tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363098432024-03-18T14:33:27.728+00:00Just - Travelin' - ThroughBlog by Christine Jolleychristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-89637349931298978492008-10-25T21:17:00.007+01:002008-10-25T22:13:42.854+01:00my afternoon with annie leibovitzboy, we've been feeling culturally deprived recently. its been since late august that we've done anything remotely to fill our 'creative' souls and we've been foaming at the mouth since then to do something, anything to fill this void. there just hasn't been much of interest on in london recently. we've seen most of what's great already and trying to save our pennies can dampen any efforts for we <span style="font-weight: bold;">do</span> want to do {the <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2006/12/nutcracker.html">r.o.h's</a> nutracker and their £50/$100 tickets come to mind}. so, we were pretty excited to go see an entire exhibition at the national portrait gallery, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">'annie leibovitiz: a photographers life'</span>. all i can say afterwards is my 'culture' cup now runneth over.<br /><br />i love annie leibovitz and i am so drawn into her pictures. i saw some of her prints earlier this year at a vanity fair <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/03/vanity-fair-at-national-portrait.html">exhibition</a> and am familiar with her work from various magazines, etc {including vanity fair}. what struck me about this exhibition was the professional and personal photos mixed together and how poignant they were---especially in respect to the photos of the loss of her partner, susan sontag. i felt a bit drained after the exhibition, which i think is a sign of 'true' art; something that captures the emotions and passions of the moment and shares these with others as a gift. i guess that's why i have grown to love art so much is that i feel like i'm making emotional connections on almost a primal level.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;">there were a lot of photos in the exhibition and i have <span style="font-weight: bold;">way</span> too many favorites to try to choose, so here's just a few that caught my eye :<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHVQDCB4HzF4wskNkgC5PsvEJLJ3qMxn6JhY0gbLH4CeLsVnEcV4N53ULok8e6x3SNgiXYDSycbD3pkjYp5Tf9C8Zz5nBRXyF_hNga1HekBXBnQfRInVgW4uh0UW11BEot_RP/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHVQDCB4HzF4wskNkgC5PsvEJLJ3qMxn6JhY0gbLH4CeLsVnEcV4N53ULok8e6x3SNgiXYDSycbD3pkjYp5Tf9C8Zz5nBRXyF_hNga1HekBXBnQfRInVgW4uh0UW11BEot_RP/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261195845211889730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> queen elizabeth © Annie Leibovitz<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/gallery/gallery_queen.shtml">source</a></span><br /></div></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f2RU1DBTngwhEmwZgOKJevhzxTM8kPniOS_imAW0F3LUn1Z-lpvLdmvvA4rDF_hZ0xh38w9Hta2u8GIq2uVzIN2_BCO3hUg2l6ttyZoDR9xIN9zgA2_NaNultZ7mw-CauTbx/s1600-h/LEI0703_QueenElizabeth04_LR.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f2RU1DBTngwhEmwZgOKJevhzxTM8kPniOS_imAW0F3LUn1Z-lpvLdmvvA4rDF_hZ0xh38w9Hta2u8GIq2uVzIN2_BCO3hUg2l6ttyZoDR9xIN9zgA2_NaNultZ7mw-CauTbx/s400/LEI0703_QueenElizabeth04_LR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261188513771541298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">© Annie Leibovitz</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://contactpressimages.com/news/?p=14">source</a><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEVFtnrqr1rf4en8UmtiEfaXPw1peUlQPCoaLFC3b8SV-bn1fOxA7Vrpvd5k6qNl03NOGokPYl8x1jBRmpSPXj5cxVDNd0DJOIwTISMsU6Mkz1cKopHxfprbdx3aSZGDJkdzm/s1600-h/susan_sontag_at_petra_380.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEVFtnrqr1rf4en8UmtiEfaXPw1peUlQPCoaLFC3b8SV-bn1fOxA7Vrpvd5k6qNl03NOGokPYl8x1jBRmpSPXj5cxVDNd0DJOIwTISMsU6Mkz1cKopHxfprbdx3aSZGDJkdzm/s400/susan_sontag_at_petra_380.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261196886533766514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">© Annie Leibovitz</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />image <a href="http://www.channel4.com/news/watchlisten/gallery/gallery.jsp?id=2292972&image=1">source</a><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3FeimuX0KQffcXoeVFGCNcZFLs3xYHkyBAiVIcT-ty4xloAHIcpd9JMBQCuunDes-Uh0cIvMwfTWWHfeemAQ9pSAVVUhxhMu3y7aCCbbpx4B9MUeLK_rIyfW1gN0sltZKgUV/s1600-h/Annie+Leibovitz+Mother.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3FeimuX0KQffcXoeVFGCNcZFLs3xYHkyBAiVIcT-ty4xloAHIcpd9JMBQCuunDes-Uh0cIvMwfTWWHfeemAQ9pSAVVUhxhMu3y7aCCbbpx4B9MUeLK_rIyfW1gN0sltZKgUV/s400/Annie+Leibovitz+Mother.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261200991167595810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Her mother © Annie Leibovitz</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">image <a href="http://secondinnocence.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html">source</a></span><br /><br /></div>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-20312637196038806762008-10-03T13:33:00.013+01:002008-10-03T14:45:01.972+01:00faraway friends<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksZFc7UUd9mMbc6kdQ30ZSAEJAyeM4WYbKyZ48e33sP78GUrF3npDGYkHe9f-zCrTaNBkFk0CcxVy0aPW9ywrlw-pCBqNFLIn6ELiUE7dtiDD9awc4FbX4fa3qaPH6xipF2gM/s1600-h/gansabra9-07,+no3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksZFc7UUd9mMbc6kdQ30ZSAEJAyeM4WYbKyZ48e33sP78GUrF3npDGYkHe9f-zCrTaNBkFk0CcxVy0aPW9ywrlw-pCBqNFLIn6ELiUE7dtiDD9awc4FbX4fa3qaPH6xipF2gM/s400/gansabra9-07,+no3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252906412975131010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lucy</span> & her adopted daughter</span><br /><br /></div>back in 2007 i first did a <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2007/09/my-projects.html">post</a> on my work with the <a href="http://gansabra.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gan</span> sabra</a> society--since then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">i've</span> managed to grow even closer to the owner <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lucy</span> {see above} and i am continually amazed with her strength & inspiration. she is my age--in her early 30's and what she does for these kids infected with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hiv</span>/aids through no fault of their own is just amazing. i don't know how she does it, but she continues to be a mum to these orphans who have had such horrific tragedy & difficulties to deal with at such an early age.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNdzQVaYDkgDIcvdCYO-kaXLCjkgzFNeLgnL_mW3AQryWptF_8ZfoUQ7kH3nVaRE9_V3BT00tXsRlzuB-HpbwNmgJdi38uMZXfvbsM9c8bJImOkWl3GlA7T11zK-zwO2J-K23/s1600-h/gansabra9-07,+no10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNdzQVaYDkgDIcvdCYO-kaXLCjkgzFNeLgnL_mW3AQryWptF_8ZfoUQ7kH3nVaRE9_V3BT00tXsRlzuB-HpbwNmgJdi38uMZXfvbsM9c8bJImOkWl3GlA7T11zK-zwO2J-K23/s400/gansabra9-07,+no10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252906294898577634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">the youngest members of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gansabra</span><br /><br /></span></div>its hard for me to not feel guilty sometimes about doing more for them--i wish i had the money to buy them all new clothes, to completely pay off their mortgage so that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lucy</span> doesn't stay up at night worrying. i do what & when i can though which is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ok</span> for now and even though they always say how much encouragement & hope i give, what they have given to me back is twice as much if not more.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvT_T6kX28aY8dYGcVn5KwbzYJ7AFZTRSAmgaXqS-A1Bxf1U47MWDzFqIGMO1xWMtHoV3A8HVe_pVVdWfg5VJVlTfJ8wFYQjGjxXUpHbXh-zzSaa0RTJuNfeDJXlpwWCk_BIE/s1600-h/scan0017+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvT_T6kX28aY8dYGcVn5KwbzYJ7AFZTRSAmgaXqS-A1Bxf1U47MWDzFqIGMO1xWMtHoV3A8HVe_pVVdWfg5VJVlTfJ8wFYQjGjxXUpHbXh-zzSaa0RTJuNfeDJXlpwWCk_BIE/s400/scan0017+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252912466958720098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">posing for the camera<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoVkYoj_lqphpVuw2UXST8b0AdnSYZb28EQRgdU6F5ZhddK2NIdWiX09R2mhoP7EpmbKMzAq8TKtcoHJLYkxHaoQzytyEQb2-sKSX0cpZO-5Fq3bcWRSxJhe7KbnkzzU8KLaw/s1600-h/gansabra9-07,+fort.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoVkYoj_lqphpVuw2UXST8b0AdnSYZb28EQRgdU6F5ZhddK2NIdWiX09R2mhoP7EpmbKMzAq8TKtcoHJLYkxHaoQzytyEQb2-sKSX0cpZO-5Fq3bcWRSxJhe7KbnkzzU8KLaw/s400/gansabra9-07,+fort.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252912941417297554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">building forts</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></div>to them its not about the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">possessions</span>- the new t.v. {although they are loving watching 'heroes' re-runs at the moment}, the clothes or a fancy house--its about being happy and just being kids.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2qxCHbqwpRyAgIGbhZAXK6RdfzkZknmRNhgb9dMHgzRgrTXCax7mJ0ebx4KZsRXUawPso9WPHFAS7MKCBiEPS9FNRWVWDqbJJcNK0IW821hT7sZ0Cy82X-ReqzlVhzuy_var/s1600-h/gansabra9-07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2qxCHbqwpRyAgIGbhZAXK6RdfzkZknmRNhgb9dMHgzRgrTXCax7mJ0ebx4KZsRXUawPso9WPHFAS7MKCBiEPS9FNRWVWDqbJJcNK0IW821hT7sZ0Cy82X-ReqzlVhzuy_var/s400/gansabra9-07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252913585267211746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">studying</span> hard<br /><br /></span></div>even still they never stop working very hard for a better life {unfortunately in this area of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">india</span> many with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">hiv</span>/aids are lucky to reach their teens}.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">lucy</span> knows what education will give to these children---nearly all are always studying and many are even the top of their class! they are really trying to follow the example <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">lucy</span> is setting--she just earned a masters degree in social work from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">mizoram</span> university.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8f6jxIbSeVo06QfIgmZePmrLe4Vg5jZIq7bWZQO5YilMxhYkYo3DT8i3mwIRVRgDtofOp_b-SQmevwfRbg6mOGZ7wDvio8q4zP8nwy-46fXQcmikzY8XiVQzjZwCKim_B43U/s1600-h/scan0019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8f6jxIbSeVo06QfIgmZePmrLe4Vg5jZIq7bWZQO5YilMxhYkYo3DT8i3mwIRVRgDtofOp_b-SQmevwfRbg6mOGZ7wDvio8q4zP8nwy-46fXQcmikzY8XiVQzjZwCKim_B43U/s400/scan0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252915173545885922" border="0" /></a>i think everyone who comes into your life are there to be our greatest teachers for that specific moment in time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i'm</span> so thankful for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">lucy</span> & the children at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">gan</span> sabra for coming into my life & what they teach me on a regular basis. although i forget my blessings sometimes, my friends in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">india</span> teach me to never underestimate the power of positive thinking, hope & the real meaning of gratitude. i pray that one day soon {hopefully next year} i will get to visit and shower each & everyone of them with millions of hugs & kisses.<br /><br />anyway, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">i'd</span> like to end with a moving letter the children wrote to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">lucy</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">christmas</span>. this was previously posted on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">gansabra's</span> <a href="http://gansabra.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and is in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">lucy's</span> own words:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I want to share with you what the children at Gan Sabra did-their gift to me for Christmas. On 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span> December the children gathered around me and gave me envelops-the used envelops- inside there was letter written for me (separately from boy and girls). I was wondering why they gave me that and i started reading, it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">writte</span> by them and here it goes:</span></span><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">''Loving Mother</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Christmas Blessing to you. this is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">christmas</span> we want to give you many gifts. but we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">dont</span> have things. But Mum, we love you and this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">christmas</span> you know that we love you and we are telling you again.</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">You too love us and our family is happy. Our real parents died before now you are our parents. you teach us good things we will always keep them. you provide tasty food, medicines and toys too thank you. we will be good. </span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">God bless you.</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(sign by each child themselves and sign for by elder ones for those who cannot write)''</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">christmas</span> gift i ever received and i believe the best ever always.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">lucy</span></span></span><br /><br /><br />----------<br /><br />if you want to help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">gansabra</span> in any way this holiday season they are in dire need of blankets & bedding. they have recently had more children admissions and their supplies have remained the same. the winter for this year is being predicted as going to be colder than usual and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">lucy</span> recently wrote to me saying how worried she is about staying warm. for address of the orphanage & further details on assistance this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">christmas</span> please contact me {see side-bar}. if you can't afford to send something, adding them to your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">christmas</span> card list would brighten their day.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-28984814899223986322008-09-01T10:17:00.012+01:002008-09-01T11:18:04.323+01:00greenwich, in-laws & the human raceover the weekend, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">james</span> and i were super crazy busy {which seems to describe everything at the moment with me}. his parents came down from the midlands & we spent most of the time entertaining them in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">greenwich</span> & canary wharf. although i enjoy seeing them having visitors can be draining. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">i'm</span> the type that has to clean the house about 3 times over, getting everything perfect so i can relax but in reality that doesn't happen till they're gone. i like to put little touches when we have house visitors {thank goodness they stayed at a hotel though} like fresh cut flowers, nice organic biscuits to serve with a cup of tea & lighting candle/incense to create a soothing environment. i think the home is a real presentation of yourself which is why i go to such effort when we have friends over. either this or i must have some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">martha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">stewart</span> blood running through my veins after all.<br /><br />although i didn't get any pictures of his parents {camera shy}, here's a few highlights from Saturday. there wasn't a cloud in the sky all day i might add which is rare for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">london</span> and made the day that much better.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDOW0-_m9U24rTNqjqwFpcJxYh2LAigeprZvWGBTrV9UgQ9arbnugOHhjP8X4YKgpIU4QPVSeBI6eb6m2NaOb2XkJLR_kebKrVtmJ_q1ChNRanZZ4b93l16XEjEB3wLyYfWHx/s1600-h/cricket+%28Small%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDOW0-_m9U24rTNqjqwFpcJxYh2LAigeprZvWGBTrV9UgQ9arbnugOHhjP8X4YKgpIU4QPVSeBI6eb6m2NaOb2XkJLR_kebKrVtmJ_q1ChNRanZZ4b93l16XEjEB3wLyYfWHx/s320/cricket+%28Small%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240984309495900770" border="0" /></a><br />we managed to catch a few minutes of a cricket game going on in the park. considering how hot it was, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">i'm</span> surprised they were playing with their heavy clothes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlBDIo6UQl7ZhoPrGXp7MupKgwoORllpy6tGG16LWvqoIdOy8wOXeV0P4fAlfTcjNEH8thFDDhi7EMMdBQQ65qrHfc1zEXec0g2LoeRszOfqhtyZhlGWQ3xn0-qlwwgBMxDhP/s1600-h/trees+%28Small%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlBDIo6UQl7ZhoPrGXp7MupKgwoORllpy6tGG16LWvqoIdOy8wOXeV0P4fAlfTcjNEH8thFDDhi7EMMdBQQ65qrHfc1zEXec0g2LoeRszOfqhtyZhlGWQ3xn0-qlwwgBMxDhP/s400/trees+%28Small%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240984150559040962" border="0" /></a><br />wandered around looking at all the trees in the park. i love trees & yes i occasionally do hug them {you should try it sometime}. this one is gorgeous & quick random fun fact ---some of the trees in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">greenwich</span> park are older than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">america</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvdesloAXREE0BFihQa1x6kEcM1LogQaTfobLEGkKfjI5w6lC9JgHRccrSe1akVQqVBVQJeQEZKiriudOfLqosRWiCbX9e1rt4MFG_ITPpoNqB4crqkkg2ej9QeMRfldaEMpa/s1600-h/view+over+greenwich2+%28Small%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvdesloAXREE0BFihQa1x6kEcM1LogQaTfobLEGkKfjI5w6lC9JgHRccrSe1akVQqVBVQJeQEZKiriudOfLqosRWiCbX9e1rt4MFG_ITPpoNqB4crqkkg2ej9QeMRfldaEMpa/s400/view+over+greenwich2+%28Small%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240984546215705074" border="0" /></a><br />it was such a beautiful day. although you can see the pollution over the city---the sky was still blue, people were out with their families & it was glorious.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtR2HRbi_SN_b0MEOgsjU1sNMuxISzWo74M1W8vdQwhlrgKkIR-0NB2PJZpsx39n-J7vcDgQellNyC1k1DHTR5y5gPTHEK_lhp1O0UpqPiIgvQtLfXgPaPjUqcYNi9-aCJj77/s1600-h/mildred+%28Small%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtR2HRbi_SN_b0MEOgsjU1sNMuxISzWo74M1W8vdQwhlrgKkIR-0NB2PJZpsx39n-J7vcDgQellNyC1k1DHTR5y5gPTHEK_lhp1O0UpqPiIgvQtLfXgPaPjUqcYNi9-aCJj77/s320/mildred+%28Small%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240984737198144770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">mildred</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">on the way home, we of course had to visit our pet ducks <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/07/duck-love.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">george</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mildred</span></a> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">brookmill</span> park. all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">george</span> could</span> do was feed his face on the bread that we gave to them {typical bloke eh?}---<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">mildred</span> though she decided to totally strike a pose & show off in the water. doesn't she look grand?<br /><br />when we got home we raided the freezer for our skinny cow mint chocolate chip ice lollies/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">popsicles</span>. a perfect end to the day!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">sunday</span> evening we were crazy enough to do a 10k run in the freezing pouring rain {thus no pics} for the <a href="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/humanrace/map.jsp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">nike</span> human race 10k</a> campaign held at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wembley_stadium"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">wembley</span> stadium</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp066EX41LhPWSLaE8r2luQbSSol_tmUVpFDOtXlwpYgGKgxUYEbQN8hi2A8E6rHXQv1KDrj43RfBywTJk7zy0wxjpkmSpTnm5q_WDOkt30fcBgkeWPjY5S8rpa79bcVpMYwgo/s1600-h/thehumanrace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp066EX41LhPWSLaE8r2luQbSSol_tmUVpFDOtXlwpYgGKgxUYEbQN8hi2A8E6rHXQv1KDrj43RfBywTJk7zy0wxjpkmSpTnm5q_WDOkt30fcBgkeWPjY5S8rpa79bcVpMYwgo/s320/thehumanrace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240988030992162146" border="0" /></a><br />i thought it was a great concept----25 cities across the world uniting for one day in the name of health & sports. it was more rock concert/race as there was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">pre</span> race performances by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">moby</span></a> & <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendulum_%28band%29">pendulum</a> & there was great music around the course too including some coming from a swinging 60's double <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">decker</span> red bus. our time wasn't exactly the best we've ever done {we usually do 6 miles in an hour, hour/10} but it was wet & dark so i think that's a great excuse. although the race didn't start when we hoped cause of the concert, we were cold & didn't get home till nearly 11---it was a wonderful evening.<br /><br />so that was my weekend in a nutshell. we're hoping for a bit more of a quiet weekend for the next couple of weeks, but i then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">remembered</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">i've</span> got a 5k race next weekend as well!<br /></div></div>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-64836143590311162352008-08-27T17:31:00.012+01:002011-02-25T10:27:54.319+00:00petits trésorsi had the best of luck shopping in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paris</span> this weekend. the theme for my 'finds' seemed to be little treasures {or should i say <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">petits</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">trésors</span> en <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">francais</span>} and from the pictures you'll see why!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEtCIAZiOimu3xwLL4mFYcKkACsMw2YxO1wiglQfy-bDApIGsJherfjFYQ_3JNpYgCDen4RWHmSid2PsNnIYRNMtFkH0ffmNNrlhZba5rfZLB2VKexQwSqhyphenhyphenF4KbocBFEzrSh/s1600-h/diecuts+%28Small%29.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239236589240691730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEtCIAZiOimu3xwLL4mFYcKkACsMw2YxO1wiglQfy-bDApIGsJherfjFYQ_3JNpYgCDen4RWHmSid2PsNnIYRNMtFkH0ffmNNrlhZba5rfZLB2VKexQwSqhyphenhyphenF4KbocBFEzrSh/s400/diecuts+%28Small%29.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">i've</span> never seen such detailed and beautiful die-cuts before. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">i'd</span> be afraid to use them in any crafts for fear of ruining them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsbXyNQaFuVpCi4LB_ITcr7c4rGadzZ_an1FBvoAM2TqfvZzKKuD77mMlu_IiV3yJlM_RF5haVQxImzRsyhxapa9BxXLjQGjLjPpG2sS3vOvIYJIYGnAC-3Vg7MqENbxVzaAZ/s1600-h/little+books-1+%28Small%29.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239237120671040978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsbXyNQaFuVpCi4LB_ITcr7c4rGadzZ_an1FBvoAM2TqfvZzKKuD77mMlu_IiV3yJlM_RF5haVQxImzRsyhxapa9BxXLjQGjLjPpG2sS3vOvIYJIYGnAC-3Vg7MqENbxVzaAZ/s400/little+books-1+%28Small%29.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>there are 25 of these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">petit</span> little story books, each hand illustrated by the artist <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">elisabeth</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ivanovsky</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ4dQLeCb6y6k1UnJFmaLuiO5aVo7PhFkrBFh_8Npa73959AWvkO2Z9n7su4Kq1n8mVA-V5_5o91boNrUAU90nU-LPfJ-rILpzyZV344RWXO-Kve7MBvGMr_P6sV2oVMD9CfD/s1600-h/madeline2-1+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239237324088090994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQ4dQLeCb6y6k1UnJFmaLuiO5aVo7PhFkrBFh_8Npa73959AWvkO2Z9n7su4Kq1n8mVA-V5_5o91boNrUAU90nU-LPfJ-rILpzyZV344RWXO-Kve7MBvGMr_P6sV2oVMD9CfD/s320/madeline2-1+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarVmBTr-BRlju9rAklZh4JpLtrHt_uiFRfKaNvhymCS9Cdf5qGY8TH3KQ1VVt1bcSq8Y3P0GJip2TzkpvpB3jMChFLpyEYBsNavGB64q6OmPyeSOlriI11UXJp7Vu8Q_FhM99/s1600-h/madeline-1+%28Small%29.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239237515932591506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarVmBTr-BRlju9rAklZh4JpLtrHt_uiFRfKaNvhymCS9Cdf5qGY8TH3KQ1VVt1bcSq8Y3P0GJip2TzkpvpB3jMChFLpyEYBsNavGB64q6OmPyeSOlriI11UXJp7Vu8Q_FhM99/s400/madeline-1+%28Small%29.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">j'adore</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">madeline</span> books and it seems even more scrumptious in french! don't you love the illustrations?<br />
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if you can believe i found all of the above--- the die cuts, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">madeline</span> book and mini stories all from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">musee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">d'orsay</span> gift shop? never underestimate where you may find things!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI5Ib_aSugpXoB0CxOIJHzaR2RMeSprMkK9OnqbVfOtE8YtGo3xBRXxWBenG7X_FpcpuGO9V9jKY4NwWMzoqLHDe8PeTa3VHn5miH8Mbifmt9qBQ8LBTCL-3XQqfNF643bTpw/s1600-h/vintagepostcards-1+%28Small%29.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239237625722035170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcI5Ib_aSugpXoB0CxOIJHzaR2RMeSprMkK9OnqbVfOtE8YtGo3xBRXxWBenG7X_FpcpuGO9V9jKY4NwWMzoqLHDe8PeTa3VHn5miH8Mbifmt9qBQ8LBTCL-3XQqfNF643bTpw/s400/vintagepostcards-1+%28Small%29.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>i found a collection of amazing vintage hand drawn postcards from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">marché</span> aux <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">puces</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">de</span> st-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ouen</span> in the antique market. these two are just a few that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">i'm</span> going to keep & frame--the rest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">i'm</span> going to hopefully get onto a new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">etsy</span> shop sometime soon. the postcards all are early 1900's french {obviously} and are in my opinion adorable works of art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN76UCZXlUCsHyMLSD_0dCjENh5FZpTBpY2A5-qG2yvVbTgOXzx8Ezcwh5IhU3eerkIMUSHP42Qx8utH6jf7B8W6XoimiI5No2vHm8S4sXuZTzqU13tXrSrskUdTSSFPcphZjK/s1600-h/vintagepostcards2+%28Small%29.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239237687111854194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN76UCZXlUCsHyMLSD_0dCjENh5FZpTBpY2A5-qG2yvVbTgOXzx8Ezcwh5IhU3eerkIMUSHP42Qx8utH6jf7B8W6XoimiI5No2vHm8S4sXuZTzqU13tXrSrskUdTSSFPcphZjK/s400/vintagepostcards2+%28Small%29.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
you can see how much detail went into this when you look at it up close! i love the color and how their eyes are so permeating!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-1986215769654435372008-08-25T22:21:00.009+01:002011-02-25T10:28:32.344+00:00distractions<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CCPrvd6eK_-vdQGtTX8hvpVQLqoYLBxb_zFPBd_-NKSd4lZ2SqCgKCiGdpf64zmifb0DYgz5xLzG6t2ax3QsVK-rY8wq0ecBMxYCRl5PvtVzbxLiVNJ5XGr3By2fyRZ_IfMz/s1600-h/MuseeDorsay(small).JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238569187319255170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CCPrvd6eK_-vdQGtTX8hvpVQLqoYLBxb_zFPBd_-NKSd4lZ2SqCgKCiGdpf64zmifb0DYgz5xLzG6t2ax3QsVK-rY8wq0ecBMxYCRl5PvtVzbxLiVNJ5XGr3By2fyRZ_IfMz/s320/MuseeDorsay(small).JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">musée d'orsay (inside)--photo by me</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">recently distracted by:</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">asparagus and pea risotto {courtesy of the eurostar}</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">the métro on a friday night<br />
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antique dolls at <a href="http://www.museedelapoupeeparis.com/">musée de la poupée</a><br />
</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">booksellers along the seine<br />
beautiful painted women at </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">le <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musee_dOrsay">musée</a><br />
looking out over the city on top<br />
little books at the gift shop<br />
jardin des tuileries<br />
sephora on the champs-</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">é</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">lysées<br />
shopping at <a href="http://www.comptoir-de-famille.com/homepage-1-2.html">comptoir de famille</a><br />
catching up on sleep in a big bed w/fluffy pillows<br />
grilled salmon & chocolate cake at aubergine<br />
'i love paris' & jazz playing in the background<br />
<br />
french breakfasts {all you can eat}<br />
a 3 mile run w/the locals through jardin des luxemburg<br />
seeing tai chi in the gardens<br />
exploring the antique market<br />
the accordian player on the métro playing 'la vie en rose'<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">adorable hand painted antique postcards</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">walking through the park in the rain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">the smell of crêpes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">warm quiche & frites at 'pauls'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">wandering around st. germain des pres</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">side streets</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">windows with closeable shutters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">fresh 'non london' air</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">caf</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">és</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">catching up on my day dreaming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">the best hamburger & chips in the </span><a href="http://www.lesediteurs.fr/" style="font-family: georgia;">world</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">mini pain au chocolat & croissants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">champagne</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">vegetarian quiche & lemon tarts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">comfy seats and nice french hostesses on the Eurostar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">the french countryside</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia;">a glorious long weekend</span><br />
<br />
</span></span></span></div>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-25394292188306578552008-08-15T12:02:00.005+01:002008-08-15T12:44:08.339+01:00what's in your belly?my friend <a href="http://rebeccasmokebrush.blogspot.com/2008/08/whats-in-your-belly.html">rebecca</a> did this great post/tag entitled 'what's in your belly'. it reminded me of when i used to be a check out girl in the grocery section of fred meyer {such fond memories--ha ha}, i always thought it was interesting seeing what people bought for food. what you eat gives such a huge huge insight into your life! so i thought it would be fun to play along with this & post pics of the food sources currently in our flat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b-RPFwCFOf1qr9T3bfJAoZIaLwRFXVfXEZuPpcYTAh19RiaBTbDutm9RMOtkMKFAg7t33EHuESSjVq_P9ml0tTafrvREIu0fS6NB4Wt2pJtQy2XOoNwLrv4nvtleYaXUZy2V/s1600-h/fridgegroup2+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b-RPFwCFOf1qr9T3bfJAoZIaLwRFXVfXEZuPpcYTAh19RiaBTbDutm9RMOtkMKFAg7t33EHuESSjVq_P9ml0tTafrvREIu0fS6NB4Wt2pJtQy2XOoNwLrv4nvtleYaXUZy2V/s400/fridgegroup2+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234706414389115490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLF9PaHo18sEJtGesloI2D0Uv50baGy2adyd99rx0rnsJakgsAStt7CEzlK_3RJkn8HSm7YZEKfqjNhkuKE7lA2HJD-kQvw5S_COc_3qJn2v4KPGC1Er9EzXRmK9d_lMgpE9b/s1600-h/fridgegroup1+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLF9PaHo18sEJtGesloI2D0Uv50baGy2adyd99rx0rnsJakgsAStt7CEzlK_3RJkn8HSm7YZEKfqjNhkuKE7lA2HJD-kQvw5S_COc_3qJn2v4KPGC1Er9EzXRmK9d_lMgpE9b/s400/fridgegroup1+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234706157315530066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJjTyYNVlFHhHMvodjEAychHfA823wWmNi_4ztnWA3wrkiNAnOFPOzLT4mk936RDBkALWBWMaJ_LDolDXzAGdEWPCsG7v0_TvcXDRU94N-mN2jivA0Zatc_9yHonFIGR0VjC7/s1600-h/cupboardgroup+%28Small%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJjTyYNVlFHhHMvodjEAychHfA823wWmNi_4ztnWA3wrkiNAnOFPOzLT4mk936RDBkALWBWMaJ_LDolDXzAGdEWPCsG7v0_TvcXDRU94N-mN2jivA0Zatc_9yHonFIGR0VjC7/s400/cupboardgroup+%28Small%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234706029218371842" border="0" /></a>so here are the rules if you want to play too:<br /><br /><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">rules:</div><ol style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><li>link back to the person who tagged you {their name linked to their blog}</li><li>post as many pictures as it takes to reveal all the sources of food in your house. also, just for fun post a picture of what your refrigerator looks like </li><li>tag as many people as you want.<br /></li></ol><br />so..................i tag: <br /><br /><a href="http://sherwest.blogspot.com/">sherrie</a><br /><a href="http://www.erikanickel.blogspot.com/">erika</a><br /><a href="http://shadandjess.blogspot.com/">jess</a><br /><a href="http://www.three-men-and-a-lady.blogspot.com/">michelle</a><br /><a href="http://xanderandfam.blogspot.com/">lori</a>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-90256293064274192662008-08-12T08:25:00.011+01:002010-09-17T19:35:11.649+01:00singing in the rainthis weekend we went to our long <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/05/picnic-with-diana-krall.html">awaited</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">diana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">krall</span> concert up in north <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">london</span> {<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenwood_House"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kenwood</span> house</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hampstead</span>--beautiful}. you would think that being august & all we would be guaranteed at least some semi-decent weather. staying true to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">british</span> style-- it rained for nearly half of it and it wasn't just a little bit it was like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">freakin</span>'<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>torrential</span> downpour. the last time i was that soaking wet was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">thailand</span> bamboo rafting in the middle of the jungle. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">i'm</span> surprised it wasn't cancelled and <a href="http://www.dianakrall.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">diana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">krall</span></a> kept asking if we were all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ok</span>--which i thought was nice of her considering we were freezing our behinds off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgbcfyq5meDM9W48digvE1oysTPiYcSt2SVclmsqaBzOmY0SXd5Qcwup2L1aDxxbj-tQQILMBx9uYcmBgftCWuzav_uaTBvFgvsWDQQuXogY-A5o4-f0VWaKS63QnQ9EEIgpM/s1600-h/kenwoodhouse+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233535280661074034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgbcfyq5meDM9W48digvE1oysTPiYcSt2SVclmsqaBzOmY0SXd5Qcwup2L1aDxxbj-tQQILMBx9uYcmBgftCWuzav_uaTBvFgvsWDQQuXogY-A5o4-f0VWaKS63QnQ9EEIgpM/s400/kenwoodhouse+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
besides the weather it was an amazing concert. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">diana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">krall</span> was more than great & i managed to get a signed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cd</span> as well out of it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i've</span> loved her music for ages & it was fantastic to finally hear her live. to lighten the mood she sang a few rain songs & even <a href="http://www.elviscostello.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">elvis</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">costello</span></a> {her husband} made a surprise on stage appearance. although we only managed to have a tiny bit of our 'picnic' during the rain breaks it made for great leftovers the next day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqTYLGRF6sgTqQpdGkcb_aU2gSFFL0mvvyicpqn1bOKC4DEqaVMwmVzWi0IVJKMEc_lTvvsrz3EzRIzEF35LjvCmlKhap5GfV7ZxphJo_y2ct4EEQ-rwfZyqirimVWdMAlh9D/s1600-h/concert+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233535365086066770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqTYLGRF6sgTqQpdGkcb_aU2gSFFL0mvvyicpqn1bOKC4DEqaVMwmVzWi0IVJKMEc_lTvvsrz3EzRIzEF35LjvCmlKhap5GfV7ZxphJo_y2ct4EEQ-rwfZyqirimVWdMAlh9D/s400/concert+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
so----<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">i'm</span> glad we went even if the weather was the way it was. all the mud, rain & freezing cold make for a much better story & memories! can't wait till next year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNmH9Qhh_eBekpMlo61EB5meh-QkmhKARtoSD-rel9QJVLA9luiDoMsMBDt3WpIF-9sMQtjfcylyNPbzBcGx3lS5kuunZ8ajLRWgh_QAu5ubmmQJNY7RzUYV7JuC_YEQYv15M/s1600-h/jamesconcert+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233536057286235586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNmH9Qhh_eBekpMlo61EB5meh-QkmhKARtoSD-rel9QJVLA9luiDoMsMBDt3WpIF-9sMQtjfcylyNPbzBcGx3lS5kuunZ8ajLRWgh_QAu5ubmmQJNY7RzUYV7JuC_YEQYv15M/s400/jamesconcert+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-40733591420842109612008-08-04T17:17:00.009+01:002011-02-25T11:58:40.256+00:00boys, girls & understanding what's between<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GLXJZ9pOp0QJFcgsgnwT8e8XHJXRWGQOFEdMVqMRqFYQgBzYwdlgBKSunnTOC3Lm1uemofGzW_VRzhn765XSvkMGWUkc-H5-bKDxTrwKEJ_xw2YLg0WpZCaXjJNiplvWk82J/s1600-h/100_1490.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230698183564286194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GLXJZ9pOp0QJFcgsgnwT8e8XHJXRWGQOFEdMVqMRqFYQgBzYwdlgBKSunnTOC3Lm1uemofGzW_VRzhn765XSvkMGWUkc-H5-bKDxTrwKEJ_xw2YLg0WpZCaXjJNiplvWk82J/s400/100_1490.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">James & I, Rome 2008<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">i think i can count on one hand the number of dates i had and a total of '0' long term boyfriends before meeting james. growing up i never talked to boys much cause i always thought they wouldn't be interested in what i had to say or who i was. i never pictured myself in a white dress like most girls do or even pictured myself as a mum. never went to any school dances, my first date wasn't until my mid 20's & my first kiss much later than that.<br />
<br />
so i guess you could say i was a bit slow on catching the boat when it comes to trying to understand the whole boys & girls thing. james is my first real boyfriend and i went from pretty limited experience with boys to being in a pretty serious long term relationship across the ocean. i think we both needed each other & were lonely & we both happened to fill the gap at the time. but talk about adjustment--heck you could say its been a bit stressful at times. we've played a lot of catch up emotionally & gone through more in 8 years than most have gone through in 25 years worth of marraige. we're best friends & we've had so much fun over the years. james completely changed me & i'm glad that he came into my life when he did as i don't know what my life would be without these experiences here in london with him.<br />
<br />
its just lots of doubts coming into my mind as i don't know if i'll ever understand boys or ever be good at relationships. i think its difficult anyway to live with anyone but a member of the opposite sex can be like trying to figure out how to put together a playpen from ikea with instructions in japanese. i struggle to keep my patience, to love no matter what & to forgive when mistakes are made especially ones that hurt him & me so much physically & emotionally. i want to be compassionate & make him feel like he's the only person in the room. i really doubt if i'm capable of a relationship sometimes but then i try to think about what my life would be without him and i just get weepy. surely it means something that we've got such an amazing friendship?? i can't just let all of that go because i'm doubting myself or scared can i? i dont know maybe i'm just weepy cause i don't want that feeling of emptiness if he wasn't in my life. i just don't know.<br />
<br />
lots & lots of emotions recently swirling round our place & i'm just really unsettled because of it. i wish i could just make every day peachy when it comes to our relationship but i know that things like this are just hard work. i know he's worth all of this effort, but i just wish i didn't doubt that everything will be ok. i just gotta take one day at a time, focus on what <span style="font-weight: bold;">i can do</span>, remind myself of all the positive things & hope that everything will start becoming clearer. easier said than done though & i just wish things weren't so seriously complicated!!</div></div>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-78576012323306728212008-07-30T09:41:00.009+01:002010-01-06T13:26:40.602+00:00how to do london on a budgetaccording to <a href="http://realestate.msn.com/buying/Article_forbes.aspx?cp-documentid=8839818&GT1=35000">forbes</a>, london is the third most expensive city in the world just after moscow & tokyo. i'm not questioning this cause i live here & i'll vouge that sometimes i don't know how i've survived here financially so long with the sheer expense of things. what i'm saying is that before you completely cross off coming to visit london especially with the doom & gloom we hear about everyday with the 'credit crunch' & a weak dollar- it is possible to see the real london for <a href="http://www.londonisfree.com/">free</a> or really cheap for those of you on a budget.<br /><br />so here's what you can <span style="font-weight: bold;">see</span> in london for <span style="font-weight: bold;">free</span>:<br /><br />-all the major art galleries like the national gallery {my favorite}, the tate modern & the portrait gallery. *i've mentioned a bit about free galleries in a previous post of <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2007/02/free-london.html">mine</a>.<br />- big ben {you can go inside the houses of parliment in the summer but it costs £12 & booking is required}<br />- the outside of westminster abbey {worth it to go in although it costs}<br />- the outside of st paul's<br />- the outside of buckingham palace {you can only go in in the summer anyway}<br />- the changing of the guards<br />- covent garden {& the street performers}<br />- the major <a href="http://www.londonisfree.com/ongoing-events/museums/">museums</a> {like the british museum, victoria & albert, natural history museum}<br />- trafalgar square<br />- the outside of the globe theatre<br />- the outside of kensington palace<br />- carnaby, bond & oxford street<br />- abbey road {you can get a pic of the crosswalk & road sign}<br />- london bridge<br />- number 10 downing street where the prime minister lives {from a distance}<br />- leicester square<br />- the prime meridian line at the royal observatory in greenwich { 0 degrees longitude}<br />- the royal observatory & queen's house in greenwich<br />- the old royal naval college {painted hall & chapel--loads of movies filmed here}<br />-piccadilly circus<br />- the horse guards<br />- <a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/our_services/law_order/central_criminal_court.htm">the old bailey</a> {one of the most famous courthouses in the world--oscar wilde tried here & they still wear wigs!}<br />- the parks {my favorites are hyde park which has its own lake & a statue for peter pan & of course greenwich park}<br />- hampstead heath & blackheath {both have really cute window shopping & wide open spaces to relax}<br />- the <a href="http://www.londonisfree.com/ongoing-events/markets/">markets</a> {including portobello road, borough & greenwich}<br /><br />the above list is most of what there is to see anyway in london. it is possible to do most of it by walking & not the underground which will save you money on travel. get an oyster card if you are here a few days, it will save you a lot & go to streetmap.co.uk to print out maps so you don't have to buy one.<br /><br />if you are into walking you can do the '<a href="http://www.walks.com/">london walks</a>' for £7 ($14) which are amazing, a good deal & you get to see the back streets. my favorite {and oddly creepy} is their 'jack the ripper' tour that goes through the exact spots in whitechapel where all the murders took place.<br /><br />don't do the bus top tour---you can see everything yourself for cheaper. the london eye is worth it only on a clear day and london doesn't have many clear days unfortunately. there's a great view of all of london from greenwich park & the observatory that i think is better than you'd see w/the eye.<br /><br />theatre trips---a definite must here {its like going to nyc w/out seeing a broadway play}--go to the half price ticket booths.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.londonisfree.com/music/">music</a>-- many of the church's including <a href="http://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/music/lunchtime.html">st. martin in the fields</a> do free lunchtime concerts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">cheap ways/places to eat:<br /></span><br />- tesco's & sainsbury's all do mini versions of their grocery stores in the city---buy a snack from here for lunches<br />- instead of subway---go to paul's {there's one in covent garden} that has great handmade, european style sandwiches.<br />- wagamama's is everywhere which serves a lot of healthy asian food that's cheap<br />- carluccio's is one of my favorites too--great quality & inexpensive italian food<br />- greenwich has loads of cheap eateries<br />- pubs have cheap & filling food<br />- find a fish & chip or kebab shop {its how the locals eat}<br />- the markets all have food stalls where you can fill up<br />- covent garden has great food too: wagamama's, carluccio's, cornwall's pasty shop, & ponti's are good<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">tips on where you stay:<br /><br />-</span><span> avoid staying right in the center of london or anywhere near a park--it will be more.<br />- greenwich & canary wharf have nice hotels<br />- try to get breakfast included in the price {it will save you money elsewhere & not many places open up for breakfast--except greenwich does nice english breakfasts at the organic cafe}<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">tips on shopping:<br /><br /></span>shopping in london will cost you an absolute fortune. the markets are probably the best place to go to save a buck--greenwich again is my favorite as 80% of it is all handmade or artisan items. if you want to save huge amounts at the normal store---try visiting mid to late august & january which is when the sales are. john lewis is one of my favorite department stores & is cheaper than selfridges. harrod's---locals avoid it like the plague as its a tourist trap & you'll pay through the teeth. if you want high end shopping the locals love harvey nichols as well.<br /><br />---<br /><br />so as you can see it is possible to come & visit without having to sell any vital organs to visit. i do have one request though--if you do come, be sure to pop by greenwich to say hello & i'll treat you to a nice cup of tea!<br /></span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-179357602739829802008-07-26T19:30:00.009+01:002010-09-17T19:38:45.173+01:00kew gardensthe english sure know how to do their parks & gardens. london may be a huge city but you can easily find several places to unwind & commune with nature. <a href="http://www.kew.org/">kew gardens</a> is definitely one of these places to escape from it all & the weather this weekend provided the perfect opportunity for us to pop over to richmond-upon-thames {sw london} and check out these botanical gardens for the first time. for £13 you get 300 acres of solitude filled with every type of plant imaginable from all parts of the globe. kew gardens is reknowned for their conservation work & their love of the environment which is obvious from all their business practices down to the loos, cafe's & even their gift shops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlpQPI8m8LyOHznmdpxEzUV9ZRgF03wPDKNti1nmKa4kMTHysGq7nFEUr7N4PaEQC2bD-BDXUHQ5z9g5bnuTejyfjhyphenhyphenDsVUYa_kI9B8MvztoHutczb88cDCMsBYmHv2Ch4-pE/s1600-h/100_1650.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227397644174748258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlpQPI8m8LyOHznmdpxEzUV9ZRgF03wPDKNti1nmKa4kMTHysGq7nFEUr7N4PaEQC2bD-BDXUHQ5z9g5bnuTejyfjhyphenhyphenDsVUYa_kI9B8MvztoHutczb88cDCMsBYmHv2Ch4-pE/s320/100_1650.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
kew gardens houses some of the oldest & largest remaining victorian glass houses. the above picture i took was my favorite & definitely one of the more iconic images of kew. when you walk in to the glass house, its obviously a 'green house' & is humid but i found it oddly relaxing smelling the various greenery & plants.</div><br />
</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloWiqrGek7l9R69lk0faqDbKc-w0WHx1O-MI3OO9to9fQO7oA6-6ETwJ3Kr6CU82wi4lzC-hHGMewCBry5bhmCgKZoV5oRX-7yRojIY7JdETwLWX3UBei-4zQwZ0m1U7KUaoM/s1600-h/100_1651.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227394096599719330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloWiqrGek7l9R69lk0faqDbKc-w0WHx1O-MI3OO9to9fQO7oA6-6ETwJ3Kr6CU82wi4lzC-hHGMewCBry5bhmCgKZoV5oRX-7yRojIY7JdETwLWX3UBei-4zQwZ0m1U7KUaoM/s320/100_1651.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
even with the 3 hours we spent we didn't manage to see everything. if you want to see the whole thing, its definitely an <span style="font-weight: bold;">entire day</span> excursion. there's loads of activities for all ages & the gardens are big enough you can easily bring a picnic and find a secluded area to enjoy lunch. out of what we did see today my favorite parts were the waterlily house {see above} & the treetop walkway {see my flickr photos in sidebar}. they were absolutely amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJXE54rZa_sox4pOqibvUesls6HaG7-35cY0uNAtCV57krIKnyXIkqJscuhXsa-QKS1nn7r8pJssx5ZyF-ugaWmExC3DO3QYjA0NHCodGFnGE7D6Bkv7z8sA8cfLhCmTma5BR/s1600-h/100_1644.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227393057389406098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJXE54rZa_sox4pOqibvUesls6HaG7-35cY0uNAtCV57krIKnyXIkqJscuhXsa-QKS1nn7r8pJssx5ZyF-ugaWmExC3DO3QYjA0NHCodGFnGE7D6Bkv7z8sA8cfLhCmTma5BR/s320/100_1644.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
kew gardens is one of the most beautiful places i've seen within london. not many tourists make it out to richmond, but if you come and visit & have a day to kill i guarantee you'll love this place like we did!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-51335278323675088182008-07-17T14:10:00.008+01:002010-09-17T19:38:10.523+01:00changes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnGHA5R_Z3OR7LRg3tR2uUHIh-fpI3G1Yr-YsNwSD-o4P9rDijd-JpejqwoDtuqmU1httwqmmCj4O9nxV3h0aRDc7StGmbr1JZgiJ75itZ83n7uc1D4t4X-9oH33fln0cj5lc/s1600-h/wimbledon01+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223970166175033234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnGHA5R_Z3OR7LRg3tR2uUHIh-fpI3G1Yr-YsNwSD-o4P9rDijd-JpejqwoDtuqmU1httwqmmCj4O9nxV3h0aRDc7StGmbr1JZgiJ75itZ83n7uc1D4t4X-9oH33fln0cj5lc/s400/wimbledon01+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
i am feeling rather blessed to have lived in such an amazing city as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">london</span> for nearly 7 1/2 years. i think back to when i arrived in march 2001 how innocent i was & how much life experience i lacked. i was 25 & literally just out of college & besides visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">england</span> beforehand--had never really been anywhere or done anything. college was tough for me & on leaving i really desperately wanted to travel the world and do something spectacular with my life. the opportunity arose randomly to move to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">london</span> & i just ran with it, sold nearly everything i owned & flew across the world with just 2 suitcases. boy i was scared & if the 60 lbs i put on a couple months later was anything to go by {have since lost nearly all of it}--it was an adjustment to say the least.<br />
<br />
fast forward to 2008---<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">i'm</span> 32 now & had so many opportunities & experiences i never thought possible. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">i've</span> <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/travel">traveled</a> the world to places <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">i've</span> always dreamed of, met loads of <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/04/lessons-in-celebrity.html">celebrities</a>, seen some of the most amazing <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/theatre">theatre</a> productions, <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/music">musical</a> performances & some of the best <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/art">art</a> in the world. i live 10 minutes from one of the coolest <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2007/02/best-place-to-live.html">parks</a> ever, only 20 minutes by train from big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ben</span> & the heart of the city & only two hours by train to <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/02/relaxation-paris.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">paris</span></a>. i wouldn't trade any of these experiences for the world & i know it sounds slightly cheesy but these moments <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">i've</span> had have made me the girl i am now.<br />
<br />
i don't know what path my life would have taken if i had never moved here nearly a decade ago. who knows if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">i'd</span> be married, if i had the career of my dreams, that white picket fence, kids or even a pet dog. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">i'm</span> happy though with what experiences <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">i've</span> had so far & i feel like the many layers of me that were inside finally were peeled away & allowed to shine through. my perspective on life & the world around me has completely changed--i know what sustains me & what i want more of in my life. i want to surround myself with good food, yoga & exercise, travel, books, music & absolutely all things creative. i want to watch more old movies of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">audrey</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">hepburn</span>, eat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">gelato</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">rome</span> & people watch in a sidewalk cafe in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">paris</span>. things like these remind me that life is truly extraordinary & you have to take it by the scruff of the neck & ride it till the sun don't shine. if i died tomorrow, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">i'd</span> look back & say my life was spectacular & i wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
so i guess you could say i love growing up. i love seeing where you've come & figuring out where to go in the future. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">i'm</span> grateful for these moments in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">london</span>, that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">james</span> has been right by my side & helped along the way and for everyone who has crossed my path these 7 years---thank you. thank you for being my teachers in every possible way & teaching me to love this gift that has been given to me. <br />
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<br />
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i can't wait to see what the next 7 years will bring.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-75039559585092792452008-07-17T08:44:00.011+01:002010-09-17T19:39:30.587+01:00t.v. swapping across the ponddon't watch television much but because of our lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">satellite</span> dish {only way to get more than 4 channels in this country} when i do i have a wide array of shows both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">american</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">english</span> to choose from. it wasn't until i moved here though that i started noticing how much both sides of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">atlantic</span> rip of show ideas/concepts from each other. you may find it interesting the following lists:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">us show <span style="font-style: italic;">{ originated in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">uk</span>}</span></span></div><br />
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">american</span> idol, <span style="font-style: italic;">{pop idol} </span>-both have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">simon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cowell</span><br />
the office: an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">american</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">workplace</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">{the office}</span> -both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ricky</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">gervais</span> produced<br />
dancing w/the stars, <span style="font-style: italic;">{strictly come dancing}<br />
</span>whose line is it anyway?, <span style="font-style: italic;">{whose line is it anyway?}<br />
</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">supernanny</span> us, {<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">supernanny</span>}- both have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">jo</span> frost<br />
who wants to be a millionaire, <span style="font-style: italic;">{who wants to be a millionaire}<br />
</span>the weakest link, <span style="font-style: italic;">{the weakest link}</span>-- same host<br />
wife swap: trading spouses, <span style="font-style: italic;">{wife swap}<br />
</span>the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">muppet</span> show, <span style="font-style: italic;">{the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">muppet</span> show}</span> --originally produced in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Muppet_Show"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">uk</span></span></a><br />
baby borrowers, <span style="font-style: italic;">{baby borrowers}<br />
</span>bob the builder<span style="font-style: italic;">, {bob the builder}<br />
</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">teletubbies</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">{<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">teletubbies</span>}<br />
</span>honey we're killing the kids<span style="font-style: italic;">,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> {honey we're killing the kids}<br />
</span>antiques roadshow,<span style="font-style: italic;"> {antiques roadshow}<br />
</span>brat camp, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">{brat camp}<br />
</span></span>faking it,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {faking it}<br />
</span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">sanford</span> & son,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">steptoe</span> & son}<br />
</span></span>three's company,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {man about the house}<br />
</span></span>welcome back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">kotter</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {please sir}<br />
</span></span>all in the family,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {till death do us part}<br />
</span></span>how to look good naked, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">{how to look good naked}<br />
<br />
</span></span>more can be found <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_TV_shows_remade_for_the_American_market">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">uk</span> show</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">{originated in US}</span><br />
</span></span></span>wheel of fortune,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">{wheel of fortune}<br />
</span></span></span>gladiators,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">american</span> gladiators}<br />
</span></span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">saturday</span> live, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">{<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">saturday</span> night live}<br />
</span></span></span>this is your life,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">{this is your life}<br />
</span></span></span>the upper hand,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">who's the boss?</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">}<br />
</span></span></span>the apprentice,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {the apprentice}<br />
</span></span></span>queer eye for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">straight</span> guy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">uk</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {queer eye}<br />
</span></span></span>the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">brighton</span> belles,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {the golden girls}<br />
</span></span></span>days like these, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">{that 70's show}<br />
</span></span></span>loved by you,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {mad about you}<br />
</span></span></span>married for life, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">{married w/children}<br />
</span></span></span>family fortunes,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {family <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">feud</span>}<br />
</span></span></span>the price is right,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> {the price is right}<br />
</span><br />
more can be found </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_television_series_remade_for_the_British_market">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-26617119086743152872008-07-14T15:42:00.006+01:002010-09-17T19:40:02.168+01:00Duck Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoGqpvAby6RSRi_ssU-eX7Dv9gOTDmIhBolnHE_YvQzAo31hrgI1C2-XyhulFU2k7IC2cz8et6JBpM5Yu6ZI1LHij-PIXmLMoBpv9jWStTLaz36HtGQX8zn5fbkd2Rer0NtBl/s1600-h/george&mildred+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222891655334120546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoGqpvAby6RSRi_ssU-eX7Dv9gOTDmIhBolnHE_YvQzAo31hrgI1C2-XyhulFU2k7IC2cz8et6JBpM5Yu6ZI1LHij-PIXmLMoBpv9jWStTLaz36HtGQX8zn5fbkd2Rer0NtBl/s400/george&mildred+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
meet our neighbors 'george & mildred'. they are two 'resident' ducks that are <span style="font-weight: bold;">always</span> lounging around <a href="http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/leisureandculture/parksandrecreation/localparks/brookmillpark.htm">brookmill park</a> {5 min walk from our flat}. you can always guarantee that when you see one, the other will be not far behind--they are literally inseparable {talk about true 'duck' love}. they don't do much besides sit there next to the lake, soaking up the rays & gorging on free fish right there & food from the locals {what a life eh?}. they do seem to be getting on in years as george's beak has faded & his feathers are everywhere & mildred just sleeps all the time. but we love them anyway & we always make a special attempt to stop by & see our fair feathered 'retired friends' when we go running or walking. I would love to live out my last few years like they do, wouldn't you? Just check out their set-up:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCKBhqMlG6wwDcmep01AztDNPOBXgLxe0eEpKvcL3nTxFRiEnnMWSSTkqIUrOmaTEDycTbwHP7e8U4HWivIpvMkbrcjUMb3chBp22BsBtTQ4KcfZLhU-WdMUjHHblFatl5sPp/s1600-h/brookmilllake+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222895698183808738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCKBhqMlG6wwDcmep01AztDNPOBXgLxe0eEpKvcL3nTxFRiEnnMWSSTkqIUrOmaTEDycTbwHP7e8U4HWivIpvMkbrcjUMb3chBp22BsBtTQ4KcfZLhU-WdMUjHHblFatl5sPp/s400/brookmilllake+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">double click to read better<br />
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</div>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-41472218888152978062008-07-10T08:45:00.017+01:002011-02-25T11:52:44.806+00:00ode to our washing machine<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1EFrCE6mdRRBPNJg2brpTWPgNZ3-d07Ydg0sLTiEw1Nu8oL-TvP5zSfBPEFRZ3OjlDO-eRGb7ZztdijOnAP-UzHKv9ZQA6xKtP6hVkKgyMpGTZoDRdVcQJ1nbhS4H34UxSqh/s1600-h/washingmachine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221290083273046562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1EFrCE6mdRRBPNJg2brpTWPgNZ3-d07Ydg0sLTiEw1Nu8oL-TvP5zSfBPEFRZ3OjlDO-eRGb7ZztdijOnAP-UzHKv9ZQA6xKtP6hVkKgyMpGTZoDRdVcQJ1nbhS4H34UxSqh/s320/washingmachine.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"> washing. by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chalkbass/593341509/">djbass</a></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
6 weeks ago you left us for no reason<br />
without explanations<br />
or finishing the job.<br />
<br />
oh how we miss thee dear washer<br />
the clean socks<br />
the fresh spring scent.<br />
<br />
you seem determined to stay broken forever<br />
even after people have tried to fix you<br />
& paying them too much money.<br />
<br />
we promise if you won't die<br />
we'll be more gentle,<br />
we'll talk nice,<br />
won't hit,<br />
we'll stop seeing the other washers,<br />
will feed you good soap,<br />
& only put you on spin once, not twice a day.<br />
<br />
we love you dear washer<br />
come back to us soon<br />
we need our clean clothes,<br />
we need you.</div>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-49018688650825027182008-07-02T10:20:00.010+01:002010-09-17T19:41:15.834+01:00i'm not a mommy bloggerso i'm 32 years old and i'm not a mommy blogger or even a soon to be one. don't get me wrong i frequently stop by many that would fit into this type of thing { my favorites: <a href="http://embers.typepad.com/">*e*</a>, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">pioneer woman</a> & <a href="http://www.martawrites.blogspot.com/">marta writes</a>}. i enjoy reading about people's expected new arrivals, how their little ones lost a tooth or even mundane things like what a kid did or didn't eat for breakfast or how they just recently went through potty training. i like reading these {including <span style="font-weight: bold;">many</span> non mommy blogs too} cause yes, don't laugh- i enjoy reading about 'life' & i feel connected to the 'journey' others are taking {ya-da, ya-da} . but i guess part of me has felt bad sometimes when i'm reading about 'susie' learning how to swim or 'billie' saying his first words cause i feel like it should be my kid in the pictures.<br />
<br />
i'm at the age where people start wondering why you don't have kids. they wonder if something may be wrong with you or if you are just plain selfish because you want to put yourself first. 'don't worry, one day it will be your time' --is a phrase i hear frequently. i grew up mormon as well and the idea of family was seriously pushed into my head from a very young age too. being 32, unmarried and childless in that culture-talk about social suicide! socially it can become quite awkward if you don't have a kid & all your girlfriends are starting to have them. the ladies with kids do eventually flock together and hang out together because they have so much more to talk about. it's the same whole thing with family get together's & you start to wonder if you've become invisible. parents and future mother & father in laws start gravitating towards those who have given them the grandkids. call me crazy, but all of the above is true.<br />
<br />
i guess at the core of all this is i don't want to be left out in life because i don't have a kid. i'm really really trying to learn to accept my life for what it is & that includes the fact that i'm not yet a mommy blogger/mommy/mom/mum/mother and that<span style="font-weight: bold;"> its ok</span>. not everyone may be meant to be a mom and i've got to just find my own niche in this world. whether i will eventually have children {or whether i can even have them} i don't know, but everything in its proper time & place. whatever happens will happen & i'm going to promise myself i'm not going to worry or waste time anymore comparing myself or thinking of the what if's. the future is just that--the future & i've got way too much to share with this world in the meantime.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-83433462920465178832008-06-20T15:36:00.011+01:002010-09-16T19:00:08.096+01:00intro to acupuncture<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcwrLUrm8YE3WpWVyBZssYr-Cm8XmUDW-O3leO8XzjLFT46N-Uw8ZzVcNgXYg03ayPKFdVIK8mQRFLpIIiB-wguoeZHV77R7korexHXoT_kEtvikRBrApoHwVBsUj7QoLcXfx/s1600-h/ap_acupuncture1_070924_ms.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213972716932201250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcwrLUrm8YE3WpWVyBZssYr-Cm8XmUDW-O3leO8XzjLFT46N-Uw8ZzVcNgXYg03ayPKFdVIK8mQRFLpIIiB-wguoeZHV77R7korexHXoT_kEtvikRBrApoHwVBsUj7QoLcXfx/s200/ap_acupuncture1_070924_ms.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></div>as some of you know earlier this year i had <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/01/feeling-rough.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">surger</span></a><a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/01/feeling-rough.html">y</a>. to explain--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">i've</span> been dealing with a wide array of 'girlie issues' and horrible pain for nearly a year and a half and the surgery was merely a diagnostic procedure to try to figure out what's wrong. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">i've</span> been to so many doctors and had so many tests done and yet still no answers even now. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">i've</span> been feeling a bit like a guinea pig and if the eight vials of blood taken from me for tests just this week are any indication of things to come, i think answers may take a while.<br />
<br />
i am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span> with this because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">i've</span> decided to turn to complementary health to supplement what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">i'm</span> doing/will be doing with traditional doctors. a month or so back my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">gp</span> {regular family doctor} recommended that i try acupuncture to help w/the pain, my auntie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gail</span> had suggested <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">chinese</span> herbalists a while back and i had seen doctor oz on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">oprah</span> praising alternative medicine {including acupuncture} on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">oprah</span> as well. after all these recommendations i figured heck why not try it. it may not work at all, but at this point <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">i've</span> got to be open to all options.<br />
<br />
well anyway, i had my first appointment this week. i was given 3 bags of herbs to boil and drink and that will probably taste like @$*! but hopefully may do me some good. i then had about 20-30 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">needles</span> stuck in me to start treatment. the actual needle part i was quite nervous about cause i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">really</span> hate needles. the first one hurt slightly but then after that i was totally cool with it. she left the needles in about 20 minutes and then lit what looked like a cigar under my feet to warm the points. you get the strangest tingling sensations throughout your body and in the end i felt pretty darn relaxed. the only other weird thing for me was seeing that many needles sticking out of my stomach. i think maybe from now on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i'll</span> keep my eyes closed.<br />
<br />
i have to admit part of me during the experience felt like i had visited a shaman or some voodoo doctor, but i did feel really good afterwards. i do know that more and more people now are turning to alternative therapies and acupuncture is becoming more and more respected as a treatment in the medical field. anyway-we'll see if i notice any benefits in about 4-6 weeks and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">i'll</span> report back!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">{image from <a href="http://www.healthysoulenergy.com/acupuncture/acupuncture.html">here</a>}</span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-2765944188871732622008-06-07T18:46:00.011+01:002010-09-17T19:42:59.983+01:00wolfman in greenwichaghhh! how i wish i had a camera this morning. james and i went for a glorious 5 1/2 mile run this morning through blackheath and greenwich park and when we got to the park, we found ourselves immersed in huge film crews, lighting and sets. apparently '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wolf_Man_%282009_film%29">the wolfman</a>' with benicio del toro & anthony hopkins is currently being filmed in greenwich and have been since march. funny how you can not even know what's going on in your own neighborhood eh? anyway, the top part of the park has completely been taken over with cables, lighting and other wide array of things. it was slightly annoying to see the beautiful grass dug up and how the squirrels seem so confused because of it. however, there's signs everywhere though assuring that absolutely everything would be put back to its proper place. so a bit of excitement in our backyard you could say! the only bad thing is because i didn't have a camera with me i unfortunately have absolutely no pictures of anything. if you are really curious though i found this <a href="http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/labels/Art.html">blog</a> which has all the juicy bits complete with loads of pics {be sure to scroll down most of the page}. anyway, after today i may just ensure i take a camera with me everywhere!!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-8546830066799260772008-05-30T09:31:00.012+01:002008-06-28T12:21:25.189+01:00tagged<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99AqPExYkG5ffWw3UEU9XsRdn2fq3FapaP1hePBh7NJqEqetUyqiRSrAw-eiEfjBRy_4Kv2VMfHIzYCmyBNCuOjLcoPz9Flg5txa8dHYLM3ZpzgTyi01_yQl6SwLZvyRvqjab/s1600-h/scan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99AqPExYkG5ffWw3UEU9XsRdn2fq3FapaP1hePBh7NJqEqetUyqiRSrAw-eiEfjBRy_4Kv2VMfHIzYCmyBNCuOjLcoPz9Flg5txa8dHYLM3ZpzgTyi01_yQl6SwLZvyRvqjab/s400/scan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206085891305341826" border="0" /></a><br />i saw this on a <a href="http://www.martawrites.blogspot.com/">blog</a> i frequently visit and thought <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">i'd</span> go for it too. beware old <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">embarrassing</span> pictures of me to follow.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">what i was doing 10 years ago:<br /><br /></span></span>summer 1998, i was 22 years old and attending college in central <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">washington</span> as a music education major. college was very complicated for me. i was thrust completely out of my comfort zone socially, academically and emotionally. i had a lot of worries for someone of my age including trying to pay for college myself and i seriously struggled to cope. looking back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">i'm</span> surprised i didn't drop out but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">i'm</span> glad i somehow made it.<br /><br />that year i was in orchestra and symphonic band. i remember staying up all hours studying for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">roth's</span> music history exams. i wore jeans and t-shirts, anything that was comfortable and wasn't bothered about trying to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">girly</span>. i didn't have time to listen to much on the radio besides the required for classes. i remember finally getting over a crush i had on a particular boy and vowing to avoid all things that would bring me in contact with males in future. i never practiced my instruments like i should have. i worked close to 6 part time jobs that summer to try to make ends meet including working at the gorge summer concert series making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">baja</span> burritos. saw rod <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">stewart</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">james</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">taylor</span>, the b-52's and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">metallica</span> because of it which was a plus. ate lots and lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ramen</span> noodles. had a born again christian as a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">roommate</span> for a term who tried constantly to save my soul. was active in church although i didn't have many friends. started counselling later that year. started an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">exercise</span> routine of running at 5 in the morning that lasted one week.<br /><br />i have to admit its weird thinking of where i was then 10 years ago and where i am now. talk about progress.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHKqnVO2BruSzPcx_2QL8Tpt09nCHMLcEZbX_S_5jXSnKzB_UYaRAl88JHT7WFfaaAXSBUIknGUefv2VX_raWCsfRyeskiphTDTOtqVfAbtSE6jVZ-Gcpu-IQyfw-HCpueJHR/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHKqnVO2BruSzPcx_2QL8Tpt09nCHMLcEZbX_S_5jXSnKzB_UYaRAl88JHT7WFfaaAXSBUIknGUefv2VX_raWCsfRyeskiphTDTOtqVfAbtSE6jVZ-Gcpu-IQyfw-HCpueJHR/s400/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206092234972038034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">5 things on my to do list today:<br /><br /></span></span><span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">1. listen to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">teenie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">boppers</span> perform<br />2. go to the bank<br />3. see 'sex and the city' the movie</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">4. dishes<br />5. sleeping<br /></span></span><br /><span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;">5 things on my lifelong to do list:</span><br /><br />1. learn how to swim & ride a bike<br />2. visit my friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">lucy</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">india</span><br />3. drive across <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">italy</span> or the south of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">france</span></span></span><br /><span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">4. make a difference somehow<br />5. run a marathon or hike through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">andes</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">nepal</span>.<br /><br />{sorry its hard to pick just 5}<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJQd0FvSkQCHmk59QziZOiT5KnyyY013fjQuvM0eHv_OBXHGnJor0HROwkrr0admRF69ZRaattiuY9kDaRz00nExyXb009y8HdTeoiM4JXW3kM4Twj6y2w4FwaFuFbsZYRFcC/s1600-h/scan0002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJQd0FvSkQCHmk59QziZOiT5KnyyY013fjQuvM0eHv_OBXHGnJor0HROwkrr0admRF69ZRaattiuY9kDaRz00nExyXb009y8HdTeoiM4JXW3kM4Twj6y2w4FwaFuFbsZYRFcC/s400/scan0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206096534234301346" border="0" /></a>{took a picture before our first 5 a.m. run}<br /></div><span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><br />sweets i enjoy:</span><br /><br />jelly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">bellys</span>. organic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ice cream</span>. really really dark chocolate. blueberry or chocolate muffins. chocolate fondant. rhubarb or lemon tarts. warm chocolate chip cookies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">last 3 books i read:</span><br /><br />1. no country for old men<br />2. a new earth<br />3. the power of now<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">last 3 movies i saw:</span><br /><br />1. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">indiana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">jones</span> 4 {ugh, disappointing}<br />2. into the wild<br />3. daddy day care<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">places i have lived before:</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">utah</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">idaho</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">louisiana</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">washington</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">england</span> {currently}<br /><br />people i want to know more about {or anybody who wants to play too}:<br /><br /><a href="http://shadandjess.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">jess</span></a><br /><a href="http://ozzyandcar.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">carly</span></a><br /><a href="http://xanderandfam.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">lori</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.erikanickel.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">erika</span></a><br /><a href="http://jandjgillette.blogspot.com/">jenny</a><br /></span></span>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-23733957566120628482008-05-24T16:29:00.009+01:002010-09-16T19:33:39.337+01:00picnic with diana krall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt36qI1-PCdKi3ECyDOFGe1cJ4EQ7fqvLKBofQX80Ceru5LSeHA6_vwfymthS-O8s4FqAVov5KHOKBpTVzfKMNxhLGjGNvCH_q5VYHTuGZ4Hcj0bgZalEdAYz4IEHlCWNZiHE/s1600-h/796505c1-fa87-45e7-811a-65c0eb1e03c3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203967325672145778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt36qI1-PCdKi3ECyDOFGe1cJ4EQ7fqvLKBofQX80Ceru5LSeHA6_vwfymthS-O8s4FqAVov5KHOKBpTVzfKMNxhLGjGNvCH_q5VYHTuGZ4Hcj0bgZalEdAYz4IEHlCWNZiHE/s320/796505c1-fa87-45e7-811a-65c0eb1e03c3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>i am so incredibly excited as we've booked tickets to see <a href="http://www.dianakrall.com/default.aspx">diana krall</a>, {one of the coolest jazz vocalists on the planet} for early aug. the best part is its up on <a href="http://www.picnicconcerts.com/">hampstead</a> heath which has beautiful views of london and you can enjoy the evening with a pre-concert picnic from one of our favorite restaurants <a href="http://www.picnicconcerts.com/kenwood/picnics.html">carluccio's</a>. i know its a couple of months away but i'm really looking forward to good music, good views, good food and good company {james}. we don't do nearly enough concerts like this and that's why it will be such an amazing treat for this summer!christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-76408042481141299982008-05-16T19:58:00.010+01:002011-02-25T12:31:59.861+00:00books & the cityi saw a list recently compiled by my favorite bookshop <a href="http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/home.do">waterstones</a> with books either set in or about the city of london. this list made me think of a blog <a href="http://londonukgirl.blogspot.com/2008/02/favorite-pastime.html">post</a> a few months back and a request from a reader for a list of good books on london or by london writers. so although its late i think its better late than never and a great list to share for all those who love a good read like me! the area bold is the title, followed by the author in italics and in {parenthesis} is the area of london discussed/set in the books:<br />
<br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">253,</span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;"> geoff ryman </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{ elephant & castle}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">bleak house</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">,</span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;"> charles dickens </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{chancery courts}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">brick lane,</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">monica ali </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{brick lane)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the buddha of suburbia, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">hanif kureishi </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{bromley}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the crimson petal and the white, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">michael faber</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {notting hill}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the end of an affair<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">graham greene</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {clapham common}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">fingersmith, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">sarah waters</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {borough/lant street}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">a handful of dust, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">evelyn waugh</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {belgravia}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">hangover square, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">patrick hamilton</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {earl's court}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">keep the apidistra flying, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">george orwell</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {hampstead}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">lady's maid<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">margaret forster</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {marylebone}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">london<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">edward rutherfurd </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{tower bridge & more)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">london fields, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">martin amis</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {portobello road}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">neverwhere, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">neil gaiman </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{knightsbridge}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">saturday, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">ian mcewan </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{cleveland street, w1}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">small island, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">andrea levy</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {earl's court}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">white teeth, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">zadie smith </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{willesdon}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">wise children, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">angela carter </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{brixton}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the book of dave, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">will self</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {richmond}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">how to be good, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">nick hornby</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {camden}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the line of beauty, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">alan hollinghurst</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {notting hill}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the drowned world, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">jg ballard</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {leicester square}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">hawksmoor, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">peter ackroyd </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">{spitalfields}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">notes on a scandal, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">zoe heller</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {islington}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the ballad of peckham rye, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">muriel spark</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {peckham rye}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">the lonely londoners<span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">sam selvon</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {notting hill}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">london novels, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">colin macinnes</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {notting hill}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">jonathan strange & mr norrell, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">susanna clarke</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {hanover square}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">mrs dalloway, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">virginia woolf</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {westminster}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">notting hell, </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">rachel johnson</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> {notting hill}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">londonstani,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> gautam malkani</span> {hounslow}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the adventures of sherlock holmes, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">arthur conan doyle</span> {baker street}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a dead man in deptford,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">anthony burgess</span> {deptford}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">a metropolitan murder, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">lee jackson </span>{baker street}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">diary of nobody,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> george & weedon grossmith</span> {holloway}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4.50 from paddington, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">agatha christie</span> {paddington}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the heat of the day, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">elizabeth bowen</span> {regent's park}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">twenty thousand streets under the sky, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">patrick hamilton</span> {euston road}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the long firm, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">jake arnott</span> {soho}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">mother london, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">michael moorcok </span>{notting hill}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the necropolois railway, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">andrew martin</span> {waterloo}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">only in london, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">hanan al-shaykh</span> {bayswater/westminster}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">possession,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">as byatt </span>{british museum}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">three men in a boat, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">kingston upon thames </span>{kingston upon thames}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the tiger in the smoke, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">margery allingham </span>{mayfair}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">towards the end of morning,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">michael frayn </span>{elephant & castle}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the last days of newgate, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">andrew pepper </span>{city}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">sleep with me<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">joanna briscoe</span> {bloomsbury}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the queen of the tambourine, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">jane gardam</span> {merton}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">under the net,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> iris murdoch </span>{camden}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">growing yams in london, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">sophia acheampong </span>{cricklewood}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">harry potter & the philosopher's stone, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">jk rowling </span>{kings cross}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the haunting of alaizabel cray, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">piccadilly circus </span>{piccadilly circus}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">paddington bear<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">michael bond</span> {paddington}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">peter pan, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">jm barrie</span> {kensington gardens}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">stoneheart, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">charlie fletcher</span> {natural history museum}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">stormbreaker, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">anthony horowotiz </span>{science museum}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">madeline in london, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">ludwig bermelmans</span> {buckingham palace}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this is london, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">miroslav sasek</span> {st paul's cathedral}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">raven queen, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">pauline francis </span>{tower of london}</span></li>
</ol>christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-46847025609299045712008-05-06T09:26:00.005+01:002011-02-25T11:58:25.432+00:00brave boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeap2hCAo_CQJN6gipA6u26xjlOZYEHFr38dU70wbCsBU_RYlkT6BwbcxKjX-53eHd9hYF7Cf-Eo7wie-qULrto48Q3IEQQTww_GjMLM11AKlOwjNBMKDgW1rx3H2dge7fo5a/s1600-h/mosaic8892415.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197178518260756162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeap2hCAo_CQJN6gipA6u26xjlOZYEHFr38dU70wbCsBU_RYlkT6BwbcxKjX-53eHd9hYF7Cf-Eo7wie-qULrto48Q3IEQQTww_GjMLM11AKlOwjNBMKDgW1rx3H2dge7fo5a/s400/mosaic8892415.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
9 years, 10 months is how long james has had facial hair. i've known him for 9 years and been with him for 7 1/2. besides pictures from the past, i've never seen him sans goatee until yesterday. i dared him to be different and he surprisingly just went with the moment. whether this will last, its hard to say--but how super brave is this? change is good now and then and i think its shaved years off not only his looks but his spirit as well.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-24535549979857504122008-05-01T08:36:00.009+01:002010-05-13T22:40:19.152+01:00photo rebel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJAJkD-mRXqrrlZpMMv44Dm2MU5XN1LdjeoE8VUMsWbkFW5YQuGsYsY1qlXDczTqLJdhm5MKc_jEGfqTFlBUzgq51hpOm1j-M8sggl0pFmHd8AeWWmBBWaJSeirB_1nn8DHR9/s1600-h/mosaic3966730+%28Small%29.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195319531860995762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJAJkD-mRXqrrlZpMMv44Dm2MU5XN1LdjeoE8VUMsWbkFW5YQuGsYsY1qlXDczTqLJdhm5MKc_jEGfqTFlBUzgq51hpOm1j-M8sggl0pFmHd8AeWWmBBWaJSeirB_1nn8DHR9/s400/mosaic3966730+%28Small%29.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
i'm really resisting at the moment having to listen to pre-pubescant musicians from across the country perform endless interpretations of 'titanic' and who give a new meaning to 'in tune' {thank goodness i'm paid for this pleasure}, so i decided i would treat you to my newly discovered work distraction: flickr mosaics. the above are random photos i've taken over the years.<br />
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off to yoga soon which i'm certain will give me at least a bit of 'zen' or inner harmony to get through a few more hours of performances. at least due to statistics i'm destined to hear at least a little inspiring music every now and then. although i do have a confession and admit i secretly enjoy doing this even if its only temporary. heck-without those painful to hear, the truly excellent wouldn't sound half as sweet.<br />
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have a good weekend.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-71419236941562518502008-04-22T11:50:00.016+01:002010-05-13T22:39:19.353+01:00Dream HouseHave you ever walked/drove/ran by a house and took a deep *sigh* and every ounce of your soul wanted to live there? For the past six years we've wanted a house near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blackheath</span> Hill/Village that we consistently pass on our runs/walks. There's something about it that seems to be calling to us---Buy Me. Its a house that I totally can picture us having friends over for dinner parties and to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">reminisce</span> about the good old times and how our children don't visit as much as they used to. The worst part of all of this is that it has come up for <a href="http://www.humphreys-skitt.com/default.aspx">sale</a> recently not once but twice in the last year and a half.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1bu5eem0fGGzrTGcQjfZdD-3uIJart-1KobkQisDXgK9RJMd0jdF6qO0CFwiVwesqvjpbBUhrxj1sgrpqHEFk_YRQZAiR97tb5xsaz9Rz3IWiHPbY4eGSQzj6NWAtlEo9WyS/s1600-h/house.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192022399056014514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1bu5eem0fGGzrTGcQjfZdD-3uIJart-1KobkQisDXgK9RJMd0jdF6qO0CFwiVwesqvjpbBUhrxj1sgrpqHEFk_YRQZAiR97tb5xsaz9Rz3IWiHPbY4eGSQzj6NWAtlEo9WyS/s400/house.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmMlr0J32_N6VS-0rjFGO1hnd1AYFDquLilKbB0LKAFZJ5Zlhnu-OzAOvMfwNesrTMtUHgnaHUlwv61g_aTFWM9npJyyLD5kMoaG7iLmUwCED99YVl6jG2Cg8ke06YxbNtaZf/s1600-h/house2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192026633893768386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmMlr0J32_N6VS-0rjFGO1hnd1AYFDquLilKbB0LKAFZJ5Zlhnu-OzAOvMfwNesrTMtUHgnaHUlwv61g_aTFWM9npJyyLD5kMoaG7iLmUwCED99YVl6jG2Cg8ke06YxbNtaZf/s320/house2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAH4KmQy_XbvAQEzF9YDMzys519aftNCvZ9fp0h0lY8X83D6fleazkgOFhEU7hS-Ud8K6e7ARjmA42fDOi6F0eJKzTtPh8tYPpWN2tTwUXjLhCAIVX4xSSyCvf_t4APZhGHwB/s1600-h/kitchen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192026951721348306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAH4KmQy_XbvAQEzF9YDMzys519aftNCvZ9fp0h0lY8X83D6fleazkgOFhEU7hS-Ud8K6e7ARjmA42fDOi6F0eJKzTtPh8tYPpWN2tTwUXjLhCAIVX4xSSyCvf_t4APZhGHwB/s320/kitchen.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
It is a Victorian house (19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>/20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> Century) has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 floors, a large garden, a huge kitchen, a conservatory, wine cellars and a 2 car garage. All for the lovely price of <span style="font-weight: bold;">£2,650,000 </span>(about 4.5 million dollars). So unless we seriously come into some big money, this beauty is sadly going to stay a 'dream' . (Cue violin) I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span> with this I guess, but a girl has the right to at least salivate and I guarantee you every time I pass by this gem I'll be doing just that.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-53421073426609715202008-04-20T14:49:00.009+01:002010-09-16T19:25:46.459+01:00Lessons in 'Celebrity'Whilst I was home sick last night (long story) James was out conversing with celebrities after a performance of David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mamet's</span> play, '<a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=38">Speed-the-Plow</a>'. He got a chance to meet Kevin Spacey and Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Goldblum</span> yesterday (very nice people actually), in the usual autograph signing/quick chat sessions that happen after most shows that have big names in the West End. I'm not really that jealous of James particularly as I've met Kevin briefly before (K-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pax</span> premiere) and I've got my own list of people I've met too over the years. I think I'm just bummed cause I love my theater stops, had been looking forward to going to this play for a while and James was out doing something fun whilst I was left hugging a water bottle and downing herbal teas to try to settle my stomach. Anyway, I'll get over it and I'm sure they'll be other opportunities like this arise.<br />
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London as you expect can be a bit of a celebrity magnet. A lot of people in the public eye particularly actors come here to either relax, live, or perform on the stage in the West End (London's version of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Broadway</span>) or work on their upcoming film (this and most European premieres for films are in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leicester_Square">Leicester Square</a> ). With all this going on statistics are generally in your favor for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">occasional</span> opportunity that arises to meet and/or see someone of at least some notoriety. It used to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">uber</span> cool when I first moved here to meet people like that, but after I had met a handful I started to become less and less starstruck because I started to see the bigger picture.<br />
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I realized:<br />
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- A lot of celebrities are actually incredibly shy & down to earth. They get quite bemused with why fans drool over them like they do. The shyness may actually be a defense <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mechanism</span> as well--- who do you trust when you are in the public eye?<br />
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-They are just people with really weird/public jobs. They still get old and have to eat their cereal in the morning like the rest of us.<br />
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-The character they play is <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> who they really are. Some actors are not the '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lovable</span>' people you know on screen in real life. Yes, they can be mean!! Some don't look anything like what they do on screen!<br />
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- Its not right to treat them as commodities -- taking pictures like they are objects not people, putting them up on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pedestals</span> and writing things that aren't true for the sake of a newspaper headline or a quick 'buck'.<br />
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-They actually are real people.<br />
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So out of my experiences these last few years meeting celebrities I guess you can say I've learned a few things. Not that I was some horrible crazed fan or stalker or anything beforehand, but I just have a new perspective on it after living here. I'm no expert though--heck who can be on such a superficial and fickle business. Some would be disappointed after humanizing your favorite screen heroes/idols---all they want is the dream. For me though, I'm grateful for these lessons as it makes me appreciate them so much more and that they are not so different from the rest of us after all.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36309843.post-70162488781661341842008-04-17T15:49:00.008+01:002008-06-28T12:34:27.667+01:00Affordable TravelI realize it may seem that I go on a lot of exotic trips around Europe and abroad which may make us seem uber rich. To clarify though, James and I are by no means financially wealthy by most standards. We just plan our trips 'REALLY' well and we know (James in particular) how to make our money go as far as possible in all areas. (*It also helps we don't have children or have to pay rent or a mortgage--all paid off.) Anyway, if you are curious how we make our holidays a reality this is what we do:<br /><br />- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Book far enough in advance to get cheap rates.</span> If you book in advance you can also implement paying it off over a further time making it easier on the pocket books. When we go to Paris, if you book ahead a First Class Eurostar ticket is only £30-45 more each way than Standard class. You don't get food on Standard Class--so you have to figure this expense in as well. A first class ticket, with food and booked ahead is actually a better deal than a Standard fare.<br /><br />**Our 3 week holidays we go on we book between 4-6 months prior. Weekend breaks we usually book 3-4 months prior.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Use exchange rates to your advantage</span>. For our long breaks we go to places where the exchange rates are excellent for us. Generally any less developed countries, the Far East, etc you'll be able to make your money go far. For the British Pound going to America right now is economical as its nearly 2 for 1 (1.97$ = 1.00£). We watch the exchange rates for the Dollar like a hawk. The Dollar is the most accepted currency worldwide. When its a good rate, we go to the Post Office here (where we get commission free currency) and change over what we can afford and then keep them for a future trip. Always research to see if you can find a place to change over money commission free. Avoid airports because the fees are ridiculous.<br /><br />Another thing we do is for small purchases abroad we use our cash, for larger ones--credit cards. You get a better exchange rate for credit cards (i.e. the business rate, not the tourist rate) and you have a month to pay it off before having to pay any interest on it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Shop around/compare prices</span>. We spend a lot of time on the internet looking for the best deal for transport and accomodation. Always check more than one site before booking. We frequently stop by the usual places like expedia.com or opodo. For hotels--look on main booking sites to see if you can get a flight/hotel combo deal and then look on the hotels main website page to see if they have a better deal directly. We tend to also avoid travel agents but only use them as a guideline when needed. They will generally charge you more cause they are on commission. Buy a guidebook to get advice on hotels as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Less is More</span>. What we have gotten into with recent trips is doing a dirt cheap base holiday--like two to three star hotels and then ending with a nicer hotel as a treat. Also look into bed and breakfasts because sometimes they are cheaper than a mainstream place.<br /><br />Souvenirs- traveling makes even the most stupid things in the shops seem cooler. You may think that souvenir 'official' Eiffel Tower beret is great at the time but when you get home you may think twice. Just because its beautiful doesn't mean that it needs to be bought. Sometimes the 'beautiful' should just stay in the shop (like all the amazing shoes I saw in Rome this weekend). Endless trinkets and souvenir plates can make your home more cluttered in my opinion. We do buy trinkets and the 'fun' ocassionally, but we have moved on to buying things that we need or will add to our home in a practical way. For example--- we have bought really nice olive oil for cooking and even cooking utensils and dish towels in the past. If its cheaper abroad and you need it at home why not get it? We only buy something if it will add to our life and if we will regret 'not' getting it when we get home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Look at the big picture</span>. Be sure to check which airport you are flying into and whether a good deal for a hotel means that you have to take a 15 minute shuttle bus into the city every day. It actually may be more economical to get as close as you can to the center because of other costs added on top of it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Be among the people. </span>Eating on holiday can be a pain in the you know where. For me because I love 'good' food not touristy food finding something that won't make me regret eating it can be a challenge. Generally we avoid eating in hotels as they are more expensive and we also tend to try to find restaurants 'off the touristy' spots (like not eating at the Eiffel Tower). We also look for restaurants that don't have pictures next to them or are printed out all in English (usually horrible translations). If you have waiters standing outside trying to get you in---not a good sign for the quality of the food.<br /><br />Go to places where mostly the locals go---you'll usually get better food and it will be cheaper. Again look for menus not printed all in English and buy a phrase book to find out what everything is. Its a sad fact that most touristy restaurants don't put as much care into cooking as do locals. Locals keep going back, tourists you'll see once. So who care's if the food is bad?<br /><br />Find local grocery stores to buy your snacks or lunches. Take a back-pack/day sack and load it up with your water and pringles or whatever. In Rome, we went to the deli counter at a local store and got just enough bread, slices of ham and cheese for sandwiches for lunch. Our entire lunch came to about 8 Euros. Eat your food in a local park or find some curb somewhere as it can be great fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Stop making excuses</span>. There's every reason in the book to say why you can't afford something or can't do something. If you want to do it make it happen. You only have one life and you don't want to say when your 80 and on your death bed, "I only wish I had done this".... Anything is possible and in the end everything does work out with finances somehow.<br /><br />So these are my 'secrets' on how I can afford so many trips. Not very complicated you can see but it works for us and has given us so many 'priceless' memories in return.christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15684406902770257042noreply@blogger.com4