The King's Speech

I finally went to see it and of course really enjoyed it. I did already know quite a lot about the history and the various people, but didn't know about Lionel Logue's contribution. I really enjoyed that male friendship angle and the idea that George VI had somebody helping him through that life imposed upon him.

I came across a recording of the speech around which the film revolves and was impressed with how well Colin Firth captured it. It is very touching to hear the original. And amazing that this King went on to become an inspiration for his people during war time. True courage and a real sense of duty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAhFW_auT20&feature=player_embedded

I have two claims to fame on this matter! Firstly my great-grandfather was a Hansom cab driver in London and according to my grandmother, he used to take Edward VIII in his cab visiting ladies, one of whom was Wallis Simpson. My grandmother in relaying this tale used slightly spicier language and a bit more detail, but this will suffice.

Secondly, my father was Our Man In Paris who dealt with some matters relating to Wallis Simpson when she was old and infirm, living in that massive house on the Bois de Boulogne.

I don't know if you have ever noticed, but an amazing amount of letterboxes still bear the letters GR. I like to look out for them. I love the fact that we have access to our history all around us if we just think to look.

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's the year of the Rabbit!

I seem to have developed an addiction to wasabi peas. Is that normal?

Good Morning!

I used to be really naughty, skipping breakfast, forgetting about lunch and then feeling RAVENOUS at about 3pm, eating anything I could find (biscuits usually or crisps) and then pestering the life out of the boyfriend when he got through the door to establish how soon we could eat dinner.

But not any more! I'm a good girl now :)

 

Stephanie Thannhauser

Word up peeps, there's a new blog on the block!

This is the very charming work of a friend of mine, talented designer Stephanie Thannhauser. We looked at her work a while back. http://www.frecklefaceblog.com/2010/10/gno.html

Find her blog at http://ric-rac-uk.blogspot.com

and her website here http://www.ric-rac.co.uk

She really is a very, very clever thing.

Hawaiian style

Flowers in the hair, brightly coloured wiggle dresses, cocktails, palm trees, serenades. What's not to like?

I wouldn't mind being there right now...

Paradise Hawaiian style

In the summer of 1977 I was 10 years old. On the 16th August, my dad's birthday, we heard the news. The King had died.
Immediately there was an Elvis season on the telly. All his films. Me and my sisters spent weeks laid on our beds watching them all. We were allowed the black and white portable TV up in our room ESPECIALLY.

Blue Hawaii, Fun in Acapulco, Viva Las Vegas. Oh that dance sequence with Ann Margret! We lapped it up like thirsty kittens. Chemistry was never like THAT at school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhFrSwSIgc4

Wonderful exotic locations. The images stayed with me. Fermented for a few years. And then pop! out they came onto greeting cards.

Spring Flowers

Yesterday the man of the house brought me flowers.

These two little deer were complimenting each other on their new headdresses. She plays hard to get. He's focussed. I think it's love.

 

This morning I woke up and sang 'Islands in the Stream' in bed. It's a good way to start the day.

http://www.frecklefaceblog.com/2010/10/dolly-and-kenny-moment.html

He played flamenco guitar.

It's a joyful moment when you see the first of the snowdrops. I love it when things start to come back to life. :)