taking it easy because there are going to be a few very busy weeks ahead. Eva has a friend over (they had a sleep over last night and are still playing quite happily). I am rather hoping to get sausage sandwich in bed quite soon (the wonderful Mark is busy creating breakfast) and I might even have a doze again. I am sorry if you are reading this from a busy office, whilst doing an essay, if you are dealing with children or just feeling like you are sleep deprived or don't get enough time to yourself. Believe me I know how you feel...and today's lie in in bed is very unusual and long overdue. I know that is only a slight consolation. I can only hope you get a chance like this too sometime soon.

Not a lot on today but tomorrow I am off to Horfield prison to hear Geoff preach at 2 morning services in the prison chapel. The only thing is I have to be out the house by 7.45am. hey ho. At least I am back home by 11am.

eurovision countdown

Eurovision is next week and Philly J has started the countdown (he actually started a few days ago but I have been a bit lax and not let you know). If you have even a passing interest in Eurovision then Phil is your man. What he doesn't know isn't worth knowing. He will keep you posted about the runners and leaders. What's more he will be in attendance this year and will be blogging from Belgrade, with live streaming from the event.

I am at college - my aim for the day is to plan my revision for this exam. I have a pile of books, a load of past papers and a good idea of my interests. I also could do with a bit of a rest. My head is a bit full. I need a cup of tea.

We are off to Bruce and Sara's for dinner tonight. I am very much looking forward to the foodolution.

A just peace on Israel's 60th anniversary

The number of people who have signed the The Declaration has risen and the signatories are an impressive group of people. If you are a church leader do please have a look and see if you might be able to sign it.

in college

I am here. It seems like an age since I was at my desk. Having had a proper blow out and being reunited with my Liverpool friends means that I am starting to reintegrate into my Liverpool community. I also was reminded about how supportive you have been of mine and Mark's change of circumstances. It never ceases to amaze me how great you, my friends, have been about me becoming a vicar. Even though it may not be your chosen religion or your lifestyle choice I am encouraged by your support and love for us. The many conversations I had over the weekend reinforced that sense of being surrounded by people who see this as an important thing to do. For that I am immensely grateful.

So, here I am reading about Anglicanism and dolly daydreaming about being in a field in Shropshire surrounded by lovely people, a glass of something cool and bubbly in my hand (and a megaphone in the other) having a laugh. I must focus. I have an exam to prepare for! By the way - Mark's photos are great and I will send a link to them asap.

not fallen off the edge of the world

I am just checking in really. I haven't got much energy left so I am not going to post too much now, this is just a quick note to let you know that we got back from Shropshire ok. We had a great time. It was a real treat to spend time with everyone and have a great party time. Julian and Andrew were fantastic. They looked great, had arranged a fab day and were the hosts with the most. I really did let my hair down and just relaxed. Feels like the wind has been blown out of my sails. I have to go to sleep now because I am so tired but I will put some photos up soon and let you know some more details later.

Dr Eisenbarth Wanderbuhn

I may have told you that 10years ago - just before we got married - Mark and I ran away to the circus for the summer, the Swiss Circus! Well, Just horse drawn carts, a fantastic show and our own caravan (of love). I finally got my cinefilm transfered to DVD and have loaded it up onto youtube. I am afraid the quality isn't great but it does give some of the flavour of the adventure. Look out for my favourite horse Rex - I loved him.



In other news: Mark's sister Ema have had a baby, a boy baby! So congratulations to Stephen and Ema. And Dylan and Anna have had a baby girl - so well done you lot too. There are babies everywhere!

We are off to Jilian and Andrew's wedding in a short while. So, there may be blogging silence for a few days.

dodgy tummy on Ascension Day

Miniature from Rabbula Gospels
(Mesopotamia, 6th century)





I have a bit of a weird tummy bug thing that seems to also make my head ache. I am trying to keep eating (one of my main objectives in life is to maintain a steady flow of food) but really I have lost heart for it. Anyway, I have been keeping on doing the stuff I need to do but tonight I feel rubbish. Which is a shame because this weekend is Julian and Andrews wedding and I have been looking forward to it for ages and ages and ages. Mark and Eva are camping in a field in Shropshire Elise and I are staying in a B&B. Oh joy. Perhaps if I eat only a boiled egg for tea I will feel ok tomorrow? I do hope so.

This week has been very busy. Tuesday night we had the fantastic Broadway's over for supper. What great company they are! If I could take them with us to Liverpool that would be great. But I think they have a life they are enjoying down here so I will have to deal with that!

Wednesday was a college day full of spirituality, meetings and chatting about curacies and stuff. I got an early night because we had Ascension Day communion at 8am - which meant leaving home at 7.40am. Too early to praise the Lord even if it is the day he went up to heaven. I did have quite a good go at being joyful though it was quite a challenge by 11am having had 2 hours if lectures and waiting for a seminar on the sacraments. The best thing that happened today was getting the fantastic clerical shirt that Amanda Judge has handmade for me. It is black and made of lovely linen. I am so pleased with it. Just need some trousers now and I will be set for ordination clothes. I also had my hair cut - there is no blue left, just my natural mouse brown hair!

Well I had better go and sort out tea for Mark and boil my egg!

two things

I have been busy dealing with a migraine and writing an essay over the last 48hrs. Not a happy combination but 'thems the shakes'. I have managed to get a draft of the essay despite the headache and am now in a position to say that I have written all my Trinity college essays and only have an nasty exam to go.

So, just two pieces of action that you might like to engage with. The first is a Avaaz petition to the UN. I received this email from three people today and rather than sending it on I will print it here and you can take whatever action you feel appropriate:

I'm sure you've heard about the world food crisis in the news. Some 100 million people from the continent of Africa are likely to die of starvation if nothing is done. The UN have responded in part but more is needed. You can read a report here

If you want to sign a petition which will be given to G8, UN, and EU
leaders, then click this link.

This video is a Food crisis appeal from Sierra Leone foreign minister




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The other is a pop related link. You can vote for your Most Musical City by choosing your favourite from the ten nominated cities on the Take it Away website. I voted for Liverpool (of course).

A just peace on Israel's 60th anniversary

I got this through my Ekklesia mailing today and I would be interested to know what you think? If you are church leader could you sign up for this?

The Declaration
We, the undersigned, church leaders and representatives of our different denominations and organisations, join together on the 60th anniversary of the Israeli state to offer a contribution to that which makes for peace.

We recognise that today, millions of Israelis and Jews around the world will joyfully mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel (Yom Ha'atzmaut). For many, this landmark powerfully symbolises the Jewish people’s ability to defy the power of hatred so destructively embodied in the Nazi Holocaust. Additionally, it is an opportunity to celebrate the wealth of cultural, economic and scientific achievements of Israeli society, in all its vitality and diversity.

We also recognise that this same day, millions of Palestinians living inside Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the worldwide diaspora, will mourn 60 years since over 700,000 of them were uprooted from their homes and forbidden from returning, while more than 400 villages were destroyed (al-Nakba). For them, this day is not just about the remembrance of a past catastrophic dispossession, dispersal, and loss; it is also a reminder that their struggle for self-determination and restitution is ongoing.

To hold both of these responses together in balanced tension is not easy. But it is vital if a peaceful way forward is to be forged, and is central to the Biblical call to “seek peace and pursue it” (Ps. 34:14). We acknowledge with sorrow that for the last 60 years, while extending empathy and support to the Israeli narrative of independence and struggle, many of us in the church worldwide have denied the same solidarity to the Palestinians, deaf to their cries of pain and distress.
To acknowledge and respect these dual histories is not, by itself, sufficient, but does offer a paradigm for building a peaceful future. Many lives have been lost, and there has been much suffering. The weak are exploited by the strong, while fear and bitterness stunt the imagination and cripple the capacity for forgiveness.

We therefore urge all those working for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine to consider that any lasting solution must be built on the foundation of justice, which is rooted in the very character of God. After all, it is justice that “will produce lasting peace and security” (Isaiah 32:17). Let us commit ourselves in prophetic word and practical deed to a courageous settlement whose details will honour both peoples’ shared love for the land, and protect the individual and collective rights of Jews and Palestinians in the Holy Land.
“Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid” (Micah 4:4)


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Ekklesia write:
"Ask your church or organisations to join Desmond Tutu, Walter Brueggemann, Ekklesia, bishops and many others in signing the joint declaration by Christian Leaders on Israel's 60th Anniversary, calling for a just peace."

If you want more information or want to sign up go to Joint declaration by Christian Leaders on Israel’s 60th Anniversary.

weekend

Having a rubbish weekend last time it is only fair that this one was a blinder. Friday night I polished off a bottle of white wine that was sitting about and watched some bits and bobs of catch-up tv. Not that there's much to catch-up at the moment - I am enjoying the medieval stuff on BBC4 but a lot of it is very ponderous and poncy, some of it good and much of it less informative than it pretends to be. Anyway, I caught up and crashed out - I was very very tired (it has been a bit of a week).

Saturday was great - we had Liz H's baby shower at ours. I am not sure that it was a conventional baby shower as it was more like a relaxing tea party in the garden with scones, tea, cucumber sandwiches and more cake than can be imagined - pictures to follow! It was lovely having people round, chilling out, telling stories and having a laugh. can't believe that come August both Liz and Elise will have small babies! Wow. What an amazing thing that is!

We are still eating cake today...I had some for breakfast (is that wrong, especially on a Sunday!?). A baptism at church - which was lovely. Actually the whole service was cracking. St Peter's is really coming alive for me again - I can't analyse that at the moment so I will have to get back to it at some point. Anyway, we went to the Wheelers for lunch which was a real treat. Fab food including a very nice pudding (chocolate fudge cake with raspberries - yum yum) a great tour of their new house - which is pretty impressive - on 3 levels including 3 toilets and a chapel! What more could you ask for? They have kindly lent us their roof box for Andrew and Julian's wedding so we will be able to get the tent in the car - phew!

After Eva went to bed Mark and I watched the first series of Gavin and Stacey and ate a rather appropriate omelette (cheese and ham). Perfect end to a lovely weekend.

- I have just realised that this is a rather food driven post (hey ho)!

there's a big mouse working at the anglican cathedral Liverpool

...and it's name is Claire



Be afraid, be very afraid.

world turned upside down

Last night Mark, Bob, Sue and I went to see Billy Bragg. Reminded that I met Bob and Sue at a Billy Bragg gig 13 years ago - a benefit to safe the Picket, Liverpool (seems like we've been trying to save the Picket ever since!)... and that at another Billy Bragg gig in the same year I also re-met Mark. So, Billy Bragg has been an important catalyst in the making of our friendships. Anyway, we've all got a bit older and I am not sure how much wiser but we definitely still share the same desire to see the world turned upside down. Perhaps each of us has our own (different) reasons for sharing such a vision but it remains a significant topic of our conversations and a business of our endeavors. In my case I remain convinced that poverty and injustice prevent people from hearing the good news of the kingdom of God and that as the people of God we have an obligation to fight injustice at every level wherever we encounter it. This week we have been meditating on The Jesus Manifesto - a vision of the world changed forever (Matthew 5; Acts 17:1-9). Jesus' vision for the world turned upside down was one of the meek and the poor being inheritors and the the peacemakers being called children of God. The first will be last and the last will be first.

Anyway, I post this clip of Billy Bragg - his "World Turned Upside Down". A story of what happens when the dispossessed proclaim what is theirs.

up the workers

The teachers (the NUT) are on strike today. Not everyone will be on strike but even those who don't will be happy enough to take the pay rise should the strike succeed. Nobody chooses to lose a day's pay unless they feel the reasons for such action is valid and I have a great deal of sympathy for their decisions. That said I have not been very happy about the decision I made to take Eva into college today. She has found it very difficult to live by my college bound disciplines and I have found it challenging to deal with her dissatisfaction. I have realised that college is quite a demanding environment - demanding of my time, my affection, my patience, concentration etc etc and that having a small person about whilst trying to maintain those demands has not been very easy. Sharing me and college has not been great for poor Eva. I am not the best mum in the world here!

Anyway, the day is nearly over and nobody has got hurt. We are off home in a minute and will have a lovely time chilling out for a few hours before Mark and I go out to meet Bob and Sue. They have come down from Liverpool on their way to Cornwall. We are off to see Billy Bragg tonight - which I am excited about. So, best get off and have a nice time in the sun.

lunch

I am just about to go into lunch at college and I can't be late today because I want to get on a table that serves Crème brûlée. It's not often that I sit on a main meal table because I am trying to eat less meat and prefer the vegetarian table but unfortunately this table is also a fruit table and I am not prepared to make that sacrifice when it is a Crème brûlée day! I am not sure why I am telling you this or even that you'll be interested!??? Hey ho

Anyway, the fact that I haven't posted anything since Sunday is an indication of how busy and distracted I have been:
- I have done quite a lot of liberation theology reading and am nearly ready to write the essay (but not sure when I will have a window of time to do that!)
- I went back to college and attended a lecture
- I met Ravi Holy (he was taking the lecture on universalism) and we chewed the cud
- Some Foundationers came round for the community meal last night and we had a great time. It seems really odd to think that that was our last community meal together. I have made some significant relationships in Foundation and I really am going to miss the fellowship. It was a good send off. Thanks everyone!
- I am at college again and have a day of meetings and paperwork, tonight is our passover meal so it is also a day of food!

Anyway, lunch is a calling.

patience

Tomorrow sees the start of the last ever Trinity term. However, tomorrow is a study day and Mark needs the car so I suspect I will not go into college so it will be a bit of a false start. To be honest I have not had a great weekend and am not at all ready to go back. I feel bit under the weather, the stress of finishing has got to me a bit and all the arrangements that need to be made are making me feel disorientated. I am at a high level of discontent and just want it all to be over and done with. I think the reality properly kicked in this weekend and Mark and I have found it quite difficult to communicate about how we are feeling and as a result have not been all that supportive to each other (sorry to lay this on you - my dear reader - but you have been such a faithful friend I know I can rely on you for continued love, prayers and support). I know what this needs... as Take That would say - it needs a bit of Patience. So, prayers for patience would be great.

big feet

I have spent the day putting my feet in it...by 'it' I mean pretty much everything metaphorical you can think of. But no real poo.

I have not been able to put a foot right all day.
Everything I say seems to upset someone.

I am not writing this because I feel sorry for myself or misunderstood but because I am sure each of us has managed to be this much of a klutz at some point? Perhaps my foolishness will serve as a warning or a comfort or just be an opportunity for ridicule? Whatever, but if you can be of some comfort to me and say you have been unable to be discrete, generous with words, appeasing, uncritical, and humble at some point and managed to recover that would be great. It would be so much of a comfort to know that there are others who can't manage to be passremarkable...

Even if I am alone in my bigfootedness I am going to have to bear a lonely dinner and an even more lonely evening of silence as this is I think the only way of ensuring that I don't hurt anyone else's feelings. For my sins I am most truly sorry.

I am leading the intercessions in church tomorrow so can only hope that the morning will bring a fresh start and a new day of joy and loveliness.

controlled blast in Westbury-on-Trym

I don't know what the weather is like where you are but it is grim here today. Cold, windy and raining. I am feeling a bit under the weather myself and my aching bones could really do with the sun to come out and some warmth on my back. But hey ho.

Not a lot has happened today. Eva went out for a drive and a look for chairs for my Mum to sit in - she isn't getting enough support from any of the ones we have at the moment. The most exciting thing to happen is the controlled explosion in Westbury-on-Trym. The usually quiet suburb is a mass of excitement and slight bemusement.

I am tucked up in bed reading and here I will stay until later when Mark and I are dues to go out for a meal to celebrate Steve and Gayle's big adventure at the Paintworks.

I thin I need to put a cardi on...

back home from Virginia Water

I decided not to stay for too long. My mum was very tired and I think she needed to be on her own having had Eva for 4 days. I am glad that I came back though. It means I can spend the last day of the holiday with Eva on my own and do a few more bits and bobs here. I am so tired now. You wouldn't think driving to Virginia Water, dodging the posh people in the massive cars and eating would be so tiring.

I went to see an old friend this morning - Enid. She is in her late 80's and had just had a new knee fitted. Enid was the first person to mention ordination to me when I was 17years old (all those years ago!). She had a real vision for my ministry and has been a great influence on me and the formation of my faith. She is a straight talking, intelligent, visionary person (she needed vision to see me as a vicar when I was 17years old!). She sees the positive in difficult situations and has been so faithful in her ministry as a reader at Christ Church, Virginia Water. She and her friend Ann work very hard for the church - making pastoral visits, taking funerals, leading services at the Methodist church (which is affiliated to the Anglican church). They are tireless witnesses to the gospel.

I love to spend time with Enid and listen to what she and Ann have been doing in the church and in their other roles. Enid used to be an inspector for Anglican training colleges and knows Trinity well. She has also sat on various boards of training colleges and has a sense of what training for ministry is like as well as what the job entails after training. It is a privilege to spend time with them and I take great encouragement from their interest in me, the family and my ministry. I felt very proud to tell them about my curacy and even though it seems unlikely that they will make my ordination, due to Enid's poor health, I know I will be in their prayers.

If you get a moment and could spare a prayer for an old friend of mine with a poorly knee and problems with deer who eat her flowers then please do.

Christian Socialist Movement, Virginia Water and purple/blue hair

I have to finish a book on the Christian Socialist Movement (CSM) today - its a personal pride thing - I decided last night that I can't go to see my Mum until it is read). I am really enjoying it actually. The book is called Possible Dreams: Personal History of the British Christian Socialists by Christopher Bryant. It is out of print but amazon has a few 2nd hand copies if you fancy it. I know I am a hopeless socialist romantic but reading about the history (albeit recalled by an equally hopeless socialist romantic) has warmed the cockles of my cold heart. I don't feel so oppressed by Liberation Theology (which was very sad and really not what my Latin American brothers had intended I am sure). I am just getting on with the long list of books I have to read and hoping for some sort of intellectual breakthrough (could be here some time then!).

Anyway, once that book is read I am off to the centre of suburban capitalism - Virginia Water. Not, unfortunately, to start the revolution but to see my Mum and collect Eva. I think I am going to stay for a few days to soak up the rays that reflect from the beautiful people and visit some old friends (quite literally as one of them is in her 90's). In order to create a stir I have dyed my hair purple/blue again - my mum thinks I do it to annoy her. I don't...but I have to admit it keeps me on my toes. Having blue hair in Virginia Water means that you get away with nothing and the suspicion of all falls on your shoulders.


If I don't get to a computer I guess I will be out of touch for a few days. Please pray for me that armed with my reading about Christian Socialism and liberation theology I don't try to single handedly start the revolution from the hight street Virginia Water. Unlikely though that sounds if one of those great big Mercedes cars comes too near me in my 'ickle Peugeot and doesn't indicate I may lose my temper and call the workers to revolt. Wish me luck.

mission, liberation theology and cleaning

This is what I have been doing...thinking about mission, reading about liberation theology and cleaning the dirty house (my it was unclean). Now I am very tired and I still don't feel I have done enough. When will it all end? Well, I can tell you that in 8 weeks it will all be over (bar the inevitable shouting). In 8 weeks time we will be back in Liverpool unpacking boxes and panicking about the Park Palace project - and a whole new type of stress will begin. Until then I am here trying to make sense of this last essay and feeling guilty because I just can't get enough done. Hey ho.

So, I am going to post here 2 small talks which took place at the Church Mission Society (CMS) HQ Oxford at the Global Connections Thinking Mission forum on 27 February 2008. I attended this conference and these two speakers offered particularly interesting perspectives on 21st century Christian mission. The first is Paul Davies speaking about The Base Ecclesial Communities which emerged in Latin America in the 1950s and 1960s were centred on the poor, emphasized people over structures, had lay leadership, and were prophetic rather than priestly.



Paul Davies part 2



The second is Jonny Baker - 'Bath water or Baby? Must we ditch traditional church structures to do mission well?'

reading

Yesterday mark went to Liverpool and my Mum took Eva to Virginia Water. So, I am in Bristol all alone. Now that may sound a bit sad but to be honest so far I am loving it. I have already sorted loads of stuff out, tidied the house and done lots of chores that have alluded me for ages. The silence is golden and the thought of two more days of this sorting and clearing is spurring me on. Of course I miss them and it seems very quiet and boring here. But boring is exactly what I need. I have so many forms from the diocese to fill out, reading to do for an essay (the last one ever), shelves to clear, etc etc. that a bit of boring will spur me on to resolve the lot.

So, today is a reading day. I can sit on my bed and read all day without any trouble at all. Nobody will disturb me and I will not be 'absent' because I am reading. If I get 2 or 3 books about liberation theology read over the next couple of days I will be made up and ready to do my essay writing. Best be off then.

lazy weekend

I have had a very lazy few days and intend to continue this way until Monday. Friday was spent going here and there, shopping and doing chores with Eva and Elise. Today Eva and I spent most of the morning in our pj's waiting for my Mum to arrive, then we played Uno for a while and I made a cake and we chatted. Really nothing exciting but just what was needed. I find it so hard to do nothing that when I finally get a chance I have to really give in. I have given in. I cooked a fantastic stroganoff with so lovely beef filet. Elise and Wayne came over so we had a proper so down all 6 of us and I tried out my Bristolian accent on Wayne. Who was (or at least pretended to be) impressed. I managed a whole conversation using all the best brissle words I know. I even managed a few 'yeah, but no but's. I think I might have mastered the lingo. But then I have been taught by the master of West Country talk Sea Mill's stylieee - Wayne (or Wasser as Joe called him).

I am aiming to get the whole lot of us (Mum, Eva and I) out for church in the morning. So, I have come up to bed. Mark is off to Liverpool tomorrow, and Mum and Eva are off to Virginia Water. So, I shall be alone and after this lazy weekend I will be ready to do another essay - the last ever essay, ever, ever.

eva has worn me out

You wouldn't think that spending time with an 8yr old would be tiring but it really is. Not that what we did was that hectic...went for a drive, went to the cinema, went of for lunch, supermarket, home. But we left at 11am and didn't get back until 6pm. I feel like I have had a busy day at work. We went to see the Spiderwick Chronicles which was actually very good. A bit scary but quite effective. It has a slightly strange ending which I won't spoil for you but I would love for someone to do a theological analysis of it. Any takers?

I don't have a plan for tonight and given the fact that I am now trashed I think I will have an early night. Not much space in my head. Need to give it a break.

back in Bristol

So, here I am back in Bristol again. Having had a very profitable time researching but not really seen anyone except Barry and Andrea. It took me ages to get home but I guess that's what happens when you nationalize a rail service. The thing that did my head in most was that I tried to leave my luggage in left luggage at Lime Street Station, in order to do a bit of shopping, but I changed my mind when I realised it would cost me £12 - what are they thinking of? I mean why would you charge £12 for left luggage? It is mad! and this is the Capital of Culture...more like "capital of rip you off". So rather than stay around for an extra few hours I got an earlier train and got back here by tea time. Miss Liverpool already though. Hey ho.

Not much on for the next couple of days. Going to spend some time with Eva - see a film, do some light shopping, have tea and cake out, do some visiting etc etc. Normal mother and daughter stuff. I'll keep you posted.

liverpool

I am in Liverpool doing some work...I am leading an arts project in June with ZHO theatre. The project is about a building on Mill Street (the Park Palace) which used to be a music hall and a cinema. I am planning the project which will work with children in Mill Street looking at the history and trying to rebuild the theatre as it was in 1904 (by making a model of the theatre). WE will be telling stories, making backdrops, theatre bills, etc etc. The project will last a week and will culminate in an exhibition and presentation at the building.

Anyway, I am here to do some research and meet with the leaders and company. Today I have been in the Central library finding out what is available there. I like to use the stuff that is available in the public domain so that anyone can access it at anytime. There was a surprising amount to stuff there. Pictures, playbills, newspapers maps etc etc. So, plenty to go on. It was hard work though. Usually I like to do this sort of trawling slowly and methodically but seeing as I only had one day I had to rush at it and it is going to take a while to make sense of all the info I have found.

I think I have an idea for a story and a way into the drama. Just got to have a bit of a think. Not now though because my brain has stopped and I need some food. I think Andrea and I are going to find something to eat and see a film. Sorry that I haven't been in touch with anyone else. This flying visit has been very much focused on this project and I haven't had a chance to roam beyond it. Next time - and we will be back very very soon.

lee abbey

We had a great weekend in Lee Abbey. Perfect in fact. Just what the doctor ordered and a perfect ending to transition week. I did very little all weekend. Just sat about, drank tea, drank white wine, ate cake (and anything else really), I made a big chicken dinner on Saturday night and we went out for a cream tea. But we did do a lot of talking and thinking. Strange to think that in just a few months we will all be distributed around the country and just Liz, Phil and their inward baby (which should be out by the 2nd week in June) will be in Bristol. In the midst of the excitement of leaving it is also a bit sad that we will disperse and this faze will be done. So, it was good to spend some 'quality time' together before things change.

Anyway, got back to find out that Phil Jackson has been really really unwell and spent last week in hospital including a few days in intensive care. He is ok now - well at least he is on the mend - but that was a bit of a shock. So get better quick Phil. xxx

I am off to Liverpool tomorrow. Catching the train on my own (I am a bit girl now and can get a train to the Pool all on my own) at 9.30am. Mark and Eva are staying here and I am off to do some research into a music hall - The Park Palace on Mill Street. So, I will be kept very busy in the Central Library looking at playbills and maps. I will report on how I get on.

headache

I couldn't go to college today because I have a headache and sitting listening to people for 3 hours just wasn't going to help. I have a long drive to Lee Abbey ahead - we are going away fro the weekend to stay at the Chalet with Liz and Phil, Nick and Bridget and Steve and Sharon, plus 3 kids. Should be a fun end to the week as ling as my head stops banging. I can't take any more ibuprofen so I have been resting in a darkened room. Forgive me if I don't write much as I am not sure this is helping much. When I get back from Lee Abbey I will write more. There will be a short virtual silence for a couple of days. Hope you have a lovely weekend too.

transition

This week I am at college doing a module called "transition to Parochial Ministry'. Basically it is the module where we find out all about what it is like to be a curate, learn a few trade secrets and discuss clergy stuff. It is quite literally a transition module and it is quite strange being at college when there are only leavers there discussing our new jobs, new houses, new bosses, new tasks, etc etc. I feel like it is become more real by the day. Very soon I am going to be ordained and very soon I will be leaving Bristol and moving into a vicarage and starting a new life and this is the week where I make the first transition from this student life to that new life. The strange (or perhaps I am realising not so strange) thing is that as the days are passing I am getting less anxious and more ready to make this transition. I am staring to feel empowered and equipped. Ready? So, thanks for your prayers, support and stuff...keep it coming but don't worry I am getting the hang of it!

I'll keep you posted.

Counter-Terrorism Bil

Today sees the second reading of the Counter-Terrorism Bill. The government wants to allow police to lock people up for six weeks without even charging them with an offence – a proposal that would undermine civil liberties, damage community relations and have a seriously damaging effect on any individuals who were affected.

Amnesty is asking people to sign the “Not a day longer” e-petition calling on the government to abandon plans to extend the time for which police can hold terrorism suspects without charge.

The petition is on the No.10 website

If you are on facebook you can join the NOT A DAY LONGER! group

potting shed

Mark was looking out for some pictures for Paula for ZHO Theatre company and found some shots of my alter ego Maureen. She MC'd the Potting Shed cabaret on the Walk the Plank boat May 2006 (just aftre I had been to selection conference). These pictures are of Maureen singing Anarchy in the UK and reading from a book (!???).

Just in case you don't know about Walk the Plank here is a helpful video that will fill you in.

lost at greenbelt

whilst browsing through the Greenbelt pages I was fascinated to find the link to the stuff that got left behind at Greenbelt last year. Bags, credit card, lots of hats, toys, phones etc. So if you lost anything it really is worth taking a look to see if it is here.

whilst I am blogging about Greenbelt you may like to take a look at Bruce Stanley's very cute desktop model of Greenbelt - including the (tiny) tiny tea tent.

darkness

How did you find Earth Hour? It was very strange at our house because Saturday evening TV was dominating so to have to and all the lights turned off it was at first quite eerie. Not unpleasant - just odd! Becky was round and despite the fact Eva had a bath run she didn't get in it because she was scared of the dark. So we all sat around with the candles glowing in the living room and told stories and jokes. We really had a great time chatting - it was like the olden days!

None of us got up early enough to get to church this morning. The clocks changing always flummoxes me. Even when I don't forget (I didn't this year though the last 2 years have been a bit embarrassing as I have turned up for church late). This year I just didn't wake up. This will be a serious matter next year as I will have official duties so this really has to be the last time I mess the clock change timing up!!!!! Mark has been for a run and we are just about to have 2nd breakfast. Then a walk about the park (it is a lovely day) and that's about the plan really.

earth hour

Get your candles out. Tonight at 8pm we must all turn the lights out (and unplug every electrical item) for an hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. Earth Hour is orgainised by WWF. Google have more information - click here.

got to keep on writing

I am nearly there - I have written an essay and am staring to write a theological reflection today. If I get this done I only have one essay and an exam to do before I finish this degree and I am out of here in June. Given that I have to sort out a move, get kitted out, arrange all the packing, cleaning as well as attend college (I will still have lectures, chapel, pastoral commitments etc until June) there will still be plenty to do. I could do with getting this bit of writing done simply so I am not so overwhelmed when it comes to all the move stuff. So, that is the plan for the day..

Not much planned for the weekend save spending time with Eva - Mark is working and I don't have anything exciting up my sleeve so if anyone has a plan that we might fit into do give me a call.

I have had removal people in to give me quotes for the move back to Liverpool so it is all becoming very real. Everyday that I am not at college I am trying to clear out one cupboard, cubbyhole, set of draws or whatever just so it isn't so much of a nasty job just before we go (like it was when we moved here). When we moved down here I took 2 weeks off took get everything ready this time I have an exam the week before we move so I won't have anytime then. Can you tell I am getting a bit anxious about it? Anyway, before I get too carried away I best get on with this work.

Ting Tings vs Shampoo

St Claire of Toxteth thinks that the Tings Tings are the children of Shampoo (circa 1994). I am sure this pop analysis will shock the Salford Duo as I suspect they may be basing their career on a far more credible pop pedigree. However, I will let you be the judge...

2 Shampoo videos for you as evidence in the pop trial

Trouble



Girl Power (way before the spice girls had the 2nd hand idea)



I must not be distracted by pop music today!

Daft Bodies - Harder Better Faster Stronger

I know I am supposed to be working but whilst I was traveling round the blogging world I found this...Thanks Julian

Ting Tings

Eva has a new favourite band - The Ting Tings. I am sure you re all plugged into this sound but I found this acoustic version of That's Not my Name, which I though was very good.



Some credit should go to Katie for pulling off wearing a tabard as a fashion item. Not many girls can do that!




If you want to see the lastest video for the single Great DJ you have to go to the Columbia Record Co. youtube bit...they don't want us to embed it - meanies!

I am trying not to be distracted by pop music this week as I press on with another essay. Just 2 more to do. Best be off then.

The Gospel According to Quality Street

This film has been made by a Angela and is a retelling of the gospel using quality street chocs. Genius.

Easter weekend

I have been so busy doing nothing that I haven't been able to blog. Friday we went to some standing stones at Stanton Drew and had a pub lunch (Joe, Harriet, Elise, Amy, Mark, Eva and I). It was really nice to have everyone together for the day. Even though I couldn't get anyone to go to church (standing stones was the best I could do!) I did get to spend some time thinking about Jesus - it can be a bit lonely being the only fully signed up card carrying Christian in the family, particularly on holy days. hey ho.

Saturday was one of those days where you sit about talking to people who come round visiting. Clare and Jessica came down from Liverpool to visit for a few hours (they were on their way to see Clare's mum). So, we had a good chat and drank tea. After they went on their way Becky came over for tea and chat and we had a brief spell in Cribbs getting Eva a cotton jumper because her eczema is bad and she needs to avoid man made fibres (why they are called man made fibres I don't know - I imagine they are made by women or children in sweat shops!!!).

Sunday I got to church with Eva - Hallelujah He is Risen! Elise and Amy are staying here for a few days and the house was full again. Everyone went out to watch the football (can't believe Liverpool lost 3-0 but hey ho!). I had to stay in because Eva had a friend over. So, I cooked roast beef and made a lemon and rasberry cake - yum yum! I was able to break my wine fast which was very exciting but I was so tired that when I eventually had a drink, at about 6.30pm, it made me so drowsy that I was asleep on the sofa by 10pm.

I have a headache this morning. This is one of the downsides to drinking. But I am out of practice having not had a drop all through lent (apart from communion wine!). I didn't even have very much and I feel like my body is rebelling. I am still in bed and thinking about a 2nd sleep. Mark, Eva and Elise are off to Hobbicraft to get some picture frames. I think a bit of food and an extra sleep is in order. I love bank holidays.

back at college

I am got out of my sick bed and made it into college. I am not fully functioning but that doesn't seem to matter much (so far) as I have just spent time chatting over some work and done a bit of reading. I am trying to tie up a few lose ends and get stuff ready for the holidays which start at the end of play today. Not tat I will have much of a break - just going to have the Easter off and get back to it on Tuesday. I only have 2 more essays to write - one for Mission to Cell and the other for Doctrine. I am planning to get at least one of those done next week and write my church placement report. Not that I am making a great deal of progress as I feel quite under-the-weather. I wonder sometimes whether keep plugging away of these things is counter productive. But hey ho. I have deadlines and needs must etc etc.

The following was up on Jonny Baker's blog (don't try saying that after a few sherbets) three days ago and I meant to share it with you then. It is all about awareness!

Gordon Brown will meet the Dalai Lama

I'm not saying that my signing the petition made all the difference but the fact that so many of us did must surely have had an impact - According to the BBC he is going to meet him in London in May.

It has not been a peaceful week in China particularly in Tibet where we read in the same BBC report that: "More than 100 people have turned themselves in to police following anti-China riots in Tibet's main city, Lhasa, Chinese state media have said."

My prayers for peace go out to all of those who have been affected on all sides by this latest protest.

heavy book

The Future of the Parish System: Shaping the Church of England in the 21st Century - a very heavy book!


I got home yesterday feeling a bit grotty and mark was ill in bed. He'd been asleep most of the day. Eva and I made him his tea and tried to cheer him up but he remained upstairs until it was time for CSI (which is the weakest series yet). I thought I was very clever because I was feeling so chipper and despite being tired and grotty was ok. But I spoke too soon and this morning I could hardly raise my head off the pillow - aching all over and with a head like a drum I decided to go back to sleep after some marmalade toast. I haven't got much further than that since. I have had a spot of lunch and have tried to read (but the book is too heavy - might have to find a lighter one!). There was some good news in the post:
My Fossil watch can be repaired for £17.31
My Billy Bragg tickets arrived - Mark, Bob and Sue are going to see him on 24 April at Colston Hall.

Anyway, I am going to try to read again so wish me luck with my heavy book.

busy doing nothing

Sometimes you have days that don't really have much going on, when you feel a general sense of unease - like there is something you should be doing but no really knowing what it is. Days when you chat but don't really get to the point, when you have less time that you thought, when even the easiest of tasks allude you. Well today is that sort of day for me. But it has been quite good to just be: I had coffee with a load of friends I hadn't seen for a week and just talked about not very much at all. I don't think I am going to get through today and have it marked out as a high achieving day but I think that is ok. I think I am very hard on myself, trying to make everyday count and forgetting to sometimes just spend time with people and not put the pressure on for it all to have meaning. So, I must get back to being. I am going to sit and eat cake with my daughter, watch some TV and plan tea.