Saturday, 16 October 2010
Back in those days
Grange Hill, Thundercats, City of Gold, Why Don't You Turn Off the TV and Do Something Else Instead, Tea Bag, Grotbags, SuperNan, Fun House, Greenclaws, Art Attack, Wizadora. Drop Dead Fred, Narnia, Back to the Future, Dirty Dancing, Annie, Oliver, Bugsy Malone, Neverending Story, Wizard of Oz. Make your own adventure books, Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Famous Five, The Magic Faraway Tree. 10p Beanos. Thunderbird Island on Blue Peter, that was wicked. Camping in France- disney bouncy balls from the supermarche with that certain smell and strips of sweets and hollywood gum. Nail Transfers, Stick On Earrings, Tinkerbell Makeup. Playing my skaelectrix in the dark, watching the sparks vrrrooom. My pink bike with florescent wheel gurads and a bell that sang a tune. Meeting up down the park and knock down ginger. Football stickers, Pogs, Slinkies down the stairs, Sisters on sleeping bags down the stairs, Sleepovers, Atmosfear- "Yes Gatekeeper". My Atari ST and joystick- Zool! Nintendo, tetris and Mario. VIDEOS. Tapes and recording the top ten from off the radio, pause, record, pause, record. BAnds you slap on your wrist and that thing that jumps, cats cradle, french elastic. Guess Who, Connect 4 and Othello too. Handstands with your dress tucked in to your knickers, rolling down your little white socks so theres a tyre round the ankle. Getting your feet measured at Clarks on that cool machine. Grandmas footsteps. Friendship bracelets and those weird braid things in your hair. Scrunchies. Making scrunchies. Popping the cling film from your sandwiches, swapsies at lunch and scrambles for the unwanted treat. Salt n Shake crisps, Dib Dabs, Lemon Polos that never returned, Liqourice gum, Wham bars, Vimto bars, Pick n Mix from Woolworths and that massive slab of Dairy Milk they did too- Those gobstoppers that turned your tongue bright blue. Yop! Skips, frazzles, Scampi Fries, penny sweets get your fill, Sherbert Pips, Hubba Bubba. Start-Right cereal, free gifts in your Ricicles. 30p bus fare. Our Price. Mccluskys, No 4 where i got my first snog, fake IDs. chumbawumba, right Said Fred, Gansgters Paradise, Men in Black. Michael Jackson dance routines- Moonwalker, Thriller- Oh what a dream! Oh what a scream!
Even the kids think I'm a kid
Getting an 8 year old boy ready to go on set....
Boy: How many kids have you got? Boys? Girls?
Mia: Haha! No I don't have any kids yet, I think I'm a bit young for kids.
Boy: Yeah, you wouldn't want to go on that show '16 and pregnant'
Boy: How many kids have you got? Boys? Girls?
Mia: Haha! No I don't have any kids yet, I think I'm a bit young for kids.
Boy: Yeah, you wouldn't want to go on that show '16 and pregnant'
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Something I remembered
I love seeing animals in the wild, it doesnt happen much in my life so it is so exciting when it does. Danny and I when we were in Thailand years and years ago- woke up, had a lazy breakfast on the beach, and decided to get a little boat to take us to a random island off the coast of phi phi for the day. We didnt take anything with us, not even flip flops, just us and a bit of left over change from breakfast. So we got to this remote island and there was not one person on it, not one. And im talking white sand and crystal clear turquoise water, not blue water, turquoise water. So, being Danny, the first thing he wanted to do was go for a run around the whole of the island (!)- so off we set (at my pace- he was patient) and after about ten minutes of jogging on hot sand with only the sound of the waves and my panting- we heard this HUGE CRASHING in the distance in the trees, and Im not sure if it was fear or shock but we stopped dead in our tracks. I mean this was the loudest strangest sound. And then screaming- just lots of screaming. It sounded like some woman was being attacked it was so terrifying. So Danny, being the kind he is, ran straight towards the noise. I took my time. As we got nearer to the trees the crashing got louder and louder- and all we could see was things falling out of the trees. It was like a scene from Lost or something! As our eyes adjusted we realised it wasnt a woman screaming, being attacked, it was MONKEYS playing in the trees and throwing coconuts at each other!!!! That was one of the best experiences ever. We just sat down on the ground quietly and watched these monkeys for about an hour- it was truely AMAZING. Ill never forget that one.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
I can't apologise enough for the things I do
And I know its been tough what we've been through
But somewhere there is a strong old bond
That makes you fond
of me
and me fond
of you
I dont want to argue, to bicker to bite
I dont want to always continually fight
Say cruel words that sting like a bee
And gossip to strangers when I can't see
And I know its because you were hurting inside
And I know its because youve cried and cried
But the tears that flow are not ones of hate
They are of love and regret
For your long lost mate
So be my friend
Again
And I'll be yours too
Lets wipe the slate clean and start things anew
It's about being kind and avoiding the game
Be thoughtful of me and I'll promise the same
Ring now and again
To check that life is okay
And hopefully we can smile widely
At each other one day
And I know its been tough what we've been through
But somewhere there is a strong old bond
That makes you fond
of me
and me fond
of you
I dont want to argue, to bicker to bite
I dont want to always continually fight
Say cruel words that sting like a bee
And gossip to strangers when I can't see
And I know its because you were hurting inside
And I know its because youve cried and cried
But the tears that flow are not ones of hate
They are of love and regret
For your long lost mate
So be my friend
Again
And I'll be yours too
Lets wipe the slate clean and start things anew
It's about being kind and avoiding the game
Be thoughtful of me and I'll promise the same
Ring now and again
To check that life is okay
And hopefully we can smile widely
At each other one day
Saturday, 10 July 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Sumsies
Summer has got big. Its nuts how much little kids grow and change in such a short space of time. I haven't seen her for a while so it was super duper to grab her and blow rasperrries on her little white belly and chase her round a pub garden in the sunshine. She made friends with a little boy called Harry, who decided to call her "Dummer", ate all her food, and insisted on wearing her pink hat much to the embarrassment of his blokey Dad. Summer didn't mind one bit though- and was gorgeous enough to share her new animal stickers. Peeling them off the sheet one by one and putting them carefully on Harry's t-shirt, she made the appropriate noises for each picture just so he knew what it was he was wearing. Lets hope that by the time she is ever confronted by a tiger she will realise that it actually goes "GRRRRR" and not "meow".
She's talking a lot more now- going through that stage where you ask where her nose is and she points to it saying something along the lines of "nose", followed with a huge goofy grin and enthused round of applause for herself. The joke of trying to get Summer to say "Sian" wont tire anytime soon either, much to the annoyance of our little sister...
Mia: "Say Sian"
Summer: "Shhhh, shhhoes"
Mia: "Sian"
Summer: "Shoes"
Mia: "Sian"
Summer: "Socks?"
Josie was telling me that recently she ran into the lounge to shouts of "Mia Mia Mia Mia"- only to find the little terror standing boldly on top of the dining table throwing a mug of old tea up the walls. The princess was towering above her kingdom of mutli-coloured felt tip scribbles all over the white carpet. Sounds like a scene out of Drop Dead Fred- minus the green suit and ginger hair. And I'm not sure why Summer was shouting my name repeatedly. She was probably just expressing how great an Aunty I am through the medium of pen and liquid.
She's talking a lot more now- going through that stage where you ask where her nose is and she points to it saying something along the lines of "nose", followed with a huge goofy grin and enthused round of applause for herself. The joke of trying to get Summer to say "Sian" wont tire anytime soon either, much to the annoyance of our little sister...
Mia: "Say Sian"
Summer: "Shhhh, shhhoes"
Mia: "Sian"
Summer: "Shoes"
Mia: "Sian"
Summer: "Socks?"
Josie was telling me that recently she ran into the lounge to shouts of "Mia Mia Mia Mia"- only to find the little terror standing boldly on top of the dining table throwing a mug of old tea up the walls. The princess was towering above her kingdom of mutli-coloured felt tip scribbles all over the white carpet. Sounds like a scene out of Drop Dead Fred- minus the green suit and ginger hair. And I'm not sure why Summer was shouting my name repeatedly. She was probably just expressing how great an Aunty I am through the medium of pen and liquid.
Fatty Boom Batty
So I have just flexed my baking muscles after two and a half months living in hotel rooms without a kitchen. Couldn't be happier. I've been looking forward to making some fatty boom batty cake all day so much so that I stopped off at this cool baking shop on the way home to buy a new piping tool and spent £5.99 on a plunger type icing dream machine, lush. The whole time I was decorating the little things I couldn't believe that I had got by for so long without this tremendous piece of kit. The icing looked so friggin great by the end of the messy session that I know it doesn't matter if the thing actually tastes any good. "People will be proud to eat such a thing of beauty" I was telling myself in my brain's running commentry, "such a work of art- I should do this for a living"- hell yeah! In my mist of joy and blind self congratulation I failed to realise that the melted chocolate inside the tube had started to harden to the detriment of the plunger which i therefore managed to snap. Balls. I felt like such an idiot I nearly high-fived my own face. And now rather than keep it a secret Ive just written it on my blog. Balls x2. Yet, although 12 cupcakes have just cost me £5.99, the pleasure factor has been priceless. YUM YUM up yo bum.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
6 weeks in Buxton
Fake ice, fake snow
They'll fake anything don't you know.
Pretty pink blossoms, sprouting daffs
The plastic roses were a bit naff
New born lambs bouncing around
Not a sound
To be heard
But the bleat bleat bleat bleat. Pretty sweet.
Watching sunrise every morn
Wrapping late to catch the dawn, too
Yawn.
My muddy shoes and a bright pink hat
I think I became
Renowned for that.
Ridiculous layers and endless tea
The cold, the wind, the sleet, the rain
To much for me- on the moors
Standing in with my ally
Prince Ed
Turn right, move left, now tilt your head.
"Nobody move there's been a murder"
Was one of Gary's best judged murmers
Of something apt, silly twat!
And I'll never forget Lynn
When she stood in
Mincing along with candlestick and grin
Oh how I laughed!
Oh how I laughed!
Judy and Penny
They come as a pair
Both lovely and smashing and acting with flair
Oh yeah! And Edward's crap wig, the wig that I love
That though hideous and rat-like
Did fit like a glove
He'd lose it then find it
Then don it with pride
Then shove in his pocket to keep safe by his side.
Jane walked 'with a purpose' everywhere it seems
Accross moors, over bridges
Through bog muddy streams
Whilst Rochester cries "Damnation"
In basically every scene
Falling off horses and haunting her dreams.
What's for lunch?!
Well jam roly poly, treacle tart
Apple crumble- and that's just the start!
Bowl of custard to make you feel better
Fruit salad
In a cup
Save it for later.
Rolling, cut, going again, swinging a lens
Quiet please!
We've had to shout a few of these again and again and again and again
Shhhh shhhh shhh shhhh shhut your face please. For once. Thanks.
Haddon Hall how I adored you so
Our last day there
Just did not want to go, no.
Cold cool stones
Dark dusty rooms
And the stunning gardens over which you loom
Wobbly glass panes, green and gold
Venture down corridors but you must be bold.
Ghost hunts; spooky shadows and ominous grunts
Watch your back now, don't get slack now.
Rossshestarr!
Broken car. Two of us on the minibus.
Cocktails at the Monk Bar.
Pizza Express. Simply Thai. St. Moritz.
That Indian Palace where the food was shit.
Nats Kitchen just me and you
And ending up at Level 2. Oh dear!
Old Hall Hotel, I shall miss you, lo!
If you visit Buxton tis the place to go
Oh! And the Opera House of course-
What a fine place to be
Watching Dara O'Brien
On my own, on my billy, laughing silly, just me.
And the Pavillion Gardens were good for a run
With tea rooms and brass bands
And pensioners- loads of 'em
What jolly good fun!
The mission back home seemed never that far
With Tina Turner pumping and shaking the car
Empire of the Sun, Disco massif
Eurythmics too-
Sweet Dreams and Put your loving in my box
I'll sing them for you (If you ask nicely).
Now back in London, I'm feeling quite glum
Missing the fields, the sheep and the sun.
We've a week left to shoot
With plenty to do
Pinewood and Broughton
Are our pastures anew.
And when those days are through
I shall get back to you
For reflection and thought
Of what next I will do.....
They'll fake anything don't you know.
Pretty pink blossoms, sprouting daffs
The plastic roses were a bit naff
New born lambs bouncing around
Not a sound
To be heard
But the bleat bleat bleat bleat. Pretty sweet.
Watching sunrise every morn
Wrapping late to catch the dawn, too
Yawn.
My muddy shoes and a bright pink hat
I think I became
Renowned for that.
Ridiculous layers and endless tea
The cold, the wind, the sleet, the rain
To much for me- on the moors
Standing in with my ally
Prince Ed
Turn right, move left, now tilt your head.
"Nobody move there's been a murder"
Was one of Gary's best judged murmers
Of something apt, silly twat!
And I'll never forget Lynn
When she stood in
Mincing along with candlestick and grin
Oh how I laughed!
Oh how I laughed!
Judy and Penny
They come as a pair
Both lovely and smashing and acting with flair
Oh yeah! And Edward's crap wig, the wig that I love
That though hideous and rat-like
Did fit like a glove
He'd lose it then find it
Then don it with pride
Then shove in his pocket to keep safe by his side.
Jane walked 'with a purpose' everywhere it seems
Accross moors, over bridges
Through bog muddy streams
Whilst Rochester cries "Damnation"
In basically every scene
Falling off horses and haunting her dreams.
What's for lunch?!
Well jam roly poly, treacle tart
Apple crumble- and that's just the start!
Bowl of custard to make you feel better
Fruit salad
In a cup
Save it for later.
Rolling, cut, going again, swinging a lens
Quiet please!
We've had to shout a few of these again and again and again and again
Shhhh shhhh shhh shhhh shhut your face please. For once. Thanks.
Haddon Hall how I adored you so
Our last day there
Just did not want to go, no.
Cold cool stones
Dark dusty rooms
And the stunning gardens over which you loom
Wobbly glass panes, green and gold
Venture down corridors but you must be bold.
Ghost hunts; spooky shadows and ominous grunts
Watch your back now, don't get slack now.
Rossshestarr!
Broken car. Two of us on the minibus.
Cocktails at the Monk Bar.
Pizza Express. Simply Thai. St. Moritz.
That Indian Palace where the food was shit.
Nats Kitchen just me and you
And ending up at Level 2. Oh dear!
Old Hall Hotel, I shall miss you, lo!
If you visit Buxton tis the place to go
Oh! And the Opera House of course-
What a fine place to be
Watching Dara O'Brien
On my own, on my billy, laughing silly, just me.
And the Pavillion Gardens were good for a run
With tea rooms and brass bands
And pensioners- loads of 'em
What jolly good fun!
The mission back home seemed never that far
With Tina Turner pumping and shaking the car
Empire of the Sun, Disco massif
Eurythmics too-
Sweet Dreams and Put your loving in my box
I'll sing them for you (If you ask nicely).
Now back in London, I'm feeling quite glum
Missing the fields, the sheep and the sun.
We've a week left to shoot
With plenty to do
Pinewood and Broughton
Are our pastures anew.
And when those days are through
I shall get back to you
For reflection and thought
Of what next I will do.....
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Spring in my step
Hooray! So yesterday was the first day in the three weeks I have been working up in the peak district that I took my coat off. Finally a bit of sunshine to squint in. My freckles came out, the daffodils have come out, the pheasants (I keep mixing up the word pheasants with peasants which is often quite silly) were chasing each other all over the garden, two cows were humping ungracefully in the opposite field, the stunt horse's ridiculously large dingdong kept coming out too much to the amusement of the crew and bemusement of it's rider! What I don't quite understand is why when every other animal is feeling fruity, the fluffy baby lambs are already up and about bouncing around the fields already... Do sheep get the 'time to make babies' memo earlier than everyone else? Anyway, I'm not doing a great job of conjuring up the prettiest picture but indeed it was a very pretty day and I was in heaven once more. On a day like that in the soft warm sunny rays there is no finer place to be than out in the countryside breathing in some fresh air and basking in some silence. We were filming outside in the fields on an old crumbly stone bridge, wide enough for one and only just arched enough to let the river trickle through. Despite 90% of the crew hailing from London I think every single person was happy to be right where they were away from the city and lying in the long grass pretending to work :) man I love the spring. I have brought my sunnies with me to set today but in typical English fashion it seems it was just wishful thinking. Until next year...
Life in 3D
So this little girl, Flora, had just been to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. So it made sense that when the real life Alice was in her house she had a rummage around her room and came out wearing her cinema specs to see if the magic worked up close. Needless to say Flora soon became my new bezzie mate on set. I liked her thinking.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
In Loving Memory of Giles
There was a bear called Giles
Whose care he shared for miles
But he had a drink
And got bored me thinks
With us and our silly smiles
Monday, 8 March 2010
It's all the little moments
Mia: Well, goodnight- was really lovely to meet you, and good luck for tomorrow
Grant: Cool, Yeah you too, 'infamous', not 'elusive', Mia
Mia kisses Grant goodnight on one cheek, to which Grant grabs her arm back and kisses Mia on the other cheek.
Grant: Its two kisses. We do two kisses, we're Spanish.
Mia: I didn't think Will was Spanish?
Grant: Well, no, actually he's not Spanish at all
Mia: Oh okay
Grant: I meant me
Mia: Oh cool, so it was the royal 'We'? We Spanish
Grant: Yeah...well except that I'm not Spanish either
Mia: Oh okay
Grant: Yeah I'm Greek
Grant: Cool, Yeah you too, 'infamous', not 'elusive', Mia
Mia kisses Grant goodnight on one cheek, to which Grant grabs her arm back and kisses Mia on the other cheek.
Grant: Its two kisses. We do two kisses, we're Spanish.
Mia: I didn't think Will was Spanish?
Grant: Well, no, actually he's not Spanish at all
Mia: Oh okay
Grant: I meant me
Mia: Oh cool, so it was the royal 'We'? We Spanish
Grant: Yeah...well except that I'm not Spanish either
Mia: Oh okay
Grant: Yeah I'm Greek
Brrrr
Your feet poking off the ends
Because you are so very, very tall
The little bed no problem for me
Because I am so very, very small
And I worried that you were cold
With your ice cubed pinkies and toes
So I held you close to keep you warm
And kissed you on the popsicle nose.
Because you are so very, very tall
The little bed no problem for me
Because I am so very, very small
And I worried that you were cold
With your ice cubed pinkies and toes
So I held you close to keep you warm
And kissed you on the popsicle nose.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Kate and Daniel
Daniel: What the hell are we going to do?
Kate: Nothing. We don't have to do anything...You know we used to joke about becoming smackheads because all you'd have on your list each day would be...
Daniel: 'Get smacked'
Kate: Yeah
Daniel: No worrying about how well you are doing, how you look, whether you smell of shit...
Kate: Yeah
Daniel: So you're going to become a smackhead?
Kate: No...When I go back, I'm giving it all up.
Daniel: You what?
Kate: All the striving for some big thing. Having to prove myself. Waiting for some future time when I'm going to be happy. Tomorrow, next week, next year. This is it.
Daniel: Oh God, I know.
Kate: This is it and this is alright. Me and you here could be alright. It's alright. This is it. This is it.
Kate: Nothing. We don't have to do anything...You know we used to joke about becoming smackheads because all you'd have on your list each day would be...
Daniel: 'Get smacked'
Kate: Yeah
Daniel: No worrying about how well you are doing, how you look, whether you smell of shit...
Kate: Yeah
Daniel: So you're going to become a smackhead?
Kate: No...When I go back, I'm giving it all up.
Daniel: You what?
Kate: All the striving for some big thing. Having to prove myself. Waiting for some future time when I'm going to be happy. Tomorrow, next week, next year. This is it.
Daniel: Oh God, I know.
Kate: This is it and this is alright. Me and you here could be alright. It's alright. This is it. This is it.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Who doesn't love a kebab?
So thinking about nightbusses has also got me thinking about kebabs. The two kinda go hand in hand I guess.
Step 1: Find bar
Step 2: Get wasted, spend too much money, drunk dancing with your air sax
Step 3: Decide to leave cos you might puke
Step 4: Find food, the obligatory Kebab of course
Step 5: Find your bus stop, or at least try.
No matter how drunk or tired or close to the end you are, you must find a kebab. It is Step 4 after all. And the hilarious thing about it is that once having found a vendor- everyone in the mob becomes fussy and it takes about ten years to order. Can I have it with houmous, and chilli sauce and garlic sauce, but not too much lettuce and definately no cucumber. Oh and can I have one of those Japeniao, Halepeeeeno, Jalep-o things, or just make it three- I think I might like them this time. Yeehah! I think the greatest moment recently was when Eddie and I had been out in Camden on a bender and having bolted out of the place we went on a trek to find food. After what seemed like an eternity plodding around the cobbles, in my heels may I add- oh the pain, we found our oasis. Starving hungry is not the best time to get picky. Ed strolls right up to the counter and bellows to the poor girl "WHATS THE PARSLEY SITUATION HERE?". Poor girl looks puzzled. "I SAID, WHATS THE PARSLEY SITUATION HERE?". Man boss comes over to see if everything is alright. "Is everything alright mate?". "YES, I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PARSLEY SITUATION IS HERE? I CANT BE DEALING WITH PARSLEY". "Well theres parsley in the salad and a bit on the houmous". "OKAY GREAT. CAN I HAVE A LAMB SHISH WITH NO HOUMOUS AND NO SALAD AND LOADS OF CHILLI SAUCE. IS THERE PARSLEY IN THE CHILLI SAUCE?".
And there was the time when on one of my first dates with Eddie, years ago, we went out to this classy number called The Weybridge in Alton. You know the kind of place with sticky floors and strange cross-eyed people and loos that stink of a cocktail of piss and puke- the kind that you can smell from the bar every time someone opens the door. Well we went there, and when we were finished we strolled on over to the local romantic hotspot to order some food before heading home. Ed got his fill of grease, whilst I opted for the falafal. "No falafal luv sorry". "Okay just that tasty plastic cheese and a bit of salad or something then". "We've got houmous?" "Okay houmous". So opening up our brown paper wrapped packages outside on the street I found a soggy piece of pitta bread and a bucket load of houmous. I didnt realise I would have to mention that I would like salad with it again. But I was hungry so I devoured. And this was no ordinary houmous. No this was the runny sauce stuff that seeps out and drips everywhere and before you know it you have houmous running down your chin dripping in huge puddles down your coat smothered all over your hands and splattered in the ends of your hair. And once the pitta bread had absorbed its fill of the lake of houmous, had become one with the houmous, there was nothing left to do but rest the thing somewhere so you could really get involved. I opened the package fully up ontop of a bin and tried to munch on whatever was left. Ed at this point exclaimed that I was a "skanky little bitch" and I think we knew we had found love from that point on. Classy indeed.
Step 1: Find bar
Step 2: Get wasted, spend too much money, drunk dancing with your air sax
Step 3: Decide to leave cos you might puke
Step 4: Find food, the obligatory Kebab of course
Step 5: Find your bus stop, or at least try.
No matter how drunk or tired or close to the end you are, you must find a kebab. It is Step 4 after all. And the hilarious thing about it is that once having found a vendor- everyone in the mob becomes fussy and it takes about ten years to order. Can I have it with houmous, and chilli sauce and garlic sauce, but not too much lettuce and definately no cucumber. Oh and can I have one of those Japeniao, Halepeeeeno, Jalep-o things, or just make it three- I think I might like them this time. Yeehah! I think the greatest moment recently was when Eddie and I had been out in Camden on a bender and having bolted out of the place we went on a trek to find food. After what seemed like an eternity plodding around the cobbles, in my heels may I add- oh the pain, we found our oasis. Starving hungry is not the best time to get picky. Ed strolls right up to the counter and bellows to the poor girl "WHATS THE PARSLEY SITUATION HERE?". Poor girl looks puzzled. "I SAID, WHATS THE PARSLEY SITUATION HERE?". Man boss comes over to see if everything is alright. "Is everything alright mate?". "YES, I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT THE PARSLEY SITUATION IS HERE? I CANT BE DEALING WITH PARSLEY". "Well theres parsley in the salad and a bit on the houmous". "OKAY GREAT. CAN I HAVE A LAMB SHISH WITH NO HOUMOUS AND NO SALAD AND LOADS OF CHILLI SAUCE. IS THERE PARSLEY IN THE CHILLI SAUCE?".
And there was the time when on one of my first dates with Eddie, years ago, we went out to this classy number called The Weybridge in Alton. You know the kind of place with sticky floors and strange cross-eyed people and loos that stink of a cocktail of piss and puke- the kind that you can smell from the bar every time someone opens the door. Well we went there, and when we were finished we strolled on over to the local romantic hotspot to order some food before heading home. Ed got his fill of grease, whilst I opted for the falafal. "No falafal luv sorry". "Okay just that tasty plastic cheese and a bit of salad or something then". "We've got houmous?" "Okay houmous". So opening up our brown paper wrapped packages outside on the street I found a soggy piece of pitta bread and a bucket load of houmous. I didnt realise I would have to mention that I would like salad with it again. But I was hungry so I devoured. And this was no ordinary houmous. No this was the runny sauce stuff that seeps out and drips everywhere and before you know it you have houmous running down your chin dripping in huge puddles down your coat smothered all over your hands and splattered in the ends of your hair. And once the pitta bread had absorbed its fill of the lake of houmous, had become one with the houmous, there was nothing left to do but rest the thing somewhere so you could really get involved. I opened the package fully up ontop of a bin and tried to munch on whatever was left. Ed at this point exclaimed that I was a "skanky little bitch" and I think we knew we had found love from that point on. Classy indeed.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Who doesn't love a night bus?
Picture the scene. Mia- feeling tired and drunk slumped on the top deck of an overstuffed N159 heading back to Brixton at 3am on a Thursday. Man at back of this bus, also on his own it seems, sits quietly and calmly throughout duration of the journey. Then Man gets up slowly- clutches two poles and pulls himself into a perfect somersault, legs over arse, legs nearly kicking Mia's face, and having executed his bad-ass move resumes his seat again. Mia, puzzled, catches eye of guy (who looks French for some reason, not sure why, but just looked French) sitting in front who has his head twisted towards Somersault Man. French Looking Man: "Did that just happen?" Mia: "Yes, I believe it did just happen".
God bless the nightbus! And I really mean that. Thinking about it more as I power walked towards an awaiting warm bed I chuckled to myself. Even though we all despise having to wait for them, and my lordy it sucks arse in the winter, some of the funniest shit always happens on those long, sleepy, neverending rides home. Everyone has a nightbus adventure to remember forever. And you are usually outrageously wasted so its always the morning after as you peel your face from the pillow, or floor if you're not so lucky, and start recounting events from the night before that the journey home is usually where all the funny shit finds itself.
In most cases people (and when I say people I also mean me) have totally lost their inihibitions by the time they are reduced to the N- bus cattle status. Like the guy who tried to hit on you, purring and slurring in your ear "hey you wanna come check out my place, I dont want sex, I just have loads of beer" whilst he burps in his mouth and sways a bit too much for my liking. Clearly if it wasnt for those minor factors I would have certainly let this knight in shining armour whisk me home- I mean if he really thinks he is that wonderful then maybe there is some truth in it right?
People, mainly men, seem to think that the night bus is their last chance of pulling for the evening, they think something along the lines of "well Ive got this far, I suppose theres no harm in embarrassing myself one last time". Andy told me that his thinking is also that the best thing about pulling on a nightbus is that you know already the lady of your dreams lives in the same direction as you so the mission home later, or escape perhaps, will be easy. And do they actually believe that you are the lucky lucky lucky one who has won the golden ticket to visit their amazing chocolate factory in the arse end of nowhere? "Ive got the golden ticket, tralalalalllaaa". My friend Frias was telling me yesterday about some guy snuggling up to him and sleeping on his shoulder in the hope of it progressing further. And another time some eastern european guy hitting on him. The dialogue went in circles something along the lines of:
"You wanna come back to mine?"
"No"
"You wan me to to come back to yours?"
"No"
- and the only way, Frias decided, to make him go away was to just hug him. Not sure if that was the right technique but at least hes making some valuable friends on the way home.
And speaking of new BFFs, there is always that person who you end up chatting to for a solid life enriching hour, who becomes your new bessie mate cos you work out that your friend knows their friend who knows their friend who was born in the same hospital as you only three years before you so it must be fate that brought you together on this special night.
Or there is always that girl who has projectile vomited and the contents of her stomach have started dribbling down the walkway towards your feet, forcing everyone to skillfully leap over it as they stumble down the stairs. Or the guy, being my friend but I wont mention his name (it was Johnny shh), unashamedly peeing into a bottle cos he couldnt bare to wait anymore- and actually no one really batters an eyelid because they kind of wanted to do the same thing.
Then theres always those annoying groups of kids who are having way too much fun screeching when they can obviously see you are trying to catch up on some much needed shut eye on the oh so comfortable seats which are oddly often damp, hmm, whilst your head bangs rhythmically over and over again on the cold wet steamy window, thump thump thump, soggy hair soggy hair soggy hair, sore bruise sore bruise sore bruise.
And what is it about guys who are forever sleeping right past their stop and waking up freezing their bollocks off at the end of the line in shit holes like Sidcup or Walthamstow with no way to get home, or worse still ending back where they started from in Leicester Square 3 hours later because the bus has gone full circle without stirring the heavy slumber. I dont think girls do that, that ones definately a guy night bus thing.
At what age or time in your life do you no longer get the nightbus? Is there a cut off point when you say enough is enough?! Maybe its when you are rich enough to get a taxi. Maybe I'll be that weird old lady who gets the nightbus home on her own cos she'll never be rich enough. I think I'd still enjoy it secretly.
God bless the nightbus! And I really mean that. Thinking about it more as I power walked towards an awaiting warm bed I chuckled to myself. Even though we all despise having to wait for them, and my lordy it sucks arse in the winter, some of the funniest shit always happens on those long, sleepy, neverending rides home. Everyone has a nightbus adventure to remember forever. And you are usually outrageously wasted so its always the morning after as you peel your face from the pillow, or floor if you're not so lucky, and start recounting events from the night before that the journey home is usually where all the funny shit finds itself.
In most cases people (and when I say people I also mean me) have totally lost their inihibitions by the time they are reduced to the N- bus cattle status. Like the guy who tried to hit on you, purring and slurring in your ear "hey you wanna come check out my place, I dont want sex, I just have loads of beer" whilst he burps in his mouth and sways a bit too much for my liking. Clearly if it wasnt for those minor factors I would have certainly let this knight in shining armour whisk me home- I mean if he really thinks he is that wonderful then maybe there is some truth in it right?
People, mainly men, seem to think that the night bus is their last chance of pulling for the evening, they think something along the lines of "well Ive got this far, I suppose theres no harm in embarrassing myself one last time". Andy told me that his thinking is also that the best thing about pulling on a nightbus is that you know already the lady of your dreams lives in the same direction as you so the mission home later, or escape perhaps, will be easy. And do they actually believe that you are the lucky lucky lucky one who has won the golden ticket to visit their amazing chocolate factory in the arse end of nowhere? "Ive got the golden ticket, tralalalalllaaa". My friend Frias was telling me yesterday about some guy snuggling up to him and sleeping on his shoulder in the hope of it progressing further. And another time some eastern european guy hitting on him. The dialogue went in circles something along the lines of:
"You wanna come back to mine?"
"No"
"You wan me to to come back to yours?"
"No"
- and the only way, Frias decided, to make him go away was to just hug him. Not sure if that was the right technique but at least hes making some valuable friends on the way home.
And speaking of new BFFs, there is always that person who you end up chatting to for a solid life enriching hour, who becomes your new bessie mate cos you work out that your friend knows their friend who knows their friend who was born in the same hospital as you only three years before you so it must be fate that brought you together on this special night.
Or there is always that girl who has projectile vomited and the contents of her stomach have started dribbling down the walkway towards your feet, forcing everyone to skillfully leap over it as they stumble down the stairs. Or the guy, being my friend but I wont mention his name (it was Johnny shh), unashamedly peeing into a bottle cos he couldnt bare to wait anymore- and actually no one really batters an eyelid because they kind of wanted to do the same thing.
Then theres always those annoying groups of kids who are having way too much fun screeching when they can obviously see you are trying to catch up on some much needed shut eye on the oh so comfortable seats which are oddly often damp, hmm, whilst your head bangs rhythmically over and over again on the cold wet steamy window, thump thump thump, soggy hair soggy hair soggy hair, sore bruise sore bruise sore bruise.
And what is it about guys who are forever sleeping right past their stop and waking up freezing their bollocks off at the end of the line in shit holes like Sidcup or Walthamstow with no way to get home, or worse still ending back where they started from in Leicester Square 3 hours later because the bus has gone full circle without stirring the heavy slumber. I dont think girls do that, that ones definately a guy night bus thing.
At what age or time in your life do you no longer get the nightbus? Is there a cut off point when you say enough is enough?! Maybe its when you are rich enough to get a taxi. Maybe I'll be that weird old lady who gets the nightbus home on her own cos she'll never be rich enough. I think I'd still enjoy it secretly.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Lets get fatty boom batty together
If I baked you a cake, for me will you eat it?
And if I made rocky road, with me will you share it?
And if we get fat, on our fatty boom batty- we can sit.
If I tell you a story will you tell me one too?
If I share a bad joke, will you pretend that its new?
If we can laugh loud together we will be one of a few.
If I write you a sweet song will you sing it sweetly?
And if I sing along will you laugh at me?
And if we are feeling brave can we try the harmony?
If I pour you a bath will you invite me in too?
If I wash your hair will you pass the shampoo?
And if I want bubbles please say its okay- with you.
If I buy you a Kinderegg- will you get me one too?
You'll get a little shit toy all shiny and new,
And if I get cool stickers I shall share them with you.
If I make our bed fluffy will you sleep in the sack?
If I give you a kind kiss will you kiss me back?
If I squeeze your hand will you squeeze mine to black?
If I want to get fit, will you come for a run?
If we go for a run, just don't stare at my bum
If you check out my bum I'll have to tease you some!
If I talk of the future will you dream of one too?
If I wanted a dog named The Dude will that do it for you?
And if I want to walk him- will you walk with us two?
If I go exploring will you travel with me?
And we'll venture from mountain, to wood, to sea and city.
If I want to explore will you help me roam free?
If I work all day will you meet me for dinner?
If I pay for your meal will you buy me ice cream? Winner!
If I choose chocolate will you share your vanilla?
If I stroke your ears will you purr like a cat?
If you purr I will know that you like it like that.
And if you like it like that we will never look back.
And if you like it like that we will never look back.
And if I made rocky road, with me will you share it?
And if we get fat, on our fatty boom batty- we can sit.
If I tell you a story will you tell me one too?
If I share a bad joke, will you pretend that its new?
If we can laugh loud together we will be one of a few.
If I write you a sweet song will you sing it sweetly?
And if I sing along will you laugh at me?
And if we are feeling brave can we try the harmony?
If I pour you a bath will you invite me in too?
If I wash your hair will you pass the shampoo?
And if I want bubbles please say its okay- with you.
If I buy you a Kinderegg- will you get me one too?
You'll get a little shit toy all shiny and new,
And if I get cool stickers I shall share them with you.
If I make our bed fluffy will you sleep in the sack?
If I give you a kind kiss will you kiss me back?
If I squeeze your hand will you squeeze mine to black?
If I want to get fit, will you come for a run?
If we go for a run, just don't stare at my bum
If you check out my bum I'll have to tease you some!
If I talk of the future will you dream of one too?
If I wanted a dog named The Dude will that do it for you?
And if I want to walk him- will you walk with us two?
If I go exploring will you travel with me?
And we'll venture from mountain, to wood, to sea and city.
If I want to explore will you help me roam free?
If I work all day will you meet me for dinner?
If I pay for your meal will you buy me ice cream? Winner!
If I choose chocolate will you share your vanilla?
If I stroke your ears will you purr like a cat?
If you purr I will know that you like it like that.
And if you like it like that we will never look back.
And if you like it like that we will never look back.
Sumsies and her umbrella
So. Summer is speeding through the learning shit. The past week or so has been especially mental and astonishing. She is learning new words left right and centre- like "socks" and "shoes" are firm favourites this week. She likes to say "socks" whilst tapping her little feet, or "shoes" whilst watching you get ready to leave the house. So you just nod at her and say "yes, socks" or "yes, shoes" to which she'll grin her goofy grin and run off. Yesterday, Josie and I taught her "Mia". Not just how to say "Mia" but actually that Mia was my name and a way of calling me or getting my attention. So this morning, hidden under the duvet trying to catch up on sleep, of which I feel pretty deprived at the moment, Summer was outside the door saying "Mia, Mia, Mia" over and over again to see if I was awake. Ah it was so lovely. Like the loveliest alarm you could imagine. And its not only new words that she is absorbing- she is consistently performing little actions she has been sponging up from the world. Like running up and down the corridor full pelt with my umbrella held high abover her head, giggling her heart out. Who has she seen running with an umbrella recently?
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
So smile at me
And there is a space in my heart, for your smile to fill
So smile at me and I shall bow to your will
And my lips are right here, with no one to kiss
So please kiss me softly and fulfil my wish
And there is a place in my bed that was made for two
So come lay by my side, and I'll be there for you
And there are questions in mind that your thoughts can explore
So tell me your ideas, and I'll whisper you more
And there is one lonely hand that hangs by my side
So offer me your hand and act as my guide
And there are plenty of worlds that I wish to search for
So come sail with me from shore to shore
And I miss you and I miss you and I miss you
And I want you and I want you and I want you
And I love you and I love you and I love you
And I know that you need me too.
So smile at me and I shall bow to your will
And my lips are right here, with no one to kiss
So please kiss me softly and fulfil my wish
And there is a place in my bed that was made for two
So come lay by my side, and I'll be there for you
And there are questions in mind that your thoughts can explore
So tell me your ideas, and I'll whisper you more
And there is one lonely hand that hangs by my side
So offer me your hand and act as my guide
And there are plenty of worlds that I wish to search for
So come sail with me from shore to shore
And I miss you and I miss you and I miss you
And I want you and I want you and I want you
And I love you and I love you and I love you
And I know that you need me too.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Coming full circle
So I went to see Avatar this weekend- Valentines Day spent with the sisters. What a wicked film. It really is incredible and imaginative and how the hell did they come up with some of that crazy Pandora shit. Amazing really. So I sat there in wonder for the whole thing. Not to sound cheesy, although I'm quite skilled at the old cheese factor (which someone kindly, or actually not so kindly, pointed out to me the other day) - but I liked the idea of everything being connected to everything else. If you take energy from something you will have to give it back. I thought that was a really good way to put it. Like the whole karma, what goes around comes around, stuff.
I'm forever missioning around, doing things for free, doing jobs that put money in my pocket even though I hate every minute of them. But it is true, and I learn it over and over again, that the more you put into something the more you get out of it. Like I wasn't particularly keen on taking this wardrobe job at Trafalgar Studios at first- partly because it was unpiad but mostly because it was time consuming. I have to be in early every day to do the washing, scrub arm pits, hand wash pants, hang things out to dry in time as the tumbler seems to make everything shrink to my size. Not ideal. Not particularly glamorous. But on the other hand, it is a great and prestigious place to be working, and will hopefully add to my various experience in this industry. Despite all these things, what I am actually discovering is that I am gaining heaps more than I expected. Like good friends, and good memories. The cast are really lovely and socially I am having a whopping great big whale of a time. Plenty of banter backstage and getting to know some new people make for a place that I'm starting to miss when Iam not here. So yes, the effort is going to be worth it for sure.
And that energy idea works in both negative and positive ways too. If you are nasty to someone they will probably be nasty back. Take my pound and I'll take yours. If you are kind and generous to someone they will, hopefully, be kind and generous back. I have just recently become 'sans boyf' again- after almost three years. And it is the first time in my life that things haven't turned sour. Not sure if its just a matter of 'growing up' or if it is because we have a good friendship at the foundations, but I think we both have realised that expelling negative energy on each other is fruitless and just hurts a bunch when it comes back to slap you in the face. And it stings like hell when not only does your boyfriend/girlfriend relationship end but your companionship crumbles and disappears to dust. So its been a pleasant break up- urgh if that is possible- but I just mean that it has taken less energy to just be sweet to each other. After all he is a wonderful, fun person and has been a great friend to me- I wouldn't want to lose him from my life at the sake of pride or fickle arguments over who is right and who is wrong. Its not worth all the exhaustion.
And what of the whole karma, coming full circle, shiz nit. Well I've drained my cup of tea and so now I will have to go fill it up again. Take and give. Give and take. Simple.
I'm forever missioning around, doing things for free, doing jobs that put money in my pocket even though I hate every minute of them. But it is true, and I learn it over and over again, that the more you put into something the more you get out of it. Like I wasn't particularly keen on taking this wardrobe job at Trafalgar Studios at first- partly because it was unpiad but mostly because it was time consuming. I have to be in early every day to do the washing, scrub arm pits, hand wash pants, hang things out to dry in time as the tumbler seems to make everything shrink to my size. Not ideal. Not particularly glamorous. But on the other hand, it is a great and prestigious place to be working, and will hopefully add to my various experience in this industry. Despite all these things, what I am actually discovering is that I am gaining heaps more than I expected. Like good friends, and good memories. The cast are really lovely and socially I am having a whopping great big whale of a time. Plenty of banter backstage and getting to know some new people make for a place that I'm starting to miss when Iam not here. So yes, the effort is going to be worth it for sure.
And that energy idea works in both negative and positive ways too. If you are nasty to someone they will probably be nasty back. Take my pound and I'll take yours. If you are kind and generous to someone they will, hopefully, be kind and generous back. I have just recently become 'sans boyf' again- after almost three years. And it is the first time in my life that things haven't turned sour. Not sure if its just a matter of 'growing up' or if it is because we have a good friendship at the foundations, but I think we both have realised that expelling negative energy on each other is fruitless and just hurts a bunch when it comes back to slap you in the face. And it stings like hell when not only does your boyfriend/girlfriend relationship end but your companionship crumbles and disappears to dust. So its been a pleasant break up- urgh if that is possible- but I just mean that it has taken less energy to just be sweet to each other. After all he is a wonderful, fun person and has been a great friend to me- I wouldn't want to lose him from my life at the sake of pride or fickle arguments over who is right and who is wrong. Its not worth all the exhaustion.
And what of the whole karma, coming full circle, shiz nit. Well I've drained my cup of tea and so now I will have to go fill it up again. Take and give. Give and take. Simple.
Sweet Mother Karma
Rudeboy: Hey how much is it to leave your coat?
Mia: Its free (smiles sweetly)
Rudeboy: Safe! Oi boys its free
Mia takes three heavy coats and goes to hang them up
Rudeboys: Ha check this out
Mia returns to find £1 from her tip tray missing- that was hers in the first place, and no boys
Mia: Wanker face, shit munchers
Mia goes into the cloakroom, and starts searching their pockets, pleased to find some loose change- takes a pound coin and places it triumphantly in tip tray.
One hour and fifteen minutes later...
Rudeboy: Alright
Mia: Can I have my pound back please? (smiles sweetly)
Rudeboy: Eh?
Mia: Can I have my pound back please?
Rudeboy: You're off your rocker mate
Mia: Well I have three Armarni coats in here for you, so I dont mind keeping them if you like?
Rudeboy: Fuck off.
Mia goes to get coats, dropping one on the floor, oops. Hands them back.
Mia: Bye...Wanker (smiles sweetly)
"The villany you teach me, I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction."
Rudeboy: Safe! Oi boys its free
Mia takes three heavy coats and goes to hang them up
Rudeboys: Ha check this out
Mia returns to find £1 from her tip tray missing- that was hers in the first place, and no boys
Mia: Wanker face, shit munchers
Mia goes into the cloakroom, and starts searching their pockets, pleased to find some loose change- takes a pound coin and places it triumphantly in tip tray.
One hour and fifteen minutes later...
Rudeboy: Alright
Mia: Can I have my pound back please? (smiles sweetly)
Rudeboy: Eh?
Mia: Can I have my pound back please?
Rudeboy: You're off your rocker mate
Mia: Well I have three Armarni coats in here for you, so I dont mind keeping them if you like?
Rudeboy: Fuck off.
Mia goes to get coats, dropping one on the floor, oops. Hands them back.
Mia: Bye...Wanker (smiles sweetly)
"The villany you teach me, I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction."
Friday, 12 February 2010
Hungover
Urgh!
puff the pillows.
bury my head
my sore sore head
rumble rumble
stomach grumbles
must be fed
has shiggs been round?
what happened last night?
oh ha ha...
i told myself one, not five
million
crumbs in the bed?
oh my sore sore head
pill pops, kettle pops, sore head stops
for a bit, i feel shit- have a sip
oh tea I love you,
slurp
need a hug, need some love
keys.check.phone.check.wallet.check
what am i doing today again?
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Lope De Vega
Love's not a stain to be washed away
nor a sin to be cleansed by water.
Heaven will bring you back to me,
for though our love's barely days old
I've held you in my heart for years,
through the shades and mysteries of the soul.
Philosophy tells us time and space
are folds on destiny's dark robe.
We are the linchpin of time and space,
upon which countless angels dance.
We are cast in the image of stars,
in the guiding stars of our love.
And in our days of desire
we have known and loved each other
for a hundred- a thousand!- years.
nor a sin to be cleansed by water.
Heaven will bring you back to me,
for though our love's barely days old
I've held you in my heart for years,
through the shades and mysteries of the soul.
Philosophy tells us time and space
are folds on destiny's dark robe.
We are the linchpin of time and space,
upon which countless angels dance.
We are cast in the image of stars,
in the guiding stars of our love.
And in our days of desire
we have known and loved each other
for a hundred- a thousand!- years.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Madness In Valencia
So my new job (can I call it a job if I don't get any money? mm?) Lets say my new venture started officially yesterday. The designer I am working for, Kate, liked to call it D-Day so I guess it means it was an important day! Its funny because whenever the pressure is on, and a day is given an official title my defence mechanism kicks in to reduce my stress levels and something really weird happens...I just totally chill out. Ha. I don't think Kate was happy that I was so relaxed on D-day, but I kept enjoying myself nonetheless.
I'm working on a theatre production called Madness in Valencia. It was on last year at the White Bear Theatre and did really well- critics choice in Timeout which is always a great accolade for any fringe show. It did so well in fact that it now has a month long stint at Trafalgar Studios, a lovely central little place just off Trafalgar Square. Pretty cool to be working at a West End theatre again, there is something I adore about the rabbit runs backstage and the old grafitti from past shows everywhere. Yesterday I spotted 'Danny Dyer was here 2009' on the walls. Not that that is remarkable or particularly significant, but I do like the essence of a history in these old theatres. I always wonder at who has been sitting in these basement dressing rooms night after night waiting nervously backstage for their call to the stage. Or maybe not waiting nervously at all- after all by the time productions get to a place like this the cast are usually pretty experienced and spend most of their time goofing around backstage eating mountains of chocolate hobnobs and drinking tea by the bucket load. Yesterday, for example, the cast all donned out in their renaissance cod pieced costumes were sprawled all over each other watching 'The Hangover' on DVD roaring with laughter and often snorting like drunken hogs. Actors! So no it wasn't meditating, running cues or getting in the zone. Just watching 'The Hangover', standard.
So anyway, waffle waffle, Sian and I had spent most of Sunday baking. We made cupcakes aplenty: vanilla with chocolate butter frosting and chocolate sprinkle things; chocolate with chocolate butter frosting (see what we did there) and mini smarties; and lemon with lemon icing....mmm AGGY (NB: for all those who have not met my gorgeous neice Summer, AGGY is just another word for YUMMY- put it in your vocab banks today it is quite splendid). So yes, AGGY cupcakes. So these I took in abundance to the theatre which I think helped with morale on D-Day. And I'm glad to say they can't have been too far off aggyness at all as there were only three left by the end of the day which made me very happy. There is nothing worse than baking and then it all going to waste or worse still not being touched at all. So I think Sian and I did ourselves proud in the cupcake stakes.
In fact, sorry to go off point again, but isn't it one of the most annoying things when you cook up a huge kingly feast for someone with such joy and energy and panache (whatever that means) and like a truely talented composer everything comes together perfectly and its all bubbling away all at the same time- the sausages popping in the oven , the peas boiling away like little green dancers in the pan, the mash all creamy and smooth, the gravy steaming, the red onions caramalising away doing their yummy bubbly thing, and you've heated up the plates cos thats super nice to keep your food warm on your lap and abracadabra everything is cooked perfectly to time and you dish it up with a bit of finesse and tweak the presentation slightly so it not only smells gorgeous but looks like a super star dinner too balanced like a perfect picture, and you shout up the stairs "DINNER'S READY!" expecting an excited stampede trampling rapidly down the stairs....and all you get is "ok....ill be down in a minute" which actually means "I'll be down in five minutes after you've reminded me again and the plates are cold and the perfectly positioned sausages have either toppled off the mountain of creamy mash or just sunk sadly straight into the heap like a great big sigh of disappointment. I hate that. If I ever cook you dinner, make sure you're ready when it is ready!
Okay, so back to D-Day. So I spent most of the day finishing off costumes, tweaking them here and there, re-sewing buttons, loosening crotches where they needed loosening for lunging purposes (something actors like to indulge in every so often I've found), adding ribbons and breaking them down with tea and paint and sandpaper to rough them up a bit- make them look real I suppose. And when I wasn't doing that I was running around the city to and fro picking up things we had forgotten about- like long johns and white pants and shoes and a blue ribbon and an extra mask for the carnival scene. I also had the pleasure of heading over to the oh so incredibly amazing National Theatre props and costumes stores to have a rummage around for a tudor style bucket and a couple of soft leather pointy shoes. Now these warehouses are just a dream. Bursting at their seams full of crazy stuff. Everything you could ever imagine you would need in a play and it is there. A rainbow of feathers taller than a Mia, military uniforms from every era, pigs heads, truncheons, ornate bird cages- man oh man its a real treasure trove of stuff. So that was a special treat for me yesterday- hardly the kind of harsh D-Day I was imagining. Tonight is opening night, hopefully everything is in place, and the actors turn up, and the costumes hold together, and the set stays upright, and the DVD player is kept at low volume, and the final three cupcakes get eaten. Fingers crossed for a fun month. And if you fancy an AGGY treat of a show- come see it!
Trafalgar Studios 2: 9th February - 6th March 2010
Black and White Rainbow Ltd
Missing In Action
'Absence is to love
What wind is to fire;
It extinguishes the small,
It inflames the great.'
Christopher Marlowe
What wind is to fire;
It extinguishes the small,
It inflames the great.'
Christopher Marlowe
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Little Siany
Well not so little anymore- in fact its a bone of contention between all three of us that the little sister Sian has grown up to be much taller, leggier and significantly more beautiful than Josie and myself. Although I am sure Josie would disagree after in her typical modest style proclaiming last week (on the same night as the monobrow incident may I add) that "I never seen someone with a prettier face than me". HA.
But then again Sian has always been a cutie, even as a tiny girl she was gorgeous. Big big white springy ringlets, porcelin white skin and huge deep blue eyes that just stared right through the camera every time her picture was taken. Such a flirt. The funniest thing about her though was that despite her outer gorgeous scrumminess, underneath it all she was always a goon and a real sweet geek! Still the case I think although she will hate me for saying so. On the bouncy castle at about two years old I remember so vividly how she was squealing with excitement, bouncing up and down up and down up and down. All the while her blonde fro growing larger and larger with the build up of static- like a huge halo of elecricity sticking up absurdly in all directions. Of course the little ball of loveliness was totally oblivious to all the electric shocks she was striking the other kiddies with- zap zap zap. Kids were literally running away from her with tears in their eyes, off the bouncy catsle and hurling themselves into the arms of concerned mums. Sian meanwhile just keeps bouncing around with her huge goofy grin. Hilarious.
And then there was the time she took on the role as 'local feral child' when we went camping in Cornwall with the extended family. I think it was the year of the eclipse, so it was pretty touristy and busy at the time down there. Living in a tent for ten days surrounded by rolling green hills and dazzling sunshine really affected Sian. You could say she was in her element- running around bare footed for days on end, hanging out with the local animals- yes the camp's sheep and goats became her good friends by the end of the trip. My mum struggled to get her to change her muddy clothes and brush her wild hair let alone wash, little feral child. The funniest part of the whole trip was Sian's convertion to Christianity. She must have only been 5 or 6 years old yet every morning she got up at the crack of dawn, I was about to write get dressed on her own but she probably just went barefooted in her pjs (feral child), and head on over to the camp's chapel that was set up in a rustic barn every day. Of course the rest of us didnt give a poop about service in the mornings at this place- I think it was my Grandad who requested we go to there because of the church services it provided. But anyway, little feral Sian would get up and attend church every morning and return to the tent singing sweetly to herself and waking us up with her joyus hymns and praises to Jesus!
Sian is definately Josie's little follower. Josie could get her to do anything and Sian would just smile sweetly without questionning her big sisters antics. We found some home videos recently that Josie had made with her friend Harriet. The hours of footage are basically Jo dressing up in different outfits, singing songs full pelt towards the camera- always in secret and in the middle of the night during her many sleepovers. She was clearly constructing a musical where she was the beautiful precious princess adored by her kingdom and Sian was often either a dog or a prince. With her sleepy eyes Sian would just be pushed around, obeying instructions and smiling awkwardly at the camera whilst Josie prances around and poses in the background performing some twisted version of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. I think Harriet was just laughing hysterically throughout the whole thing- shy and embarrassed in front of the camera and confused by her nutcase of a friend, and probably just really really tired and delirious after being kept awake all night.
And Sian would often take the wrap for Josies mischief- I'm sure she still does sometimes. When a large tear was found in their deflated airbed one morning, out of nowhere Sian exclaimed "I didn't touch the scissors". She hadnt touched the scissors, in fact no one had. I just snorted out loud thinking about that moment again. Im not sure why she said it- but I think she was just sensitive little bug not wanting to get blamed for something she clearly hadn't done. Of course Jo didn't own up to the tear until years later, a tear which had nothing to do with scissors but more to do with an accidental chair leg popping the damn thing. Although that didnt stop her just letting the rest of us believe that maybe her little sister had been the offending party in the mystery of the burst bed. Poor little innocent Sian.
But as I said, shes not so little anymore. In fact shes pretty much way cooler than either Josie and I ever were at 16. Shes a clever one too. The fact that she already knows she wants to be a Vet and where she wants to go to study is pretty scary. Pretty impressive though too. Its GCSE year this year so the revision crunch is on- but Im certain she will do amazingly...with my help of course, wink. What a catch.
But then again Sian has always been a cutie, even as a tiny girl she was gorgeous. Big big white springy ringlets, porcelin white skin and huge deep blue eyes that just stared right through the camera every time her picture was taken. Such a flirt. The funniest thing about her though was that despite her outer gorgeous scrumminess, underneath it all she was always a goon and a real sweet geek! Still the case I think although she will hate me for saying so. On the bouncy castle at about two years old I remember so vividly how she was squealing with excitement, bouncing up and down up and down up and down. All the while her blonde fro growing larger and larger with the build up of static- like a huge halo of elecricity sticking up absurdly in all directions. Of course the little ball of loveliness was totally oblivious to all the electric shocks she was striking the other kiddies with- zap zap zap. Kids were literally running away from her with tears in their eyes, off the bouncy catsle and hurling themselves into the arms of concerned mums. Sian meanwhile just keeps bouncing around with her huge goofy grin. Hilarious.
And then there was the time she took on the role as 'local feral child' when we went camping in Cornwall with the extended family. I think it was the year of the eclipse, so it was pretty touristy and busy at the time down there. Living in a tent for ten days surrounded by rolling green hills and dazzling sunshine really affected Sian. You could say she was in her element- running around bare footed for days on end, hanging out with the local animals- yes the camp's sheep and goats became her good friends by the end of the trip. My mum struggled to get her to change her muddy clothes and brush her wild hair let alone wash, little feral child. The funniest part of the whole trip was Sian's convertion to Christianity. She must have only been 5 or 6 years old yet every morning she got up at the crack of dawn, I was about to write get dressed on her own but she probably just went barefooted in her pjs (feral child), and head on over to the camp's chapel that was set up in a rustic barn every day. Of course the rest of us didnt give a poop about service in the mornings at this place- I think it was my Grandad who requested we go to there because of the church services it provided. But anyway, little feral Sian would get up and attend church every morning and return to the tent singing sweetly to herself and waking us up with her joyus hymns and praises to Jesus!
Sian is definately Josie's little follower. Josie could get her to do anything and Sian would just smile sweetly without questionning her big sisters antics. We found some home videos recently that Josie had made with her friend Harriet. The hours of footage are basically Jo dressing up in different outfits, singing songs full pelt towards the camera- always in secret and in the middle of the night during her many sleepovers. She was clearly constructing a musical where she was the beautiful precious princess adored by her kingdom and Sian was often either a dog or a prince. With her sleepy eyes Sian would just be pushed around, obeying instructions and smiling awkwardly at the camera whilst Josie prances around and poses in the background performing some twisted version of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. I think Harriet was just laughing hysterically throughout the whole thing- shy and embarrassed in front of the camera and confused by her nutcase of a friend, and probably just really really tired and delirious after being kept awake all night.
And Sian would often take the wrap for Josies mischief- I'm sure she still does sometimes. When a large tear was found in their deflated airbed one morning, out of nowhere Sian exclaimed "I didn't touch the scissors". She hadnt touched the scissors, in fact no one had. I just snorted out loud thinking about that moment again. Im not sure why she said it- but I think she was just sensitive little bug not wanting to get blamed for something she clearly hadn't done. Of course Jo didn't own up to the tear until years later, a tear which had nothing to do with scissors but more to do with an accidental chair leg popping the damn thing. Although that didnt stop her just letting the rest of us believe that maybe her little sister had been the offending party in the mystery of the burst bed. Poor little innocent Sian.
But as I said, shes not so little anymore. In fact shes pretty much way cooler than either Josie and I ever were at 16. Shes a clever one too. The fact that she already knows she wants to be a Vet and where she wants to go to study is pretty scary. Pretty impressive though too. Its GCSE year this year so the revision crunch is on- but Im certain she will do amazingly...with my help of course, wink. What a catch.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Sisters, my loves
Can I borrow your new top?
Which one?
This blue one
Yeah, whatever, get out my room
Byeee
Fuck off
Why fuck off?
Because you never say please or thankyou
I did!
No you didn't
Yes I did
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No No
Yes Yes
Noooooo
Yes I bloody did! Is it easier if I dont wear it?
No...its just that I was going to wear it thats all
FINE! I wont take it
Stop being annoying and just take it
...Thanks
(BITCH)
(BITCH)
Why did you call me a bitch?
You called yourself one!
I was talking to you actually
(Slams door)
DONT SLAM MY DOOR! Fucking little bitch- I'll show her...Ill be taking this and this and this and this is mine anyway and this and this
What are you doing in my room?
Well it might as well be my room seeing as most of my stuff is in here- all of these bracelets and this dress, my Narnia DVD when did I say you could borrow that? And my skirt and this necklace
You gave me that!
Oh yeah. Well I want it back anyway.
Fine (doesnt suit you anyway)
What do you think Im ugly now?
No
(MUM) Will you two stop arguing please Im getting a migraine...Are those my shoes?
No!
They were in her room!
I love my sisters. Someone asked me the other day if I could only take two people to live with on a deserted island with for the rest of my life who would it be. Without even thinking, it would be my sisters. I might try and sneak Summer in my carry on luggage because it would be hard to leave her little goofy toothed smiling face behind. Clearly I'm delluded anyway because if I was in a situation where I was stranded on a desert island I dont think I would be getting on a flight there. Its not a holiday for fucks sake Mia!
Anyway, so I would take my sisters. Josie and Sian. Lovely and lovely.
Anyone who has know me for a long time will know that we havent always got on. Josie and I especially when we were younger used to have the most incredible fights, and when I say fights I mean fights. It was only when she started getting stronger than me, and slightly more vicious that the novelty kinda wore off. We used to fight relentlessly, my poor Mum would cry every time it happened. I always put this down to the fact that my Mum never had sisters to fight with. Because if she did she would know that actually we were just figuring each other out, figuring out how to fight, figuring out how to not fight. Literally five minutes later we would be best mates again, giggling and crying with laughter because I would persuade Josie to stick her little bottom out of the car mooning people as we drove through Richmond Park on the way to school. Or Josie would take a big round slice of ham out of her sandwhiches and bite out the eyes and nose and mouth out and wear it like a mask, snorting as she tried to have a 'normal' conversation. Or she would take off her tights and put them over her face, attaching the two legs to either of the 'oh shit' handles in the back seats. You know the ones you grab onto above the windows as you sit in the back and the car swerves around. Yeah so she would tie the feet of her tights to those and just scream with laughter as her face was all smushed up inside the butt of the tights, like a bank robber, only much cuter.
You could never give Josie coca cola when she was little. She would just go nuts. I get glimpses of the same craziness now at 21 years old when she has had too many red wines. She is hilarious and wild and so much fun. At my birthday party in November Josie came and hung out with my friends for the first time. I loved watching her work her way around the room, not giving a damn about anything, and I would catch her whispering into peoples ears with a cheeky little grin and i would know she was up to mischief. Often watching the person, my friend, next to her not sure what to make of this loud, gorgeous girl at first...but slowly warming up to her and letting the banter flow often ending in howls of laughter.
My friend Nick Clarkey Cat got a fright as they exchanged words over the chocolate fondue- he managed to dribble chocolate all down his chin exclaiming 'ooh thats sexy' (sorry Nick I just made you sound like a real pansie), and Josie picks up a strawberry dips it in hot melted smooth chocolate and rubs it all over her lips exclaiming 'No this is sexy'. Poor Nick stayed crimson for a while after his first encounter of another one of the Gray girls. Or just the other night, Josie calmly walks in to the room, whilst we were all zombied out in front of the TV, having drawn herself a monobrow and painted her teeth black. She just sits down and carries on like nothing has changed. What a nutjob.
I pray to cupid every day that a gorgeous, wild and brave man can sweep her up in his arms and laugh with her for eternity. Lucky, lucky man.
Which one?
This blue one
Yeah, whatever, get out my room
Byeee
Fuck off
Why fuck off?
Because you never say please or thankyou
I did!
No you didn't
Yes I did
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No No
Yes Yes
Noooooo
Yes I bloody did! Is it easier if I dont wear it?
No...its just that I was going to wear it thats all
FINE! I wont take it
Stop being annoying and just take it
...Thanks
(BITCH)
(BITCH)
Why did you call me a bitch?
You called yourself one!
I was talking to you actually
(Slams door)
DONT SLAM MY DOOR! Fucking little bitch- I'll show her...Ill be taking this and this and this and this is mine anyway and this and this
What are you doing in my room?
Well it might as well be my room seeing as most of my stuff is in here- all of these bracelets and this dress, my Narnia DVD when did I say you could borrow that? And my skirt and this necklace
You gave me that!
Oh yeah. Well I want it back anyway.
Fine (doesnt suit you anyway)
What do you think Im ugly now?
No
(MUM) Will you two stop arguing please Im getting a migraine...Are those my shoes?
No!
They were in her room!
I love my sisters. Someone asked me the other day if I could only take two people to live with on a deserted island with for the rest of my life who would it be. Without even thinking, it would be my sisters. I might try and sneak Summer in my carry on luggage because it would be hard to leave her little goofy toothed smiling face behind. Clearly I'm delluded anyway because if I was in a situation where I was stranded on a desert island I dont think I would be getting on a flight there. Its not a holiday for fucks sake Mia!
Anyway, so I would take my sisters. Josie and Sian. Lovely and lovely.
Anyone who has know me for a long time will know that we havent always got on. Josie and I especially when we were younger used to have the most incredible fights, and when I say fights I mean fights. It was only when she started getting stronger than me, and slightly more vicious that the novelty kinda wore off. We used to fight relentlessly, my poor Mum would cry every time it happened. I always put this down to the fact that my Mum never had sisters to fight with. Because if she did she would know that actually we were just figuring each other out, figuring out how to fight, figuring out how to not fight. Literally five minutes later we would be best mates again, giggling and crying with laughter because I would persuade Josie to stick her little bottom out of the car mooning people as we drove through Richmond Park on the way to school. Or Josie would take a big round slice of ham out of her sandwhiches and bite out the eyes and nose and mouth out and wear it like a mask, snorting as she tried to have a 'normal' conversation. Or she would take off her tights and put them over her face, attaching the two legs to either of the 'oh shit' handles in the back seats. You know the ones you grab onto above the windows as you sit in the back and the car swerves around. Yeah so she would tie the feet of her tights to those and just scream with laughter as her face was all smushed up inside the butt of the tights, like a bank robber, only much cuter.
You could never give Josie coca cola when she was little. She would just go nuts. I get glimpses of the same craziness now at 21 years old when she has had too many red wines. She is hilarious and wild and so much fun. At my birthday party in November Josie came and hung out with my friends for the first time. I loved watching her work her way around the room, not giving a damn about anything, and I would catch her whispering into peoples ears with a cheeky little grin and i would know she was up to mischief. Often watching the person, my friend, next to her not sure what to make of this loud, gorgeous girl at first...but slowly warming up to her and letting the banter flow often ending in howls of laughter.
My friend Nick Clarkey Cat got a fright as they exchanged words over the chocolate fondue- he managed to dribble chocolate all down his chin exclaiming 'ooh thats sexy' (sorry Nick I just made you sound like a real pansie), and Josie picks up a strawberry dips it in hot melted smooth chocolate and rubs it all over her lips exclaiming 'No this is sexy'. Poor Nick stayed crimson for a while after his first encounter of another one of the Gray girls. Or just the other night, Josie calmly walks in to the room, whilst we were all zombied out in front of the TV, having drawn herself a monobrow and painted her teeth black. She just sits down and carries on like nothing has changed. What a nutjob.
I pray to cupid every day that a gorgeous, wild and brave man can sweep her up in his arms and laugh with her for eternity. Lucky, lucky man.
For Extremily...
Once upon a time there was a very, very, very, very cool counselor whose pansy name didn’t suit her in the slightest….she was called Emily the Counselor. One sunny fall morning Emily the Counselor was driving up to her second home called Windsorlocken- she was driving her maroon buick century, a classic may I add, which she fondly called Doris.
Approximately one hour into the journey as Doris was waiting patiently at a set of traffic lights there was a strange noise emanating from Doris’s unmentionables. It went something like this: “Wooooooooooooooooooooo”. No silly! More like this: “Clankity clankity clankity clank”. That’s much better. You should have seen the look on Emily the Counselor’s face!
Of course, when things like this happen in the adult world there is nothing left to do but ignore the strange sound eminating from Doris’s unmentionables and turn up the music “Boom boom boom, clankity clankity clankity clank, boom boom boom, clankity clankity clankity clank, BOOM BOOM BOOM, CLANKITY CLANKITY CLANKITY CLANK…” Suddenly there was a huge explosion- KABOOOM!!!
Stranded and slightly bruised, Emily the Counselor wept her little heart out for the passing of Doris her beloved maroon buick century. The funeral was short, but extremely necessary. “She’s a lady, woah woah woah, she’s a lady, talking ‘bout my little lady, and the lady was mine…lalalaaaa”
After the short, but extremely necessary, funeral proceedings for the late Doris- Emily the Counselor glanced at her watch and gasped: “Oh no! I’m gonna be sooo late for the Reunion- I must dash!”...(running…jogging…walking…crawling...)…“It’s too far, it’s too far, it’s just too far, boo hoo!”
Emily the counsellor was forced to hitchhiking (don’t try this at home kids) by sticking her thumb right up her bum, oh no, sorry my mistake- sticking her thumb out for a passing car who would hopefully take her to camp. Emily the counsellor waited and waited for an eternity…
…30 seconds later a rickety, rickety, rickety, rickety white 15 passenger van made in the 90’s, AAAGGHHHH!, pulled up to Emily the counsellor. Danny rolled down the window: “Oi! Emily the Counselor! What are you doing? Hop in I’m on my way to camp.” The drive was very awkward, and at times like these in the adult world there is nothing left to do but crank up the music- “Shall we put on some music?”
As the night closed in and the bright silver moon rose above the towering pine trees Danny noticed a strange, shadowy shape in his rearview mirror which was rapidly approaching: “What’s that strange, shadowy shape in my rearview mirror that is rapidly approaching?” he asked. “Hold on a minute! That looks like your car, Doris!” Emily sighed deeply: “Yeah, she’s a lady……at least she WAS a lady”. AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! They were chased by the ghost of Doris under the moonlit sky for miles and miles and miles when Danny and Emily heard a spooky spooky sound “Woooooooooooo”. No not that one, more like: “Hey! It’s not the ghost of Doris, it’s me, George….you left me behind- I was just taking a pee in the woods when you picked up Emily the Counselor and drove off without me!”.
Danny slammed his foot on the brakes and the rickety rickety rickety white 15 passenger van made in the 90’s, AAAAGGGGHHH, screeched to a halt to pick up a sweaty and extremely exhausted George. “Why are you dressed like that George?” asked Emily peering quizzically at his white ghost-like outfit. “It’s Halloween Reunion, Duh!” Emily the Counselor smiled: “Oh now that explains everything!”
Late and very worn out from a ridiculously crazy adventure, the 15 passenger van arrived at camp. The place seemed deserted. The birds were singing sweetly to the stars high up in the trees and the fallen red and gold leaves were rustling and dancing in the soft breeze. Eventually the faint strumming of guitar drifted over from the Dining hall. Danny grabbed his things and hurried everyone over- “evening activity must have just started, quick everyone!” It felt so good to be ‘home’ at last. Emily the counselor breathed a huge sigh of relief: “Man, that was EXTREME!”
Approximately one hour into the journey as Doris was waiting patiently at a set of traffic lights there was a strange noise emanating from Doris’s unmentionables. It went something like this: “Wooooooooooooooooooooo”. No silly! More like this: “Clankity clankity clankity clank”. That’s much better. You should have seen the look on Emily the Counselor’s face!
Of course, when things like this happen in the adult world there is nothing left to do but ignore the strange sound eminating from Doris’s unmentionables and turn up the music “Boom boom boom, clankity clankity clankity clank, boom boom boom, clankity clankity clankity clank, BOOM BOOM BOOM, CLANKITY CLANKITY CLANKITY CLANK…” Suddenly there was a huge explosion- KABOOOM!!!
Stranded and slightly bruised, Emily the Counselor wept her little heart out for the passing of Doris her beloved maroon buick century. The funeral was short, but extremely necessary. “She’s a lady, woah woah woah, she’s a lady, talking ‘bout my little lady, and the lady was mine…lalalaaaa”
After the short, but extremely necessary, funeral proceedings for the late Doris- Emily the Counselor glanced at her watch and gasped: “Oh no! I’m gonna be sooo late for the Reunion- I must dash!”...(running…jogging…walking…crawling...)…“It’s too far, it’s too far, it’s just too far, boo hoo!”
Emily the counsellor was forced to hitchhiking (don’t try this at home kids) by sticking her thumb right up her bum, oh no, sorry my mistake- sticking her thumb out for a passing car who would hopefully take her to camp. Emily the counsellor waited and waited for an eternity…
…30 seconds later a rickety, rickety, rickety, rickety white 15 passenger van made in the 90’s, AAAGGHHHH!, pulled up to Emily the counsellor. Danny rolled down the window: “Oi! Emily the Counselor! What are you doing? Hop in I’m on my way to camp.” The drive was very awkward, and at times like these in the adult world there is nothing left to do but crank up the music- “Shall we put on some music?”
As the night closed in and the bright silver moon rose above the towering pine trees Danny noticed a strange, shadowy shape in his rearview mirror which was rapidly approaching: “What’s that strange, shadowy shape in my rearview mirror that is rapidly approaching?” he asked. “Hold on a minute! That looks like your car, Doris!” Emily sighed deeply: “Yeah, she’s a lady……at least she WAS a lady”. AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! They were chased by the ghost of Doris under the moonlit sky for miles and miles and miles when Danny and Emily heard a spooky spooky sound “Woooooooooooo”. No not that one, more like: “Hey! It’s not the ghost of Doris, it’s me, George….you left me behind- I was just taking a pee in the woods when you picked up Emily the Counselor and drove off without me!”.
Danny slammed his foot on the brakes and the rickety rickety rickety white 15 passenger van made in the 90’s, AAAAGGGGHHH, screeched to a halt to pick up a sweaty and extremely exhausted George. “Why are you dressed like that George?” asked Emily peering quizzically at his white ghost-like outfit. “It’s Halloween Reunion, Duh!” Emily the Counselor smiled: “Oh now that explains everything!”
Late and very worn out from a ridiculously crazy adventure, the 15 passenger van arrived at camp. The place seemed deserted. The birds were singing sweetly to the stars high up in the trees and the fallen red and gold leaves were rustling and dancing in the soft breeze. Eventually the faint strumming of guitar drifted over from the Dining hall. Danny grabbed his things and hurried everyone over- “evening activity must have just started, quick everyone!” It felt so good to be ‘home’ at last. Emily the counselor breathed a huge sigh of relief: “Man, that was EXTREME!”
2010...
1. Drink lots of water
2. Play more games
3. Read more books
4. Sleep for 7 hours every night
5. Walk every day. And while you walk, smile
6. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
7. Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive and present.
8. Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does.
9. Don't waste your precious energy on bitching!
10. Dream while you are awake.
11. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
12. Forget issues of the past, make peace with it. Dont keep reminding your ex with his/her mistakes, it will ruin your present happiness.
13. Life is too short to hate anyone. Don't hate, just be kind :)
14. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
15. Life is like school- you are here to learn. Its not all about play time. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away- like algebra- but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime! ha!
16. Smile and laugh more.
17. You don't have to win every argument. Its okay to agree to disagree.
18. Call your family more often.
19. Do something good for someone every day- a random act of kindness, just cos.
20. Forgive everyone for everything (this one I will struggle with!)
21. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
22. Smile at strangers.
23. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Even if you are smiling at them weirdly)
24. Your job wont take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
25. Make good choices.
26. Get rid of everything that isnt useful, beautiful or fun.
27. However bad or good the situation, it will change.
28. Get up. Dress up. Show up.
29. BE HAPPY and love with everything you have.
2. Play more games
3. Read more books
4. Sleep for 7 hours every night
5. Walk every day. And while you walk, smile
6. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
7. Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive and present.
8. Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does.
9. Don't waste your precious energy on bitching!
10. Dream while you are awake.
11. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
12. Forget issues of the past, make peace with it. Dont keep reminding your ex with his/her mistakes, it will ruin your present happiness.
13. Life is too short to hate anyone. Don't hate, just be kind :)
14. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
15. Life is like school- you are here to learn. Its not all about play time. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away- like algebra- but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime! ha!
16. Smile and laugh more.
17. You don't have to win every argument. Its okay to agree to disagree.
18. Call your family more often.
19. Do something good for someone every day- a random act of kindness, just cos.
20. Forgive everyone for everything (this one I will struggle with!)
21. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
22. Smile at strangers.
23. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Even if you are smiling at them weirdly)
24. Your job wont take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
25. Make good choices.
26. Get rid of everything that isnt useful, beautiful or fun.
27. However bad or good the situation, it will change.
28. Get up. Dress up. Show up.
29. BE HAPPY and love with everything you have.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Living on a Sofa
I got really excited thinking about camp again today. It will be so nice to go back one day- hopefully this year! Its strange but even though I haven’t been there for a few years now I know what everything feels like physically to the touch. How the air smells. Where everything is in the kitchen. The temperature and texture of the surfaces. The colours of the trees. The sounds of the bonfires. The mist on the lake when everyone else is asleep and you are all alone in the peace sitting on the dock. Its weird because I feel like I know that place more than anywhere else, like a home. And I only spent three summers and three falls there. My Mum has moved house literally every three years since I was tiny, so I guess in a way it makes sense therefore. I haven’t ever really been able to call one house ‘my home’. It’s a shame really- I was always envious growing up of friend’s houses that were real family homes. Filled to the brim with junk, and things, and books, and photos and pictures and memories. I’ve never had that. I hope one day I will be able to find a place I want to be for a long time. A place I am happy to stay and bring up my children and my pets and fill with my own stuff. A place where I will know where everything is and yet know where nothing is. A place where I can imagine the smell as you walk in and the creaks on the stairs and the little cubby holes- even when I’m not there.
I already have ideas of what I want in my house ('when I grow up'). I have kept posters of everything I have ever worked on- film and theatre posters- that I would like to frame and put up around the house. Like a collection of things I have worked my butt off on. Prized possessions include a humongous RocknRolla poster that I love and will cost the earth to frame and beautiful photos of my gorgeous friends in Dog in the Manger last year, Helen looking beautiful as ever in her moment of angelic grace and Margeret Thatcherness (yes apparently it is possible to achieve this). Maybe I won’t work in the industry forever- but it’s been one hell of a ride so far and I’m proud of the past three years or so. Speaking of which I need to get a Sherlock poster if anyone can help! I have huge paintings I have done that I would like to have somewhere to hang. I want my friend Krista to paint me a few more too- she is oh so talented. I have boxes and boxes of books I can’t bare to give away simply because I imagine having somewhere to put them all later in life, and re-read them at leisure, and pass them on to my kiddos. Like my Mum I would love to have a library...wishiful thinking but wishing none the less. God my home is going to be like one big scrap book! I’m really looking forward to all that. Although there is soooooooooo much to come before then. I’m in no rush. I guess I’m just thinking about all this stuff more now that I have nowhere to live at all! ARGH. I think I have so far, since xmas, made three different sofas my new home. That’s okay though, it gives me some freedom this year which I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’m already enjoying the idea that I don’t have to pay rent this month- it takes the pressure off a little I suppose. Next up- job please!
An Absolute Treat
Utterly subliminal like the best bits of a black and white film
The mistakes in the background that not everyone has found
You are
treehouses and stuck in the mud
House of fun, steptoe and son, spaghetti
train journeys with a friend, 2CVs, Mercedes Benz-
Milkshakes and runaways to Peru,
Airwaves, softmint, juicy fruit.
The best ever cartoon
sunrays, breakaways, play days, computer games, bustamove,
party tunes, peteit filous and Timbuktu- make believe and
Fancy dress, hideaway den,
a crows nest, tea in bed.
My favourite song on the radio- the volume, the fastforward, the time to go.
Punk Music, RnB and electro,Pop, rock and roll, 2 step and disco-
lets go-to museums and waterparks
have a picnic in the park- in the dark,
play connect 4 on Tower Bridge or just walk through mazes...
or have you seen Labyrinth?
David Bowie- oh my gosh- he is sick yes?
Grapes from the fridge and mini-eggs,
3D glasses and Right Said Fred
French films, red wine
or Stars in Your Eyes-What would you sing?
What would you sing?
Rap, maps of the world, hot sand,
our land-before time-that bit when the mummy long-neck died
I cried.
Popcorn- salty or sweet? Mix in the maltesers as a treat
Four poster bed, you are a mansion, a house boat, a cave,a waterfall, you are glitter,
a looking glass, a know-it-all.
Popping bubble wrap, rearranging shelves and finding seashells,
old park bench and jellied eels,
You have made up your mind there is no going back.
You are soft seats, late night TV-walks on cliffs
and trampoline drunkness and fruit and good smelling shampoo
Pomegranate seeds, and crap tattoos
A-Team, strong tea, I'm proud of us
to see is like the relief of seeing the nightbus
Flowers that last much longer than you expected and
the pillow day so you dont ever have to go to work again!
The English language- I would say youre a good read,
Your mothers cooking, planting seeds
Hammocks, snow, thunder, hail,
Beetle juice, Thunder Cats, christmas, ale,
The Beatles, scooters, colouring in and Spring, Hours, birthdays, dates
and pads that cover the shin
when youre rollerblading.
Acrobatics, dramatics, foodfights, my bedside light
Oh my God you make me laugh
My warm bath with plenty of bubbles that crackle like rice krispies
SNAP!
Ice cream, on the roller coaster
Picking the cheese off the inside of the toaster
coca cola with a marshmallow floater
dance for me- tap, anything ballet
float away like drunk from champagne-then drink to piss the night away-
then sleep in hands the whole next day
Sunshine in May, come to stay
ONE.TWO.THREE.Four.
Happy Days
You are the reason that I am weak.
Why I cant speak.
Now I sound like a fucking freak, I'm not, its just that
for the mind- you happen to be an absolute treat.
The mistakes in the background that not everyone has found
You are
treehouses and stuck in the mud
House of fun, steptoe and son, spaghetti
train journeys with a friend, 2CVs, Mercedes Benz-
Milkshakes and runaways to Peru,
Airwaves, softmint, juicy fruit.
The best ever cartoon
sunrays, breakaways, play days, computer games, bustamove,
party tunes, peteit filous and Timbuktu- make believe and
Fancy dress, hideaway den,
a crows nest, tea in bed.
My favourite song on the radio- the volume, the fastforward, the time to go.
Punk Music, RnB and electro,Pop, rock and roll, 2 step and disco-
lets go-to museums and waterparks
have a picnic in the park- in the dark,
play connect 4 on Tower Bridge or just walk through mazes...
or have you seen Labyrinth?
David Bowie- oh my gosh- he is sick yes?
Grapes from the fridge and mini-eggs,
3D glasses and Right Said Fred
French films, red wine
or Stars in Your Eyes-What would you sing?
What would you sing?
Rap, maps of the world, hot sand,
our land-before time-that bit when the mummy long-neck died
I cried.
Popcorn- salty or sweet? Mix in the maltesers as a treat
Four poster bed, you are a mansion, a house boat, a cave,a waterfall, you are glitter,
a looking glass, a know-it-all.
Popping bubble wrap, rearranging shelves and finding seashells,
old park bench and jellied eels,
You have made up your mind there is no going back.
You are soft seats, late night TV-walks on cliffs
and trampoline drunkness and fruit and good smelling shampoo
Pomegranate seeds, and crap tattoos
A-Team, strong tea, I'm proud of us
to see is like the relief of seeing the nightbus
Flowers that last much longer than you expected and
the pillow day so you dont ever have to go to work again!
The English language- I would say youre a good read,
Your mothers cooking, planting seeds
Hammocks, snow, thunder, hail,
Beetle juice, Thunder Cats, christmas, ale,
The Beatles, scooters, colouring in and Spring, Hours, birthdays, dates
and pads that cover the shin
when youre rollerblading.
Acrobatics, dramatics, foodfights, my bedside light
Oh my God you make me laugh
My warm bath with plenty of bubbles that crackle like rice krispies
SNAP!
Ice cream, on the roller coaster
Picking the cheese off the inside of the toaster
coca cola with a marshmallow floater
dance for me- tap, anything ballet
float away like drunk from champagne-then drink to piss the night away-
then sleep in hands the whole next day
Sunshine in May, come to stay
ONE.TWO.THREE.Four.
Happy Days
You are the reason that I am weak.
Why I cant speak.
Now I sound like a fucking freak, I'm not, its just that
for the mind- you happen to be an absolute treat.
15 minutes is all it takes.
We arrived twenty minutes early for the train. It was freezing cold. He waited with me for 5 minutes, and then left. So I had 15 minutes alone in the cold with no one to talk to and shivering. I know it sounds pathetic, and believe me I have had to endure far worse of course, but it is just another reason why I love 'camp' people. I'm not even sure what that term really means, and it is often impossible to describe what a 'camp' person is like to people who have not experienced it first hand. And it is not like we are all similar people at all, God you couldnt get a more diverse and crazier car crash of personalities if you tried...
Tommy with his love of trucks, trees, cutting things up and making new things out of them. His love of beer, snowboarding, biking. His hard and genuine hugs, his unshifting opinions. Locko, the grown up, who has never grown up. Who is the wildest person in the world when drunk and the kindest, quiet observer when not. A true motivator who is probably the easiest person in the world to persuade to do anything no matter how ridiculous it is. Sam- the most gadget loving, toy loving of the bunch. He loves his kitchen things, lollies, cake making, his coffee, his familiar comforts. Sharp witted, hilarious, fun, creative and silly. Has always wanted to settle down since I have ever known him, beaming from ear to ear now that he has with Nat (aah Nat). Cat- an adventurer, a lover of the outdoors. A carer to all and organiser of a chaotic bunch. Generous and sensitive. Taya- disconnected from reality pretty much all the time, and this makes him either the most magical person in the world, or the strangest. He is the true camp survivor, and embodies all of the camp experience. It has shaped him to be who is is in the truest sense, more than anyone else who has ever been there. Tepper- the genius amongst us, a number cruncher whose New York world will forever baffle the rest of us. But who dives into everything head first with a sparkle and adventure in his eyes even if he cant see the bottom. Who will be the first and last to make a million, thats if he hasnt already. Emily- Emily Emily. the girl who has probably touched more lives than I can ever fathom. Who makes friends with every person she passes. Whose sense of fun and laughter and affection and thought for others, leaves the greatest of impressions that people can never be released from. She is most 'extreme' and unforgettable. There are more wonderful people, I could go on all day. But this is a bunch of people whom I love so much- and all their traits are perfect, I have not intended to highlight their positives and negatives, just who they are to me as a diverse and complex person. I love them all... and I am forever trying to figure out why we all get on so well, why it works, why it feels so wonderful to be together when we are. Yet above all else... I know that it is for simple reasons....reasons such as the fact that every single one of those people would wait 15 minutes with me in the freezing cold for a train they werent going to catch.
I am truly blessed to have these people in my lives.
I think the thing that makes me so happy is to know that all these people and more will always be in my life- I will always be a part of them and they will always be a part of me. Our experiences with our friends will forever bind us, camp will always be engrained in my heart. I always dream of the days when Katy and Jon and their fun, humourous, ridiculously cool kids; Sam and Nat and their cute australian accented sproggs; Ems blonde water babies; Tayas sensitive and musical children; Locks wild and nutty little uns; Teppers mini geeks; Cats adventurous fire-building offspring; Toms wood-chopping mini muddier versions of him in plaid shirts; Sticks cool, calm and collected but oh so popular babes; Kent's little sensitive eco warrior rug rats with a fooked up London/NewJersey twang; Kovatch's curly haired, bum chinned Chicago Bear lovers (Bears or Cubs? argh cant remember); Tony's little curly haired sweetheart of a girl too- the one who will never leave his side because he loves her too much; Rachel Krol's ballerinas dainty and adorable; Danny's blonde, athletic, mini man-city supporters...are all at camp together creating their own memories whilst we 'adults' all play gatorball together on the sports field ignoring all of the rules, heated matches of shit talking cribbage in the kitchen, raiding the walk in and getting drunk at the wine and cheese nights singing songs and reminiscing by the fireplace. Dancing together in hideous costumes to the embarrassment of our children.
I am blessed to have you all in my life more than ever and I am so glad of any opportunity to get to spend with you. Camp, Seattle, Australia and whatever comes next. You are all amazing and I cant wait to know you forever.
And by the way- I will always wait 15 minutes for you.
Tommy with his love of trucks, trees, cutting things up and making new things out of them. His love of beer, snowboarding, biking. His hard and genuine hugs, his unshifting opinions. Locko, the grown up, who has never grown up. Who is the wildest person in the world when drunk and the kindest, quiet observer when not. A true motivator who is probably the easiest person in the world to persuade to do anything no matter how ridiculous it is. Sam- the most gadget loving, toy loving of the bunch. He loves his kitchen things, lollies, cake making, his coffee, his familiar comforts. Sharp witted, hilarious, fun, creative and silly. Has always wanted to settle down since I have ever known him, beaming from ear to ear now that he has with Nat (aah Nat). Cat- an adventurer, a lover of the outdoors. A carer to all and organiser of a chaotic bunch. Generous and sensitive. Taya- disconnected from reality pretty much all the time, and this makes him either the most magical person in the world, or the strangest. He is the true camp survivor, and embodies all of the camp experience. It has shaped him to be who is is in the truest sense, more than anyone else who has ever been there. Tepper- the genius amongst us, a number cruncher whose New York world will forever baffle the rest of us. But who dives into everything head first with a sparkle and adventure in his eyes even if he cant see the bottom. Who will be the first and last to make a million, thats if he hasnt already. Emily- Emily Emily. the girl who has probably touched more lives than I can ever fathom. Who makes friends with every person she passes. Whose sense of fun and laughter and affection and thought for others, leaves the greatest of impressions that people can never be released from. She is most 'extreme' and unforgettable. There are more wonderful people, I could go on all day. But this is a bunch of people whom I love so much- and all their traits are perfect, I have not intended to highlight their positives and negatives, just who they are to me as a diverse and complex person. I love them all... and I am forever trying to figure out why we all get on so well, why it works, why it feels so wonderful to be together when we are. Yet above all else... I know that it is for simple reasons....reasons such as the fact that every single one of those people would wait 15 minutes with me in the freezing cold for a train they werent going to catch.
I am truly blessed to have these people in my lives.
I think the thing that makes me so happy is to know that all these people and more will always be in my life- I will always be a part of them and they will always be a part of me. Our experiences with our friends will forever bind us, camp will always be engrained in my heart. I always dream of the days when Katy and Jon and their fun, humourous, ridiculously cool kids; Sam and Nat and their cute australian accented sproggs; Ems blonde water babies; Tayas sensitive and musical children; Locks wild and nutty little uns; Teppers mini geeks; Cats adventurous fire-building offspring; Toms wood-chopping mini muddier versions of him in plaid shirts; Sticks cool, calm and collected but oh so popular babes; Kent's little sensitive eco warrior rug rats with a fooked up London/NewJersey twang; Kovatch's curly haired, bum chinned Chicago Bear lovers (Bears or Cubs? argh cant remember); Tony's little curly haired sweetheart of a girl too- the one who will never leave his side because he loves her too much; Rachel Krol's ballerinas dainty and adorable; Danny's blonde, athletic, mini man-city supporters...are all at camp together creating their own memories whilst we 'adults' all play gatorball together on the sports field ignoring all of the rules, heated matches of shit talking cribbage in the kitchen, raiding the walk in and getting drunk at the wine and cheese nights singing songs and reminiscing by the fireplace. Dancing together in hideous costumes to the embarrassment of our children.
I am blessed to have you all in my life more than ever and I am so glad of any opportunity to get to spend with you. Camp, Seattle, Australia and whatever comes next. You are all amazing and I cant wait to know you forever.
And by the way- I will always wait 15 minutes for you.
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
So my Dad told me once that life is like a trip to Thorpe Park- and that to have a good life you have to learn to enjoy the queues as well as the rides. Jeez- what a cool thing to say. Dads arent usually cool but I think thats quite a good way to try and live. Whatever direction I take, or decisions I make I should try to enjoy it all- even the boring bits standing in line waiting for something exciting to happen.
So I suppose my way of doing that at the moment is to try and write a blog. I say 'try' because Ive never really written pubilically. And I think Im probably really quite boring! But I dont care right now- Id like to document my thoughts and feelings whether people are interested or not. And Im not going to excuse my inane ramblings again after this ( I have been known for my waffling!)...I just like the idea of exploring little moments, day to day life. And I think my main problem is that I'm always searching for whats next, next next next rather than just being at peace with the now- dwelling on and relishing the now. I think it will be my forever struggle. But at least Im trying.
So I suppose my way of doing that at the moment is to try and write a blog. I say 'try' because Ive never really written pubilically. And I think Im probably really quite boring! But I dont care right now- Id like to document my thoughts and feelings whether people are interested or not. And Im not going to excuse my inane ramblings again after this ( I have been known for my waffling!)...I just like the idea of exploring little moments, day to day life. And I think my main problem is that I'm always searching for whats next, next next next rather than just being at peace with the now- dwelling on and relishing the now. I think it will be my forever struggle. But at least Im trying.
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