Category: Miscellany

I am as bad at keeping a personal diary as I am at blogging it seems. Part of the problem is that I feel that I am largely stuck in a routine. A couple of days ago I decided to embrace the “routine” and start a brand new hand-written diary that would list all the mundane tasks performed that day. The idea is that I will hopefully see that there are nuances to everyday things. The all encompassing “went to work” actually paints over a lot of details, I am trying to pick these details out daily. To aid with this (and due to my ever worsening memory) I take notes throughout the day via a memo app on my phone and so far I am taking about ten or fifteen minutes before bed to write about the day. Hopefully I will stick to this for a little longer than usual. It may encourage me to do a little more. The days are brighter and I’m feeling better than I have been for a while, time for some day trips I think.

Every year I am determined to get back into reading more often and every year this effort peters out after a month or two as life tends to rudely interrupt. What can I say? Here I go again.

I am starting 2017 with a lot of reading matter either piled up by my bedside or loaded up on my kindle.

I understand that a lot of book lovers aren’t very keen on e-readers but I see it as a way to carry around more books and not damage them. I also don’t feel able to condone anything that encourages reading in any form. I have an old fashioned kindle, not a backlit one or a paperwhite or whatever. I find it a lot more natural to read from. I do use the app on my tablet or phone occasionally, but we spend so much time staring at backlit screens these days that I prefer to give my eyes a break. It also has no whistles and bells so like a proper book it comes without the distraction of games or social media.

My usual reading preferences are non-fiction, mostly biographies. Already this year I have polished three autobiographical titles by Carrie Fisher and in the “pull pile” there are offerings about or by Debbie Reynolds, James Mason, Marilyn Monroe and Roger Moore.

That said I am currently indulging in the Father Brown stories of GK Chesterton. The short tales seem perfect for my commute, especially the homeward part where losing myself too far into a book could mean missing my stop!

The plan is for me blether about my reading progress on here from time to time if only to encourage myself to find time every day to disappear into a world of words.

I am on Goodreads here, should anyone care to follow me.

Here’s 2017 at last.
2016 had some amazing moments, but they had to struggle to shine through the loss and turmoil we all went through at the same time.

I don’t really do resolutions. I decided a little while back to not be too ambitious, as it would often be setting myself up to fail. (This was initially in the context of my jewellery making, I knew if I over reached I’d just give up, but as it’s great occupational therapy I’m glad I took it steady). Instead I just decide to be determined about certain things. I’m determined to make choices that won’t bring me harm (physically or mentally), I’m determined to read more and listen to more music, to get away more and visit with friends who don’t live close by, to have visit and do stuff with those who do live close by. I am determined to find the happy where ever I can. Life is short, 2016 rammed that point home a few times, find the joy and run with it.

Last night was spent in the company of family and friends and today has been a leisurely day at home. I started the prep work on the next lot of necklaces (just waiting for some stuff to arrive to go on them) and maybe tomorrow I can find time to prep some bracelets ready for charms. And on Tuesday normal life begins again, but also around then it’s time to plan the first adventure of the year. Bring it on!

We were visited in work today by Vic Reeves. One of our customers asked for a photo and he said yes so I asked too. (I don’t like to disturb some of our famous visitors if it seems like they just want to be left to browse). 

My work mate was out getting lunch so I took a shaky selfie but still…Vic Reeves! 

I wasn’t going to add stuff to my Etsy Shop till the New Year but after a little productive spurt, I had a few items ready to go. The shop goes into holiday mode from the 16th.

It’s not often I get to see Mr B twice in one year. He was in Liverpool today so popped by to say hello. 🙂

The news that Terry Jones is losing the ability to communicate knocked me for six last week. As a fan of both his comedic antics and his  rather fabulous documentaries, I feel very sad. Particularly as the latter were always made better by his loquacious enthusiasm.

It was, unfortunately, clear at the O2 shows in 2014 that Terry’s memory was failing him, so the announcement that he has a form of dementia wasn’t overly surprising, the news of the vehement variety of aphasia is the heart breaker. Michael Palin reported on his Facebook page that Terry still recognises people and is still “there” but unable to communicate very well. Michael also assures us that Terry is surrounded by family and friends and we, the fans, can really take comfort in that.

There’s a vast legacy of Terry’s work that crosses many fields, from comedy to children’s books, history to fantasy. I humbly suggest seeking them out in books shops, on youtube, DVD etc…

Thank you for everything Mr. Jones, may the rest of your days be happy ones and I hope you realise just how much we appreciate you.