I didn't want to bore people and take up space on Chris's blog waffling on about this, but a wonderful load of nostalgic comments followed Chris' great posting about playground games. And this reminded me of the most wonderful game!
Were you allowed to bring your own games into school to play on the last day of term? We were and in my school, the must-have game of the late-eighties was Screwball Scramble the mad maze that was meant to be completed in a minute! I got one for my eleventh birthday, and even now, when I see it, it reminds me of how excited I was when I got it for my birthday, after longing for one for about 3 years! I would play it for hours, though my older sister Clo was so much better at it than me! What a great game!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
I love parks!
My lovely friend Nikki and I have decided to send each other a list of positive things that have happened during the day, at the end of the said day. This is to encourage positive thoughts and appreciation of what has gone well in our day! The list I gave her on Monday were as follows (meant to post it then):
"1. Beautiful walk in the park, making a daisy chain, having
conversations with ducks (and making the people sitting on the bench
near by think I'm crazy!), collecting discarded birds feathers,
picking up bits of a Catkin tree/bush which had been blown off- just
like kitten fur!!!! Having a lovely time thanking God for his
beautiful creation!
2. Having decided not to eat anything at lunchtime so I could focus
on the beautiful rest and loveliness of the park and feeling quite
peckish after, went to a meeting, to discover loads and
loads of sandwiches and fruit left from previous meeting in there.
Consumed large amount of fruit during the course of the meeting whilst making very accurate notes!
3. Evening off tonight, apart from Whizzbang meeting, to discuss
things needed to be done now!
4. Exciting holiday to look forward to.
5. Having lovely friends at work to cheer me up, like Nikki and Sharon
etc...
6. Ooooh, suddenly realising I have not craved chocolate at all so
far today!
7. Determined to leave at 5 for once, particularly since I got her at 9am this morning!"
(Ok, so I didn't quite manage that one, but the thought was there...)
"1. Beautiful walk in the park, making a daisy chain, having
conversations with ducks (and making the people sitting on the bench
near by think I'm crazy!), collecting discarded birds feathers,
picking up bits of a Catkin tree/bush which had been blown off- just
like kitten fur!!!! Having a lovely time thanking God for his
beautiful creation!
2. Having decided not to eat anything at lunchtime so I could focus
on the beautiful rest and loveliness of the park and feeling quite
peckish after, went to a meeting, to discover loads and
loads of sandwiches and fruit left from previous meeting in there.
Consumed large amount of fruit during the course of the meeting whilst making very accurate notes!
3. Evening off tonight, apart from Whizzbang meeting, to discuss
things needed to be done now!
4. Exciting holiday to look forward to.
5. Having lovely friends at work to cheer me up, like Nikki and Sharon
etc...
6. Ooooh, suddenly realising I have not craved chocolate at all so
far today!
7. Determined to leave at 5 for once, particularly since I got her at 9am this morning!"
(Ok, so I didn't quite manage that one, but the thought was there...)
Friday, May 20, 2005
Random thoughts on silly memories
I sometimes wonder how my mind makes links to things that I suddenly begin to think of! Often people puzzle at how on earth I have managed to change the subject from skiing in France, to Chocolate Spread, and why I am confused at why they have no idea what I am on about! I quite like the way it works, as sometimes, I'll end up remembering or thinking about something or someone I haven't thought about for years, sometimes, even since childhood, if I am just sitting in my own thoughts!
Yesterday, two funny (well I found them funny!) memories occured to me which delighted me on a train around 11pm (disconcerting for those around, when for no reason, the slightly scatty looking girl with hundreds of bags, inc. an R2D2 one suddenly starts laughing for no apparent reason).
The first was of when I was in Infants school- I think I must have been around 6-7 years old,(must have been 1987-8) and it was the time of the General Election, and my school were holding a fundraising mock election for us kids, where we could vote for who we wanted to get in. I remember finding it hilarious at the time, that this lovely girl called Victoria came up to me with her voting ballot, and I asked her who she was going to vote for? Indicating the Conservative box (obviously for Thatcher), she answered "The Queen"
The Second, was a bit later on in Primary school when we were around 8ish, and we had recently finished learning up to our 12 times tables. (which was where education on the subject of times tables, ended at that time) I had been a bit cheeky at the weekend, and had gone home and decided to learn my thirteen times table, (and also learnt 99 x 99 = 9801- why, I don't know!). I went up to a friend called Lisa, and said to her, "Guess what 13 x 13 is" and she replied, that there was no such thing. To which I replied that there was indeed such a thing, and my calculator told me so. She calmly replied "Your calculator is up the creek". And would not hear another thing about it. Amazing the misconceptions that can occur!
(Actually, just typing this has just moved my mind onto other memories and associations! I love this game!)
Does anyone else have this sort of mind?
Yesterday, two funny (well I found them funny!) memories occured to me which delighted me on a train around 11pm (disconcerting for those around, when for no reason, the slightly scatty looking girl with hundreds of bags, inc. an R2D2 one suddenly starts laughing for no apparent reason).
The first was of when I was in Infants school- I think I must have been around 6-7 years old,(must have been 1987-8) and it was the time of the General Election, and my school were holding a fundraising mock election for us kids, where we could vote for who we wanted to get in. I remember finding it hilarious at the time, that this lovely girl called Victoria came up to me with her voting ballot, and I asked her who she was going to vote for? Indicating the Conservative box (obviously for Thatcher), she answered "The Queen"
The Second, was a bit later on in Primary school when we were around 8ish, and we had recently finished learning up to our 12 times tables. (which was where education on the subject of times tables, ended at that time) I had been a bit cheeky at the weekend, and had gone home and decided to learn my thirteen times table, (and also learnt 99 x 99 = 9801- why, I don't know!). I went up to a friend called Lisa, and said to her, "Guess what 13 x 13 is" and she replied, that there was no such thing. To which I replied that there was indeed such a thing, and my calculator told me so. She calmly replied "Your calculator is up the creek". And would not hear another thing about it. Amazing the misconceptions that can occur!
(Actually, just typing this has just moved my mind onto other memories and associations! I love this game!)
Does anyone else have this sort of mind?
Gifts of the Spirit
Not many people read my blog, but I am intrigued at what those precious few of you might think?! We were studying 1 Corithians 12 3-15 yesterday at my home-group, and one of the questions we were asking ourselves if we personally desire any particular gifts of the Holy Spirit, and why?
Whilst part of me wants to leave it up to God, praying for all and receiving what he thinks(which was the opinion of some of the group) part of me also eagerly desires to have the gifts of wisdom and healing. Wisdom, because I say, do and think so many stupid things that I am sure make God very angry, and healing, because I would like to help those in pain and fear (esp. those who dont know God, since it might bring them to belief somehow?) and also because it part of me thinks that if someone who is very important in my life could really believe in the gifts of the holy spirit, then she wouldn't seek those sorts of alternative means which have pagan influences, which I feel are the cause of her problems...
I always feel self-conscious writing about these things, because I really don't know anything, but here's my humble opinion...
Whilst part of me wants to leave it up to God, praying for all and receiving what he thinks(which was the opinion of some of the group) part of me also eagerly desires to have the gifts of wisdom and healing. Wisdom, because I say, do and think so many stupid things that I am sure make God very angry, and healing, because I would like to help those in pain and fear (esp. those who dont know God, since it might bring them to belief somehow?) and also because it part of me thinks that if someone who is very important in my life could really believe in the gifts of the holy spirit, then she wouldn't seek those sorts of alternative means which have pagan influences, which I feel are the cause of her problems...
I always feel self-conscious writing about these things, because I really don't know anything, but here's my humble opinion...
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Anyone for a Frozen tent?
I decided at around 12.45am on Saturday night, that it really was time to go back to my tent, I could not avoid the inevitable anymore. And when I unzipped my tent, it felt strangely hard- it was that cold that it had frozen solid! Which didnt bode well considering, the night before, I had gone to my tent (not frozen) and despite having a quilt and woolen blanket under me, being inside a sleeping bag, with cotton sleeping bag liner, duvet on top, wearing thick pajamas, sweatshirt, fleece socks, sheepskin furry bootees, wool gloves, woolen hat pulled down over nose, hot water bottle for feet, and a microawavable wheat bag round neck, and could not sleep whatsoever, due to being rather cold!
So, after viewing the ice, I decided also to wear a vest-top underneath, got a sort of patio chair cushion at the bottom of the blanket pile and wore a scarf. I managed to get to sleep fairly soon, but woke up all of a sudden, feeling absolutely nauseous, tasting and smelling (Imagination I think?) the (what had been delicious) curry I had had for dinner. Feeling all hot and bothered and praying that I wasnt going to be sick, I slept like a baby the rest of the evening and woke up feeling absolutely fine!
Aside from that,the weekend was absolutely wonderful! The Planets is a marvellous suite, with movements that really capture the 'character' of the mythological Roman gods. My alto flute behaved itself (I also had to play flute and picc!Amusing moment swapping from picc to Alto flute!) we ate loads of delicious food, which was cunningly themed around the names of the Planets, some conceived with extremely groan-inducing wit (Neptune's pie- a fishy concoction, with peas brought by Venus!). I also had an absolutely beautiful time on Saturday afternoon, walking in the woods, spending sometime chatting to God and thanking him for our beautiful earth! It was just wonderful! I am so awed by his creation!
Camp is one of my happy places! Does anyone else have any particular happy places?
So, after viewing the ice, I decided also to wear a vest-top underneath, got a sort of patio chair cushion at the bottom of the blanket pile and wore a scarf. I managed to get to sleep fairly soon, but woke up all of a sudden, feeling absolutely nauseous, tasting and smelling (Imagination I think?) the (what had been delicious) curry I had had for dinner. Feeling all hot and bothered and praying that I wasnt going to be sick, I slept like a baby the rest of the evening and woke up feeling absolutely fine!
Aside from that,the weekend was absolutely wonderful! The Planets is a marvellous suite, with movements that really capture the 'character' of the mythological Roman gods. My alto flute behaved itself (I also had to play flute and picc!Amusing moment swapping from picc to Alto flute!) we ate loads of delicious food, which was cunningly themed around the names of the Planets, some conceived with extremely groan-inducing wit (Neptune's pie- a fishy concoction, with peas brought by Venus!). I also had an absolutely beautiful time on Saturday afternoon, walking in the woods, spending sometime chatting to God and thanking him for our beautiful earth! It was just wonderful! I am so awed by his creation!
Camp is one of my happy places! Does anyone else have any particular happy places?
Friday, May 13, 2005
A riddle for Friday
I think that 0.7734 is a very nice polite and friendly number. Why is this then?
Answers on a postcard, and I'm off to lunch.
Answers on a postcard, and I'm off to lunch.
Wonderful weekend!
It's almost the next weekend, but I had a wonderful time last weekend, going to Music camp, and playing flute for Utopia Ltd. It was a absolutely beautiful weekend, despite freezing cold evenings where I didnt sleep that well. Things I am thankful for:
-Glorious sunshine and soft green grass
-The beautiful bluebells and enthusiastic greenery- who needs man-made art!
-Hot showers after a freezing cold night!
-Wonderful food, made by Nick, sharing the mound of washing up amongst friends
-The Ceilidh- three hours of hilarious exercise!
-The beauty of the Hughenden valley on the way to church
-Silly costumes- sarong, vest top and flipflops in early May, with Dandelion hair accessories!
-Managing to put my tent up nearly all on my own (thanks to those who aided!)- it's taken 10 years of camping, but am almost capable of doing it alone!
-Playing lovely flute trios with lovely Oliver and new friend Alex who is such a kind and friendly lady!
-Seeing Naomi! She's training to be a Doctor in Cardiff, but made it down for the weekend!
-Escaping London- fresh air!!!
I'm off to Music Camp again this weekend, to play The Planets . I'm playing Alto Flute, which is really great, because I rarely get to play it! I can't wait for that, and for more lovely countryside!
Am off to a the Manning Camerata's last concert of the season tonight. It'll be the first concert I'll have made of this new professional orchestra, and I confess, am really looking forward to it! Have heard good things about it so far!
-Glorious sunshine and soft green grass
-The beautiful bluebells and enthusiastic greenery- who needs man-made art!
-Hot showers after a freezing cold night!
-Wonderful food, made by Nick, sharing the mound of washing up amongst friends
-The Ceilidh- three hours of hilarious exercise!
-The beauty of the Hughenden valley on the way to church
-Silly costumes- sarong, vest top and flipflops in early May, with Dandelion hair accessories!
-Managing to put my tent up nearly all on my own (thanks to those who aided!)- it's taken 10 years of camping, but am almost capable of doing it alone!
-Playing lovely flute trios with lovely Oliver and new friend Alex who is such a kind and friendly lady!
-Seeing Naomi! She's training to be a Doctor in Cardiff, but made it down for the weekend!
-Escaping London- fresh air!!!
I'm off to Music Camp again this weekend, to play The Planets . I'm playing Alto Flute, which is really great, because I rarely get to play it! I can't wait for that, and for more lovely countryside!
Am off to a the Manning Camerata's last concert of the season tonight. It'll be the first concert I'll have made of this new professional orchestra, and I confess, am really looking forward to it! Have heard good things about it so far!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Poor piteous creature
No, I'm not talking about the losers in the Election. I am talking about the poor Dalek in Doctor Who last Saturday. I never thought I'd see the day when a Dalek would make me cry! But it did indeed seem to be a sad and great loss when the Dalek couldn't cope with being a being with feelings, emotions and compassion, and regarded it as a sickness. I imagined a whole new beautiful thing, where the Dalek would turn out to be the Doctor's friend, and both would put aside their differences and work together for the greater good. The Dalek would be a lively companion for the Doctor and Rose as they travelled round the Universe. Like a small child it would learn new experiences. It would learn to show compassion, to help others, it would learn friendship and love. It could be the start of the Doctor's life-long mission to convert all the universe to good! (a bit like in The Witches when Grandmother and the little boy decide to go round the world turning all the witches into mice, except slightly different!). Mind you, I am the person who wanted Christine Daae to choose the Phantom and generally feels sorry for the baddie!
It was a great episode though! Though people are of course forgetting that Daleks already could go up the stairs, as in a Sylvester McCoy adventure Remembrance of the Daleks they did!
Am really liking the new series- it's the first programme in frankly ages, that I've really really been enjoying, and videoing if not in! Hurrah for the BBC!
It was a great episode though! Though people are of course forgetting that Daleks already could go up the stairs, as in a Sylvester McCoy adventure Remembrance of the Daleks they did!
Am really liking the new series- it's the first programme in frankly ages, that I've really really been enjoying, and videoing if not in! Hurrah for the BBC!
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