Book Review - The Other Half And Getting Even

 

 

I contacted Sarah Rayner after reading one moment, one morning. This is not something I do but I so enjoyed the book and I felt she had to know, so I found her via her facebook page.
I wasn't expecting a reply but 48 hours later I got a lovely letter back she was in the process of releasing the two week wait, which I promptly got a copy of and read too, This wasn't a book for me, nothing wrong with the writing or Sarah's beautiful way of telling the story, it was the story it's self..

However by now I am picking up Sarah's news feeds and she is about to re-lease edited versions of books she had published in 2001 and was looking for a few people to read them.. I jumped at the chance and how glad I did,
both are brilliant!

The Other Half

I waited until I had a day to my self and just as well as I could not put it down! page after page, The Other Half is one exciting, fresh, fun, sexy read! I had no idea where it was going or how it would end - it kept me fascinated, amused, titillated from cover to cover. I really liked all of the characters and even found my self feeling sorry for the baddie!
I really didn't want to the book to end, the final page of a good book is like saying good bye to a old friends, I missed having the characters around me
After reading her other two books I knew it was going to be good but I was not expecting it to be so fantastic especially  being one of her first books The first thing you notice is that all of her characters are incredibly real ( I feel that I know them all intimately now..they are my friends) Sarah's writing is a compelling read, it is written from the heart and therefore touches upon every emotion and feeling that all of us have within ourselves, the honesty is so intense you can touch it.
I really felt so sorry Maggie as she is everything I am in a woman and I just wanted to kick James in the nut's! having also read 50 shades of grey this year which is bloody awful, it just goes you shows sexy, lusty books can be written with good grammar!

Getting Even

 A brilliant story set in Soho's adland mixed with a lot of bonking, bonding and backstabbing!
Sarah once more brings the story to life with a easy read style what a is a masterpiece, loosely based on Othello I found it to be compelling, completely enthralling, very sexy, mature, funny, clever witty and above all just totally inspiring.
Anyone who’s ever worked with a bitchy colleague or dodgy boss will relate to this book and maybe pass it round the office so your girlfriends can also have a snigger!
Once more I felt sorry for the baddie 'Ivy' but you know what the say about revenge is a dish best served cold, she got what was coming to her!
The characters are all from an ad agency, a world I know nothing about however I know what it's like to live and work in London and I was transported back to my youth, Sarah really does have a way of sucking you right into her world and making you want to stay there.

I read books to release me from my daily life, this certainly did that!
So if you are looking to escape the winter blues or the Christmas fuss, grab these two books when they are re-leased, settle down on the sofa and float to a new drama all told expertly by Sarah!

Thank you Sarah for sharing your books with me and I hope you will write many more ...x

Please see:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Rayner/e/B0034PC34E/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Strawberry Santa's

 

Here's a cute idea for a Christmas party or trying to encourage children to eat fruit

 

Whipped cream which always goes well with strawberries

a little black dots for eyes

 

Poppy seed

linseed

black food colouring

kiwi seeds!

 

 

Book Review - Shadows Of The Workhouse

 

 

I picked this book up at a carboot sale for 20p I enjoyed watching the t.v series  CALL THE MIDWIFE by Jennifer Worth, so I thought I am sure I will enjoy the follow up book.

 Stories midwife working in the docklands area of East London in the 1950s a fascinating tale of people she encountered. There's the story of Jane who cleaned and generally helped out at Nonnatus House - she was taken to the workhouse as a baby and was allegedly the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat. Peggy and Frank's parents both died within 6 months of each other and the children were left destitute. At the time, there was no other option for them but the workhouse. The Reverend Thornton-Appleby-Thorton, a missionary in Africa, comes to visit the Nonnatus nuns and Sister Julienne acts as matchmaker. And Sister Monica Joan, the eccentric ninety-year-old nun, is accused of shoplifting some small items from the local market. She is let off with a warning, but then Jennifer finds stolen jewels from Hatten Garden in the nun's room. The case is taken to court and Sister Monica Joan becomes a cause celebre.

I really enjoyed the read and I very much like Jennifers style of story telling!
a good read!

Book Review - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Moreton

This is the second of Kate's books I have read, see my review of the Distant hours. http://hufen.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/book-review-distant-hours-kate-morton.html

 

 

Once more I was gripped from the first page, I read the entire book over a weekend and most of it while sick in bed, what else are you suppose to do when confined to bed?

 

I love the way the story is told in different time era's telling the story of three people and that you bounce from one person's accounts of the drama to another, you want to keep turning the pages to find out what they knew of the story
I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of  ' The house at Riverton'

1913 On the eve of the First World War, a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without a trace. 1975 Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell's journey after all these years? 2005 On Nell's death, her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds -- secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at Cliff Cottage, abandoned for years, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the family and why the young Nell was abandoned all those decades before.

See:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Forgotten-Garden-ebook/dp/B003O86FBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349690498&sr=8-1

Hunky Dory Film

 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1727300/

 

Minnie Driver is the main star in this film drama set in Seventies Swansea, made by the people who brought us the all time classic film 'Billy Elliot'
Set in the summer heat of 1976, Oh how I would love a summer like that again! The drama is set around a teacher Vivienne who is passionate about producing a school play of shakespears tempest using musical hits of the time.
I wasn't convinced at first, I really didn't see to much of a storyline or the seventies but slowly the drama unfolded and by the end I found that feel good factor and a smile on my face!
It will never live up to 'Billy Elliot' in fact it was released very quietly in the u.k and we only heard about it via our involvement with the lido.

 

 

Filmed at Brynamman Lido
Which is currently fighting for survival
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-19285618

A Very Good Film - Seven Pounds

 

 

I watch a heap of films I do this because I can't stand normal telly and so I have a subscription to a dvd online rental company, I watch nearly one film a day of a evening around supper time, it's my routine.



With watching so many movies you have to take the rough with the smooth and Separate the wheat from the chaff!

I came across this Will Smith film that I had never heard of before, released in 2008, Loved it beautiful film that keeps you wondering until it speeds up in the end and all is revealed, very bitter sweet and enough to make a grown man cry!

See:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/

The Great British Bake Off - Series 3

Now I don't watch telly much I like to read of watch a film but the daily grind of the little box bringing depressing news, general life nonsense, reality programs and soaps you can keep.. However theres a few things I do like to watch and The Great British Bake Off is one of them,
Right from series One I have enjoyed, I am a keen baker and enjoy either being reminded how yummy the recipe was plus it's been a while since I have baked it or been shown all the classic mistakes I have made in the past not to mention little tips from Mary Berry ( who by the way I can't stand, she freaks me out with her sunken eyes and stark make-up)

My husband is a keen bread maker and he has already tried making bagels, this is something new but after being shown how simply they are to make the next morning he got up and made them, bonus for me as I love Bagels ( Recipe Below)

Watching the program makes me very hungry and I wish I could sample most of the goodies they produce, I think you should be able to purchase sample boxes to eat while viewing the program, how cool would that be!

http://www.thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/


Recipe For Bagels...
7g sachet dried yeast

4 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

450g bread flour

1. Tip the yeast and 1 tbsp sugar into a large bowl, and pour over 100ml warm water. Leave for 10 mins until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Pour 200ml warm water into the bowl, then stir in the salt and half the flour. Keep adding the remaining flour (you may not have to use it all) and mixing with your hands until you have a soft, but not sticky dough. Then knead for 10 mins until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and put in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover loosely with cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1hr.
3. Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 10 pieces, each about 85g. Shape each piece into a flattish ball, then take a wooden spoon and use the handle to make a hole in the middle of each ball. Slip the spoon into the hole, then twirl the bagel around the spoon to make a hole about 3cm wide. Cover the bagel loosely with cling film while you shape the remaining dough.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to the boil and tip in the remaining sugar. Slip the bagels into the boiling water - no more than four at a time. Cook for 1-2 mins, turning over in the water until the bagels have puffed slightly and a skin has formed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain away any excess water. Sprinkle over your choice of topping and place on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake in the oven for 25 mins until browned and crisp - the bases should sound hollow when tapped. Leave to cool on a wire rack, then serve with your favourite filling.

Shaping the dough

Blanche the Bagels

Drain on a rack before baking in the oven

Allow to cool on the rack

This batch was made with Olives, Garlic oil and sun dried tomatoes

 

Book Review - The Two Week Wait by Sarah Rayner

After a health-scare, Brighton-based Lou is forced to confront the fact her time to have a baby is running out. She can’t imagine a future without children, but her partner, Sofia, doesn’t seem to feel the same way, and she’s not sure if she could go it alone. Meanwhile up in Yorkshire, Cath is longing to start a family with her husband, Rich. No one would be happier to have a child than Rich, but Cath is infertile. Little aware their fates are intimately linked, could these two strangers help one another out?
A story about hope, love, family and the joy and resilience of friendship, The Two Week Wait sees Cath and Lou battle prejudice and fear, question who they are as women and ultimately find their purpose in life.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+two+week+wait&tag=googhydr-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=9671887088&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1336144991113934435&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_18j2x3l42h_e

I totally loved Sarah's book One moment One Morning, so much so I recommended it to all my friends and gave my copy to my daughter, I even wrote to Sarah and told her how much I loved it, which started a little correspondence.
So after waiting several weeks I got my hands on a copy of the TTWW, Soon as I started reading I knew I wasn't going to enjoy the book.
Once more Sarah has beautifully written this book with simple every day modern text and described some very painful and heart tearing situations, the problem for me was I knew the story because I have been through both sides of the story
Lou's Fertility treatment and Cath's cancer and miscarriage.
I read the book in a day and I do enjoy light books but I read to escape not to be reminded of my own past..

Book Review - The Distant Hours. Kate Morton

This book I picked up a long with another of Kate's book's the forgotten garden, being a thick book I thought it was ideal for reading while waiting to go in for endless hospital appointments, most of these take at least 60 minutes of waiting.

However this looked like a book that would swallow many trips to the surgery and eat away at the bordom perhaps reading the reviews it might verge on being a bit of a long and laborious haul, just like my hospital trips however very quickly I was hooked and  I didn't want it to end. I lost myself completely in it while reading, In fact I got rather cross when my name was called to go in!

The story of the three Blythe sisters, Percy, Saffy & Juniper & Meredith, their war-time evacuee Meredith,  Edie her daughter held my attention thoroughly throughout the novel. There were several twists to the tale, some I had guessed, others were a suprise. I know some people found the end unsatisfactory but for me it was the only possible ending.

Sometimes stories that jump backwards and forwards in time can feel a little disconnected but I felt the story flowed very well.
I was hoping for a bit of a ghostie lagacy with it being based in a castle and having "talking walls" & "caretakers", it  had the promise of being darker, more eery but that side didn't get explored, shame.. I am now looking forward to reading 'The Forgotten Garden'

http://www.katemorton.com/

Book Review - A Mother Wish - Dilly Court

A Mother's Wish - November 2009

Since the untimely death of her husband, young mother Effie Grey has been forced to live on a narrowboat owned by her tyrannical, crippled father-in-law Jacob. In spite of her own despair, she is determined to protect her brother Tom and her baby son Georgie from Jacob's bullying ways - for she is all they have in the world. Effie and Tom see little of the pittance they are able to earn by trading along the River Lea, and with no other family to support them they have no choice but to put up with their increasingly difficult situation. When Jacob hires Salter and his wife to run the barge, Effie's life becomes even more unbearable, and Tom is sent packing without a penny to his name. Effie is allowed to stay and care for her son, but Jacob makes it plain that her position is less than that of a servant. Forced to live on deck with little to shelter her and Georgie from the elements, tormented by the villainous Salter and his vile wife, Sal, Effie is driven to desperation an she steals Jacob's hidden cache of money and escapes with her son. As she begins her frantic search for her beloved brother, Effie vows that whatever happens she will make a home for little Georgie and keep him safe from harm. I picked up this book in a car boot with all the rest of my reading follies for 20p each, I can't afford to buy books new as much as I would like although I would dearly a few on my wish list, this does not include, ' filthy shades of grey'  ( did you see the deliberate typo?) I don't often have chance to read as much as I have done of late but when you are spending hour after hour in doctors  surgeries or hospitals waiting to get in to see the quack a good book is better then picking up those awful germ infested glossy mags they have lurking on a corner table of the waiting room. This day dreamy book was a lovely little escape to a difference place and time, I was allowed to switch of,  forgot all my troubles wrapping my self into Effie's world of making bread and ale! I like easy books that read like a good story teller, relax sit back and let the tale of woe unfold, it took me a couple of days to read in between life and chores but a restless night helped bring the book to a conclusion. A nice book to read to escape with out endless flushing / blushing and bitings ones lip ( a hint to Mr Grey) Could it be that Effie Grey is Christians Grey grandmother and Marsh house ale and cider made the Grey's very rich?

Two Book Reviews - Slaughter in the Cotswolds and Courtesans

I have just finished reading two book's here are my reviews on them

Slaughter in the Cotswold's,

I read this in a couple of days I took it to the beach with me for some light reading and that's exactly what it was
a book of nothingness! I picked it up from a car boot for 20p, I selected it because I actually like the Cotswold's a lot and thought it would remind me of my visits there.
The story was weak, there was no twist to it, I guessed what happened right from the outset, she failed to use any descriptive words or help the reader imagine the setting.
If you want to read and not think, this book is okay, if you want a story / crime story look else where!

See:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slaughter-Cotswolds-Cotswold-Mystery-6/dp/0749007931/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343420936&sr=1-1

Courtesans

Again I picked this book up at a local car boot for 20p

Considered is was published in March 2011, it soon made it's way to the booty
to be honest it had no signed of being previously read

It was very hard going, however I did enjoy snippets from it, Katie's style of writing although very good was deep and carefully written, I struggled with the context

However the book was a massive 352 pages of detailed small text with foot notes about

the course of the 18th- and 19th-century a small group of women rose from impoverished obscurity to positions of great power, independence and wealth. In doing so they took control of their lives – and those of other people – and made the world do their will.The book charts the lives of 5 women, who in this modern day would be classed as prostitutes, call girls, take your pick. They did indeed sell their favours for money, but these were not women of easy virtue, far from it. They had far more to offer to the men in their lives than mere sexual favours.

It was a interesting read but found I got easily distracted and bored with it

See:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Courtesans-Katie-Hickman/dp/0007113927/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343421363&sr=1-2

Look closer. . . . see. . . . . ME

In an Australian geriatric ward, an old man died humbly, leaving no material possession of any great value. As nurses were collecting the belongings he has left, they’ve found an interesting piece of literature – a very inspiring poem. The nurses were so much inspired that they reproduced copies to every staff in the hospital.
Later on, the poem sparked more hearts and it became so popular it got featured in magazines. The poem also became viral on the Internet. This lowly man, who died with nothing but a fruitful soul, left the world with a beautiful poem under an Anonymous name.

Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . . . . .What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . when you’re looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . … . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .’I do wish you’d try!’
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse. . you’re not looking at me.
I’ll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . . . .Babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I’ve known.
I’m now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It’s jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man. . .
Look closer. . . . see. . . . . ME!!

More Food For Thought!!

With summer parties on us I have been trying out some interesting table displays
Lovely simply idea's that make people smile!

These are so simple to make and so much fun!

And for something different, how about this in your house?

Food For Thought!

What a cool idea....
Cherry tomatoes and black olives make really cute lady birds. Base is made up of sliced bagettes, cream cheese, smoked salmon and flat leafed parsley. Sprinkle ground black pepper on tomato and using a toothpick dot some cream cheese on the olives for the eyes.

Book Review - Lollipop Shoes - Chocolat II

The follow up to the utterly fabulous `Chocolat' catches up with Vianne Rocher and her daughters Anouk and Rosette, who are now living in Montmartre, Paris under new identities,

Like Chocolat, is filled with magic, mother-daughter relationships, romance, Roux, and of course chocolate.

The story is told in 3 person narratives, at first I thought that having three narrators to tell this tale might be a bit problematic, but it wasn't, the problem lay in the weak story, waffle, induction of unnecessary words and stupid padding!

I never read 'chocolat' but watched the movie, I am have read a few others of Joanne Harris other books and loved everyone but not this none, I only continued to read it as I never walk away from a challenge and in the weak hope it might get better, I was bored from the very start and it didn't get better, extremely disappointed!

Book Review - One Moment, One Morning

One Moment, One Morning

Sarah Rayner



The 07:44 train from Brighton to London. Carriages packed with commuters. One woman occupies her time observing the people around her. Opposite, a girl applies her make-up. Across the aisle, a husband strokes his wife's hand. Further along, a woman flicks through a glossy magazine.

Then, abruptly, everything changes: a man collapses, the train is stopped, an ambulance called. And for three passengers that particular morning, life will never be the same again.

Sarah Rayner lives in Brighton. As well as writing fiction, she works part time as a freelance copywriter

 =============================

As I was going away for the weekend I thought I would pick up a book and cram in some reading.
Looking at the cover / reading the back page I thought it would be some easy reading, nothing to deep.
Shock!!
It was easy reading, I really hate it when authors use long obscure words that no one has ever heard of, in the hope that it might make them look big or clever however it really does repel and annoy normal readers
Sarah used simple words to relate a deep core touching story of love and loss.
I have been told I have a swinging brick for a heart all because I never cried at the film ' Marley and Me'!
I am not a person who cries, It has been declared that I am void of emotions both sad and extreme happiness
however I do love fiercely and care deeply.
So when 30 minutes into reading the book I am left with filled eyes begging to weep
page after page I could relate, I could feel, I was there.
Do I want to read a book that reduces me to tears, NO!
Do I want to read a book that is amazingly written, YES!

I have actually written to Sarah and told her, how much the book left me with emotions stirred
I don't often do this but I felt compelled
I recommend this book to anyone, I 100% loved it, best book I have read in a very long time!

See:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Moment-Morning-Sarah-Rayner/dp/0330508849/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336422908&sr=8-2

European Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

I was treated to a night at the ballet, reading the write up on the European touring ballet, I was impressed and very much looking forward to a visual and classical music treat
however the truth was it was quiet a let down the dancing was slack, out of time and lifeless, the costumes
tired, washed out and shabby. There was a general lack of dramatics and no energy.

I am gutted I can't be more positive about my experience but I am sorry to say I would not recommend.

The Write up stated...

Highly-acclaimed classical touring company European Ballet presents this most enchanting ballet in three acts set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.
Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy story, the ballet tells the story of beautiful Princess Aurora, who is bound by wicked fairy Carabosse’s spell to sleep for 100 years and can only be awoken by the kiss of a handsome prince. This beautiful production is enhanced by colourful sets and over 45 beautiful handcrafted costumes, and is ideal for all ages.
Under the direction of Stanislav Tchassov, former Principal dancer of The Bolshoi Ballet, this exciting and dynamic company of first-class dancers from across Europe and further a field has endeared itself to audiences and critics alike for its commitment to excellent artistic standards and for the dedication and energy of its talented dancers.
Music by Piotr I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography by Marius Petipa
Staged and adapted by Stanislav Tchassov

See:
http://www.europeanballet.org/

Lost Smile - Reward Offered

It seems I have lost my smile and when looking at my other half I realised he had lost his smile too!
I don't know where or when we lost it, we have just carelessly lost it..
I offered a reward for the person who found it and returned it to us but no one came forward
Perhaps our smile has gone to someone else's face, who doesn't have major health issues or horrific money worries...

Some times I feel I have it back, that moment in the morning between full sleep and the horror of reality smacking you in the face full force, Just for a brief moment I think I have that smile on my face....

Stay Grateful

If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.

If you have money in your bank, your wallet, and some spare change, you are among 8% of world's wealthy.

If you woke up with more health than illness, you are more blessed than 1 million people who will not survive the week.

If you have never experienced starvation you are luckier than 500 million people alive and suffering.

If you can read this message, you are more fortunate than 3 billion people that cannot read.

STAY GRATEFUL...

Book Review - Oranges Are not the Only Fruit.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
I have had this book on my shelf for some time now being only a small book I was saving it for a wet afternoon, it took only a few hours to read.
I can say I am glad that I have read it and I am looking to see if I can find it on BBC iplayer to watch the television adaption of it.
However I am clearly under educated or blind so all the hype about this book, two things stood out for me.

Inside the books storyline are mini stories which seem to have no relevance on the main story, why are they included?
I can't pretend that I wasn't confused by mini legends that slipped into the book as odd sections. I just don't understand them!

She stated in the foreword, that she wrote the story in spirals? what the fuck? After the first couple of chapters I nearly put the book down but I thought no it will get better but to me it didn't

Having read the Amazon reviews I didn't find it funny at all, maybe I have a sense of humour by pass?

The book by Jeanette Winterson published in 1985, which she subsequently adapted into a BBC television drama. It is about a lesbian girl who grows up in an English Pentecostal community.

The book won Winterson the Whitbread Award for a First Novel in 1985 and is used widely in schools as part of A level course work.

Quotes:
“I have a theory that every time you make an important choice, the part of you left behind continues the other life you could have had.”

“Of course, people will laugh at you, but people laugh at a great many things so there is no need to take it personally.”

I keep it in a jar on my desk.

Despite my ghoulish reputation, I really have the heart of a small boy.
I keep it in a jar on my desk. - Robert Bloch
The author of Psycho was born on this day in 1917

It always does my head in when people looking to buy something from you
start pulling it to bits, What?

If it's so bad, why are you trying to buy it from me?
It's a guise to lower the price!
I have very few possessions and what I do have I look after extremely well
there fore I show and hold a sense of pride in it.

So you can imagine how I feel when a stranger views my pride and joy and then pulls it
to piece's, there was a time I would take this begin insecure and accept it.

In the last few years I have become over defensive so any rude comments
are quickly flipped away and the conversation terminated, never to be resumed
You've had your chance and you have blown it!

Three ways to know your having summer In March!

You know it's summer when you go to the beach
OMG the water was cold!

You know it's summer when the birds go a bit loopy and fruity!
These guys shouldn't be knocking on my window!
Long tailed tit

You know it's Summer when you clock your neighbour
looking like this... Get some clothes on it's March!

Panic Buying at the Fuel Stations

All over facebook people have been moaning about waiting half an hour to put fuel in there cars
and watching people fill 7 jerry cans and putting £70 of fuel in there cars
Long queues are forming outside petrol stations across Britain as panic-buying
among motorists escalates in the face of a possible tanker strike.

The government has come under fire for starting the chaos,
after they suggested that motorists keep their tanks topped up and fill up jerry
cans in case conciliation talks failed!

Meanwhile if you do run out of fuel you could always ride a horse... or

Woman In Black

Let it be know I love a good Horror film, I love being scared and involved with all those things that go bump in the night and so when I saw the trailer for new film for Daniel Radcliff who I have adored growing up in the Harry Potter film, ' Woman In Black' I grew increasingly excited and not in a arousing way either, for me Daniel will always be that cute little 'Harry Potter' and stay firmly in the none sexual attractive pile!

I have to say the film and Daniels acting didn't disappoint had all the classic hallmarks for being a Halloween classic. I often wondered why film producers don't release films to coincide with Christmas or Halloween??

This film gets my recommendation but make sure you leave the lights on!!
Hopefully we will see more excellent films from Daniel.

See:-
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596365/

Secret and Lies

I am a very private person, I have strong opinions but on the whole I keep these to my self.
I don't boast about what I have or what I have done because I feel this is unfair to those less fortunate then myself
I don't possess that nasty trait of jealously and certainly don't tell lies however I do keep secrets, for me it's on a need to know basis!

So you couldn't quantify the immense shock I gained when a aunt who was cross that I only gave 30 euro wedding present to my cousin accused me for being tight considering I was a very rich woman!
This couldn't be further from the truth as I in fact gave a 50 euros and I am not a very rich woman. her rudeness was enough to make me back out of the situation without backlash.

A few weeks later I related the conversation to a family member to which she replied 'well I overheard you telling someone that you have blah blah blah'
This is something I am extremely proud of not because it's worth heaps but because I gained it solely by working hard and on my own.
The problem is, I actually never told this person I had it so she thought I was liar and doing so to make me look better..

This is when the secrets kick one in the arse! Though it has been pointed out to me that if these people really knew me that would know I am really not like that in the first place!

The Iron Lady

I watched the Iron Lady yesterday, to be honest I was asked what did I want to see and I said I don't know surprise me! So I didn't know what showing until the credits rolled up, Oh I thought I am not sure about Meryl Streep playing Margaret Thatcher but I sat there quietly, with in Ten minutes I was totally absorbed although still I can't get my head around Meryl being Mrs T, Yes I think she did a great job of playing her but it was just weird!

The drama it self also touches into an elderly persons slide into dementia and also Mrs T's very loving relationship with Dennis.

I do recommend watching this one perhaps you will have a better grip of Meryl playing the part the 11 year serving prime minster, not only did she put the Great back into Great Britain she was also a woman and a mother.





For more info See
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007029

Craig Y Nos Castle

After a over night stay at this beautiful Three star hotel I thought I would spread the word about it as I really feel it's heading for ' use it or lose it' doom!

Craig Y Nos was built around 1862, so not the oldest of castles but it is steeped in welsh history and mystery with ghosties, curses and legends
This was once to home of Adelina Patti who is something of an enigma. The second most celebrated woman in the world in the year 1900, after Queen Victoria, is today almost forgotten. she loved craig y nos and lived there almost 50 years before she died, it is said that her ghost amongst others lurks in the castle.
The castle is set in beautiful national parkland and boasts it's own theatre
It has become a popular wedding venue but the obvious problem is it is privately owned and needs a dramatic amount of money spent on it and without any help from the welsh assembly they struggle on.
I have to say I am very open to all things that go bump in the night, spirits love making contact and scared the bejesus out of me, however I felt nothing that night and was sleeping in the former chapel which is now the bridal suite.
I recommend this castle to you all however go with the idea that you are entering a quirky castle with staff that are very loyal to it, there is room for a million miles of improvements but it's about the love not the money!
Expect three star hotel and you will have a wonderful experience!

See:

Most haunted visit to Craig Y nos (45 min program)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKv-Xm9krc4

Hotels Website

www.craigynoscastle.com

The Hippocratic Oath

I am sat in the all modern lime and pink waiting room of a NHS breast clinic, I have never been to such a plush waiting room in my life with it's chic leather chairs and bold abstract art on the walls. I this is what private clinics look like.
There behind the receptions desk in large gold script is written

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I read this several times the words bring comfort to me as you can imagine I am rather nervous after all you don't attend the breast clinic for no reason and I have to say I was treated very well that day.

Hospital, The General Practitioner Surgery are no stranger to me, 90% of the time I am treated so badly, rashly, with contempt, no understanding, no sympathy and that I am wasting there time.
I come out feeling guilty, low and alone, often wondering why on earth did they become doctors if they simply don't care, do they actually remember the words of the oath?

For those that don't know the oath, I have posted it below..

A widely used modern version of the traditional oath was penned in 1964 by Dr. Louis Lasagna, this is what most younger doctor's that treat us today. Pledge to..

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of over treatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not", nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patients recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.
If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

If I had words ...

If I had words to make a day for you,
I'd sing a morning golden & true
I would make this day last for all time
then fill the night deep with moonshine

Special Christmas Muffins

I know it's almost 4 weeks after Christmas but we got so over whelmed by food over Christmas that I have only just got round to trialing these.
I have been experimenting with muffins and difference blends for months now and this Christmas muffin I was saving for Christmas week..
So here goes, please send me feedback...


A couple of days before soak a handful of mix dried fruit in some sherry / port or any other liquor you fancy..

100 ml Of Olive Oil ( you ca mix with regular oil if you prefer
2 Large Eggs
175 ml Of Milk

100 grams of Sugar
275 grams of Self raising flour
1 table spoon of baking powder
100 grams of Marzipan

Whisk your wets all together Oil /Eggs / Milk

Mix your Dry Sugar / Flour / baking powder

Then mix the 2 bowls together, don't over whisk, then add fruit.

Spoon mix in muffin cases, only half full, then place a round ball of marzipan in the middle, finish filling the case.

Place in oven 180 oC bake for 20 minutes or until done.

Optional..
Mix icing sugar with some rum essence and drizzle on top of muffins

Truly Yummy..

Taybarn Experience

There has been a Taybarn in that spot near Asda for 4 years thinking it was like a Harvester, it's bright Orange painted building put me of from the start, so I never ventured in until one night last week a friend posted a photo of her dessert on 'Facebook' being a foodie I asked her what it was and she explained.
I looked on the Taybarns website and was blown away but this concept.
Pay £5.99 and you can stuff your self silly.



So a few days later joined by my husband and good friend we ventured in, caught like rabbit in headlights they staff greeted us quickly ' Have you been here before, No? okay well lets show you how it works'
Guided by a overly friendly manager in a shiny nylon suit, we were quickly made to feel welcome. They offered drinks or a jug of water which by a point we were told was supplied free of charge!

To tempt our taste buds, a Grill, Pizza, Spice, Fish & Chip, Carvery, Dessert stations, take your plate and help your self to as much as you like as many times as you like.

So most of the food is tasty but you can tell things have been sat around for a while
dough balls hard as rocks, pasta sauces with a thick skin on top, meat like leather
however some bits where really tasty, the battered fish.. Yummm, the Carvery Ham.. Yumm, profiterole.. Yumm! So the trick is find what you like and stick with it

Sadly there is still Harvester / Sizzler feel about it and the dreadful sticky tables - Why can't they clean there tabled properly?

Would I go back?.. Not in a hurry however it is an experience and would recommend that side of it! But if you have lived in America, there will be no novelty as Taybarn is a long lived USA concept, no wonder they have the highest obesity scores in the world.

Asking the busy manager how much food is wasted... he replied in a week their £15K only £400 is food wastage with a 50% profit margin and the over adequate amount of stupidly friendly staff. I cannot believe this concept is making such a poor profit margin as on paper this is no way to run a business but cleary it's a success.

Hoorah for fatties!

How to get rid of your dead motor...

As I explained in my other post, my car decided to die on New Years Eve, The engine failure was fatal and is not worth us repairing, So now what do you do?

Scrap it.. Well yes that's the easy option, call your local scrap metal man who is some cases will charge you to take it away if you are crafty you can do a deal that he will actually pay, you are looking at between £50 to £150, depending on the weight of your car.

Or..

You can sell it on ebay!
Yes there is a market for broken dead car's especially prestige makes.
however it can also have major pitfalls!

Listed our car on ebay with a fee of £10 with a 5 day listing ( this was actually a bad idea and you should aways do maximum 10 day listing on expensive items)

From the moment it was listed we had endless calls mostly from foreign descent
offering half the listed asking price, these are easy to deal with - The answer is 'NO' this is my asking price ££££, however several did come back with increased offers but no where near the asking price.
We did have a really nice local guy come look at it who offered the asking price all was sorted he would come back in the morning with his transporter then vanished into thin air..
The listing ended with no bids and that's when the phone really started ringing
finally we were getting proper bids too!
A guy rang up with a strong accent he was located about 20 minutes down the road could he come look at it first thing in the morning will pay full asking price, Sure look forward to seeing you, blah blah..

2pm he called again we are round the corner we are coming now..
3 massive scary looking men got out a white Skoda.. they looked rough and ready!!
RUSSIAN MAFIOSO!
They went over the car with a fine tooth comb picking up everything,
so he started with offering a lot less, again he was reminded of the lowest price we would take, the asking price!
Seriously pooping one's pants these guys were intimidating but sticking to our guns
and on the verge of him walking a way they finally agreed to pay the asking price.

So they insisted in coming in the house to do the paper work and count the money, So we have 3 massive Russian men in our house, we are going to be killed or kidnapped at any moment, really did all Three HAVE to come in?
I am thinking like a sweet shop only one aloud in at a time!!
Money counted trying to check as best we could that they weren't fake and documents sign.
Expecting that they would call a transporter to remove the vehicle, no they tow it away behind the Skoda!

It was only after they left I realised he hadn't filled out his full address on the V5, dodgy!

We battened the hatches and double locked the doors thinking they would be back to do us over, thankfully so far nothing but we still twitch a bit when we here a car door slam outside!

Mass Printed Art In Shops

So I am shopping in 'Pound Stretcher' looking at bedding when I look across and see a couple looking at that awful mass printed artwork on canvas
As I walked pass them I saw it was £29.99

I carried on shopping but still I could see them thinking about this artwork
the more I watched the more cross I got..
Finally I couldn't take it no more, so I approached them..
" Excuse me, I don't wish to intrude but I am curious, Why are you considering this when there is an abundance of talented artist desperate to sell there work for the same sort or even less then what your paying for this"
They looked at me blankly for a while and said that they never thought they could buy original artwork for £30
So I explained where to look and gave them some suggestions...
I felt really bad about it but thought hopefully they will give it a try, they however promptly left the shop, I bet they thought I was bonkers!

Sadly the other day, I saw it again this time a mother and young daughter, Arghhh - If that mother introduced her daughter to real art now, she would be also investing in her future, buy well now your artwork will increase in value!

REAL Art, REAL artist, REAL Investment..

There's are so many places to look online for quality art
Try ...
http://www.artgallery.co.uk/search/

Type in a price limit of £25 and original work - You'll be surprised what you will find

2012 Bucket List

So I have decided this year to make a wish list and try to tick as many of the list as possible

Most things on my list was travel, so If I could tick 2 or 3 of this list in 2012
I would be happy but here is my life long travel wish list.

- Tasmania
- Pompeii
- Egypt ( Nile & Valley Of the Kings)
- Yorkshire
- Paris
- Prague
- Berlin
- Middle Ireland / Shannon / New Grange
- Cyprus
- Central London ( take in a west end show, Tower of London, Natural History Museum,Tate Art Gallery
- Florance
- Krakow
- Marrakesh

A couple of things personally I want to achieve

- Go Gliding
- Write a book
- Have my Artwork exhibited in a Large professional Gallery

I guess most people do, get fit / lose weight / stop smoking / find a toy boy / buy a wide screen telly blah blah but I have simple taste and a lead a simple life
so I have no such ambitions

Hopefully I will hit some of those goals, Watch this space!

Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)

So I am 220 Miles away from home on the M25 when my 9 year estate car decides to go Bang - Engine Failure, Great to top it all it's New Years Eve and I am trying to get to family.
Those 4 circles that make up 'Vorsprung durch Technik' equalled a Epic Fail!!

The Recovery people called ( Thank heavens for breakdown cover)
Because I was so far away from home it would be a two part recovery the first lot would take me to Swindon and then I would be taken the second half by another company.

The first bunch of guy's were okay, chatty had a laugh but the second guy was scary right from the outset.
I climb into the cab and his music is loud I think to my self I guess he will turn it down when he gets in too and sure enough he did then said okay can you give me directions.. Great I thought I can sit back and think about all my problems
IE: cold house & no food waiting for me, buying a new car etc etc..

As soon as we get on the M4 he turns the CD on full blast and I am subjected to 16 tracks of Cher's greatest hits!
I watched him, this guy is a freak, nervous twitches, looks like he's just finished doing time, I am honestly to scared to ask him to turn it down in fear he might pull a knife on me and tell me to shut the fuck up and not to disrespect his queen also known as Cher!
After what seemed a decade of agony the CD came to end, YAY .. My jubilation was shorted lived as he just hit play again and so we started all over again!
Happy New Year to Me!