Everything stops for tea

A response to Mr McTernan

2011-10-21T17:40:00.002+07:00

My reaction to http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/8838633/Liberal-whingers-are-wrong-we-should-shut-our-libraries.html this article was inevitable. For a good half hour I was speechless. I could not even begin to contemplate how someone could think, let alone believe the drivel within this piece of poorly researched piffle.

Apparently “John McTernan has an MA in librarianship from Sheffield University and worked in libraries from 1984 to 1994” really? He worked in Libraries up until 16 years ago. In that case he must be up to date then. We don’t trust medical evidence from 1994 unless it has been re-investigated since then, so why on earth should we listen to a non-practicing librarian who unless he can produce proof he’s kept up to date? A non-practicing Librarian who clearly HATES Libraries and other Librarians.

I’d like to address some of his points
“This is a fight by middle-class liberals to keep libraries open not for themselves, but for the less fortunate. This is partly out of condescension, and partly guilt – because the protesters don’t use libraries either, and feel they may have precipitated the closures by their neglect.”

Really, and you know this how? It is ridiculous as an argument. So anyone who hasn’t been tortured should not protest against violent regimes then? We should stop giving money to Charity because we, our mother/sister/wife/daughter hasn’t had breast cancer etc? Yeah, that argument works...

“Yes, public libraries have been of huge benefit in helping us educate ourselves over the past 150 years. It’s an honourable tradition – but it’s over. Their defence depends on a deficit model, the argument that they fill a unique gap. But that’s simply no longer true.”

Ahh... WRONG, now who’s patronising eh? Libraries have been in existence for that long for a reason. That reason being to provide open access to information FOR ALL regardless of whether they can afford it or not. I do believe that people cannot hope to afford to have access to every piece of information they need in the course of their lives. They do fill a unique gap. ALL Libraries have access to information you could not find anywhere else. What we do have now thanks to computers and let’s face it, culture in general is an expectation that you can get what you want IMMEDIATELY. That’s the issue we are getting at here, people won’t wait for an Inter Library Loan, crikey! some people don’t want to click more than twice to get an article online, let alone wait for a book to arrive from another library! This is not something to blame Libraries for. Libraries have been a driving force for increasing access to information. Libraries are a service, not just a location.

“Access to information has been transformed by the internet. Google a subject and you can become ridiculously well-informed ridiculously quickly.”

Right, here we have another problem. I, on a daily basis repeat this phrase to my students “Just because it’s on the internet, it doesn’t make it true!” Any loony can and does publish on the internet. The fact that I have to remind MSc and doctoral students of this doesn’t bode well for people, who haven’t had the experience with the internet that most of my students have. Oh Google will give you an answer alright, but is it the right one? Is the question right? I’m reminded of the quote by Mark Twain (yes he who opened one of the threatened Libraries) “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.”

If Google did have all the answers, why would academic Libraries spend so much on scientific bibliographic databases? Why would we spend huge swathes of our budgets on full text journal access? not forgetting the print stuff, some of which is not available online, certainly not for free, the publishers would never allow it, despite all the advances of the open access movement. Why would I spend so much time teaching people about search strategies? Why would public librarians provide and demonstrate their users different resources they select especially to support EVERYONE.

“Fast, cheap computing had spread to most homes, and to our whizzy new mobile phones. Where on earth is the gap that libraries are meant to plug?”

Do I really need to answer this again? apparently so!
1: Not everyone has access, some due to location, some due to income. This is more than you would think
2: Not everyone has the necessary skills to access correct information.
Libraries help with this. We might not always have up to the minute technology. But something is better than nothing.

Onto the next point!
“Virtually every kid has a desk at home – even if it often has a games console on it. And libraries at secondary schools are, in my experience, uniformly good and open places for young people.”

Do they? Government reports show that child poverty is increasing. Too many children are not fed or clothed properly. Do not sleep in a bed. Are not encouraged at home or where literacy or time with parents is restricted. Go to schools without Libraries or Librarians to staff them. What good is a games console when you need to study? Close Libraries and you condemn a generation.

“The crisis in our libraries is not because of the “cuts” – it’s because they are needed less.”

I don’t think so. Do you? Libraries are needed more than ever. EMA’s are gone. Community centres closed, youth groups gone and with them all associated help and programmes. Even the BBC held up by Mr McTernan as an example of good practice is having to scale back its online service as it has had it’s funding frozen.

Libraries might not be used by every person everyday, but they are free at point of access, like the NHS. Lets see if Mr McTernan wants to help close that next?

I’m a Librarian, I will I suspect according to be a biased liberal, so, thank goodness John McTernan has shown me the error of my ways. Close Libraries indeed... *Rolls eyes and goes back to cataloguing*

Oh and if you don't want to listen to me? Listen to Lauren http://laurensmith.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/just-another-liberal-whinger/

What Libraries mean to me.

2011-10-19T22:10:00.005+07:00

This blog has developed a bit of a theme of late. It may seem like I’m on my soapbox, but I passionately believe that Libraries are of huge value to society. Of course I’m going to say that, I’m a Librarian, I have a vested interest. BUT, imagine a world with no Libraries! No access to free information. No reading for pleasure unless I can afford to buy books. No access to literature for researchers or students beyond what they manage to buy or collect. How long would it be before someone came up with the idea of a central place where the collected information was held where everyone could access it and even borrow it? I suspect not long, it’s how libraries came about in the first place. If I was suddenly to lose my job (touching wood as we speak) the first place I would go after the job centre, would be the Library. I don’t have access to the internet or a computer at home so I HAVE to use Libraries. Take that away from me and I have NO ACCESS TO INFORMATION. I along with 9 million other people in this country am condemned, most because they cannot afford to get access. The government wants to get these people online. They already have, they've got Libraries.

I'm lucky to Live in Liverpool as Libraries are important to Liverpool. It is thanks to, amongst others, a Liverpool Politician, that Parliament passed the first Public Libraries Act in 1845. Stand and be counted William Ewart! The first Public Library was opened in Duke Street on 18th October 1852. 159 years ago yesterday. The second city in the UK to do so after Manchester. What might be most interesting, given why so many libraries are closing at the moment is that our main city library on William Brown Street, was donated by a Banker. I’ll leave you to consider the irony of that. I still visit the library I first remember from childhood on a regular basis. It is and always will be a welcoming place for me. Until very recently, and due to retirement, I recognised the staff in there. I know it’s smell and the feel of the steps leading up to it beneath my feet. It has been a part of my everyday life since I was 5. It has been a part of many people’s everyday life for a long time. Libraries helped me confirm the dates in this post. So I will write about Libraries here, on my everyday blog, because for me, Libraries are about the everyday. They are about work and fun and study and entertainment and life. Libraries are integrated in the lives of people living in my beautiful city, up and down my wonderful country and all across this amazing world in which we live. When we close a Library, we close access to ourselves. We close our minds. We close our children’s minds and mute the voices of our ancestors.

Glasgow, Eric (1997) The origins of the Liverpool public libraries. Library Review 46 (4) 262-267

To all the ones that went before

2011-10-14T21:34:00.000+07:00

As a proud Librarian, after the events of the last few days, I’m veering between wanting to pack it all in and wanting to chain myself to Kensal Rise with the rest of the protesters. I’ve seen my three year degree and eleven subsequent years of experience dismissed with a soundbite. I’ve watched children stand in front of a Library founded by Mark Twain to stop it being boarded up. I’ve felt despair for the countless number of people who could have the ability to learn despite not being able to afford to go to university, or read for pleasure even though they can’t afford to buy the books they want. I’ve always been an advocate of Libraries, never a hugely vocal one, not a brave stand in front of a courtroom one or become VP of CILIP one, I can’t claim to have been, but an advocate yes. So today, I would like to pay tribute to all Library campaigners past and present. All those who are fighting for all of us to have access to free information, and for those who give us access to it. Thank you. To Librarians up and down this nation who introduced us to our favourite authors. Thank you. To authors who go to Libraries and read to us and take part in events and shout how brilliant, important and valuable Libraries and Librarians are. Thank you. I don’t care if it sounds like a bidding prayer, I make no apologies. You’d get upset if your bin collection was cancelled and you’d have to pay to take stuff to the tip. You’d get angry if you had to investigate who burgled your house yourself, well they are taking another one of your rights away people! Get angry!! Anyone out there reading this, consider this a call to arms. Go to your Library! Take your children and your granddad! Take your neighbour and your workmate! Defend your rights to have it with all your might! Borrow a book, read the paper, ask the Library staff for help, stand and be counted as a proud user of one of your rights, otherwise what will be next? Sometimes saying thank you is not enough. Sometimes we have to stand shoulder to shoulder. See you at the Library.

I am Librarian, hear me ROAR!!!

2011-10-13T18:02:00.002+07:00

It seems a theme is emerging. After yesterdays post about the value of libraries, everywhere I went I thought about it more. Thought of more interesting and varied arguments. Got more and more exasperated everytime the subject of libraries and their closure entered my addled mind. It may seem like the highest form of self congratulatory guff to tell you how brilliant libraries and librarians are, but I hereby REFUSE to apologise for it. We have spent so long being the ultimate in support professional that we perhaps have literally done ourselves a disservice. I have discussions everyday with my colleagues regarding how Libraries are seen as a place rather than a service. I overheard a conversation the other day whilst trying to drink a lovely cup of tea between two people who believed they didn’t “really” use the library as they only went there to go on the internet and never borrowed books. I’ve even get lecturers telling me that they never use the library as everything they need is right there at their desktop. WRONG!!!! Who precisely do they think has done the organising to get “everything they need right there at their desktop” ? errmmm.... LIBRARIANS! Who do they think helps their students out when they put a resource on a reading list? Errrmmm.... LIBRARIANS. Who organises the Institutional repository so that their research is gathered together for when REF finally kicks in... hellooo?.... guess who?..... all together now, 1...2...3... LIBRARIANS!!!!!!!!! So no longer will we sit quietly in the shadows with our knowledge and willingness to make your life easier! We’ll still do it. We like doing it. It makes our job worthwhile and we are bloody good at it. BUT we will shout about it. We will advocate. We are Librarians. We staff Libraries in your Schools, Hospitals, Law Firms, Public Libraries, Organisations, Academic Institutions, Charities and more. We will not sit quietly with our fingers to our lips, we will shout! We are Librarians hear us SHHHHHHHH!

What price do you put on Libraries?

2011-10-12T19:44:00.002+07:00

Today we hear of more Library closures. This depresses me for a manifold range of reasons. Not only am I concerned for my fellow Library staff that have lost their jobs, and will no doubt be shamed into volunteering for the very services that once valued their professionalism enough to employ them. I feel sorry for the users, not just the ones that come en masse every week to borrow their books, read the paper... WHATEVER reason, it’s their library, let ‘em just sit in the corner, but the ones like my 11 week old niece that will have to, if we aren’t careful, read in history books (if the school or her parents can afford to buy one) about the public libraries that once “littered” our countries street corners giving free information to all, welcoming those who perhaps might not have seen anyone else that week, may have lost their job and need help retraining, might have parents that can’t help them with their homework or God forbid, might not actually want to go home, or find it’s safe to be there.

I made the following point on Twitter earlier “I am a Librarian. I am a professional. You wouldn't expect a volunteer to teach your child or give you medical treatment” I understand that some, indeed many people believe I’m overstating the point, but let me phrase it this way. Librarians and Libraries are just as important as a public health campaign. If a public health campaign saves the life of just one person, I don’t believe that many people would argue that it is was a waste of time, expensive yes, but that life is saved. If a library can get one person interested in reading and learning, help an old lady realise that she is not alone, help an unemployed person decipher an application form and get a job, provide a safe haven for a child to read or do their homework, is that not just as valuable? I bet educating people is the best form of public health campaigning! We don't all need health services everyday, but it is FREE AT POINT OF ACCESS, just like libraries! When did our physical health and our wellbeing get polarised? Why is our intellect to be ignored?

I’m not a public librarian; I work in a very specialist academic library and let me tell you, the questions I’m asked on a daily basis are very varied. In the course of my job I am librarian, shelver, teacher, book buyer, electronic resource organiser, manager, archive wrangler, confidante, grief counsellor, friend and a hundred other things besides. My colleagues and I are rightly very proud of what we do. I, as their manager am very proud of them and their experience and get a little teary when I get letters, emails, phone calls and on occasion visits to my office of thanks for what they see as a very small service, but has meant a huge amount to the recipient. I’ll never regret the extra time I stayed to calm someone down who had just managed to wipe all the imaged from their masters dissertation. I’ll never forget the time I saw one student manage to download an electronic article for the first time. I’ll never stop being a Librarian. A very bloody proud one. If I, and my brilliant colleagues, in my very small academic library can make such a difference, imagine what a Public Librarian can do. Tell me now that they aren’t as important. Tell me now that we can shut public libraries and let our children’s learning stop when they leave school, because not many of them will be going to university. Chris Smith, once our Culture Secretary stated that “Libraries are our street corner universities” Sorry Lads, it looks like they might all be closed for business.

Harry Potter

2011-07-06T19:00:00.003+07:00

As most people are aware, the last Harry Potter film is released next week. I'd like to go and see it in peace please, and to that end, I'd like everyone who may be in the cinema with me to take particular note of the following instructional film.

That is all. Carry on.

Pottermore

2011-06-23T18:12:00.000+07:00

Karma

2011-06-06T20:09:00.003+07:00

A colleague brought me flowers today. She didn't know I'd had a very testing weekend and those flowers were just the thoughtful lift I needed. They were a thank you for something I'd done - only a little thing - last week for her. Therefore my small deed induced her kindness which was really appreciated and arrived at just the right moment. Be kind, say thank you and people will be kind to you. Not all people, but the people who matter.

Jog on Kitties....

2011-03-09T22:34:00.001+07:00

Now, I don't have a television, however I have seen this at the parentals house... oh it made me chuckle!

International Women's Day

2011-03-08T23:12:00.005+07:00

Save our Libraries, SAVE OUR SOULS

2011-02-15T22:22:00.002+07:00

Friday I'm in Love

2011-02-11T19:40:00.004+07:00

I love Fridays... They are the best days of the week. They usually go very quickly with lots to get done in time for Monday morning mentalness. I like getting home and having a lazy dinner and pottering about and sewing. Lots of sewing at the moment. Lots of preparation, lots of organising which is much easier for me on a professional rather than personal basis, and lots of thinking and planning. I'm grabbing the bull by the horns and setting up a business. It'll be the making of a new life, and I hope the making of me in the act of sewing. There is a lot brewing for the Lewis-Newtons. Friday, today, maker of happiness and maker of a new beginning, I love you.

Yorkshire Tea sends "little Urn" to the States!

2011-02-08T23:15:00.003+07:00

How cool is that - hope "Little Urn" converts all he meets!

Libraries and Librarians and the way of the Dodo

2011-02-07T17:14:00.006+07:00

well... It seems in this country we don't require the services of public libraries and Librarians.. or so the government thinks. The Con-Dems think that it is adequate to remove half of them and staff the rest with volunteers. As a Librarian and a user of public libraries I AM DISGUSTED. Volunteers have always been appreciated in libraries of all kinds and they are valued, greatly valued, I have had the great fortune to work with many in my career and I think that most would be the first to agree, Librarianship is a PROFESSION. Would you expect a volunteer to give you a filling? or an injection? or teach your children? No you wouldn't, so why should you expect them to run Libraries? It's not just about public libraries either, hospitals, universities, they are being squeezed, staff are leaving and not being replaced, or being actively made "redundant". Librarianship? it's all about stamping a few books isn't it? Well no. It's about selecting the stock for your customers, it's about having the skills to organise them in the correct way, your average volunteer wouldn't know their way around a MARC record. We have so many aspects to our work, we are expected to teach new users how to search bibliographic databases, we have to be experts on copyright, we have to know what books will be suitable for a 10 year old to read, where to find old family history documents for those assembling their family trees. We have to find research documentation for nurses and doctors working for our fantastic NHS, teach students from all over the world how to reference articles for their dissertations and peel them off the ceiling when the computer they are working on crashes and loses their work. Its about indexing and organising case notes for Barristers arguing your court cases. We run Institutional Repositories to get organisational research out into the world. We push for and support the open access movement. We provide safe refuges for the homeless to read the paper and for old people living on state pensions barely enough to provide the essentials find books and surf the net. We support, educate, entertain and inform the world at large because despite popular opinion you can't find everything on the internet. Google is NOT a cure-all. We CAN help you! We are Librarians, we work in Libraries, In Law firms, in hospitals, in schools, in universities, in government! and IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Use us, and tell the government that you value us before it's too late, because when we are gone, you'll miss us.

Remembrance

2010-11-11T00:42:00.005+07:00

There can't be too many people that war has not touched. It may be you are a serving member of the military, you could be a relation, your grandfather may have served in WW1 or WW2. You may just have watched the news regarding the deaths and horrific injuries that our servicemen and women return from conflict and peacekeeping with every day of the year. You may not agree with current conflicts, I don't. You may want peace, as I'm sure do the servicemen and women, but I support their courage and the sacrifice they and their families make.

Wear a poppy

British Legion

So... Where do good ideas come from?

2010-09-24T22:51:00.002+07:00

I really love this! Get out there, get thinking, get talking, stay connected!

IKEA Cats

2010-09-17T22:44:00.004+07:00

Happy Days!!!

2010-09-06T00:21:00.003+07:00

It is my pleasure to announce the Marriage of my brother Michael to the very lovely Deb. Here are the Happy Couple, married in St Pauls Church Stafford, Saturday 4th September 2010

2010-07-09T20:40:00.002+07:00

Well,

It's all seeming very real... have a look here !

Wish me luck!

Likey!

2010-06-25T23:21:00.003+07:00

Something to cool us down in this warm weather...

Topical Songs...

2010-06-23T21:11:00.000+07:00

Oh, they may be playing football
And the crowd is yelling "Kill the referee!"
But no matter what the score, when the clock strikes four
Everything stops for tea

The Divine Neil Hannon

2010-06-01T22:48:00.003+07:00

The Divine Comedy have a new album out, I was very excited when I picked it up yesterday in my sticky paws. I was not disappointed... I was very glad as I've loved them since my Uni days!

see this review - see told ya I'm not biased

Janelle Monáe

2010-05-25T16:16:00.003+07:00

Great performer!

Theresa Andersson

2010-05-13T15:08:00.000+07:00

Fab isn't she!

Neil we love you!

2010-04-29T16:33:00.006+07:00

New Album out in May - VERY EXCITED!

Fun is all you need sometimes!

2010-03-26T20:28:00.002+07:00

I am still about!

Rock Finches...

2010-02-10T00:23:00.005+07:00

As seen on www.uppercasegallery.ca

Now we are three...

2010-01-16T22:06:00.000+07:00

Well... 3rd birthday time...it's very odd. I don't even know what to write, I'm rather rusty! I am feeling better though and even looking forward to going back to work on Monday! Thanks for the get well messages. I'll be back this week when I'm in the swing of things again!

Nearly three...

2010-01-14T08:22:00.003+07:00

This blog is 3 on 16th, and it's reminded me of just how much I've neglected it. I've had a bit of an excuse the last few weeks. I've been out of commission with nasty lurgy and a chest infection which has left me with a voice that would be excellent to run one of "those" phonelines...

I'm all out of synch with sleeping patterns despite being really tired still. I've also had enough of this sodding weather, I've got major cabin fever and I'm turning into my grandfather (I'm wearing three cardigans)

I'm going to go to bed now - the computer is telling me it's 01.26 in the morning so bed calls and dougal is looking at me wanting to go to bed too bless him (I'm at my ma and pa's) Gosh this is a rambly post!

I'll leave you with a pretty picture, a reflection of the christmas tree on the wall... see you soon. S x

Lest we forget

2009-11-11T17:58:00.003+07:00

For The Fallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

it's nearly November....

2009-10-30T20:10:00.007+07:00

so I thought I'd better update you!

Sorry it's been sooooo long (bad sarah, naughty sarah) however I'm here now! Oh the news... well some news...

My baby sister is moving in with me

I'm a little scared because
a: I've lived on my own for 7 years!it's going to be v odd with someone else there
b: I've got sooo much stuff I need to get rid of
c: I'm going to freak her out completely with my madness
d: she'll scare me with her efficiency

I'm looking forward to it because
a: we get on well
b: it'll save us both lots of cash (all the better for spending in Cath K!)
c: she gets to have a garden for growing things
d: we can share the cooking

But wait - I haven't finished yet (had to sneak that in somewhere Margaret - I've been singing cat like tread in my office...it's not been a pretty sound!)

Afore mentioned baby sister and I have just returned from a trip to see my Aunt and Uncle including a brilliant trip to Aldeburgh. After the best fish and chips on I believe the face of the earth we had a walk along the front to see the Benjamin Britten sculpture on the beach. It's beautiful. I'm a big fan of coastal sculpture, well sculpture in general really and it was such a treat to be able to see it up close. We are lucky locally after all with Gormley's another view on crosby beach (I'm told it's good luck to touch his... erm... appendage...yes that's a suitable enough word...) but getting close to the Britten, perhaps because of it's scale was brilliant and I've got lots of inspiration for pottery class sculpture sessions!

See told you it was great!

Aldeburgh itself is lovely too, with cute little houses in pastel colours, huge seagulls and little fishing boats.

So big thank you to Margaret and Adrian for having us to stay, ferrying us round to beautiful places, taking us out for lunch (I'm still full) sending us home with homemade Jam and apples, telling us things about our family history we never knew AND inducting us in the ways of pirates with purple trousers!

still here...

2009-10-13T18:40:00.001+07:00

gosh, it's been a while hasn't it! I am still around. Back soon!

here we go again...

2009-09-18T16:24:00.001+07:00

Well... I've gone brunette again... what do we think?

Thanks for the e-mails and comments from the last post, I'm still trying to get to grips with myself and answer you all, I promise I'm not deliberately being rude! I also have some pre-party preparation pics to share, so see you in a few whiles!

Oh how the time flies

2009-09-16T00:16:00.003+07:00

It's been a long while since I've been here. I'm getting even worse at blogging, not from not wanting to, more from not having the time for both good reasons and bad. This summer has particularly busy what with parties to plan and lots going on at work. Dad's party which was months in the planning went well. Not quite as expected as the weather let us down severely, however everyone seemed to have a great time and drank plenty (of tea and alcohol!) especially my soon to be sister in law who still managed a long charity bike ride the next day! Sophie and Mum made the most spectacular cakes of which there will be photo's to follow and Dad did really well from all our very generous friends, family and neighbours. This was followed by a relaxing few days in Shropshire, including a trip to Ippikin in Much Wenlock! a fab yarn shop where I wanted to take up residence! In between I'm sad to say, a lovely friend of mine Beryl sadly lost her battle with pancreatic cancer, and went to sort God out (if anyone can organise him, Beryl can!) She'd come to terms with it and went having made her peace, organised her funeral, thoroughly enjoyed her life and leaving a wonderfully vibrant family, something not everyone can say. See you on the other side Beryl!

I'm glad to say I've enrolled for my second year of pottery. I am really enjoying it and hope eventually to turn it into something more permanent as soon as my throwing (which I have real issues with) is starts to develop! It is rather frustrating that despite my wishes to go back to University to study ceramics, it is not financially viable. I already have a degree and so would have to pay fees more akin to international students and at £7,000-£10,000 per year it is just not realistic even though I'm saving. I'm going to have to find an alternate route, perhaps an apprenticeship as it is not something I'm prepared to give up on now. I watched the pursuit of happyness the other day, and although I'd rather not do the whole homeless thing and I'm not expecting riches, the whole thing did send the "don't give up" message.

Speaking of pottery, I'd better get back to work, I've a pot to plan by Thursday...

TTFN

S

Festival of Quilts Redux

2009-08-20T03:13:00.005+07:00

Well, call me a glutton for punishment... I'm off to the Festival of quilts in birmingham again. This time I shall be going on my own so I shan't feel the need to tell people off when they are rude or push into me as I'll have no-one to embarrass... So if you hear a raised Scouse accent swearing or see a harrassed lookin' woman with bright purply-pink hair who looks in need of some gin or a cup of tea please feel free to say hi / or alternatively find a a place to hide!! I don't know if anyone out there has ever been, but the train from Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International (where the NEC is) is like Hogwarts Express for quilters... it's rather intimidating. I'm thinking of wearing my nose to ear chain to freak everyone out - you never know it might stop people bumping into me! (fingers crossed)

I've finished work until September and I'm looking forward to having a nice break including Dad's party. It feels like the planning of it has been going on FOREVER, and as it's only round the corner there is still soooo much to do. Will no doubt be back in a few days as have the time now for plenty of updates!

Well I'd better start sharpening my elbows...

Entirely Pictorial post!

2009-07-30T15:26:00.002+07:00

1: Clutch Bag I made for Sophie' for the wedding she's in Canada for!

2: Sophie's Apron for Dad's Party

3: Deb's Apron for Dad's Party

4: Bertie's Apron for Dad's Party

5: My Apron for Dad's Party

Thanks for e-mails and posts, I will answer I promise, apologies for not having done so already!

TTFN ESFT

Duckworth Lewis Method

2009-07-29T19:35:00.001+07:00

This is one of my fave songs this summer - well worth getting the album, I mean come on, who couldn't love a concept album about Cricket???!!!

Disappearing act

2009-07-27T16:49:00.002+07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting. I've had the lurgy. I've even been off work for a week, something that I've NEVER done before! I've slept lots and drunk lots of tea and I'm finally ready to take some photo's! See you soon. a little link for you...
this lady has been to one of Chartwell's mbira camps and recorded some songs, so thanks Briony and the lovely stars of your videos!

Still here

2009-07-17T18:06:00.002+07:00

I am still around, busy making stuff! I promise a long post tomorrow about frilly pinnys and dubious shaped sculpture...!

Whilst you are waiting, did anyone watch Lab rats on BBC2? very funny here's a clip

Quick Change...

2009-07-08T00:08:00.000+07:00

Oh it's gone quickly

2009-07-01T23:46:00.004+07:00

I don't know, you turn around on a Friday and suddenly it's Wednesday again - I'm not sure how that happens? Answers on a postcard please!

Reading: A book about Art during the 1st world war. It's very good
Listening: To the Tennis, Andy Roddick, Leyton Hewitt match... not sure who's going to win...
Making: Sense (never!!) Cutting out pennants for bunting like it's going out of fashion! finally selected fabric for apron's - I just need to get sewing now as my mother wants her dining room table back!
Wishing: That it was just a little cooler outside and at night, the sunshine is lovely though!
Not happy about: the fact that pottery finished last night, however roll on the September as it'll start again - yay!!! Plus our pottery tutor gave us all something that he'd made, which was exceptionally nice of him. Will post a photo when it and my camera are in the same place!

I shall leave you with this second excerpt from Bill Bailey!

Wierdy Beardy

2009-06-26T22:27:00.004+07:00

Most people that know me, know that I'm a fan of odd looking beardy men. This is one of the examples... the incomparable Bill Bailey with one of his brilliant songs

Can't believe: That it's Friday already
Glad: That it's the end of a long week at work
Looking forward to: A Pint
Listening: Bill!
Reading: The sequel to the Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs (can't remember it's name and too lazy to use amazon at this precise moment

Royal Mail threatens delivery withdrawal after postman 'attacked' by kitten

2009-06-23T19:26:00.004+07:00

Well... I know several people that need to be careful....!!! Mum, Sandi, I do hope that your lot behave themselves....

Royal Mail has warned a family they will not deliver their mail after a postman was "attacked" by their kitten.

... The most dangerous box.... the Letter box....!

Sefton Park

2009-06-22T01:02:00.006+07:00

Sophers and I went to Africa Oye yesterday. It was a lovely afternoon. Great Acts, fab stalls and the best bit of all, a lovely walk around the park. I took lots of photo's so today's will be a photo post! Today has been good too, I went to craft fair where I bumped into my pottery tutor who had a stall there, so Dad is the proud recipient of one of his mugs, it'd have been rude not to, especially as it's Father's Day! Happy Father's Day Dad! (who has just walked past the door on the way to feed Dougal saying - and this is verbatim, "oooh cut your noise you screaming little git") Poor Dad, Dougal has taking to climbing his trouser-leg and yelling at him to be fed about fifty times a day, dad is too nice and Dougal has him wrapped around his little finger with the result that Dougal shouts at Dad and Dad shouts back at Dougal providing my mother with hours of amusement as they follow each other around the house and garden! What happens after he's been fed, well he comes up and sits on Dad's knee for a cuddle... Men eh?!!!

Flashback

2009-06-17T22:32:00.004+07:00

All of a sudden, we (in Liverpool anyway) are getting a flashback to last summer, to say it's raining is actually not doing this precipitation justice. It's not so much raining cats and dogs as horses and cows.

Anyway back to business

Enjoying: The fact we are over halfway through the week already - how did that happen???
Liking: Freebies from a supplier - I love freebies, pens, paper, highlighters, post-it's I'm a bit of a stationery whore too!
Looking forwards to: some hopefully dry weather for Africa Oye!
Working towards: Three year freedom plan
Also working towards: Not being frightened of the three year freedom plan
Not looking forward to: The end of pottery - only 2 weeks left now... still good news yesterday, the tutor from this course is most likely going to be the tutor for next year which is good as I know he won't make me throw if I don't want to!
Making: I've finished 10 of the 20 placenta's although I did forget to take a photo... next time!
More Making and planning: Big Si's party, currently knitting Tea Cosies, I think I'll knit a spare one for a blog give-away...
Trying: Not to make another visit to Cath Kidston before payday!
Going: To the pictures with the lovely Steve and Sophers
Listening to: Lisa Hannigan and The Specials

Photo of the day: Sefton Park on a day when we actually had some Sun... keep your wot nots crossed please!

He he heeee!

2009-06-16T22:49:00.000+07:00

It's Back!

2009-06-15T21:43:00.002+07:00

No... not me... the antidote to panel games I'm sorry I haven't a clue!!!

Since Humph's sad shuffle off this mortal coil, we have been left bereft. Stephen Fry, Jack Dee and Rob Brydon taking it in turns to steer the ship - if indeed it can be!

Looking forward to: I'm sorry I haven't a clue
Reading: Blogs
listening: The sound of the kettle about to boil
Wishing: That I was lucky - sorry song lyric invaded then, that getting to the quilt festival was a bit cheaper
Trying: To figure out twitter...

Still here...

2009-06-14T05:59:00.001+07:00

Still here.... just mega busy with some of the most surreal days I've had in a long time!!!

Back tomorrow where normal posting will resume!

"If I love you Wednesday, What is that to you?

2009-06-10T19:16:00.004+07:00

Ahhh Wednesday, the middle of the week, you are an underrated day

Reading: Nothing - can anyone recommend anything?
Listening: Nick Drake, Madeleine Peyroux, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Arcade Fire
Making: Compromises
Wishing: For a little bit of courage!
Looking forward to: A lovely weekend

here.... some photo's at last, John the first one, and the other two are mbira playing inspired, a lion (shumba) and a spirit. Sophie and Ma and Pa have got their fill of weird sculptures now, I'll have to start finding someone else to palm them off on!

Does anyone else have difficulty naming their posts?

2009-06-09T17:27:00.004+07:00

I had a lovely parcel in the post this morning, the prints I ordered from Etsy - I'll frame them and post a picture!
It's pottery class again this evening. It finishes in a few weeks and although I've signed up for next year, I'm going to miss it lots over the summer. I've got plenty on to keep me busy, what with big Si's party and all, but still I'm not looking forward to the last lesson, or should that be session as the teacher pretty much lets us do what we want and is there for advice. It feels very freeing in a way that not much else other than sewing does. Turning a lump of clay into something, be it a pot, cup, vase or sculpture, seeing it take form slowly (or sometimes quickly) in front of you is a simple pleasure I'd like to do more of.

Reading: Trashy chicklit - too trashy even to recall the name of it...(memory is terrible these days)
Listening: Fleet Foxes another re-visited obsession!
Enjoying: Pottery
Annoyed: That I didn't win the lottery roll-over so I could become independently wealthy and not have to work for a living (anyone have a rich son they want to get rid of...?)
Drinking: About to be Polly!
Making: More weird sculpture
Looking forward to: a gin and tonic and catch up with a friend after class

No pictures - terrible... but have a listen to this instead!

Was it something we said...

2009-06-08T18:02:00.002+07:00

It appears Ladies and Gentlemen, that we have said something to upset the weather, the rain has re-appeared and visions of the last two summers are coming flooding (no pun intended) back.

Listening: Fleet Foxes (singing along too....)
Drinking: Water
Reading: Nothing - I need to find a book pronto...(it's not like I haven't got any)
Making: I'm not sure yet - I'm comfort knitting - it's the weather
Looking forward to: Africa Oye always a great event!
Coveting: Not only this, but also the figure to wear it!

A little extract from Oye!

D-Day 65th Anniversary

2009-06-06T22:32:00.005+07:00

I found this on youtube, it's a BBC news report about the opening moments of D-Day, 6th June 1944 from the 60th anniverary commemorations. Three gliders landed near and took Pegasus Bridge even before the brave Allied forces stormed the Normandy Beaches of Gold, Sword, Juno, Utah and Omaha where so many men died.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Laurence Binyon

I'm sick of mad questions

2009-06-05T19:12:00.005+07:00

I had a conversation today with a colleague where we discussed the "there is no such thing as an odd/stupid question" to decided that no, there aren't only to be proved wrong by several Library users on the trot. Why these things always happen on Fridays is beyond me, but there we go... I do wonder if it is just me too...

Reading: Just finished The Spooks Sacrifice, brilliant, much better than boring the tenant of wildfell hall anyday (sorry Miss Bronte)
Drinking: Water
Answering/ed: Odd (very) questions
Wishing: That I could do something exciting tomorrow - Sophers - do you fancy the Tate?
Pleased: That Sophie, Anna and I did well (we didn't win) in the Pub quiz and that we were sitting in the right order at the table to get an appropriate team name...
Pondering: What in the name of Bob I'm going to get the lovely Steve who's birthday is on Sunday
Also Pondering: Why people rave about the film Marie Antoinette. I saw it last night, granted the sets and costumes are great, but I did spend the entire film waiting for her to be sent to the guillotine...

Photo of the day: Brilliant photo of Hamish I found when clearing my camera - watch out... here he comes.... Lazer-eye-cat.... Run away, Run away!

Back again

2009-06-03T16:38:00.002+07:00

Hasn't the weather been lovely, although I do resent the fact that it's soooo nice during the day when I have to work, so todays cooler weather is great, much more pleasant!

I've left the lead for my camera somewhere so I can't even show you the lovely pottery pictures from yesterday evenings class (boo)

Anyhow back to business

Looking forward to: A trip to Cath Kidston tomorrow. I've a 15% off voucher and an hour to spend in there, I'm so not going to be able to hold myself back!!!
Enjoying: Quieter days at work before the big binding storm
Thinking: of exciting things for Big Si's party
Coveting: Dinner with Mr Fox
Wishing: There was more time in the day to read
Drinking: Coffee
Reading: The Spooks Sacrifice (I abandoned Wildfell Hall - no pun intended)

As no pictures... have a look here. I read the book last year and enjoyed it, I love Meryl and Amy and can't wait for the film!

Gorgeously gorgeous weekend!

2009-06-01T04:06:00.002+07:00

Sorry no posting until now - been too busy enjoying the weather

Liking: The warmer weather
Listening: Louis Armstrong
Enjoying: Strawberries, yum!
Getting: Blonder with every trip to the hairdressers!
Wishing: That I didn't have to go back to work tomorrow
Looking forward to: Pottery back on Tuesday! Yay!

Photo of the weekend: Bees are going to make a dramatic comeback - especially if ma and pa's garden is anything to go by...

No post yesterday - sorry too busy enjoying the weather!

It's FRIDAAAYYYY!!!

2009-05-29T18:19:00.002+07:00

Another week over - how fast was that!

Today I'm...

Loving: This AMAZING Photo on Flickr
Reading: Still on Tenant of Wildfell Hall - I'm not enjoying it - should I give it up? any thoughts?
Drinking: Water - it's good for you. It's what Lions drink
Listening: Bach and more spooky tales on the radio, is anyone else listening to the children of witchwood on radio7 ? - If not - catchup here, it's great!
Looking forward to: A trip to the hairdressers

No picture of the day today - have a look here and pick your own fave

Thursday full of Bob

2009-05-29T00:02:00.003+07:00

Dylan that is...

Every so often I get stuck on an album and I just can't get enough of it for a few weeks, at the moment it's "another side of Bob Dylan" my favourites being Chimes of Freedom and To Ramona...

Reading: The tenant of wildfell hall (every time I type this I type Wilfred hall and have to correct it!)
Listening: Bob of course with some Mendelsohn (Violin Concerto in E minor) interdispersed!
Drinking: Nowt...
Liking: That it's nearly the weekend
Looking forward to: getting my hair done on Saturday morning - anyone any preference on colour for this month?
Coveting: This print on etsy from the black apple so much that I just had to have it!

Photo of the day.... what do you recon - shall I go back to the purple?

Wet Wednesday

2009-05-27T23:18:00.005+07:00

Today's little list

Reading: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Listening: To spooky tales on the radio
Coveting: This actually I'm coveting all of it!
Looking forward to: The rain actually stopping
Glad: That the week is half over and it's nearly time for the weekend
Drinking: Tea
Missing: Pottery - no class this week as half term BOO!
Making: oooh I don't know - I feel the urge to knit sommink!

Well, I'm trying not to let rain stop play but it's very wet and miserable out there so today's photo is this video I found on the web - it just made me laugh!

Naughty!!!

2009-05-27T02:27:00.003+07:00

I've been bad at the daily posting again I know - still it's better than I anticipated I'd be!

Liking: The bright sunny weather!

Looking forward to: The week ahead
Reading: Blogs, I need to have a proper catch-up

Wishing: My friend John who is getting married very soon lots of luck and best wishes to him and his beautiful bride!

Listening to: Mbira music on Spotify

Making: Placenta's - more about them coming soon!

Coveting: This beautiful necklace by Abigail Percy

Photo of the day: A picture of the group Culture at Africa Oye, which is just around the corner again!

Sunny Sunday

2009-05-25T03:42:00.005+07:00

Well it's now Sunday evening here in Sunny Liverpool, and it was sunny today judging on the vast amount of flesh I saw on display on the streets...

Drinking: My 3rd pot of tea of the day

Liking: The fact that it's bank hol monday tomorrow = no work!!!!

Looking forward to: A nice Bertie Birthday BBQ tomorrow (26 you old trollop)

Reading: A book on Jacob Epstein. I've finished the other one at last - it was great, I think I'll have to get the next one in the series

Listening to: Bob Dylan and Bud Flanagan again!

Making: Cutting papers and patches for Mum's patchwork

Coveting: Susan's Nana's Cake

Image of the day: The Librarian Action Figure - left to look after the Library all on her own tomorrow - no doubt she'll do a better job than me!

Friday you couldn't have arrived soon enough!

2009-05-22T20:19:00.003+07:00

It seems that the weather forecasters are predicting a lovely sunny and warm weekend (I'll believe that when I see it!)

Drinking: Nice big glass of water

Reading: Still not finished the book - too much time spent in the pub (ahem)

Listening to: George Formby and Bud Flanagan

Looking forward to: A nice long bank holiday weekend!

Liking: the food in a recently opened local pub The Stables Sophers, Anna and I sampled some of their bar snacks last night, we recommend all of them!

Making: A mess - everywhere!

Photo of the day: Dougal - because he's not very well bless him.

Isn't youtube brilliant

2009-05-21T03:36:00.002+07:00

I'm a big fan of Flight of the Conchords and as a little extra post I thought I'd add this... if you've never seen or read the Lord of the Rings, here it is in a nutshell!

Halfway through the week already!

2009-05-20T16:58:00.002+07:00

I can't believe it's Wednesday! What a mad old week it's been.

Liking: The smell of the new washing tablets I've just used

Listening: Muse and Glenn Miller (I know it's an odd combination)

Drinking: Hopefully a cup of tea, the milk is a little suspect...

Reading: Still reading the book from yesterday - was too tired last night to read which almost always never happens

Making: or should that be taking? Photographs

Coveting: An afternoon spent here

Looking forward to: The long bank hol weekend and Bertie's Birthday!

Photo of the day: Picture of sculpture in progress, inspired by Wilfred Owen (I promise it'll make more sense when finished!)

It's good to tidy up...

2009-05-19T22:53:00.004+07:00

I've been going through some stuff at home and isn't it amazing what you find that you thought was lost forever, like the contents of a box that I thought was on a train somewhere between Glasgow and Preston!

Liking: Finding the box full of tiny patchwork!

Looking forward to: Finishing my book... it's a nailbiter...

Reading: Just about to finish the Henning Mankell Faceless Killers

Listening: The Specials and Rufus Wainright

Enjoying: Singing along

Making: A mess in pottery class

Coveting: This pink bike from oh joy!

Photo of the day: Tiny patchwork found again! (4cm x4cm) all done the traditional "English" way with papers

Mad Monday

2009-05-18T20:49:00.003+07:00

Well that weekend didn't last very long did it...

I'm actually glad to be back at work, lots of hard work in the pipeline, I like it more when it's in it's anticipatory stage though:)

Listening: Benny Goodman & Bud Flanagan (underneath the arches...) oh I was born after my time!

Looking forward to: Pottery Class

Wishing: for inspiration

Drinking: About to make 4th cup of tea of the day

Making: It's a secret (shh)

Enjoying: Planning Big Si's 60th and retirement do - not 'til August but oh have we got plans for you Mr Simon!

Liking: Posy's mosaics

Feeling relieved for: Sandi and Sonny

Picture of the day: Sopher's lovely flowers from Ma's 60th party... how many of these was it Sophers?... 27... 28?!!!

Sleepy Sunday

2009-05-18T00:50:00.004+07:00

Listening: Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and Flight of the Conchords
Reading: How to feed your whole family a healthy, balanced diet with very little money... etc. got for £2.99 from a local bargain book place (looking for end of the month recipe inspiration!)
Watching: or rather watched! The Lady Vanishes
Liking: Watching the blackbirds nesting in Ma's Clemetis and Honeysuckle
Looking forward to: Pottery Class on Tuesday night
Making: Sketches for next Figurative Sculpture
Wishing: That it hadn't rained.... it might not be worth wishing that it doesn't tomorrow!Drinking: About to make a pot of tea!

Picture of the Day: Andrew... my first proper figurative Sculpture

Is it really our time...?

2009-05-17T04:19:00.002+07:00

Listening: The Eurovision song contest

Reading: Marie Claire Idees (ma and pa have brought me three editions back from France!)

Drinking: Thinking about opening a bottle of wine...

Making: Still on the placentas and the aprons

Enjoying: The weekend

Liking: Trying to dicipher the French instructions in Marie Claire Idees

Photo of the day: ...mmmm...... let me think.... Marie Claire Idees!!!

Trying...

2009-05-15T15:28:00.003+07:00

I've been feeling a bit ambivalent blogwise recently. My posting rate is getting worse, but I still want to do it. So... in an effort to start everyday posting I'm just going to write a few lines about my day until I feel more chatty!

Reading: Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell

Listening: The Divine Comedy - A short album about love

Drinking: Tea

Liking: Jacob Epstein - Looking at Dickie Lewis in a whole new light now!

Making: More sculpture, Aprons, Banners and Placentas

Looking forward to: The weekend

Enjoying: re-watching the recent BBC adaptation of Sense and Sensibility

Coveting: The Dashwoods cottage

Picture of the Day: Taken last weekend in ma and pa's garden

hello blondie...

2009-05-14T21:58:00.007+07:00

My mother will be pleased, I've gone back to my blonde roots... literally

It still feels odd not being a more vibrant colour, but I must say I'm quite liking it at the moment. I haven't blogged for ages, I have no excuses especially as I've just had a week off work, but I enjoyed not having to do very much, getting up late, watching films, sewing Placentas... (long story will post about it soon), drinking tea... when of course I could get the teacup away from Dougal...

I went to answer the door and by the time I got back he had drunk half the cup!

Now that I've gone back to work I find myself wanting to post - that's me though - arbitrary! We've been actively going through the book stock in at work (I'm a Librarian) and identifying things we need to throw out and things we need to update when a colleague came across the following which made us all laugh...

not a very interesting thing to blog about I hear you say.... take another look at the publisher....

yes... that's right... Mills and Boon... who knew they published books about inorganic chemistry! You really do find out something new every day!

I nearly died with my legs in the air....

2009-04-21T18:51:00.003+07:00

I don't expect that everyone will be as excited as me, but for all you local Liverpool people, Cath Kidston has opened up a new store next to Bluecoat Chambers.... Sophie, Big Si and I had a visit last week on what turned out to be the official opening (it's someone's birthday coming up mentioning no names Mary) and saw Cath herself. Well Sophers and I saw her... Dad got a bit closer and I expect that we are now going to have to call her Mum! I also expect I'm never going to have any money ever again....

It's Turquoise don't you know....

2009-04-02T20:46:00.000+07:00

Brilliant!

2009-03-17T23:12:00.002+07:00

I saw this somewhere else (can't remember where) and I thought it was great so I'm going to share it!

Birthdays and handbags...

2009-03-16T21:26:00.006+07:00

A few weeks ago I had my birthday. (32 - still can't quite believe it!) I received loads of lovely gifts, a dinky green ipod (thank you Ma and Pa), a fab tea themed pressie (thanks Anna, that's still making me laugh!) a tea set from the lovely Steve, a donation to a cause close to my heart (thanks Sophers!) and this lovely handbag from my lovely colleagues (thank you Cath, Martin, Austin and Stuart!) They had it made at a local boutique, Rose and Anchor

Can you see the lovely little pin on it too!!! I got a little note in it from Gill (who made it) saying it was inspired by the blog - bless her, making it even more special! (apologies for the terrible photo's!)

It was finished off with a trip to the Leaf Tea Shop well worth a visit!

Whilst I'm on the subject of lovely things, I also need to thank the very nice lady that is Papoosue, who gave me an award (Thanks Sue!!!)

Now, I must pass this on to eight more deserving blogs, along with the following text:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

oooh it's impossible to choose, so I say to my blogroll, I give this award to you all, I enjoy what you all do so much!!!

Thanks Sue!!!

Andrew

2009-03-04T16:06:00.003+07:00

Well... he's finished....I'm quite pleased as it's my first "proper" one

Work in progress

2009-02-25T16:20:00.003+07:00

Knutsford City Limits

2009-02-21T00:10:00.007+07:00

For anyone who enjoyed Cranford as much as I did (or in Australia I gather just starting to enjoy Cranford), you should have a little trip and spend a few hours in Knutsford the real town upon which Cranford is based. We went to have a look at the market which we discovered is very small, but we got some nice bread so we were pleased! We also discovered "Miss Matty's" house, which still houses a tea rooms Mallard Tea merchant and patisserie, with this sign outside which begged to be photographed!

Of course we had to venture in and get some tea and cakes to bring home and sample... they were very nice, I even managed to get a photo before they were demolished!

How cute are they! There were ones with Strawberries and huge chocolate curls on them, but we were relatively restrained and got two choccy ones and two vanilla ones to share.

It has been lovely this week, I've had two days off work and it's like I've been given an extra sneaky weekend. Somewhere, someones said, "that's what that Sarah one needs, an extra weekend, lets give her that so she can go on day trips and eat cake and drink even more tea than usual. Lets let her have some extra time to go through her fabric stash and sew some more hexagons for her quilt" ... and I'm very glad that someone did, I find myself having done weekendy things with another two days for fun!

So speaking of quilts, it's coming along....

here's to two more weekendy days!!!!

an apology

2009-02-02T23:51:00.003+07:00

Hi, a little apology - I think that Spotify might only be a uk thing..... naughty Sarah!

still I've erm... well had a little hair change that I thought that you might like to see... no laughing please.... you can see the inbetween stages on my flickr page (Link to the right!) Mum still wishes I had the long blonde - but this is much easier to look after...!

Spotify

2009-02-02T21:14:00.002+07:00

A colleague sent me this link for a music site. I'm constantly listening to music in my office and I think its better than project playlist... have a see what you think....

If you are of a nervous disposition, please don't look

2009-01-28T23:17:00.006+07:00

I'm rather concerned about my mental state at the moment, anyone that can imagine the following must be ripe for some serious therapy. I think I might be freaking out my tutor.... I think I might make some normal pots next week and give my psyche a bit of a rest....

I've missed it...

2009-01-21T21:49:00.003+07:00

It's official, this blog is now 2 (well on the 16th it was). I'm not entirely sure how I've managed it to be honest with you...
It's Sophers's birthday today too HAPPY BIRTHDAY! - getting old she is! Lets hope I get some good photo's once she's had a few sherbets!

Also feeling a little sad today because I realised my pottery course finishes soon (boo) only nine weeks left, I don't want to stop, I'm going to be more than a little bereft...I wonder if my outhouse is big enough for a kiln....

Happy New Year!

2009-01-14T15:35:00.002+07:00

It's been a while hasn't it. Life has been rather ... well... lets say different over the past 6 weeks. For lots of reasons, mostly things not mine to tell, I've not really felt like blogging, and I haven't really been visiting anyone elses either (it's not you, it's me) BUT, New Year, NEW RULES! I intend to blog more often, and to try and make it a little more exciting... well perhaps just a little.

So if there is anyone actually out there still reading, how was your Christmas?

Lurgy and News

2008-12-07T04:38:00.002+07:00

After successfully dodging the lurgy that everyone appears to have had over the last month, It has finally caught up with me. I've got the cold with dizziness one - it is very special... just at the wrong time but there you go.

I had a brilliant time in Glasgow, unfortunately my lovely friend Jo had a lurgy when I was there bless her, it didn't slow her down much! I got to see lots of the city and visited the Cathedral and lots of shops!!! I'm going to have to go back. I've had tips to visit a few other places so hopefully I'll get back soon.

In other news, my brother Bertie and his girlfriend have announced their engagement which is exciting! We are hoping to have a visit from them in the next few weeks so we can get a glimpse of the ring!

I can't believe how close we are to Christmas. I've still got shopping to do, I'm never usually this late! I don't think it's just me though after seeing the queues in the shops over the last week... so is anyone ready yet?

Glasgow

2008-11-17T18:46:00.001+07:00

Help!!! I'm off to Glasgow for the weekend and I'm needing some advice, where is great to visit. I'm going to the Country Living fair of course, however I need some more suggestions!

Less mucky but with something to show for it!

2008-11-12T15:53:00.005+07:00

Exciting pictures today (well depending upon your perspective!)

I've (sort of) completed my first coil pot - it is a big bugger and rather heavy here it is during construction

I promise that isn't what it looks like... it is what we are currently describing as worms or sausgages to add onto the pot!

Here is it a little more "polished" I've still got to even the rim off it's just a little wet to do that at the moment.

Nice ain't it! Even if I say so myself! I've even had two completed press molded bowls fired now, they are just waiting for glazing. I'm really enjoying pottery (apart from the throwing - which should as Sophie says be called slinging!) it frightens me a bit, I believe the teacher thinks I'm a bit weird to be scared of it!

The spikey one is a bit comet like - unplanned but I'm liking it now. I took persuading not to slice all the spikes off!

Next week - glazing - I like doing that too! Did you ever get the impression that I'm enjoying it?

Lest we forget...

2008-11-11T16:32:00.001+07:00

90 years ago today on armistice day, families were still finding out their sons had fallen, including the family of the man who wrote the following. He received the Military Cross for bravery at Amiens and was killed on the 4th of November when attempting to lead men across the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors where he is now buried.

To all currently caught up in conflicts worldwide, may you return home safely so no more families have to face such news.

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame, all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! — An ecstasy of fumbling
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime.—
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin,
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs
Bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, —
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.

Wilfred Owen (18th March 1893 - 4th November 1918)

Where there's muck...

2008-11-07T18:10:00.003+07:00

I am now the possessor of the filthiest hands in all the world. I tried "throwing" for the first time on Tuesday and my hands are yet to recover. The wheel managed to grind the clay in good and proper and despite scrubbing with a nailbrush there are still bits of it left even now, so much so it looks like I've been at the fake tan (well apart from the fact that the rest of me is milk bottle). If there is anyone out there that knows how to get rid of it, I'd welcome the tips, thank you!

The C word...

2008-10-22T22:40:00.003+07:00

… it’s fast approaching isn’t it. I know I should be shot at dawn (possibly overstating it slightly) for mentioning it, but along with the need to wear gloves outside today there is no use denying that nine weeks from today it is Christmas Eve… time to start shopping/making. Just to annoy all the last minuters out there, I’ve started mine already. In fact I got one today, for my little cousin Dylan for whom I have a very exciting present that I myself would have liked very much when I was that age! When it comes to the making, I have no ideas. I’m feeling a little stuck in the rut when it comes to making at the moment. I’d love to have some pottery ready, however I don’t think that is going to be possible (although you never know)

I’m having a lovely time writing this, I’m listening to Louis Armstrong singing La Vie en Rose and after that it’s going to be Moonlight in Vermont. I think I could listen to him forever.

I’ve been sorting out lots of photos to add to flickr and came across this one I took when on a visit to a stately home last year...so there you have it, an early taster for Christmas…. I’m so getting out a Christmas film to watch now……! Roll on Stir up Sunday!!!! Ma - we need to start on the cake!!!

I'm Trying, I really am!

2008-10-21T18:07:00.001+07:00

I'm trying to be a better blogger and post more often, but it isn't working very well is it, anyway... sorry... I'll be back with something more interesting soon!

Autumn...mmmmm.....

2008-10-08T19:06:00.005+07:00

I'm surprised by how chilly the days are getting, there is a nip in the air and the leaves are changing, heralding in one of my favourite seasons... Autumn of course. I feel a trip to Speke Hall coming on, to walk around the grounds (is it Orchard and Apple day soon?... must check!) watch the Aeroplanes take off and blow away the cobwebs. I can't wait to dig out my wooly scarves and hats and leather gloves, I adore leather gloves, I'm on the lookout for a green pair to add to the grey, red and brown ones... I might even have to get another handbag to match.....It'd be rude not to, wouldn't it...That'd be a brilliant mission for Steve the Roman who is off to the states again not so far into the future.... mmmm....!

I also think it is time to start another quilty project. Having just finished a quilted playmat for a colleague's Granddaughter (I didn't want to start anything before I'd finished that otherwise she'd have been 10 by the time I'd done it!) oh and here it is!

I'm going to start on one for me, in greens. I've been collecting for a while but I'm going to have fun looking for some more! I'm going to go for hexagons too, so please think of me whilst I'm cutting out all the papers!

I'm also looking forward to going to Glasgow next month for the country living fair with my lovely friend Jo who is going to have to put up with me for a weekend. I don't think her and her lovely husband Gareth know what they have let themselves in for! Any other bloggers going?

Well I'm off to get a cup of tea. See you soon!

October... already!

2008-10-02T16:13:00.006+07:00

I’m not one for “conventional” shopping but by chance I briefly found myself in Liverpool ONE this weekend just gone, and I stumbled upon (or should that be into) Zara Home. I was taken aback by the lovely things why I had not seen or heard of this shop before before…? I’d been into Zara (clothes) a number of times previously with the lovely Steve who is a devotee of said brand. If anyone has one near them, I urge a visit! They have a website too.

Another exciting thing that I shall share is that apparently John Lewis has a new fabrics buyer, which means that we now get to see Amy Butler and Cath Kidston fabrics in their haberdashery departments. I’ve been in the Liverpool store and have bought a few metres already (big shock I know) For a long time I’ve been cross with the lack of variety of their fabric, it all seemed so… uninspired in its variations, I had to resort to El Kilo on London Road, which is great but inconsistent. Please go and visit and buy some, that way they’ll know there is a market for it, because as sure as eggs is eggs they won’t advertise the fact!

The pottery is getting better, I’ve now completed construction of my first “slab pot” and will finish decorating it next week. I might even take my camera to class and let you see it.
I said a while ago too that I was going to show you Beryl… My very kind Auntie Margaret sent Beryl back with Ma and Pa from their visit. I’ve put a vintage dress on her (to protect her dignity!) and I can’t wait to get started and make something on her! Thank you Auntie Margaret, I’ve wanted one of these for a long time!

How to make a mess...

2008-09-17T20:41:00.003+07:00

Well... I had the first lesson of my pottery course yesterday. I had great fun, got VERY messy and mucked about with Terracotta for three hours. We made some tiles which we will decorate next week, and cut out some slabs for a "slab-pot" (mine will most likely be a "big" ashtray!!!) which will also be constructed next week, so we can experiment with different slip techniques.

So far it has been rather like baking - ie necessitating the use of a pinny, rolling pin and kneading. Hopefully next week I won't have to be told by a lady on the bus "excuse me love... do you know you've got something brown and blobby in your hair" ahhhh... so that's where that bit of clay went.....

In other news, all the new students started this week so work is madness again and has us all praying for our Christmas breaks, plus Sophers and Steve the Roman are moving... which means... another housewarming.... Sophers... Steve.... what say you......

Last Night of the Proms

2008-09-14T23:43:00.009+07:00

Last night of the proms is a big night with our family, causing much singing and laughing at me knowing all the words to Jerusalem. I thought I'd leave you this to watch, with Sir Roger Norrington giving an excellent speech about Classical Music. I often wonder if this is THE reason why people think us Brits are a little odd...

... don't forget to join in now... at the top of your lungs if you please!!!

and if that wasn't enough, sing along with Bryn!!!

In flight

2008-08-31T05:00:00.001+07:00

In flight
Originally uploaded by sln1977

Well, Sophers, Ma and I enjoyed our last day of holiday with a trip to Crosby Beach to see the Anthony Gormley Figures. It was lovely, we all love the beach and I got plenty of photo's, head over to flickr to see some more! Plus, next post I promise will be about Beryl, it's late now so only a quick post tonight!

I'd better do this before August has come and gone

2008-08-28T21:59:00.006+07:00

I seem to spend my blogging life apologising for not blogging! Well no more of that - new Academic year - new rules

I've been on leave from work which has been brilliant, I feel like I've caught up on some sleep and it has been Dad's birthday again, which always means the start of a new term to me!

Before I go any further, I must acknowledge the lovely Sandi for the lovely award she bestowed upon me, I apologise for not having done it sooner!

The rules: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

Well I'm going to say there are so many people who's blogs I love. Sandi of course, I love your mad stories of shootouts etc! Papoosue, because you live in Scotland and we are scarily alike AND she has been very clever and creative this year and passed her OU exams and well, I'd actually like to add everyone on my blogroll - the reason you are there is 'cos I like you very much.

Thanks Sandi!

In other news, I'm starting to get very excited for the start of my pottery/ceramics course that starts on 9th. It should be brilliant! I'm hoping to get past the ashtray and paperweight stage and with a bit of luck, perfect the art of the ultimate teapot very soon... watch this space....

plus.... in the next installment.... news of Beryl.... (thanks, Auntie Margaret!!!)

Shouted at by Sandi!

2008-07-23T02:38:00.006+07:00

I have been a bad blogger of late... it seems the lovely Sandi have taken it upon herself to be my blogging conscience!! She's good at it too, she may be many miles away, but it's worked Sandi here I am!!! Mum, Dad and I had a fab day out on Saturday, we went to the caravan, but stopped of in Welshpool on the way, where we picked up some strawberry and gooseberry jam, some bara brith and I got the most lovely vintage bag...

It's from the 1930's and was made by one of a set of twins, there was a yellow one that had already been sold. The lady that had them, had also bought all of their clothes from these two sisters now in the 90's from when they were born up until 1980..... their clothes were amazing!

Here are a few close-ups!

See - I couldn't resist - I had to do a bit of bargaining - but just ask yourself, could you have left it????....

I also made some curtains for Mum and Dad's bathroom. I'll leave her to blog about them, but this is what they are made out of! Cath's best!

I'll have to see if I can do something to live up to that this weekend, all assuming that the rain stays off!

Dougals got a brand new bag

2008-07-13T05:20:00.002+07:00

Dougals got a brand new bag
Originally uploaded by sln1977

Well - I don't think I need to write much in way of explanation of this one do I?.... Poor Sophers... I hope she doesn't want it back now it has been claimed by the Douglas cat! Have a look here for some more mental cats!

Just not cricket

2008-07-10T18:24:00.002+07:00

Surely this sort of thing shouldn't happen!!! Still it just goes to prove there is very little a cup of tea won't smooth over!

Back to what it's about...

2008-07-02T15:26:00.006+07:00

When I started this blog - ooh about 18 months ago, I had no idea really what I would write about. I still don't but looking at the title I thought I'd better post something about tea! I happened upon this little beauty yesterday and I COULD NOT RESIST. It combines some of my most favourite things

1: Green
2: Polka Dots
3: China
4: Painted Roses
5: Teacups

It would have been rude to leave it there don't you think?

It is a set from the Royal Albert 100th Anniversary Collection, it's called Polka Rose and is from the 1930's.

In other news, I've heard I've been accepted onto a pottery course which is starting in September! I expect I shall be producing lots of ashtrays and paperweights to start with, but I'm really looking forward to it! You never know, I may start producing my own tea accoutrement's before you know it....

So - is anyone sick of the Superlambanana's yet?!!!

2008-06-27T16:54:00.003+07:00

Well I did promise more photo's so you've got 'em!

I got the backbitternbanana at lunchtime on Wednesday when Steve and I went for lunch at the Catholic Cathedral's restaurant (we are ladies that lunch darling) I think this is the funniest one.

I've no idea what he was laughing at but there you go... Perhaps the lambanana said something amusing - I wonder what it was.... answers on a postcard....

Beryl Sebastian No. 57

2008-06-27T16:51:00.003+07:00

Beryl Sebastian No. 57
Originally uploaded by sln1977