I hate mornings.
Brain. Works. Graveyard.
Conks. Out. 7am. Pain.
Tea in bed.
The Today Programme.
Rejected, day after day after day after day.
May as well poke a number 4
Knitting needle through my head
And twist it.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
A Life In Polaroid
A site that I read regularly posted a link to this site: Photo of the Day. At first glance it is a random collection of polaroids, in chronological order from 31st March, 1979 until 25th October, 1997. The site doesn't contain any information but you figure out pretty quickly that the images have all been taken by one guy who took a polaroid photo every day of his life until he died. 
The images are ordinary to begin with, dinner with friends, card games, trips to watch baseball. Some are candid, some abstract, some incomprehensible.
As the years go by, the images begin to tell a story. This is a photographer, he works in the film industry... later he is photographed with various musical instruments.
The images speak of a happy life - dinners with friends, holidays, lying in the park on a sunny day. Ordinary things. Then in May 1996, one photo tells more than a thousands words:
And within six months, he has died.
The original site contains no information about the identity of the photographer, or indeed why he decided to chronicle his life in this way.
Another site explains that he is called Jamie Livingstone.
After he died, his friends Hugh Crawford and Betsy Reid put the polaroids together and exhibited them in an exhibition called PHOTO OF THE DAY: 1979-1997, 6,697 Polaroids, dated in sequence. The physical exhibit opened in 2007 at the Bertelsmann Campus Center at Bard College (where Livingston started the series, as a student).
I can't find any information on whether there are plans for the exhibition to travel. The website has every image, (almost 7000 of them) and they make gripping, if poignant, viewing. They reminded me of the energy of the human life, and the fleeting nature of our earthly lives. If I'm having a bad day, I'm going to try to remember this guy and how quickly our lives can turn around. I complain about the tube being crowded, my coffee being too cold, the alarm waking me before I'm ready, but today I hope to thank God that I'm alive, that I can drink coffee in a cafe reading the newspaper and that my ears could hear the alarm sound this morning.
The images are ordinary to begin with, dinner with friends, card games, trips to watch baseball. Some are candid, some abstract, some incomprehensible.
As the years go by, the images begin to tell a story. This is a photographer, he works in the film industry... later he is photographed with various musical instruments.
The images speak of a happy life - dinners with friends, holidays, lying in the park on a sunny day. Ordinary things. Then in May 1996, one photo tells more than a thousands words:
And within six months, he has died.
The original site contains no information about the identity of the photographer, or indeed why he decided to chronicle his life in this way.
Another site explains that he is called Jamie Livingstone.
After he died, his friends Hugh Crawford and Betsy Reid put the polaroids together and exhibited them in an exhibition called PHOTO OF THE DAY: 1979-1997, 6,697 Polaroids, dated in sequence. The physical exhibit opened in 2007 at the Bertelsmann Campus Center at Bard College (where Livingston started the series, as a student).
I can't find any information on whether there are plans for the exhibition to travel. The website has every image, (almost 7000 of them) and they make gripping, if poignant, viewing. They reminded me of the energy of the human life, and the fleeting nature of our earthly lives. If I'm having a bad day, I'm going to try to remember this guy and how quickly our lives can turn around. I complain about the tube being crowded, my coffee being too cold, the alarm waking me before I'm ready, but today I hope to thank God that I'm alive, that I can drink coffee in a cafe reading the newspaper and that my ears could hear the alarm sound this morning.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Vanity
The Sartorialist is in London this week, braving the rain and bad customer service to photograph some of the city's stylish peeps. Call me vain, but I keep wondering if he would photograph me if he saw me in today's outfit... the answer (said to myself) is usually no, but I live and dream. I wonder if he'll take any more bicycle pix? The below is one of my favourites - I love how he looks so nonchalant, he has the air of being totally indifferent to what is happening. It looks like he's thinking, "I'm just a guy on a bike, get over it."
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Jam Update
Just to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who bought jam in aid of the Care for Children China Earthquake Appeal.
Thanks to you we raised over £110, which we're really thrilled about. The CEO of Care for Children is currently travelling around China to assess the damage to the orphanages and to ensure help gets to the most needy. They have already pledged a huge amount of support to buy clothes, milk powder and food for the children. THANK YOU and please check out the website if you want to read more about the work.
Thanks to you we raised over £110, which we're really thrilled about. The CEO of Care for Children is currently travelling around China to assess the damage to the orphanages and to ensure help gets to the most needy. They have already pledged a huge amount of support to buy clothes, milk powder and food for the children. THANK YOU and please check out the website if you want to read more about the work.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Grateful Thursday
Technically I'm cheating, it should be Grateful Friday, everyone knows that, but I guess the rules are there to be broken! I started writing Grateful Friday a few months back to make me stop and think of the good stuff I've been blessed with, even when life gets dull or bleak or boring. It made me see that there is always something, however small to be grateful for...
1. The weather forecast for today and tomorrow says it's going to be sunny. I'm not sure I quite believe it yet, but there's hope on the horizon.
2. The thought of a bank holiday weekend away with ten of my closest friends. I can't wait! I'm thinking strawberries and cream, a midnight swim and a lot of lying on soft grass with a book.
3. H's new bike! Poor Gladys Pashley (H's fairly new bicycle that smacked of old-school glamour and inspired me to get my new Bobbin), sadly was stolen a few weeks back. Poor H. I almost cried and she wasn't even mine. The period of mourning is over and the time of free-wheeling is here. We're going to collect her new Bronx Vintage really early tomorrow morning and we're going to cycle back via breakfast somewhere in time to start the day.
4. Chorizo and slow-roasted tomatoes - a recently rediscovered recipe. Roast a pack of cherry tomatoes with olive oil, inch slices of red chilli, salt and pepper for 15 minutes. Add thin sliced chorizo and roast for another five and serve with cous-cous or on its own. Delicious if a little spicy.
1. The weather forecast for today and tomorrow says it's going to be sunny. I'm not sure I quite believe it yet, but there's hope on the horizon.
2. The thought of a bank holiday weekend away with ten of my closest friends. I can't wait! I'm thinking strawberries and cream, a midnight swim and a lot of lying on soft grass with a book.
3. H's new bike! Poor Gladys Pashley (H's fairly new bicycle that smacked of old-school glamour and inspired me to get my new Bobbin), sadly was stolen a few weeks back. Poor H. I almost cried and she wasn't even mine. The period of mourning is over and the time of free-wheeling is here. We're going to collect her new Bronx Vintage really early tomorrow morning and we're going to cycle back via breakfast somewhere in time to start the day.
4. Chorizo and slow-roasted tomatoes - a recently rediscovered recipe. Roast a pack of cherry tomatoes with olive oil, inch slices of red chilli, salt and pepper for 15 minutes. Add thin sliced chorizo and roast for another five and serve with cous-cous or on its own. Delicious if a little spicy.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Inspiration Number 3 (On a fashiony theme)
I wonder where you are reading this? In the office? Snatching a break from reality at home? Wherever you are hello! I'm typing this sitting al fresco with an americano at cafe around the corner from my 'office' (aka the library). Today the sky is blue, my coffee hot and my creativity stirred from the sites I've just been flicking through. It would be rude not to share so here goes:
- A Dress A Day - you may have picked up my renewed love for sewing and my weakness for dresses (I also have a weakness for dumplings but that's another post). A Dress a Day belongs to a lovely lady called Erin who has a huge appreciation for Vintage patterns. The site, which has developed a cult following internationally, tracks her love for dresses and her successes and not-so-great attempts at making her own. Very cool.
- Some Girls Wander - is the sister site of The Black Apple (referenced previously). Some Girls Wander is Emily Martin's 'fashion-y blog'. Her clothes are almost as beautiful as her paintings and I love seeing how she layers and puts together different fabrics. She has a gorgeous figure, but isn't a size 0 and it's great to see how amazing she looks without starving herself half to death.
- Gala Darling - belongs to a Melbourne based fashion-writer. That IS her real name, and she IS quirky and cool and whacky and all those superlatives rolled into one. Her blog is real-life, she writes about anything, not just fashion, and I guess the combination of shopping, fashion, where she goes on holiday and snapshots into her personal life has led to the site's popularity.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Jam Hot
The jam is made! H and I spent a morning in the kitchen last week and as I type this the jars are sitting looking at me all shiny and lovely. It was a bit stressful, I have to admit. I'm never quite sure when it has set or if we'll manage to get it finished without at least one limb or eyeball succumbing to a splash of molten sugar, but this time it was all good :)
WIP photos are here!
We decided that rather than giving the jam away, we'd sell it in aid of Care for Children's China Earthquake appeal. Care for Children is an amazing charity that facilitates fostering of orphaned Chinese children with other families, who either can't have their own children, or who are restricted by the one-child policy and would like to have a larger family (the one-child policy still allows for fostering and adoption). They have orphanages in the affected regions and will be helping in the aftermath of the earthquake. We're almost sold out but hope to make some more soon!
WIP photos are here!
We decided that rather than giving the jam away, we'd sell it in aid of Care for Children's China Earthquake appeal. Care for Children is an amazing charity that facilitates fostering of orphaned Chinese children with other families, who either can't have their own children, or who are restricted by the one-child policy and would like to have a larger family (the one-child policy still allows for fostering and adoption). They have orphanages in the affected regions and will be helping in the aftermath of the earthquake. We're almost sold out but hope to make some more soon!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Coming Soon: Rhubarb & Ginger Jam
Do you like rhubarb? I for one think it's generally evil, though I am still traumatised from being force fed rhubarb fool at a convent in Whitby when I was nine. Apparently leaving it would have offended the nuns...
Anyhow, there is ONE way I like the pink celery, and that is when it's made into jam with a lot of ginger. I've been waiting for the price of rhubarb to come down so that I can jar some of this lush goodness. It seems that this weekend may well be the time, but to give you good people a head's up, here is the recipe, in case you feel so inclined:
1.1kg rhubarb (prepared weight)
1.1kg sugar (preserving sugar is best)
juice of 2 unwaxed lemons
25g root ginger, bruised and tied in a piece of muslin*
100g preserved or crystallised ginger
* If you don't have muslin you can use a pop sock or a foot from a pair of tights. Try to make it clean one!
- Wipe and trim the rhubarb and weigh it.
- Put into a large basin in alternate layers with the sugar and lemon juice. Cover and leave overnight.
- Next day, put the mixture into a pan with the root ginger, bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bag, add the preserved or crystallised ginger and boil for a further five minutes, or until the rhubarb is clear and setting point reached (test for this by putting a spoonful onto a chilled saucer. If the jam wrinkles when you push it after a few seconds it's ready).
- Pot in sterlised jars and cover in the usual way.
I'll post photos of the finished result next week. Hopefully there won't be a repeat of the marmalade fiasco, which resulted in three times as much as expected, and no jars left in the house :-)
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Thrifting
Our American friends across the pond are fond of the term 'thrifting', to describe buying anything second-hand for cheap... either from yard sales, charity shops, ebay or flea markets. Charity Shop Chic is having somewhat of a revival in London, but I wonder thrifting will be in fashion soon...
I love Vintage clothes and accessories, but generally resent paying what is charged at most shops, especially when I know the clothes have probably come from the local Oxfam anyway. I hadn't bought much for this reason for a while. But, a recent visit to a beautiful vintage shop in the Lake District made me get all excited about vintage again. The shop is called Ruby Blue and it's located in Carlisle, a little too far for most Londoners to travel to, but good inspiration nonetheless.
I scored two gorgeous dresses - a red and white printed wrap dress that is very me and just gorgeous. The only drawback is that I later realised it is made from 100% polyester. Oh so washable but oh so sweaty! Not such a summery find then.
The second is rather hilarious - a grey woolen pinafore that will take more than the usual tweaking to fit as it's a maternity dress. I just couldn't resist the beautiful neckline though. If I get round to altering it any time soon I'll post some photos.
I love Vintage clothes and accessories, but generally resent paying what is charged at most shops, especially when I know the clothes have probably come from the local Oxfam anyway. I hadn't bought much for this reason for a while. But, a recent visit to a beautiful vintage shop in the Lake District made me get all excited about vintage again. The shop is called Ruby Blue and it's located in Carlisle, a little too far for most Londoners to travel to, but good inspiration nonetheless.
I scored two gorgeous dresses - a red and white printed wrap dress that is very me and just gorgeous. The only drawback is that I later realised it is made from 100% polyester. Oh so washable but oh so sweaty! Not such a summery find then.
The second is rather hilarious - a grey woolen pinafore that will take more than the usual tweaking to fit as it's a maternity dress. I just couldn't resist the beautiful neckline though. If I get round to altering it any time soon I'll post some photos.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Summer?!
Is it just me, or has it gone from winter to summer in about five minutes? Surely it was snowing four weeks ago, or was that my imagination? The weather is gorgeous, but I feel slightly 'in-shock' at its speedy arrival. Last night, I got home by the skin of my teeth on the last tube and strolled through the sultry air to my flat. It was too hot to sleep, so I made some tea and opened the cupboard to find two crumpets that I had my little heart set on... imagine my disappointment when I found they'd gone mouldy! Hmph. Turns out we live in a tropical climate now, I had no idea. We'll be putting bread in the fridge like the Aussies next.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Inspiration Number 2
A while back I posted a few links to people or sites I find inspiring, well here are a few more:
The Cupcake Bake Shop: For all you bakers out there, this is a fabulous site with heaps of recipe ideas for interesting, fusion-based fun cupcakes. I've made a few of the recipes in the past and can concur that they are wonderful.
The Sartorialist: I'm sure you all read this site already, but just in case anyone out there has been hiding under a rock and hasn't heard of it, hop over there right away! One of Time Magazine's top 100 most influential designers, the Sartorialist photographs ordinary people on the streets who have extraordinary fashion sense. I love seeing how people dress around the world, and if you're anything like me, a bit of inspiration when opening the wardrobe in the morning is always welcome.
3191: A year of evenings: This is a beautiful example of how a visual blog can be more than just collection of photographs. The follow-up to 'A year of mornings', two sisters who live 3191 miles apart each take a photograph of their evening. The results are juxtaposed and posted on the site for appraisal and comment. It's incredible how often the images tie together.
Enjoy!
The Cupcake Bake Shop: For all you bakers out there, this is a fabulous site with heaps of recipe ideas for interesting, fusion-based fun cupcakes. I've made a few of the recipes in the past and can concur that they are wonderful.
The Sartorialist: I'm sure you all read this site already, but just in case anyone out there has been hiding under a rock and hasn't heard of it, hop over there right away! One of Time Magazine's top 100 most influential designers, the Sartorialist photographs ordinary people on the streets who have extraordinary fashion sense. I love seeing how people dress around the world, and if you're anything like me, a bit of inspiration when opening the wardrobe in the morning is always welcome.
3191: A year of evenings: This is a beautiful example of how a visual blog can be more than just collection of photographs. The follow-up to 'A year of mornings', two sisters who live 3191 miles apart each take a photograph of their evening. The results are juxtaposed and posted on the site for appraisal and comment. It's incredible how often the images tie together.
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Magic to Cry For: Bethnal Green PLEASE COME!
standnotamazed
Present
‘Magic to Cry for’
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Thursday 7.30pm 24th April 2008
A delectable evening of sophisticated cabaret
from London’s most refined creators of Contemporary Magic
with…
- The Hat, The Rings, The Rope -
The Date & The Tango
Starring Maya Politaki, Lucy Cullingford
and Filippos Kanakaris
Plus special guest artists…
Richard McDougall
One of our truly favourite magicians and a world renowned performer, Richard has appeared in over 30 countries for clients including Cartier, Asprey, Rolls Royce and Her Majesty The Queen. He is a former World Open Champion for Close Up Magic, a Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle, and has made primetime television appearances in the United Kingdom, Japan, Columbia and France, as well as co-writing Derren Brown’s television shows.
"The highlight of the evening...slick and genuinely funny"
London Evening Standard.
Ian Marchant
The Gentleman Juggler, Ian trained at The Circus Space in London. His hat routine has gone down a storm at the British Juggling Convention public show and The Circus Space Cabaret and has gone on to take him all over the world including the Chameleon and Krystallpalast Varieté's in Germany, the Circus Massimo Festival, Sweden to name but a few.
Piff the Magic Dragon
Last month he proposed live on stage…
…it’s going to be a tough act to follow!
Plus...
Dancing til late as the night continues with the coolest
sounds direct from London’s world famous Pigalle Club!
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42 Pollard Row, London, E2 6NB
TICKETS: £8 or £5.00 for concessions / skilful dressing
DOORS: 7.30pm - SHOW: 8.30pm - Dancing til late
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE FROM:
www.standnotamazed.com/magictocryfor
OR ON THE DOOR
Call 07891 894 092 / 07802770966 for more info
www.standnotamazed.com
myspace.com/standnotamazed
www.workersplaytime.net
- The Hat, The Rings, The Rope -
The Date & The Tango
Starring Maya Politaki, Lucy Cullingford
and Filippos Kanakaris
Plus special guest artists…
Richard McDougall
One of our truly favourite magicians and a world renowned performer, Richard has appeared in over 30 countries for clients including Cartier, Asprey, Rolls Royce and Her Majesty The Queen. He is a former World Open Champion for Close Up Magic, a Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle, and has made primetime television appearances in the United Kingdom, Japan, Columbia and France, as well as co-writing Derren Brown’s television shows.
"The highlight of the evening...slick and genuinely funny"
London Evening Standard.
Ian Marchant
The Gentleman Juggler, Ian trained at The Circus Space in London. His hat routine has gone down a storm at the British Juggling Convention public show and The Circus Space Cabaret and has gone on to take him all over the world including the Chameleon and Krystallpalast Varieté's in Germany, the Circus Massimo Festival, Sweden to name but a few.
Piff the Magic Dragon
Last month he proposed live on stage…
…it’s going to be a tough act to follow!
Plus...
Dancing til late as the night continues with the coolest
sounds direct from London’s world famous Pigalle Club!
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42 Pollard Row, London, E2 6NB
TICKETS: £8 or £5.00 for concessions / skilful dressing
DOORS: 7.30pm - SHOW: 8.30pm - Dancing til late
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN ADVANCE FROM:
www.standnotamazed.com/magictoc
OR ON THE DOOR
Call 07891 894 092 / 07802770966 for more info
www.standnotamazed.com
myspace.com/standnotamazed
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Almost here....
Mable arrives tomorrow! I really can't wait, the excitement is almost too much.
I promise pictures when I've calmed down.
I promise pictures when I've calmed down.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Dear England, with love
Two years ago while living with a gorgeous Chinese family in Singapore, I would regularly be greeted with the phrase, "The English like their tea!" each time I boiled the smaller-than-average kettle. I would smile, and carefully pour out another cup of Earl Grey, sent lovingly from home by caring friends who didn't realise I could buy it at Cold Storage two roads away. That's one silly example, but the time spent in Asia taught me more than anything else that I am really English. No matter how cosmopolitan or international I claim, or even want, to be, I can't change who I am underneath: a tea-drinking, marmalade-on-toast eating, skirt-wearing English girl.
In my mind, I harbour a hugely romantic idea of England... perhaps it's nothing more concrete than the Shangri-La, or maybe it's a place I have in my head to retreat to when I'm overwhelmed, or stressed, or away from home. My England is a place where people are resilient, tough on the outside; soft and rubbery underneath. They get on with life, pull their socks up, make do and mend. No use complaining, keep going, do anything they put their minds to, with good results. They are healthy with rosy cheeks and they're kind to old people. When the central heating breaks down in winter and there's no hot water for the bath, they boil a saucepanful and make a game out of squatting in an icy bathtub with soap and a flannel. This evening, doing just that while drinking tea from a chintz-patterned mug, I looked at my scrubbed face in the mirror, and said to myself, "You're English." And as I did so, a grin spread across my face, and I laughed. I laughed.
In my mind, I harbour a hugely romantic idea of England... perhaps it's nothing more concrete than the Shangri-La, or maybe it's a place I have in my head to retreat to when I'm overwhelmed, or stressed, or away from home. My England is a place where people are resilient, tough on the outside; soft and rubbery underneath. They get on with life, pull their socks up, make do and mend. No use complaining, keep going, do anything they put their minds to, with good results. They are healthy with rosy cheeks and they're kind to old people. When the central heating breaks down in winter and there's no hot water for the bath, they boil a saucepanful and make a game out of squatting in an icy bathtub with soap and a flannel. This evening, doing just that while drinking tea from a chintz-patterned mug, I looked at my scrubbed face in the mirror, and said to myself, "You're English." And as I did so, a grin spread across my face, and I laughed. I laughed.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Where are you?
m: I'm still here.
y: Where?
m: Here. The same place I've been in for five years.
y: What do you mean? You're not, you've done so much...
m: I am, I'm still in the same place. I have the same dreams, I'm just not there. It's depressing.
y: Don't be so hard on yourself, nothing is wasted, nothing. You'll see.
m: Yeah, but you can't say that. People live their whole lives and never achieve what they set out to do, and I don't want to be one of those people. I can't. It's killing me.
y: Ok, well what is it you want to do?
m: I don't know. That's the point.
y: *sigh* Let's go for coffee.
m: Ok. But it's your turn to pay.
y: Alright. Just smile will you? For me?
y: Where?
m: Here. The same place I've been in for five years.
y: What do you mean? You're not, you've done so much...
m: I am, I'm still in the same place. I have the same dreams, I'm just not there. It's depressing.
y: Don't be so hard on yourself, nothing is wasted, nothing. You'll see.
m: Yeah, but you can't say that. People live their whole lives and never achieve what they set out to do, and I don't want to be one of those people. I can't. It's killing me.
y: Ok, well what is it you want to do?
m: I don't know. That's the point.
y: *sigh* Let's go for coffee.
m: Ok. But it's your turn to pay.
y: Alright. Just smile will you? For me?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Where to dance in London
Where to dance in London is a very good question. It's one that is certainly worth asking at least once in your adult life, even if you have only the most minuscule interest. Perhaps the last time you wore a pair of tights and a leotard was when you stepped gingerly into a children's class when you were seven, but you never know when the desire to throw yourself around a white studio may grip you again! As Baden Powell once said, it's good to be prepared.
About four years ago, after a bad experience at the gym and a realisation that running was soooo mind-numbing I would rather eat my own vomit, I suddenly decided that maybe the noly exercise I had ever enjoyed was dancing. A few google searches later, I resolved to take ballet classes again. The rest is history, though I must point out that I am no Leanne Benjamin, and I am far from stick thin. But I enjoy it, and in two hours in a dance studio on a weekday evening is the cheapest therapy this city has to offer. I love it. I can't always explain why, but I do. Perhaps it's the freedom, the stretching, the comfort that comes from knowing I'll never be a dancer but I can be one in a white room for 90minutes once in a while.
The journey has been interesting and must have seen the best and worst of adult dance tuition London has to offer. In my humble opinion, out of the plethora of classes on offer (and believe me, I've been to most of them), the only real options are:
The Place, Euston: Home to London's School of Contemporary Dance, the Robin Hayward Dance Theatre, friendly staff and more than one vaguely amused teacher, among other great things. They run an extensive programme of classes for adults, mostly on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings (beginning at a leisurely 11.45am). Their classes are well-taught, varied and have the added bonus of an pianist at each one. Ballet here is suitable for complete beginners up to advanced level. Added bonuses: clean changing rooms and a cafe that sells restaurant-quality food at canteen prices.
Central School of Ballet: Home to the company of the same name. Perhaps not for the faint-hearted or those who are going to be nervous at the sight of a class full of professionals on pointe. However, the three open classes each week are a complete joy. You're as likely to find a novice there to keep fit as a professional dancer taking a breather, and you'll feel welcome and safe. The teaching is slow and precise; the perfect end to a hard day at work.
Should you need shoes, or any amount of lycra then Bloch on Drury Lane is your best bet. Better still, grab a pair of leggings and some tight-fitting socks and head to a class. Like me four years ago, you may find it's one of the best things you've ever done. Good luck.
About four years ago, after a bad experience at the gym and a realisation that running was soooo mind-numbing I would rather eat my own vomit, I suddenly decided that maybe the noly exercise I had ever enjoyed was dancing. A few google searches later, I resolved to take ballet classes again. The rest is history, though I must point out that I am no Leanne Benjamin, and I am far from stick thin. But I enjoy it, and in two hours in a dance studio on a weekday evening is the cheapest therapy this city has to offer. I love it. I can't always explain why, but I do. Perhaps it's the freedom, the stretching, the comfort that comes from knowing I'll never be a dancer but I can be one in a white room for 90minutes once in a while.
The journey has been interesting and must have seen the best and worst of adult dance tuition London has to offer. In my humble opinion, out of the plethora of classes on offer (and believe me, I've been to most of them), the only real options are:
The Place, Euston: Home to London's School of Contemporary Dance, the Robin Hayward Dance Theatre, friendly staff and more than one vaguely amused teacher, among other great things. They run an extensive programme of classes for adults, mostly on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings (beginning at a leisurely 11.45am). Their classes are well-taught, varied and have the added bonus of an pianist at each one. Ballet here is suitable for complete beginners up to advanced level. Added bonuses: clean changing rooms and a cafe that sells restaurant-quality food at canteen prices.
Central School of Ballet: Home to the company of the same name. Perhaps not for the faint-hearted or those who are going to be nervous at the sight of a class full of professionals on pointe. However, the three open classes each week are a complete joy. You're as likely to find a novice there to keep fit as a professional dancer taking a breather, and you'll feel welcome and safe. The teaching is slow and precise; the perfect end to a hard day at work.
Should you need shoes, or any amount of lycra then Bloch on Drury Lane is your best bet. Better still, grab a pair of leggings and some tight-fitting socks and head to a class. Like me four years ago, you may find it's one of the best things you've ever done. Good luck.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Grateful Friday
Well, the sun hasn't got his hat on today, but I am still grateful for:
1. Seeing my grandparents today. They are old and a little frail, but my grandmother is still the wisest most pragmatic person I know. She sees life through a lens of hard work and teaches me so much by her positive attitude and gracious acceptance of this life. She also made the best bread and butter pudding I have ever tasted.
2. People. Last week I didn't see very many, and it may have made me go slightly mad. This week I rectified the situation and I'm much happier as a result.
3. Tea from Peyton & Byrne. Hard to find, but oh so worth it. I'm in love with a small cardboard box!
4. My new bicycle!! She has been ordered and she will be be shiny and heavy and much-loved when she arrives.
That's all for today!
1. Seeing my grandparents today. They are old and a little frail, but my grandmother is still the wisest most pragmatic person I know. She sees life through a lens of hard work and teaches me so much by her positive attitude and gracious acceptance of this life. She also made the best bread and butter pudding I have ever tasted.
2. People. Last week I didn't see very many, and it may have made me go slightly mad. This week I rectified the situation and I'm much happier as a result.
3. Tea from Peyton & Byrne. Hard to find, but oh so worth it. I'm in love with a small cardboard box!
4. My new bicycle!! She has been ordered and she will be be shiny and heavy and much-loved when she arrives.
That's all for today!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Magic to Cry For
Present
‘Magic to Cry for’
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Thursday 8pm 28th February 2008
Following the sell-out success of their last evening at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, and hot on the heels of their acclaimed show ‘Quitters’ at The Place, standnotamazed are happy to hop back on to the cabaret stage and present another serving of ‘Magic to Cry for’: a delectable evening of sophisticated cabaret from London’s most refined creators of contemporary magic.
Please come! Let me know if you'd like to come and we can go together.
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