Two fer Tuesday - Treasure Trove!

My secretive Mother's ability to squirrel away her most treasured items in inappropriate places never ceases to amaze me.

Over the weekend I was sorting through her childhood Stamp Collection, which besides a book includes an old biscuit tin filled with match boxes containing unused stamps, only one box didn't!

Wrapped in newspaper I discovered this previously unseen Silver bar broach...

Inside the locket are two faded photographs...The gentleman is my Great Uncle Arnold who brought my Mother up from the age of six & who she always spoke very fondly of, unlike his wife Great Aunt Lucy; and the young girl is my Mother [aged ?] with one of the many Spaniels she loved as her Uncle breed both Cocker & Springers.

The locket broach is priceless to me, but the knowledge that there is no one to value it after me did bring tears to my eyes.

It made me reflect again on what will become of all my bits & pieces, valuable & otherwise.

A while back I watched a TV programme that included the sorry story of an elderly lady dieing without any family & friends to sort though her processions; so her Council house was ruthlessly cleared by a house clearance company so it could be reallocated - they simply filled a refuse skip!

Okay, I own my own home and I do have a Will & professional Executor, but the tale gave me food for thought!

Unconscious Mutterings 2010 - #8!

With time on my burnt hands, it's time again to play the free word association meme hosted by LunaNina.
She says, I think & say what pops into my head and you ponder my thought process!

1) Harm :: ones self! My current cuts, bruises & burns! Slapped wrists for being so clumsy!
2) If :: 'If only, if only I'd' - my very first blog's title, which has such a personal in my life, I should have stayed with it!
3) On my own :: Am - was an only child, now a spinster, a solitary by choice; sometimes lonely but my own space to do what I want in, is more important than just any old company!
4) She said :: "What will become of you when I'm gone. You'll be on your own, alone in this world, as he'll will let you down. Men always do!" - some of my Mothers last coherent words to me before she died; he, being Little Buddy! I hear them still in my dreams!
5) Illegal :: Assisted suicide - controversial I know but I agree with! We release our beloved pets/pups from pain because we love them, why not our other loved ones???
6) Broke :: Me financially; surprisingly, not seriously heart wise - in hindsight, maybe it was the travel I loved the most!
7) It’s a :: Heartache", the song by Bonnie Tyler - as said in (6) not because I am; but because I'm a long standing fan of this husky voiced rock star, though the lyrics still hit home...

8) Chatting :: via Dogs with Blogs Top Secret Chat Room on Sundays - often sign in to catch up with friends.
9) Cottage :: Lamb/Meat/Werm Pie, as more a foodie than a cottage style home maker!
10) Podcast :: Techy stuff - something others listen to/watch, not me.

Sorry, if many of my responses sound depressing.
I'm just going with the flow of words, and the a cord they strike!
Just hope for a brighter more inspiring collection of words to respond to soon.

Unconscious Mutterings 2010 - #6 & #7!

Once again, am behind playing the free word association meme hosted by LunaNina.
She says, I think & say what pops into my head and you ponder my thought process!
It's been a bad few weeks but here goes...

Last weeks words:-
1) Suitcase :: packed, ready to fly away, I wish - those were the good old days - I do miss the travel!
2) Exhaust :: ed as tired of doctors/hospital/referral appointments.
3) Olympics :: Winter - Vancouver & Whistler CA, both visited, both great places - enjoying watching the action!
4) Video :: DVD's - Films - my cinematic viewing medium in the comfort of my own home.
5) Cargo:: Luggage, never travelled light.
6) Previously :: loved daughter, mistress, pet owner, well travelled - non of these now!
7) Wilderness :: My garden! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
8) Artificial :: colourings / flavourings ingredients as in food! Natural is best.
9) Gambling :: Little Buddy & locking him out of our hotel room in London when he blew all my cash as well as his own @ a Casino there & then refused to leave with me; Vickster, his wife the Slot Machine addict & Platinum card holder in Las Vegas; my own fun Las Vegas trip last March!
10) Exhibition :: Art in London - Cezanne, Monet, Picasso, Van Gough - all viewed.

This weeks words:-
1) Teeth :: Dentist needed! Our National Dental Service stinks!
2) Sweetener :: Honey, natures natural sugar, the only one I have in my cupboards
3) Demons :: 'Angel & Demons' by Dan Brown - Set in Rome, Little Buddy & I visited every site mentioned in the book long before it's publication - not seen the film version, as actor Tom Hanks just grates with me big time.
4) Pizza :: Italy & a classic Margarita Pizza! But @ home, it's spicy meat with peppers & mushrooms & onions & herbs & lots of cheese - in other words, the works!
5) Protector :: My Mother in childhood from my Father.
6) Smooth :: Wine, a very good wine.
7) Coat :: Silky as in Hero's coat - well, he was a Springer!
8) Pebbles :: Brighton's beach - gosh, do they hurt when walking on barefoot!
9) Pregnant :: Termination! Not going there.
10) Sing :: LOL - can't - am tone deaf, dead pan & out of tune - an embarrassment to friends when carried away with enthusiasm @ concerts/musicals; once so much so, a one one time friend disowned me - now I mime when out in public!

No matter what the cost I was truthful!

Sky Watch Friday - X marks Memories!

This recent, late morning contrail above my garden, conquered up wistful memories...

When I see it's like, I'm always reminded of Little Buddy!

And, the time we shared together while he flew, leaving such jet trails in sky's world wide.

X, as in destination, could be one of many European cities, where we met & enjoyed long airline crew lay-overs.

Or, time spent in a favourite British Columbia hide-away!

Now, X is a reminder of what was pre his retirement & now is no more.

Recalling my Grandmother!

I never knew my maternal Grandmother, but today is her birthday, she was born back in 1881!
Strange as it may seem, I only learnt these facts last year!

Sorting through some old very dusty books that had been lain undisturbed on a high cupboard in what was my late Mothers bedroom, since way back when, I came across a battered family Bible.

The front flyleaf page that must have shown the first birth, deaths & marriages recorded in it has long since gone, but the inside cover lists the family of my Great Grandfather John Lovell...It shows he had 3 daughters by his first wife Annie, who died aged 26 in 1862, one month after giving birth; that he remarried in October 1871 to a Eliza Dyer, who gave birth to their eldest son John barely 3 months later!

And, that she bore him eight more children including his eldest daughter, my Great Aunt Lucy Jane in 1873 [she brought my Mother up from the age of six] & my Grandmother Marian Lovell.

Now, I learnt very little about this lady during my Mothers life time, other than they shared the same christian name, as she died of Childbirth Fever on a Derbyshire hill farm shortly after giving birth to my Mother, her second child in 1917.

Mother was then brought up by a wet nurse, housekeepers & maids, before being to sent to live with her Aunt, the formidable Lucy Jane after recovering from Scarlet Fever.

She grew up bitter about being abandoned by her Father @ an early age & only ever referred to her Mother, when brooding about her past life, saying it had been loveless because of never knowing a mothers love.

Mother for reasons of her own, never showed me the Bible, or more mysteriously Grandmothers portrait.

The latter I discovered after her death, wrapped in newspaper and stuffed behind a wardrobe, I thought it was a wooden tray, so imagine my surprise when I pulled it out & discovered this large finely framed Victorian photograph...Never having seen it before, my first thought was to wonder who it was of.

Then, I recognised the pendant being worn.

I process the one, which was given to Great Aunt Lucy Jane by her Father.

And, she told my Mother, that Great Grandfather Lovell gave each of his daughters on their 21st birthday, a heart-shaped Rose Gold pendant set with a central Diamond chip.

I knew the portrait was not of said Lucy Jane or that of Eliza Louise called Cissy, as I have similar images of both these two Great Aunts, who I recall from my childhood & Alice the youngest Lovell sister I believe died in her teens, so that left Marian, my Grandmother!

This was later confirmed when I found, also hidden away, this faded postcard picture, showing the same, if visibly older lady...Per the address on the back, it was sent to my Grandmother, then Mrs Barker of Horseshoe Farm near Glossop on the 6/8/1914, the hand written message reads 'How is this of you and Gilbert?', a penciled note adds 'Gilbert Barker aged 3 months' - he was my Mothers brother, they were estranged most of their lives!

And, that's as much of my Grandmother's history that I know.

Thanks to the joys of blogging & the wonders of modern digital photography I'm able to share my finds!

It's just sad, my Mother couldn't have shared them with me, as I'm left with so many unanswered questions, like how did a Gentleman farmers daughter from rural Northamptonshire come to meet & marry my Grandfather from Derbyshire?

I never meet him either, as he passed away during the 2nd World War.

The 'Final' Peril of Solitary Living!

Most lunch times, while I have my 'soup & sandwich', I listen to the radio - BBC Radio 4 by choice.
Today, I caught 'Face the Facts', a documentary programme, that was taking a disturbing look at the rising number of deaths, never discovered till long after their event, and where the Local Authorities have, had to bury the remains as there was no on else to do it.
Morbid listening but fascinating!
Each year, a thousand or more, and it's an ever increasing number, of lost souls in the UK, lie dead in their own homes - from, anything from 5 weeks to 2 years - even 5 years as in a recent Edinburgh incident - before being discovered!!!
They had no immediate family, few friends, no close neighbours and had slipped under the Social Service systems net.
No cared, let alone missed them.
It sounded all too familiar/possible to me!
The saddest cases, I thought, were those who had kin who didn't give a dam!
I believe, it's a fact of modern life now, that many of us, who live alone, live lives that will end that way!
Once upon a time here, the Milkman delivered a daily pinta & noticed things, now we buy from Supermarkets.
The Postman/Lady changes weekly - the Electric/Gas meter reader calls once a year!
As one, who is a confirmed Solitary by choice, it could very well happen to me.
To be honest, I suspect it will, hence the broadcast striking a cord & this post.
The programmes consensus was, that those living alone should organise a daily call from someone!
I, laughed - such as who???
Besides which, the likes of me, like our privacy far too much.
I'd, in fact, personally consider it an invasion of my life.
And anyway, I frequently don't take my telephone calls - LOL!
Little Buddy, if he repeatedly received no answer to his, would probably just think I was in a strop with him!
And although, Pussycat Paul is a good neighbour & friend, we can go weeks without any contact.
So, that's why I see & understand how many individuals can passing away quietly, quite unnoticed.
Sad, but possibly a personal decision to be respected in some cases!
Now, I know that is highly controversial as a dead corpse rotting away unattended is not good.
If it's a case of neglect as most are, of the Health Care Services - well, I worry too!
But, some of us, have a right to choose how we live our lives & die!
I do for one.
Re me - I guess, as long as I keep blogging - I'm still here!
It is certainly the likes of BJ and other close blog friends that would notice my absence first!
So, I promise, if I need a break I'll tell!

Postscript on 25 July @ 7am.
Just discovered when I originally published this, I had inadvertently, opted not to accept Comments!
Fate taking a hand.

True Colours Thursday - MAROON!

For the second week running Bloggers frustratingly failed to publish this post, 'Scheduled' to go out in the wee small hours of the morning!
Is anyone else having similar problems???

Yes, this week we have MAROON, not macaroon - nice cake, but not dark red!
Even, I wondered, after listing this as a TCT colour, why???
Especially, since I alone was responsible for this one!
But, what's done is done, as know, there is worst to come!

Ever, trying to be helpful, I mentioned school uniforms, as a hint re the colour, as remember the shade personally, very well, as that of my local Girls High School's coveted attire.
These elite MAROON blazzered girls I envied big time.
Especially, as I was sooo close to being one of them!
Having failed my Eleven Plus entrance examination, due to what would now be called Dyslexia, I passed my Thirteen Plus, two years later.
It was a request only, second chance test, and my, then best friend Susan & I were the only ones to ever sit it in my County Modern Schools history, we both passed with a merit.
She went on to take her place @ High School, I didn't.
It meant a better, wider education, a real chance in life, even @ 13 I knew that!
But, it wasn't to be, my Father refused to allow me to go, as it was too costly.
Even, when I was offered, grantidly a small Scholarship, he turned it down.
He, had never had higher education, having finished schooling @ 13, to join the railway, so why did I need it???
I recall the huge rows between my Mother & him.
She, financially defeated then, decided to bide her time & help me later.
But, my contemporaries in my villages Secondary School, were not forgiving & never did forgot my bid to be better than them, I paid a dear price.
My MAROON blood was spent, my tears more so!
Sorry, re the personal sound off, guess I should have avoided the colour!

A happier MAROON take is Garnets!
This dark red semi-precious gemstone is a favourite of mine.
In the world of 'Crystal Magic' it is a stone of the heart, of love & compassion.
I delight in both the cabochon & gem cut versions.
But, it's the latter I'll share this time, as who knows, I may need something in reserve for another TCT!
Now, close up photography of jewellery I find particularly difficult, as my camera's 'Macro' imaging is very iffy & I don't have a tripod to help re vibration, hence only maybe one out of twenty shots are remotely in focus.
And, then there's the dilemma, of how to display the pieces, to the best advantage!!!
So, this week I enlisted Miss Polly Pola Bear as model & hoped for the best...In truth, I shouldn't wear rings, having short, stumpy hands, instead of elegant, long, slender fingers & finely shaped nails that show them off to their full advantage - but, I love them, so wear them anyway. I have two Garnets ones, the four stoned being the most treasured as Birthday Gift from my late Mother...There are Rose-Gold drop earrings to match too...And, this 'Art-Deco' pendant, is a Christmas gift from Little Buddy...Well, he sent me the money!
I choose it, it being one of the very only pieces I bought from the 'Antiques' shop I worked in for a while.

Now, as a serious dark red wine drinker, Australian Shiraz is a a full bodied deep berry tipple...I've also, in my time, admired many Flag Iris blooms.
But, this wonderful MAROON one, found in the Universities Botanical Gardens is new to me..And, this weeks cake photo, is from, you know wheres window, taken a while back...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that's fine.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge, is or has recently participated, is named & linked in my side bar.
AND, I do generally try to up-date the list throughout the day.
Next weeks colour is LEMON - pass the Gin & Tonic too please!
If, anyone has a suggestion for a future 'Colour', please feel free to say via comment or email!

The Liverpudlian!

I'm not one for spending hours on the telephone, I view it as a necessary evil.
My Mobile-phone - Cel to North Americans, is more often turned OFF than ON.
And, I monitor my home Land-line calls via 'Caller Display' before picking up the receiver.
Even, Little Buddy sometimes can't reach me & leaves messages asking "Where are you...?".
So, it's only very, very occasionally, when an unknown number shows up, that I take the call.
One such instance was a few months ago.
I recognised the voice or rather the accent @ the other end of the line straight away, but didn't let on.
The lilt from the home of the Beatles, is rather distinctive - Flickr image...I remember, The Liverpudlian, well for a variety of reasons, but hadn't spoken to him for several years, so was curious as to why, out of the blue I should receive a call.
His explanation - he had lost my details but recently found them by chance when going through old papers!!!
Plausible maybe???
I wonder...

This somewhat eccentric, certainly funny male, quite literally, walked in off the street, into my life back in 2004!
At the time I was working part-time, managing in Dreamingspires heartland, an Antiques Shop, I use the term lightly!
My days alone were long; Customers were few; the Jewellery was mostly reproduction, and if I polished the 'solid' Silver too hard, the plate beneath showed through - do I need to say more???
One fine Summers day, a short, rotund, if smartly business suited individual looked in.
He was just killing time during his lunch-hour, but we struck up a conversation.
The Liverpudlian, had recently started work in the city as a Financial Consultant to a Charity offering rehabilitation & accommodation to young Ex-Offenders - Dreamingspires has many such institutions, located in prime residential area's, including my neighbourhood!!!
Grr!!!
But, he was finding himself ostracised as a Northerner, plus dandy dresser!
Jeans & T-shirts being the appropriate attire rather than a double breasted Suit & Silk Tie!

He, also had a seriously, wacky sense of humour too, which may not have helped him either!!!

However, he amused, bored me greatly, we subsequently became friends.

In fact, I became his only local point of contact, as he never settled & choose to head home to Liverpool every Friday.

Most weekdays saw him visit me & once a week we went out for drinks &/or supper together.

We had fun, shared laughter.

I think LB was a bit jealous!

It wasn't my intention, as there was no budding romance in the offing.

Then, The Liverpudlian suddenly disappeared over-night!

Not a word from him.

It was immediately after, I discovered I'd lost a valuable Amethyst ring from the shop, the second piece of merchandise to go strangely missing during his visits!

I managed to cover my-self, as the owners were not above board - shall I say, their inventory of merchandise being not legit!

Back to the present - hearing from The Liverpudlian raised a mixture of emotions.

I no-longer trust him, but was/am intreged!

In my world of rare male companions, he was one of the entertaining guys!

A few 'odd ball' calls, have come from The Liverpudlian, including today's, which says he may return shortly to Dreamingspires on a business trip & I'm invited to join him for lunch!

I'll lock up my personal jewels & meet him, just for the sheer hell of it.

Maybe, not that wise but...

I find my routine life in Dreamingspires boring - so, what the heck???

Monochrome Monday - Awaiting the Train!!

I travelled home from WelshAire Country earlier today!

One of the few interests/legacies my late father left me, is the love of rail travel.

He was a railwayman in the days of steam trains.

The Great Central Line from London Marylebone to Manchester, ran through our village, Woodford Halse.

It had huge 24 hour working Goods & Repair Sheds - we even, told the time by the trains!

The line was axed in the mid 1960's, thanks to Dr Beeching!

Our community died a dismal death.

Many, if fact, most of my contemporaries families moved away, following the railway to Rugby, Nuneaton or Coventry.

My father chose not to, declaring he was born in his home & he'd die in it.

He eventually, got his wish quite literaly!

But, back then, he took his preferred choice, ie earlier retirement re forty years, having started on the foot plate, aged 14 in 1924!

Subsequently, he received a pitiful pay-off & a Westminster 'chiming' clock.

But, he retained his rail travel privileges for him-self, Mother & me, till I finished full-time education.

This was his greatest gift to us throughout my childhood.

Mother & I travelled from one end of the country to the other.

Every school holiday/half-term saw us off on a journey - over-nite trains to Scotland, day trips to the sea!

Yet, once I owned my own vehicle , I abandoned the train in favour of the roads.

However, since deciding to be car-less I've returned to this means of transport.

And, now delight in it, as I once did, as it sure beats the bus...

Monochrome's creator & host is Alieni.

The designated site is HERE!

The Things I've Never Bought!

Not able to sleep last night, due to the heavy rain & thunder, I tuned into my bedside radio.
BBC World Service took me to Radio 2.
It provided the appropriate music sound bite.
But, also a keeping awake, thought provoking teaser too.
The show presenter, don't recall who, was asking listeners to call in with their 'Things I've never bought' items & tell why!
Instead, of sending me to sleep, it set me thinking!!!
Some of the 'never boughts' made me LOL & cringe because I have.
Yes, I have bought a Foot Spa, but it was for my Mother!
I do own a David Soul of the TV series 'Starsky & Hutch' fame LP!
I've purchased Black Lingerie!
And, several Delia Smith cook books!
As well as a 'Crock-Pot' - the later makes great casseroles.

However, I've never bought:-
1) A packet of Cigarettes.
I have never ever smoked, never wanted to.
My Father did, he was a 60+ a day man.
Hearing him cough his heart out in the mornings was enough deterrent for me.
He even, smoked in bed & set his blankets alight on several occasions.
Thankfully, they were wool & just smoldered and went out!!!
Otherwise, I would never be here to tell the tale.
2) A jar of Peanut Butter.
YUK, yuk, yuk!
Sorry, to all pup fans.
My Peanuts need to be either dry roasted or salted & with booze!
3) Tofu.
Vegetarianism is not for me.
No amount of flavouring/seasoning makes Tofu edible to my palette!
4) An I-Pod
This music technology has passed me by.
I see people around me listening endlessly, but they miss the sounds of the world they inhabit.
So, much so they walk in front of traffic!!!
And, I heard recently, a health report, that says that Tinitus is now the plague of the younger generation!
5) A Mills & Boon novel or equivalent romantic fiction.
I regrettably, read less than I did.
But 'slush' romance has never been my style.
6) A ticket to a Drive-in movie.
They don't exist in the UK.
Never even seen one, till my recent BC road trip, when we passed such a venue.
Little Buddy was as bemused as me, as now a days they are few & far between, even in Canada.
7) A pair of Trainers.
Not my style of shoe!
I have walking boots & comfortable sandals instead.
8) A cassette Video.
Never owned the equipment to play one, went straight to movie DVD's.
Love them, as not a Cinema goer.
9) A package holiday to Europe.
Much prefer to do my own thing.
It's the people thing!
Crowds do not do it, for me.
10) A Tattoo.
Although, Little Buddy was once keen, that I had one!

This in my eyes lends its-self to a en-lighting fun meme!
So, I tag:-
A) BJ
B) Checkers & Katie
C) Queen of Halloween
D) Pughy & Carol
E) Dewdena & Moose
F) Dina
G) Agatha & Archie and PL2!
And,
H) new contact Martha.

Am Back & Blue, naturaly!

For those caring/wondering, YES, I did arrive safely back from Canada last Thursday.
However, the holiday left me, far more drained & tired than any previous vacation has yet.
And, saying 'Good-Bye' to Little Buddy, after our longest ever period of purely 'one to one' 24 hours a day contact, was particularly distressful.
I confess, I foolishly wept intermittently all the flight home; so, personally upsetting was leaving my 'Love' to return to my empty shell of an existence here; especially knowing it's always going to be that way.
True, there just maybe, more stolen moments ahead, who knows?
Still, that was & is still small comfort, as it's not a certainty.
When we are together, we live for the moment & do; and recall with fond nostalgia other happy times shared.
But, we can never make future plans & no matter how hard I try to contain my feelings re this, I fail miserably.
I was therefore, literally shaking with emotional & physical exhaustion by the time I reached Dreamingspires & home.
I wearily, crawled to the sanctuary of my bed & stayed there in an attempt to recoup.

On Friday, it had been long planned, that I join Molly & Taffy and friends to participate in the WELTAF weekend of walks in Cheshire, but I was just too deflated & despondent to do so.
Since then, have slept in late, very late & when awake, drowned my sorrows in my duty-free bottle of Bacardi rum, not wanting to communicate by any means with anyone except LB, who has called each evening since I returned to check on my well being!

Okay, I'm not proud of it, but I've been feeling exceedingly sorry for myself & depressed beyond words.

Consequently, I quite simply, haven't had the heart to Blog that I was back till now.

Even, wondered if I wanted to continue posting @ all, as doing so, about my proposed Canadian trip cast a shadow over it!!!

However, as the saying, often seen quoted on the Internet, rings all too true for me...
"I love my laptop, because my friends live there!"
I will write a little of my travels over the next few days.

And, try to catch up with what's happened in my said friends lives during my absence from Blogland.

To those worried by my prolonged silence - my apologies!

The Silence of a Solitary!

Listening to a BBC Radio 4 broadcast over the weekend, I was taken aback, when the interviewee, said he couldn't stand isolation, to live alone & not talk to anyone, as it would drive him totally crazy!!!
I was amazed, incredulous!
But, it did make me ponder!
On many days, like yesterday, I didn't vocalise to a single solitary person by any means!
It's not unusual!
I didn't feel estranged!
If, I don't go to shop & exchange the pleasantries with my till server, I personallly, may not physically communicate with another human during any given day.
It is not a big deal too me.
Today, I was out & about, visiting my regular city venues.
Chatter flowed as I'm known.
But, most frequent conversations are only in my head.
Not, strictly true, as talk out loud to my-self and my Bears/Wheelies.
I'm a great conversationalist there - always have been - comes I guess, from being an only, solitary child.
And, also have worked on the premise, re talking to myself, that @ least I'm guaranteed an intelligent response as I reply on my & their behalf!!!
What do they say "The first sign of madness!"
Guess, I've gone way beyond that!
Not communicating doesn't bother me.
Silence though, does during the day @ least.
My Radio, TV, or CD player offer a sound track to my daily home life.
It's only @ night, that I want/need complete & utter silence, so I can sleep, as the slightest sound disturbs me.

Returning to communication, phone calls are few in my household, most unsolicited.
I don't respond, as I monitor my calls carefully!
Guess, am really strange, as view most calls, as an intrusion into my personal space.
Only, the chosen few penetrate this web.
So, my daily talking is mostly here on my blog!
Or, via the amazing world of Instant Messaging.
There, I can chat with friends World Wide & do.
The question is, could I live without that too?
Nothing personal but the sad answer, is Yes!
It's just me!
I truly believe the life of a solitary is OK!

I am an Ingrid!

A new interesting contact & potenial friend, made via my True Colours Thursday is Carolina.
Had to smile broadly @ her BLUE post, as she featured her visit to Dreamingspire's Trinity College & rowing Blues.
She didn't @ the time realise, it's my home town - LOL!

Anyway, reading her blog, found a Quiz, I just had to do.
Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn?

My result:-
You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"
Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me
* Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.
* Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.
* Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.
* Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.
* Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid
* my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level
* my ability to establish warm connections with people
* admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life
* my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor
* being unique and being seen as unique by others
* having aesthetic sensibilitie
* being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid
* experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair
* feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved
* feeling guilty when I disappoint people
* feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me
* expecting too much from myself and life
* fearing being abandoned & obsessing over resentments
* longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often
* have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games
* are very sensitive* feel that they don't fit in
* believe they are missing something that other people have
* attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.
* become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood
* feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents
* help their children become who they really are
* support their children's creativity and originality
* are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings
* are sometimes overly critical or overly protective
* are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Now, usually I dismiss Blogland quiz results, bigtime.
But, this one is so accurate, to be scary.
The only uncharted bit, being Ingrids as Parents because I'm not one, but it sounds so possible!

As it happens, I've always admired actress Ingrid Bergman [1915 -1982]
Have enjoyed, so many of her films throughout my life.
'Casablanca', 1942, with Humphrey Bogart being THE unforgettable Classic.
I remember too, 'The Inn of Sixth Happiness' 1958 - based on the true story of British Gladys Aylward, who became a missionary in China during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II.
And, a favourite film, who's musical score still stirs me, 'Murder on the Orient Express' 1974, based on Agatha Christie's novel of the same name, saw her win her 3rd Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Yes, I'm very content to be an Ingrid.

St Valentines Day!

This so called 'Romantic' yearly event has almost, always passed me by!

Cards from Boyfriends/Lovers being non existent.
In fact, till last year, when Blog friends touched my heart with Valentine Greetings, the only card I've ever received was sent by my Mother when I was aged thirteen!!!
Talk about sad!
That year, I worried her to death, because all my school friends were relentlessly boosting about the number of cards they expected to receive & I knew there'd be none for porky, studious me.
So, Mother sent me this one...Then, I WORRIED her to death about who'd sent it, till she confessed, to get some peace & quiet! LOL!

Many, many years later, have become curious about this so called saint!!!

Do, you know who St Valentine was?
Or, why, this day, is dedicated to lovers and celebrated World Wide, and named after him???

I've done the obvious and Googled him!

There were apparently, two Saint Valentines.
Both Priests.
Both Martyred.
One, was a bishop in Umbria, Italy, who was executed by Roman emperor Claudius, for performing secret marriages for young couples against his royal edict, c273, so, he probably deserves the crown!
Or, blame, according to your view-point.

Anyway, to share the 'love' with my Friends, I've created this special mosaic - all images are from Flickr, rather than my own personal photo archives to say...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

And, if, you have someone special to share today with, enjoy!

If not like me, be grateful for the love of your friends.

I've already been blessed with sincere greetings from many of mine.

The Things I've Done Meme!

Found this loooooooooooooooooong, but interesting meme, when visiting Misty Dawn's blog this morning!
Being housebound - there's no going for walks for me @ the mo - so, with time on my hands thought I'd give it a go, as some of the Questions are all new to me.
Settle down - it is a LONG but informative read - only 100...
1. Started your own blog ? - Yes, now, on Number three!
2. Slept under the stars? - Strangely, No.
But, stood & admired them often!
I love to star gaze.
3. Played in a band? - If, miming the recorder in a school concert counts, Yes!
4. Visited Hawaii?- Yes, yes, yes...
5. Watched a meteor shower? - Like Misty Dawn I've seen shooting stars, but not sure about meteors.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity? - I tend to donate merchandise more than money, as cash strapped.
7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World)? - Yes, Euro Disney, now known as Disneyland Paris several times in the Ninties!
What fun, fun, fun.
8. Climbed a mountain? - Hills, Yes; Mountains, not so much!
My tendency to want to head downhill head first, is a handicap but have hiked in the Rocky Mountains, Canada!
9. Held a praying mantis? - You must be joking!
10. Sang a solo? - Excuse me, what with my deadpan flat voice! No!
11. Bungee jumped? - No way, NEVER!
12. Visited Paris? - Oh, Yes! A lovely romazntic city.
Little Buddy flew there frequently, so I visited big time!
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea? - Yes, both here in the UK @ Brighton alone.
And, during brillent night storm @ a small resort in Italy with LB!
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch? - Most of my skills are self taught!
15. Adopted a child? - Err! No way, unless my late Springer 'Son' Hero counts?
16. Had food poisoning? - Yep, from Seafood pasta in an Italian restaurant.
It was quick & violent and the bill was was subsequently reduced!
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty? - No but would like to; as long as I could catch a lift down!
18. Grown your own vegetables? - No, not green fingered; even Mustard & Cress dies on me!
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France? - Yes but was really disappointed!
The painting is soooooooooooooo small & insignificant!
20. Slept on an overnight train? - Yes, several times when a teenager, on the way to Edinburgh, Scotland.
It was fun, especially when going to Festival!
21. Had a pillow fight? - No. As only children, didn't have that fun as no siblings.
22. Hitch hiked? - No.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill? - Yes, lots when I was a Tax Officer, then junior Inspector in the Inland Revenue as HATED my job!
24. Built a snow fort? - No, as rarely that amount of snow in my world.
But, remember walking on high snow drifts in the Sixties!
25. Held a lamb? - No; baby Chicks Yes!
26. Gone skinny dipping? - Oh, Yes; same places as I saw the lightening over the sea!
27. Run a Marathon? - No way! Thats like hard physical exercise/work!
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice? - I wish!
Turned down the chance to visit the floating city, when in Milan with Little Buddy!
29. Seen a total eclipse? - No!
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset? - Lots, love them both & taken photo's too!
31. Hit a home run? - What's that? I'm NOT sporty!
32. Been on a cruise? - If taking the BC Ferries between Mainland, Canada to Vancouver Island counts & it should, Yes!
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person? - Yep, in sunshine & frost! It's incredible!
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors? - No; family is not big to me!
35. Seen an Amish community? - Not Amish, except in the movies.
But, Yes to the Canadian equivalent, the Mennonites!
36. Taught yourself a new language? - Sadly No!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (in general)? - Yes, I guess!
Money is not my God; as long as I can keep a roof over my head & live quietly, it isn't that important!
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person? - Another Italian regret, as could have when in Tuscany!
39. Gone rock climbing? - No way, NEVER!
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David? - No, as missed out Florence on my Tuscan holidays too, but maybe the replica in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London counts, as seen that one!
41. Sung karaoke? - LOL. Never, & never will!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt? - The real thing, No.
A replica @ Disneyland Paris, Yes!
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant? - No! See too many Street People in my City, who abuse peoples donations to go there myself.
44. Visited Africa? - No, and have mixed views as whether I want to, too!
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight? - Oh, Yes!
46. Been transported in an ambulance? - Yes, & with all flashing lights & siren blazing!
It was after a wild gale on the South Coast, when a sheet of window glass blown out, landed on my head & splintered there!
47. Had your portrait painted? - No.
48. Gone deep sea fishing? - No, but would be interested!
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person? - Strangely enough, No!
The weather was always so great in Rome, kept postponing my visit to the Vatican for a 'Rainy Day' that never happened!
And, then Little Budddy stopped flying there...
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? - Yes, the view is wonderful, especially @ Dusk!

Any one still reading here?
I did warn you.
Am only half way through @ this point...

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling? - No, not a strong swimmer but would have liked to have tried it in Hawaii, but went sailing instead!
52. Kissed in the rain? - Think so!
London & Paris can be damp!
53. Played in the mud? - NO!
54. Gone to a drive-in theater? - No, they don't exist in the UK.
55. Been in a movie? - No.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China? - No, but like to walk it with company!
57. Started a business? - Yes, with a Government Grant - had my own cake baking business for twelve years till bureaucracy forced me to close down!
58. Taken a martial arts class? - No, not into violence not even the self defence variety!
59. Visited Russia? - No, but would like to go to Moscow for the architecture!
60. Served at a soup kitchen? - No.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies? - No, but we call then Girl Guides in the UK!
62. Gone whale watching? - Oh Yes; twice from Torfino, Vancouver Island, Canada!
First time no sightings, hence the second trip. We eventually, caught sight of the tell tale blow spout off from a Gray Whale, who finally surfaced along side our cruiser!
63. Got flowers for no reason? - Don't think so...
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma? - No, have a needle phobia!
65. Gone sky diving? - NO way, do I need/want more broken bones???
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp? - I couldn't do it when near one in Munich!
67. Bounced a cheque? - Like Misty Dawn not intentionally.
68. Flown in a helicopter? - Yes, off Grouse Mountain, Vancouver, Canada - posted about not that long ago
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy? - Still have many of mine, as was an only child!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial? No.
71. Eaten Caviar? - Yes, but not impressed!
You can keep fish eggs.
72. Pieced a quilt? - Have taught my self to do Patchwork!
73. Stood in Times Square? - No.
74. Toured the Everglades? - No, not sure I want too as not keen on crocodiles!
75. Been fired from a job? - No, resigned first!
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London? - Oh, of course!
Even went out briefly with a Grenadier Guard, who I met whilst on duty @ Buckingham Palace! A long story & one I don't believe I've ever blogged about!
77. Broken a bone? - LOL! Excuse me, who is writing this!
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle? - Never ridden one or been a pilian passenger.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person? - No, but would like too.
And, do the Skywalk, as have no fear of heights!
80. Published a book? - No, but was soo proud when my dear friend BJ did!
81. Visited the Vatican? - See my answer to No 49, but have been inside St Pauls.
82. Bought a brand new car? - No. Cars are just wheels to me, not status symbols.
83. Walked in Jerusalem? - No.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper? - Thankfully, No!
85. Read the entire Bible? - Old Testament only, because I was studying Religion for an 'O' level exam!
86. Visited the White House? - No, but would like to visit Washington.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating? - Yes, learnt to wring a Chickens neck & gut it when younger.
Not so keen to repeat the exercise now.
88. Had chickenpox? - Yes, when a schoolgirl.
89. Saved someone’s life? - No, not a humans.
But Hero's, as his previous owner threatened to put him down!
90. Sat on a jury? - No.
91. Met someone famous? - Sort of!
Anyone in the UK listen to Bob Harris late night weekends on BBC Radio 2 & remember the TV show 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'???
And, what about his first wife, the Italian Countess TV cook Valentina Harris???
92. Joined a book club? - No, but would like to.
93. Lost a loved one? - YES.
94. Had a baby? - No way, NEVER.
95. Seen the Alamo in person? - No.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake? - No, but love swimming.
97. Been involved in a law suit? - Err!
Been prosecuted, paid a fine!!!
98. Owned a cell phone? - We Brits call them 'Mobiles'.
I have one but use it little - am not a phone person.
99. Been stung by a bee? - No, but Wasps, Yes a plenty!
100. Read an entire book in one day? - Oh, Yes!
Last compulsive one - Margaret Atwood's 'Handmaiden's Tale', on friend Wilma's recommendation.
Then, had to re read @ leisure to fully digest its ramifications!

By the time I'd completed this list, I realised just HOW fortunate I was.
I've travelled well, had some great experiences, been blessed.
A post, without images seems unlike me.
But, would need to rummage in inaccessible Albums!

I'm not tagging anyone; but, if friends want to take up the challenge - DO tell me so I can read...