And Bits Down The Side

The Curious Crinkles Of Helena's Hands

2012-02-07T08:32:00.002Z

Passing yesterday afternoon, as the boys on a rare day together were downstairs fixated on some juvenile computer game, I logged on to my favorite ~~illegal~~ free movie channel and watched for the first time, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Totally engrossed, I put my hand up to scratch my nose and shit myself when I saw loads of deep, and I mean, deeep wrinkles over my fingers and palm, only to remind myself that I had been watching the film with a hot water bottle tightly squeezed between my hands and knees. Mind you, given the nature of the film, I should really have been relieved.........I hate computer games.

Get To 'F' (26)

2012-02-03T22:50:00.000Z

This Friday, sees getting to 'F' in a double morphing - all feathers and flowers for the indecisive

Not After Your Dosh - Just Support!

2012-01-28T22:18:00.011Z

Now that my son's band, Casino, was forced to change it's name (for copyright reasons) they have now settled on Hotel India as the new one. With it being a New Year and having some Blogger friends who've liked the video's in the sidebar (although I don't know where Jay's got too!) I'm re-introducing the material via posts for others. There's a charity night coming up that they and 3 other local bands are starring in, although all the bands are over forty friendly to the ears! The charities are

Canine Partners - (my friend and fellow campaigners chosen charity)

Breast Cancer Scotland - (condition linked with me)

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As usual the guys are keen to spread their stuff for their town (Falkirk) to get a deserved placing in mainstream music. Just give them a little listen and make that click. The more Facebook 'likes' adds to their ultimate total (donated by local businesses) - so recommend to ALL your friends..?! It would really be appreciated. One click- sod off - and you're done! This vid might change your mind though! Oh, and as I get asked often.....my son is the drummer and had a broken toe during the filming of the video.......!!

ps.....the bellow message is from their Facebook profile. They look after their residents they do! We want to pack that hotel!!
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IF YOU RECOMMEND THIS PAGE TO ANOTHER FACEBOOK FREIND YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A PRIZE DRAW TO STAY IN THE NEW 'UNTIL SUNRISE ' SUITE AT THE HOTEL. ROOM IS EQUIPPED WITH A BED, RADIO AND EN SUITE, COMPLETE WITH A MAN NAMED AULD WALT, WHO WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH JOOP , COOLWATERS UNISEX AND CHUPA CHUP LOLLIPOPS. ! Hotel India for Bloggers Delight

Get To 'F' (25)

2012-01-27T22:46:00.000Z

I'm only here for the scented beer......!
My first 'effing' find this year!

Wur Rabbie

2012-01-25T19:07:00.005Z

Rabbie Burns
January 25th 1759 - 21st July 1796

Tonight is Burns night, where Scottish families will sit around the table, eating loads of Haggis (if we're lucky with the kill!) neeps and tatties. This tradition carries on all over the world, too. Tonight my daughter, who lives in London, is having a Burns meal for family and friends there. Traditionally, the meal is washed down with a tot/lot of whisky, and poems and songs of our famous, talented, womanising, philandering, bad boy bard, are performed until one passes out. Below is the first verse of the Selkirk Grace, read before the haggis's skin is split. Prestigious celebrations see this in with an actual piper, highland dress and a sword.

No matter where in the world I may be (couch), I always celebrate oor Rabbie. And if you haven't read any of his works, please do. Any translations needed, just give me a nudge. And if anybody is brave enough to try haggis for yourself, the recipe is there, too. Is it any wonder Scotsmen wear kilts...?!

                  Happy
      Burns
            Night
      To
             You......!

The Call

2012-01-21T22:13:00.010Z

Walking through the woodlands, now suburbia's lost sight
Was the last place that she should have gone, under sapphire skies that night

A rose thorn picked her previously, blood ignites the past
Led her to her messy wardrobe, dress all crushed and stained with grass

Her life had crumbled overnight, her mind kept folding stairs
Recalled that evening's tragedy, no more times to call theirs

They halted at this very spot, in silent sounds of life
His destiny decided by the edging on that knife

They ran off with no money, no valuables to steal
Breathed in love and honesty, the main part of their deal.

A quick but painful passing, his eyes pleading to her.
His last vision was her terror as his sight began to blur.

Months had past and so it seemed, she conquered over pain
Never shall she take love to this deep level again

So while standing on the very spot, she knew what she should do
Join him in eternity, red penetrating blue

The drop was sharp and very deep, the river ran below
A few brave steps and up she'll fly, all pretty for her beau

But the second that she closed her eyes, she felt a nippy peck
Her scarlet scarf was firmly tugged and flew straight from her neck

Four calling birds took to the silk, and rested on the branch
The scarf that still held Peter's blood, that doubled as a stanch

The birds were loud, despite the night, a ruckus round the red
And watermarks in tears now spilling down that fateful dress

A calling bird alone did sing, in vague familiar tune
Similar to that that Peter hummed up to the moon

Quietly she rose and started slowly walking back
To the home they'd built together, with it's little flaws and cracks

At the gate she smiled and slid the scarf quite easy overhead
The knot, as ever, far too tight - a Calling Bird in stead.

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TimeTo GIG Deep Again

2012-01-19T04:42:00.004Z

Arrangements for the April/May charity gig (venue to be considered at a later date due to rising interest) look promising at this early stage. The charity's considered this time (as I'll have a helper) will be Canine Partners and one of the Pink Breast Cancer charities, following my own recent scare! As well as my own two sons' bands, I'm lucky enough to have 2 bands of older generation members, namely (The 117) and (The Signals) who have both played for charity many times before, seem happy enough to join the artists list. One of them asked if I could arrange for them to 'support' my older son's band sometime, which was rather touching.

Talking of which me older lad (PrettyBoy)s band, Hotel India (these guys) are on the up with more and more requests to play at gigs. Formerly Casino, they had to drop their name as another signed band called Casino said there would be copyright problems if they were to be signed themselves. In a weird fashion, I suppose that's a compliment!!

The new name derived from the phonetic alphabet - you know all that Tango, Charlie, stuff. Initialled to the simple pleasantry of HI, (wave your handies!) Hotel India was eventually chosen. Took a little getting used to but the change see ms to be falling in their favour. Silly gimmicky advertising in response to this kind of advertising below: (as on view down my sidebar - you can click on the pic, look for the 'like' at the top of page and you'll be helping raise the interest before the charity gig) has been successful in gaining fun interest and Facebook fans. Just one quick-click visit (and a listen if you fancy it!) and it's all over!

Make 'Room' For A Listen (no extra charge)

Present fans that sneak other newbie's into the Hotel, and rise the 'likes' status get rewarded with a new track once the desired number is reached. Demo's will be thrown out the Hotel windows and you have to be online at certain dates to try catch them. Daft quizzes for merchandise is another future consideration. And if music can't be fun at the same time, what's the point in being a band!!??

So it seems as if people are up for slipping in the back way when the concierge ain't looking! Who knows what the guys will come up with next, (apart from amazing new material) but a little change sometimes goes a long way! And anyone who doesn't want to join in the mania can simply Foxtrot off!

Mugger Off!!

2012-01-15T00:12:00.003Z

This morning, around ten o'clock, my husband was mugged. What was the thief after? The very HAT on his head.

Patiently Trevor was listening to his iPod waiting on the lights to permit him to cross the road. Next thing he knew he felt a punch to the back of his head and a lad around 20 ran off with his hat. The little shit turned and gave my hubby the V-sign for added insult. His 'friends' picked him up in a van along the road.

What gets me is that this was an act of sudden circumstance. They've taken into account that as my hubby was the only pedestrian to cross, was listening to music and not quite a spring chicken, their impromptu plan worked.

The police are at least looking into it. If the guys in the van aren't local, they may not be aware of all the CCTV surrounding the very spot where the mugging happened. It's only a few yards away from the primary school and shopping precinct so there's a chance they might nail the culprits. If they are local, then they've got some bottle. Makes you wonder what else the bastards would consider on impulse.

The hat was really my son's and he paid £40 for it, it had a logo so the thief knew it was a brand name. I know it's hardly the crime of the century, but it's the assault and shock that angers me more than the loss. He's a decent bloke my hubby and didn't deserve it. Time I got the knitting needles looked out.

Getting To New Fook

2012-01-13T19:05:00.001Z

Friday's here at last and to kick start the New Year I'm uploading a quadruple set of mad and wonderful edits. Thought of a food theme (as one is perpetually hungry) so that kept me happy for a bit. Do excuse me as I nip to the loo - via the fridge.....!

Yellow Cabs and Yankee Lads

2011-12-24T22:54:00.001Z

My daughter and son-in-law have recently returned from New York. In what little time (5 days) they had they managed to fit in as many sights as sleep deprivation allowed them. As much as joy and excitement kept them ticking over, the new fountain in memory of the Twin Tower victims rendered them speechless. The snaps simply left me stunned. I pray one day to conquer my fear of flying.

Sunday Snippet (34)

2011-11-27T19:33:00.001Z

Cheer yourself up at your next funeral by hiding £10 / $20 in your black suit today!!

I'll Just Have To Lump It Then!!

2011-11-24T21:23:00.003Z

Recently I discovered a hard lump on my right boob near the top towards my armpit. It's about the size of a pea (processed not garden) and a right tender little thing. By that I don't mean it sings lullabies to me, but ~~menourv~~ ~~maneovr~~ ~~manoorver~~ turning and twisting, even slightly can be right effing nippy! Then again, I keep poking and prodding at it which does me no favours. Even on getting it seen to at the doctor's, I didn't need to tell him where 'mumpy' lives (yes, I do have names for various body parts) he simply followed the bruised bit!

Now, as such I'm not expecting it to be anything serious, but he is taking no chances with me........(coz trust me my medical files are as thick as a brick). I know I don't look it *ahem* but in a couple of years I'll be 50 and would have been sent for my routine mammogram anyway. I shall be getting a sample drawn and tested and all that kind of thing as well. There is a chance it may be cancer.

Funny thing is, a year ago my twin sister had an op to remove a larger lump, kind of shallot shaped. It was benign, thank God. For the family record, I know my grandmother had breast cancer, and my mother died of stomach cancer, but I know her chain smoking had a lot to do with that but the cancer seemed to attack her everywhere bar her boobs!........And that's where my ridiculous theory comes in.

My twin sis is a smoker (since high school) likes a drink, bakes herself in the summer and has periods easy-flow periods and her lump was benign - well, it was more of a cyst, really. If I let myself believe, and live up to the way things often turn for me, what are the chances of me, the non-smoker, non drinker, hysterectomy-scarred, ex-breast feeding summer recluse getting it a little bit tougher...? I know it's daft, but with vast, past experience, this typifies how things usually go for me. The chalk and the cheese.

I know it's gonna be okay. Really I do. But I can't help these little thoughts from butting in and hitting me with it's less than 5% chance of my right tit's visitor needing an eviction notice from higher beings!

Scently Does It

2011-11-12T22:37:00.002Z

She stood shivering, her thin little legs peeking out from under the towel as the rush of water was filling up the bath. Steam clouded the room and much to her dismay the squirt of soap from a bottle was heard loudly. Bubbles usually stung her eyes but they never took heed of any head shaking or blinking until it was too late.

Bastards! They stood there laughing at her as hair stuck firmly to her head, messed up and tacky, her ears jutting out pixie-like. Whimpering with each jug soaking did her no good, and soon she kept quiet and rigid, accepting each hit of water, sometimes too hot or too cold, each burning soap sting. Pure torture. They were really giving her the water-wheel treatment tonight. Although properly toilet trained, she just stood there and peed, apologetic eyes flitting from one face to the other. Had she been doing this on the carpet, she could have been facing being dragged along while receiving a loud, verbal roasting.

Later on, once dried and fragrantly dusted, she was amazed that she wasn't sent straight to bed. Instead she was given a meal, nothing special, but even that was followed by some crunchy biscuits and milk. Maybe they'd forgiven her? For her repetitive sin. Come to accept that in life there are some things nature just can't control. She couldn't stop them from forcing her into bath water and coming out smelling of bubblegum. They couldn't stop her from seeking out the biggest nipped off shit in the park and rolling in it.

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Remember (Mags) Remember, The Whole Of Movember.........

2011-11-08T17:15:00.006Z

I'm being a bad girl this week and cheating on you Magpie's! I'm sadly not able to post a poem as I've a lot of music, manic mayhem and such like going on. Some of my time is taken up with the charity mentioned below. Dying beards and other delights........I will get round to reading your 'pie's in between the mania. Back to normal for Magpie 91 - here's hoping! THANK YOU....XXXXX

It's Movember. The month formerly known as November, now dedicated to growing moustaches and raising awareness and funds for men's health - specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

Pretty Boy and NorseGod are donating their top lip (and more) to the cause for the next 20-odd days in an effort to help change the face of men's health. Their Mo's will spark conversations and generate laughs in raising vital dosh! In reverse, hairy blokes are shaving themselves clean in operation NoMovember to raise the same dosh and giggles. PrettyBoy's university is a big supporter of the Australian-originated charity and have loads of scrawny follicle-ridden imports joining in. (So could some of the girls apparently.....!)

It's pretty important to me as my son-in-law James (see sidebar for pic!) had testicular cancer at only 26, resulting in removal of one. He's fine, healthy and hoping to raise a family soon (with the help of IVF) but the thought that life could have lost such a mad, caring, and funny, funny bloke still chokes me up! All I ask is a cheer for the lads. Those who haven't heard of the charity can check it out here HERE

Anyhow - here's how the face sprouting is doing so far.............

Looks like Ross (in sepia - he's a rock star to be, you know!) is not quite at the fuzzyfelt stage of his (much) younger (and hairier) brother, Adam. Ah, well. It really IS made from girders, then.

WELL DONE BOYS.....AND ROCKING WITH IT ALL THE WAY........!!

Get To 'F' (24)

2011-11-04T21:58:00.001Z

Just a simple little pic as I'm feline a bit of a bad girl. I stuffed 2 Haagan Daz Praline and Cream ice cream tubs in our shopping trolley when The Cheaper Half wasn't looking today! Criminal ( at that price! ) but I'll feel like the cat who got the cream once they've all pissed off to bed tonight!

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Get To ''Halloween''

2011-10-29T22:32:00.000+01:00

A mask tells us more than a face - Oscar Wilde

This F-ing post's timing is to cover Halloween also..... While all my friends are making pacts with the Devil, my notions hang more on the fancy dress side of Halloween - masked balls in particular.

This time to add to the mystique and ambiance, is a cover song (from a movie I've watched a million times) by a delightful young man called Patrick Carrico. I'm sure the masquerade in you will recognise the song and film easily. If not, it's worth a listen anyhow!

Smooth Critters

2011-10-26T20:48:00.000+01:00

Gee - you men have us over a barrel at times. You ask us to iron a shirt for you and then when we tell you to sod off and do it yourself, you put the garment on knowing we'd be mortified to let you walk outside like that......grrrrrrrr..........!

Sunday Snippet (35)

2011-10-23T19:44:00.001+01:00

I don't know what all the fuss about these arranged marriages is. Me and my husband spent 6 months arranging ours - and it went fine!

Seany

2011-10-14T21:43:00.001+01:00

The letter arrived on the Tuesday. A blue-tinged envelope held the words that over the years I dreaded most. 'Dear Dad..........'

Kids we were, your mother and I. Babies making babies, and look where it got us. The day the mid-wife swept you away through the swing doors, you bawling in her arms, was sickening. One kiss on that tender, peachy face and you were gone. 'Best all round' the cast of adults assured us. I can remember that night my mother sobbed her heart out, repeating over and over that she was sorry. We split up soon after, your mother and I, well, removed by distance. Wasn't I just lucky to have landed that job with Uncle Alex?

You were that shadow in the back of my mind. The one I could skip over, ignore even, but it didn't go away, just shifted itself into many other shapes, but always formed its original heart outline when not in use.

I should have been your hero, your protector, your driving force, your hormone advisor even, and sharing laughs and plans that only we need fill. Then again, I should be down on my knees kissing your adoptive father's arse. He's the true hero. There for you all your life. Not even did he stand in the way of you finding me and gives his blessing for us to cohere if we decide to!

I know you know that your mother passed away and you are survived by a sister on her side. You also have two little sisters via me! If ever a man needs a son, it's now! Pure blood races through our veins. I can't believe how maturely you're taking this. I deserve the anguish, guilt, shame, melancholy and all its awful trimmings for my absence. But you trust a mere hug will bury them.

Seany, we'll try one day at a time, lad. If this doesn't work out, then the heart-shaped shadow will remain perfectly fixed as so.

Dad
XxX
______________________________________________________________
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Mother F****r ! She's 66 !?

2011-10-13T21:58:00.002+01:00

I try not to inflict my music passions on others too much *ahem* but I've just come across this video for Blondie's last single 'Mother'. No other band has influenced my life as much, or as long, as these old veterans. Form 30 years I've loved them. The mother of all female pop icons still rocks it at 66 (looking 20 years younger) and still ingests the fun, fear and funky into what makes a great song, captured in video, more memorable. Go Debs.....

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Sunday Snippet (34)

2011-10-02T16:40:00.001+01:00

Nothing works better for me than a Sunday morning runny, half-cooked fried egg on a roll - especially if you were out the night before - and it led me to wonder how Morrisons train hens to lay these 'Taste the Difference' eggs. It's the hens from the 'Economy' range eggs that I'm slightly puzzling over.......hmm?

Sweet Trouble With The Bubble.......

2011-09-29T21:44:00.002+01:00

Out they come in tubes of colours, from the pockets of the mothers
- seeking solice in the afternoon
Bubbles for fauteur de troubles, well fed up with muck and puddles -
willing now to quietly attune

All it takes you understand, is puffy cheeks and wand in hand,
dipped so deeply down into the lotion
A steady blow until the air, takes it into it's own care,
have you ever see such globular devotion...??

As they delicate the sky, focus on one with keen eye,
and watch the rainbow ripples circle round
Coloured oils swirl into rivers, that gives one delightful shivers,
as it settles on a leaf or on the ground.

Soak the plastic till it's thicker, blowing harder and much quicker,
- watch a hundred baby bubbles fight for space
Or run into them arms out wide, oozing soapy-suddy pride,
and feel the magic of the POP! against your face.

Now skillfulness is what is needed, if previously you succeeded,
to blow the biggest bubble that departed
You must recapture it again, the rule is simple and it's plain -
back on the very wand from where it rightly started!

No matter what a child desires, essential things that life requires,
the humble bubble is the captor of our peace.
That every single generation, will always find a true elation,
from that gulp of air, their lips then first release.

It's 2.45am. I've Insomnia. And I Still Haven't Had A..........

2011-09-29T02:47:00.002+01:00

Four hours ago, I intended on going to the loo to piddle.........and I still haven't been. Another victory for all those pelvic floor exercises I maintained during my pregnancies! Who am I kidding......I'm sat here and the thought of that cold porcelain ain't doing me no favours. Potty, anyone....?

Get To 'F' (21)

2011-09-23T17:14:00.000+01:00

Getting to 'F' this week was fun. Thank you NorseGod for choosing the pic. I kinda know the feeling as I get my knickers in a twist often enough, but I'd need to be mega-stressed for this effect:

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Sunday Snippet (33)

2011-09-18T21:04:00.000+01:00

I've just returned from a visit to an elderly relative, who turned 95 recently. As the visitors came and went, she was reminding absolutely everyone that she was a great, great, great grandmother. I, for one, would have expected a little more modesty from a woman of her generation........

Get To 'F' This Way Too.......! (20)

2011-09-17T20:42:00.002+01:00

This week's picture really says it for itself. Just imagine how many would sell if such a hybrid was produced. Mind you, they'd have to succeed in developing a variety to please the hot-peppered gals, too! Just a little bit more, perhaps....I enjoy a good mouthful.....!

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have a quick visit for similar pics at my other blog HERE

And (one up) For The Happy Cow That Lives Down The Lane

2011-09-14T20:36:00.002+01:00

(I grew up with classic Disney in my heart, but for my own kids' upbringing, these old characters were overshadowed by newer Disney ones. However, they'd probably still have enjoyed this poem accompanying the picture........*ahem*)

Donald was the champion of grumpy, bumpy frowns
Hardly smiled at anything, no time for laughs or clowns
Asked some friends to join him on a shooting trip, one day
But no-one took him seriously, much to his dismay

'Look', he said, 'we're all just figments of old Walt's imagination,
but let's not get ideas that are way above your station!
Some of you are nobodies, just used for background fodder,
I think you'll find (till Mickey shows) I deserve the best of lauder!'

But the gang just laughed and wouldn't pose, kept sticking out their tongues
One by one their scrawny necks he could have gladly wrung.
Even in the distance, Clarabelle found it amusing, but
She knew her forest friends were in real danger of a bruising

So she spun a magic rainbow, chucked in colour, made it sparkle
Lured the mad drake forward, (notions heading patriarchal!)
Said, 'There's treasure at the rainbow's end, to suit Sir Donald Duck!"
But there wasn't, just a grand excuse for him to get to........

Catching Phosphorescence

2011-09-08T21:39:00.009+01:00

This is a particularly poor attempt at a short story. It's been one of those week's where the juices, and idea's aren't flowing. Wanted to give it a try, though, as I enjoy entries made here. Not been short story writing for over 20 years and like this colour - it's a bit rusty...and not so short! Fingers crossed for the future....!

Senga waited patiently for Linus. He promised he'd return to the bay for her. That summer he left impinged upon her greatly, and for a long time cut her open every day. Not even the salt of the cooling sea could cleanse the hurt. The day she felt those soft blue eyes resting on her was the day she felt she'd grown up. Fourteen years old and in love with Linus.

It didn't take long for his fisherman father and needle-crafter mother to settle in. The small isle welcomed the great angler. His techniques were astounding and he soon became kitchen talk. Linus felt proud of his father but had regular bouts of guilt. As much as he loved traveling, even across the seas, he had music in his heart instead of fish. Linus, a pretty boy who captivated women of all ages, especially while caressing his flute of luring notes.

Senga and Linus made plans for the future. They would sail around the world, revisiting all the places he had been. Japan was the country she wanted to visit most and he depicted for her his memories. How approaching boats made the land look as if it rose straight out of the water, and how all the trees there seemed to grow sideways. Daylight made everything look lacy and on the waters on a still clear night, reflecting stars erased the horizon and it felt as though you were sailing through a huge bowl of stars. His biggest promise was to catch her a sea-firefly, one chilly magical night.

'I'll bring you back phosphorescence', he promised. 'and it will glow so bright, a token symbol of my love for you'. And she believed him, until fate struck a direct blow.

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On the day he departed, heading back to Europe after his father died, the darkest skies ever hooded the bay. The young lovers clung to each other, each kiss tenderly stinging. Senga had hardly the energy to stand. The pain so ripping and so raw. At nineteen, they said their goodbye's. He promised he would sail back in style for her, be the captain of a trading fleet and whisk her away to become his wife.

After a few years Senga lost faith in her beloved ever returning. Her life moved on but rested with no-one new. Accepting a few male invitations she did, but marriage, her mother feared, would evade her, lest it be for mere company. Her heart had already been thrown into the sea and eaten by the creatures that scoured the bed looking for abandoned food. Promises.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tearing herself from bed, she ran barefoot out into the night and towards the shore. A commerce sailing vessel had anchored at the bay earlier on in the day while she was away and she only just heard the news. Large sails were not common and rarely passed by the bay. By the time she reached the sand the ship was far out. Holding out the lantern and waving was no use. It kept on it's way.

In the ship, the Captain approached a tired and weary looking crew member.

             "Linus....? What troubles you?"

             "Sir, I wanted to make it ashore today, but awoke a short time ago only to find that we're heading back"

               "Ah, lad.......the trials of the sea. When she rocks you to sleep, you must obey." he sighed........."hold on....is that a swaying light on the shore....?"

                Linus followed his line of vision and leaned far over the ship's side. " No, sir.......I think that's merely a firefly."

Opting For........(POETS RALLY week 50)

2011-08-27T21:24:00.008+01:00

Have you often been this acrid
You, the keeper of that tongue?
Lashing it so recklessly
With that little mood you swung

Stop being oh, so touchy
Stop delving in so deep
The whole world, ain't against you
It's the hours you chose to keep

It's a struggle, some requirements
Often have to change their path
Unexpected rings, and social flings
Familiar aftermath

Some excuses really are,
The truth, and so you see
Disappointment scales the plans
In which we can't foresee

No damn hidden agenda
No one's stabbed you in the back
Short notice comes in bouts at times
It's hard to keep on track

Tainting those in colours
With that tarry, tarry brush
Might end in sad extinction
If a heart you lamely crush

Some fib to spare a feeling
We've survived it at all before
But some in selfish attitude
Head you straight for the front door

Make a scene, by all means, honey
Scream and shout and stomp and curse
Is it worth it, these huge mountains?
If you tumble off headfirst?

The Hiding Swallow.......

2011-08-20T22:22:00.007+01:00

I waded through those heaving sheaths of wheat. Open heart, clogged head. A few days ago I found out you are not my real brother and it is your blood that is pure.

Our parents chose me well. Colouring, in eyes, of skin, was consistent with theirs. Two blues couldn't make a brown - right? So my copper hair and azure eyes secured the lie that gave me acceptance and substance of who I was. Never ever questioned. Until now.

Why couldn't I work it out? You, Mathew, with your matinee features, ease of tanning, your confidence roaring, and me with my plain face, pasty skin and placid nature. How could we share the same genes? My protector, my shield. You were my hero and I often felt like your bane.

Father told me in that hospital room before he died, that I have a birth mother out there somewhere. Knowing you now live so far away, I think he got scared for old quiescent me. I have no one else. I understand this revelation I was never to find out, but with mum gone, he panicked. This helped his passing, no secrets, no pain, no linger. Just peace.

So, I'll see you tomorrow and together we'll arrange the funeral. I can't believe it's been 13 years and you haven't married! That was expected of me too, but virtual recluses aren't likely to taste matrimony. I'm surprised at you, though. All the girls that wanted to be my friend just to get closer to you! My handsome big brother........

Before you head back, Mathew, will you trek through the wheat field with me? Remember how we used to take that shortcut home and risked time and again, the rage of the farmer? But the beauty of that field, the performance that captivated, was when the swallows circled us, speed and angle perfect, catching the winged insects we disturbed while paving our golden route. You told me they only appeared to those with pure hearts. No liars, cheats or fakers would ever be encircled. Only those who truly feel love. What will our chances be? Will your protective shadow ever be standing behind mine again?

I bit my lip yesterday and tasted the blood as it filled my mouth. Yours would taste no different, if the swallows ever misjudged the dive and speared your heart. Welcome home, Mathew.

Caress For Less

2011-08-17T16:56:00.001+01:00

I'm into the habit now of trying to watch an online movie a night in my 'me' time. Never would I download any films to my comp *(he's getting on a bit) and I don't want to lumber him with any more applications and shit. The lure of the laptop is enticing me greatly. But I've faith in this old rattler yet. Sometimes, all he needs is a bit of a clear out and he complies better (bit like the cheaper-half!).

After a huge search, and some trial and error, I found a great site with no complications, no download and no sign-up. Just a click and you're off with the choice of two screen sizes. So tonight I'm regressing back into my musical youth and watching, in pure cheese 80's rock and roll, Some Kind Of Wonderful, with Eric Stoltz, hair as ginger as the title colour. Takes me back to my first kiss, with you, Robert McMillan, you balding ex-lothario, you........

*whisper

Sunday Snippet (32)

2011-08-07T20:26:00.001+01:00

I often see signs like this when I'm out and about:

Honestly, this kind of slanging must do some damage to their confidence.....! What makes it worse is that these signs are found near schools and busy suburban areas. If it's better grades society wants out of kids, then this shock tactic ain't gonna work.......!

Calling September

2011-07-30T20:00:00.007+01:00

Takes simply a heatwave to burn out my notions
Hiding away from the day in recluse
No matter how hard the lotions and drenches
Can tempt to accept you, I bear my excuse

My skin white and freckled, hair fair and like floss
A prisoner inside and out
Rays never ending, the fire in the dust
A master of death and of drought

African Queens, Spanish Señoritas
Asian girls and red hot Femme Fatales
Lap up the sun with no real consternation
As I'm facing a season of Hell

Not all women love a tanning of amber
Nor bathe as the temperature creeps
While Helios sits high admiring his minions
I struggle to gain me a sleep

Days are too long and the birds sing too early
In praise of the hot day ahead
Outside it's like punishment, so I remain indoors
Air conditioned, lacklustre, in bed

So I'm Calling September to hurry and bring me
Cooling air as his evenings draw near
With the promise of winter sun, crisp and dark mornings
Which I'll walk through without any fear.

I Love The Sound Of..............

2011-07-28T14:50:00.004+01:00

While cursing the functions of my camera, I managed to capture (unwittingly until I got home) this little corker. Filmed at a Casino and No Need For Idols gig, here's PrettyBoy's beloved (Stacey) innocently adding to the entertainment while he adds a drum roll (standard procedure in such cases....!):

That's my twirly girly.......!

Who's Fighting Who.....?

2011-07-18T14:03:00.003+01:00

PrettyBoy and NorseGod both love the Foo Fighters - a band that haven't quite impressed me the way Nirvana or Queens of the Stone Age have - but this incident at a recent festival where they performed, totally got my approval. Maybe their songs will grow on me a bit more now. The irony is in the name of the band, I suppose, but respect to lead singer Dave Ghrol. Who needs security, eh?

A Plug For Rhombusheed....!

2011-07-04T21:17:00.002+01:00

I just had to share this picture of my niece, Rachel, (7) at my brother's recent 60th Birthday Bash (with a 60's 70's 80's music theme!) She shafted somebody for the wig and looked 20 times better anyhow...! Peace, kiddo........!

*************************************************************************

Me & Me

2011-06-29T22:47:00.015+01:00

Red hair with some blonde highlights,
a gift from God, you see.
Though he didn't throw away the mould,
he made another 'me'.

Identical in every way,
from height, to weight, to features.
A criss-cross of my own damn self,
fooled friends and foes and teachers.

We have a waddled walk, they say,
a cackling laugh to boot.
There's a strange breeze when we leave a room,
unitedly astute.

Our telepathic stories
can leave jaws a drooping down.
Although 500 miles away -
I know when she's in town!

Our soppy hearts are similar,
we cry at weepy stories.
And reminisce through albums,
telling tales of our joint glories.

We've felt each others' sadness,
but no sharing aches and pains.
Deliberating right from wrong?
I'm on my side again!

It has been rather useful though,
this chance to intermix.
One present sent from both of us,
two back - yeah, that's the trick!

But..............

Don't let this twin thing fool you,
though she has my DNA.
We're chalk and cheesy mostly,
not all roads display 'One Way'.

Her taste in men is awful,
and her music choice is chronic.
My cat's fluffy and fragile,
her dog's borderline demonic.

She'll choose the hottest spice to try,
no water standing by.
Whereas just a hint of onion,
makes me cry and cry and cry.

She'll bake in her back garden,
'til she turns to lobster red.
While just a ruddy chink of light,
makes me want to stay in bed.

A smoker since her school days,
yet, I've never had a puff
(though I've had a sneaky inhale
of that marijuana stuff!)

And her love for wine astounds me,
not a country she's not tried.
If a grape needed direction,
she would make the perfect guide!

Don't start me on the tattoos,
needless, forever-inky scars.
That her bygone masterpiece just
looks like bruises from afar....

Her craft is model icing,
literally on the cake.
For celebrations catering,
all walks of life she makes.

Me? I'm at my best when,
slapping paint upon a wall.
Mural of some kiddies' hero,
or giant logos of football!

I could go on here forever,
splitting replica's apart.
She'll always be my twin sis
the same beating of one heart.

We share love and we share laughter
Go through Hell if she did too.
Protected though, forever.
Could you love another 'you'?.

Penned for Poets Rally Week 47, and dedicated to my twin sister (right).....ps....my hair has been cut and styled to match hers now!

'Ello 'Ello 'Ello.......Who Have We Here, Then......??

2011-06-28T16:41:00.002+01:00

I would like to say a huge 'Happy Birthday!' to my son Ross's (PrettyBoy) girlfriend, Stacey, who turns 20 today. We've grown very fond of her over these past few months and adore her kind-hearted, funny, bouncy, quirkiness. She's a beautiful little gem, with the biggest eyes I've ever seen! Today, he has taken her to Edinburgh Zoo - to see the Penguin Parade more than anything. I'd love for PrettyBoy to pose with a tarantula for a picture, but I envisage a pile of hairy mush if he dares try.

Her father is in the police force and has only met PrettyBoy fleetingly so far. Later today, he gets to meet Sgt. Stacey's Dad at length, at her birthday meal, where PrettyBoy will (hopefully) get the third degree and any other questioning he sees fit.....! You know the score with daddies and daughters! To him, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic........

Which leads me to add that Daddy is apparently, a bit of a leg-puller and prankster, so I'm hoping he catches Ross out with a beauty. Ross, however, is considering wearing the below retro tee-shirt with the accompanying album tucked under his arm. The old ones are the best after all........! Ain't they, sonny Jim........eh?

Sunday Snippet (31)

2011-06-26T23:53:00.002+01:00

I'm not one to scoff at other peoples beliefs, but if Buddhists are supposed to live their lives without want and greed and all that, how come Buddha's such a chubby (but very likable!) little bloke?

Go on, mate - fill your boots. I promise I won't tell as long as you leave me the gherkin....!!

Get To 'F'

2011-06-24T22:22:00.000+01:00

This week's F-ing find: Flexible Friends......

Café Au Too Late

2011-06-16T21:13:00.014+01:00

**Since this poem is a little confusing, well the format anyhow, to some, I'll try to explain the concept of it. It's actually about the same woman who has flashbacks to her youth, where she was bullied. The regular font speaks of her meantime circumstances, whereas the italics speak of her childhood misery. And, of course, the scene is set in a burger-bar & cafe. Hope this helps...!**

Whipping downwards, I watched, the cream in the coffee, swirling and stirring around
I never looked over at the table next to me, not a singular whisper or sound

I did love you so much in all kinds of manners, of course I accepted your choice
A girl knocked her drink, felt the splashes on my cheek, she yelped with a lash to her voice

Complications in living, a struggle to manage, we were happy to face them as one
A squirt shot from the sachet, a barbeque sauce stain, and reason for them to poke fun

You told me we'd go on complete in our unity, always - and then your heart froze
The boy let out laughter and threw a straw at me, I suppose that's the way that it goes

Can it be that I'm loveless, a patch not quite able, to mend as the tear rips along
Pushed my back as I walked to the toilets to wash up, I'd be welling up here before long

Empty rooms and our savings, divided belongings, bin bags that carry a tale
Head hanging down, hair that covered my red face, sighing hard to no avail

Making waves and emotions, back to the mentions of singular guidances now
Far too scared to tell tales to the teachers or mothers, just continue to mop my own brow

Leaning over my coffee pot, I saw her crying, the jibers now running away
Sidled along, let the girl sit next to me, for we knew where our own heartaches lay
************************************************************************
So, what's here then....?

New Casino Tracks - Go Grab A Beer (or wine) For A Listen....!

2011-06-15T20:34:00.004+01:00

Now, as we all know, I never bang on about my sons' bands! But I thought I'd give one of them a right good Blogger flogging! Finally, Casino's new tracks are up for a public hearing offence - for being so damned good. It's outrageous!!! All spruced up in Facebook with new pictures (including the album covers) and general run down of Casino world.

The link below will take you to 6 of their recorded tracks (many, many more to come). And if you think you're too old to listen to whippersnapper stuff, try a micro-listen to Starlight, Lynette, Waiting Up and The High. And if you recommend a friend to join the Facebook fanatics - there's a free WHAM bar in it for you. Yes,.......I've got your attention now, eh? All video's to the songs will be found on the sidebar of both my blogs or by written request.

You can buy individual tracks or wait for release of the album, but don't miss out a listen for now. Here's the link below and all I ask is for a marked visit to their page or join the fan base there. 4000 Facebook fans (so far) can't all be wrong, can they...?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casino/124252040948745?sk=app_178091127385

My Girl

2011-06-08T20:28:00.026+01:00

Reflecting on your birthday, how you popped into the world.
My one and only daughter, firstborn, little baby girl.
I recall that very morning, as the niggles started up
Held my breath, bit my lip, stared into my coffee cup

Uh-oh! The planned arrival's curiously making waves.
It only cramps a little bit, I must try to be brave.
Soon your dad came to Maternity, a smile upon his face
A floppy rose in one hand, and a watch to set the pace.

Looking quite uncomfortable, from sit, to stand, to sit
I didn't like the set up, not one single bloody bit!
He asked how I was doing and I lashed out with my tongue
For it felt I had an open brolly sticking up my bum!

You weren't too concerned about making your appearance
And all I wanted here and now was full-blown baby clearance!
Deliver us from pain and things, it was beyond a joke
Not even sweat stained lullaby's were able to evoke!

I huffed and puffed and panted, swore and knocked some flowers down
Prayed to God: '...just kill me now...', while in my labour gown.
You still maintained a lie-in, in no hurry to appear
While I told your dad he's 'in for it, when we get out of here!'

They offered pain relief for me, I took it and was grateful
But that just slowed the process down, how could they be so hateful!
Then 'crack ' you burst your bubble, water gushing all about
I felt worse than central reservoir, depleted and washed-out!

Now, I felt you coming, waves of chronic, gripping stuff!
Dilating me to number 10 - when 4 was bad enough!
But, yes, indeed, still here was I , the mid-wife quite confounded
I'd said good-night-and-morning twice, akimbo and abounded....

This baby was the champion, a sac of pure control
There would be no Miss-taking, Little Miss's future role!
So, where that strength was mustered, Heaven knows from where it came
I purged so hard, I soon saw stars and lighter I became.

You were swabbed and robed and measured, checked out quickly by the nurse
Who handed me sweet little 'you' and forgave my need to curse!
Twenty-seven long hard hours, it took you to comply
I kissed your bloodied forehead and the pain just waved goodbye.

But from the moment I first saw you - what a rush of pinking air.
A girl when they all said 'a boy', you made your mark from there!
A chubby little face you had and fingers long and thin
A heart that beat so very fast, a precious stone within.

The beginning of a story, chapters that just captivate
I don't believe in magic, just the power to create.
My perfect little baba, my funny, funny girl
An addition and a honour to this huge revolving world!

Get It Right Up Ye.........!

2011-05-29T16:56:00.007+01:00

I was surfing through cable guff last night and came across a programme on beauty and vanity ect. One subject of the show was 48 year-old Mariam, whom had spent more than £20,000 on lifts and tucks over the years. There was a HUGE difference, she was wrinkle free and taut but cocked up the whole effect by still sporting an eighties bubble perm and last decade clothes. Now she was no more than a younger looking obvious old dear. For £20,000 I'd have wanted to be asked what year at high school I was in!!

But the political overview alerted that more money was spent on boob jobs and viagra per year than on research into Altzheimers disease - a condition the programme picked at random to compare, I hope. Otherwise there's a chance by 2045 that the elderly will mostly have perky tits and stiff todgers but no fucking idea why!

ps.....I'll stick to my dedicated and timely twice a day rinse with Dove soap and be happy to one day fling my boob over my shoulder while I scour away with a buffer!

Music Matters!

2011-05-24T22:25:00.001+01:00

Only a few here will know who Bernard Butler is, but this is a beautiful little message to music fans in general out there. You'll know all the influences, however!

Sunday Snippet (30)

2011-05-22T21:08:00.001+01:00

I burned my hand recently and the first reaction was to get it as cold as possible, so used the old method of cold water, which soothed and worked a treat. Then it lead to me thinking that that's rather unfair. I mean - why can't you put something blunt on a cut, or straight salt on a sore tooth...? Seems mother nature's not all she's cracked up to be!

When The Morning Comes ( The Boy )

2011-05-20T14:24:00.008+01:00

The boy's off the rails again, he's gone and lost himself
He'll try to find his way back home, but he doesn't want your help.
'Don't waste your words on me', the boy says in his way
The girl behind him starts to cry, but he doesn't shift his gaze.

Where has he been?
What has he done?
Is all forgotten when the morning comes.

His senses start to burn, his friends become his foes.
He'll be your friend again in time, it's just the way it goes.
It's all just bravado, the boy's a drama queen,
You know he's just like you and me, he likes to cause a scene.

But where has he been?
What has he done?
Is all forgotten when the morning comes.

It's then seeped into his mind, he tries to understand.
Before you take the leap of faith, you let go of a hand hand.
The world's just one big sigh, inhaled and blown away
Surface only to correct, the value of his day.

Where have you been?
What have you done?
Can you forgive him, when the morning comes?

Listen up!? Fancy listening to it...?

http://tigerlilley.blogspot.com/2011/05/when-morning-comes.html

Get To 'F'

2011-05-13T22:50:00.002+01:00

This weeks' F-ing find......Feigning Flowers:

Release Of The Boy

2011-05-11T20:36:00.006+01:00

It's here at last. The 4th video from Casino (you know, the band that every other band fucking hates) made to accompany their new, tender melody. For newer readers, Casino is the band my son is the drummer of.

This time, however, as this song is mostly acoustic, he all but shakes a wee sole egg-maraca throughout. Which was an extremely hard thing to maintain, as with most drummers it is paramount to do a hairy and give a manic rendition, similar to the flailing of Animal from the Muppets, before the start of every song.

In the video, the Wurlitzer that the lead singer and Jack-of-all-fingers (keyboard, guitar, tambo, flute, kazoo - you name it he plays it) is plunking, is one of only 10,000 left in the world, so that little bit of history is captured nicely. In a beautiful song that is easy on the ear and age-gap friendly.

Formatting of the film is created for an oldish feel about it, oh, and look out for a fleeting appearance from George Harrison on Ouija board. It's amazing what appears under correct lighting these days. And, in true Casino style, they dedicate a tribute of a daft fleeting 'sneer' the lead guitarist made at the end, only he don't know that yet! What use is music if it can't be fun? Enjoy.

Sunday Snippet (29)

2011-05-08T19:08:00.004+01:00

Scientists claim that spider's silk is one of the strongest materials known to man. So how come I've just popped a hole straight through one of their webs, and I'm not even that hard....??

Incy Wincy Creme Puff

Get To 'F'

2011-05-06T22:32:00.002+01:00

Every Friday I go on a cyber hunt to find a picture that fits under the letter 'F' catagory, so today is Food Flattery. How a celebrity might look, going from one extreme to the other. Always in the public eye is Ms. Hilton. I think she lost the grasp of her Best Friends Forever show as she was looking for a new one every year.! Tuck in, Paris. I'll give you ten minutes before you go running off to the bogs.........

Housewife's Xanadu

2011-05-05T15:24:00.009+01:00

No rules that obligate us
No missions we can't solve
Stationary roads ahead
Let sun and moon revolve

What happens to us, happens
Give it our biggest shot
Raining down on reigning us
More pennies in the slot

So what if skies are heavy
Accepting the sublime
We'll reason, judge, appreciate
While journeying our minds

Sunday Snippet (28)

2011-05-01T18:26:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I watched a man putting a plastic bag of dog shit in a bin attached to a lamp post. A sign on the bin read: 'Advertise Your Business Here' . Well, I for one cannot think of a trade or company that could possibly benefit from an association with bins of dog shit on lamp posts. Hmmmmm....

The Royal Weeding

2011-04-30T19:57:00.013+01:00

I didn't spend any time at all watching the Royal Wedding. What a long boring ceremony. I think those who were willing enough to endure echoed mumbles for hours on end, were more interested on the invitees and outfits. Anyhow, as previously planned, I spent the time weeding the drive instead. After I'd finished I decided to nip down to the local shops for some root killer, only to find that shops were ruddy well closed on public holiday! Grrrrr! Long may the next royal engagement last!!

WOW WOE Wednesdays - Melanie Griffith

2011-04-27T20:37:00.002+01:00

Here's this week's not so hot spot. Melanie is one of my favourite actors and she rode the 90's (as well as Antonio Banderas) with some fine movies. But I do like a bit of class doing a bit of common.....innit! We hardly notice that top lip at all, Mel....!

wow...........!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

WOE..........

Time To Flow Home

2011-04-24T19:09:00.010+01:00

My twin sister, as well as my best friend, are going through the menopause right now. In a sense I'm lucky, as a rushed hysterectomy took away all my womany bits when I was 29 and I can tell you now - I haven't once missed my womb. For almost 20 years now, I've not needed a pillow-sized-gusset panty pad to see me through the day / next hour and it's been a pleasure. Anyhow - we were on the subject of menstruation and mood swings.

She told me about this gay couple (one was her bridesmaid) who synchronised their menstrual cycles so they'd cope with the shit-side of monthlies together. They were going through crockery like a Greek wedding serving Angel Dust kebabs before, not to mention dents in the wall and broken CD's! Now, trying to convince a doctor that a lesbian and her girlfriend want to go on the contraceptive pill is trying enough, but it took 3 GP opinions for this request to be backed. WTF..?

I'm lucky, I found suitable HRT (after a few months). I can tell you now, it is not a pleasant sight to watch a friend or relative take hot, violent flushes out of the blue and turn into psycho in under a minute, especially if in the next minute they're accompanied by an urgent parting of the red sea. Bloody shame, if you ask me...!

Get To 'F'

2011-04-15T22:15:00.000+01:00

Every Friday I search for a picture subject, focusing on the letter 'F'. This week's F-ing find.....Food (literalisms). Anyone wanting the recipes just give me a shout!

...........anyone smell garlic here....?

A gamble on cheap tomatoes....................

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

WOW WOE Wednesdays - SIMON BAKER

2011-04-13T13:08:00.009+01:00

Each Wednesday I aim to bring a celebrity / well known bloke or gal and rip the star right out of them - via pictures. We ALL have our off days although I'm sitting here with make-up, hair done and matching outfit (hair scraped back, dressing gown with egg down it and cold feet) so I thought it would be fun to give the Wednesday treatment to our world of glam, and reveal their bit of common...

I'll start it off with my very own fantasy bloke. Voted the handsomest man in the world (and I'm confident the galaxy) Simon Baker. It's nice to see your lustings are prone to the same ruddy treatment from the sun....!

WOW! - how to do that beach thang >

WOE....!! How not to do it > (I'd still apply the after-sun on him , like...)

***************************************************************************************

And as we know and usually love him.

Sweet Hostage

2011-04-12T16:04:00.004+01:00

The last time I saw this film, I was in a Blackpool B&B 25 years ago, while nursing a hangover. For some reason I let this film slip my mind and only came across it by accident recently on youtube. I'd forgotten that I'd said back then I'd need to buy the video as soon as I got home, but never did. I'd also realised how these types of films are my favourite.

For me nothing stirs the soul better than an illicit love affair. Not the married tryst type stuff (yawn) but the ones where society gasp, frown upon. Teacher-pupil, priest-reprobate, brother-sister, doctor-patient stuff ect, with a story to say 'fuck the boundaries' life's brought us together, deal with it. Sadly it's how others do deal with it that brings about the demise, but there's usually a cracking fizzle until that cracking gun! There are few with a happy ending. Films and books I've enjoyed are Lolita, The Luzhin Defence, Ae Fond Kiss, Stigmata among others and now this film.

Sweet Hostage is about a 35 year old escaped mental patient who kidnaps a poorly-educated and parentally-drudged teenager and hide in a mountain shack. Initially, you would assume that she's in for a raping and a clobbering but you find he has respect for her 'womanly functions' and bathing. He has an obsession with poetry and performance and literates the girl enough for her to write a poem that captures his heart. Despite him having once been married, they are are each others first lover. It is sweet and girly, but your heart does go out to other troubled souls. A very young Martin Sheen and Linda Blair star in this one. Seek it out. I've left the capture clip and if you stop on 2.24 - you get an eery glare from Linda that we've seen somewhere before............

The Carrier Queen

2011-03-24T15:06:00.006Z

Funny how a trickling heart
stays with you from your teens.
That first influx, that bated breath
and endless 'where's he been's?'

Following his chosen path,
a corridor that you..
Have no need to be walking down,
or simply passing through.

How those eyes drew girls alike,
that thick fair hair that shone.
So aware that deep inside,
beat unison forlorn.

Today he sat beside her,
not through choice but on command.
Her food it stuck on it's way down,
as his pinky brushed her hand.

She kept admiring from afar,
feeling quite inept.
A prince to silent pauper,
in her lacey head she kept.

One day she plucked the courage,
asked a friend to plea her case.
He answered 'never in a million years",
laughing in her face.

Her friend delivered his reply,
a heart so wrenched it splits.
And without so much, as a mere touch,
cut her into little bits.

Soon parading round the school,
arm round another's waist.
Brains over beauty, rightly wrong
puts vermin in it's place.

Unrequited, feelings drowned,
into the pool of hurt.
No point in trying to keep afloat,
something that life reverts.

*******
30 years along the line
they met up quite by chance.
Was not so much as a mere touch,
but an evening of askance.

This heart he once had broken,
beat a multitude of class.
Unable to believe his eyes,
kept topping up his glass.

This shy and hardy woman,
now a mother and a wife.
Encumbered all his adds and thoughts,
his exilir of life.

Now he sought out his shadow,
with her interests alike.
A voice with words that flowed away
onboard a satellite.

And when he plucked the courage,
through the why's, the when's, the woe's.
Without so much, as a mere touch
she clicked her first hello.

Sunday Snippet (27)

2011-03-20T21:20:00.000Z

I'm glad and very appreciative that food manufacturers include 'serving suggestions' on their tin labels. I would never have thought of putting beans on toast.

Get To 'F'

2011-03-18T23:11:00.003Z

Fridge Friday.....This week's F-ing find!

You can't get any fresher than that!

Really...? Go On? Kidding...?

2011-03-15T16:34:00.008Z

Not that it will impress or even be known to many, but my son called two hours ago to say that the Scottish band, Deacon Blue, (big in the late 80's early 90's in Britain but rebanded a few years ago) is recording in the same studio as his band is today. A fairly big deal for a local band on the climb.

But weirder still, the lead singer of Deacon Blue is called Ricky ROSS. There are 3 ROSS's in Casino. Casino are recording LOADED GUN, and Deacon Blue had a hit single called LOADED. They both booked the studio within an hour of each other and from what I've heard both bands are getting hammered on the Special Brew right now. Well, maybe not that last bit....

A little bit of odds going on there....don't call themselves Casino for nothing, you know!!

And here's Deacon Blue's biggest hit. REAL GONE KID. What Scottish house doesn't stomp to this one at New Year..??

Get To 'F'

2011-03-11T22:19:00.002Z

Furry Friday.....This week's F-ing find.......I think this little guy is fangtastic. Edward who....?

Sunday Snippet (26)

2011-03-06T18:02:00.000Z

I love a weekend film - duvet and popcorn added - but it got me to thinking......How is it, despite all the millions of dollars spent on special effects, no Hollywood film has ever been able to produce a 'waking up' shot, where the character looks as fucked up as I do at seven in the morning......? Costs next to nothing to duplicate drool...!!

Get To 'F'

2011-03-04T19:05:00.002Z

Every Friday I go on a cyber hunt to find a picture that fits under the letter 'F' catagory, so today is Fish (fruit) bowl Friday. A clever little edit this......

Timeless Tarnish

2011-03-03T22:58:00.004Z

You stood for lorn against the wall
in the age of water and oils.
Saw time expand, mellow and grand
as you 'tocked your outer toils.

Speechless, though a talking point
to everyone who entered.
Mahogany with golden trim
gracefully you tenured.

A solid base that held you still
proudly and erect.
Yet ticked away your own demise
oblique, willful neglect.

For all the eyes you catered for
and all the ears that listened.
Anointed with a soothing base
denied your right to glisten.

For who cares for a time piece
that calls past Centuries?
Not quite fitting in a plan
with adequate degree

You stood there proudly serving
till the young hereditary
Chose digital and lazer beams
domestical contrary.

Alas you wait with artifact
collections in the attic.
To be destroyed, nil and void,
non-aristocratic.

Farewell my timeless beauty,
finite in its clutch.
Oh, the stories you could tell
without hands or Newtons touch

Sunday Snippet (25)

2011-02-27T21:53:00.000Z

GingerNut brought me back a nice little surprise yesterday. One of those ambi-pure plug-in air freshener things, called 'Open Window'. With Fairley's farm located a mere 3 miles downwind from our town, I can't see it being much of a selling point.

2011-02-23T22:08:00.007Z

                                  Haiku Challenge

   Just a wisp away
Charcoaled by a beating heart
                                         Pocketed desire

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    Sorry for not contributing much this week. My twin sister (yes, I'll add pics later!) and my niece are up from London and I'm trying to pack in as much adolescent nonsense as is required before they need to return. We haven't embarrassed or mortified the kids too much so far! I have managed a little Haiku as I've been uploading a video. Catch you all soon! Normal Lena service will be resumed by the week end .....!

Poets Rally # 38 - THEM DAMN SHOES...!!

2011-02-19T22:18:00.004Z

Thank you for the invite. Here are the answers to the questions asked before my very first entry. I do hope I'm getting this right....!! Looking forward to the other entries!

1 - Yes. 2 - Yes. 3 - Yes. 4 - Yes 5 - Yes. 6 - Yes. 7 - Yes.

I've written a piece about we women and our supposed 'obsession' with shoes. I'm sure it'll help men understand what it's all about:

Them Damned Shoes

Huge heels, buckled tight, squashed digits, micro light.
Skinny styles with taper tips, biting on your bottom lip.
Glarey reds, electric blue, matching clutch bag - earrings too!
Running shoes with miles of lacing, throbbing hot with raw abrasions.

Ankle straps, kitten heels, not as comfy as they feel.
Platform soles and knocking knees, twisted ankle guaranteed!
The leather look is really plastic, held on with some loose elastic.
Slinging back and cutting in, can't feel where your toes begin!

Trusting shoes with built-in calk? Still impossible to walk.
Pumps which state that you're quite hep, come flying off with your next step!
Pretty canvas, jelly beans, fray away your boot-kick jeans.
Seasoned shoes all bold and clumpy, hell for leather, getting grumpy

Cool espadrilles in the breeze, leave lace marks right up to the knees!
Going retro with some Kickers, further back for winklepickers!
Loads of girls with pretty faces, wear Uggly boots to many places.
Thigh high boots for kinky nights, make sure they are tad too tight.

Peep toes for the well-to-do's. Valentino - Jimmy Choo's?
Wellingtons for muddy fans, get as mucky as you can!
Blisters, corns, skin that's chaffing, now who is the one that's laughing?
Weeping sores and toes all crushed, buff that suede up with a brush!

Out we go, to shop again, for our misery and pain.
But girls alone, we always choose - put up with everything for shoes!

Sunday Snippet (24)

2011-02-13T21:49:00.000Z

I was having a check up at the dentist on Friday and as on most waiting room walls, there was a note on the board saying how 38 people didn't show up for their appointments that week, and the importance of cancelling. Now, here's me sitting 32 minutes after my appointment time - as were many. I couldn't help but wonder, if all the patients had kept their appointments just what buggering time would I have seen the dentist.? Answer me that one!!

The I-ski-ng On The Make(shift!)...!

2011-02-09T19:34:00.001Z

With Wii Fits about, a no claims bonus will become a thing of the unfitting past! Poor wee Fido.....!

Sidebar Saturdays Stop

2011-02-05T22:13:00.003Z

My head bulb illuminated (being extra careful not to catch hold of the dried straw mop on top) today to the strength of 40watts, and I gave this idea a bit of an airing. One can only try, can't one...?

One of my regular reads is a lovely young student (whose link I'll leave at the bottom of this post) called Sam. I was first attracted to her blog because of its layout. It was zappy and happy, with the odd word increased in size, font changed and /or coloured. It was a bonus to discover that her manner and writing flowed creatively and honestly, and her sense of humour tickled me.

A few posts ago, she mentioned that not enough time is spent perusing each others' sidebars - and that is often the case with popular poetry and literacy groups and challenges, where a lot of reading and commenting goes on - and that's a shame. Both of us agreed that by simply taking in sidebar surroundings, this contributes to defining one's character traits. Often there's more mannerisms and little quirks you share than you'd imagine. Songs, pictures, certain application, headers, video clips ect. Sometimes, it's okay to judge a book by its cover. Of course, there is always Blogger profile 'films, interests and music' to use for thorough search through if you've the time.

So, on some future Saturdays, I'll be highlighting a blog (on my blogroll or not). I'll say what gives it the thumbs up and leave a link, too. You'd be amazed at what you come across with a little surround search. So, for her zany pictures alone, Sam is this week's Sidebar Saturday Stop!

http://lifeofscumbagsam.blogspot.com/

ps........wait til you see what Wowful, Woeful Wednesdays is about!

Sunday Snippet (24)

2011-01-30T18:20:00.000Z

Why can't dustman simply leave your bin in front of your house instead of dragging it into a different postcode?

Ordinary (Kinda) Days 2

2011-01-18T17:20:00.005Z

Got up in quite a chirpy mood. A new album I'd raved about was on sale in Britain at last. The perfect excuse to take a trip into town. I adore going into all the little pound stores, saving a small fortune on my Spring garden tripe. The weight of the recent, heavy snowfall (and it was mental in Scotland - we threw the cat on the garden table to see how deep it was and he disappeared!) had broken the bracket on one of my window boxes and it had fallen and lain like that over the bad spell. So guilt eventually nutted me and I saved what I could yesterday as the weather was fairly mild.

At 8am, a hammering at the door (that would have put the police to shame) put the wind up me. Just another teenage-type-snotty thing. His girlfriend was appearing on the Scottish, Britain's Got Talent auditions (singing) and GingerNut and the guys went along to the show.

Anyhow, I saw him and his minions out the door around 9am and caught the next bus into town with them. We all had a game of 'uses for a bus ticket'. Toothpick, earplugs and cocaine snorter were among the sensible ones. A quick tara, and a "mum, have you got any spare change...?" from GingerNut slung it's way towards me before they drifted. I gave him some dosh but told him a checked blanket, a paper cup and a wet arse would have saw him double that!!

Still being very-cold but now snowless, I needed gloves on. Now, trips ('specially unpleasant or long ones) are made easier with a bit of music blasting in your ears (although some folk think you're rude and ignoring them ). I am just starting to connect with my iPod but because it is heat-sensitive, you need a digit with a bit of blood going through it to work. Circulation for the nation so to speak. I got so fed up with dropping my glove to give me access sensor-wise to my songs (and it was making my hand cold) that I gnawed the index finger out of the right one. The old dear at the bus stop next to me shuffled further up as I was ripping and spitting bits of wool on the ground. But it worked.

I'm now off to cook a meal for McScrooge. It's only tea-time but I feel like jumping under the covers now. We did get a new oven for Christmas that I haven't used yet, so if the cheaper half expects a dinner like this:

I can assure him he'll end up with something like that:

Laters................

Behind The Wall? Just The Ticket........

2011-01-14T22:45:00.002Z

A few days ago, I met my GingerNut in town after college to go for a quick burger and to pick up tickets for some up and coming gig that No Need For Idols had arranged. I was gobsmacked to be presented with the above ticket. Not only are NNFI playing at the gig but my other son's band Casino (you know, the band that every other band hates) are on the bill, too. Top spot. The third band, Unit 7, has an ex-Valentine (PrettyBoy's first band) at lead guitar. I'm a little choked to think that members of these bands have nurtured their talent in my kids' rooms. Guitars, cables, organs, amps ect, everywhere. And to add to the thrill - it's on my birthday...!! If I didn't know them better, I'd say this was planned..........

ps....room for one more band.....I wonder??

Happy Wotsit.......

2011-01-01T02:45:00.000Z

It os 20 past two in the morning. There are a few things that are usually not usual of me. Yes, I have had a few drinks. Four Morgan's Spiced (Smith measures!) and cola. For the first time in years I have brought in the new year at my big bruvvah, Rab's, house with a host of Smith friends and family. Making it more special was my daughter's birthdy on Hogmanay, too. She and her hubby and PrettyBoy and GingerNut went to the Edingburgh Street Party, in the gardens to be presice and boastful. Biffy Clyro was trhe headlining act and they brought the house down.

My twin sister and her gorgeous daughter, Layla, are moving back to Scotland for good in a few weeks' time. Family is important. More so as you grow older. Anyhow HAPPY NEW YEAR to youse all. I'll be back to M'tales very soon. And I may feel the need for a headache remedy soon. Not to treat the hangover but to sooth the pounding noise of our clan....Lang May Yer Lumb Reek.......

And The Jailhouse Rocked

2010-12-27T20:55:00.003Z

GingerNut's band played their iffy little socks off at both their prison gigs. The guys were allowed to mingle with the inmates while in the entertainment hall. It was one of the best gigs they ever played, an experience that will last. The band had the girls on their feet, clapping and singing, while one was asked to join them onstage to sing.

The ladies of Cornton Vale Prison highly appreciated the show. Some had great stories to tell, some were stunner-tagged, some gentle spoken and some reeking of pure regret. The band came away with a little food for thought, inspiration for future material and a whole range of respect. Music will always connect creeds, no matter which roads we decide to take, and come out at the end united in perfect harmony. Even with the odd duff note or two..........

Aisle Be Buggered!

2010-12-16T21:02:00.006Z

Twice, now - in under a fortnight - I have been snubbed in the supermarket by a 'friend'. Libby. Quite deliberately and openly she has clocked me and about turned. Off in the direction of the deli-counter for smoked peacocks vomit or something rich and similarly unpalatable. Not that I'm usually fussed about who eats what. It's a little go at swallowing her pride she should try to order . Attitude and gratitude are free.

Why, you may ask, am I so bothered about this? I mean, we've all done it from time to time, and it's not the end of the world. I'll try to explain.

An old friend of my husband's (Bobby) married Libby around 7 years ago. She has a teenaged son - another Adam - from her first marriage. Bobby used to go fishing regularly with my hubby but that lessened as the years passed. They did attend a couple of barbeques of ours but hadn't stayed long. Our only contact whittled to Christmas cards. My husband missed his old fishing friend.

Last year, in the lead up to Christmas, Bobby called out of the blue, asking if PrettyBoy or GingerNut could teach Adam a few chords and rhythms on guitar as he wanted one for Christmas. Pretty Boy said that that would be no bother, so Adam came home straight to my house from school for a 90 minute session with him. He was offered some money for the lessons (as it would have cost £20 per half hour from his music teacher) but his little pupil learning things quickly was reward enough. Bobby picked him up after each lesson. By Christmas the little guy could play a whole song, plus managed to read simplistic musical notes and chords.

We were thanked and given an extra big card and tin of biccies, showing their appreciation. And we hadn't see hilt nor hair of them for most of this year. No arranged fishing trips with my hubby (as was agreed). An old loyal friend at one time. No invite to any of the barbeque that they arranged.

So, when I get treated with disdain, utter brazen rudeness, it really gets my goat. Heck, I even made out an exasperated sigh on her second aisle dodge. We really don't have a lot in common so I doubt if the 'conversation' would have lasted more than an awkward minute. But not even a daft wee acknowledgement. No smile. No wave. Not even a nod. She drives, lives, and dresses far more than my budget will ever cater for. But I'd rather be clad with holes and tears everywhere than scuffing the supermarket floor with Jimmy Choo heels in an quick, escapee spin.

No Need For Eyeballs - Just Your Ears.......

2010-12-07T19:24:00.001Z

Here's my younger son's band NO NEED FOR IDOLS, with their latest recording. I am simply stunned at how a bunch of 16 & 17 year-old's come away with this kind of talent. While some kids that age wile away the hours and school holidays ect, setting fire to things, these guys come up with musical magic. Oliver - the lead singer - has the most amazing voice for such a scrawny wee thing, a two-pint-wonder even but I noticed the talent in him from an early age. Anyhow - have a listen, it's a beautiful wee number:

Find more artists like No Need for Idols at Myspace Music

OnlyThe Best Tatt Ever......

2010-11-23T21:38:00.000Z

Bet this hurt more AFTER the final nip from the needle:

No Need To Panic!

2010-11-18T15:43:00.005Z

It may be the smallest venue EVER, with the most expensive bar, but my younger son's band No Need For Idols are headlining at Behind The Wall in Falkirk, tonight. It'll be a fight between me, Trish (the bassist's mum) and a hundred-odd teenagers to bag the booth at the back to climb up on to, to see the bands and take fab pics from there, otherwise we'd drown in a sea of elbows, pogo-ing, hair pulling, slidey floor, dropped cameras/phones, heels and B.O.

So, see you there, sons. And I pwomise, we won't show you up tonight. We'll be as good as gold, no screaming, swearing, AND we'll stay put. No Need To Sidle.

I'm a very naughty girl but here's the link for a sneaky scrappy listen to Casino' s new tune: http://helenshere.blogspot.com/2010/11/starlight.html

Office-ensive Puss-Puss

2010-11-09T19:25:00.001Z

I love this new version of the classic upload. The guy who does the voice over is spot on (well not entirely as PrettyBoy pointed out - snob!!) and it's hilarious. Nothing like a kitty to cheer up your day....

Move Over Pudsy......

2010-11-06T22:56:00.008Z

For the charity Movember, (a portmanteau of the words 'moustache' and 'November') that originated in Australia, my two son's are helping fight prostate and other cancers facing men, by being scruffy little gits. For the whole of November they are not gonna shave under their noses. Hormonally, the younger one is only 16 and shouldn't need to shave. It wasn't so long ago he was still playing with his Action Man squad. They now sport Barbie clothes whenever I babysit the niece. There is nothing wrong with transvestism or gay play in childrens development these days.

Anyhow, back to the absence of hairs on their chinny-chin-chins to jaggy philtrums. PrettyBoy's university's follicle-ridden scrawny imports are mostly all joining in. (So could some of the girls, apparently.)They must start the month clean-shaven and let nature and eventually fibre putty, take it's course. The more ridiculous the 'tache, the better. Gingernut (who's bottle blonde in the pic) grows his body hair at a rate 4 times quicker than his brother's, so by Dec 1st he'd be like Grizzly Adam's if he left that chin alone.

To help boost the donations, PrettyBoy is getting his band Casino's (you know - the band every other band fucking hate) front man, Telfer, (who's a stylist - hair not clothes!) to dye his 'tache black and give it 70's handle-bar extensions for the final snap.

In ridiculous anticipation of how they or others may look they dipped my make up bag and mascara'd their tache's and present facial hair before the big shave. Here's the result........GingerNut looking cheeky, PrettyBoy looking glaikit and both looking for a healthy future as they continue to sprout!

http://uk.movember.com/

Sunday Snippet (23)

2010-10-31T15:46:00.002Z

I quite like a good Sunday surfing - telly controls to myself and all that.

I remember seeing a few weeks ago, a man being arrested for trying to smuggle 2 kilograms of cocaine into the United Kingdom. Today, I saw a man being arrested for trying to smuggle 10 kilograms out of the United Kingdom. I wish they'd make their minds up. Do they want the stuff or not...!?

I'm Buzzing.........!

2010-10-26T16:21:00.006+01:00

Viola - I've managed to work out the chords to Green Day's, When September Ends, before GingerNut gets home from college (not that they were THAT difficult given the band!) but he said I wouldn't as it starts in G whereas I'm an A kinda girl. To boot he's buying pizza tonight since I won. Arse!

I actually wanted to learn the song, as a friend and neighbour's son has been accepted to join the army. He's been a mate to my kids all his life and I can't get over how grown up they all are. In January he's leaving home for full training so my boys want to see him off via lots of beer and we'll sing a few choice in honour of him. I know my heart will wrench when I see him in his gear. Just as long as his spirits are like this guy's, he'll be fine:

Good Luck with the slang!

The Long And Short Of It!

2010-10-12T14:54:00.002+01:00

For the past two nights I had been trying unsuccessfully to watch a film free online, without downloading things wiff words that I don't understand, to my hard drive whatsit. Just a simple click and off I go. Despite having tried ALL of the suggestions from PrettyBoy (for new comers that's my older son!) nothing came about. This morning, before he scadoodled off to uni, he bet me that the film I wanted to watch again (Lolita 1997) he could get me online, free, with no great hassle. And he did. Within minutes. I was in such utter delirium that I promised him I'd buy him a new shirt on Thursday (as he needs more clobber to fill the laundry basket at uni - there's a prize for the biggest pile within a month!). He wanted a nice hooded, long-sleeved, checked shirt in grey and black if poss!

So, here I sat, loving my Nabokov adaptation and Lo(lita) and behold, at 72 mins a pop-up appeared, stopping the film saying I had expired my bandwith blah, blah, blah. Wanted dosh then, didn't they....? Cnuts! It said FREE...! I'll buy the DVD on Thursday *SIGH*

Oh, well. I suppose I did get enjoyment from what I did see if not the full version. A promise is a promise, though. On Thursday PrettyBoy gets a nice short-sleeved, plain black shirt! See how HE likes it.....Git!

Why Can't They Just Pop Off......!

2010-10-10T16:02:00.005+01:00

Okay. It's October. Seasonally, I'm getting happier. I'd be bloody delirious if the Scottish midge would sod off completely. I hung a rather large washing out recently and the sun accompanied a warmish breeze. That's all it took. Out like Kamikaze's, diving for any pasty skin they could find. And the little gits did! We're getting a ground frost here in the land of scratch and they're still appearing. They have been sworn at in countless languages. They're bad for our tourism. Other countries' nasties pale them in size comparison but still the wee shits get their big bite kicks.

I remember many moons ago, during my college days, I worked in a fast food outlet. My friend and I used to take bets on what type of insect would be next to frazzle in the ultraviolet insect zapper. We tipped out a variety of bugs at the end of the night. Not once did a midge get singed.

Of course, I don't hate all insects, I'm fairly bee and wasp friendly (meaning I don't flap about like a loon in one's company) and a few are entertaining. House fly's make great targets with table tennis bats. 5 points for every dead one that hits the deck! I'll leave you with a song that I heard a long, long time ago. Every word is still as true! Have fun working some of the lyrics out...!

Sunday Snippet (22)

2010-09-26T20:49:00.001+01:00

I love eating out. Especially if it's junk. But I got right pissed off with Pizza Hut. It's so called 'unlimited refills' are a joke. You try going back with your glass a week later. They won't serve you! And the same goes for their ice-cream factory stall. Bastards.

Sweet Dreams....?

2010-09-23T23:13:00.004+01:00

As a committed insomniac, I take the chance to wile away the hours on my rubbery sofa with some night time food (ice cream) and a surf on TV to see what is on. That is how I have come across the majority of my most favourite teary-spill films. I'm not a firm film fan, don't go the movies or Blockbuster that often so a whole bunch of these are pre-mummahood/bored shitless inflicted or DVD pressies. But I'd like to list the Top 20 films that I've, quite openly, cried to.

I have added a bit of my own opinion/narration and it's okay to skip a few movies if you've already seen them but a read over what you haven't won't go amiss. Then again if you have seeneed the flick and not likeed it well, maybe you've just not watcheed it right! Anyhow...they're probably not all the most 'typical' films to cry over but you can't force that throat lump back down when he's adamant. So, (apart from the top 2) here's what I will/have bubbled to.... in no certain order of boo-hoo merit.

*this will appear in the narration at the part that makes me cry.
1. The Luzhin Defence....A Nabokov book I didn't read but just caught the film one night. A film my father banged on about but couldn't convince me to ever watch. A high society film, based in the 30's about chess..! Me? Watch that? Never! But I did. Love, passion, obsession, childhood, metal torture are all included. It's not just prawn take pastor or whatever. *when Natalia sees the love of her life splattered on the deck it's bad enough, but when she says 'checkmate' I'm in floods again*. I seriously urge you to see this film. It was the best night's sleep I never had! You don't have to be a maestro to appreciate it......

2. The Prophecy.....when Archangel Gabriel - who is a right cnut in this film - loses his fight for Heaven to Lucifer, and old Luce draggs him up some stairs eating the heart he just ripped from him is bad enough but *seeing Gabriel's eyes are hollow and black means death of an angel* - I just lose it. He was the meanest (but funniest) angel to ever avemge man, too!

3. Greyfriar's Bobby....*oh, who couldn't well up at this little Scottish doggie who defended his owner's grave for weeks on end and had the decency never to piss on it? This film is an asterisk all the way through!

4. Mask....I'll be honest. I can't bloody stand Cher. Yuk! Yuk! Yuk! But she played the part of mum with an articulate and severely disfigured young man brilliantly. A few teary bits - specially when he meets a blind beauty who loves him for his heart. Bad enough for having Cher for a mum but *as she holds him dying of course* Top points to Eric Stoltz who'd played Rocky.

5. The Legend Of The Holy Drinker......I love this film. Set in 1930's Paris. A homeless drunk man is lent 200 francs by a kind tee-totaller on the promise that he pays the money back to the church. Gobsmacked by the generosity he promises to do just that and as he tries to keep to his word he is met with all kind of problems. It gives him an insight into his past and some of his 'imaginary' visions are very touching. Specially when his dead parents appear before him. But the biggest bawler bit *when he actually meets up with his daughter again by chance as she's waiting for her her mum and 'new' dad. In a cafe he approaches and asks her name and he realises who she is when she says 'Derese'. ' I had a daughter named that ' he replies!* She, sadly never knew the kind-and- broken-hearted smelly, filthy man accosting her was her dad.

6. Edward Scissorhands.....well, what's not to feel bad about a great looking freak with blades for hands? We women who raised kids in the 90's MUST know this film. Saddest bit * when she asks him to hold her and he holds up those blades and says "I can't" Personally, I'd have had the bandages at the ready and took my chances......

7. Fatherland...okay - hands up who liked Hitler? Well, in this fiction based WW2 win to the Germans the story takes on a divorced father's (Berlin detective) struggle with an American journalist to let The President REALLY know what Hitler covered up, while trying to wane his child's admiration of The Fuhrer. But when the Gestapo discover that he's looking into a series of mystery German deaths via the pretty journalist they want a quiet word - via a bullet to the chest! It's a bit far fetched but touching nonetheless but.... *when he's dying in a phone box , calling to let his son know he's not to blame for the bullet (the little shit let the cat out of the bag!) he pegs it and flops to the floor. That's pretty sad!

8. The Colour Purple...what poor Celie endured. Eventually the man did the nice deed of reuniting her with her kids and sister. I'm welling up even at the thought but...* obviously at the reunion. She couldn't touch them for a short while as she was in huge disbelief but those hugs and kisses* I've gobbed in a man's drink before (several times) and it felt goooood!

9. The Elephant Man....I watched this film to retching point in the 80's. I played it so many times as I couldn't believe how society (even for Victorian England) treated him. I've only watched it a few times since. I think this must be an asterisk most of the way through, too.

10. Ladyhawke.....mythical medieval nonsense about a demon Bishop's jealous curse that separates two lovers into creatures, the man a wolf, the girl a hawk. They no longer literally 'see' each other as by night he turns into the wolf and by dawn she turns into the hawk. They still partner each other nonetheless (but nothing animal right's need worry about). Anyhow the curse eventually gets lifted by an eclipse or something and human 'wolfie' spears the Bishop turns around and voila - there's his lady no longer a hawke! * the gushing reunion and joy of being wingless and two legged again!

11. The Yearling.....*.wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! *sniff sniff* wahhhhhhhhhhhhh*bigger sniff*.....*

12. Lolita (1997).....I'm not a strict Nabokov bookie but I read this at high school and it was very controversial back then, but this film gets to my emotions. I actually quite feel it for the young girl and her mother's older lodger-who-rodgered her. A manipulating, scheming nymphet who's sexual advances he's addicted to and I feel it when Humbert realises he's lost his Lolita for good. *when she hears that her mother is dead and curls on the bed to cry.......still a kid*. It is probably seen by many as a bit dodgy but Juliet was no wee angel either!

13. The Exorcist.......wtf? Yes you read correctly! I still love it. Utter tripe and spooky and probably one of the most ridiculously iconic films for life. But seeing Father Karras jump out that window, taking the little girl's demon with him to his death is bad enough but* watching him splattered on the pavement, making his peace with God via his fingers and best friend just chokes me.

14. Bram Stoker's Dracula......'Love Never Dies'.....ah, that line. There is something so romantic in vampire stories (proper ones - none of this Twilight mince). Cold blooded killers but they know how to fall in love and resist the taste at the same time. And just because it's another horror film doesn't mean a dry face. Well, maybe I'm just a (blood) sucker for all romancers. *When old Vlad beg her to chop off his head to give him 'peace'. She kisses his centuries-old face then wallop - it's all over. The painted ceiling of him and Elizabetha above them*

15 . Bladerunner.....The famous android with feelings film. Loved Rutger Hauer in this film (and those final scene shorts he was wearing!) He may have popped the eyes with his thumbs from the professor who couldn't give him life, now he'd discover emotions, but *those final words when he knew he was about to snuff it "Time To Die" and the dove flies as his head flops has me reaching for the tissues/sleeve of what I'm wearing.

16. Tokyo Sonata......one of the nicer things about insomnia is I watch films that I usually wouldn't - namely subtitled ones. Only because as I was growing up they were referred to as 'shite'. You wouldn't believe the world cinema films I've watched and loved now. And reading the words helps get you through till dawn. This one was brilliant about a Japanese father down on his luck, up in his pride trying his best to hide he'd been sacked. His older son wants to join the 'army' as his younger son is hiding his school dinner money to pay for secret piano lessons after finding an old organ in a bin. Ultimately he goes nuts at this and takes out all his life's frustrations on the little boy until he turns into his teacher's protege, eventually making enough money to support his family. *His dad watching him play to a room full of class musicians with a standing ovation to boot.* Lovely stuff!

17. Schindler's List....I don't think I need to state when for this film.

18. Some Kind Of Wonderful......right. High school high class bit of skirt is fancied by a drummer in a band. His best friend, a pretty tomboy he known for year is in same band and now fancies him. Yuk! he thinks, as this other bit of totty is hot! Not! Yes she turns out to be a snobby blah, blah, blah, and the bandmates ultimately, well, mate for good. *THAT KISS* My girlie ultimate chicky flicky with my utmost favourite movie lines...Girl: This is 1987. D'you know a girl can be what she wants to be?!" Boy: "I know. My mum's a plumber."

19. Aye Fond Kiss.....world religion standing in the way of true love again. A Glaswegian lad of Pakistani origin and an Irish music teacher working in a local Catholic school fall in love. He's been 'promised' to his first cousin - which wasn't a problem at first but his devout parents and her damned boss ( a priest) put their tuppence worth's in. Of course, loyalties and pressure split them up. What I love about this film is that Casim has a strong Scottish accent - slang and all. Colour and voices - they don't always go together as nature intended but to me, that encapsulates a strong accepting world of wonderful mixes when you come across it. *She sits crying at the piano when he walks back in the door*. ps.......yes, the title was taken from that Rabbie Burns song!

20. Moolade.....one of the most profound films I've watched. An African woman from a small village is opposed to female genital circumcision, which generations have called 'purification'. Colle does her utmost to save the little girls (aged from 6-9) there from going through the same. She's beaten senseless as she does her best to protect those little angels from the knife but she wins in the end. * Watching crying mothers holding their daughters, bleeding to death, when it goes wrong* Powerful stuff!

Well, that's all folks. I'm not touting for HMV or Amazon or anything but if you haven't seen any of these movies and come across them you might want to give them a go. You'll probably be braver than me.....! Sadly, I haven't once cried myself to sleep......................night night. I'll be back to edit tomorrow!

Sunday Snippet (21)

2010-09-12T13:50:00.001+01:00

I recently read that William Shakespeare died on the same day that he was born, 23rd of April. No wonder he was known as a fucking genius if he wrote nigh on 37 plays and all them sonnets and poems in one day!

London At Last!

2010-09-04T22:08:00.001+01:00

I don't think I've mentioned them before *cough* but my older son's band Casino have been invited down to London to play a couple of gigs. They are in fact ready to perform right now and my daughter (who lives in London ) has JUST posted me this pic off her phone:

Tonight they play The Hope and Anchor in Islington - where a lot of Londonish bands debuted from (such as Keane) and punk rock established from! Tomorrow night they will be playing in Tommy Flynn's in Camden. For a young, Scottish band that mainly circuits the central belt of their mother-country, methinks this experience will do them good. Here's hoping this promoter appreciates the amount of work and dues to their fans that Casino gives and sees the potential they have and rising talent that has, and continues, to grow from Scotland. Well, we've got to be good at something as we're shit at football!

Cat-Nipped

2010-08-27T22:02:00.001+01:00

I just love this little fellow! Pass the ice, then!

What Can You See.....?

2010-08-16T17:43:00.002+01:00

We very recently and sadly threw out a lot of video's. It was a shame as we had a huge collection over the years and some television recordings that will never be aired again - but technology usually wins. Anyhow, while chucking old ones out from a cupboard, I came across this dusty old cover. Now I don't know about you, but I can make out (in dust) a bit of a picture here! I'm not gonna say what I see, as I give you the chance first to see what you make of it. In around a week I will draw over the section where I see a picture. My only clue is that it looks romantic! Now don't be expecting Renaissance or such like!! And yes, I am a ridiculous hoarder of 'just in case' stuff! I've taken the pic under 3 different light conditions Here we go.............click for the bigger pic!

and one week later. What a load of dust. It's amazing what I do to amuse myself! Should have gone to Specsavers...?

Well Done, Addie.....Ma Clever Wee Laddie!

2010-08-08T17:42:00.002+01:00

Huge congrats to my younger son, Adam (Gingernut) who passed his higher exams on Tuesday (his music and drama ones with flying colours!) He was pacing up and down waiting on our postman for the results. Jumped up and down like a nut for a minute once they'd arrived as he got A's and B's! Ten minutes later, he was looking as thus:

Sitting on the settee, picking your lunch from your teeth in your football gear while you watch the telly waiting on your mates to call, wasn't quite the image I envisaged. Oh, how that indifference was greatly achieved. Well done, son.

Sunday Snippet (20)

2010-08-01T21:35:00.001+01:00

They call prostitution the oldest profession in the world. If that's the case, how did the blokes earn the money to pay for it..?

The Rythm Of Life

2010-07-29T17:23:00.007+01:00

Despite the drums showing in this video still, this post is about domestic violance. It is very disturbing and is an experiment to test today's society. Sometimes, I'm ashamed to be human.

Sunday Snippet (19)

2010-07-25T18:09:00.000+01:00

Where in the Bible does it say that it's fine for Christians to eat sausages...? Where?....In Leviticus: Chapter 11, God states quite clearly that no -one is allowed to eat pigs, but I can't find the bit where than ban was lifted for the C of E . Thou Shalt Not Grill, indeed........!

Hello, Hello........3 In A Row.......!

2010-07-13T14:44:00.032+01:00

I'm popping up a few pics of my recent celebrations. I don't go out much or indeed host parties, so these long weekend snaps won't be repeating themselves for a heck of a long time, if ever!

On the Friday my younger son's band No Need For Idols were playing at Barrowland in Glasgow. It's quite exciting knowing that your son and his friends are actually performing on the same stage that some of your own idols have. It was also the first time Gingernut's big sis and bruv-in-law were seeing them live. Sadly, the drummer is usually stuck behind cymbals! My fave few pics, anyhow:

On the Saturday the cheaper-half and I attended the 25th wedding anniversary of my ex sister-in-law and her hubby, my daughter's auntie from my first marriage. Yes, my ex-husband and his family were there, too. While we all have my daughter to share, we all stay bonded and keep in touch. I still receive recipe's from my ex-mother-in-law. Life's too short to hold on to bad feeling, something I'm happy to say dissolved between our families many moons ago. It's all for the children, after all. My fave few pics:

Sunday finished with a bang - somewhat literally. To celebrate his H.N.D., we threw a party/barbeque for Ross and his two friends who passed with him. As you know Ross/PrettyBoy/Kez ......is in a band (that I hardly ever mention) and the guys from Casino brought along their acoustic guitars to have a open-air jam. They played quite a few Beatles songs in perfect harmony, as well as other requests - mainly their own songs. Here's my 3, well 4, well, 5, oh, go on then, 6 favourite pics:

Sunday Snippet (18)

2010-06-20T19:48:00.000+01:00

In this modern age it is possible to tell from the markings on a bullet which gun it was fired from. Wouldn't it be great if someday we are able to tell from the ridges on a dog shit which dog's arse delivered it, thus allowing the owner's face to be rubbed in it!