Victorian mystery!

I will be posting mega holiday novella diary, but just in the meantime....


9. Anne Perry The face of a stranger.
Another charity shop purchase, which I can't remember buying but must have, this provided me with much excitement and entertainment in Hydra this week. I couldn't wait to reveal the final denouement so read it as we waited in the ridiculously long passport control queues at Gatwick! It is the prequel to a book I read last year with the main character, one William Monk, "peeler" (a 'copper' to you and me!) in Victorian London. Again, Anne Perry doesn't scimp on the setting and attention to detail that makes you really feel that you are back there at that time, with all the difficulties and dangers of that time. Our hero begins the book in hospital with amnesia, not knowing who he is or how he got there. It transpires he is a policeman who had a nasty accident. Discovering elements to his previous self's existence which fill him with regret and distaste, he sets about trying to solve a difficult murder of a high-society, loved-by-all gent. But all is not what it seems, especially when the upper-classes are involved! Brilliant, just the right amount of tantalising clues to set you on the trail, but not enough to be sure of yourself! Really worth a read, even if you are not a fan of murder-mysteries, even if just for the spectacular setting detail! HIGHLY recommended! Must read the other books in the series...

Thanks Amazon for the picture. Want to buy the book?

Half time in Eladha

Yassoo!!!!!
It is half term at long last! It has been a very long term. In fact, the January 1/2 term is always the worst but I have survived it once again and lived to ride again! I have a fair amount of planning to do this hols, but luckily not too much marking, just science and a stack of homework.

Very excitingly, I am off to the island of Hydra, in Greece where I shall hopefully walk lots and relax even more! Have been practising some Greek vocabulary this weekend, I can say basic greetings, count from 1-30, order food, say where I am from and ask a couple of useful questions! I can't believe I am finally going to Greece to embrace my heritage!
If I manage to obtain batteries, I may even take photos!!!

Yassoo!



8. Terry Pratchett The unadulterated cat.

As I have previously stated, I have a love-dislike relationship with Terry Pratchett. Sometimes I find him hilariously witty and insightful and other times just silly and irritating! This book is one for people who have owned cats as you tend to reminisce about all those cat-related incidents you had forgotten about and find yourself saying "YES, that's so true! It's not just my cat who is vile and cunning!" and laughing at the antics. So, on the whole, this book was fun, if a little silly, with amusing cartoon illustrations by Gray Joliffe! The Schoeder's cat (a cat which manages to defy the laws of space and time and melt through walls except for when trapped in a garage, seems to be curiously true! An easy read, especially if you have suffered at the hands of a small furry dictator!

*Disclaimer: I do in fact love cats! But have also suffered from treading in warm sick in bare-feet, been meowed at all night, constantly had to let them in and out seconds later and various other disgusting occurences that had better remain unsaid!

*Image: Amazon, you are a star! Thank you!

Vast mountains swinging over pretty views

This week has been raaaaaather busy! In fact, from the weekend, things have been pretty manic. As I trudged home on Friday after school, I was suddenly aware that that weekend I had to do the following:

1. Mark 30 science books


2. Mark 30 maths investigation books


3. Level (APP- ahrgh!) 15 English assessments, set targets and CTG (close the gap tasks)


4. Total up and level 30 science tests (plus 30 pre-tests)


5. Prepare notes etc for parents evening.


6. Mark 120 sheets of homework.


7. Make sure my coordinator's file was up to date and I could answer awkward, yucky OFSTED style questions.

And those were just the essential tasks!!! Not even counting other ongoing tasks such as: prepare plans for next half term's music, English plans for after half-term, check ICT spreadsheet assessments, and prepare for lessons, create musical instrument wall display for music room (kids still not sure of all instrument names:

"Miss what's that thing you scrape called?"

"A GUIRO!"

However, I persevered and got the majority done over the weekend, even managing to avoid all work on Saturday through sister visits, washing, nuclear-scale tidy and clean-up (I did find myself on my knees polishing the laminate floor with a small sponge and thought to myself 'If I resort to this to avoid the mountain of work, things can't be good!')

A treat which I think inspired me into hard work on Sunday was we also enjoyed a WONDERFUL trip to the Firefly bar near St Paul's for a Swing-ball, courtesy of the London Swing Dance Society. We went to 3 classes - 2 Lindy-hop, 1 Balboa and I caught the beginning of a Blues class. It was great fun, inspiring to watch amazing dancers later on the dance floor and try our moves! I loved the classes although I am keen to learn even more challenging moves!

I I wore this red halterneck 1950's polka dot dress which was my Christmas pressie from CBC last year (sans white belt, jacket and corsage). It is from lovely vintage-inspired boutique, Vivian-of-Holloway, with a SJP style (think opening credits to SATC) net skirt underneath and a little cream crocheted shrug. I am definitely hooked onto the swing dance theme! If only I had more time to do it!

Valentines day was lovely, CBC and I had a lovely meal which we cooked, only marred by the fact he had heinous amounts of work to do! He made me a imaginative, wonderful card, only he could think of incorporating a discarded cello bridge! AND brought me lovely miniature daffodils! I made him a mosaic!

Tomorrow, I have a big science experiment planned which I really hope goes well! I am always so disappointed when I really work hard to gather vast quantities of resources, make thoughtful support resources and then they are vile! I am also sending my G&Ts out to do an extended more complex experiment which I really hope they enjoy! Thank the Lord it is almost half term it's a day to half-term though. I can't keep this pace up!

To cheer myself up, I have been inspired by these lovely items from Peacocks' new collection (below) a shop I have recently discovered, having previously not really known about it much! So many pretty frocks! I love the cherry print sweater, Kate Middleton-Iza0style dress, polka dots and peter-pan collars and the cute textured mini saddle-bag!! Also enjoyed pretty dresses courtesy of Joy.

Have a nice weekend!

Books of the previous week

6. Nancy Goudie Treasures of Darkness.

I read this book as our home group all borrowed some of our Vicar's books. This is an autobiographical account of a difficult period of this Christian ministry leader's year, interspersed and compared with Paul's Acts voyage to Rome. It gives a real account of the struggles even of the most devoted Christians. How it can seem that God is ignoring us. How it seems unbelievable that things that seem God-inspired don't happen. It is reassuring to know that even in the most difficult times, we have to and can trust in him. It is easy to read and yet challenges you at the same time.

7. Eleanor H Porter Pollyanna grows up.

I love the film of Pollyanna but had never read the book. I found this in an Oxfam in Northumberland. It shows how the grown-up Pollyanna is just as inspiring and grateful for the blessings in her life. It inspired me to be more positive in my endeavours. A lovely account! Now I want to read the original!

Once again, thanks to Amazon for l'images

My impending aging day- Callooh callay, Callooh, callay!!!

Unfortunately, I am just about to hit the anniversary of the day I entered this world, it being notably, a common multiple of both 10, 2, 3 and 5 (guess which!)
Now, I am not renowned for doing anything exciting upon the celebration of my birthday. I terribly disorganised when it comes to celebrating events. However, this year, I decided that I would do something (read that as 'bullied constantly by CBC to do something).

Ideally, the following would be what I would like to do:

1. Hold a Regency ball ideally at Valentines mansion where I ask my Regency dance teachers (who are lovely and accommodating) to come and teach all my friends.

Unfortunately, the costs of hiring it are just too high!

2. Go with a group to the 100 club to learn the Lindyhop. CBC and I went 3 weeks ago, and it was wonderful fun! I may not be the most stylish dancer (read that as I look awful when dancing!) but I love to learn routines, and I am quite adept at recalling and retaining a routine. Then we would dance the night away to the live band! Dressed up in vintage clothing of course. I think I'll definitely do this one as it's actually on my birthday! If you know me and want to come, please let me know! I'd love you to come! (only problem it is a school night!)

3. Hold a kitsch tea party. (I've done this several times before, so not scared about this one!)

Vintage cake stands, bunting, cakes, board games, Jelly Roll Morton music etc. The only trouble with this one is my TINY, messy house and there are so many people I want to come! I think I will do this one.

4. Hold a wild ceilidh with a live band! A big hall full of my favourite people. Dancing for hours! Sounds great!

5. Go for drinks at Calloo-Callay (which kind of means Hooray!). I love the Jabberwocky and the bizarre and fantasy world, especially of Lewis Caroll! Plus it has a secret room in a wardrobe! LIKE Narnia!!!!

6. Go orienteering and treasure-hunting. Even having to hunt for several items like 3 feathers, a long stone, a sycamore leaf, an acorn, etc etc! Fun!

7. A picnic on the beach!

If only my birthday was in the summer!

Am probably going with numbers 2 and 3. Which would you do?

Or any alternative suggestions???

Mr Darcy's daughters

5. Elizabeth Aston Mr Darcy's daughters

This is the fourth one of Ms Aston's takes on a sequel to Pride and Prejudice. It tells the tale of the Darcys' 5 daughters as they encounter their first London season. Once again, this doesn't fail to disappoint. We gain a great perspective on life as a single woman in Regency times. The difficulties, perils and hypocrisy and the avarice and menace that many of the men who pursue them demonstrate. There is of course, love and intrigue in this The main character, Camilla Darcy, the 2nd eldest daugher is beguiling and real. I have read the books that follow this one so I knew how it SHOULD end up, however, I didn't foresee how she would get there! Aston makes use of the appeals of Pride and Prejudice but with her own creations, characters, spin and twists in the tale. Many events I did not predict or see how cerain events could be reconcilled. Many people feel that they don't want to read sequels to P&P because they fear that it will be ruined for them by mediocre attempts to continue the tale, but Aston cleverly avoids the pitfalls by sending Darcy and Elizabeth off to Constantinople on a diplomatic mission and basing the book on her own main characters with cameos from Austen's creations- Caroline Bingley, Lydia Wickham, the Gardiners- those characters whom aren't fully developed in the original.
Dary and Elizabeth remain intact! I recommend this!

Again, thanks to Amazon for the image.

Feeling stressed?

I pop bubble wrap at 7.78 bubbles per second! I popped 196 bubbles in 25.2 seconds at www.Virtual-Bubblewrap.com! Can you beat my score?

Dinner delight

I went to a lovely dinner party on Saturday with CBC. It was to be a black-tie do. For ages, I have been intending to do the same thing. It's always such a lovely treat to get dressed up in some pretty dress which isn't a long black one (which is my frequent concert-dress), to enjoy pleasant company and fine fare. I chose to wear my new-ish Pearl Lowe @Peacocks Tracey dress (see right, thank you sale!) with sparky sandals and a grey cardigan

After a slightly panicky, we-are-going-to-be-late (what's new!), where-on-earth-is-my bow-tie (still don't know!), I-cannot-get-this-dress-zip-done-up (that's because it's catching at the seam), oh-my-goodness-the-A1-is-closed-why-is-everyone-so-selfishly-out-in-their-car-please-go-away type preliminary, we arrived at the host's immaculate flat to be greeted by pleasant ladies and gentlemen in beautiful attire.

The conversation flowed from the intelligent and witty guests (some who I'd met before, although was a little shy about chatting to) and we were served with the following delightful dinner:

Pre-dinner: olives, bread sticks, cava.

Starters: Cream of sweet-corn soup with fresh bread.

Mains: Chicken wrapped in pancetta with 2 types of potatoes, root-vegetables roasted: sweet potato, pumpkin, parsnips etc.

Desert: Apple crumble with custard,cream or ice-cream

Cheese Board

Chocolates galore

Tea/coffee

It was a lovely evening, and although I am sometimes rather quiet, especially when surrounded by those I don't know who have a lot (of interesting things) to say, I like listening to others. It felt like a Come Dine with me experience and most pleasant.

Somehow, we managed to get home at around 2.35am due to a certain person spending a rather long time at his sibling's house writing a note to Australian-dwelling aunties. Was nice to see sibling and partner although I did spend nearly the whole time zonked out on the sofa! Midnight is after-all, pumpkin hour!!!

Daisiest daisies!

I have very eclectic tastes, sometimes crazy, sometimes very conservative, some elements crazy, and I am talking all aspects of life- music, clothing, hobbies, reading tastes etc. However, one of my loves is...


I am a massive fan of daisies!!!! I love the small weedy ones, the grand marguerites, the wild ox-eye daisies, on jewellery, drawing them as my doodles and I have always liked the idea of them on clothing. I have daisy earrings and have Pandora style daisy beads for my bracelet (I bought a set of daisy ones), and even bought the haberdashery items to make my own daisy necklace. Dear CBC bought me a lovely delicate silver and gold daisy necklace, when we enjoyed our Breakfast at Tiffany style day. Also, I have artificial daisies that live in the vase on my table (alongside lovely poppies from CBC- it's a wildflower thang!). I found a minature little canvas painting of daisies in a charity shop that awaits a home. Furthermore, I bought white Birkenstocks last year with the intent of painting tiny daisies on them with 3d fabric paint. They feature in many places in my life.



I sometimes wonder where it stems from? (forgive the pun!) I think it stems from a lovely picture my Mother created from a gorgeous piece of wrapping paper depicting a wild flower meadow which hung on our living room wall through my formative years. I loved it- it appealed to my hippy-side, it always seemed a whimsical flower, a free spirit, and so interminably joyous! It brightened up our rather plain, front room. It drew the eye to it. I feel that even a limp dehydrated daisy still has that joie-de-vivre- the bright yellow beam surrounded by white jazz hands! Many a child-hood lunchtime, spent upon our generous sized school playing field, creating headbands, necklaces and bracelets cemented that love. They make me smile! In fact THEY smile.


Doctor Who, on his darkest day (Doctor Who legendary moment in Jon Pertwee's The Time Monster), when he felt like giving up, states that what got him through his darkest day was seeing a daisy. Here's the script for proof below:




The Doctor : "When I was a little boy, we used to live in a house that was perched halfway up the top of a mountain. Behind our house, there sat under a tree an old man. A hermit, a monk. He'd lived under this tree for half his lifetime, so they said, and had learned the secret of life. So, when my black day came, I went and asked him to help me.'"

Jo Grant : "And he told you the secret? Well, what was it?"

The Doctor : "I'm coming to that, Jo, in my own time. I'll never forget what it was like up there. All bleak and cold, it was, a few bare rocks with some weeds sprouting from them and some pathetic little patches of sludgy snow. It was just grey. Grey, grey, grey. The tree the old man sat under was ancient and twisted, the old man himself - he was as brittle and as dry as a leaf in autumn."

Jo Grant : "But what did he say?"

The Doctor : "Nothing. Not a word. He just sat there, silently, expressionless, and he listened while I poured out my troubles. I was too unhappy even for tears, I remember. When I'd finished, he lifted a skeletal hand and he pointed. Do you know what he pointed at?"

Jo Grant : "No."

The Doctor : "A flower. One of those little weeds. Just like a daisy it was. I looked at it for a moment and suddenly I saw it through his eyes. It was simply glowing with life like a perfectly cut jewel, and the colours were deeper and richer than you could possibly imagine. It was the daisiest daisy I'd ever seen."

Jo Grant : "And that was the secret of life? A daisy? Honestly, Doctor!"

The Doctor : "Yes, I laughed too when I first heard it. Later, I got up and ran down the mountain and I found that the rocks weren't grey at all. They were red and brown, purple and gold. And those pathetic little patches of sludgy snow were shining white in the sunlight!"

Watch it here if you don't believe me. It totally sums up my feeling about daisies!

Anyway, the inspiration behind this daisy post, after momentous digression and waffle is:
I saw this dress below in Matalan and it was love at first sight! My ultimate dress, what I have wanted for ages: covered in the daisiest daisies!!! It fits perfectly and has been admired universally! Key features which I love: Navy blue, lovely colour, nipped in waist, round PeterPan collar, cute short-sleeves that don't cut too close to the arm, cute length, comfy and washable material. And best of all- daisies, daisies, wonderful daisies!!!!!!


I hope you have a daisy day!

***Thank you to Matalan and bbc.co.uk for images and script!***