Looking through my photo albums for pictures to put in a friend's hen-night photo album I found the following pictures from my youth. Looks like I loved horses but wasn't too keen on weddings – plus ca change, eh…
This last photo is inspired by a conversation I had with Mike the other day, regarding a dreadful photo shoot that I did. He kind of dared me to put up one of the more awful shots, so here goes – this may not stay up long, however!
Edit: picture removed
I have been flicking through Monica Redlich's wonderful book again and thoroughly enjoying its wicked take on life. It is a book that was given to me by my grandmother about 10 years ago and, looking in the flyleaf, it seems it is the December 1935 impression (as you will see from this link, the title has now been changed slightly). Certainly the edges of the pages are spotted with brown and the paper is of a quality that you just don't get any more. It also has that old book smell, which is so delicious.
Despite the innocent title, this book is fantastically wicked (which is why it appeals to me so much!) For instance, this is what the author has to say on the subject of other people's features:
The nice girl is far above petty jealousy, and will never try to make out that her friends are not good-looking. You will, I know, be anxious to say all you can in their favour, and will do your best to discount any trifling blemishes. The following remarks combine kindness with absolute honesty.
'Oh, but I think Mary's charming. One really hardly notices those teeth.'
'Darling Cynthia – so bright. You'd never suppose that she's ten years older than I am.'
Even should your friend be hopelessly plain, you will want to stand by her. Admit her plainness (for one cannot lie), but point out that she has a sweet nature.
If a friend should aks you herself what you think of her features, there are many ways of showing how generously you admire them. For example:-
'Everyone says you look charming, when your face is in repose.'
'They always say a big nose is a sign of character.'
'What nonsense, my dear – you don't look wicked at all.'
Throughout the book there are wonderful stylised illustrations by Anna K Zinkeisen (can't find a link anywhere – sorry), which beautifully enhance the tone of the book. For instance, the front cover shows an angelic girl, dressed in ribbons and lace – with cloven hooves poking out from underneath her skirt.
There are sage words of advice within for every occasion, from parties to The Season to relationships – and some of the insults are absolutely priceless and well-worth remembering. This is a book to be picked up and chuckled over whenever possible.
This is a shameless cheat post, but I listened to Fin de Siecle yesterday on the train and found myself in tears listening to this song. It's one that never fails to touch me – and if followed by Too Young to Die (also by Divine Comedy) I find myself an emotional wreck. Neil Hannon is a demi-god, in my eyes. If you've never heard this song then I order you to get yourself a copy and listen, because it's fantastic.
A butterfly flies through the forest rain
And turns the wind into a hurricane
I know that it will happen
'Cause I believe in the certainty of chance
A schoolboy yawns, sits back and hits return
While round the world computers crash and burn
I know that it will happen
'Cause I believe in the certainty of chance
And I believe
I can see it all so clearly now
You must go and I must set you free
'Cause only that will bring you back to me
I know that it will happen
Because I believe in the certainty of chance
I went to Brent Cross today, intent on spending money on a new outfit from underwear outwards. I shopped for 2 hours, trying on clothes like a demon. My hair was a MESS (note to self: when clothes shopping, DO try to remember not to wear clothes that need to come off over your head, or shoes that lace up), I was hot and bothered and ready to drop by the time I came home.
Bearing solely tapestry needles.
Damn.
I've been smelling oranges all afternoon. Or, more precisely, the smell of oranges being cooked down into marmalade. There's no reason for me to smell oranges, as we haven't had any in the house for months, but it's making me think of my granny, who makes marmalade every year and distributes it around my family. Proper, dark, oxford marmalade that wakes you up with the taste when you have it on toast in the morning. Delicious…
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone xxx
So the sending referrers thing turned out to be my overzealous antivirus program getting in the way. Turning it off temporarily fixed the problem *ahem*. So I'm probably virus-riddled by now – but at least my site looks a bit prettier and I have a password I can remember. It's all about priorities, y'know…
…somebody tell me how to enable sending referrers! I've tried following the instructions given by wordpress, but nothing's working, and it's driving me mad not being able to do anything in the admin section. I want a pretty site with a password I can actually remember *stamps foot*
*cries*
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