Monday 30 November 2015

In The Dark

The days are so short now that it sometimes that it is dark or twilight most of the time.  So this post will show no daylight....

Last week was a quiet one because on my way to a committee meeting I managed to REALLY twist the bad foot. I couldn't put it to the ground and T. had to come and rescue me from the tube station. It recovered reasonably fast but then I stubbed the toe of the other foot. No, not on purpose. So I had to stay inside for one day and for the rest of the week I have been in some pain.

But these things happen and I managed to do a scheduled talk at the London Fortean Society on Thursday.  I used to hate and fear public speaking - and I still have to read from a script - but I've kind of got used to it now and usually choose places with nice friendly audiences so I don't need to worry even if I do make a total mess of it.   I like Forteans. They believe some crazy things but that is the point, really -  and they're lots of fun to talk with and listen to. We had some interesting conversations after and in the pub.  


The pub is The Bell in Middlesex St., near Aldgate, towards the old centre of London. It used to be a bit of an old boozer but it has now reinvented itself as a cosy traditional space where people meet their friends, play games and relax.  It's definitely hipster, (not everyone's taste, but it is mine) its decor is interesting and somewhat weird (even creepy in parts), the staff are friendly, and the beer is good.  One of London's more distinctive pubs. 


Next day I visited V and admired her latest collection of objects gathered from the Thames foreshore. These can be from any period over the last 2000 years or more, thrown up by the river at certain spots at certain times of day.  I loved this clay pipe bowl with a little dog at the bottom. (this is a detail)  This one probably dates from Victorian days.  I took pictures as V is a great one for throwing things away and is minded to throw her collection back into the Thames soon.


And talking of unexpected finds, on Thanksgiving Day, T. discovered a George III penny he had never seen before (nor had I) It was stuffed in a crack at the bottom of an old cupboard which was in our flat when we moved in.  I don't know how old it is but I'd estimate the cupboard dates from about 1900.   Perhaps its original owner had an out of date 1806 penny which they bored a hole through and  hung round their neck for luck. Whatever. Anyway, by the time it was minted, George III had already played his part in giving Americans a chance to celebrate on 26 November, 209 years later! 


And as yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent, it was time to decorate Christmas trees.   We haven't put ours up yet, but K and F were quicker off the mark.  This ornament was created by our friend Marjorie, from Chicago.  She stitched a beautiful set of Alice in Wonderland character ornaments so that the whole family had one.  


I'd like to say the twins helped to decorate the tree, but actually they took the ornaments off as fast as they possibly could, in order to examine them, run away and hide them or pull them apart. The tree has ended up with most of its decorations at the very top, out of reach of small hands.  


Also managed to get down to SW London to see my colleague and friend Tim' in his opera group's revival of the once-very-popular French opera "Mignon" by Ambroise Thomas. It's almost forgotten now but it was hugely popular from about 1870 onwards until it fell well and truly out of fashion.    The opera group, Sussex Opera, likes to revive forgotten gems. The company is amateur but uses professional principals, and they're really very good.   What's more they love every minute of what they do. Mostly they perform in Sussex but this was their one London night of the year. 
 


For some reason they decided to set the opera in the 1930s - perhaps in order to avoid having having all those crinolines around - but it is really a most charming piece and due for a revival. Tim sent me a link to a Youtube clip of the 12 year old Julie Andrews performing one of the arias. I thought I'd share it if only so you can see what a prodigy she was.  (And, to be honest, to marvel at her extraordinary accent, one which has completely disappeared in England today.  Even the Queen doesn't talk like that any more)!


And despite the short dark days, there are more beautiful sunsets to see. 



65 comments:

  1. First of all, I'm sorry to hear that you twisted your bad foot and stubbed your toe. If nothing else, it served as a good excuse to stay home and relax. Hopefully you're feeling better.

    I heartily applaud you for speaking in public - which is something I could never do. I've always suffered from incredible nerves when giving piano concerts in public.
    That 1806 penny is a fascinating find.

    I've heard some early recordings of Julie Andrews before and was astonished at her vocal technique. This recording on YouTube is beyond astonishing (for a twelve-year-old!!!) - it is absolutely superb. I think few people nowadays realize what a profoundly gifted singer she was.

    The days are now extremely short here in the wilds of Tennessee, especially being nestled in the mountains. It seems like it starts getting dark by mid-afternoon.

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    1. Thanks, Jon. I am feeling better though not quite well, now have got RSI on my wrist, so cutting down on the typing for a bit. Sometimes these things just happen. I just found a piece I wrote early in my writing career about undergoing public speaking training. I was terrible at it. But funnily enough it did get a little better although I don't think I'll ever be able to speak without notes. This was the first time I had heard Julie as a young girl and I was blown away.

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  2. Firstly...that video of a 12 year old Julie Andrews is quite remarkable...incredible...as was she! Wow!

    I love the idea of the Alice character Christmas tree decorations.

    The old pub looks very inviting. :)

    I hope your feet...both of them are better soon. Just stop going around kicking things!!!!! Get yourself a punching bag and take your frustrations out on that! :) Take care.....

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    1. Haha, see the reply to Jon above, Lee, I have got RSI in my left wrist now. I changed the mouse around but I'm cutting down on the typing a bit. Just as well there is some house painting to do - with the other hand! But no punch bag JUST at present....!

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  3. I am sorry to hear about your misfortune with your feet. I hope you are rolling around much better now.

    Julie Andrews voice was so mature and wonderful at age 12. She can no longer sing due to health problems, but she still is a treasure as a writer of children's books.

    The sunsets have been magnicent this year.

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    1. I never read any of her children's books but I heard her talking about the difficulties with her voice and it was clear it was deeply upsetting to her.

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  4. I've give a few talks using slides and mainly winging what I said. Not easy at first but easy enough after you have done it a couple of times. Well done on your talk

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    1. I must say it is getting easier the more I do. I remember a well known broadcaster saying he never thought he was addressing millions - he was just talking to one family on the couch.

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  5. Julie Andrews was and is a fabulous performer.

    Someday i'd love to hear a talk at the Fortean Society. Looking them up, they seem like very interesting people to get to know.

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  6. Oh my goodness! I'm sending folks to this post to hear Julie Andrews...I had NO idea her voice was so fabulous later or at 12!
    Beautiful sunset but I'm looking forward to Dec 21 when we turn the corner.

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  7. I do wish I had attended your talk. Is there any chance of the script being available?
    'Mignon' is possibly out of fashion because it is so challenging. It's difficult to believe that it's a twelve year old with that amazingly mature voice.
    There are some great mudlarking stories - I imagine that you know all about Billies and Charlies?
    Thank you for another fascinating post, and all good wishes for the feet (and the tree decorations).

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    1. I am in the middle of an email to you. I have to admit though that I don't know about Billies and Charlies - although my guess is that they are coins with the heads of different kings on them!

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  8. For a person with two hurt feet you had quite a week. I clicked on the link for the Forteans and discovered what you gave a talk about. The group sounds very interesting. I'm struck by you finding the old penny - that must mean something although I know not what.

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  9. What a beautiful and wide life you live! And you are open to such adventure. This is why you are a travel writer. Now be very gentle with that ankle!

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  10. So sorry you hurt your foot, know your pain. If we lived in London my husband would live on the Thames forecourt, he loves mudlarking.

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  11. I thoroughly enjoyed the clip of Julie Andrews. What an amazing entertainer.I had no idea she had started at such a young age! Thank you so much.

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  12. You're making my head spin. I don't think I ever even heard the word fortean before. That probably means that I'll be running into it everywhere in the next few weeks (as that seems to be what usually happens when I come across a new strange word). And I love the idea of finding an old coin "stuffed in a crack at the bottom of an old cupboard". You could build a whole mystery novel on that... :)

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    1. :) It is certainly strange how you have never heard of something and then it turns up all the time, often in the same day.

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  13. Sorry to hear about you pain. Prayers you are well with no stubbed toes in the future.
    Your blog brings light to the shorter winter days.

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    1. Thank you - that is such a nice comment, and I appreciate it!

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  14. Do hope your feet are recovered from your sundry injuries - sounds like things have been a bit of a struggle. But I'm glad you did the talk - always scary, and often fun!

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  15. Such a packed full of goodies post! The Fortean Society sounds absolutely fascinating! The found coin. The twins helping to decorate the tree--lol! And Julie Andrews--OMG! She really was a child prodigy! Lovely sky, too. :)

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    1. Thanks Rita. I always love to look at the winter skies.

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  16. Short and dark do not belong crowded up against the word days. But tomorrow is December almost the bottom of the hill and commencing the climb back up to more daylight.

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    1. I think it gets lighter from 21 December, so definitely making the most of any sun there is!

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  17. An interesting video of the young Julie Andrews. She really had a strong command of her voice even back then.

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  18. Isn't it amazing how,when you have a weak spot something inevitably happens to make it worse...but you've still had a lot of fun,haven't you despite everything.

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  19. I hope all your foot pain is gone by now! I admire you for your ability to speak in public...I'd rather have a root canal.

    And that pub looks like a great place to hang out with friends!

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  20. That last picture is breathtaking. I really admire anyone that's got to the point that they are comfortable with public speaking.

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  21. i dislike the short days as well, but despite your twisted ankle, it looks like you have had a reasonable amount of fun

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  22. I adored the Julie Andrews clip. "Just the kind of junk I like," as the interviewing fellow said! Sounds like you have had a wonderful time (I hope you find all the tree ornaments!) It would have been fun to hear your talk and tag along on your adventures. Quite the find with the penny -- and fortuitous timing! The Alice ornament is just wonderful -- very clever and fun!

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  23. Hi human, Jenny,

    My human has told me that pawblic, sorry, public speaking is such a nerve-racking thing to do. So, huge kudos to you, my human friend.

    As paw usual, your photos and your corresponding information is most fascinating. Thank you for this.

    Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses,

    Penny xx

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  24. Wow, that Julie Andrews clip was incredible. And I was fascinated by the George III penny.
    Hope you manage to not twist any more ankles or stub any more toes for a good long while.
    Wishing you and your family a truly lovely Christmas Season and New Year.

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  25. Monty Python would have to be impressed with your efforts to stub the toe on your good foot. (LOL?)

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  26. Your posts are always a feast. I am so sorry about your poor sore foot/feet. Loved that clay pipe, and admire your public speaking fortitude. And sunsets are always a gift.

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  27. Oh Jenny, I Loved that Julie Andrews clip - what an amazing gift she had, astonishing in one so young. So sad that she lost that voice through surgery, but she carries on cheerfully, in her own inimitable way. She was in Australia recently, involved in a new stage production of Sound of Music. A lot of operas in Australia are now staged in more modern dress too - I am always slightly disappointed, wanting to see the old crinolines :)) What a find in that 1806 penny - definitely trumps my 1872 shilling!

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    1. Yes, I heard about her losing her voice, but I hadn't known what a prodigy she had been. And I didn't like the Sound of Music (although I liked Mary Poppins) so I never really noticed what a great range she had, I think it is five octaves or something.

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  28. The days become shorter and colder, we occupy more time at home, writing, reading, listening to music, theater, cinema. And if also for those early sun set, so different from the summer ... I hug my dear friend.

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  29. I've never heard of the Forteans, Jenny. I'll have to look them up and see how weird they are! So sorry about your ankle, but I hope it's on the mend now. The sunset photo is lovely! Your posts often give me a hankering for London. You make it feel like the same place it was when I was young and growing up there. Just lovely!

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  30. Sorry to hear about your foot. :-( I don't know what a Fortean is, but I'm going to have to look it up immediately after posting this comment!

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  31. Sorry to hear about your foot and well-done you for keeping going. Absolutely loved listening to the young Julie Andrews, you quite made my day.

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  32. My, you are busy! Especially since you have been somewhat incapacitated. You have given me more places to see next time I'm in London. Thanks.

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  33. I'm sure you are an excellent and enthralling speaker -even if hobbling!
    Lovely stuff found on the shore, I wish I had gone looking there. Great pipe find.

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  34. I'm reminded of the happy times I spent in the previous century watching the Rev Lionel Fanthorpe presenting Fortean TV. I can't remember anything specific - I just remember it was whacky, compulsive watching (even though I tend to be sceptical about such things). Aha! I've just discovered it on Youtube...

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  35. You certainly fit quite a bit into those few short days. Take care of those feet as they are serving you well! Thanks for taking me along as you scurry about!

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  36. Gosh. I'd forgotten all about the Fortean Society. I enjoyed my visit to your link.Eventually managed to get the Julie Andrews YouTube clip. Unbelievable accent as you said. I had some extracts from Mignon but can I find them? No. So tomorrow I shall have to listen to it on Spotify.

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    1. I enjoyed it a lot. I think I must have a soft spot for light opera. One of the best I ever saw was Orpheus in the Underworld with sets by Gerald Scarfe. Wow!

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    2. That sounds like a wonderful Orpheus. I haven't listened to it for a while. I'll do so again this afternoon whilst icing Christmas cakes. I immediately recognised Mignon when I heard the overture but realised soon after that I'd never heard it all the way through before.

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  37. Firstly I must google Forteans. I’ve never even heard the word. Great pub, I’d go there for a beer any time.

    Great sunsets too, Ours have been non-existent because we haven’t seen the sun for many days. It’s been uniformly miserable and wet and windy.

    The clay pipe is a gem, I might even take up pipe smoking to be able to show it off.

    Bit early for Christmas trees, isn’t it? The season seems to get ever more elastic timewise.

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    1. I think that some people make a case for starting to think about Christmas in the first sunday in Advent, although I'm not an expert on these things. Better than starting thinking about it in September, the way some shops do, isn't it! :)

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  38. Oh Dear, I read your blog before bed last night and had horror dreams about being in the tube and being injured AND no body could speak English! I am so sorry for you to have had that happen, such a terror! Love the finds from the river, She would do well to sell them on Etsy! I would buy!! Stay well, so sorry about your injury.

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    1. Thank you Linda. Actually they would make fantastic bits of jewellery wouldn't they! what a good idea!

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  39. What an old coin and what a find!

    I'm chuckling reading about the twins' antics with the Christmas ornaments. :)

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  40. It's a great shame when lovely old pubs are pulled down and some ugly monstrosity put up in their place. Luckily there are plenty of beautiful pubs left. The Bell looks wonderful. And of course in Belfast we have The Crown Bar, now owned by the National Trust so not likely to be pulled down any time soon.

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  41. I could never speak publicly. My knees would tremble! Also, I also love Forteans. I read a good book about him a few years ago and occasionally enjoy the magazine. Great post!

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  42. Hi Jenny, it's always a pleasure to catch up on your posts - always interesting with great photos and information (and entertainment) no not your foot! that's most unfortunate (I hope you're dancing very soon) Oh my I don't know how I'll survive these short days in SW Scotland. I now understand why there's no sign of life before 8am. And.... why everyone is having tea at 5pm. As I write Storm Desmond is kicking up a fuss outside. I love the UK Jenny. We'll be travelling down into England for a get-together this month and I love the drive. The scenery in the UK is just stunning, so very different to Australia's beauty. Take care of you .... and that foot! x

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    1. I hope you love your trip - the weather, I think, you kind of get used to. (Or do you? what am I saying???) :)

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  43. Perhaps you are stumbling because you are drinking too much, oh wait that's me.

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  44. I'm amazed by that penny! How fantastic to find something like that in your own home. My home was built in 1996, so there's no chance of such discoveries.
    I hope your foot is better!

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    1. My home was built in the 1880s so that penny was old when it found its way here. Strange, the voyages it must have had.

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  45. Happy New Year, Jenny!

    This was absolutely fascinating ... particularly when I got to Julie Andrews and her way of speaking! It's curious how language and accents evolve, and the change can happen as quickly as one generation! As communication mediums have evolved (texts, tweets, etc.), styles, spellings and syntax have too. I wonder what kind of phrases Lewis Carroll might have coined for his own Twitter account?!

    I hope your public speaking event went well. I just had a funny experience of being called to read (cold) a part in a play during an Irish Drama lecture by an old Lit professor of mine. And I'm not an actor! Never even taken a Drama class. I just happened to be a friendly face in the audience for his lecture so he decided to "volunteer" me. I usually don't mind public speaking if I've had ample prep time. But that was totally unexpected!

    The treasures from the Thames and your own home are incredible finds! I love the clay pipe! I've seen many artifacts from antiquity like that -- pitchers with rams' horn handles, drinking vessels in the shape of a bull, etc. It always makes me wonder who the first artisans were in ancient times who decided to take functional forms then add purely aesthetic elements to them.

    Lovely to catch up with you and your blog!

    - Jenny Xx

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  46. How nice to hear from you again, Jenny! I have often thought about you and checked your blog and had thought you'd put it on pause. I'll go and check it again now. I have enjoyed hearing about your life, always and do hope you are continuing with it now.
    Actually I can't imagine how Lewis C would have reacted to today's world. I think he and others would be entirely unable to cope, (as we would, indeed, in their world) It's tremendously interesting when writing about historical characters to try and understand their world-view. When you start to get a glimpse of it, then all the little unspoken rules that we use to evaluate other people are suddenly called into question. It really does become obvious that they were reacting to a life and society which has gone beyond recall, and all we can do is try to get some impression about what it was like for them and everyone they knew. Happy 2016!

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