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.

re:jesus

I haven't blogged on the re:jesus blog site for ages. Partly because I have been so busy and partly because I have been struggling with how to communicate issues of faith in this forum. I love the re:jesus site (not just the blog) because it offers so may entry points into the story of Jesus and contemporises questions of faith, engagement and culture. I would recommend the site to anyone who is interested in what Jesus means to contemporary people.

Anyway, I will attempt to blog on re:jesus at least three times this holy week. Today I was mostly concerned about Easter Eggs

lazy sunday

What a lazy day. I have been struggling fighting a cold all day so spent much of it in bed or thereabouts. But, I think I might have beaten it because I am feeling much better as I am just about to get back into the beautiful bed again. Eva has been out with her friends all day and I have watched tv, cleaned about a bit, read and slept. I had to go to the shops for some food but other than that it really has been a very lazy day. Just what I needed after a busy few days in Liverpool. On of the things I have been up to is listening to my Larry Norman CD which arrived in the post while I was in Liverpool. Larry Norman died 24th Feb 2008 and I wanted to reacquaint myself with his work. It has been a strangely moving re-awakening of my youthful exuberance and love of Christian music. I don't have the same feelings for many Christian artists these days - old a cynical, finding hard to find anything with a bit edginess. Whatever it is Larry Norman had it - as he said "why should the Devil have all the good music'. Here are a few Norman youtube videos. Enjoy.

back in Bristol

Having had a very good few days in Liverpool we are now back in Bristol...and it is raining (again). Well, while we were in Liverpool we got a lot done. We went to our new house and had a useful meeting with the diocesan housing officer and I think things are now in hand - hopefully all the jobs that need doing will be done by the time we move in. Mark and I also had a good meeting with a friend of ours who is doing a big local history arts project from the Park Palace music hall/cinema building on Mill Street, Liverpool 8. I have been asked to be part of the project - running a week long music hall workshop from the building. I am very excited about the project and it will be a useful addition to my performance as research work in relation to my PhD. Even though this is a different music hall it is a contemporary of the Pavilion. I am hoping that the project will take place in June just after I get back but before I start my curacy. If not I will have to do the research, set up the project and then hand it over to someone else. Just have to hope it all comes together...

In keeping with the music hall theme I have chosen a clip of Count Arthur Strong doing a little act at the Music Hall Meltdown which happened last year. Enjoy.

liverpool

I am in Liverpool. Mark and I came up last night and we are staying at Bob and Sue's off Lark Lane. Eva is staying with Elise and Wayne back in Bristol so she doesn't miss any more school! Also, without Eva here we can get a few more bits and bobs done and not have to worry about her being bored and sad. Anyway, it has been quite nice to have a break away - just Mark and I away together. Today we went into town and wondered about a bit, we went to the Cathedral to see Claire Caddick who has just got a job as an education officer there. It was great to see her and despite her very loud clip clop shoes it was great to have a tour of her workplace and see all the backstage stuff. I really am very proud of her!!!

Tonight I am off for dinner with Andrea and Kate at The Maharajah South Indian Restaurant - my favourite place to eat in Liverpool. I have a meeting with the diocesan housing officer at the new house tomorrow. Later a meeting about a music hall project with an arts organization. Some dinner plans are emerging and it would be good to meet up with a few people...so watch this space.

Trinity ladies

Don't we look lovely (click on the image if you'd like to see it a bit bigger).
thanks to Sudharshan for the photo

Petition the Prime Minister to meet the Dalai Lama in May 2008

I heard the Dalai Lama speak at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool a few years back and was impressed by his loving and gentle call for peace and reconciliation. We have to remember that this man has been exiled from his own country for nearly 50 years. Recent documentaries have reminded us of the situation in Tibet. I wonder if I might interest you in signing a petition to encourage the prime minister to meet with the Dalai lama in May. The petition has been signed by over 5,000 people - perhaps this quotation might encourage you...

"For once there is good news for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet.

Since 1959 world leaders have not met with His Holiness publicly because the Chinese Government makes scary threatening phone calls and warns the country concerned that they consider meeting H.H. 'interference in Chinese domestic affair' and that HH is a 'dangerous splittist, terrorist, separatist etc' And for years every country in the world has been scared and done as China demands in order to safeguard their relations and economic interests.

But this year, in the run up to the Olympics, some world Governments have said 'Actually no - HH is talking about non-violence, peace, human rights and reconciliation and we think it's time you listened to him.'

The German Chancellor met him publicly, then Australia and Austria, then the US gave him the Congressional Gold Medal (for more info on this and for links to watch his acceptance speech see the latest blog onwww.isabellosada.com) Canada is expected to be next.

Britain, of course, lags behind. To our shame, Blair refused to meet the Dalai Lama in 2004 and instead rolled out the red carpet, literally, forthe Chinese visit. Gordon Brown now has an opportunity to show that he has more guts. Next year, His Holiness will visit Britain again. It is time that the UK joined those countries showing support for His Holiness. Obviously it is in China's best interests to allow The Dalai Lama back into Tibet and to grant Tibet genuine autonomy."

Isabel Losada, author of 'For Tibet,With Love' and 'A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World'

Please sign the petition to the Prime Minister to make an official announcement that he will meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits the UK in May 2008. - on the No 10 petition page.

Those of you on facebook there is a group (of the same name) that you can join to show your support. The quotation here was taken from this group.

weekend

I have had a very relaxing weekend. I needed one. I have been strangely anxious this week - the whole moving back to Liverpool and getting ordained stuff has been playing on my mind. There seems so much to get in order and ends to tie. I am a bit distracted by it and even though I am doing absolutely fine getting stuff done and getting my head round it all it does sometimes catch up with me. So, a weekend of resting and chilling out with friends is just what I needed.

Yesterday I spent the day with 20 lovely women from Trinity - our first women's day! Just chilling out, being spiritually, emotionally and literally fed by each other company was a great top up of joy. What blessing, what grace, what great girls. God really has provided Trinity with some exceptional women!

Today I have been to church and then out to lunch at Wagamamma with Mark and Eva and a little drive followed by afternoon TV (football mainly - go Cardiff City!!!) and a tidy of the house. I meant to go to Foundation AGM but fell asleep and missed it. Last week was so great I am sad to miss this week. But I really need a very early night - I have to finish the Daniel essay tomorrow.

Some Sunday night links for you:
- Bruce Stanley took some great photos of last week's Foundation little service.
- Maggi Dawn has been speaking to the Arch Bishops - which is very interesting and there is much to come (click on the link to the story about Sentamu being her local priest it is a moving account of his encouragement of her ministry.
- Steve B has got is autograph book out...

I am off to watch Morning in the Streets - recommended by John Davies.

Christian Pat and his Charismatic Cat

David Goodall sent me this link today which really cheered me up. Thanks David*.



*I have subsequently been informed that David got the link from Paul Robert's Blog - what tangled web of blogging links we weave. As the writer of Ecclesiastes says "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

last day of the working week

As a lay person and seeing as I don't have a Saturday job today is the last working day of the week. So, one would expect me to be working. But things aren't going too well. I have been a bit distracted by interesting people and Welsh cakes (I was given one to eat early this morning and seeing as I have never been able to eat a Welsh cake without a cup of tea I had to spend some time out digesting and talking to fully appreciate the experience). Now I am behind and spending more time not reading about the book of Daniel. However, I did work until quite late last night and then had a dream about Daniel (oh the irony) so I feel I have made some internal spiritual progress deep down in my inner being. I am just hoping that my inner being will be willing to externalize itself at the appropriate time (i.e. when it comes to writing the essay up). I have two more commentaries to read then I am ready to construct an argument and make a plan. Best get on it then.

thursday

Today is the day that I crack my Daniel essay. Really, honestly, today I decide the question, formulate the answer and write a plan as well as choose my quotations, illustrations and construct an argument. Perhaps I won't get round to actually writing it but by the end of the day I will know what I am going to write. This IS what is going to happen today - if I say it enough it will happen!

I already had a buy day - I have spoken in chapel (this year each of the final year ordinands have to do a 2 minute homily and today was my turn).There have been some excellent homily's so far and I was feeling a bit under pressure about it all. When you have two readings and a psalm to choose from for inspiration it is a challenge quite apart from the anxiety of speaking in front of your peers and tutors. No pressure then! Anyway, I was greatly blessed and gracefully I managed to present what I thought God had put on my heart. I chose a verse from the Hebrews reading: "let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds". My point was that the best way to provoke love and good deeds is by doing exactly that - by being loving and doing good deeds. Employing the sweet provocation of love!

Anyway, I think it came together ok and I managed to get it all done in 2mins 14 secs so not too bad! I had to have a penguin bar after though. So, the rest of the day will be spent with Daniel. Oh joy.

screenclean

I have been stressed out about the dirty marks on my lovely macbook and recently bought an expensive product to keep it clean. Mark (my husband not the finger prints etc) was not so sure that I needed to spend quite so much on cleaning wipes and suggested that this method might be as good...I am not so sure!

wippell's

I went to Exeter today to try on my robes and stuff. I was very pleased with it all, but it was still very odd wearing a dog collar, cassock, surplice and cloak even if it was only in front of the man at Wippell's, Mark and Eleanor. The Wippell's man was very professional considering Mark was taking pictures of the whole affair. Anyway, I am sorted - all suited and booted. There are some adjustments to make and I haven't had my grant yet so can't actually take them away for a while yet. But it is in hand.

had a lovely day in Exeter. Lunch with Eleanor and Mark, a potter round town and drove back in time to get some books out of the library at Trinity and pop to the co-op for some food. Eva is staying at Elise and Wayne's new house tonight so Mark and I are in on our own. I have so much reading to do that I can't really make the most of the night off. Hey ho. Best get back to reading about the book of Daniel.

mothering sunday

Yesterday was a very busy but rewarding day. I was woken up by Mark and Eva - toast and flowers, homemade cards and a homemade bag. Eva was so lovely and kind, I got a fantastic text of Elise and I really felt loved and cherished.

I was leading and preaching at St Peter's church Lawrence Western. Jenny had very generously allowed me free rein for the service and I had asked a few Trinity friends to come and help me. It was so good to be able to say to all the people who work so hard week in week out at the church that they could have a week off and all they had to do was turn up and worship. The new Church of England Mothering Sunday liturgy, found in New Patterns for Worship was a wonderful resource for the liturgy. I had planed this a few weeks back and it was great to work through it live with the congregation. My biggest challenge was to plan and deliver a service that was accessible enough just in case any children did turn up but not all age because the majority of the congregation is 60+yrs. As it was there were 3 children that just turned up off the street (8year olds on their own with no parents), one family with 3 children, another 11year old who had come with her grandma and Eva (who played the recorder and said the opening blessing). I felt the service went well and there was a great feeling of support and generosity toward myself and the other students. I felt very blessed by the service and the community.

The Trinity team came back for coffee after the service and I got some great feedback (thankfully all seemed well). Geoff stayed for dinner and we chewed the cud for hours and hours...joined by Lizzie May later on and occasionally Mark and Elise. I had a lovely day.

After a brief but necessary doze I went out to Foundation - another fantastic alternative worship service inspired by Babette's Feast. The group showed clips from the film, served food and shared stories. There was some inspired liturgy and creative ideas (including blessings in bottles). It really was the perfect end to a lovely day. I was very tired and happy as I went to bed thinking about writing an essay on Daniel and leading chapel this week at college.

getting old, being sensible when eating and still messing about in lifts

You may remember a while back Mark and I went to That London to see Count Arthur Strong. At the time I promised pictures and here they are....



This one is of C.A.S and Malcolm acting.


















This is what happens to people when they get old and sensible and are not prepared to take risks with baked beans anymore.








...but not too old to take pictures of ourselves in a lift messing about (not in a rude way! How dare you for thinking that!!!!).