BLOOMIN CAMILLA

2009-02-05T17:12:00.001-08:00

MY FAVOURITE PAINTINGS

2009-02-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

This is my set Homework of five favourite paintings, I have a deep passion for Art so narrowing it down to only five is difficult.

It is interesting that some of the Artwork I steer towards are French, maybe to do with some of that French blood in me, also some Irish too.!

To be able to paint is a wonderful gift, sadly a gift that was not bestowed to me, but I am thankful at least that I can still enjoy the artist's wonderful creativity, painted by their own hand for other's to feast on with a passion like I do. Like a Book, they are very precious to me.

Maternity - By James Jebusa Shannon. 1862-1923 A genre figure and portrait painter who was born in the U.S.A. of Irish parents. He married Florence Mary Cartwright, they had a Daughter named Kitty.

Shannon came to London in 1878 aged sixteen. He studied at the Royal College of Art from 1878 to 1891 under Edward Poynter, receiving the Gold Medal for figure painting.

He became a renowned society portraitist, rivalling John Singer Sargent. His sitters included the Marchioness of Granby, Ellen Terry and Sarah Bernhardt.

He was knighted in 1922. A memorial exhibition of his work was held at the Leicester Galleries in 1923, and his work was included in the Royal Academy's Late Member's Exhibition in 1928.

His work is represented in many Museums including the Metropolitan in New York.

On The Terrace - By Pierre Auguste Renoir 1841-1919 Impressionist Painter born in Limoges - France. Renoir began work as a painter in a porcelain factory in Paris, gaining experience with the light, fresh colours that were to distinguish his impressionist work and also learning the importance of good craftmanship.

Woman In The Garden - By Claude Monet 1840-1926 Monet was the original founder of the French Impressionist Painting. Born in Paris to his mother a singer and to his father a grocery store owner. Claude Monet was the younger of two sons, Monet's father hoped he would continue the family grocery store business, but Monet had other idea's. To his father's dismay Monet openly declared his love of Art, and his hopes of living life as an artist.

The Letter - By Albert E Lynch 1851-1912 Born is Lima, he studied Art at L' Ecole des Beaux - Arts de Paris. The tem 'Beaux Arts' is the appropriate English equivalent of 'Fine Arts' and broadly speaking refers to the American Renaissance period from about 1890 - 1920.

My Family - By Arthur J Elsley 1860 - 1952 Elsley was born in London, he was known mainly for his sentimental pictures of children and dogs usually in domestic settings and the popularity found them much in demand for advertisements. Arthur's earliest known work was a Portrait Sketch of a little dog, entitled Vic (1871). At the age of fourteen he entered the South Kensington School of Art.

Peter Ustinov once said - 'If Bottecelli was alive today, he'd be working for Vogue', somehow I do not think so.!!

PRESENT INTERESTS

2008-10-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

It has been years since I have ridden a bycicle, the last time I remember cycling over the rickety bridge only to be met by a man in a white van coming in the opposite direction down a narrow country lane and taking up the full width of the road. I stuck my right leg out with handle bars all a tremour, and you've guessed it...... became a cropper. I happen to like cycling, great fun, I kid myself it might keep my over 60's body in shape, even though, still not bad for an oldie.

De-clutter my wardrobes, I did begin this a few weeks ago and gave some clothes to the charity shop, but then once inside charity shops I usually come home with another gorgeous creation that some other has no use for. Having a 'clear out' apparantly is cathartic, but I have always been a hoarder thinking, oh will keep that just in case it comes in handy, but usually never does.

Baking cakes - I have a sweet tooth, when my children were growing up I was always busy in the kitchen turning out the odd swiss-roll, little dainty fairy cakes filled with butter icing, victoria sandwich with a favourite jam filling, the list goes on. Then somehow I stopped baking cakes, why spend time when one can buy a yum cake over the counter, or even the good old WI or our tiny pantry shop in the village. So I am into baking these again, I blame it on those gorgeous pictures in Food Book I received recently, so Kittyb, move over darling, know you are a whiz with baking cakes, no joking aside my cakes could never look as gorgeous.

Catch up with my reading, sadly this has been neglected of late, like to be busy, but I do love a good book, log on the fire, glass of the old vino, a cosy throw, adore books so I am going to make more time for this. Books I am reading at the moment are - Nobbut A Lad - A Yorkshire Childhood by that gorgeous man Alan Titchmarsh. This was recently sent to me by Elizabethd in France along with two very pretty french postcards, thank you Elizabeth, I will pass it on to Bradan next. The second book that awaits my reading is - The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer, I love this author's wonderful period detail.

I popped into the Library last week to enquire after anything by Hogarth and while I was there a lady happened to return the G. Heyer book. I said to the Librarian, 'ooh, may I take that book out please', 'are you sure, she said, 'it is in very LARGE PRINT'. 'Yes I said, eyes are a tad wonky, but hey ho.!

I came across some gorgeous floral vintage fabric in a shop recently, I'm thinking cushions at the moment. I loathed dressmaking at school, buttons to be sewn on I can just about manage, I shuddered when name tags were dropped in my lap by my children for school uniforms. Thank heavens for my MIL who was a seamstress. The cushions might not resemble Laura Ashley or Designers Guild but I am going to give it a go.

MY HOMEWORK

2008-09-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

There are five things that I have always wanted but have never had, ooh, a girl can only but dream.

First would be to own my own Horse, it has been absolutely ages since I have ridden, memories of riding here in Norfolk when I was just a 'slip of a girl' was so exciting and exhilerating. I used to ride a silver/grey mare named Peewea and often used to have a fine gallop across the beaches with her, loved that Horse. Only thing is that I would have to have another Horse to keep the other one company, would hate to think Horse would be lonely.

Second to open up a shop, maybe books with a little Tea/Room, but then I have a passion for Interiors, Antiques and Art, so perhaps an Art Gallery or Vintage Fabrics and Accessories.

The third I would love to own a gorgeous cottage in France - sorry, agree with what Jane says about second homes too, but even so, how lovely that would be. My Great Grandmother had French blood on my Mother's side, and even though it has been some time since I visited the country, always have fond memories, and just think of all that french wine...... the food.... and the language which is so flowery, ah.!

Coming up in fourth would be to finish a book and have it published, lots of unfinished manuscripts kept in folders. A few Short Stories and Poems I have had published in Magazine's, but to have a whole Novel published would be heaven.

I was left an Emerald and Diamond ring by my Grandmother years ago, silly me I lost it, cannot believe I was wearing it when it was too big for me and needed to be made smaller, somewhere it was tossed I know not where. It was heartbreaking to think that this piece of sentimental heirloom had been lost forever, so another ring of it's kind would be wonderful, and I love Emerald stones.

Know one should only choose five things, so cheating a bit here.......... quite fancy an array of blank Canvases with a set of Oils and Watercolours and a large set of very fine Brushes. A friend years ago gave me her Easel, what am I waiting for.! probably the knack of actually painting something that looks like art I should think.

Oh, and if anyone has a job going in a Library, then I'm your girl, never worked as a Librarian but quite fancy being amongst all those lovely books.

If of course a magic wand was to hand how I would love to end World Poverty, there would be PEACE throughout the land and a miracle drug to cease people suffering from terminal illness.

MY HOMEWORK - LITERATURE

2008-06-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Firstly my apologies to Faith who got the ball rolling for our Homework, my name being the third in the alphabet was seemingly moons ago, but better late than never.

It is 100 years since the Canadian schoolmistress Lucy Maud Montgomery published her first book, Anne of Green Gables, and changed not only her own life, but that of countless little girls around the world. Millions of small readers have since dreamt away the hours, picturing themselves as the freckly, carrot-topped girl who fetches upon Prince Edward Island and bewitches the dour natives of a place known mostly for potatoes.

Within months of the book's publication Anne became a classic heroine for any little girl who has ever fretted about her looks, hungered for Art and Beauty, and pursued long words in the hope they would become her special friends. So anyone who sets out to tamper with her story is taking a great risk. BUDGE WILSON may have had, according to a careful note on the title page, the authorisation of Montgomery's heirs in writing this prequel, but you feel that maybe she is pretty much on her own in this interpretation of what happened during the 11 years prior to Anne fetching up at Green Gables. I have read the original book, and also had the hat and plaits when I went to school.!

BEFORE GREEN GABLES - By Budge Wilson - Publishers - Puffin

Muddie recommended a very good book to me, it's title - COUNT THE PETALS OF THE MOON DAISY - By Martin Kirby - Publishers - Pegasus. Moon Daisy spans the Atlantic and the years, a story of roots, and ghosts, music and nature. Violin virtuosa Jessica Healey finds herself carried to a lost world of water gypsies and teeming wildlife. The Norfolk wind blows to her soul, and the secret of her very being is revealed as their two lives, separated by a century, weave closer and closer......... until they touch. I loved this book and could hardly put it down.

THE BIGAMIST - is an Autobiography written by Mary Turner-Thomson - Publishers - Mainstream Publishing Company (Edinburgh) Ltd. This true story is of how one man manipulated an intelligent independent woman conning her out of £200,000 and leaving her to bring up the children he claimed he could never have.

THE MORVILLE HOURS : The Story of a Garden - By - Katherine Swift - Publishers - Bloomsbury. When Katherine Swift arrived at Morville Hall in 1988 she suggested to it's owners, The National Trust, that she make a garden. Instead of providing three-dimensional drawings or elaborate planting plants, she wrote about an imaginary garden - the present tense - as if walking along it's paths and borders. She managed to convince the National Trust by words alone.

Swift adores the winter and the cold - 'there is so much more time to look' - stripped of leaves and blossom, the garden exposes it's pure structure and the tiniest detail such as the thorns of the roses. This is truly a magical book.

ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE - A major new collection of poems to console and inspire.

Edited By - Philip Davies - Publishers - J M Dent.

Choosing just five books is difficult, I still have a love of Jane Austin literature, and have a keen interest in the Bloomsbury Group of Writers, but I hope you may be able to read one of my five chosen books between the sheets maybe before you turn the lights out.!!

Lastly I leave you with John Keats and part of his poem - 'Ode to a Nightingale'

Keats wrote 150 Poems, but those upon which his reputation rests were written in the span of nine months, from January to September 1819. This intense flowering of talent remains unparalleled in literary history.

In the Spring of 1819, a Nightingale had built her nest near John Keats friend and room-mate's house, Keats felt a tranquil and continual joy in her song, and one morning he took his chair from the breakfast-table to the grass plot under a plum tree, where he sat for 2-3 hours, it was there Keats composed the poem 'Ode to a Nightingale'. The main picture here is of Keats painted by Joseph Severn, listening to a Nightingale in Hampstead Heath in London.

My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains

My sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk,

Or emptied some dull opiate to the drains

One minute past, and Lethe -wards had sunk

'Tis not through envy of thy happy lot,

But being too happy in thine happiness,

That thou, light-winged Dryed of the trees

In some melodious plot

Of beeches green and shadows numberless,

Singest of summer in full throated ease.

There is a very definate way that one can tell a good poem, it leaves you with a very undefinable feeling. You become pensive, stare at nothing and think.

CAMILLA - WHERE I LIVE

2008-04-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

I live in Reepham the market town located between Norwich and Holt, on the North Norfolk coast. Reepham's attractive historic market town was granted a market charter in 1277 during the reign of Edward I- much of the 18th Century Market Place is a designated Conservation area. This Georgian Norfolk Town, the name Reepham, (Pronounced Reefam) is Anglo-Saxon - 'Meadow of the Reeve'. It is also mentioned in the Domesday Book, and it is not sure which reeve it may have been, a manorial reeve or a church reeve or even a royal reeve.

Set as it is, in the clay heathlands this was a pastoral area with open fields clustered around the town, water meadows along the streams and grazing lands stretching across the heaths until enclosed and eventually ploughed up and made arable in the Wartime.

The town boasts enticing places to eat, and interesting independent shops, we have two butchers to die for, Bonham's Auction House, a general food store, a health food shop, chemist, one greengrocer, three Estate Agents, one Bank, and three pubs including The Old Brewery House which is a Hotel and Restaurant. This houses a public swimming pool and a gym. There is also a swish Florists Shop, an Antique Shop, and a posh Tearoom. Reepham's old railway has been renovated into an Aladdin's Cave that sells gorgeous furniture and beautiful chinaware, it has a large georgian Conservatory sitting on the edge of the disused railway line where one can have a spot of lunch or beverages. The local Post Office has been in the same family for many years and it stocks everything from stamps, books, milk, pies, and much more, I would be very sad to see it go, as I think it is a very important part of the community. The ladies who serve behind the counters always have a smile and a cheer, and always so helpful.

The Bircham Institute a former private house is now used mainly as the local library, it is also used as the WI where local people contribute by making Jams and Pies and homemade Cakes. The original building was 17th Century but it was greatly altered in the 19th Century. Once the home of the Rector of Hackford, it was eventually given to the town by a member of the Bircham family to be used as a reading room and meeting place, a use that it has well fulfilled.

Market Day is on every Wednesday where people set up their stalls to sell their wares, and abundance of fresh flowers and plants. Hundreds of years ago Reepham Market Place was the centre for the Cattle Market which eventually died out.

Reepham's unique claim to fame is it's 'shared churchyard', shared not by two but three separate Parish Churches. It is wondered if this indicated a very early sacred site? it is the correct situation and shape for this, or it could have been a celtic Monastry with several small churches. Whatever the reason, the Parishes nearby of Hackford and Whitwell met in Reepham and each built a Church in the Churchyard. Hackford burnt down in a town fire in the Sixteenth Century, but Whitwell's - St Michael's and Reepham's St Mary's continued with separate incumbents until the 1930's. Parishioners of St Michael's claim to have heard St Mary's singing their final hymn whilst they were still listening to the sermon.

The town also has a Primary School and a High School, the latter was praised for it's work in building International link by Unicef Ambassador former war correspondent Martin Bell. The man in the 'white suit' made comments as he formally awarded British Council International School Status to Reepham High School. Recently the High School has been granted funding of £5,265,000 to build a new Sixth Form which should be completed in 2009.

The famous Parson Norfolk Diarist - Parson Woodforde, did his shopping in Reepham in the 1700's. Some ten years ago Reepham was used as a setting for an adaptation of the classic story The Secret Garden.

WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD - BOOKS

2008-04-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

When I was a child my Mother always read childrens stories to me, I have a fond memory of the Classic Books at the time. Alice in Wonderland stuck firmly in my mind too, about a young girl chasing a White Rabbit down a hole, and imbibes a strange concoction which has a strange effect on her.

I think I did have Picture Books, today there are numerous ones with gorgeous illustrations.

I began reading a book when very young probably at the age of six or seven

I was a shy child unable to mix very well, by reading I could visualise myself into another fantasy world.

My Mother always gave me books as gifts for Birthdays and Christmas. I had a wonderful English Tutor at High School, I owe him my passion for Literature. He had a kind calm manner, and he always instilled an eagerness for me wanting to know more of the English Language.

There was quite a few book characters who influenced my behaviour. What Katy Did was one, and also May Alcott's Novel - Little Women.

If you were to ask me were there any places in a book that I longed to be I would say, I loved my home life with my Mother, but I craved for the countryside, to be on a farm with Horses and Sheep, and Geese.

I had never read Poetry until I was 17 years, I was introduced to John Donne by a friend since then I have been hooked and I am so passionate about Poems now.

I also enjoyed Fairy Story's, I love the idea that there might be Fairies living at the bottom of the Garden, good kind Fairies only though, that are there to watch over you. Beautiful books to mind are that of The Water Babes by Charles Kingsley.

I cannot ever remember a book that I did not like.

I think some of the modern writers ot literature will survive the test of time, authors like - Kenneth Grahame, J.K. Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson, Enid Blyton, C.S.Lewis, A.A.Milne, and Beatrix Potter. There sadly will be others that will just fade out.

Do I think that writing as a child made me want to become a writer?

Definately Yes.!

If I wrote for children in the future would it be Poetry, Novel, Film, Quick Read, Short Story etc., it would have to be Short Story's - I have had a few short stories published mainly for adults in magazine's. I think it is much harder to write for children, although I do have one unfinished manuscript of a children's story I began writing nearly twenty years ago.

I have children, and grandchildren and young friends and relatives who all have a great passion for reading I think it is important to encourage literature at a very young age, and the illustrations along with the written word is so precious.

They all visit the Library on a regular basis.

I do buy books for children but mainly I use the local Library for books, latest book purchased for a teenager was Jacqueline Wilson and J.K.Rowling. My son is in publishing so I am fortunate to get these at a discount, recent ones were the complete set of Beatrix Potter.

I think the love of books are becoming rarer, I believe young readers of the age of 3 - 14 years are still keen, but between the ages of 15 to very young adults, I think are receding.

Although there are TV Promotions, Man Booker Awards, Creative Writing Groups, we still need to be reassured that there will be even more Programmes on Books and Literature.

Sadly the Computer/TV/DVD screen has taken over from the written word, although my 13 year old granddaughter I am happy to say spends a lot of time reading.

I am hoping that all this new technology will not herald a decline of imagination.

The excitement of being able to read at one's pace whenever or wherever you wish, to be transported into a world of others imagination and creativity is truly wonderful.

If you asked me if I had one favourite book from childhood, there would be many.

Heidi

What Katy Did

Little Women

Wind In The Willows

Winnie The Pooh

Enid Blyton

Roald Dahl - I love Charlie and The Chocloate Factory

Pinnocchio

Peter Pan

Black Beauty

Beatrix Potter Stories

Hans Christian Anderson

Rudyard Kipling

The Water Babes by Charles Kinglsey- Illustrated by M.W.Tarrant

All Horse and Pony Books.

Alice In Wonderland

If I were to be sent to a Desert Island and were only allowed one children's book, it would have to be - Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The famous friendship of Ratty and Mole, whose adventures with Badger and Otter, together with the outragous Mr Toad, has delighted me since I first read the book. It captures- life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, and winter firesides.

Thank you Dear Cait for allowing me to follow up the Survey, and bringing home to me again all those wonderful memories I have of those beautiful precious books.

SERENITY OF LIFE

2008-03-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Busy - that's how most of us define our lives. Rarely do we slow down enough to collect our thoughts, feel the earth beneath our feet, or just let the wonder of existence wash over us. Yet calm moments are vital to our physical, mental, and spiritual well being.

For centuries, poets and philosophers have spoken of the universal desire for serenity - for those fleeting tranquil moments when the whirl of life slows down long enough for our blessings to come into focus. The electronic age has given us the ability to do more and more, faster and faster; at the same time, our need for a balance between work and leisure, action and reflection, has not diminished at all. In fact, since modern life is so fraught with stress and worry, our need for serenity has grown.

A quiet moment with a child, the satisfaction of a job well done, a chat with a friend, a span of time alone to think and dream - serenity is a million different things to a million different people. Yet, fundamentally, it is the same for us all - the need for an uninterrupted slice of time in which we can appreciate the world around us and listen to the world inside us, and pray for PEACE too.

Here is a poem that I came across by the Poet - JOHN RUSKIN

To watch the corn grow, and the blossoms set;

To draw hard breath over ploughshare or spade;

To read, to think, to love, to hope, to pray - these

Are the things that make (us) happy.

MY HOMEWORK

I have been tagged by the lovely Elizabethd to write 7 things about myself, thank you Elizabeth.

Think I have done this before but will give it a go again, not sure what I wrote previously.

I have been known to be 'labelled' - eccentric, away with the fairies, from another planet, and as mad as a hatter - that's alright by me, at least I'm not boring I say, like to stand out in a crowd.

The totality of my individual behaviour in life is very passionate and intense, this can be at a disadvantage for me when feelings and emotions are at a low, but wonderful when I am normally on a high. As by nature I am truly so enthusiastic about life, living with a depressive as I do, sometimes rubs off on me.

I have a fear of the dark and will not venture or drive out in the dark unless I really have to, something I found hard when doing night shifts at the hospital years ago. Not sure why I have this fear, as a child I cannot relate to any bad occurence.

I am left handed, I like the idea that the reason for this was because my Mother used to say that she carried me as a baby on her left hip.

I was knocked down by a car when I was twelve crossing the road and reading a book, I survived but could have been more serious, told you I had a love of books.

I am a hoarder of Artwork, there is something quite wonderful about an artists creativity hanging on one's wall.

Others believe me to be quite straight laced, and slow in coming forward, a tad serene, but if anyone gets the better of me, I can give them a run for their money.!

I live in HOPE.

If after you have read this and you would like to give it a go, be my guest.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

2008-02-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by the lovely Cait to write some HOUSEHOLD TIPS - here goes then.

Housework can be such a negative thing, no matter how many times one dusts and cleans, at the end of the day one never really has anything to show for their life's work, but we like to keep our home spic and span.

I like to keep a tidy home, but not a show home, I like it to be well lived in with rugs, numerous cushions, huge amount of artwork with jugs of flowers in each room. Another importance for me is table lamps, I do not have a passion for stark bright ceiling lights. Many a day or evening you will be able to spot heaps of books and Magazines strewn all over the floor, when they should be back in their pile on table or side by side on various book shelves.

I am allergic to certain chemicals so try to use natural remedies if at all possible. White Vinegar is always to hand, this I use to wash glass windows, and always get a smear free finish.

I have always used Lemon Juice for stain removing, good for using on carpets, or plastic, I usually dilute the Lemon Juice, but one can use neat also.

My furniture which is mainly Walnut and Mahogany, is rubbed over with a good tin of Wax Polish, but one can use a solution of Vinegar and Water first, then just buff up after with the Polish.

Although the dishwasher which is used quite frequently, now and again crockery does end up in the kitchen sink. To keep your stainless steel sink clean and shiny just use some Olive Oil on a soft cloth. Again by using the Lemon, this can make your taps shine and sparkle.

There is nothing worse than a grubby toilet, we all might loathe cleaning them, but of course vital they are kept clean. Many bleaches are used I know, but if you use Borax for cleaning out the toilet, it is environmentally friendly, anti-bacterial, helps to remove stains, and is effective also a deodoriser. Sorry chaps, but men always have a habit of keping the toilet seat up, best to keep it down, as by doing this it avoids catapulting germs around newly cleaned bathroom when flushing the loo.

Lastly, rather than Air Freshener, if you place a fabric softner sheet in the wastepaper basket, or add a dab of fragrence on a light bulb, this gives good effect, also when lightbulb is switched on, the heat releases the aroma, this good tip given to me by a very good friend of mine.

Now after all that cleaning think you deserve a glass of wine, and feet up with a good book, oh nearly forgot, white wine is very useful for keeping your glass shower doors free from stains and limescale.

Happy Good Housekeeping everyone, a chore I know, but someone's got to do it, and what better way than to stick an Ipod in your ear, and listen to a favourite piece of music while you are whizzing around in your Pinny and Marigolds.

Note Books and Journals

2008-02-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

I dont know about others, but I cannot do without my Note Books and Journals. I keep a Dreambook also where I jot down daily things which take my fancy, and maybe snippets of Magazine cuttings. These books are stacked on my writing desk, together with pretty jugs of various pens and pencils.

My desk in the Study is a little too small for my liking, and eventually I do hope to purchase a new one, good idea also perhaps would be for me to go to one of the Auction Houses to see if I can pick up a lovely Antique one. I like the idea of a desk being owned by some other, to know that many hours this piece of furniture was used in it's entirity for some creative piece of work.

This brings to mind about our lovely Crystal who now owns her beloved Father's desk, I can understand how she feels so much affection for that desk.

Happy writing everyone.

Camilla.x

A BOOK MEME

2008-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

BOOK MEME

I am to do a Book Meme, I have been tagged by the lovely Muddie, I like a bit of fun so here goes:

1 Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2 Open the book to page 123
3 Find the fifth sentence
4 Type the next five
5 Tag five people

Drum roll please, ta da....

I have picked up:- The Gowk Storm by the Author Nancy Brysson Morrison - published by Canongate.

I found the fifth sentence which says:-

'None of us can expect', he said, more pleasantly, 'every day to be a picnic. The calendar is made up of commonplace days, and after all that is best - the plain things of life are always best and last longest'. He looked urbanely from one to the other. Better to be married to - shall we say? - a minister like your father, the highest calling in the world, and pass your days in the homely atmosphere of a sheltered manse than be the dupe of false excitement and wordly show which cannot endure.

The Gowk Storm - I first heard this on BBC Radio 4 when I was travelling to work one morning, I loved it, and could not wait to order from the book store. It was first published in 1933. I was intrigued to learn what the word Gowk stood for and discovered that Gowk Storm - A storm of several days at the end of April or beginning of May; an evil or abstract obstruction of short duration.

It is a story of which the title predicts, an untimely fall of snow in early Spring - a fitting symbol for the anguished story that unfolds. Nearly a hundred years ago, three girls were born to a minister and his wife in remote Highland manse; the rigid patriarchal structure of the times is set against their approaching womanhood and growing awareness of life beyond the safety of home.

This award winning book was a Book Society Choice, went into eight impressions and was succcessfully dramatised.

Thank you Muddie for the Tag. Now I have to tag five others, but if you have arrived at my blog, you are truly tagged. So it's over to you. Enjoy.!!

Three Score Years

2008-01-29T13:25:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe that sixty years has passed, and in that time what have I achieved on this glorious earth. My English Tutor at High School said on one of my reports, an exceptional piece of Composition, a joy to read. Ever since I can remember of being a child at an early age I always had my head in a book, to feel it's cover and be immersed into another world of fantasy. As I grew older I penned many a short story, or poem, some were not successful, others fortunately were to be published in various magazine's. Maybe one day I shall see a Novel of my hand sitting proudly on the shelf at Waterstones.

The 1960's were a truly memorable time for me, I am thankful I was a part of it, the era of 'Flower Power', The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and mini skirts. A time of no Computers, no electric Typewriters, old coinage. A time where one could leave their door unlocked and not worry about passing strangers.

I was born in Westminster the heart of London, sixty years ago. I lived in a wonderful Town House just off the edge of Baker Street, a street famous for the Sherlock Holmes character. I loved London then, the shops in the City, the night life. Jazz Clubs where Ronnie Scott and Acker Bilk were on the venues. Tiffany's at Piccadilly, which was great for dancing, the Theatres in Shaftesbury Avenue, and of course a frequent visitor to the wonderful Tate Gallery, where I would often be seen spending many a lunch hour during my working day.

So what did I want to do with my life, I had dropped out of University much to my Mother's disagreement, something perhaps I will always regret. I perhaps did have a chance to pursue the path of Journalism, but went and blew it.

I was a tall skinny girl and mad about fashion, and so enrolled myself at Lucy Clayton's Modelling School, this put me in good stead for a career in Modelling in London mainly, where I secured good jobs at the top Couture Fashion Houses, the first being Worth's of Bond Street. I enjoyed my time in London mixing with the different stereo-types, but I soon got bored with this.

So off to Secretarial Collage, after receiving a Diploma I settled into a job working for a Cancer Charity in Dorset Square London where Arthur Askey's sister was my Manager. About this time I was already in a relationship with my future husband, and we were inseparable. Our parents were good friends, and we spent nearly every weekend and summers in Norfolk where my inlaws owned Cottages.

In the 1970's I pursued the path of Nursing, a career to which I would never have thought would tick all the boxes. My darling Mother was quite ill at the time, and when she passed away I was thankful to have least given something back in a way of respect of her. It was a very busy time for me, and my nursing was put on hold for a while until I raised a family.

Yet, I yearned for the country way of life, I wanted to live in a country cottage with Roses around the door, not to be part of the 'rat race' any more. I longed for the solitude and the country air, So here I am, deep in the Norfolk countryside, wonderful scenery, big Norfolk sky's, fantastic beaches, wonderful walks, and some lovely friends who live not far from me.

Then one day in the year of 2006/7 I opened up a certain Magazine and noticed a Columnist Competition to enter, I was curious I wanted to know more, so I decided to take a look on their website. I never did enter the Competition, but I enjoyed reading bloggers diary's, a diary of theirs that would lead to a member securing the winning award of Columnist.

I wont bore you all with the outcome of that Competition, for we all know what it led to, but I am so thankful that I did get to meet some wonderful friends, most of who are with us today. Who knows what may have happened if our darling Westerwitch and Happysnaper had not given us that olive branch, so we could continue our very special Purplecoo Gang.

Crystal has bestowed to me a Thoughtful Blogger award, thank you Crystal I am truly grateful.

Oh, apparantly I am a Snapdragon, caring and loving, but with a sense of mischief, oooh, can't resist a girlie prank..!!

I leave you with a piece by the writer Stefan Zweig (1881-1942) and a Poem.

Inspire

Nothing that has ever been thought and said with a clear mind and pure ethical strength is totally in vain; even if it comes from a weak hand and is imperfectly formed, it inspires the ethical spirit to constantly renewed creation.

The World Improvers

We have believed in too many things
We of little faith,
Have theorized too heedlessly
We of little hope,
Imposed our schemes for the world's good,
We of little love,
Thinking ourselves of too great worth,
We of little shame;
That we alone could pierce the dark,
We of little sight.

There is a candle which to each is given,
With a little, gentle flame,
Worldwide fires with ours we kindled,
Better had been a little light.

A MIRACLE - ROBBIE BOY

2007-09-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

A miracle happened today. At about 2pm this afternoon I was going through to the kitchen to make a pot of tea, I kept looking at the clock as I knew I had to take Robbie my very ill dog to see the Vet at 3pm which was only twenty minutes drive away. I had already rung my husband at work lunchtime to ask if he would meet me there, as I knew I would be totally overcome with emotion if my dog had to be put to sleep. As I poured the hot water onto the P.G.Tips, I looked around and saw Robbie had got out of his basket and although quite wobbly, began to walk around the room. I was speechless, as Victor Meldrew would have said - " I dont believe it".!

Exactly two weeks ago today Robbie first became ill with Epileptic Fits, the Vet had said he may have eaten something along the Country Lane near the fields where I walk him, which caused him to have Liver Infection, which in turn caused him to fit. These last couple of weeks have been "touch and go", but I have followed the Vet's instructions to administer the neccesary medication and to feed water and liquidised food through a syringe about four times a day. This of course I have managed to do, but what was worrying me more than anything was Robbie's incapability to even walk or stand on his own, or not even being able to empty his bowels and bladder properly. He would just do it in the basket, or I would have to lift him out and hold him hoping that he would aim onto the scattered newspaper I had layered on the floor. I must say there have been endless hours of buckets and mops with disinfectant.

Robbie has had no more fits since last Wednesday evening, it may be because the kindly Vet had decided to give Robbie a full anaesthetic and put on a drip, as to sedate the body, hoping that once he came out of it his body would re-charge again without more fits. Well it seems to have worked as no more fits, that is not to say he will not have another anytime.

The big question I had intended to ask the Vet this afternoon was - "Do I need to end his suffering"? as Robbie had not seemed to have any quality of life left. He said that if it was his dog he would not put him to sleep, and we need to give him a chance. The drugs was making him completely "stoned" out of his mind, he said a bit like an Alcoholic who gets used to drinking, they get used to the liquor, the body gets used to it. So this evening I have my dog back home with me, A miracle indeed, especially now after two weeks he took his first steps again today, something that I did not think would ever happen again. I have nursed him with all the TLC I could possibly give him these last two weeks, and will continue to do so in the fight to his recovery.

Thank you to one and all for being just absolute darlings with your messages and concern with love and hugs along the way. Means so much to me, and has helped me enormously to cope with my anxious days and nights.

Camilla.x

HOMEWORK

2007-09-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have done my Homework, Un Peu has tagged me, see original blog of BlossomCottage.

The smell of freshly baked cakes and bread, as a child I remember my mother's baking day for these on a Saturday. I would eagerly wait for the dough mixture to rise in the old Black Cooking Range. I liked to help of course, with several large old-fashioned mixing bowls and a wooden spoon. Loved to dip my finger into the uncooked ingredients before they were popped into the oven, then the joy of being able to taste and smell the delights when all was cooked.

Recently I treated myself to some Sherlock Holmes DVD'S, my favourite actor who portrays Sherlock for me has to be Jeremy Brett. Nothing better than on a cold winter's evening, by the warmth of the crackling fire, to relax and watch an episode acting out the lives amongst exciting excesses of Victorian London. The sound of the Horse's hooves over the Victorian cobbled strets, there is something quite wonderful about the sound of a Horse's gallop, or trot.

Bonfires in the garden, not the burning of fireworks, but the the smell of the twigs and bracken smouldering. Pine Cones blazing on the hearth, after one has collected them from the Pine Forest. The smell of it's perfume that fills the air, and also brings back memories of when my children were small and they would delight in being able to gather up as many as possible to stack into their baskets.

The sound of Church Bells ringing in the distance, my local Church with it's magnificent architecture, can be seen from my kitchen window. On a Sunday morning it's peel can be heard from across the fields.

The smell of my dogs fur, nothing nicer. All the devotion I give them is given right back, but I also believe that owning a pet can keep stress levels down. Stroking my furry friends prompts my brain to release "feel good" hormones, and helps calm me.

I have always been at one with children, I just adore to hear them talking and laughing, and no matter whose child in a family I happen to encounter, it fills my heart with a desire to listen as they express their personality.

The crunching of pure White snow beneath one's feet, not the slushy type, when the warmer air or rain has changed it's beauty.

The smell of a newborn baby, as you hold towards your skin, so wonderful.

I like to use a pen with a nib to write, dipped into a bottle of Royal Blue Ink, and hear the slight scratch of the quill as it touches the paper.

A smell of a book, be it freshly new from publication, or be it an old Antiquarian Edition, the joy has stayed with me from that since I read my first bok as a child.

Scent of a flower especially a Rose, with it's heady perfume, which can be quite intoxicating.

The sounds of birds singing and chirping, and a Pigeon or Dove cooing on a fresh new morning, with window open I glory in the sheer beauty of their beautiful voices.

A Poem

A RAINBOW

A rainbow arched the waterfall

Myriads of colours, shapes and sounds,

Everything kaleidoscopic

Against a blackdrop of rock,

Together we stood in awe

Glimpsing a miracle.

Then you offered me your hand

To help me climb the falls,

I climbed alone,

Choosing to be

Yet never wanting to be

A lonely poet.

Camilla.x

SO HONOURED

2007-09-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Cait has bestowed to me an Award, for that I am most grateful. I try to be creative as best I can, to seek deep into my imaginations. Now I have eaten the "pudding", I will endeavour to create my ability to capture my "Scents and Sounds" this evening.

Camilla.x

PRINCESS DIANA

2007-08-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

On the 31st August 1997 while I was arousing from my sleep , my husband brought me a cup of tea in bed, not something I hasten to add does he do quite frequently, however, I was grateful for the brew. I had just finished working four night shifts at the hospital. My husband sat on the edge of the bed and told me the sad news of Princess Diana, I broke down, the ever emotional type.

Today there is going to be a Memorial Service to Commemorate Princess Diana's life. I too believe that she was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of millions, as the Prime Minister wrote at the weekend, but I argue the opinion of the feminist Germaine Greer who said Diana was a "devious moron" desperate for attention.

Diana's status as a fetching international celebrity involved charitable works, and the public sympathy she engendered in the long. When she took over as a Patron of the Children's Charity Barnado's, she attended sixteen events in one year alone, more than the previous Royal who only attended once in a year. Diana touched the lives of many, and had the ability to make everybody feel special, particularly vunerable young people, who felt her warmth and affection.

People either loved Diana or they loathed her, I think there were many who did not understand her, and I have heard critics say that Diana did not understand herself even. I wonder though, if that tragic fatal accident in Paris had not occured, and Diana had been happy in her marriage to her Prince Charming, she would have eventually reigned The Queen Of Hearts over our nation.

The picture is of Princess Diana and a young girl at a Charity Cancer Event.

My Poem

THE ROSE

I grew a Rose, a Pink Rose in my garden

I grew a Pink Rose so lovely to see;

I watched as it changed from sweet bud to

fulfillment

Meaning to pluck it, and give it to thee.

Delicate, fragrant, with beauty so deep,

Caressed by the warm sun, kissed by the rain,

Lovely the Rose that I grew in my Garden,

Alas, for the Pink Rose, it grew there in vain.

For oft did I tell the Pink Rose of thy beauty,

But with such beauty it could not compete;

Slowly it faded, it's fragrance departed,

Sadly it's petals then fell at my feet.

For such is thy beauty, that none can compare,

Not even sweet Angels in Heaven would dare,

Could ye walk through Fair Eden, I know there

would be,

Each bloom with it's head bowed

In deference to thee.

Camilla.x

CHOOSING A MAGAZINE

2007-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

I went into my local Post Office yesterday morning to buy a Magazine for a friend. As I was browsing through them I could hear two women chatting about so many to choose from. I spied one lady who I thought I recognised, going up to her I said, "excuse me, but you're Kate's mother I do believe"?. "No sorry, you must have me mixed up with someone else, funny how some people look alike". She then went on to say, "I have come in to buy my favourite Country Living Magazine, oh I do like them, deliciously filled with so many gorgeous things, and I like the continuity of the editions". I replied, " I used to have that one, but so many advertisements in them now". I went on to say about the Columnist Competition, but did not say who I was. "Oh, she said, I dont know too much about that at all, wanting to quickly rush to the counter to pay for it.

Very strange I thought considering she takes the Country Living every month, I wonder - you dont think she is the DARKHORSE one do you?

The picture is titled FIRST LOVE and is by the Artist, JIM DALY.

Camilla.x

Thank You

2007-07-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for a great party Dear Westerwitch, and Happysnaper, so too Dear Lixtroll and Peat. Not forgetting all the help given by all other admin.

It is incredible how we have grown here amongst a wonderful circle of friends, and although we all have our own daily lives to be amongst our family, it is nice to know that out there we are all supporting one another one way or another, even if it be in cyber-space.

Camilla.x

Royal Albert Hall

2007-07-13T18:07:00.001-07:00

Testing, Testing!

Royal Albert Hall

2007-07-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

THE PROMS

2007-07-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

I watched the Proms this evening from The Royal Albert Hall, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Paul Watkins played Cello for Elgar's Cello Concerto, what a beautiful piece of music, absolutely took my breath away. It marks the 150th Anniversary of the composer's birth. I agree with what the BBC Commentator said, Paul Watkins is one of the best Cellist's in the land. He played Elgar's piece magnificently, he also won the Lead Conductor, and is a gifted Piano Player.

Another favourite, Enigma Variations, which captures the sense of lonliness of the Artist. The middle section of this theme has a good basis for the variations, because of it's shape, is so simple and so clear. It has a puzzle about the Theme - a secret to the Theme, an Enigma.

Next - Beethoven's 9th Choral Symphony, quite an unstable piece, and was Beethoven's first performance in Vienna. It is quite a long piece, almost twenty-five minutes in all, but wonderful all the same, accompanied by the Mass Choir of Symphony Chorus.

Can one imagine not having music, to think that these great composer's in their time, are still being listened to today, ah, what gifts. I am looing forward to Shakespeare's Macbeth from Glyndbourne, and W.H.Auden's Anniversary, another literary celebration.

I came home from my Community rounds this afternon feeling quite exhausted, (must be my age!). I walked my two dogs over the fields, a pleasant warm July evening and the big vast Norfolk sky, looking out to me. Home again, I cooked a lovely Chicken Casserole which went down a treat, not forgetting some of the Beaujolaise. Then I fell into the Chesterfield, dogs laying beside me, grateful after their long walk and doggie dinners. I listened to The Proms and I was carried away into this beautiful luxurious sound of music, oh I wish I could play the Violin or Cello.

I have not forgotten the Big Party this evening at 9pm, if Headmistress allows, I would like to wear my long Pink dress with matching gloves and shoes, let's hope I dont trip up on the sheer length of it!

Camilla.x

2007-07-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU BEING SERVED

I have always fancied a little Antiquarian Book Shop, with a snug tea-room alongside. Our village does not have a book shop, but then I suppose many order from the Internet now, or go to the larger towns for their purchases.

I remember watching the film 84 Charing Cross Road, which was focused on the famous book shop in the early 1950's in London. There was something nostalgic I felt about this film, shops that had a "tinkling" bell that would ring as you entered, the atmosphere would be a little dusty, and large wooden ladders would be placed against the shelves so that one could reach the top.

Years ago the Assistants seemed to have more time for you, they were polite, nowadays I have noticed that the people serving you are quite disinterested, and not always helpful. I long for a smile or a cheery wave, even the American twang, "Have A Nice Day"!

A Tea-Room - White linen tablecloths, with the lightest of Pale Pink Napkins, and Rosebud China. Finger sandwiches with a choice of fillings, Scones, dripped with Jam and Clotted Cream. A selection of Dainty Cakes on a tiered cake-stand.

On the subject of Consumers, here is a little ditty, taken from the Oxford Book of American Light Verse.

The grocer sells me addled eggs, the tailor

sells me shoddy,

I'm only a consumer, and I am not anybody.

The cobbler pegs me paper sales, the

dairyman short-weights me,

I'm only a consumer, and most everybody

hates me.

There's turnip in my pumpkin pie and

ashes in the pepper,

The world's my lazaretto, and I'm

nothing but a leper;

So lay me in my lonely grave and tread

the turf down flatter,

I'm only a consumer and it does'nt really

matter.

This is by no way any offence to our Darling Frances, from reading her diary's, I know that SHE is a most courteous, and polite person. No offence to Iota either, I just came across the poem the other day when looking through some old books of mine.

Did you know that there are three kinds of Tea-time in Britain, Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea, and High Tea. Well that has given me a thought, will go and put the kettle on now, I am going to call it my late evening cuppa!

Camilla.x

2007-07-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU WESTERWITCH & HAPPYSNAPER

Today I was able to get in to the new Purplecoo, feels quite strange still, but I notice there are some lovely new additions, quite exciting.

Was the Calender I wonder just for fun, or will it eventually take off, I did think it would be a very good idea for Charity, but then I'm sure it will be a lot of hard work for Westerwitch to get this going, and she has already been up to her eyes in being so wonderful with the new site and everything.

This morning I received a telephone call to say that I could collect my tickets for the holiday that my husband had arranged with the free tickets he had been awarded. I put the phone down in the end, after realising that this was "cold-calling". I just wish they did not waste people's time in these sort of things, we often get people ringing up to say have we got 10 minutes of our time to do survey, how do they get the number.

My daughter and I were delighted today in receiving the good news that my grandson would be able to be re-instated into his old school, the same as his sister's. My daughter had moved to Yorkshire two years ago but then came back because she was homesick. She could not get him into the original school that he was in before, so he had to go to another school ten miles away, and while he has been there he has been bullied quite a lot. Today after an appeal, my daughter was told the good news that my grandson had now had a place in the school he was in originally, so we wept a few tears of delight today.

Camilla.x

2007-07-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

FIVE MOOD BOOSTERS

Grouse has tagged me, so as promised my five Mood Boosters.

Someone once told me, "You are so straight-laced", well the only lace I know is what's attached to my Petticoat.

HAPPINESS

I am never more happy than when I am walking with my dogs, no matter what the weather, if I am feeling a little down in the dumps this is a great tonic for me. In times of sadness they are always there for me, bright-eyed, and waggy-tailed. Animals I believe are so theraputic to my well being, and I am simply MAD about them. My adorable two grandchildren, who accept my dizzy eccentric behaviour, and just love me for who I am in a unconditional way.

BEING SOCIABLE

I loathe bad manners, people who do not have the courtesy to say thank you, that they are so wrapped up snugly in their own little world, it causes them to have a "tunnel-vision". People who judge others, ie., labelling, one cannot judge a book by it's cover. So for this reason it is important for me in my everyday life to say "Hello", "How are you", or even "Good Morning", or "Good Evening", I genuinly am concerned for others, and it fills my heart with a sense of warmth to be sociable, and gives me great pleasure.

PASSION

I have a tendency to be a tad "old fashioned", I have a great passion for Costume Drama and The Theatre. Here I have listed some of my favourite Classic Moments of Drama.

Sense & Sensibility

Vanity Fair

Pride & Predjudice

Emma

Wives & Daughters

Mansfield Park

Other films, Some Like It Hot. On Golden Pond, Breakfast At Tiffany's

Forest Gump, Educating Rita.

A deep interest in Literature, mainly Historical Fiction, I have a never-ending fascination with the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writer's, artists, who were quintessentially English yet universally fascinating manifestations of literary and artistic culture in the 1930's, their relationships and their influence, which continues to resonate to this day.

MUSIC AND ART

If music be the spice of life- then it would have to be Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. If I am sitting alone at home and need cheering up I just put them on, and feel much brighter. I enjoy a mixed bag of music, Enya, Guns & Roses, Michael Buble, Glen Miller are some. I enjoy Art, cannot imagine a bare wall, my rooms are stuffed with them. I like nothing better than to go with a friend to visit a Gallery, cheers me up no end.

WRITING

The list would not be complete without this, I used to have a wonderful English teacher, Mr Edwards, a tall willowy chap with spectacles, and a magnificent educator. English homework - could'nt get enough of it, my compositions, essays would bulge in my enthusiasm for it. Some short stories and poems I have been thankful to have had published, but mainly many of them quite some time ago now, mainly in magazines. I dream of the day that I would be successful in having a book of poems published, ah, that truly would be the icing on the cake, but at least by way of writing it helps me to unwind.

Poets: Sir Philip Sydney, Thomas Campion, William Shakespeare, John Keats.

The Painting is by Charles Burton Barber, and is called - "SUSPENSE"

I have put here my poem which sums me up, told you I was passionately eccentric.!

Passion

I am passionate, puritans scold me

for running over breathlessly

of life's table of contents

and wishing and longing for everything.

They scold me for feasting

on joy and despair, together

with jugs of whipped cream

and wild strawberries

They object to me wearing

a diamond stud

for being sometimes girl

sometimes woman

and who knows what else!

Well that's my way

I'm hungry, I'm thirsty

I rush through the world like

A living sound

I refuse to walk slowly, to crawl

I'm passionate, I gulp things down

I fly,

and I'm proud that on my

small lapel,

occasionally, a decoration gliters,

call it rapture that golden rosette.

Camilla.x

HOW TO - HAVE FEELINGS

2007-07-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I drove to my friends house to check that the cat was alright, and to leave her a bowl of food and water. This I do twice a day, morning and evening while my friend is visiting her family in Spain. I am usually greeted by several Shrews (Dead) I may add, in the hallway, for Flopsy Bunnie has a liking for them. As I was leaving the house I thought that it had been several days that I had seen Mrs Green's cat old Fudgy, who sometimes appears when I come to the house. Fudgy is not allowed in his owner's home I presume, Mrs Green has two Alsations. Why on earth do people own animals if they canot be bothered to look after them, stroke them, feed them, keep them in on a cold winter's night.

I remembered my friend had given instructions for the Gardener to come and mow the lawn while she was away. Could it be that Fudgy had slipped into the garage where gardening tools were kept, and Gardener had inadvertantly locked her in there by mistake, if indeed the cat had wandered in. The spare garage key luckily was on the kitchen work-surface, as I unlocked the garage door I was met by a wailing cat who had come running down the step-ladder from the rafters, he had been in there since Saturday morning apparantly, as that is when the Gardener had been last to mow the lawn, after I rang him. I told him to please check the garage in future to make sure old Fudgy is not in there.

This afternoon I decided to stop off at the local grocery store, I had only intended to buy a few items, but as I walked around the counters the list that I had made up beforehand had somewhat got longer. Going to the checkout I was served by a young lady who obviously did not see any reason to smile, and said to me, "I am going to put all your items in ONE plastic bag". Er - um, sorry, if I know plastic bags the sheer weight of anything inside causes them to split open usually halfway out the shop. I absolutely loathe plastic bags, when will the day come when they do away with them and issue nice strong ones. They are alright for light fashion items, do not have a problem with those. "Er, have you a cardboard box"? - "No, we dont, I'm sure you'll manage". Excuse me, but I am not paying a fortune by my way of custom, the shop would stop trading if it was not for us customers.

I saw a Blackbird gathering up bits of twigs today, she flew into our hedge, thought that nesting had finished now. Luckily I have not had the hedge clipped yet, when is a good time for this to be done I wonder.

I read that apparantly everyone would be a lot happier if they did'nt have feelings. A person can endure incredible physical hardship and be none the worse for it, but the very same person can be almost destroyed by a casual comment that hurts their feelings.

Hope you like the picture, cat is saying - "Just a minute Guv, that Mousie dinner is mine"!

Thank you to Dear Westerwitch, and to everyone else who left me messages on the concern of my husband. He is resting comfortably at home, but can do no tasks and is still very weak and tired. He is awaiting more blood results so will know more later next week hopefully. I send my deepest sympathy to our Dear Muddie on her uncle, and so too to our Dear Brownmouse who has a bereavment in her family. Sending sympathy to Blossom's daughter who sadly lost her beloved dog Charlie just recently.

Camilla.x

THE DANCE OF THE LITTLE PEOPLE

2007-06-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

I bought this painting for my daughter a few years ago, I thought it would be very fitting as a celebratory piece . Congratulations to Elaine for being successful in her new post, also Congratulations to Un Peu and her husband on their 20th Wedding Anniversary today, and everyone who are celebrating their Birthday's too.

Jane, Adrian and Jack, not forgetting darling Asbo Jack, wishing you lots of happiness in your New Home.

I would like to thank everyone who left me kind messages when my husband was admitted to Hospital, it really meant a lot to me to know that you were there for me at my darkest hour of lonliness. My husband was discharged from Hospital this evening, he looks quite ill and tired, and I find it hard to accept that all tests that were carried out came back as unconclusive and negative and that when he was first admitted as a patient by Paramedics it was said that he was going into complete Renal Failure. More Bloods to be taken on Friday at the Hospital.

Thank you Dear Westerwitch for being an absolute darling, much appreciated. I was thinking of putting this blog at first onto CCW Page, but as I have not blogged for quite some time now, decided to write it here.

Milla and Bill if you read this, just wanted to say I just hope you come back to Purplecoo, I miss not hearing how things are going with you, hope Lol is alright.

Camilla.x P.S. Painting is by William Holmes Sullivan.

BINGHAM LIBRARY IN CIRENCESTER

2007-06-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Just recently I was searching for a legal document in the old writing bureau, I thought I had put it in a certain place there, but after searching I discovered that I had placed it in another compartment. I decided then and there to tidy up all the necessary papers I had accumulated over the years, this being before the world of computers I may add. I came across an old black and white document to which I had not seen before, and I was curious to learn more about it, and so I asked my husband if he could 'shed' any light on it. "oh that, it used to belong to my great uncle". GULP - It was the drawings of Bingham Library and The Bingham Hall in Cirencester. Bingham was the maiden name of my husband's mother, her father had a brother named Daniel Bingham, and it was he that provided the handsome and adequate endowment for the maintenance of the Trust of the Library and Hall in Cirencester.

He was born in 1830, and attended the local grammar school, before joining the Great Western Railway Company in Cirencester. Some years later with Mr James Forbes, he undertook the reorganisation of the Dutch Rhenish Rilways, which had been allowed to deteriorate, the company had neither capital nor credit was regarded with general antipathy. Daniel Bingham devoted himself to the immense task with characteristic energy, and eventually succeeded in placing the concern on a sound and commercial footing, so that the shares, which were at one time worth 'less than nothing' increased so much in value that they once increased by 159%. Mr Bingham's connection with the Dutch-Rhenish Railways continued for over 35 years, until in 1890 the Government took them over in a prosperous conditon.

The Bingham Library and Art Gallery Foundation

Cirencester is fortunate in the foundation created by Daniel Bingham of Utrecht, a former townsman. He built and endowed the former Bingham Library and the Bingham Hall in King Street for the benefit of residents of the town and the surrounding district. Opened in 1905 and 1908 respectively they both are administered locally by Trusts under the supervision of the Charity Commission.

This was of course a wonderful gift that my husband's late great uncle had given to Cirencester, but at the time of finding out these facts, I must confess I felt a little like Jeremy Clarkson on the programme, "Who Do You Think You Are", on tracing one of his ancestors who had patented the Kilner Jar. It turned out that his ancestor had sold the patent, and so leaving a rather unfortunate Jeremy saying, - "That could have been mine some day".

I have gone to the Cirencester Official Guide on the website, and have been able to get copies of these wonderful historic buildings, which was once owned by my husband's ancestor, but I am a little disappointed to learn by reading the guide, that I have sadly missed the 100 Years On Celebration, of the opening of Bingham House as a public library on 21st September 1905, such a shame I missed it especially as my husband is a direct descendant of Mr Bingham.

Another poem for you.

SALVATION

I often sit at night

upon these desolate slopes;

draped in the dark and solid fall of lava

they seem rippling still; and above the joyless

waste, in purest blue

I watch the far-off flashing of the stars.

THE POWER AND THE GLORY

2007-05-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Was it our dear Kitty who mentioned where she would like to be finally.

Mine would have to be Salle, it is a favourite of Norfolk Church enthusiasts, isolated, wild and vast. Pronounced Saul, it booms out to travellers across the Norfolk plain like an architectural foghorn..

The Church was rebuilt in the 15th century, rather than use cheap local flint, it was paid for using costly Barnack stone from Peterborough, this was the generosity of the Uffords, Mautebys, Morleys, and Brewes, and they were duly blessed for their contributions with two feathered angels waving censers over their coat of arms above the west door.

The church is more of a Cathedral, and the view from it's window over the Norfolk countryside on a clear winter evening, is one of utter tranquility.

The Church of England is the true Museum of England, and it's buildings should be more treasured as a result. Every breeze that blows over a meadow is said to leave some memory of it's passing in the lie of the grass.

I have wrote a poem to go here with my blog.

HEAVEN ON EARTH

The summer sky of blinding sun

Gone the cold winter has passed

From it's fury, so that I

Could bask, and embrace it's warmth,

My task well done.

In a garden, where birds of beauty

Take it's flight,

My soul lays with my love

Beneath the soil, where light in darkness lies

In Paradise, of his delight.

Till the moon rises, and dark clouds sleep

Keep me wrapped in arms of thine,

Where endless days

In nature's wood, I dance with thee,

My heart is yours, my love divine.

MY FAITHFUL FRIENDS

2007-05-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

I read in a book, that there is no scientific evidence that dogs can understand human speech or that they can communicate with other dogs.
Dog owners who insist that their dogs 'can understand every word I say' are
misguided.
However, as an old Irish setter said to me recently, 'Dogs understand human speech only too well and find most of what we have to say to them banal, tedious and patronising.

(Camilla to Charles)

'Darling, do you think a dog knows it's a dog?' asked Camilla.
'It depends what you mean by know', said Charles.
Freddie snapped, 'Of course I know I'm a bloody dog, I eat from a bowl on the floor, I sh.. in the street...'

A friend said to me yesterday, that she noticed that everytime I left the house I would always say to my dogs, "wont be long darlings, I will be back soon". She said that dogs probably did not have a clue as to what I was talking about,(neither do I sometimes). It is an interesting thought though, this talking to the animals, I suppose it is really a tone of the voice that our dogs can be familiar with us. Anyway, it will not stop me talking to them, my little friends.

Will TRY and upload a pic of my grandson with my JRT, if my grandson face looks all creamy, that is sunblock, it was taken under my very ancient AppleBlossom tree last weekend on a gloriously hot day.

EXISTENCE

2007-04-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

I was very fortunate in having one of my poems published in our local church magazines recently, and thought I would share it with you.

A little fieldmouse, nibbling fallen grains
On the edge of a summer wheat field,
Apprehensively glances at the clear, blue sky
Where danger's never far away,
Whence any moment hawk may swoop
And dash out his little life.

But it's summer and the sun is warm;
The ripe corn smells good, and the shed grains
Are spread on the earth for his dinner,
He is happy and that is all that matters.

Even if these be his last few moments
The gift of existence will have been worthwhile,
Risk, danger, death, and all
How else could things have been arranged.

The weather at the weekend has been glorious, so much so that we were able to eat Al Fresco in the garden. Tables and chairs, hammocks, large parasol, and coloured lanterns attached to the apple tree, which is in full blossom at present.
We only had a number of ten people including some of our family, but it was great fun, and we stayed long into the evening with much social chatter, and I have to say the wine did flow, not purple I hasten to add, but near enough.

Wow, we have all come along way on Purplecoo since it began two weeks ago, and what a circle of friends we have. Westerwitch and Lixtroll are just amazing, and deserve a medal. I wonder where we would be if it had not been for them, certainly not on the other planet.

Morning All.

2007-04-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Out on my community rounds early today, so thought I would just nip in before I go to say hope everyones day goes well.

It is my Wedding Anniversary today, will not tell you how many years, too many to mention, if I keep on going I could even reach a gold medal! Anyway, I will be celebrating this weekend, hoping that the weather will be glorious, as planning to have a family gathering in the garden with BBQ, son is travelling from London, love it when he comes, he spoils me rotten.

See you later today.
Camilla.xx

Morning All

2007-04-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

Is anyone out there?

Have been next door to see how things are going, hardly anyone there, so I thought I would pop over to yours, my oh my! It is crowded, brilliant, that's what I like, cant beat a lovely social gathering. Drinks anyone?

Not sure if this blog will get to wherever it is supposed to get, but fingers crossed I have managed to get over to the "other side", phew, not used to all this technical stuff. I want to say a big thank you to dear Westerwitch, and to Lixtroll, for making this site possible, you are absolute STARS.

Warm Wishes.
Camilla.xxx