Long time since I've blogged. Only ten days from now and I shall be a father in law. Am hoping the boys have more self employed success than I have thus far. They are both working with colleagues from the start, Olly with the band and Marek, also with the band, as well as with lawyers, with Sabina and with a colleague in the insurance biz. That should provide springboards and sounding boards for ideas; there is less danger of negative introspection.
Apart from short poems and celebratory verse as well as a published letter in the Spectator, writing is moribund. Come on TLC - tell us the score - find me an agent. So many writers have benefited from professional editors, often ruthless ones; Patrick Hennessey in 'Jnr. Offrs. Reading Club' and Jerome K. Jerome with 'Three Men in a Boat'. I notice these things now.
Tango songs give nearly as much pleasure as the tunes. Have been booked to sing Italian songs at Car Colston W.I. Will write and rehearse a definitive script. Bilborough lecturettes have been a good training ground for giving presentations. When the book is published, Facebook, the blog- all possible media will be employed in its promotion. Time for bed.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Whoops. I have made others aware that a blog is not a confidential diary and is in the public domain. I have squirmed at reports of Cherie Blairs contraceptive antics, or lack of them, at Balmoral. Looking back over some of my ancient entries I noticed that, broadcast worldwide, though I hope, barely read by anyone, were sentiments that should never have been aired in public. They have since been wiped.
My cold is slowly lifting. I hardly coughed once at last night's milonga or at the birthday meal for Lynn at 'Iguanas' which preceded it. St. Mary's Church Hall in Wollaton is a beautiful venue. It looks like 1920s Arts and Crafts - if indeed there is such a style.
I might even feel fit enough tonight for salsa - the first time in a fortnight. Meanwhile must get dressed and cut some nettles. I have heard of the nutritious properties of nettles all my life. A feature on some Radio 4 programme mentioned their use as a spinach substitute.
Then I shall continue the revised 'Jesus' chapter before preparing for all those visits arranged last Friday during a promising session at Bulwell Market. Two fat books had been on my shelves, unread, for years. Have just finished Vol. 2 of 'God's Playground' - part of a history of Poland by Norman Davies. It puts Dad's background into a fuller perspective. His mixed Polish/Russian/Jewish identity was typical for many of his generation and several before it. The 'sciences' of race and class, two scourges of the 20th century made such multi layered identities untenable. Have ordered Volume 1 and meanwhile am reading my last Christmas present to Mum, the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. After Stalin and Poland and the politics of East Central Europe the world of the Thembu and the Xhosa in the 1920s is quite a contrast. Many of the issues though, are similar.
To the nettle patch by Sherwood Community Centre, armed with the shears and a Tesco bag. A sickle would be better, but do not have one.
My cold is slowly lifting. I hardly coughed once at last night's milonga or at the birthday meal for Lynn at 'Iguanas' which preceded it. St. Mary's Church Hall in Wollaton is a beautiful venue. It looks like 1920s Arts and Crafts - if indeed there is such a style.
I might even feel fit enough tonight for salsa - the first time in a fortnight. Meanwhile must get dressed and cut some nettles. I have heard of the nutritious properties of nettles all my life. A feature on some Radio 4 programme mentioned their use as a spinach substitute.
Then I shall continue the revised 'Jesus' chapter before preparing for all those visits arranged last Friday during a promising session at Bulwell Market. Two fat books had been on my shelves, unread, for years. Have just finished Vol. 2 of 'God's Playground' - part of a history of Poland by Norman Davies. It puts Dad's background into a fuller perspective. His mixed Polish/Russian/Jewish identity was typical for many of his generation and several before it. The 'sciences' of race and class, two scourges of the 20th century made such multi layered identities untenable. Have ordered Volume 1 and meanwhile am reading my last Christmas present to Mum, the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. After Stalin and Poland and the politics of East Central Europe the world of the Thembu and the Xhosa in the 1920s is quite a contrast. Many of the issues though, are similar.
To the nettle patch by Sherwood Community Centre, armed with the shears and a Tesco bag. A sickle would be better, but do not have one.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Slowed down a little by a cold, but not daunted by incomplete UWDC applications or mind changes. No Hyson Green market yesterday - I felt too groggy, but will, barring a downpour, try Bulwell tomorrow. At least I am yet more conversant with energy and other rules now.
It was good to hear from Olly - hopefully he will pass by over the w/e en route to Catterick. Friday's choir practice and its parade of potential Assistant Organists was most interesting. Whoever is chosen should provide us all with a great musical education.
Saturday's milonga should be a test of how many, if any, of the recent moves have been sufficiently internalised for me to feel sufficiently confident of deploying. Looking at last week's blog, one or two things have been achieved. Daniel has been revised - the garden is a little tidier and some seeds have been planted. The plan for 'Jesus' is being delivered.
By the time of my next blog (next week?), I shall have revised the Jesus chapter and be grappling with 'Astrology' - my accounts will be up to date, my tax return for 07/08 complete and there will be at least two new signed up customers.
Should report too on dancing - back to salsa after the cold and Saturday's milonga.
It was good to hear from Olly - hopefully he will pass by over the w/e en route to Catterick. Friday's choir practice and its parade of potential Assistant Organists was most interesting. Whoever is chosen should provide us all with a great musical education.
Saturday's milonga should be a test of how many, if any, of the recent moves have been sufficiently internalised for me to feel sufficiently confident of deploying. Looking at last week's blog, one or two things have been achieved. Daniel has been revised - the garden is a little tidier and some seeds have been planted. The plan for 'Jesus' is being delivered.
By the time of my next blog (next week?), I shall have revised the Jesus chapter and be grappling with 'Astrology' - my accounts will be up to date, my tax return for 07/08 complete and there will be at least two new signed up customers.
Should report too on dancing - back to salsa after the cold and Saturday's milonga.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
One filled UWDC form ready to post is one more than I had at last entry. Should have several visits tomorrow and two more are arranged for next week. I'll do Hyson green Market again on Wednesday and take a look at Bulwell tomorrow.
The garden is a little tidier and I'll plant some herbs and flowers at the weekend. Carlo's tango is useful, though he has an irritating habit of spending so much time demonstrating what he does not want that it is not always easy to remember the new move he has shown us. 'Phoning and visiting prospects is now normal and does not produce anything like the original fear. Income will grow.
I must address my fear of accounts and the Book of Daniel at the weekend or both will vaporise. Norman Davies on 'Poland' provides some interesting thoughts for July's 'nationhood' lecture.
The garden is a little tidier and I'll plant some herbs and flowers at the weekend. Carlo's tango is useful, though he has an irritating habit of spending so much time demonstrating what he does not want that it is not always easy to remember the new move he has shown us. 'Phoning and visiting prospects is now normal and does not produce anything like the original fear. Income will grow.
I must address my fear of accounts and the Book of Daniel at the weekend or both will vaporise. Norman Davies on 'Poland' provides some interesting thoughts for July's 'nationhood' lecture.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Several days since my last entry. Loads of UWDC contacts but no specific sales. Fortunately MAD Day was a reminder that success is possible - the stress was on persistence and persist I will. I have enjoyed some Bilborough sessions, particularly history and performance studies where I can make some real contribution in the form of dance steps or family experience of the holocaust.
Last night's tango was bizarre - fortunately it was a warm night for being locked out of the Hermitage Centre in Sneinton; local authority employees do not work on Bank Holidays. We danced al fresco on the old church 'balcony' while the inmates (or outmates) of the Bendigo mocked our efforts. The Bank Holiday do at Isis was a marathon, dancing from 8pm till 2.30 am. Some superb whirling with a range of partners.
'Young Stalin' is a weird tale - a violent upbringing, and an informer filled young manhood produced a monster - none of us can ever escape our formative years. Fortunately I had more than filth, cold, Armageddon and Britphobia - though all four have continued to resonate down the years.
Last night's tango was bizarre - fortunately it was a warm night for being locked out of the Hermitage Centre in Sneinton; local authority employees do not work on Bank Holidays. We danced al fresco on the old church 'balcony' while the inmates (or outmates) of the Bendigo mocked our efforts. The Bank Holiday do at Isis was a marathon, dancing from 8pm till 2.30 am. Some superb whirling with a range of partners.
'Young Stalin' is a weird tale - a violent upbringing, and an informer filled young manhood produced a monster - none of us can ever escape our formative years. Fortunately I had more than filth, cold, Armageddon and Britphobia - though all four have continued to resonate down the years.
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Dancing simply gets better. Last night the Comfort Hotel was not available and the ballroom at the Strathdon had a minute floor and low ceiling. Despite some carpet dancing and the close and sweaty atmosphere I stayed till 2am. It was Alison's birthday and we had a lively spinning bachata together early on. Last dance was with Lynn and her completely contrasting manic staccato style of movement.
With Public Liability insurance I can now work the Nottingham Markets with UWDC. I started on Wednesday at Hyson Green and secured 3 appointments for Monday, with 2 more possibles later on. Am at Bilborough this Wednesday so may try Bulwell on Friday. Tomorrow is MAD Day in Northampton. I am a little more clued up this time round. At least Ron got me into the business, for all that his advice and influence thereafter was useless and negative.
Monday's tango is now in Sneinton and is as compelling as salsa. George Monbiot's 'Heat' was a great read; thanks for the recommendation Peter. Must address myself later this week to the Daniel Chapter. Maybe the strike days of Tues. and Wed. will provide an opportunity. I will forward the text to 'regcover' right now.
With Public Liability insurance I can now work the Nottingham Markets with UWDC. I started on Wednesday at Hyson Green and secured 3 appointments for Monday, with 2 more possibles later on. Am at Bilborough this Wednesday so may try Bulwell on Friday. Tomorrow is MAD Day in Northampton. I am a little more clued up this time round. At least Ron got me into the business, for all that his advice and influence thereafter was useless and negative.
Monday's tango is now in Sneinton and is as compelling as salsa. George Monbiot's 'Heat' was a great read; thanks for the recommendation Peter. Must address myself later this week to the Daniel Chapter. Maybe the strike days of Tues. and Wed. will provide an opportunity. I will forward the text to 'regcover' right now.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
A weekend of unhurried chores, with a liberal dose of music and dance is in progress. With domestic decks clear by tomorrow morning I should be ready to assault the accounts and UWDC prospects' estimates.
We sampled at Southwell last night the genius of William Byrd, and at the Comfort Hotel I enjoyed again the magical experience of whirling round the dance floor with Anna. Her flying fluidity is exceptional, even in a room full of accomplished and exciting dance partners.
Tariq's old school friend has kindly sent me a selection of tango music, downloaded from Argentine Radio on to CD. I will listen tomorrow when refreshed and alert. It is gratifying, reading Geza Vermes' books on Jesus, that in my modest reading and study I have reached, independently, some of the same conclusions as this lifelong, Jesus obsessed scholar.
Friday morn at Bilborough was interesting, an opportunity to introduce the students to my family's direct connection with the bad guys on their syllabus. Little Louis was rather tired during his lesson but gamely persevered. An ex Bilborough student called round at teatime and persuaded me to donate regularly to a deaf children's charity. If nothing else she was a great example of successful salesmanship. She worked regular door knocking hours and had learned to make the best of every eventuality. What's more she provided an interlude of interesting conversation. Her middle name of Quetzal, the Mexican bird of paradise, I certainly do remember.
Time now to finish both the ironing and Geza Vermes on the Changing Faces of Jesus.
We sampled at Southwell last night the genius of William Byrd, and at the Comfort Hotel I enjoyed again the magical experience of whirling round the dance floor with Anna. Her flying fluidity is exceptional, even in a room full of accomplished and exciting dance partners.
Tariq's old school friend has kindly sent me a selection of tango music, downloaded from Argentine Radio on to CD. I will listen tomorrow when refreshed and alert. It is gratifying, reading Geza Vermes' books on Jesus, that in my modest reading and study I have reached, independently, some of the same conclusions as this lifelong, Jesus obsessed scholar.
Friday morn at Bilborough was interesting, an opportunity to introduce the students to my family's direct connection with the bad guys on their syllabus. Little Louis was rather tired during his lesson but gamely persevered. An ex Bilborough student called round at teatime and persuaded me to donate regularly to a deaf children's charity. If nothing else she was a great example of successful salesmanship. She worked regular door knocking hours and had learned to make the best of every eventuality. What's more she provided an interlude of interesting conversation. Her middle name of Quetzal, the Mexican bird of paradise, I certainly do remember.
Time now to finish both the ironing and Geza Vermes on the Changing Faces of Jesus.
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