Like a Candle in the Wind

Not a candle in the wind mind, just LIKE a candle in the wind....Goodbye Norma Jean and Hello..... Maralyn.

I was beside myself, literally beside myself with excitement when I heard about the new Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

Glamour of the Gods Hollywood Portraits.

 An exhibition of pictures from the John Kobel collection. As I have said before, back in the day when I still lived at home and had no responsibilities and lots of spare cash I collected Hollywood movie stills and a fair few of the wonderful black and white print copies I have are from the Kobel collection. Today as the online ordering system had died at work I decided to research the exhibition online with a view to visiting it. I came across the below review on http://www.artlyst.com/articles/glamour-of-the-gods-hollywood-portraits-national-portrait-gallery. I wasn't sure whether to weep or batter my head repeatedly against the wall, words fail me.

Quote:

'Put together from the archive of the John Kobal Foundation, this exhibition features over 70 photographs of many of Hollywood’s best known actors and actresses. It spans over four decades, 20´s to 50´s, ranging from film icons such as Charlie Chaplin to the London born actress Joan Collins.

As the title states, there certainly is no lack of glamour to the show, with Joan Collins, jewellery and large hair in accompaniment, actually opening the exhibition. Audrey Hepburn, Maralyn Munroe, and many others involved in this world of dazzle, all strike a pose for the camera, in what is for the most part a generic affair. Indeed, you may feel as though you have seen it all before; such is the nature of Hollywood photography. The lighting, more than often, is largely false and the picture highly contrived. But is that not part of the fun with classic Hollywood?

If anything, the photographs will bring you back to an era that might seem something of a long lost relic to us now; one where long filters, overly stretched eye-lashes and excess were all something to strive towards. The chronological dividing into decades of the exhibition also means that it would be possible to attempt to compare and contrast the different periods of Hollywood, perhaps taking into account external factors such as World War II. However, the leitmotif of the exhibition, based upon an industry that was so intent on keeping its image firmly entrenched in prestige, renders the task quasi impossible. There is, in many ways, a sense that these ‘Gods’ were somewhat untouchable'.

I was going to highlight the cause of my distress but I really don't need to do I? Good Grief......

 On a happier note I will be taking myself of to London Town to visit on Monday 18th July. I had the day off work anyway and what better way to spend it? Anyone else free that day?

Sorry for a week of radio silence by the way, week from beyond hell at work and kind of busy with things at home too. Currently typing away on the mother in law's computer whilst we housesit for the weekend in sunny Margate. (I'm not taking the piss either, it is lovely here and hideous wet and windy in Oxford.) I will be posting on Monday with the thrills and spills of my awful week and whatever I just might get up to this weekend. Bearing in mind I have already been to the pub and tomorrow is a day of girlie madness with my sister and our dear friend Kay there's bound to be stuff! Also I have taken a leaf out of Helga's book and have only brought dresses with me, seriously there is nary a t-shirt or jean in sight. I hope Helga will be proud......

The Further Adventures of Ted and a Visit to the Circus.

After a busy day at the library Ted has spent his time hanging out with Harry at home, they got through a lot of chocolate I can tell you.
That was until yesterday when he came to Gifford's Circus with me.

First stop was my parents house in a very picture postcard Oxfordshire village *see above*  That's not thier house by the way.

 Where he examined the garden and was a bit miffed to find nothing was ready for him to eat yet hmm.
After Fish and Chips for tea it was circus time!

Thankfully there were still tickets to spare.

 and some kind cast members who were happy to pose for a picture.

 Though he was a bit scared of Tweedy the clown!

 Time for the show..... and what a fabulous show it was!

This is the second time I have seen Gifford's Circus. The first time was in 2008 on the 'Caravan' tour and it was such a magical experience I was thrilled to finally see them again.
Seriously I waxed so lyrical the first time, I convinced 4 work collegues to go with their families and they all loved it too!
The idea is one of an old fashioned travelling show that goes from village to village telling stories to music with jugglers, tumblers and acrobats, as well as singing and dancing.
My favourite character by far in 2008 was the bear. Shows of old would have had a live bear to entertain and this one came loping in chained to his master as you would expect. He then broke free and a classic slapstick, keystone cops type chase took place,  this was followed by some nifty John Travolta-esque disco moves by said bear and a sit done for a nice cup of tea whilst all around him panic still ensued!
I laughed until I cried, I laughed much more than anyone else around me, I laughed and people started starring at me but I just couldn't stop, you know how it is sometimes right?

 Sadly in this show he only appeared for a brief moment, boo says I.

 My other favourites  in 2008 were Bichu and Bibi the jugglers, please take the time to watch the below clip it is well worth it to give you an idea of just how jawdroppingly good they are!
Bichu and Bibi

The story this year was War and Peace. It is a very long book as you know but the story was condenced in such a way that it fitted the 2 hour or so long show and still made sense. There was a lot more dialogue and singing in this show which made it more like a musical thetre production in some ways.
Tweedy the clown had a bigger role this show, entertaining the crowd whilst equipment was set up or taken down and he was just superb. He reminded me a lot of the comedian Ross Noble (who I love, and who as it turns out also used to work in a circus before he did stand-up!)
I think one of the things that is so magical is that it is a small tent by circus standards so it makes everything so much more intimate and breathtaking when you are literally inches from someone jumping through a burning hoop on a trapeze, or spinning through the air on just a piece of material.

    The time flew by too fast for me and I still want to run away and join the circus. Hmm maybe now I'm soon to be redundant it could be the time.......

* Edited to add if you would like to learn more about Ted or have him come and visit you all the details are on his Mum's blog DaisyDonut *

Ted's Adventures in Oxford.

Some of you may have noticed the 'Ted has visited' feature on my blog, basically it is there because he just has!
He left me today to travel on to Norfolk for more fun and excitement.
He has been a busy bear travelling round the U.K raising money for Macmillian's Cancer Research and has stayed with a many other bloggers on his way. I think it is a fantastic idea and was more than happy to be his host for a week and show him the sights of Oxford.

 As I was at work when he arrived he got to spend the morning with my lovely neighbour Doug.

After a quick cup of tea he helped me in the garden before tea and an early night, ready for work the next day. he kindly offered to help me out at the library.

 Signing in in the morning

Fetching some reader's requests. Climbing shelves is against the rules Ted!

 A bit of sightseeing round Oxford at lunchtime and a sneaky beer at the Turf.

 Over to the old library for evening duty.

 A sneaky picture in Duke Humfrey's (the library in Harry Potter for all you film fans) Photos are strictly forbidden here! oopps.

 Quick picture on the stairs where he stopped for a breather, there are a LOT of stairs!

 In the Upper Reading Room ready for work.

 Filling out his work form and giving a reader their books.

 It started to rain so windows had to be closed!
With work finally over it was time to head home. The trains were delayed Grrr.

FINALLY on the train home tired and starving.

 Just what the doctor ordered!

Bath, London and other Excitements.

This week I am on holiday HUZZAH! I still have another 10 days to use up before the redundancy but I think I shall do them as odd days and long weekends rather than whole weeks. Rather than doing any of the many, many jobs waiting around the house I have been out gadding.
 On monday I went to Bath with two of the people I travel into work on the train with Carole and Liz. We had a wonderful day.

 We did a short river cruise to Bathampton where we got off and ate lunch before heading back into Bath itself. I was thrilled to see a Kingfisher. I have never seen one in real life before.
We then mooched around Bath where there happened to be a Bentley Rally. 

I couldn't resist taking some pictures. I was just amazed they were all parked up and left. There wasn't a soul to be seen with them, other than 50 million tourists taking pictures and trying to get in them!
We pretty much managed to avoid the rain by either going into shops or eating!

 I fell in love with this windchime made from old silver cutlery. isn't it gorgeous? It has the most wonderful sound when the breeze catches it and what a great use of knackered old forks.

 Sadly this shop was shut so we could only press our noses to the window and admire the fab window display.
We headed home on what was one of the muddiest trains I have ever seen, inside that is, the floor was covered the seats were covered. It had been used to transport Glastonbury passengers!

Tuesday I took myself  down to London. (I always say down when really it's across but old habits die hard.) I finally went to see The Cult of Beauty exhibition at the V&A. It was excellent, I didn't love it all but I loved quite a lot of it, and was beside myself with excitement to be able to get so close to the 4 Edward Burne Jones paintings. *blissful sigh*
I did my usual busman's holiday thing with the book section, ended up breezing through thinking 'oh we have that at work, and that and that' or 'Hmm our copy is in better condition'
There were 2 tremendous storms whilst I was at the V&A. Despite all the people and other noises going on you could still hear the thunder so I went to the stairs and watched out of the window for a bit. I LOVE storms.
Sadly the fashion gallery was shut but I strolled around most of the others before taking myself down to the cafe for sadly what I can only describe as the worst cup of tea I have ever had the misfortune to taste in my life. I actually couldn't drink it it was disgusting. What a shame.
I finally left after about 5 hours of blissful meandering to find the trains all up the spout because the line had been struck by lightening in Southall. I finally got onto a frighteningly packed train which I actually didn't think I'd be able to fight my way off in time for my stop.

Other excitements =  I bought some patent leather brogues in the Clarks sale to replace my now deceased vintage interview shoes.

Oh and Tomorrow I am going to Giffords Circus!

Shopping, A Vintage Fair, Some Blisters and a Rubix Cube.

Today Himself and I went to Reading shopping. Not exactly what I had had in mind for the day but what the heck, I'm not one to turn down a trip to the shops!
I mooched round the clothes shops whilst Himself scooted off to Toys-R-Us and Argos. I bought myself a rather lovely summer dress in Oasis reduced from £55 to £20.

I'm already spending the birthday money I haven't got yet! Oopps.

Himself decided it was time for a drink and as we headed in the general direction of the pub I was handed a leaflet for a Vintage Fair at The Purple Turtle. As we were literally outside we went in. It was pretty disappointing actually. It was quite disjointed and as Himself pointed out everything was just muddled up like some kind of huge jumble sale. There were rails of clothes where all eras, sizes and even genders were just shoved on any old how. That combined with that bizarre attitude some of these sellers seem to have, that just because something is vintage they can charge a fortune for it no matter what condition the item is in. For example there was a suitcase full of handbags, most of them were pretty beaten up some were completely wrecked and yet the cheapest price was £15. Well they are old aren't they? so they must be worth that much even if they aren't even usable!
I did buy this brooch, it caught my eye. According to the lady on the stall it's 1930's marcasite, personally I don't think it is that old but I liked it so I bought it.

We left and went to the pub.  I was nursing very sore feet at this point. For some reason a pair of shoes I have never had a problem with before suddenly turned and mullered my feet. I ended up with 4 plasters on one foot and 3 on the other. I'm going to Bath for the day tomorrow, god knows how I'm going to walk all day :-(

 So Himself has had a graphic design idea which involves a rubix cube so he bought one. I had a go. It's been years since I last had a go on one and I still can't do it!

Action shots!
Oh and if you all felt the earth tilt on it's axis on friday that was my fault. I bought a white dress!

I saw it as soon as I walked into the shop, I loved the style but it was white, WHITE. I tried it on and it actually looked lovely, amazing. So I bought it.

A Weighty Issue.

Two articles, one magazine and one newspaper have had me pondering the somewhat depressing issue of my expanding girth.

The magazine article was about Fearne Cotton, who said something along the lines of  'I never exercise I hate it, luckily though I can eat whatever I like and never put on an ounce'. I had two thoughts one was 'Yeah RIGHT!!' you can bet your life she is actually exercising/weight watching with the best of them.
The second was if it's true, beware Fern oh beware, for it will catch up with you eventually. I know this, I speak from experience.

 I would class myself as quite a lazy person, the mere thought of exercise of any kind makes me feel ill. Yet despite a couple of massive weight ups and downs, (more of those in a moment). I had a long period through most of my 20's and 30's where I was indeed able to eat and drink as much as I liked, do no exercise what-so-ever and it had no effect on my waistline. I stayed blissfully slim with no apparent effort.
Yet when I give it more thought that isn't the case. I was actually always on the go,  I had a job that kept me on the hoof all day and most nights I got home, changed and went straight out, often without eating.

That also got me to pondering whether I really am as lazy as I think. As a little kid I was always out playing and was thin, then between the ages of about 8 to my early teens I was a small solid barrel of a child. I tended to stay in and read all the time then. For my 13th birthday I got my first grown up sized bicycle. I rode it pretty much every spare minute I had and I guess that combined with shooting up in height from 5ft to 5ft 11' lost me that 'puppy fat'!
By my late teens I played tennis, badmington and hockey. I was even in the Hockey team at college! Not bad for someone who professes to hate all exercise is it? So clearly I have actually *become* lazy over the years and now I wonder where has all my get up and go gone?
 I have the same job but now I come home and collaspe in a heap, and one who shovels in food and then slumps in front of the T.V. until bedtime at that. Not good.

The second article was about how stress is making us fat.How stressed people crave sugar and carbs, how the majority comfort eat and how they store fat round their middles. Again here was something I can relate to. Right now life has been flinging curveball after curveball at me and my response is to reach for either cake or potato in large and comforting quantities.I have always found comfort in food, I know this well it is not as if I have had a sudden potato based epiphany. Equally I don't seem to be able to stop myself, contrary to what the magazines tell you, knowing and accepting is not my cure.
I have had one similar stressful time in my life and also ballooned in weight then too.

This is definitely the biggest I have ever been though.

I then thought about times when I was thin. Interestingly the one time I was desperatly under weight was when was having the time of my life, backpacking round America. At the time I was still battling to gain control over my clinical depression and chronic panic attacks, I was dreadfully shy and insecure. Thankfully the trip was the making of me, I learnt a lot about myself and started down the path of loving myself and feeling at peace, basically of being comfortable in my own skin.
I came home tanned and happy and full of life....... and also painfully thin. Kind of like a convalescent who has battled some terrible illness.

I have been underweight, I AM overweight and the only person who can do anything about it is me. I have another battle on my hands and right now I'm on the ropes, though not yet defeated.

Mind you. Perhaps instead of blaming my stress or my lack of willpower or my sheer gluttony, I shall blame Himself.! I was a weeny size 10 when I met him. Since we have lived together I have gained and gained clearly he is a bad influence on me!

New Hair.

Yestrday was a funny kind of day in the end. My brother came over and we went food shopping, he was in a foul mood. We came back here to put my purchases away and picked up my Dad's card and gift. Leaving Himself tucking into most of a litre tub of ice cream (no room in the freezer!) we headed back to my brother's house to put his groceries away. He and my sister in law were growling at each other the whole time, hence the foul mood so it was all a bit awkward really.
Anyhow as you know my sister in lawis my hairdresser and my hair has been in a shocking state lately. Even my natural curl seems to have abandoned me and left me with a mop of straw on my head. So I was bemoaning the fact and Caron got that gimlet look in her eye and whisked me into her salon and I was shorn!
So here is my new hair.

 Oh and I finished my Mum's pearls after hours of fiddling, much cursing and having to restring one set!