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!!!!).

me and sir john betjeman

I am in a facebook group called 'I had my picture taken pretending to be a statue". It is actually one of my favourite facebook groups and I have provided a few pictures for it's gallery. My latest (taken by my Mark) is of me pretending to be Sir John Betjeman - I am standing next to him at St Pancras station, London. I post it here purely for your amusement. I hope you like my bag detail and the way I have made my coat fall just like Sir John B's. It took quite some work I can tell you.

jury service

I can;'t believe it but I have been called to jury service. The original date was slap bang in the middle of my exams and despite the fact that I told them I was moving to Liverpool and starting a new job in June they have given me a new date of 7th July! Seven days after I start my curacy! Really really very anoying.

I am appealing but the man on the phone wasn't hopeful at my chances of getting it moved again. Hey ho.

earache - 2

I have been to Oxford today for a conference at the Church Missionary Society (CMS) - Global Connections - Thinking Mission Forum. Some very interesting speakers and issues raised pertinent and current. The talks will be posted in youtube shortly so when they go live I will put them up.

To be honest it was great to be out and about with my fellow ordinands having a laugh and chilling out. We don't get out together enough really and spending time like that in almost unheard of. So, it was worth the effort (up at 6.30am, 2hr drive there etc). I am in bed early doing the seminar reading for tomorrow and planning a trip to Liverpool to measure up the new house and check for alterations, decorations, refurbs etc. It is all getting horribly real.

I still have earache but I think I will survive.

earache

...is what I have. Very annoying it is too. I haven't had earache for so long I had forgotten how painful it is and how much I want to get away from noise and chat - not great when have a block week going on and a conference to go to tomorrow. Hey ho.

Anyway, these two videos of my 'in laws' cheered me up today. This one is The Churchfitters - the band Mark's brother Topher is in:




This one is Mark's sister Ema and her now husband Stephen in a very blessed, but I am hoping ironic, video:

half-term

Well it is nearly over and tomorrow I am back at college doing a module called From Mission to Cell: New ways of Being Church. That will keep me busy most of the week. I am quite looking forward to it really. I have nearly read the set text and feel ready to take on the discourse.

I am planning to go to the Bristol University multifaith Chaplaincy tomorrow night for 'Faith meets Faith' - An Interfaith discussion on salvation for those outside of the faith. With speakers from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions.

Tuesday night Mark and I are having dinner with John and Maya Bimson and on Wed I am off to Oxford for a conference. So, it really is going to be a busy week.

Having had such a relaxing week it will probably be a shock to my system to have to work to a timetable. Even though I have worked very hard I have been able to work at my own pace. Anyway, I am sure I will find the energy from somewhere.

It is the Oscars tonight and if I were in Liverpool I would be round Philly J's doing the Oscars in real UK time tomorrow night with media blackout all day. Hey ho...maybe next year?

Anyway, best go and have my tea. Running late tonight.

I was a bit cross yesterday

sorry about using a rude word yesterday (I have now altered the post) I really was quite cross about the women Bishops at Synod thing and the silly man's sermon just pushed me over the edge. But that is no excuse for being rude. So sorry. As an antidote to yesterday's rudeness I have put up a nice picture of a fluffy chick. Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts.

women and men

The difference is:
Women can't be Bishops...

I got an email today with the following press release from Women and the Church (WATCH). It made me feel a bit sad, but it doesn't surprise me.

"At the recent meeting of General Synod, members were told by the Chair of the
Legislative Drafting Group that it was “highly unlikely” that the vote on women
bishops would be taken by July 2010."

Thinking Anglicans covers the issue and there are some useful comments here.

It just feels like the Church of England isn't ready yet and even though that isn't really a good enough excuse I would rather the motion was truly successful at Synod than it be either rejected or just get through. I feel weak in the face of this reality and it makes me sick to think about inequality continuing. Meanwhile the (mostly) male Bishops of the world (though many aren't actually going) meet at Lambeth shortly and so many talented and capable women are still not welcome.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...and, real men "p**s against the wall"
this is quote from the sermon below...(warning it contains reference to urination)


(thanks to Dave Walker and The Real Live Preacher for the link to this.)

stairs

I fell down the stairs today! No harm done just a bruised pride and a slightly elevated heart beat. But it does indicate how diddly dee I am at the moment (though some of you might already be aware of this). I had just made Eva's bed and had decided to throw out the duvet the poor child has had since she was 2 which is too short and very thin. I threw it down the stairs to put in the big bin then a few minutes later walked down the said stairs and slipped on the duvet. Let this be a lesson to us all - watch your step and dispose of duvets responsibly.

Anyway, I have spent the rest of the morning reading about church planting. I am struggling with the concept and practicalities...perhaps I will be convinced by the end of the book?

I think I am going out for tea and cakes with Neil later, I have to catch up with Liz H because I have some of her books, I am also planning to get tot he Foundation community meal this evening - if Mark gets back with Eva in time. Eva comes home tonight (I am very excited about seeing her) so I have sorted out her room and made her bed up with her new duvet cover (see above). Anyway, I must get on - books to read, sermons to write, letters to post, etc etc.

wednesday

It's half term and I should be on holiday but here I am writing essays and reading books about doctrine. Hey ho. Well at least I am getting through my list. I finished the essay, started some reading on the next one and even had time for a bit of day-time TV (it is the holidays after all).

This afternoon I went off to Cribbs with Becky to try to buy jeans (for her) that don't show off your bum-crack when you sit down. Goodness me it was very tricky - and we didn't succeed. Blimey, after watching Becky try on approx 20 pairs we both lost the will to shop so came home for a curry. Why oh why are all the jeans so foolish. All she wanted was a nice cosey proper fit...

Mel came over for Mark's marvelous curry, becky went to get Liz and Phil H from the station and Mel and I went to see Juno. We got there a bit late and had the worst seats ever, right at the front so I have a sore neck. It was a great film though. Very heartwarming and touching. My neck is very sore! What a lovely day.

Eva is back tomorrow and it will be great to have her back. I miss her. Best get some more peace and quiet while I can.

today

up early - toast and tea in bed - prayer - on macbook by 9.30am - essay draft 1 done by 12.30pm - read and disappointed - rework essay - essay draft 2 done by 2.30pm - Mark takes me out for lunch (Burger at Rocotillos which was not very good, not up to its usual standards and let me feeling a tad queezy) - visit to the Museum to see the Love exhibition which is on tour from the national gallery - back to work - draft 3 done by 6pm - phone Eva and my Mum (all is well) - wrote a first draft of a sermon for Mothering Sunday which has been brewing for a few weeks - I think it might be what God wants me to say (going to test it for a few days and see what happens) - supper at 9pm - watched TV for a while and now off to bed to read Heat.

A busy and productive day. But so much more to do before Eva comes back on Thursday evening.

night night.

The Christian Socialist Movement

I am member of the CSM and thought I would let you know about an upcoming lecture/ dialogue that might interest you. is happening next month:

Faith in Politics?

The Christian Socialist Movement invites you to join in the 2008 Tawney Dialogue; Faith in Politics?

6:30pm - 7:45pm, Thursday 27 March in Westminster.

The Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP (Labour Party Vice Chair for Faith Groups) and Rev Canon Nick Sagovsky (Canon Theologian, Westminster Abbey) will lead a discussion on the relationship between faith and social justice.

This event follows our AGM (starting at 5:15pm) to which all members are invited.



If anyone wants to come with me I am going to book a train to that London for just after lunch. Do let me know if you fancy coming.

weekend

It is cold. Is it cold where you are? Well, it is very cold here. But it is lovely and bright so being cold is inconvenient but with an extra jumper on it is bearable. I am really struggling with energy levels which surprises me as I have had plenty of sleep and am not drinking so sleep patterns are quite normal. I don't really know why I am sluggish. Anyway, we have had a busy weekend with some restful bits in between...

Elise's mum (Kate) and sister (Orla) have been in Bristol - Orla who is 7yrs stayed over on Friday and she and Eva had a great time. They haven't seen each other for almost a year so it was great for them to get together again and have a good play. They also had some interesting conversations about being aunty's and Living in Liverpool - Orla is moving back from Spain with her mum and dad. Anyway, we had a successful morning playing and then lunch at Fresh and Wild followed by a walk. Elise, Kate and Orla have now gone to Liverpool.

I went to M&S to buy some place mats and dinner service. Claire Caddick's mum sent me some 20% off vouchers so I took the opportunity to go and get a few things I needed /wanted. I also got a new pair of jeans so I don't look quite so scruffy (some hope - I have a talent for looking scruffy even in the nicest clothes). John H came for dinner which was lovely. We ate lasagna and M&S chocolate pudding. Played guitars and chatted and chatted. It was great and as none of us were drinking it didn't get messy at all. Very civilized.

I got up for church this morning - I don't know how or remember getting up - I really wanted to carry on sleeping but was disciplined and we all (Mark as well) made it to church just in time. Came back and had a chat with Linda, a Trinity student who is going to start coming ti St Peter's alongside her commitments to St Mary's Shirehampton. It was so good to speak to another trainee vicar about the church and it's potential. Very refreshing. I had to then clean the house and make lunch which seemed to take for ever.

My mum arrived shortly after lunch and we have been watching TV for a an hour or so. I am now going to start changing the beds and cleaning up a bit upstairs. I am so looking forward to bed. I might be tempted to try out the nice clean bed when I have made it! I am not sure I am going to get out again tonight. I'll have to wait to see if I get a second wind.

So, not all that exciting really. But hey ho...sometimes we have to tread water in order to get a sense of where we are in relation to the shore.

white wine

It is holiday time again but I have far too much work to do! I will get a bit of a rest but I must crack on with stuff in order to not lose my head at a crucial moment. So, I have come home with a pile of books and a list as long as my arm.

I have given up...(I am scared to write this because as soon as I tell anyone what I have given up I feel like I am immediately going to fail)...white wine for lent. I think this week is going to be the biggest challenge. Having a bit of a break, Eva being away, time for a lie in and no white wine. Seems almost unheard of. Anyway, I felt like I was in need of a bit of discipline and the white wine still had an unnecessary hold on me so I felt it was the best thing to give up. I haven't outlawed all forms of alcohol but I don't have the same interest in most other sorts of alcohol so I didn't feel the need to remain completely tea total through lent. Having said that I haven't had anything to drink since shrove Tuesday. Not all that bothered so far.

Anyway, now I have written that I fancy a nice glass of Chablis. But i will not relent.

Babies

I have just got back from a baby shower. Miriam is due to have her 3rd baby really soon and tonight a group of us got together at Laura's house to wish her all the best. It was a lovely evening and great to see a group of girls having a great time. In the room were at least 3 other pregnant women, as you know I am living with a pregnant woman and last week another friend of mine gave birth to a baby boy so it really is baby central round here.

I know I won't be having any more children and I always thought I would have more than one. But there you go, it didn't work out like that. I don't regret anything that has happened but sometimes it does feel a bit strange not minding. I feel like I should be more bothered. Christians seem to have loads and loads of children...

Anyway, I am plodding along with work...writing essays, a homily, a sermon and stuff. I have had a quiet day getting on with bits and bobs of work. Slowly the list gets shorter.

wipples

Today was a momentous day because today I ordered my clergy kit from Wipples. I chose Wipples because I need to be properly fitted and in my experience being measured isn't enough and a pre-making fitting is a very good idea. Wipples offer this service and they are in Exeter so I can go down for the fitting, meet up with Eleanor and be absolutely sure it all fits before I buy it. It may cost more but if you are a funny (ha ha and peculiar) shape like me a good fitting makes all the difference.

It was a very odd feeling getting the stuff down on paper and committing myself to fabric, style (though to be honest the choices are limited). I am going for a classic black almost catholic look. I have even gone as far as ordering a cloak! I am going to look sharp.

I am off to bed now. We have had a very exciting day at Trinity discovering spiritual gifts - I didn't get anything new today though I did renew my subscription to the gift of beverage making, being 2 mins late for stuff, making people laugh at my funny hair, saying rude things and eating cake. In addition I remembered how important the more esoteric spiritual gifts are to the church - for building up love, serving, speaking into the world and for their wow factor. When Paul writes to the Corinthian church warning the not to take this stuff for granted or abuse it he was deadly serious about the importance of making the most of all aspects of Christian life - being spiritual is at the heart of this. In an age of spirituality Christianity can forget to make the most of this and downplay the experience of faith in action. When tempered by the mundane and issues of justice, peace and reconciliation God's spiritual action is sublime and extra-ordinary.

How big is the universe?

This youtube video tries to explain. But, be warned it is big!




if that is too difficult to imagine Monty Python know a song about it that at least can cheer you up whilst your mind recovers from the stress of imagining big numbers.





I know it is very early on a Monday morning to be thinking about the size of the universe but it does put things in perspective and either you will be spurred on or stunned into inertia by imagining yourself so small. If you can bear to question deeper ask yourself where God is? Is your God big enough to care about all this or does your God only care about what the Arch Bishop of Canterbury might have said, or whether Gay people are welcome in church, or if women can be Bishops. Trying to see the bigger picture I'm guessing we might have missed the point.

Portishead

It was a lovely sunny day today and we felt we needed some fresh air and a totter. So, after church we went to Portishead. I don't really know why we chose Portishead but there you go - it was our first time, we had always intended to go in the summer to the lido but never made it, we now have a mental list of places to go before we move and today was Portishead!

It was lovely, the sea was out and mud was immense (like the skin of an elephant), we climbed up the the 'lighthouse' and looked out at Wales. The wind was up and the sun out and we certainly got our fresh air. We had a cup of tea and an icecream then headed home. Since then I have read a book on the liturgical year and had a doze. Now I shall eat a chicken dinner and later will go off to Foundation. It has been a restful weekend. Just what I needed after last week.

ebay stoles

On Monday Mark bid (on my behalf) on four liturgical stoles - red, purple, black and green. He was successful and they arrived today - all four for £85. Which believe me is a bargain. Even more of a result is the fact that they are beautiful handmade stoles each with it's own quirky character. I will get mark to take some pictures of them and show you some time. This is an example of how blessing just appears from nowhere. I have been feeling pretty down in the dumps - overwhelmed by essays etc, feeling nervous about curacy stuff, stress of planing to move, family stuff, etc etc. I even felt I needed a few days off and stayed at home to reflect and recoup. So, I was surprised that these stoles could cheer me up so much - after all they are a symbol of the immanent change in my (and my family's) life. And yet I found them a comfort and blessing. Perhaps it was the fact that they are so lovingly and thoughtfully made by a complete stranger who just made them because she could. Perhaps it was the fact that I am starting to come to terms with the adventure of leaving Trinity and starting curacy etc. Whatever the reasons I am, at last, starting to feel excited.

Amnesty - urgent action required

I have just heard from Amnesty asking me to place this request on my blog. Please respond if you feel you are able.

18-year-old Behnam Zare' is at risk of imminent execution for a murder committed when he was 15 years old. Iran remains one of just a handful of countries that continue to execute child offenders – people under 18 years old at the time of their crime, despite its obligations under international law.



Update

Child offender Behnam Zare' is now facing execution within 72 hours. The order to carry out his execution has been sent to the prison where he is held. If you feel able to protest against the execution of this young man please do so through the Amnesty website (please note: you do not have to be a member of Amnesty to register your request)

monday - essay writing

Today I am trying to write an essay. After recent disappointments I am finding it very difficult to be optimistic or even formulate a plan. There is always an element of despair in essay writing - I think this is part of my process - can I get it done? Do I know enough about the subject to write in n informed way? Have a read enough to back up points? then there are issues of spelling and grammar which plague me at every turn. I know I shouldn't be down in the dumps and should just get back on the essay writing horse. But it is hard to motivate myself. That said a nice cup of tea and a shortbread biscuit has helped. That and I have created a spider chart (mind map to those of a previous generation) so I do have some idea of how to progress. So, after another cup of tea and a stroll about the house I shall get back on and see what occurs.

weekend

Liturgically accurate purple hair!









Our little trip to that London was a great success. Mark and I really needed some time away together on our own - something we didn't realise we needed until we were o the train and chitter chattering about all the stuff that's been going on and our future plans. The show was very funny and it was good to see Terry (Kilkerry) Titter making an appearance as Malcolm. I really properly laughed out loud which I feel I haven't done for ages. Mark and I went out for a mighty fine curry after and I got hiccups.

Our hotel was very comfortable and once I had my earplugs in I slept like a log (until the fire alarm went off in the morning - it was a false alarm but I was alarmed!). Saturday was spent walking about in the sunny cold London day. We went to the National portrait gallery, to Covent Garden and just potterd about until we got the train back at 3.15pm. Back for tea and to see Eva before bed.

Today I slept quite a lot, went to Sainsbury's (I don't usually like shopping on Sunday but seeing as yesterday was taken up and we had no food in for the week so it was a bit necessary). Then I went to Candlemass at St Peter's which was quite hectic but well worth the effort. Jenny had prepared a great service and it was good to see a few children there. I played the guitar and generally helped out - mainly on naughty boy monitoring duty. We changed the vestments to purple for lent (at least my hair now reflects liturgical colours).

We have roast beef for dinner and I need an early night. The wind is blowwing hard outside and I am looking forward to Antiques Roadshow - I think I am getting old!

count arthur strong 2

Tonight Mark and I are off to That London to see Count Arthur Strong at the Arts Theatre. This is Mark's birthday treat and we have been looking forward to it for ages. I really need to get away so I am very excited. I have had a very tricky week - Got an essay back and was disappointed with the mark, just feel like I am not getting much feedback on how I am getting on, feel a bit on the edge of things and have so much to do that it is a bit overwhelming. I know I have been here before and that it comes good in the end but this sort of spiritual burn out is very painful and I hate feeling disconnected from God. It creates a strong yearning and confusion. I understand how the Psalmist must have felt when he wrote Psalm 86:

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all day long.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my cry of supplication.
In the day of my trouble I call on you,
for you will answer me.


There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
All the nations you have made shall come
and bow down before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name for ever.
For great is your steadfast love towards me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.


If only David had Count Arthur Strong to cheer him up.

downside

Today was the Federation (united colleges - Anglican, Baptist, Methodist - in Bristol) quiet day. I and a group of other members of the federation spent the day at Downside Abbey. The Abbey is a Benedictine Community of Saint Gregory the Great in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Bath. It is also a school.

We spent the day with Dom Alexander reflecting on church unity. I spend the day reading and meditating on Colossians. I don't really know why I was drawn to the book but it was a very profitable time for me as I thought about how Paul (or the Pauline pretender) encouraged the Colossian church to focus on the headship of Christ and unify around their faith in the gospel. A Church that was in danger of splitting is encouraged to "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful." Colossians 2.15.

Being one body, one church is very difficult at the moment and it breaks my heart to think that we can not agree enough to unite around this vision. Today was a time for hard thinking about what I would be prepared to give up for the sake of unity. It was a challenge and I am still thinking...

Archbishop delivers ‘Holy Grail’ to Pope

This was the headline from the Yorkpress news today. I was very excited - after all it would be remarkable if, after Indiana Jones et al couldn't find it, the grail had been in York all this time and the Arch- Bishop had decided to hand it over to Rome for verification. Unfortunately it turns out that this holy grail is of the beer variety, brewed in Yorkshire at the Black Sheep brewery. What a laugh the Bishops must have had as the cracked open the crate. The mental image of the moment is forming in my mind as I write.

clerical shirts

I have a real fear of clerical shirts. I am quire concerned that I am going to look blousey. So, today I went to meet a woman who is going to help me to not look like a bloke in puff sleeves. Most of the shirts on the market are just a man's shirt with bust darts. I think this might be a tactical error on my part. I wonder what Gok Wan would make of it all. Anyway, I think I have made a break though with it. I have asked Amanda (the shirt maker) to make a replica of a linen shirt I have loved for years, I bought the black linen and she is making a mock up for a fitting in a couple of weeks. I will keep you posted.

A busy week this week (whenever is it not a busy week?). Tomorrow lectures all day and I am planning to go to hear a cat psychologist speak about how to help your cat with their mental health issues (I really need help with Benny's issues!). Wed is college quiet day - I am off to a monastery. Thursday is a crazy college day which starts at 8.30am and goes on until 10pm. Friday college until 3pm then off to that London to see Count Arthur Strong. So, I really should get a few early nights whilst I can.

prison

Tomorrow I am off to Bristol prison for 2 services at the chapel (one at 9am and the other at 10am) so I have to be up very early to get through the various checks etc. This has been quite a busy weekend - On Friday night we all went over to bath to have a meal with Joe and Harriet who were both celebrating their 18th birthday. We went to a very loud but tasty mexican restuarant. It is extra-ordinary to think that Joe is now 18. He was so happy and all grown up...

My mum has come over to help me with Eva this weekend becuase I hve had to do some work today and tomorrow I am in prison and Mark has gone away to Wales to celebrate Ady's 40th birthday. I am missing out again. Hey ho.

So, I had better get off to bed...early up and I need my wits about me.

banksy

This image is a piece of graffiti by Banksy that has been painted onto a wall at the bottom of Park Street in Bristol, near the cathedral and county courts. The council wanted to remove it but a campaign by local graffiti activists successfully won a battle to keep it unsullied. I have some questions about this decision...who now is responsible for it's maintenance? Is it now a piece of public art? Is it's colour and texture to be preserved in the same way as say the Mona Lisa or the superlambbanana. Now I'm no critic but it seems to me that point of this defiant art is to disorientate and irritate as well as challenge perceptions about art, public and private spaces and ownership of the everyday. To preserve it seems the ultimate futile act and almost deludedly Peter Panesque. If I was Banksy or prepared to climb up a ladder I would be very tempted to spray paint over the image in an attempt to recover some sort of sense of reality. After all isn't it supposed to be temporary, fleeting and timebound?




Liverpool City Council have decided that the infamous house rat on the corner of Berry Street and Duke Street needs to be tidied up. The building is in serious decay so they have decided to half board up the building thus covering the bottom half of the graffiti. This is so the visitors to the city don't get upset about dereliction and decay (as if they haven't seen it before). Many of the unused houses, shops and other buildings have been boarded up and then the boards are painted over and made to look more pleasant. This attempt to Dress Liverpool is one of the most bazaar outworkings of the Capital of Culture plan.

The BBC is running a Banksy Diary which includes some interesting personal stories about the way his work has touched the lives of ordinary people (whatever!!!) and the way to spot a Banksy (as if authetification is the point either).

heaven

I am not sure what heaven is...there are some great biblical hints but it is an illusive place sometimes best understood by it's antithesis.


Contemplating Hell

Contemplating Hell, as I once heard it,
My brother Shelley found it to be a place
Much like the city of London. I,
Who do not live in London, but in Los Angeles,
Find, contemplating Hell, that it
Must be even more like Los Angeles.

Also in Hell,
I do not doubt it, there exist these opulent gardens
With flowers as large as trees, wilting, of course,
Very quickly, if they are not watered with very expensive water. And fruit markets
With great leaps of fruit, which nonetheless

Possess neither scent nor taste. And endless trains of autos,
Lighter than their own shadows, swifter than
Foolish thoughts, shimmering vehicles, in which
Rosy people, coming from nowhere, go nowhere.
And houses, designed for happiness, standing empty,
Even when inhabited.

Even the houses in Hell are not all ugly.
But concern about being thrown into the street
Consumes the inhabitants of the villas no less
Than the inhabitants of the barracks.

Bertolt Brecht

Brentry context are a funny lot

not least because they produced this for the Christmas Trinity College review.

night off

Eva has gone over to stay with Vanessa tonight so we have a night off but we are so tired and don't have much cash so we getting a takeaway and watching a film an TV. I can't believe that we are so rubbish but there you go.

It has been a busy week. I got an essay done, started another one, had planning to do for various services and sermons, done a full week at college, and I now feel that an early night is in order.

You may well have heard that Elise is pregnant! So, I am going to be a step-granny in July - oh joy.

Anyway, because I have the night off and don't have to get up for church too early tomorrow I am off now to have a glass of wine and stare at the telly.

Luis Hardt

I have met some fantastic people via this blog and the latest person to contact me is a woman called Ann who, having read my post about my PhD and the music hall bill I am working on, got in touch with me about a relative of hers who appeared on that bill in 1908. His name was Luis Hardt - the Mighty Atom. She has been kind enough to send me this photo of Luis and some very interesting information about him. She enclosed a contemporary description of his act, which reads:

"Mr Luis Hardt is one of the number of "good little 'uns" who have taken to the boards as professional men. His development, as can be seen from the accompanying photo..., is very handsome and well balanced. He is known to fame as "the Mighty Attom" because of his immense strength in comparison with his bulk and stature. Mr Hardt is a conscientious worker, and exercises daily. He does not believe in alcoholic liquors, but enjoys a good smoke when indulged in, of course, in due moderation"

If anyone else out there has any more information abut Luis Hardt or any other acts on the bill below then please do make a comment here and I will get back to you. Please leave your email address. Thanks



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

phd

I got a letter today from Liverpool University letting me know that my last submission date for my PhD will be March 2009. It seems so odd that having spent all summer writing a draft I now have to wait so long to get it in to them. A twinge of disappointment but to be honest I feel quite relieved as well. Over Christmas I realised that I had taken on to much and it was possible that my brain was going to explode if I kept on trying to put so much in and expect so much to come out in an ordered way. So, I will do a bit at my own pace for a while - just to keep it ticking over - then crack on when I am able to once I am ordained in June. hey ho.

beatle in a box

We are back from Liverpool. It has been an interesting weekend - not without it's tensions but I had a great time. I think next time I need to go on my own and not try to do so much. Trying to juggle Mark and Eva's needs and mine, doing church stuff as well as trying to see everyone is quite hard and it feels that nobody got to do exactly what they wanted and we have come back feeling a bit frustrated and compromised. Having said that we did do so much it is hardly surprising that we are a bit fractious. We got to Bob and Sue's at about 8pm and I had driven most of the way so was tired but buzzing so we tried to find food on Lark Lane. It seems that the combination of the three of us, tiredness and excitement is too much and it ended in a row about food. So, we just fed Eva and got her to bed. Seeing Bob and Sue was great. Bob was very excited about his play and we had a great evening catching up. I spent Friday chilling in the morning, saw Kate who was lunching with Jo and Katie so we had a great chat. Eva went off with Kate to get Maddie from school, I went to see Henry (my new boss and vicar at St Peter's and St John's). We got lots sorted but it was tiring and I didn't leave enough time for a rest before the evening. It is so difficult to rest properly when you re away from home comforts.

I spent 2 hours desperately wanting to get to the Capital of Culture launch event early enough to get a good position to see things but got caught up in other plans and didn't get into town until 7.30pm by which time it was chocker. We had a pretty bad spec but it was nevertheless worth going as being part of such a big crowd is so exciting. I am not sure what I thought of the event itself. It was difficult to make sense of it as we couldn't hear (or see). Seeing Andy Del and Claire Caddick up on the roof with Ringo (who performed in a large perspex container on the roof) was great. I was made up for Andy who considers Ringo to be a hero and the best Beatle. You can see pictures of the event at the offical 08 flicker page.

Did you watch the Culture Show last night? It was an optimistic take on the plans for the year and a good review of the weekend's events.

After the launch we went to see Matt and Kate to find out how Eva was getting on with Maddie - they were having a great time so they had a sleep over and we stayed and chatted for a while until I fell asleep on the sofa and knew it was time to go home. After a good breakfast in Greendays with Kate, Andrea and Andy on Saturday we went into town quite early to have a stomp about and walk from Bold Street to the Dock. There is still so much work to be done in town to get it all spick and span. I am not sure it will be done this year. It was great to wonder about get some bits and bobs and just enjoy being in the city. We eventually made it to the Tate to see the Turner Prize exhibition. I was quite impressed by it, not least for the diversity and depth of the work. Eva loved it and had loads to say about what was going on. She and Andrea had a great time analyzing the work and commenting on it.

We had a little rest before going to see Bob's play at the Unity - if you get a chance to go and see it. The company is called Big Wow - on this week and then probably reprising for Edinburgh. Then I stayed up too late chatting with Chris, Bob, Sue, Andrea and Mark.

Got up for church - Eva and I managed to get it together to go to Christ Church on Linnet Lane (my sending church). It was great to see everyone again and catch up. It seems such a long time since I was there and it as great to see so many new faces as well as hear from old friends. The congregation is getting bigger, it seems like so many positive things have happened.

By the time I got back to Bob and Sue's I was ready to go home - the whole weekend had exhausted me and I felt emotionally pulled in two as I want to make the most of being at Trinity and finishing off work etc but I also just want to get to Liverpool and start my job. The tension I was feeling about my 'old' Liverpool life and the potential for the 'new' one was very hard for me and I found it almost impossible to get things in perspective as we left. We had lunch at Andrea's, which was very kind of her, but I was distracted, tired and to be honest just wanted to switch off and disappear. The journey back was tempestuous as Mark and I fell out over pop music, food and driving. I guess that is how things go sometimes feelings are so overwhelming that they spill out and can be counter to what really should be happening. We should be excited about the future but instead we are fighting against it and trying to make it far more threatening that it probably is.

After a weird night's sleep dreaming about Beatles in a box, big crowds, people shouting to me from far away and being very very small (Freud would have field day with my dreams) I have woken up with the task of writing an essay. It is Mark's birthday so a cake will be made and we will probably be friends again by tea-time.

off to liverpool

I am off to Liverpool very soon. I have to pack for everyone, make sandwiches, have a rest and get eva from school and mark from work then we will be off...ETA 8pm. Staying at Bob and Sue's which will be great though Bob is busy as he has a show on at the Unity theatre. We are seeing the show on Saturday night, Friday we are visiting the new parish, Eva's school and the shops, in the evening we are going to the People's Opening of the Capital of Culture. But it is going to be wet and horrid so I am sure we won't hang about. Sunday we will go to church then set off back to Bristol. Hopefully we will catch up with as many people as possible but there never seems enough time to settle. hey ho...we'll be back forever in a few months (5!!!)

pop music

The BBC has a series of programs running at the moment on pop music called Pop! What is it Good For? Obviously for pop fans and scholars it is a feast of loveliness which is the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas lull. Last night I watched Paul Morley speak to popticians about some pop songs of his choice. He looked st the way these songs reflect something of the concerns of the artists, the impact they had on culture and the way they draw on and develop a pop music cannon. The BBC website writes:

At 50 years of age, Morley is just about as old as pop music itself and in this film he argues that pop has played a central role in the culture of the nation over the past half century. In the post-empire era, pop music has helped give the world a sense of Britain and Britain a sense of itself.

I know I am a complete sucker for pop music and I love it so much it sometimes hurts but I got quite emotional about the way Morley drew out the lyrical content of The Smiths This Charming Man, the iconic shifts of the female image in Madonna's Like a Prayer, and the simplistic complexity of Kylie's Can't get you out of my Head. I think pop music is important and to hear Morley interrogate the three minute pop song in such a loving and creative way was both moving and challenging.

With that in mind I will leave you with The Smiths seminal This Charming Man.



This Charming man

A punctured bicycle
On a hillside desolate
Can nature make a man of me yet?

And in this charming car
This charming man

Why pamper life's complexity
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care"

A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care"
Na, na-na, na-na, na-na, this charming man ...
Na, na-na, na-na, na-na, this charming man ...


A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
Oh, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man ...
Oh, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man ...

A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things


Morrissy is a Genius.

pink limo

As promised some photos of my mum's 70th birthday - with pink limo!
more on facebook...

count arthur strong

Have you heard his radio show? If you haven't you must. You really must. It is very very funny - the next one is on Friday 11 January 2008 11:30-12:00 (Radio 4 FM), the last one is still available to listen to on the playback. I have just bought tickets to see him at the Arts Theatre, London on 1st Feb. It is Mark's birthday treat.

back home from Virginia Water

We came back this afternoon having had a very good time with my Mum. Her 70th went off very well. My brother Howard and his girlfriend Annabel had hired a pink limo (pictures to follow) from Portsmouth (where they live) and arrived at mid-day Sat to take us for a drive. We went to collect Auntie Susan (who was very shy about getting in the ridiculous car - but after a few glasses of pink champagne she was a carefree as the rest of us). Eva couldn't believe it, she actually got to sip Lilt from a champagne glass sat in the back of a pink limo. We drove about quite a while then went to the Rose and Olive Branch pub where 20 of my mum's friends had gathered for a posh pub lunch - the R.O.B does great pies! We had a great time and mum was made up with the cake I made (thanks to Liz for the Nigella recipe). We had another little drive about and drank more pink champagne...so to be honest it didn't matter where we went - but mum wanted to visit a few people who couldn't get out to her party. After a while we drove back to mum's flat and carried on with a smaller party there until the early evening when we finally ended up watching some bad tv and mum fell asleep in her chair. All in all a lovely day. The limo being the star of the show.

Today we were in recovery most of the day so took it easy, had a lovely lunch then headed back to Bristol. Mark went off to Foundation and I have retired to bed. But obviously not to sleep just yet. I have the Church Times to read and chamomile tea to sip. So, I'll be off now.

sicky

I hope I haven't got norovirus! I know I am prone to being a bit dramatic about illness but I feel quite sick. According to the BBC "Doctors estimate that more than 100,000 people a week are catching the bug." Though to be honest I haven't been sick so it is more likely that I am still recovering from Christmas food overdose.

Anyway, we are off to Virginia Water in an hour or so. I might not be able to get to a 'puter for a few days so I will let you know how the 70th birthday celebrations went when I get back.

decorations

I have taken the decorations down - with the help of Elise and Amy we sorted everything out and have returned the tree and Christmas box to the attic. I was supposed to be working on my essay on Romans but having spent the morning reading I lost heart and really wanted to sort some stuff out. I had a long list of the this week:
- get my brother and girlfriend a Christmas pressie
- get my mum's birthday pressie sorted (it is a digital picture frame)
- get a new kettle (the old one is manky and boils very slowly)
- clean the car (done the outside but need to hoover inside)
- recycle (plastic bottles - 2 bin bags full, old toaster)
- fill in forms for Eva's new school
- make my mums birthday cake (I have made Nigella's Guinness cake, yum yum)
- sort out insurance for the washing machine
- decorations down
- read for Romans essay

Anyway, all of this is done. Except the reading isn't complete. I am really not in the mood for reading at all. I think I won't be settled until we get back from my Mum's 70th birthday party - which is on Saturday. We leave for Virginia Water tomorrow straight after school. Elise and Amy are in charge at Loudon Bristol HQ. There are a few pizzas in the freezer to keep them going.

I am feeling a bit sicky. Got a poorly belly. I hope this is sorted by tomorrow as we have a weekend of celebrations to get through. My brother has ordered a pink limo for my Mum on Saturday and we're off to a posh restaurant for lunch etc. Eva and my Mum are very excited. I am hoping Mark is going to cope with all the fuss and having to stay in the strange flat at my Mum's apartment block (we have to stay in a flat - which we call the shed - which only has 2 single beds and a shower room in it. There is no TV and it is usually very cold). I am almost out of celebration fizz and really could do with being a bit more settled in order to do some work. but hey ho...it's not often your mother turns 70! I am sure we will have a great time.

wookey hole

Yesterday Mark, Eva and I went to Wookey Hole. I don't know if you have ever been to Wookey Hole? If you haven't I can recommend the caves but the 'theme park' is quite odd - don't go with a hangover or if you are grumpy. We didn't have hangover but we were grumpy and all irony had been left in Bristol which made the experience a bit tricky. Mark had been given free tickets but if I had spent £38 (the price of a family ticket) I would have been very disappointed.

We went to a circus show which was basic and although the clowns were good was a bit of a sham. The acts felt unrehearsed and lacked lustre. The staging was poor and production values almost non-existent. As I say the clowning and some of the skills acts were good but it felt that they had lost heart. Eva loved it though.

The caves were great, I hadn't been in a cave for years and they are pretty impressive. How they had managed to turn something of such natural beauty into something so ugly amazed me. As you some out of the caves you can no longer marvel at the way the water emerges from the rock face but instead are faced with giant plastic fake dinosaurs and tiny weeny follies. A remarkable decision to make and an example of why the earth should belong to everyone and not to a few bonkers developers with no aesthetic sense out to make money. I could only wonder at how long it would take for nature to take over again when the whole Wookey Hole fallacy falls apart?

perhaps if we hadn't been so grumpy, if we had been there earlier in the day, if we hadn't been taken round most of Somerset to get there we might have come at it from a slightly different perspective but I can't say it was an enjoyable day out. hey ho.

first day of the year

I remember writing a list this time last year of ll the things that had changed in our lives during the year. 2007 was another year of great change, it was also a year of consolidation, renewal and refocus. It hasn't been without some disappointments but on the whole I feel I have shifted from the person who worked as a senior lecturer in a University to a person who is nearly ready to take on ordination. I say nearly ready because there is still a great deal to be done before I finish in June but nevertheless it has been a significant year for moving on and stepping forward. So, here are some of the highlights of 2007:

January saw me dating Charity, morrising with Liz and seeing Bruce Cockburn.

February was washing machine disaster month and the month I found I was allergic to buttons. Mark and I went to Florence for a short-break and I got a bit grumpy about writing essays.

March I got angry with Jerry Falwell, got involved in a Foundation big service - unknowing God and got sucked into facebook.

In April I went on a college Mission and went to Belfast for a wedding.

May and we went to Ema and Steve's wedding, to Southall and Cowbridge and Mark had a crisis of doubt.

June was spent writing my PhD and finishing off Trinity work for the year.

July saw Elise turn 21 us go on a few day trips and a week in a yurt but I was mainly writing and speaking to Sara about my PhD.

In August I sorted out a few things - including my curacy (which I had to keep quiet about for a few weeks) and just kept on writing, apart from a trip to Greenbelt we tried to save money and spend the summer in Bristol.

September saw me realise that I was was not going to be able to spend as much time involved in Foundation anymore - the politics of the group was too stressful and I felt to do it justice I would have to commit more time than I was able to, I wasn't able to do my placement at Foundation nor my solo preaches so I had to find another church community to for my final year. I am still a member of Foundation but can't really commit as much time to being an active member. This has made me very sad and to be honest is the biggest regret of the year. I wish I had been able to make this work, but there you go it wasn't possible. I miss the people a great deal and that time to reflect and look at spirituality differently is missing - I haven't been able to replace it. I hope I will be able to contribute a little more once my preaches and placement if complete but that remains to be seen.
On a happier front I finished a draft of my PhD and started being involved with St Peter's Lawrence Western. I started a new year at Trinity and finally got rid of the Saab. Re:jesus blog won an award and we went to see PJ Harvey.

October I got very tired, I did my first preach and was ill. But I went to Liverpool again and finalised the curacy and let the PhD rest for a few months. The relief was palpable. I could just get on with finishing ordination training and doing my theology degree.

In November I was 40 - enough said!

December has been very busy at college and church as one would expect.

So, it has been an eventful year. Many adventures have been had. I am proud of what we have achieved as a family this year and despite a few disappointments I think we have done very well. I know 2008 will be a challenge and we will experience many new changes and challenges. But I am excited about it all - finishing Trinity, being ordained, moving back to Liverpool, starting a new job etc etc. Bring it on...