i don't like carrying things

I am back from Liverpool. It was an eventful weekend. Also, very encouraging. It was great to get back and be reminded about what I am being trained for. Sometimes I feel a bit disconnected from the bigger picture. It is easy to get caught up in things in Bristol and lose touch with what I am here for. Anyway, meeting new people and catching up with old friends helped to reconnect with the vision.

The weekend wasn't without it's dramas. Andrea was off to Malawi with Sahir House and I wanted to spend some time with her before she went. We had a lovely time just chatting and chilling as well as getting ready for her to go. I couldn't believe it when she called to tell me she hadn't got on the plane...her passport had gone missing. 24hrs later it was found in her parents porch! Thankfully the airline was good enough to honour her original ticket and put her on standby for another flight out. I haven't heard from her so I am assuming she has got there.

I went into town on Saturday to meet Phil J but it was raining so much and Eva was distracted so our browsing was limited and it was only a brief meeting. It doesn't feel like nearly a year since we last spent time together but it really is that long. I hope he will come down sometime in the summer. The spell in town made me realise how much I hate carrying things. Walking up Bold Street with bags of Eva's stuff made me fell weak and feeble. I hate the heaviness of carrying things. I hate the plastic handles on bags. I get very grumpy if I have to carry stuff - even a handbag! I have had to carry a lot of stuff this weekend. We moved from Andrea's to Claire's and I had to carry stuff in and out and up and down. I also had to carry Eva's stuff to Maddie's. I am really moaning about carrying aren't I?!

Anyway, it was a good meeting with Sara re: my PhD. Though loads of work to do. Also good to speak to David about plans for the future. Seeing Claire in her new house was great. Really good place to live and she is very happy and sorted there. We also got to have afternoon tea with Andy Del and bumped into Bob and Sue in town. Obviously, due to being so pushed for time didn't get to see everyone but think we will be up again very soon so perhaps catch up with more people then.

It is Eva's birthday today and after unwrapping even more presents Mark has taken her to my mum's for a few days so we can work. I miss her already. Really miss her. The quicker I get this writing done the quicker we can have a holiday.

liverpool

Eva and I are off to Liverpool for the weekend. Mark and Elise are going to be in Bristol working so it's just us. I am going to meet Sara Cohen my PhD supervisor and David Parry the DDO. I am also going to catch up with a few people. Though I have t say it will be a bit cocker with meetings etc so I might not get to see as many people as I would like. Might be a general 'I'll be on Lark Lane at ....'. If that happens I will let you know.

Sina Paymard - update

I have had this email from Amnesty:

We have heard from Sina Paymard's lawyer that he was not executed last night, which is very good news. The family are allowing 10 more days for the rest of the blood money in the case to be found. However, if the remainder of the money is not raised in this time, the family are determined to have Sina executed, so there is still work to be done.

Please continue with action.

Sina Paymard

I have just heard of the imminent execution of Sina Paymard, who was sentenced to death in Iran for a crime committed when he was just 16 years old. Sina may be executed within the next few hours.


From a press release Amnesty have just issued:

According to reports, he has been moved from Reja'i Shahr prison in Karaj, to Tehran's Evin prison, for his execution to be carried out.

Sina, a musician, was due to be executed in September last year for murder. On the gallows, his last request was to play the ney (a Middle Eastern flute) for the last time. The family of the victim was so moved by his playing that they granted him a last minute reprieve. Instead, they asked for 150 million toumans (over $US 160,000) as compensation. Sina's family, however, have not been able to raise the full amount.

Iran continues to have one of the highest rates of executions in the world. Amnesty International has recorded at least 124 executions since the beginning of 2007, suggesting that by the end of this year the total number of executions could exceed the total of 177 executions that Amnesty International recorded in 2006.

Two recent victims of the Iranian authorities' use of the death penalty were child offenders, whose alleged crimes were committed before the age of 18, and a third was a man who was stoned to death. The two child offenders -- Mohammad Mousavi and Sa'id Qanbar Zahi -- were executed in April and May respectively, in direct contravention of international law, which requires that no-one should be executed for crimes committed while under the age of 18.

Please take urgent action to halt the execution of Sina Paymard by visiting Amnesty action link

bra news

I know you can't wait to find out how I sorted the bra problem...well, I went on t'internet and ordered a new one from Amplebosom . It arrived on Saturday, I can report that it is a snug and comfy fit. I also ordered one from M&S which is due to arrive tomorrow. So, all is well. I am off to Liverpool on Friday so I will take the old ones in to Madame Foner for a service.

I love it when a plan comes together.

foundation litlle service

Last night I led the Foundation little service. It was a bit of a last minute call to lead but that was fine. I felt that I couldn't do anything too technically flash - really pushed for prep time and putting a presentation together seemed inappropriately. I felt I wanted to offer something far more meditative and reflective. Paul's letter to the Ephesians came to mind as a way to reflect on how Christian living should be. The letter has been referred to as 'the Gospel of the Church' and it offers a blueprint for ‘God’s new society’. The focus of the service was Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

I tried to draw out the five key words:
· Strength
· Love
· Knowledge
· Fullness
· Power

Strength
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

This part of the prayer serves both as a reminder of our status as the people of God, but it also acts as a call for more strength, more power through his spirit. It reminds us that we should not remain complacent but need to be pressing on, moving deeper into our faith.

Love
rooted and grounded in love.

The purpose of this strengthening is not to simply to prepare us for bad stuff or to protect us from evil. In this prayer it is to root and ground us in love. Love for each other and love for God. The two metaphors being combined here – the one of gardening and the other architectural – serve to demonstrate that the unseen cause of our stability will be the same: LOVE. Our love is to be both radical and a fundamental nature of our experience.

Knowledge
I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

The writer now shifts from our love (in which we are to be rooted and is our foundation) to Christ’s love (which he prays we may know). Indeed he acknowledges that we need strength or power for both – strength to love and power to comprehend Christ’s love. What is significant here is that this knowledge is only accessible ‘with all the saints’. Alone, we can know something of the love of Jesus. But the grasp of it is bound to be limited to our own experience. It takes the whole people of God to understand the whole love of God. Even then there is mystery in the phrase ‘know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge’ – it seems that this love is beyond the breadth and length and height and depth for all the saints combined to comprehend and know. This unknowable love is what keeps us exploring the riches of Gods grace!

Fullness
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

This is one of those phrases that appear to be in the continuous present. That is, in order for us to be full we need to be continuously filled up – filled up by the Spirit with strength, love and knowledge. We can’t sit back and rest on past spiritual experiences we need to be constantly sitting under Gods spiritual tap – being filled up day-by-day, hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute.

Power
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

Just a couple of words of warning before we end: firstly, if we pray like this (with strength, love and knowledge) things will happen, because this is powerful stuff. It’s not the power of government and kings, the rich and famous, or leaders, teachers or those who are clever. This is Gods power that is at work within us - it is for everyone, no matter what our status is. We all can pray this prayer for each other.

Secondly, don’t be limited by what you can imagine will happen or by what you have the desire to ask for. If you shift beyond this you will accomplish abundantly far more. Don’t limit yourself to your own capacity.

Third warning: This is not just for you or me or us. This prayer is forever. This is for glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. We are important, we are significant but we are only part of the picture. We are called to be visionaries. Seers. Prophets.

Can you pray this prayer? Lets say it together and see what happens…


I had made some paper people - with the names of each of the members of Foundation on them. So, we all took a few of the paper people and prayed the prayer for the Ephesians for these people. Silently we thought of each person. We lingered on this time of prayer for a while and lit candles for each other and the Foundation community. Everyone at the service took some of the paper people home to continue to pray for them throughout the week.

sunburnt

I must start this post with a correction - my last blog on hymn singing at Greenbelt requires alteration. The Big Sing will take place on Sunday 26 August at 2.30pm at The Arena. Thanks to Gayle for pointing this out - Just shows I wasn't paying attention!

I am going to be working at Greenbelt as part of the venue managing team in New Forms, worship/cafe. My shifts do allow me to take part in the Foundation worship session, which is due to take place on Fri evening, Billy Bragg - also on Friday and the Big Sing on Sunday. Obviously this is not all I want to do at Greenbelt, but it is a start!


Yesterday Mark, Eva, Elise and I went to the Gower Peninsular with Foundation friends. It didn't start off promising to be a good weather day - raining and very winy as we left Bristol. Nearly 100miles later the sun was out and the whole world looked very different. We made our way to the beach at Rhossili Bay, the others got wet suits and body boards and off we went to find a spot on the beach. It was beautiful. Really beautiful. I, of course, didn't go anywhere near the water but sat quite happily in the England beach chair watching and being pass remarkable. Anyway, despite the wind and the clouds I still seem to have got really quite sunburnt. Also, because I was too cold to take my t shirt off I have shirt marks - typically English suntan will emerge. My forehead (which is very large and always catches the sun) is red and shiny. A lovely look for summer. Hey ho.

Today I am resting (sunstroke and the drive have taken it all out of me). I am leading the little service tonight with a meditation on Ephesians 3: 14-21 so have some preparation for that to do. So, a quiet day with blips of spiritual insight (I hope).

hymns

thanks to the Cartoon Church I have just voted for my top 10 favourite hymns - the winners of the collective vote will be sung at the 'Greenbelt big hymn sing' to take place in the Greenbelt beer tent, during the festival in August.

If you want to vote go to the surefish voting page.

beatbox chef

as suggested by Becky. thanks mate. Missing you. xxx

bra

I can't believe I have broken the under wire on another bra! So much wear and tear you know!!!

So, what do I do now? This one was the best one - the best black one no less. So, I am up the creek without a paddle. I need scaffolding very quickly. If anyone in Bristol knows a good corsetier or a lingerie shop that isn't all thongs and sexy knickers (oh please don't make me go into one of those nasty shops) then please let me know. I want no nonsense, no frills good old fashioned knickers and bras.

Thank you.

something good

Last night was Tracey Wheeler's 40th birthday party - we had a great time round the Wheeler's - so thanks to them. Eva was very impressed by their Wii...and wants one for her birthday! Yeah, like that is going to happen. Anyway, during one of the conversations that was had around the table in the garden (yes it was a fine evening and we were able to sit outside) was about research. I had to admit that I had done a musicology project on Kate Bush's Cloudbusting for my MA (in Popular Music Studies). Thanks to Prof Philip Tagg the project made some sense of the music and lyrics. It was during this project that I met Phil Jackson who helped do a special thing on the computer which illustrated the various sounds on a graph. It was a work of genius (Phil's graph not my musicology project!). Anyway, to commemorate this event I will post two videos...

Kate Bush - Cloudbusting



Utah Saints - something good

freemasons

we all have a lot to be grateful to the freemasons for - not least for sorting out a decent tune from Beyonces latest single. Pop Justice pointed this out to me earlier in the week and I have been a bit distracted so didn't share it with you. Anyway, see which one you prefer.

Beyonce's effort



Freemasons make sense of it

facebook

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

there has been an upsurge in facebook activity - which has slowed down my email activity. I am not sure if it is affecting my blogging. I am a bit distracted at the moment so I suspect I wouldn't be blogging any more than I am even if facebook didn't exist. But it does. Have you signed up yet? Am I your friend?

elise's birthday

Look at these two lovely girls.









I have been feeling really exhausted this week and have found it hard to muster up energy for anything. But, it is Elise's 21st birthday today and I have to be on it. It is interesting that such occasions take on an energy of their own. Like a whirlwind - as you get sucked in you forget that you have a will. I have been making mistakes which is always a sign of being tired and/or slightly out of control:
I have forgotten to book babysitters for Sat and next Wed
I left the headlights on and the battery went - now I can't get the radio to work because my mum can't remember the code
I didn't put washing power in the washing machine and had to do the whole thing again
I have forgotten to get the stitches taken out from my wound - now it is going to be more painful and irritating - going tomorrow to see the nurse!


So, after Elise's birthday I am going to try to get some rest, some time to myself and generally not get so caught up in it all.

Tonight we are off to La Tasca for a meal and I think Elise and Claire are off into town. I can assure you I am going home for an early night. Stitches out tomorrow!!!!

Shazai

my loving husband sent me this video. I am not sure if he felt he needed to practice shazai.



I am trying to lay low for a few days. feeling a bit knackered. I guess the General anaesthetic has taken it out of me more than I realised. Shame the weather is so poo or I could spend glorious afternoons in front of the telly watching Wimbledon. Hey ho. Claire Caddick is coming to stay tomorrow for a few days so that will keep me amused. Quite excited to see her. Hope to feel more like having an adventure soon.

future of bold street

following my posting about Bold Street the other day you might be interested in a short film posted on the bold street blog about the future of Bold Street.



and an interesting new film by Kim Ryan. 'The Bolder They Walk' is a film set on Bold Street featuring Chris Bernard and Alex Cox, dressed as clergymen, who discuss art, culture and society as they take a walk along Bold Street. I wonder if them being dressed as clergymen is to critique religion or to provoke response in the passers by as they walk along Bold Street. I suspect it has something to do with their personal politics. They do discuss their faith at the end of the video. Very interesting take on folk religion, faith hope and love. I know John Davies walks down Bold Street, because he buys books from News From Nowhere - and he is a 'real' vicar. These two 'just like the costumes'.



Really missing home today. But not knowing when I can get back to visit. Hey ho.

little tich

I am at home. Came home last night and all is well. If you want details you might have to ask me in person.

Anyway, the last of my music hall performances (for now). This is Little Tich. He features heavily in my phd. He is a favourite of mine.

my profile

I had a go at this today - thanks to Dream Blog for the link. Anyway, I was shocked to find out what my celebrity profile was...imagine looking 96% like Angelina Jolie? Well, I do...so there!

http://www.myheritage.com

by the way, if you haven't guessed already, I am not doing very much work today. Bit nervous about tomorrow and have a friend visiting.

lily morris # 2

I realised that I won't be able to post stuff for a few days because I am off into hospital tomorrow. So here is some background information on Lily Morris. Don't forget to watch the video as well. It is a cracker...


Lily Morris was born in London in 1884, her career began at the age of 10 when she appeared in Pantomime at Drury Lane, and she then went on to tour with Moss Empires as a ‘juvenile’. She is described in the British Music Hall: An Illustrated Who’s Who, 1850 – Present Day as ‘a chorus singer with a big voice and a personality to match’ . She had a number of hits with including In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree, Don’t Have any More Mrs Moore, and the one recorded here Why am I Always the Bridesmaid ‘which took her to the top of the bill and to the Royal Variety Performance in 1927’ . Lily Morris died in 1952.

Lily Morris

This is another one of the acts I am working on at the moment. I will give you some background information tomorrow...for now just sit back and enjoy the show.

the one that got away

John H commented on this playbill then I swapped it for the other one. So, here it is re-posted all on it's own.


IF YOU CLICK ON THE IMAGE (AND THE PREVIOUS ONE) THEY GET MAGICALLY BIGGER!!!!

a night at the Pavilion

I am starting to work on another phd chapter - one that I have already had a go a and needs some TLC to get it into order. One of the exciting bits of the phd is when I introduce the acts that performed on the Pavilion stage the week beginning 20th April 1908. It is at this point that the phd shifts from an investigation of music hall as a popular performance to how it was manifest in a specific place. My research then looks at music hall performance in the context of local everyday life.

I remember the day I found this music hall bill - I had spent four days trawling through acres of irrelevant primary source material in the Central Library in Liverpool, patiently hoping for a gem...and there it was, in fact this was one of 6 bills I found that day. These became the basis for my phd and have kept my interest for nearly 6years.

I will let the acts speak for themselves.

This is the programme for the week commencing Monday afternoon (Monday being the day that the weekly programme changed), April 20th, 1908. Doors opened at 2.30pm and twice nightly 6.50pm and 9pm during the week. On the bill that week were:

1. Overture: ‘Francis the Radical’
2. Ida Katherina: ‘The Dolly Girl’
3. Austins: Comedy Juggling and Dancing
4. Blanche & Powel: In their High Class Drawing Room Entertainment
5. John G. Brandon & Co. In the Famous American Dramatic Sketch – The Girl & the Tough
6. Steel & Laing (Dora & Dulcie): The Meddling Tramp and the Dancing Maid
7. Kenneth & Kane (Sid & Maud) Comedy Duo: ‘Just a Few Words’
8. Capt. Devereaux: Canine Streets of London. A Drama Illustrated by Dogs Only
9. Luis Hardt ‘The Mighty Atom’ and Original Boy Samson in Flights of Imagination – A New and Original Way of Introducing Feats of Strength
10. Neilson Troupe: of Boys and Girls in a Comedy and Dancing Scena entitled ‘An Improvised Rehearsal’
11. Will Walton: Comedian
12. Sarnthaler Troupe: Lady singers and Dancers, in their Mountain Scena ‘ Ten Minutes in the Tyrol
13. ‘Crazy Quilt’ on the Bioscope
14. Tarro Miyake. The Champion Ju Jitsu Wrestler of Japan

Here we see juggling, dancing, sketches, feats of strength, comedy, even a dog act, to top it all you have the interactive challenge of Tarro Miyake who was prepared to take on any member of the audience.

gus elen

I have managed to upload some music hall footage - this is the first one I will share with you here.

It is Gus Elen and this is a performance of It’s a Great Big Shame, words by Edgar Bateman, Music by George LeBrun. It was recorded in a small studio on Water St, London 1932 when he was 70. Elen had been performing this song for over 25years and by this point and was nearing retirement. He would reprise this and other songs for the Royal Variety Performance in 1935. Elen Died on 17 February 1940.

Enjoy.



If you'd like to sing along then here are the words:


It’s a Great Big Shame
Words by Edgar Bateman, Music by George LeBrun

I've lost my pal, 'e's the best in all the tahn,
But don't you fink 'im dead, beco's 'e ain't.
But since 'e's wed 'e 'as 'ad ter 'nuckle dahn.
It's e-nuf-ter wax the temper of a saint!
'e's a brewers dray-man, wiv a leg o' mutton fist,
An' as strong as a bullick or an 'orse -
Yet in 'er 'ands 'e's like a little kid -
Oh! I wish as I could get 'im a divorce.

CHORUS:
It's a great big shame, an' if she belong'd ter me
I'd let 'er know who's who.
Naggin at a feller wot is six foot free,
And her not four foot two!
Oh! they 'adn't been married not a month nor more,
When underneath her fumb goes Jim -
Isn't it a pity as the likes ov 'er
Should put upon the likes ov 'im?

Now Jim was class - 'e could sing a decent song,
And at scrappin' 'e 'ad won some great renown;
It took two coppers for to make 'im move along,
And annuver six to 'old the feller dahn.
But today when I axes would 'e come an' 'ave some beer,
To the door-step on tip toe 'e arrives;
"I dare-n't," says 'e - "Don't shout, 'cos sh'll 'ear -
I've got ter clean the winders an' the knives."

CHORUS:

On a Sunday morn, wiv a dozen pals or more,
'e'd play at pitch an' toss along the Lea;
But now she bullies 'im a scrubbin 'o the floor -
Such a change, - well I never did see.
Wiv apron on 'im, I twigged 'im on 'is knees -
A rubbin' up the old 'arf stone;
Wot wiv emptyin' the ashes and a shellin' of the peas,
I'm blowed if 'e can call 'is self 'is own!

CHORUS:

the pivvy

This is the music hall I am researching as part of my PhD. In fact it is the reason I am doing my PhD. So, here is a bit of background.


The Pavilion (know locally as the ‘Pivvy’) on Lodge Lane was opened in 1908. Established in Liverpool 8 as a music hall with twice-nightly shows and a 2.30pm matinee, the Pavilion was a popular venue, able to seat over 2,500 people. The Pavilion was built in an area that had seen vast and swift economic, social and structural change. As the opening quotation illustrates Lodge Lane had, over a 40 year period gone from farm land with a ropery, waterworks, a few houses accommodating a small population and a small number of shops to what amounted to an extension of the city. By 1883 the area was a mass of terraced houses with all the amenities that a growing population demanded . The Lodge Lane Baths had been opened in August 1878, followed by the washhouse later that year . The establishment of the library around the same time was an additional benefit to the area. By 1885 the tramway was extended to the intersection of Upper Parliament Street and Smithdown Road allowing fast, regular transport to and from town (previously it had been possible to get the last bus back to Smithdown Road from town leaving from Pier Head at 10pm – but the trams ran late) .

The Pavilion was evidently a capital investment. When William Henry Broadhead applied for a theatrical licence on 11 April 1907, the Pavilion had not been built. As 14 JP’s votes for the granting of the licence and 13 voted against Broadhead was encourage to go ahead with building and the JP’s would keep an open mind as to whether the licence would be granted or not. Percy Baynham Broadhead was granted a Theatrical licence for the Pavillion Theatre, Lodge Lane on 11 Feb 1908. The Broadhead’s would not have gone ahead with such risky and elaborate plans if there had not been a business rationale for building a theatre on Lodge Lane. Broadhead was not new to the music hall business; he owned a chain of music halls in the North West. He considered himself as a ‘paternal’ manager, an image that is illustrated by the reported purchasing of homes in the area to provide accommodation for his staff. The Pavilion is 1½ miles from the city centre, a suburban development not unusual for Liverpool . However, this is a late development in a city with a lot of existing thriving music halls.

The Pavilion was intended to appeal to a varied audience (different classes, male and female, young and old ), a fact implied by the implementation of two nightly performances. Each of which would have appealed to quite different audiences.Thomas Skelmerdine, a Liverpool surveyor and theatre architect gave evidence to the 1892 parliamentary committee on music halls; he pointed out that the 'twice nightly' system appealed to different clientele, the later show appealing to a ‘rather different grade from the 7pm – 9pm; they were men who have not to be up at four or five in the morning’ .

The Pavilion boasted eight private boxes, stalls, pit, circle and balcony; the competitive prices ranged from stalls 1/-, circle 6d, pit 4d and balcony 3d. In other words the Pavilion clearly catered for a broad range of social class, at least broad enough to charge four times the cheapest price for some seats and sell them. The Gores directory for 1908 lists an extensive range of business and residents on Lodge Lane. Which suggests that the Lodge Lane area was not simply a ‘working-class’ area.

The Pavilion exists today as a bingo hall, despite a devastating fire in 1986 that destroyed much of the Edwardian interior and all of the backstage area.
It had remained a live performance venue until the summer of 1961; in latter years it had become known for its variety performances, glamour girls and elaborate costumes. The venue had remained in the hands of the Broadhead family for 25 years and then in 1933 ownership transferred to the British Theatres Corporation (a Merseyside company who also controlled the Royal Court Theatre). In 1951 a Manchester based company, Brennan’s Cinemas ltd took it on as a going concern. It wasn’t until 1960 that the venue shifted emphasis from variety to ‘glamour’ when a London Company, Success Plays Ltd leased the property. Mecca Ltd bought the Pavilion in Oct 1961 and the venue has served up bingo ever since. In 1992 Gary Armstrong who owns similar bingo halls on Merseyside, bought the site and the venue is now as the Pavilion Bingo club.

yoda vs britney

Whilst sifting through various youtube things (I am preparing to place some music hall footage on youtube and needed to set it up)I discovered this great act. If anyone else find any 'good acts' on youtube please do let me know.



Going out to dinner at Lizzie May's house now. A break from music hall and to see real people in colour.

oh mr porter

This is one of my favourite music hall songs. Unfortunately I am not using this in my PhD but it is still an excellent song. It was originally sung by Marie Lloyd














Oh! Mr Porter
Marie Lloyd

Lately I just spent a week with my old Aunt Brown,
Came up to see wond'rous sights of famous London Town.
Just a week I had of it, all round the place we'd roam
Wasn't I sorry on the day I had to go back home?
Worried about with packing, I arrived late at the station,
Dropped my hatbox in the mud, the things all fell about,
Got my ticket, said 'good - bye' "Right away." the guard did cry,
But I found the train was wrong and shouted out:

CHORUS

The porter would not stop the train, But I laughed and said "You must
Keep your hair on, Mary Ann, and mind that you don't bust'."
Some old gentleman inside declared that it was hard,
Said "Look out of the window, Miss, and try and call the guard."
Didn't I, too, with all my might I nearly balanced over,
But my old friend grasp'd my leg, and pulled me back again,
Nearly fainting with the fright, I sank into his arms a sight,
Went into hysterics but I cried in vain:

CHORUS

On his clean old shirt-front then I laid my trembling head,
"Do take it easy, rest awhile" the dear old chappie said.
If you make a fuss of me and on me do not frown,
You shall have my mansion, dear, away in London Town.
Wouldn't you think me silly if I said I could not like him?
Really he seemed a nice old boy, so I replied this way;
I will be your own for life, Your imay doodle um little wife,
If you'll never tease me any more I say.

CHORUS
Oh! Mr. Porter, what shall I do?
I want to go to Birmingham
And they're taking me on to Crewe,
Send me back to London as quickly as you can,
Oh! Mr. Porter, what a silly girl I am!


Not much has been happening except writing. I am finding the isolation a bit tricky. Got cabin fever I think. Hey ho.

if it wasn't for the 'ouses in between

I am finally getting into a groove with my PhD writing. I have no idea about the quality of what I am writing. I am just so relieved that I am stringing sentences together that the quality issues will have to be dealt with at a future date. I know that the reality is that there is not a lot of future left. But the stress and fear of writing badly was halting all efforts and no writing was happening.

I found myself dreaming about music hall again instead of theology. God was still there - in the music hall - but there were jokes and funny songs and a dog act and some dancers. To be honest I quite like God in the music hall. So, in a series of music hall posts I will start with the lyrics of a song I am working with at the moment.










IF IT WASN'T FOR THE 'OUSES IN BETWEEN
(Edgar Bateman / George LeBrunn)

Sung by Gus Elen - 1899


If you saw my little backyard
"Wot a pretty spot", you'd cry
It's a picture on a sunny summer day
Wiv the turnip tops and cabbages
Wot people doesn't buy
I makes it on a Sunday look all gay

The neighbours finks I grow 'em,
And you'd fancy you're in Kent
Or at Epsom if you gaze into the mews
It's a wonder as the landlord
Doesn't want to raise the rent
Because we have such nobby distant views

Oh! it really is a wery pretty garden
And Chingford to the Eastward could be seen
Wiv a ladder and some glasses
You could see to 'Ackney Marshes
If it wasn't for the 'ouses in between

We're as countrified as can be
Wiv a clothes prop for a tree
The tub-stool makes a rustic little stile
Ev'ry time the blooming clock strikes
There's a cuckoo sings to me
And I've painted up "To Leather Lane A Mile"

Wiv tomatoes and wiv radishes
Wot 'adn't any sale
The backyard looks a purfick mass o' bloom
And I've made a little beehive
Wiv some beetles in a pail
And a pitchfork wiv the 'andle of a broom

Oh! it really is a wery pretty garden
And Rye 'Ouse from the cock-loft could be seen
Where the chickweed man undresses
To bathe 'mong the water cresses
If it wasn't for the 'ouses in between

There's the bunny shares his egg box
Wiv the cross-eyed cock and hen
Though they 'as got the pip and him the 'morf
In a dog's 'ouse on the line-post
There was pigeons, nine or ten
Till someone took a brick and knocked it off

The dust cart though it seldom comes
Is just like 'Arvest 'Ome
And we made to rig a dairy up some'ow
Put the donkey in the wash'ouse
Wiv some imitation 'orns,
For we're teaching im to moo just like a kah

Oh! it really is a wery pretty garden
And 'Endon to the westward could be seen
And by clinging to the chimbley
You could see across to Wembley
If it wasn't for the 'ouses in between

Though the gasworks is at Woolwich
They improve the rural scene
For mountains they would very nicely pass
There's the mushrooms in the dust-hole
With the cowumbers so green
It only wants a bit 'o 'ot 'ouse glass

I wears this milkman's nightshirt
And I sits outside all day
Like the ploughboy cove what's mizzled o'er the Lea
And when I goes indoors at night
They dunno what I say
'Cause my language gets as yokel as can be

Oh! it really is a wery pretty garden
And soapworks from the 'ousetops could be seen
If I got a rope and pulley
I'd enjoy the breeze more fully
If it wasn't for the 'ouses in between

paul potts

...is the winner! Had to be really didn't it? Although I loved his performance yesterday I a still fascinated by this first audition footage. The surprise on the judges faces, the reaction of the audience, his unassuming reaction - classic variety TV.



We had a great afternoon yesterday a our BBQ. A good mix of people: some Foundation people - some with some without children; Some Trinity people; some others (more tricky to classify). The only problem was my hayfever. Blimey, I haven't sneezed so much in years. Living in the country is a nightmare - and Coombe Dingle really isn't the country though it isn't the inner city like Smithdown Road. The problem is that everyone cuts their lawn, trims their hedge and messes around in their garden on Sunday here. So, I have to make sure I take my antihistamines early. yesterday I forgot to do that and by 9am I was sneezing for England. It really was very bad.

That apart I had a great day. Topped off by Paul Potts victory - all is very well.

weekend

Elise is here. It is great having a young person around. I think she may well be here for a while. Which means re-arranging our lives a bit. 20year old Step-daughters need a bit of space - a bit of their own space. So, we are going to have a bit of think about what to do with ourselves. My main problem is tat I need to be shut away to be able to concentrate. Any excuse not to do any work - so not being able to shut the door and be away from stuff is out of the question.

I hope you are watching Britian's got Talent? Last night was great. Really great. Elise and I felt the best boys got through. Not sure about the small girl though. Can't wait until tonight for the last 2 acts then of course there is the final on Sunday.

I have to say this act was pretty good. But it didn't get through.



neither did Craig and his baton



The Combat Beakers did



Make you own mind up about Bessie



Apart form watching TV we are planning a BBQ for tomorrow and I am hoping to do a bit of work today whilst Eva and Elise go to the pictures - Shrek 3.

bold street

You may remember my posting a while back about my broken bra - You will also remember that I usually buy my bras from Madam Foner's lingerie shop on Bold Street, Liverpool. As we are poor and I can't be bothered to forge a new relationship with another bra shop I am trying not buying new bras until I return to Liverpool.

Anyway, Bold street has so much more to offer than just a bra shop. It is one of my favourite streets in the world. I tend to park at the top and walk down into town, on my way back I pop into Coffee Union. If I were in Liverpool today I would buy some hair dye from Voodoo Hair, a religious book from the Pauline bookshop, a nice bottle of white wine from Odbins, some special food (I need noodles and halva) from Mattas, veg from 'veggie heaven' (not its official name) and I am sure I would while away a bit more time browsing in all the other shops. I would probably call Andrea, or Kate or Andy and arrange to meet them in Coffee Union. I would probably meet Frank Miles walking up Bold Street and say hello to lots of other people too.

I might have to go home for a weekend soon.

Those of you who care in such things might be interested in a new website and blog - the Bold Street Project . The photo here is from the boldstreet's photos on flickr.

mind map

I spent today thinking about what to do next with the information I have, the stuff I have collected and the ideas I have wondering around my brain. I have been working on this mind map for a new chapter - which as you can see is a bit complicated (if you are interested in this sort of thing then click on the picture and it will get bigger so you can read it). I find that once I have got the plan out the chapters 'write themselves'. If only that were true. If only the PhD mice came along in the night and wrote PhD's. If I leave the laptop on and the mind map out perhaps the elves will sneak in and write it while I am asleep?

Thanks for your thoughts, comments and prayers.

concentration

Probably because I wasn't well, most likely because I was exhausted at the end of the first Trinity College year, and definitely because I am distracted by the tennis at Queens I am have found it difficult to concentrate this week. I am preparing my head for the writing of the PhD by doing essential filing, sorting out books, preparing the enormous bibliography and doing plans for chapters. Although I have approx 45,000 words they are not all in the right order so I am trying to find the most efficient way to re-arrange as well as plan re-writes. I also want to complete the first draft of the 2nd case study this week. No pressure then.

I have a weird relationship with pressure. I need it to get stuff done but I resent it and get very cross when I have to live long term with it. It makes me feel like I need to rebel and kick back. To be honest I have got to the point with this project where I need the satisfaction of completion so the pressure to move it on is both internal and external. I need it to get done for personal satisfaction and the University of Liverpool need me to get it done because if don't I ruin their research statistics. So, bring on the pressure. Fighting talk.

If you fancy a prayer project please could you put in a few words about my words - I am really struggling with my dyslexia at the moment and am lacking confidence with useful (long and complicated) words. Thanks. xxx

joe strummer

last night I went to see the Julien Temple film Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten. At the Watershed. Thanks to Tim who suggested that Mark and I get tickets and to Joe for babysitting.

If you like interesting people, the Clash or campfires you'll love this film.

Here's the trailer for the film



For other Clash posts - England's Dreaming and Compare and Contrast

who said variety was dead?

You may well know that I am writing my PhD on music hall. Well, this week my faith in future of variety has been rekindled by Britain's Got Talent. I am enjoying it so much. The picture on the right is of Jack Reeve who is a tap-dancer. The other act is Crazeehorse - a balancing strongperson act. Suddenly my research comes right up to date.

This is Scot the breakdancer. Genuis.



this is a performing pig - called Rupert.



This is Paul - he sings opera (and makes ladies cry with his voice).



This is the Kit Kat Girls (who are boys)

manic street preachers

Mark took these pictures at the Manic's gig last week. You will see on the band pic that Nicky Wire is skipping, wearing a nice silver skirt. The other picture is of the lovely Ian Evans - looking cool and sexy (as ever).

not much to say

My first year at Trinity has come to an end. We said goodbye to the leavers on Saturday - a fantastic service at St Mary's Stoke Bishop, followed by lunch at Trinity. I have done all my work and early signs are that I am doing well. I am pleased with how the year has gone. It is hard to quantify these things. It is hard to imagine that this time next year I will be moving back to Liverpool and be preparing for ordination. Very had to imagine.

Anyway, the end of term has been slightly marred by the fact that I am feeling exhausted and my 'women's problems' have returned with a vengeance. I am shattered - just about enough energy to get through what needs to get done and in quite a lot of pain. I can't wait for this operation at the end of the month. At least then I will know what is going on.

Anyway, as I am feeling pretty grotty I am going to stop this post now. Hope to have more news soon.

big brother lament

I haven't been watching big brother this year. Just following news reports and seeing clips. Mainly because I have been busy but I have also I was a bit worried about being sucked into watching the BB world of shouting, bitching and manipulation.

Last night racism reared it's ugly head again and to be honest just reading about it makes me feel sad and demoralised. I am tired of hearing Endemol's excuses that broadcasting racist comments is ok because it means "people will be able to see with their own eyes that this is a problem that affects real people". If it is - then try to change it, don't emulate it!.

Lizzie Everard blogged about her Big Brother feelings the other day and I hadn't gathered an opinion at that point. Now, it is leaving a nasty taste in my mouth and making me feel like I want to be part of a vision for a better world not accept the nasty one we have reflected on BB.

This is an interesting article on the ethics of reality TV. Not that Endemol really have much interest in ethics...

the Pope and Michelangelo

In a recent Foundation liturgy discussion it was suggested that I should play Michelangelo to Paul Robert's Pope. I was a bit confused so made it my business to seek out the Monty Python sketch. I am a bit concerned that I might be considered, in liturgical circles, an artistic heretic...Surely not! Anyway, here it is.

how I'd be defined in the dictionary

Thanks to Harry for this link. A bit concerned that a machine knows so much about me from just my name (and half of it isn't mine anyway - it's my husband's, but then in marriage we do become one and share identities in some way. Though I am now quite worried that I have become too much associated with his identity that I am being worn out. Eroded. Have I made my point?)

This definition of me is freekin me out

Ellen Loudon -- [adjective]: Banshee-like 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

three is the magic number

Blind Melon - three is the magic number






Last night I led the Foundation little service. It was Trinity sunday so I worked with the power of three. I made some cakes and we prayed with our threes - lighting the candles as a reminder of our understanding of God in the trinity.




Take a look at the Foundation site for more information about the service

trinity sunday

We have had a busy weekend and today we are exhausted. Mark and Eva have got got colds. Eva is very grumpy and Mark is asleep. Attempts to get to church this morning failed. It is Trinity Sunday and I have been preparing a service for Foundation tonight. It has taken me ages to try to devise a service that is meditative, liturgically correct (I wanted a Eucharist service and the 'official' prayers have to be fitted in) and allows for the doctrine of the Trinity to be explored without limiting possible images of God. I have found myself being distracted by the doctrine - losing sight of the point of the trinity. God was getting lost in the doctrine and I was getting muddled. The resolution has been to not even try to explain but to offer a time for reflection and meditation. Anyway, we will see what happens.

We have had visitors from Liverpool (Matt and Kate and their three children - Maddie, Gracie and Sonny). Friday evening was fantastic time for chilling out, catching up and sorting the world out. All this was done over a fair few bottles of wine. So, I had a headache on Saturday. Nevertheless we hung out here and there and played with the children and drank tea and ate nice food. It was hard to let them go home. Liverpool does seem so far away, especially when there is so much to do here.

Saturday night Mark and I went to see the Manic Street Preachers (thanks to Phil for babysitting). Ian Evans is working with the manics so we got some sticky passes. Hobnobbing with the stars was out of the question - I had a headache and it was late - we really are getting old. In the past the chance of impressing famous people with my wit and charm would have cured a headache and overcome all apathy. hey ho.

It was great to see Ian - busy though he was. We had a good dose of Liverpool people this weekend. Made us think about the future - my ministry in Liverpool, our friends, the city, what Mark is going to do when we go back, where Eva is going to go to school. All in the future. But it made us think.

After the manics I decided to read my church times in bed. I was surprised to see that Tim was on the front over of the Greenbelt CD that came free inside it. This really made us laugh. Mark posted it on his blog too. Oh Joy. Wonder what they were watching?
If you look very carefully you will see the profile of Paul Roberts just entering the bottom right of the picture.

Mark's crisis of doubt

I was recently asked about the nature of my blog - I was asked the question - is it theological? I wonder if it is possible for anyone who has faith to do anything that isn't theological? Surely, if I am living a life of faith then everything I do is about God - is an exploration of God, is an expression of my understanding of God? I guess one of the things that is happening to me is that the chasm between the secular and the sacred is being filled in. I don't see my life as being one or the other. I am an ordinary person who does ordinary things with God in the middle of them.

But, it isn't just me and God. It is me, my family, my friends, my community(ies). I am not alone, I am not free to make decisions about the future alone. I am attached to people who are attached to me, and we help each other to move through the world. When Mark and I decided that coming to Bristol, going to Trinity, leaving Liverpool was what we should do together, as a family, I am not sure we knew what to expect. I had faith. I don't know what made it ok for Mark. Today he has posted something on his blog that I think helps me to understand a bit about what is going on for him. he is having a 'crisis of doubt'.

blair and bush

first love



thanks to James for this.

da shatner funk

this is not for the faint hearted. It is the Shatner funk. Enjoy.

music

Linkin Park - What I have done

I am not sure what terrible thing Linkin Park have done - if the horrors of this video are any indication it must be quite bad. Anyway, as they say 'let mercy come'.



Rufus Wainwright - Going to a Town

When gay men get cross they make good music.

guy catches glasses with face

the fact that people have actually made this film fills me with hope for humanity. Pure irrelevance.

things God doesn't do...

smoke fags

slow worms

here is a picture of some slow worms that are living in our garden. I find them a bit freaky - too much like snakes. But aparently:

'Slow worms look superficially like snakes, but are actually legless lizards. One way to identify them is that unlike snakes, lizards (and therefore slow worms) have eyelids.'

In this picture our slow worms are having sex. Nice.

hair

I did this on Monday during an essay writing session - had to wait for inspiration so decided to play 'hair dressers'. I am very pleased with the results. Despite the fact that I am nearly 40 I am quiet scared of what my Mum is going to say. The last time I did this she was 'disappointed' and I think that she assumes that since I have started at Vicar School I have grown out of this sort of thing. Well, she is looking after Eva next week so I will have to deal with her disappointment very soon. Unless I wear a hat or get Mark to go instead of me.

I have enjoyed my red haired week. Although there have been a few set backs - mainly due to my inability to concentrate. I am really tired and am finding it hard to muster up any inspiration - thus essay writing is quite tricky. I am beig a bit distracting and might need to removed from my study - I am sure Liz needs to get on with some work too.

Anyway, one essay more (3,000 words on the pastoral care of people with depression) my learning file (5,000ish words), a report for a college committee and my dissertation proposal. Not much then! Got 10 days to do it in though. hey ho.

books what I have read...

Thanks to farli for the list and the inspiration:
Books in bold are ones I've read.
Any in bold with an asterisk (*) are ones I've tried to read but failed so far.
Books in italics are ones already on my to-read list before today.
Books in normal print are ones I'm not interested in (perhaps some of you can convince me one of these is a must-read!)

1. The DaVinci Code (Dan Brown) - I will never read this book!
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) - first proper book I read
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) - had to read it at school
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)*
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)*
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon) Known as 'Cross Stitch' in the UK.
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown) - no more about Dan Brown please
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling) - now the films are out I have lost inspiration for Harry Potter reading.
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell) - one of my fav' books
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. The Bible - still doing this one
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)*
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) - love it
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling) - I think I read this one - lost track now
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)* - never going to try read it again
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez) - read this when I had insomnia
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)* - great musical (got stuck on the book - perhaps I should have tried to read it in English?)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According to Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timoth Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

some music

Patti Smith - Smells Like Teen Spirit



Sufjan Stevens - To Be Alone With You

barbie vs bratz

Mark has been in Liverpool this weekend. Some family business he needed to attend to! Anyway, that left Eva and I to do whatever we liked here. I liked to lie in bed and Eva liked to play with her new friend Shanola who lives across the road and to design barbie stuff on the computer. If there is someone in your house who likes Barbie and is allowed to play on the computer then I can recommend Barbie.com. Eva recently had a turn out of her Barbies and is now focused on developing a family of Bratz. I have to say I prefer Bratz - apart from the fact that in order to change their shoes you have to take their feet off as well - they are quite pleasing dolls. They have very big heads and rather striking features. But they are quite good to play with. They have great clothes and Eva does very interesting American voices for them.

I tried to watch the most boring FA cup final ever yesterday but ended up going into town - where it was nice and quiet - hardly any boys about...Today, we just did 'stuff' - visited people, got a new duvet cover and sat about. I think I might be ready to write an essay now.

old girls

I finally got round to sorting out the pictures of our trip to Cowbridge for the St Davids School South Wales reunion. Here is one of Eva (not an old girl), me and my Mum - two old girls and one potential new one (except Mark has ruled out Eva going to St Davids because he can't bear the thought of her being a border and being away from us for whole terms. I am inclined to agree - also even with the old girl discount there is no way we would be able to afford the fees (apart from the ideological issues).

Jerry Falwell

I read in the news today that Jerry Falwell has died. You can read his obituary here. It is tricky when someone that you have so many issues with dies. I didn't want him to die, but I have to say I did want him to stop speaking. His influence was uncomfortable and unpleasant. As a Christian I was embarrassed by him and felt resentful that I was often asked to justify why such men are allowed to have power and able to hijack Christ. I have no idea why he was able to say the things he said. You may be interested in some of his most memorable quotes - if so click under the picture of Jerry.

I have often tried to communicate with Jerry Falwell and ask him myself why he was so angry, so accusatory, and needed so much money. My last letter I posted here. But, I won't get a letter back from him now. I wonder if he is in heaven shouting at Jesus that the Antichrist is a Jew, that there is no such thing as global warning and that Tinky Winky was really gay?

ps As far as I know Tinky Winky has not denied being gay. His sexuality is not a problem for most of us. But for Jerry these things mattered.

shambo

I wonder if anyone has been following the story of Shambo that have peppered the press lately? It appears that following his apparently positive test for TB the Hindu sacred cow might have to be slaughtered. If you are interested in the ongoing story and want to know how Shambo (told in his own words) gets on - go to the Skanda Vale website - there is even a Shambo webcam.

eurovision

I haven't quite recovered from it yet. My Mum, Eva and I spent the evening in the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge watching it as poor Eva become more and more exhausted. There was a wedding in the next room and the TV had to be very loud to be heard over the band. Armed with my score card - provided by Phil - we rated each song (Latvia got our combined 12 points - I wasn't sure but Eva insisted), Mum and I supped wine and nibbled. Mum was asleep by song 19, Eva asleep during the break between songs and scores. I missed Phil so much and really wanted to go round to his on Sunday to debrief and watch it all again without interruption. Hey ho.

eurovision

Last night was the semi finals and it was a bit of a shock really. Not at all what Phil J and I expected. I was particularly surprised by the vampire loving Swiss failure to qualify - thought that was in the bag!

No to Swiss (though to be honest I wasn't sure about it the first place - don't believe in Vampires, certainly not Swiss ones)



My favourite Eastern European tune to get through last night was the Georgia entry sung by Georgia Sopho - Visionary Dream. Sort of cross between Madonna and Bjork



Anyway, I am going to be in Wales at a St David's School reunion with my Mum (and Eva). So, we will watching it in the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge. My Mum and I are both 'Old Girls' and we have decided to go to the South Wales Reunion Lunch at the Bear tomorrow. I will let you know how we get on...

not broken

When I woke up this morning the bruising on my toe was much better, the swelling reduced and I was able to move it again. I am thinking it is not broken. Thank goodness for arnica and prayer. It is still quite sore but I think I won't need to seek medical help. Thanks so much for all your messages (here and elsewhere).

clumsy

I am well known for my clumsiness. I become double clumsy when tired. Yesterday I fell downstairs and have broken a toe! I hadn't really realised quite how painful it was until bedtime when I couldn't sleep. I haven't had an official diagnosis but it is red and crooked, also when I fell I heard it snap so I am guessing it is broken. hey ho.

I was very tired. Having been in Belfast all week celebrating I then spent all day Saturday in Southall. As part of a module at Trinity John Corrie had arranged for us to visit St John's Church in Southall. We then visited the Hindu Mandir, the Sikh Gurudwara, and the Masjid. We had lunch in the Gurudwara. We then went on to visit A Rocha UK.

Seeing faithful people worshiping in their communities was a privileged but I found it strange and did not find myself making any spiritual connection to their worship. I am still taking the day in. It was quite full on and I have to say I was challenged by the experience. I wasn't disturbed or unsettled just strangely unmoved. The hospitality and welcome was remarkable and the food at the Gurudwara was great. Meeting all those new people, hearing what they believe, witnessing their worship, being in their places of worship has left me exhausted. hence my little accident.

It is difficult to reflect on it. A wedding in Belfast, a full on day in Southall and a little service in Foundation. I have to say I was so in need to a the Foundation little service last night. Time to reflect and meditate.

bristol

We are back. I had meant to blog about the wedding yesterday but I have a sore head and couldn't make my fingers type. I did try but to be honest it was a bit pathetic.

What a fantastic day we had. The morning was spent getting everyone ready and keeping flower girls still (they looked great but it was tricky making them sit and wait for the wedding to start - so giddy!). Emma looked so lovely. She is beautiful. Angela and Richard were so proud of her and Stephen. Belfast Castle is a great place for a wedding. It is on a hill so we got to kick back and watch the city and the Lough as it slowly starts to drift into night. But all afternoon the sun shone and we were able to be outside and enjoy ourselves. Richard and his band (Banter) played out on the lawn and the kids ran about until the photos needed to be taken (I will post some as soon as I have a chance to sort them out). Then we went inside for speeches and dinner. Both were great. We sat with Richard's sister Gwyneth and her husband Brian, Lynn and Brian, Maggie and Connor. Eva loved sitting next to Gwyneth who kept her entertained all thought the meal. Roast beef Yorkshire puds, all the veg you could eat, followed by a trio of lovely little sweet things.

Then we cleared the room, drank and chatted in the bar till the room was set up for dancing - and that is what we did for the rest of the night. Danced, went out on the balcony and watched the sun go down (and the big moon come up). The children kept going until the end, which is fantastic for a wedding. No tears (except poor Jack who caught is fingers in a door) and no bust ups.

We all had a fantastic day. And apart from Stephen coming down with a cold I think he and Emma really loved it. They looked like they did.

Mark, Eva, Joe Harriet and I got back into Bristol last night at 10pm. I was in bed by 11pm. But I am still really tired. I was there in body this morning at pastoral group prayers but part of me is definitely still in Belfast.

wedding

Well, today is the big day. The wedding is at 3pm and it feels like everyone is getting ready in the same house. Richard and Angela's house (Mark's mum and dad) is a buzz with excitement. All the small flowergirls (4) have gone to the hairdressers to have curls put in - don't know if it will last til 3pm. The big bridesmaids (3) are getting ready in one room and the rest of us (10) are moving from place to place trying to find mirrors etc. I am not. I am resting. Might even have a little doze before we all set off. A big car is coming at 2.30pm to put a lot of us in. I am not going in the big car - Eva is though. She is very excited.

Lat night (Liverpool's win against Chelsea) means that the boys are all very happy. So, what with the win, the sun and the general jovial mood it looks like it is going to be a lovely day.

bra

The underwire in my bra broke. I usually rely on Madam Foner in Liverpool for my underwear needs; So, a breakage in Belfast is a problem. Madam Foner can rewire bras, she also supplies very well fitted equipment so I am always reluctant to accept inferior products. However, needs must and I have been forced to buy a bra from Evans. I am not entirely happy with my purchase - but I really don't know what else I can do. I need a white bra to go with under my outfit for the wedding.

Other than my problems things are hotting up here - preparations wise. A large number of heart shaped biscuits have been baked and little things bought. There have been some comings and goings backwards and forward to the shops, Belfast Castle and other places relating to wedding preparations. Mark and I slept well at the B&B. I am going to see Nanny May soon (Eva's great Granny) and Mark is at the swimming pool with Eva. I am cooking dinner for everyone before the match tonight. So, it is all go here in Belfast.