I'm at home and have sensibly cancelled my eyebrow waxing appointment and taken advice to stay put.
As I look out my kitchen window at the River Clyde estuary I see the river in a way I've not seen before. I was thinking how to describe it when the phrase 'boiling sea' came to mind. Probably dragged from my memory of reading such epics as Moby Dick and the Cruel Sea.
Opted not to venure on to balcony (I am four floors up) what I won't do to get that photograph!
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Conversations on a train
I've been using the train quite a lot lately not least because there is a very good offer by Scotrail for over 55's which means I can travel anywhere in Scotland for £19 rtn or if I push the boat out £26 first class. I've used this to venture up to Inverness on my theatre jaunts which means a journey of around 3.5 hours.
On these journeys I met some lovely people and had conversations which passed the time nicely. It made me think how easy it is sometimes to get into conversations where you find yourself sharing stories of being a grandma; work, living and travels. You might not share names but the conversation flows as if you had been friends for ages and not strangers on a train.
Sometimes though there are sad experiences and I remember many years ago travelling to Edinburgh for one of the international rugby games - this was in the days before the stand was built at Murrayfield. I found myself sitting next to a very well dressed older lady who was travelling with her husband who was sitting opposite. I was with a friend who sat in the seat opposite me. They were off to the rugby as well although joining friends in one of the corporate tents. I got into conversation with this lady and it soon became apparent that there was a very limited range to her conversation skills; it was as if she was speaking in a loop which went round and round the same few points. I now know that the woman had alzheimers but did not then. My friend was deep in conversation with this womans husband who shared this with him. Although it felt like a long hours journey I couldn't help but admire this woman's husband for carrying on and doing all the things they must have done before she became ill.
That's the beauty of train travel you can choose to be open to conversations or if your not inclined you can get the book out; stick the headphones on or doze as is your want. I would however make a plea for smiling at the stranger opposite you on your next train journey to see if a conversation opens up.
On these journeys I met some lovely people and had conversations which passed the time nicely. It made me think how easy it is sometimes to get into conversations where you find yourself sharing stories of being a grandma; work, living and travels. You might not share names but the conversation flows as if you had been friends for ages and not strangers on a train.
Sometimes though there are sad experiences and I remember many years ago travelling to Edinburgh for one of the international rugby games - this was in the days before the stand was built at Murrayfield. I found myself sitting next to a very well dressed older lady who was travelling with her husband who was sitting opposite. I was with a friend who sat in the seat opposite me. They were off to the rugby as well although joining friends in one of the corporate tents. I got into conversation with this lady and it soon became apparent that there was a very limited range to her conversation skills; it was as if she was speaking in a loop which went round and round the same few points. I now know that the woman had alzheimers but did not then. My friend was deep in conversation with this womans husband who shared this with him. Although it felt like a long hours journey I couldn't help but admire this woman's husband for carrying on and doing all the things they must have done before she became ill.
That's the beauty of train travel you can choose to be open to conversations or if your not inclined you can get the book out; stick the headphones on or doze as is your want. I would however make a plea for smiling at the stranger opposite you on your next train journey to see if a conversation opens up.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Jaume Plensa Exhibition
On my recent visit to Yorkshire my friend Sue suggested we go to the Jaume Plensa Exhibition http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/jaume-plensa. Having lived in Yorkshire I knew the reputation of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and knew it would be good and just how good.
I did not know the artist Jaume Plensa except that he is Spanish (Annie if you can manage it you must see his work)!
I took lots of pictures and I'll share them as I recall my sense of the exhibition itself.
The artist used language and words to develop a curtain of poetry of language which visitors were encouraged to read and caress. This reminded me of tibetan prayer wheels where if you turn the wheel the prayer is said. This curtain allowed you to caress the words creating a tinkling sound of whispers.
It was a glorious bright sunny day and the curtain was reflected on the opposite wall. A range of world languages were use.
The exhibition was separated into internal and external exhibits. One room housed a number of gongs which visitors were encouraged to hit with a mallet and listen to and feel the sound being made. Each of the gongs made a different sound in the room and if you stood in front of one after giving it a hefty hit the sound reverbrated in your ribcage - very powerful. The gongs had text written in the centre not readily seen on this picture.
Another of the internal exhibits was a room full of heads and again there were differences in terms of race but also of expression. What were they thinking??????
Moving outside I was struck by two large see through head sculptures which were placed on top of the exhibition centre.
There was something about being able to see through them and take in the landscape of the YSP that made it feel as if they belonged and in a surreal way made me think of Alan Bennett's - 'talking heads' series especially as they had rather a Churchillian look about them.
and I'll finish with a last piece a scuplture of a figure which you could walk inside of and made me feel that I was being hugged and wrapped in words.
This was the best exhibition I've been to in a while - if any of my readers get the chance to see Jaume Plensa's work grab it with both hands - you won't be disappointed.
I did not know the artist Jaume Plensa except that he is Spanish (Annie if you can manage it you must see his work)!
I took lots of pictures and I'll share them as I recall my sense of the exhibition itself.
The artist used language and words to develop a curtain of poetry of language which visitors were encouraged to read and caress. This reminded me of tibetan prayer wheels where if you turn the wheel the prayer is said. This curtain allowed you to caress the words creating a tinkling sound of whispers.
It was a glorious bright sunny day and the curtain was reflected on the opposite wall. A range of world languages were use.
The exhibition was separated into internal and external exhibits. One room housed a number of gongs which visitors were encouraged to hit with a mallet and listen to and feel the sound being made. Each of the gongs made a different sound in the room and if you stood in front of one after giving it a hefty hit the sound reverbrated in your ribcage - very powerful. The gongs had text written in the centre not readily seen on this picture.
Another of the internal exhibits was a room full of heads and again there were differences in terms of race but also of expression. What were they thinking??????
Moving outside I was struck by two large see through head sculptures which were placed on top of the exhibition centre.
There was something about being able to see through them and take in the landscape of the YSP that made it feel as if they belonged and in a surreal way made me think of Alan Bennett's - 'talking heads' series especially as they had rather a Churchillian look about them.
and I'll finish with a last piece a scuplture of a figure which you could walk inside of and made me feel that I was being hugged and wrapped in words.
Monday, 5 December 2011
The Hot Toddy cure all
Apologies for my absence readers. I've been off to Yorkshire catching up with friends and neighbours before the season of goodwill - now there's a thought does goodwill only happen at Christmastime? I think not but it is nice to dedicate a season as a reminder for us.
Anyway the joys of catching up caught up with me in the form of 'dreaded lurgy' or cold/chest infection.
I am now surfacing from the duvet and looking out of my window onto a sunny interspersed with snow showers winter scene - brrrrr.
I don't know about you but I hate being ill. Thankfully I only catch a cold about 1/2 times a year which is just about the number I can cope with.
My tips for coping - a strong hot toddy before sleep. Whilst I'm not recommending this as medication it somehow makes the feeling of being unwell bearable.
This set me thinking where does the 'hot toddy' idea come from. Google searches turned up ideas such as:
A good slug of whisky (you might choose rum or brandy - your preference)
Add a dollop of honey and tsp. of fresh lemon juice (your preference might be sugar)
Add hot water to fill your mug
A sprinkle off nutmeg to finish and voila!
Anyway the joys of catching up caught up with me in the form of 'dreaded lurgy' or cold/chest infection.
I am now surfacing from the duvet and looking out of my window onto a sunny interspersed with snow showers winter scene - brrrrr.
I don't know about you but I hate being ill. Thankfully I only catch a cold about 1/2 times a year which is just about the number I can cope with.
My tips for coping - a strong hot toddy before sleep. Whilst I'm not recommending this as medication it somehow makes the feeling of being unwell bearable.
This set me thinking where does the 'hot toddy' idea come from. Google searches turned up ideas such as:
- it comes from India (toddy being a palm from which wine is made) and so like a lot of language did it come over to Scotland as part of our colonial past?
- it comes from Tod's Well in Edinburgh - which used to supply water to the good people of that fair city
- before the cocktail there was 'the toddy'
A good slug of whisky (you might choose rum or brandy - your preference)
Add a dollop of honey and tsp. of fresh lemon juice (your preference might be sugar)
Add hot water to fill your mug
A sprinkle off nutmeg to finish and voila!
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Quirks from a ....versatile blogger nominee!
Thank you Annie (chocolateannie.blogspot.com) for this lovely nomination I can't remember the last time I was nominated for anything and the feeling is wonderful!
I sat back when I read your nomination and pondered (blogging is great for pondering I'm finding) on versatility which I associate with being adaptable and flexible. Yes I thought I am those things when I'm in work and or indulging in the things I love such as travel; hiking and pointing the camera at something of interest.
It's lovely to now link this description to my blogging which I would have described up to now as
' the randomness of a toy shop window".
Of course being nominated comes with responsibility as following the instructions from Annie I have to identify 5 other potential nominees as well as own up to 5 personal quirks.
On the nominations front I must be honest and say that I have not been very good at exploring the world of co-bloggers - this will be put to rights over the next month when I will explore with gusto in order to pass on 5 nominations so watch out if I visit your blog it is with a hidden purpose - oh I feel like a mystery shopper!
Turning now to the quirks - well my mind went blank and so I shared this task out to friends and asked them to come back to me with what they believe are my quirks so in no particular order:
My inability to go into a bookstore without buying a book - this is so true I don't blink at spending £££ on books and do blink and splutter when it comes to clothes and other things.
My apre-walk ritual - of taking a warm long soak in the bath fortified by a large whisky and whatever book I'm reading at the time.
When the ironing basket gets full - I can only face it with the help of a good black & white movie to transport away from this most boring of tasks.
My face speaks before I do - I've never quite got the hang of 'masking' what I'm thinking much to the amusement of friends and colleagues alike who bring this to my attention - always after the event! Ah well.
Never wearing skirts - and if the need arises floor length is my preference
So there you have it quirks and all!
I sat back when I read your nomination and pondered (blogging is great for pondering I'm finding) on versatility which I associate with being adaptable and flexible. Yes I thought I am those things when I'm in work and or indulging in the things I love such as travel; hiking and pointing the camera at something of interest.
It's lovely to now link this description to my blogging which I would have described up to now as
' the randomness of a toy shop window".
Of course being nominated comes with responsibility as following the instructions from Annie I have to identify 5 other potential nominees as well as own up to 5 personal quirks.
On the nominations front I must be honest and say that I have not been very good at exploring the world of co-bloggers - this will be put to rights over the next month when I will explore with gusto in order to pass on 5 nominations so watch out if I visit your blog it is with a hidden purpose - oh I feel like a mystery shopper!
Turning now to the quirks - well my mind went blank and so I shared this task out to friends and asked them to come back to me with what they believe are my quirks so in no particular order:
My inability to go into a bookstore without buying a book - this is so true I don't blink at spending £££ on books and do blink and splutter when it comes to clothes and other things.
My apre-walk ritual - of taking a warm long soak in the bath fortified by a large whisky and whatever book I'm reading at the time.
When the ironing basket gets full - I can only face it with the help of a good black & white movie to transport away from this most boring of tasks.
My face speaks before I do - I've never quite got the hang of 'masking' what I'm thinking much to the amusement of friends and colleagues alike who bring this to my attention - always after the event! Ah well.
Never wearing skirts - and if the need arises floor length is my preference
So there you have it quirks and all!
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Rambling a salve for big thoughts...........
Today I awoke to a beautiful bright if slightly misty November day. What better way to celebrate its loveliness than to go for a ramble. My chosen spot is not too far away from home just past the next village Inverkip and is a combination of the Overton Trail and the Greenock Cut. This provides a 6/7 mile meander which looks down over the Firth of Clyde and on days like today the views take you over towards the Arrachar Alps. I enjoy this walk and come up often to clear the head or just to use the space to work things out.
 |
| Looking over the Firth of Clyde towards the hills |
My head today was puzzling over - poverty; what is the difference between then and now. This and related thoughts have been running round my head after I enjoyed a theatre weekend in Inverness at the Eden Court Theatre to see Men Should Weep | National Theatre of Scotland.
The play is set in Glasgow tenements in the 1930’s and paints a picture of the hardship and poverty of the time. As I listened to the language and the portrayal of life my thoughts were reflecting ...... is poverty the same then and now?
On my ramble my thoughts started to make comparisons high unemployment – then and now; the cost of feeding families. Then there was the ‘mission’ where families could make the case for hardship and be given food / clothing. Today we have growing food banks which distribute donated food to struggling families / individuals. The impact within the family of the daily grind of putting food on the table; the men trying to find work; the women working two cleaning jobs to bring money home; the stress of living causing arguments and escape through alcohol.
Social attitudes have changed between then and now especially in terms of the role of women and access to and the importance of education. Although a quote from one of the songs sung during scene changes “ ye canna hae such refinements when ye’r struggling fir yer bread” makes me think are we going backwards will potential students choose work (any work) over the cost of education?
The songs were sung by Arthur Johnstone a well known Scottish folk singer who I first came across 30 years ago when he was part of a group called The Laggan. Their songs uncompromising and reflecting life of the workers of the world from America; Australia; Spain and Scotland were delivered clearly, strongly and with passion. Songs like ‘I am the Common Man’ and ‘Jamara/Bandiera Rosa’.
This is certainly a hard hitting play and one which has left an impression and while there is no doubt that we have moved on in this 21st century through technological and information access as well as social changes and improvements it strikes me that there are resonances between then and now.
Thank you Ena Lamont Stewart for bringing real life to the theatre then and for the impact the play continues to make.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A full on visit with Rebecca
Last week I had the joy of being visited by my granddaughter for a few days and what a credit she is to her Mum and Dad. We filled our time with exploration of rock pools and collected a suitable number of shells which were taken home, washed and carefully set aside for the trip down south.
We also took a trip on the Rothesay Ferry which was the first time Rebecca had been on a boat. There was too much going on for her not to be a good sailor. Like her Granny she enjoys taking pictures and was armed with her camera to take pictures for her friends back at school.
We also baked up a storm with muffins, scones and pancakes adding to the larder and then just had a cuddle. How enjoyable these cuddles are.
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