Jessica Harper An Actors Blog

Wedding 22nd December 2011

2012-01-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

Mr and Mrs Veltman

The best day of my life with the best man in my life.

Many thanks to Joanne Blakemore and her photography. She really did do a wonderful job . These are just a snippet of how many super shots she took of the day.

Joanne Blakemore Photography

2012-01-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wedding Photographs

You may remember last year I did an awful lot of blogging and modelling for a Female, Midlands based photographer called 'Joanna Blakemore.' Both my husband and I were very fortunate to have Jo photographing out wedding on the 22nd of December and today is the day we get to go and pick them up and have mooch through a few. I'm pretty sure they are going to be stunning. You can tell how wondeful Jo is at what she does from looking at previous shots she has taken.

I am really looking forward to being able to share them with everyone. :-)

Although we don't have our wedding photographs yet, I thought I would show you a few photographs that Jo made possible.

Want to know more about Joannes photography? Please let me know and I will point you in all the right directions.

Newhampton Soul Club

2012-01-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

February's Soul Night

I blogged about the December Soul Night and I am so going to blog about the February one. Firstly - WHAT A NIGHT! It really was a superb evening that went down an absaloute storm. Everyone that attended throughlly enjoyed themselves.

With a sprung dance floor and some talk for the spinners, you really cannot go wrong with this evening out in Wolverhampton. So get youraself suited and booted and get yourself down to the 'Newhampton Arts Centre' in Wolverhampton tonight. Tickets are selling like hot cakes I hear, so get yourself one now!

Dad and I went to the last one and I just danced the night away whilst drinking Spitfire like a real lady! :-)

Robert Lane

2012-01-13T04:03:00.000-08:00

Robert Lane Music

You may remember a while back that I wrote a blog on a good friend named - Mr Robert Lane. Well, I felt it was now time to get another blog post for this chappy going.

So we have established his name and that he has a musician but I bet you haven't all worked out his sound yet have you? Well ... What better way to find out a bit more about him than to spend some time listening to his tunes.

Below is a little sound player and this is all the stuff from Robs newest and latest CD. It is most definitely worth a listen to. He is a very talented bloke is our Rob! :-)

If you find yourself digging his stuff let me know as I would love to pass on all good feedback to the musician himself. I'm sure he would be over the moon to receive it.

http://robertlanemusic.blogspot.com/

Steven Berkoff at Arena Theatre

2012-01-12T01:45:00.000-08:00

Steven Berkoff At 'Arena Theatre'

New year - New season for us at the 'Arena Theatre' in Wolverhampton. What an exciting season we have coming up for you. Not only do we have the classics such as - 'The Trial'. The new up and coming shows such as - 'Gleaked Up.' The local Theatre companies such as - 'Foursight Theatre' and 'Impulse Productions' but we also have THE Mr Steven Berkoff coming to perform for us. This is a pretty big thing for Wolverhampton and the University. But, for the Theatre it really is something else.

He will be performing at the Theatre on Wednesday the 8th and Thursday the 9th of February at 7.30pm. Tickets will cost £35 each. No concessions or discounts. Any late comers will not be admitted into the Theatre - NO exceptions!

I don't know about you but I certainly cant wait for this. In fact I can't wait for the season. It really is a smashing one. So please grab yourselves a brochure, get yourselves following us on Twitter and Facebook and pop yourselves on our mailing list.

www.arenatheatre.info

Box Office - 01902 321 321

2012

2012-01-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hello 2012!

I know what you are thinking!?! - Where have you been Jessica? Well ... I've just been away enjoying myself and forgetting to blog. (Naughty.)

So 2012 has dawned on us very quickly and the blog is back in action. Since my last post the following amazing things happened to me ...

My Hen Weekend

2 days away in the cold with many a girl or two enjoying rock climbing, kayaking, assault course, zip wires, Archery, Great food, Discos and copious amounts of alchol. Best weekend of my life. Official!

I have so many Hen Weekend photographs that I could show you. It was a wonderful weekend and I thank all my friends for making it special. Even Bethany for throwing my toothbrush on the fire.

I Got Married
Yes it is true. I am no longer a 'Harper' I am not a 'Veltman.' - Jessica Veltman. It was quite possibly the scariest, greatest, wonderfullest, nerve racking-est days of my life. But, worth every stress and every worry. It was astonishing and I loved every single second.

Enjoyed A Superb Christmas

Christmas was just that bit more special this year. My first Christmas as Mrs Veltman. Got to say it was extraordinary!

And to be fair the list goes on and on and on. Happy new year to all my followers, I hope you have had a wonderful 2011 and that 2012 is even better. Enjoy yourselves this year and don't waste a minute!

Guys and Dolls

2011-10-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

South Staffs Musical Theatre Company Bring you ...

Guys and Dolls

As you are aware from previous posts - South Staffs Musical Theatre company are presenting us with "Guys and Dolls" this week at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and I have the up-most pleasure of being engaged to the director and being good friends with the cast!

I went to see the show on opening night (Tuesday) and I was utterly impressed by every single persons performance through out the production. Everyone looked like they were having a wonderful time. The show just oozed "Show biz" and "Pizazz" with a wonderful back drop and superb scenery that pleased the eye greatly.

On a personal note I would really like to congratulate everyone in the cast and company. I loved it that much, I am back there this evening with a bunch of friends that I have dragged along.

For anyone pondering over whether to come or not ... Don't take my good words for it. Check out the following reviews.

http://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/2011/10/12/review-guys-and-dolls-at-wolverhampton-grand-theatre/

http://www.shropshirelive.com/2011/10/13/theatre-review-guys-and-dolls-wolverhampton-grand-theatre/

And for a sneak preview of Re-hearsals please follow the link below ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIypX8-bRqw&feature=player_embedded

Newhampton Soul Club

2011-10-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sou L Shakedown Give you ...

The Newhampton Soul Club

Do you enjoy a bit of Northen Soul? and ... Are you local to Wolverhampton? If so, this could totally be the evening for you!

"NEWHAMPTON SOUL CLUB"

Top NEW Soul Night

spinning best soul anthems and club classics, Sprung wooden dancefloor,Top soul Djs (to be announced),a top in-house sound system,hosted in a great theatre/ auditorium + bar with a free carpark, 10 minutes walking distance from town (very close to the wolves ground).

All for...

£4 on the door

8pm-1am

25th November

Newhampton Arts Centre,

Dunkley st (off Newhampton road),

Wolverhampton, WV1 4AN

for more information email

djsoul_shakedown@yahoo.com

Benjamin Jeavons!

2011-10-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

Mr Jeavons and His Creative Mind

A friend of mine has recently started a photography and art blog and to be honest it something quite wonderful. Definitely worth a read.He is definitely one of a creative mind and ushers you to discuss your views on Music, art and photography. However, if you wish to discuss what you had for tea last night I'm sure he wouldn't mind that either.
If you fancy a mooch round his blog please follow the link below:

http://benvisualartist.tumblr.com/

You like his blog? If so, then why not check out his website:

www.jeavonsphotography.webs.com

New Birds

2011-10-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Seeing As Mr Fox Destroyed The Others ...

It is true the savage creature, known as a fox completely malled my last set of hens. Nice of him! So, to really annoy him - I HAVE GOT SOME MORE! Muh haha ... And, I have built a state of the art, fox proof, bad boy of a pen for them. No fox is getting into this hutch, final!

And ... Here they are. Nameless my add. So any name ideas let me know.

Show the Fiancee Some Support ...

2011-10-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

South Staffs Musical Theatre Company 2011

You have probably guessed that I am doing a little promoting for "South Staffs Musical Theatre Company." Some of you may remember "My Fair Lady" and "Boogie Nights" posts from previous years and shows. Well, I'm about to try my best to sell you this particular show.

I myself am not in it this year. However, the Fiancee, Mr Karl Veltman has directed it. So, I do feel it deserves a bit of a mention. Not only that but quite a lot of my good friends are strutting there stuff in this musical.

The show is actually creeping up on us very quickly. It's next week actually! :-) Ah!

Performance Times:
Evenings at 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinees at 2.30pm

Sign Language Interpreted performance: Wed 12 Oct at 7.30pm

Ticket Prices:
Tues - Thurs eves & both matinees £6.50 - £17
Fri & Sat eves £6.50 - £18.
GRAND THEATRE WOLVERHAMPTON

If you would like to order tickets please let me know and I will try and get them sorted for you! :-)

New York, the city that never sleeps! All the hot gamblers are in town, and they're depending on Nathan Detroit to set up this week's incarnation of ''The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Dice Game in New York''; the only problem is, he needs $1000 to get the place!

And that's not his biggest problem. There's Adelaide, his high-maintenance girlfriend who desires nothing more than for Nathan to make an honest woman of her!

Meanwhile, Seargant Sarah Brown of the Save a Soul Mission vainly continues in her quest to rid the city streets of sinners, gamblers and conmen, men like Sky Masterson - the coolest, highest roller of them all who would bet on anything that would turn him a profit!

Get ready for gangsters, molls and great song and dance as we welcome South Staffs Musical Theatre Company's all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit; Guys and Dolls.

Please come and show your support! :-D

A Request

2011-10-04T00:58:00.000-07:00

A Herman Request

After my "Herman The German Friendship Cake" post yesterday, a few of you have been in touch requesting the starter recipe.

So ... For all of you wanting to get your own Herman on the go, please follow the recipe below.

The Herman Starter Mix
If you cant wait to receive a starter for this great little cake, the starter mix is very easy.
Firstly combine the following in a large mixing bowl:

2 cups plain flour

1 tsp salt

3 tbsp sugar

2 1/4 tsp dry yeast

Stir in 2 cups very warm water until a smooth paste forms. Then cover with a clean cloth or tea towel and let the mix stand in a warm place to bubble away for 2 or 3 days. Stir the mix twice each day.
The mixture can then be kept in a container or bowl, partially covered to allow gases to escape. When you are ready to use it keep two cups for yourself and give one away to a friend with the recipe instructions.
Quantities in cups are American but you can easily find a conversion to ml. I believe it is about 200 ml to a cup.

Hope this helps you all. Let me know how you get on when starting your own cake mix as I haven't tired this. I have only worked from a mixture that was given to me.

HERMAN THE GERMAN FRIENDSHIP CAKE!

2011-10-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

HERMAN The Friendship Cake

So 6 days ago my Mother in Law to be presented me with a little tupperware box filled with a yeast like mixture and presented me with a letter, that read like this:-

Hello, my name is Herman.
I am a sourdough cake. I'm supposed to sit on your worktop for 10 days without a lid on.
You CANNOT put me in the fridge or I will die. If I stop bubbling, I am dead.
Day

You get Herman and put him in a large mixing bowl and cover loosely with a tea towel.

Stir well

Stir well

Herman is hungry. Add 1 cup each of plain flour, sugar and milk. Stir well.

Stir well

Stir well

Stir well

Stir well

Hungry again. Add the same as day 4 and stir well. Divide into 4 equal portions and give away to friends with a copy of these instructions. Keep the 4th one.

Herman is very hungry. Stir well and add the following:

1 cup sugar

half tsp (teaspoon) salt

2 cups plain flour

2/3 (two thirds) cup of cooking oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla essence

2 cooking apples cut into chunks

1 cup raisins

2 heaped tsp cinnamon

2 heaped tsp baking powder

Mix everything together and put into a large greased baking tin. Sprinkle with a quarter of a cup of brown sugar and a quarter of a cup of melted butter. Bake for 45 minutes at 170-180C. When cold cut into finger pieces. Cake freezes well and is also delicious warm with cream or ice-cream.

Exciting stuff hey?!? So basically, this cake has been living for a very long time and I have been given some of the mixture to make my own "Herman The German" Cake. I have got to be honest, I think it is very cool. Very odd in many ways but in many more very cool.

I am currently on Day 6 of the recipe. So just a quick stire today. At present it is looking something like the above.

I cannot wait to see the final outcome. If you are interested in the "Heramn Frinshdip" cake and and want to know a bit more about him or how to make your own staring mixture because waiting around for someone to give you some may be a little slow, let me know and I will try and find it for you.

P.S - I am aware that I have missed out the first 6 days of the Herman cycle, however, I will be posting a photograph every day up untill Munching time of Hermans progress for you! :-)

Man Down

2011-08-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

Watch, Listen and Bust A Move!

I don't tend to do this normally (As in - Post pointless videos on my blog for you to watch and then think afterwards ... "What a pointless post!") However, I must. I just must!

Odd for me really but I just cannot stop listening to this song. I think it is just superb! Is it just me? Tell me it isn't just me. It put's me right in the middle of the dance floor with my hands in the air. Seems to have a bit of a SKA beat to it, I think that is what wins me over. Definitely!

ENJOY FOLKS ENJOY!

Introducing ...

2011-07-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Let Me Introduce You To ...

"Karl Veltman"

.. And his new blog!

(Apologies for the small and blurry image.)

As some of you may be aware I happen to have a very important man in my life and that man happens to now have a blog of his own. That's right - he jumped on the "Blog" band wagon and has become a devoted blogger.
It's a fun diary sort of blog (if you get my drift) But, definitely worth a read or two. Please follow the link below to have a little nose at Mr Karl Veltman's Blog.

http://karlveltman.blogspot.com/

Dotty Veltman

2011-07-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

Our New Addition

As you all know, at home I have a a big dog named "Blue" (Weimarana) He is a super dog with loads of really wonderful points. However, our Blue Boy appears to suffer with what I like to call - Only DOG syndrome. This consists of crying when being left, pacing, jealousy etc: So, we took it upon ourselves to sort this little Blue Boy problem out. And, sort it we did. That's right. We sorted it with this little girly ...

Dotty Veltman! She is 12 weeks old and a Springer Spaniel cross Rough Haired German Pointer. Blue is now settling into life as a double act. Infact, they both are and they are both pretty good at it. Already they love one another very much and could play constantly for a good day or two and not get tired I'm sure.

She is a really lovely little girly but don't be mistaken by the butter wouldn't melt look in her eyes. She is a bit of a naughty one. On the grass, chewing shoes, weeing on the rug etc: You name it she is bound to do or match it with something even worse.

All that put aside. She seems like she will be easy and rewarding to train like Blue Boy and her being full of life makes her very enjoyable indeed. I cannot wait to take them both out for a wander and a run. I'm sure she will out run Blue and find sometime to dig a few holes whilst out.

Anglias at The ACE

2011-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

ACE Cafe Anglia Gathering

On Saturday just gone my Dad and I took a little trip to Wembley/London. Not only did we take a trip but we took the so called trip in my Daddio's Ford Anglia. Some of you may have heard of The ACE Cafe there in Wembley, well that's where we went. You see it was a Ford Anglia day and what a day it was.

So, my Dad picked me up bright and early in the Beautiful Beast ...

And we travelled in style along the motorway. even the rain and a leaky windscreen didn't stop us from enjoying the journey down. Oh. and of course the thought of our Full English waiting for us was a bit of a spur on also.

We arrived in the rain at the "ACE" ...

The weather didn't seem to bother too many Anglia owners. Quite a few folk turned up, including Retro Ford and their project car "Project Potter." Very cool indeed. When the rain stopped, I even managed a little pose by my Dad's baby ...

Overall, we had a super day at the "ACE" and it was really great to see the other cars. I didn't realise how much a Ford Anglia can be modified and how great they can look afterwards. Personally, I prefer a Classic car to be left as it is, just maintained like. However, I do understand why people customise and modify them, there were some really impressive auto-mobiles there.

Breakfast at the "ACE" was stunning and just before we left I even managed this bad boy ...

What a brill day spent with the Daddio.

ACE Cafe - http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/

Wolverhampton Magazine

2011-07-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

Wolverhampton's Magazine

(Did not know what they let themselves in for ...)

Here in Wolverhampton we have a magazine called ... Yes! You guessed it .. "The Wolverhampton Magazine." But, unfortunately unless you live up the Posh end of the city (If you can say the city has a posh end) then you don't receive this glossy book of Wolverhamptoness.

Sorry look at me blabbing on ... What I am trying to say is, A few months ago, the Fiancee and I attended "South Staffs Musical Theatre Companies" 75th Anniversary ball. Which may I add was a very lovely evening fueled by wine and the macarena. Anyway, there at the ball was a photographer snapping away as you do. I just presumed it was for the "Express and Star" or for the companies portfolio but .. Oh no ... He was snapping away fro none other than thee "Wolverhampton Magazine" So, low and behold the week after the ball there we appeared. Printed in colour with our own little number and name labelling.

A very bad photograph of it I must add but all the same, there we are. Hopefully I will be getting a better quality one up for you to all oggle at soon!

To find out more about the "Wolverhampton Magazine" please follow the link below

http://www.wolverhamptonmagazine.com/

SUBMARINE

2011-07-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

SUBMARINE (2010 Film)

Submarine is a film adaptation of a book by the same name originally written by "Joe Dunthorne" in 2008 in 2008 and seriously what a film it is! I am yet to read the book, but I am sure if the film is anything to go by it will be truly wonderful.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Mainly I enjoyed the pace of it. It was in no rush what so ever to express itself to you, it just seemed to do so in it's own time. I guess you almost became entranced by the film like.The beautiful costuming and scenery just fixes you to the screen permanently.
I don't tend to say much about the films or books on here. I just like to give a little over brief to entice you watch or read it. And, I really do believe this is a British film that you must see very soon.
Their isn't really another coming of age film like it, it is so British it's lovely. A proper love story full of proper people. Lovely dressed people may I add.

Oh an I must add that the soundtrack from this film is written and sung by the frontman of the "Arctic Monkeys." Hopefully this will give him a head start in the world of solo.

If you are a fan also of this film, please let me know.

Google +

2011-07-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

Fancy A Google + Invite? ...

We all knew it was going to happen didn't we? The day Google took over the Social network and kicked Facebook to the curb. Well ... That time could be happening sooner than any of us could have imagined. Google have now introduced "Google +" to us all and what an introduction it is.

Very similar to facebook in more ways than one but also very dis-similar in alot of different areas. It is well worth a sign up and a check out. Un-fortunately you can only sign up for an account if you have an invite off someone already logged in and active.

So ... If you are wanting to get yourself known in the Google + world, please comment me your email address in this post and I will personally send you an invite and get this Social network off the ground! :-)

Let me know what you think of Google + guys. I'm curious as to where this Social Networking thing can go ...

CREEPERS

2011-07-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

Very Much In need ...

Of a pair of these ...

High top or low tops I really don't mind. Feel free to throw either my way. I will even go white with them :-)

Appreciate

2011-06-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Blue Veltman Appreciation Society

It could be classed as a little sad, I am aware but, in all truths I do not care.A friend of ours, upon the arrival of our boy "Blue" decided he would create an appreciation society for the little fella on Facebook. And, seen as the dog himself has had some necessities removed today I though it may be a good time to get the old online society back up and running.

So ... Show your appreciation to our kid. (Follow the link to spread some Blue Boy love.)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_78330614897

Also ... Big cuddles for Blue as he has just come out of his operation and he is doing well. :-)

A doodle

2011-06-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

A Birthday Present To Blog About

On Saturday it was one of my best buds birthdays (24) :-0 Oh my lord! Ha Ha.

So basically I just wanted to wish her a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I am hoping she had a splendid day. I'm sure she did. I'm off for some birthday fodda and a tipple or two this evening, so let the celebrations begin. :-)

It took me a long time to think of what to buy Miss Maria for her birthday. But, once I had come to a decision I knew I had a mission on my hands. I decided to draw her a picture. A picture a little better than my usual doodlings. Took me some time but after a fair few hours I produced something half decent for the birthday girl.

I thought I would pop the process up on here for you to have a mooch at.

Padstow 2011

2011-06-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Summer Holiday Padstow

Sorry I have been away from the blogging scene for a few days (A week even) I have been busy enjoying myself in padstow and indulging in Rick Steins fish and chips. ;-) It is true I consumed the leading chefs battered cods and fancy taters! They were/are wonderful and very much worth the dollar.

On the subject of Padstow (Cornwall) Wow! What a beautiful place! Been before? ... No? You really should go and check it out. It is just a lovely town full of lovely people. There are also some pretty impressive dogs wandering around.

The locals in Padstow have renamed the town "Padstein" as Rick Stein seems to have opened everything he possibly can. A chip shop, A deli, A gift shop, A patisserie, A Sea food restaurant etc: But I guess he brings in an awful lot of tourism for local businesses and what not. And, he does rustle up a good steak let alone the cheese board.

It was my first ever trip to Cornwall and I have completely fallen in love with the place. Completely. We will definitely be heading back there soon.

We camped and luckily the weather held out allowing us to fully enjoy the views of the estuary for the week and bask in the sunlight with our boy Blue. All in all a very successful camping trip and very fun through and through.

Are you a Cornwall fan? If so, any recommendations on where to head to next? Please let me know.

Death Of Georgia B

2011-06-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Death Of Georgia B

A little while back I was asked by "Last Fancies" to play the part of Gerogia B in their production of "Death Of Georgia B."

I now have got my hands on this beauty, check it out and see what you think. It's a sort of follow on video from the show. Very good stuff!

The Death of Georgia B - Last Fancies from Light House on Vimeo.