Prairie

Six Billion Others

2009-03-03T09:59:30+00:00

Many months ago, I happened upon a website called Six Billion Others. It's been passed around the world wide web for a long time now and most likely you've seen it already. I think it's worthy of yet - another posting on this, Prairie - just one of the 13 million blogs here in the UK. Now - 13 million may seem like a lot, but it's nothing compared to the 380 million active blogs in the US. It's like a run away train I tell you !! Gives me a headache just thinking about it. I'm just a little pea in a gigantic pea patch - I try.

"Six Billion Others" is a project by a fascinating and talented man - Yann Arthus-Bertrand - you may recognise his popular "Earth From Above" project, a spectacular ariel photographic survey of the earth. I cannot imagine the energy put into the undertaking of this work. The book sold over three million copies.

Is this posting full of numbers today or what ?! Six mill here - three bill there !!

Whilst Yann Arthus-Bertrand was doing the "Earth" project, he decided to send his crew to 65 countries, where they conducted over 4000 close up, personal interviews of people being asked simple questions about life, love, dreams, fears and so on. You will realise after watching the faces of these people from far away countries, that no matter what language or colour of skin, people have common human needs. We are not that different - we feel, fear, love and dream - we are all connected. I suspect that this is the message Yann, wanted to get across. It's compelling - please have a look !

http://www.6milliardsdautres.org/

Yann's website:

http://www.yannarthusbertrand.com/v2/yab_us.htm

Crufts 2009

2009-03-05T11:42:55+00:00

I was looking through some older photos recently and thought it would be fun to post these images from Crufts, taken in 2004. Serendipity !! I happened to look at the Crufts website last night and discovered the event begins today in Birmingham at the NEC, running until Sunday. It's a huge event, so if you abhor wading through crowds of people, then stay away from this event - it's jam-packed, chaotic and smells like dog pee. On the other hand, if you enjoy chockablock public events - dive in right in and embrace it !! Just be careful where you step.

I love puppy dogs - but am divided about this event as to whether it's a good thing for pooches. Whilst some dogs seem to enjoy being centre stage and relish performing in the limelight - I couldn't help but sense some misery as I walked around taking pictures. Lots of bored looks and heavy sighs. I'm not a dog whisperer, but I translated the canine sighs and vacant looks to mean - "Mommy - Daddy, can I go home now?" It is the opinion of some veterinarians - that dragging a dog to this event to perform, is sadistic.

The above photo - was the performance event for Australian Shepherds. It's incredible how well these lovely creatures heed commands. Unfortunately, I happened to sit in front of some very irritating American women who were up and down and up and down in their seats. Every time they got up or down, they would knock me in the back of the head with the huge handbags they were carrying. Not only that ! They spent the entire time talking on their mobiles to their husbands - who were golfing - and talking to each other. Very loud, bossy types. I begin to sigh like those unhappy little dogs and wished at that moment that I was home. Those American women were sadists. I wanted to tell them off but they were a lot bigger than me and I decided I would get the doggy doo knocked out of me - so I just sighed a lot instead.

If you can't be there in person, you can catch it on Crufts very first ever, live broadcast via the internet. How nice is that ?! No pushing through crowds, stepping in pee and doggy doo or getting knocked in the head by handbags. I can sit back comfortably with a bottle(s) of pear cider, a bag of crisps and cheer for my favourite canine. Woof, woof !!

http://www.crufts.org.uk/

http://www.cruftslive.tv/

Bearcreek Cemetery

2009-03-10T13:12:01+00:00

Bearcreek, Montana is a nearly forgotten mining town that's being resurrected as one of the safest and most desirable places to live. The promise of employment with Smith Coal Mining Company in the early 1900's lured emigrant families from all nationalities: Italian, Croatian, English, Irish, Polish, Welsh - just to name a few. Today, as in the 1900's, Bearcreek is experiencing an influx of new residents, not looking to secure mining jobs, but desiring to retire in this popular valley and take opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness of beautiful Montana. Come with pockets full of money - land is expensive here !!

A small, western town bursting with history, Bearcreek is very close in proximity to the Beartooth Mountain Range - aka Snowy Mountains - and neighbouring, legendary Red Lodge, another historical historical mining township. Below are a few photos of the Beartooth Mountains.

Hoo boy - I'm sure I will burn for this - I had nothing in my photo archive so I borrowed these from another website. I lived in Montana for 20 years and being very proud of this state, I wanted to share the splendor of this mountain range with you.

The first time I visited Bearcreek Cemetery, it was a very emotional experience for me. Historically, it's a memorial to many souls, men, women and children from all races. I wonder how it would have been back in the day to live in this town, where everyone spoke a different language - a mix of cultural differences. And because it was a mining town - these men from different backgrounds had to get along and work as a team deep in that mine shaft, as their lives depended on it. I took these black and white images about seven years ago with my trusty 35 mm film camera - a Pentax K1000.

In the distance lies urban Bearcreek. Concealed just beyond those low hills and at the base of that big mountain range is Red lodge and the gateway to the Beartooth Mountains Pass. The pass is usually snowed in until the latter part of May - sometimes until early June. The drive is spectacular and will take you into Wyoming and some of the best trout fishing in the world.

I hope you don't think me too morbid for posting images of headstones - but I wanted to show you the history and diversity of people and children buried here. Two significant things happened in this area in the early 1900's. The first one - around 1918, the the most virulent flu epidemic in history passed through, killing approximately 5000 souls in Montana. I noticed many inscriptions of babies and toddlers on the tombstones - children struck down by this flu. Many families journeying to the west coast, with destinations of Oregon, Washington and California, in just a matter of a few days, lost family to the pandemic - many left behind, laid to rest in this dry basin, brimming with sagebrush and dashed dreams.

Secondly, in 1943, an explosion in the Smith Mine, claimed the lives of 74 men - three miners escaped alive. After the closure of the mine, Bearcreek more or less faded away. Houses were demolished or moved away bit by bit until there was not much left of the once thriving community. Today, the town has a heartbeat once again. At the back of the cemetery, you will find a memorial tombstone to all the men who lost their lives in this mining tragedy. I was touched by the lovely, composed angel who stands in the middle of this graveyard. With bowed head, eyes looking downward - she serenely watches and waits for a miracle.

I happened to catch a lightening strike in the distance - just on the horizon. If you ever visit Bearcreek, you will sense a spiritual energy in this valley, of melancholy memories as well as hope for new beginnings.

http://www.bearcreekmt.com/index.htm

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

2009-03-11T13:24:17+00:00

You may have noticed some small changes to this blog site recently. I've posted a new Prairie banner, a photo of some very naughty cows - and notice the brown letters that spell out "Prairie?" Well - that's actually cow poo. My cows are so clever, I can train them to do anything! Also - after several complaints about how ghastly my personal photo looked, I've changed that out also. I was told by a friend that my old photo looked like one of those sweet, little-old, murderous women in the movie "Arsenic And Old Lace." I was wondering why no one would let me make them a cup of tea lately. Okay - on to today's movie post.

Better grab an ice cold cider or a beer will do nicely. Aye, aye, aye - always the beer with me. You must think me a big lush by now. I'm warning you though, it's going to get hot and steamy watching this movie clip !! When you feel the perspiration beading up on your brow, just take that ice cold bottle of beer and roll it across your face and neck - mercy that feels good ! I so love this movie. Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor - a sizzling combo. Now I ask you, how many female readers of this blog have ever met, dated or married a man named "Brick?" How about that sultry music playing in the background - eh?

Great escapism to the 1950's. Enjoy !

Amélie-les-crayons

2009-03-15T10:50:41+00:00

I would queue miles to see Amélie-les-crayons in concert. There were so many YouTube videos of her that I liked - it was a difficult choice trying to choose just one. This one is dreamy and beautifully done.

Happy Sunday - enjoy !!

Saturday in Oundle

2009-03-16T08:56:02+00:00

For the second time this year, I visited Oundle - an ancient, market village with splendid, olde world, Jurassic limestone buildings. The town is comfortably positioned near the River Nene and surrounded by flat, marshland fields which play host to a plethora of wildlife - a paradise of palettes, for artists and photographers. I like the fact that Oundle has very little of the typical high-street market chain type stores. The streets are clean and the buildings regal - a perfect place to shoot a BBC period drama. Here are a few photo memoirs of my day.

The black and white photograph of the cottage above, is the same as the one below. I like to play !!

These little busters were waiting faithfully for their mistress - right outside the local Oxfam shop.

I'm not sure if this building was a private residence or Council offices. I thought it very dignified.

A red door - The American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright - loved red doors and I love Frank !!

I loved this old stone wall with it's bits of moss, old wood door and the skyline of rooftops and chimneys.

Spring is blossoming in England - yippee !! Cheerful, yellow daffodils are springing up everywhere.

I took this photo from the car whilst driving past - a man, his two children, a wooden cart full of wicker baskets and a fabulous white horse, more interested in eating than pulling. I tried cropping the signs but the image lost it's scale - so I purposely left them in the scene. Transformed to black and white, except for the little girl's cap - which was red. The scene is somewhat charming - yes ??

The English fields are dotted white, with precious lambs - hopping about and springing straight up into the air. I wanted to take one home, they are too adorable !! I felt sorry for this Mother sheep, she had five newborns chasing her for a mouthful of lunch. The clumps lying all over the ground are sugar beets, left by the farmer - a source of energy and sustenance. No wonder those little lambs are so hyper - sugar beets !!

The History of My Photography

2009-03-17T20:25:33+00:00

The first time I ever used a camera - I was eleven. My Mum gave me an old, black, shutter box camera and told me to take photos of a dog's funeral. Although he had a proper home and a family who loved him, in the hearts of the town's children, Gomer - a chocolate-coloured, hound dog - belonged to all of us. He was gentle and lazy and we all loved him. Day or night you could find him, sleeping outside the local pub door, waiting to accompany his master safely home. He would raise his head to anyone who spoke his name and with a grunt, welcome a scratch behind his ear, a rub on his tummy and of course a beef jerky treat.

All the young persons, from six to eighteen years, protested his death. A poster size petition nailed to a fence was signed by all the town's youngsters, including a few adults. Sadly, no amount of signatures could save him. The Town Council had a witness - saying he saw Gomer - killing two of Mr. Remsing's sheep. Shortly after that meeting, Gomer was spirited away to a field where he was shot - then buried at an undisclosed location.

The "mock" funeral was held on a Saturday. The boys, wearing over-sized, cast off, charity shop suits, loud ties and sneakers, rode their bikes in procession down Main Street, pulling a wagon that carried an empty wooden box with "Gomer" painted on the side. I captured these childhood memories, to black and white film. Taking most all the images - vertically - I ordered my ragtag friends about, scrunching them closely together around the grave site so as to fit them all into the picture. Typically a shy and quiet girl, here I was bossing everyone around. That day, I truly was - "a photographer"

When I look through these wonderful childhood images from the 1960's - I remember how excited I was to be the recorder of that special day, when we all said goodbye to our beloved Gomer. As the years rush by, I continue to document the substance of my life in photos. I snap thousands - of married life, babies, family reunions, pets, holidays and sunsets.

The more photos I take, the more I experiment - attempting to take something artsy and profound.I become that bossy little girl all over again - ordering my little dog around, I pose him on the arm of the sofa and splayed out on my bed. I dress him up in toddler's clothes - stripy, orange turtle neck sweaters. I tape one ear up and one ear down, I make him wear little hats. I manipulate and tempt him with doggie biscuits to sit for me in the most outrageous scenarios that no normal dog could be coaxed into doing. He becomes addicted to the camera. The instant he sees my Pentax K1000, he yaps with excitement and runs around in little circles. Programmed now - he jumps on the arm of the sofa and vogues for me. I have, created a monster.

I proceed to take photos of my daughters, eating, sleeping, watching TV, sitting on the toilet. My daughters become very afraid and lock themselves in their bedrooms. I've become a lunatic and no one is safe from my madness. I am - ashamed. Fortunately, my daughters came out of it unscathed and are fairly normal young women today - no counseling was needed. I go on to take photo after photo - even crossing the globe to Nepal, where I'm assigned as official photographer for the 2003 Everest Marathon. I stand for ten hours in a dusty, dank potato field - waiting to take photos of the runners as they cross the finish line.

And here I am today, living on this lovely, green, ancient Isle called Britain. I look through my camera lens and frame; countryside, river, lakes, sheep, birds, graveyards, architecture, little old ladies with shopping carts and COWS. I am a woman with a camera who has gone wild in the wilds. I use the soft light that filters through the windows of this flat and experiment with still shots, especially fruit and flowers. I set my camera on time exposure, daring to take nude images of myself. I join the local Photography Club, meeting a group of very congenial hobbyists and suffer through some of the most boring, yet amusingly eccentric meetings I've ever attended. A new life, a new country and I even have a new motto which is:

"You can never take enough photos of cows!"

Astrud Gilberto

2009-03-19T11:01:30+00:00

Here's the lovely Astud Gilberto singing the eternally famous "Girl From Ipanema" I use to listen to this song when I was a young girl and it was considered to be very sophisticated for it's day. How about that Astrud ? She's a bit out of control with her emotions - eh ? Maybe the hair bow is too tight. I wonder if she's any relation to Bebel Gilberto ? Another songbird I love to listen to.

Do you recognize the the man playing sax ? It's Stan Getz, the famous jazz musician. I love this vintage video clip. Astrud is so phlegmatic and reserved, not even a wince of emotion.

This music clip is from the cheesy, 1964 movie { "Get Yourself a College Girl" } which stars Nancy Sinatra and some other names you may recognize. It's corny good fun ! By the way - Astrud flashes a smile at the very end of the song.

La Muse

2009-03-20T18:59:53+00:00

Tucked away, just off Bridge Street in St. Ives, is the charming, fashion boutique - La Muse. Lovely window vignettes, featuring ball gowns, evening wear, jewelry and other exquisite bits and pieces, distinguish La Muse, as being very different to the other shops of St. Ives.

I called in on La Muse's proprietor, Corrine Harwood-Davey, to find out more about this dreamy boutique.Corrine told me, that La Muse officially launched in 2003 and has been going strong ever since. Being a woman who knows the fashion business, she realised there was a potential niche market for ball gowns and prom dresses in St. Ives, when she had an overwhelming number of requests from customers.

Corrine estimates that her clientele travels from as far away as fifty miles to shop for special occasion attire and possibly, further afield. The boutique's busiest times are - January to June - with Spring months being the prelude to Prom, as the ultimate busiest. Prom dresses and gowns are available from size 0 to 24 - and special orders possibly arriving by next day - depending on the company and gown style. La Muse also provides alteration services for gowns, at a very modest cost.

The choice of gown styles and luscious colours are endless. Most afternoons in La Muse, you will find a gaggle of excited girls, fresh out of school for the day - trying on prom gowns and playing Princess. It's not unusual for entire families, Mum, Dad and even Grandparents, to help with the decision of which gown to purchase. After all - Prom, is a very special event for these young women.

In addition to a stylish selection of shoes, La Muse carries hire-out hats as well - £25 for the week !

The jewelry in La Muse is very smart indeed. Corrine hand picks every piece when at exhibition - bits from Spain, France and Italy. She also commissions handmade designs by a local jewelry artisan from St. Ives.

If you were to explore the back room of the boutique, you would find a whimsical display of children's things in a pretty, vintage armoire. Clothes, slippers, hats, jumpers, pajamas, soft fuzzy rabbits and many more playful items !

The women who work at Muse are extremely helpful - suitable fashion consultants so to speak - they give solid fashion advice and will assist with selecting a party dress or a sporty outfit for that holiday abroad and also accessorizing the entire outfit.. La Muse is so much more than prom dresses - it carries scarves, handbags and sophisticated coordinates: trousers, jumpers, summer dresses and adorable shirts and tops. Most of the day wear clothing are from small, individual, European labels.

La Muse hours are: Monday to Saturday - 10 to 6

It's a lovely little shop !

La Muse

1 The Broadway

St. Ives, Cambridgeshire

PE27 5BX

01480 494400

www.lamuse.co.uk

Tanner Leuellen

2009-03-23T11:35:56+00:00

To keep up with current events, I read approximately five on-line newspapers every morning - U.S. as well as British - it's the same depressing headlines day after day - like eating hamburger, it tastes the same, just cooked with a different recipie. So it was refreshing to happen upon the video clip of this enthusiastic, little buster - Tanner Leuellen.

I don't know what his mother's been feeding him - whatever it is, I want to package and sell it. He's only eight years old and he's looking to learn - he's looking for an apprentice position !

Tanner created his own business cards which say:

"Tanner Leuellen, apprentice creator, specializing in everything I can learn with interest in almost anything you can teach me. Call or email me today with help for your next project."

He recently networked at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Dinner & Expo, handing out his cards and doing a bit of handshaking. Tanner charges $5.00 (£3.46) per hour. He's booked for Spring Break but his weekends are free.

This video made me smile.

Images of Cambridge

2009-03-27T00:19:59+00:00

This was the first thing I saw in Cambridge last Sunday - a busker in a rubbish bin. I wonder if it stinks in there ? The weather was decent and the city crowded !

I loved this row of bikes that seemed to go on forever. Makes you wonder how many are nicked each year.

These people were taking tea and coffee at Auntie's Tea shop - and getting a tan. Just kidding about the tan part. Is this not the most adorable dress ? This little market stand always has such wonderful, kitsch clothes.

This is Kings College - just playing a bit with the photo here. The reality photo is below.

There are several of these carvings on this building. In a former life, it was a bank. Today, it's part of Corpus Christi College. The city of Cambridge just dedicated this £1 million dollar clock. It's not your ordinary clock. It features this creepy, sci-fi grasshopper, which looks like something I use to see in my nightmares as a child. The insect moves mechanically, crawling and turning the clock dial which lights up the time in blue lights. As you can see - it was approximately 2:25 p.m. when I took the picture. I do believe the famous Physicist Stephan Hawkins dedicated the Corpus Clock at the official unveiling ceremony. It's a spectacular and bizarre design.

I peeked through a fence and saw this lovely courtyard - looks even better in sepia.

I even ran into a very inebriated Johnny Depp imposter. Believe me, If that had really been Johnny Depp, I would have pulled a Borat: put a cloth bag over his head, slung him over my shoulder and taken him back to my place. Captain Jack, was in a big hurry to get back to his ship to swill some rum - so I had to quickly snap his photo with the car in the background. I hate that.

To see a great clip of the Corpus Clock and a narration by the inventor - look on YouTube of course !

Houghton Mill

2009-03-31T12:32:37+01:00

In the better weather months, I love to walk to the nearby villages of Hemmingford Grey, Hemmingford Abbots and Houghton. In the summertime, the fields are dotted with - people, people pushing prams, people pushing geriatrics in wheelchairs, kids on bikes and lots of puppy dogs - all walking the well-used paths in the fields. Everyone out and about, enjoying the beauty of rural England, and hopefully an appearance from the sun. Along the way, one might stop at the pub for a cold beer, at a tea room for a cuppa or an ice cream from the local grocers. It really is, one large social gathering of people from all over the country. A very big attraction on this scenic walk is Houghton Mill. I found this wonderful, old black and white photo, taken in the early 1900's. The Mill looks very much the same today.

Since before the Norman Conquest, there has always been a mill at this site. This current mill dates from approximately - the 18th century. It sets on an island foundation and is the last working water mill on the Great Ouse. Today, the mill is owned and cared for by the National Trust. It still has a working water wheel which is operational on weekends and Bank Holidays. One can actually purchase a sack of flour which has been ground by this ancient mill. The history of the mills that have set on this historic site - is detailed, some destroyed by fire, owned by monks, a Quaker and Kings even. I've only provided a few historic facts about Houghton Mill - I'll leave it up to you, to do the research - I'm here for the photography of this lovely old building. This photo was borrowed from Kevin Sinclair's website. He gives permission to use it, as long as I give him credit for the photo. Fair enough. I have no photo of the mill in it's entirety, as I like to take photos a bit differently. I like to examine the architectural detail in bits and pieces. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to work for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the experience inspired me so much - I now have a fierce love for architectural detail. If you ever visit Phoenix, Arizona - please be sure to tour FLW's "winter camp" - Taliesin - for an example of Wrights organic architecture.

That's a real bird sitting up there ! Quack, quack !

This is the hut which houses the impressive mill wheel.

This is the retired mill wheel that sits right outside Houghton Mill - it has an ancient beauty.

I do believe this is the Wardens(?) House - the person who looks after Houghton Mill. Maybe they call them caretakers here in England ? The house is right across the street from the mill and always has unique, orange flowers growing by it's door in the summer months. A delightful house !

Behind Houghton Mill, right after you cross the bridge, you'll find a small group of punts and the man who rents them out. I hope you enjoyed looking at my images of Houghton Mill in detail, the beauty of it's bricks, dark, rough wood and remnants of steel on brick and mortar.

If you enjoy reading my blog, please pass my link on to - well - everyone !! Thank you for reading Prairie !

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-houghtonmill

Rear Window

2009-04-04T14:19:38+01:00

Rear Window is absolutely one of my favourite Alfred Hitchcock movies of all time. The lovely Grace Kelly and cuddly Jimmy Stewart are the perfect pick for the roles. They say that Hitchcock had a cameo in every movie he made. I have spotted him in this one - obscured - walking along the sidewalk in a street scene. You have to be quick to spot him between the buildings. Grace Kelly's outfits are ever so posh and I think she's exquisite ! If this clip peaks your interest - you might like to know that cult following says; it has one of the best "kissing" scenes ever made.

Lakes of St. Ives

2009-04-06T13:23:37+01:00

I've spent many a day at the Lakes of St. Ives - just a short walk from where I live - this is where I discovered the beautifully hued - caramel browns and peach white - French Breed cows that looked after my Little Sheep. Sadly, after the recent floods, all of the cows, the herd that grazed across the river from my flat, including the French cows and Little Sheep were all removed by the farmers - for their safety of course. The French cows have been returned - but only half strong - maybe ten in all. Alas, no Little Sheep. I really miss that little guy. It's just not the same. Today, I'm posting quite a few photos of the Lakes in all seasons.

The richness of textures and layers of colours that one can capture with a camera look more like a painting instead of a photograph. Every earth colour imaginable is on display at this group of lovely lakes.

I think to catch a serene moment - a misty morning such as this one - with the sun trying to burn through to greet the day, is magical. I keep looking around for those little woodland fairies to appear !

It's very healing to walk around these lakes - a place where one can meditate, smell the musty scents of earth, grass and water. Every season dresses this enchanting area with a new set of varied and brilliant coloured clothing. Spring time is when the birds are most active, geared for courting and finding a mate. I have seen the most interesting squabbles between breeds - grey geese chasing ducks, swans chasing grey geese, Canada geese chasing all of them - these being the monarchs of the lakes. I love spying the shy and fuzzy newborns, swimming in little grouped flotillas - following the ever cautious Mum.

The photograph above -is looking down the path to the Lakes - I was amazed at the consistency of textures. I didn't manipulate the photo in any way - it looks almost like it's been painted.

This year, I hope to capture in photos, more variety of sweet singing birds that inhabit the Lakes. Although I don't know the names of all the birds I see, I'm getting really good at identifying them by the songs they sing. I will keep you posted if Little Sheep ever comes back to the Lakes. Goodness golly - I miss him !! You might enjoy going back to the very beginning of Prairie and having a read of the first three posts. There, you will see the history and first photos of Little Sheep and French cow giving him some sugar {aka} LOVE. Have a wonderful day !!

Teun Hocks

2009-04-09T10:10:16+01:00

There are a great many photographers that I admire and appreciate and each month, my favourites list seems to get longer and longer. One artist who is at the top of my list, is Dutch photographer, Tuen Hocks. Similar to photographer Cindy Sherman, Hocks uses "himself" as the subject matter for his photography - portraying himself as a middle-aged man in the most absurd circumstances. I love the satire and quirkiness of his style and the fact that he leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether to regard his art as irony or something more serious.

Tuen first sketches his ideas to paper, as this helps with the creation of the concept. He builds and paints all of the backdrops - then takes his own photo, enlarges it, tones it sepia and then adds oil paint to the image. He does all of this without the help of assistants - he presses the remote shutter and tosses it to the side, out of the way of the camera.

I love powerful, dramatically staged landscape images and drool over lovely fashion photography - but Tuen Hocks makes me smile and draws me into his world and imagination. Part irony, whimsy and maybe truth even.

http://www.teunhocks.nl/Teun_Hocks/TEUN_HOCKS.html

Splendor In The Grass

2009-04-14T22:33:10+01:00

Today, I'm posting another classic movie I really love. Splendor In The Grass - starring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty. Set in the 1920's, it's a tragic, coming of age, teenage sexually repressed, quasi Romeo & Juliet, heartbreak - love story. Oh my ! Sounds exactly like a biography of my teenage years. Natalie Wood was such a fine actress and had the most beautiful expressive eyes. Made in 1961, Splendor In The Grass, shocked audiences with the first ever - French kiss ! Worth watching.

Music For The Soul

2009-04-26T22:49:40+01:00

One of my greatest loves other than photography, is music. So when I received this music video from my chum ~ Howard ~ I just knew I had to post it to Prairie. It's one of my all time favourite songs done up perfect in a blues-reggae style. It brought tears to my eyes - the people performing the song really, really get it. So sit back and give it a listen - it's very impressive - it's a collage of artists from all over the globe. Thanks a bunch for sharing ~ Howard !!

*Note* This is a previous post which I'm doing again. The first one I posted was removed from the source website. Click on the words "Playing For Change" to be directed to the Playing For Change website where you can watch this brilliant clip and several other songs by Mark Johnson.

Catching Up From America !

2009-05-12T18:53:47+01:00

I've taken a short break from blogging as I thought my posts were a bit blah.Lucky you - I'm back now !! I'm visiting family in the Valley of the Sun - Phoenix, Arizona. My youngest daughter graduates from Arizona State University with double honours - very proud Mum here ! I was really excited to visit family and was gagging to get out in the desert amongst the orange and purple sunsets and cacti and snap lots and lots of photos. Instead, I'm staying inside, trying to escape the 100 degrees F. temperature. Tomorrow, and into next week, it's to get to 104 degrees - yikes !! To be honest, this heat is kicking my butt. I'm so knackered most nights, I'm ready for bed by nine p.m. To think I lived here for over twelve years in this climate. As I have no photos of the desert - have only taken photos of my daughter's silly cats - will post some cool, green photos of Cambridge that I took right before leaving England. I know I moan a lot about the weather in England, but I'm a bit homesick for rain right now. Really missing my cows. Can you just smell the fresh air and even smell the colour of green when you look at these photos ? Is is possible to smell the scent of a colour - I wonder ?!

Okay, so I've played with the colours a bit. Can you smell monochrome and sepia? I even miss the funny little balloon fella, who when he speaks, sounds like an animated, bass robot with a gurgling in his voice. I find the big red ballon somewhat repulsive - will leave it to your imagination. So if you need to write me - I'm here, hanging out with two house cats in the desert - in an air conditioned house with all the fans going at high speed - ahhhh !! It's almost noon - time for an ice cold Becks.

Graduation Day In The Desert

2009-05-16T00:19:04+01:00

Today, my lovely daughter Christina, graduated from Arizona State University - and I was there to see it ! The Convocation started at eight a.m. at Wells Fargo Arena, with several hundred young adults, now with super fortified brains, taking the walk to the stage for a hand shake, announcement of notable achievement and a folder that says "your diploma will be mailed to you." At 10:30, we exited to a scorching blast of 90 degree heat - and we were so ready for a cold drink and nice bit of breakfast. I'm posting a few photos of the day's event, and my two daughters, Julia and Christina.

Just so you know - that splotch on the ground is not "sick." It's merely a splotch of some foreign matter. It looks very deceiving doesn't it; Christina and the daub of white on the ground. Although extremely nervous and excited, she was simply bending over to zip up her gown. I think I over scrutinize my photos. By now, you know how weird I am.

And they're off ! Mum following with the camera.

A few photos before we go inside.

We arrived early so as to get good seats.

She's slightly excited - she found her sister's name in the ASU Program.

I was pleased to find out, the guest speaker was Hugh Downs. For those of you in the UK that have never heard of him - Hugh has been a journalist, author, American TV personality and all around public face for over three decades. Intelligent, a wonderful persona, inspirational and adventurous - just a few words to describe him. I've enjoyed watching Hugh report news and present documentaries since I've been just a little ankle-biter. I have a great deal of respect for this man. He kept the speech short - I liked that.

Just look at the brainpower amassed in this stadium. I wish I had a small fraction of their youthful smarts and recall ability. I would like that - for balancing my checkbook and finding my car keys.

There's my baby - getting ready to walk to take the glory walk to the stage - you go Christina !! Did I mention she graduated with highest honours and wore TWO cords ?! Proud mum.

Anyone got a tissue ? Sniff, sniff - blub, blub.

I so like the communication of love , showing appreciation to Mum and Dad - upside down even ?

Ready to conquer the world. I love this girl !

Showing some sisterly love - ahhhh !

Waiting for our table, I snapped these photos of the graduate - lovely ! I'm so proud of you Christina.

Holywell

2009-06-01T14:03:21+01:00

Happy June 1st everyone ! It's good to be home to St. Ives after a three week holiday in America. I'm back just in time to bathe in the lovely temperate, summer sunshine - let's hope we get more of the yellow rays this year as the last two summers have not felt like the season should be. I happened to experience a wicked 106 degree -41 Celsius whilst in Phoenix, Arizona - Lordy Mama !! And that's nothing - Phoenix can see temps well into 46 Celsius and beyond. I know I complain about the cold, damp weather of England, but 106 and above is too much for me ! Yes - a walk along the green, wooded countryside is just what this Prairie needed. And so "over the river and through the woods" to Holywell we will go !! There and back - Holywell, is about a five mile walk from St. Ives. Along the way, I passed by the Ivo Lakes - is this not the most gorgeous lake ?

Now I know that all villages and towns have the old historic church, but Holywell, has one of the most serene and dearest churches I've ever come across. It is a church with special character about it. Plant me there please - under one of those tall, shading trees ! Right next to that fat cow in the meadow.

The road that follows the river has some very pretty cottages and flower gardens !

I saw this purple house - not so pretty or amusing - just a bit of a surprise really. Wonder if there was a special sale on purple paint that week. Don't they have laws against this in England ? Everyone who likes this purple house, please send me an email telling me why. Right outside the purple house was a post box in dire need of paint restoration - see it there mounted on the green post ?

Here are some of the houses I saw along the way to the pub. I'm so ready for that beer now !

I love how this house seems to peek out over the hedge line.

Not sure if this is the age of the house or the simply the house number. Notice the teeny, tiny window ?!

First a purple house then this pink one ! Adorable.

At last !! The Ferry Boat Inn is said to be one of England's most haunted pubs and also listed in the Domesday Book. Supposedly the pub is haunted by the spirit of a broken-hearted young girl. Beer please !

Walking towards the fields that lead back to St.Ives, I had to glance back and take one last look back at that little stone church. The fat cow I like so much is in the grassy area right behind that majestic willow tree.

What is a perfect day ? My definition would be: walking the pastoral meadows of England, sunshine smiling down on your face and a very cold beer ! Does not get much better than this.

Thanks for reading Prairie !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holywell,_Cambridgeshire

http://www.pub-explorer.com/cambs/pub/oldferryboatholywell.htm

I Dreamt Of Paris

2009-06-04T19:48:49+01:00

I had an unnerving dream last night - to be honest, it was a nightmare. I won't tell you what it was about so as to protect the innocent. But I think there should be a law about ex-husbands being allowed to romp through your dream-scape. So let's pretend that I dreamt of Paris instead. I love Paris ! It is, one of the most beautiful cities on the planet Earth. Although I visit several times a year, I frequently take the wrong train or get off too early and then have to walk. But if you must walk - I can't think of a more glorious place to mosey. So what would a Paris dream look like in my strange and wondrous little noggin ? Well .....

I think I could live in the Louvre - after all, there's plenty of room - I'm just an itty-bitty thing and wouldn't take up much space. I tour the Louvre, every time I visit Paris - also the Musee D'Orsay, a lovely old train station which houses beautiful classics of art. I wish I know more about art.

For instance, I can tell you only one true fact about this painting: The lady is NOT directing traffic. I think it has something to do with a genocide of infants. The vogue in art it seems - back in the day - was to dangle the breasts for everyone to see. I do think we women are beautiful - with our curves and bumps.

But always, the puppies are roaming free. Sculptures mesmerize me. I could sit and look at a statue for a very long time. Now this is the highest quality of genuine art. Truly representative of the Masters.

Last time to the Louvre, this exhibition was no longer on display. I think I first saw it back in 2007. The significance of these men holding clocks, has to be something very deep, cosmic and symbolic - Freudian even. If you were to explain it to me - my pea brain would not get it. I like it simply because it's quirky. (smiley face here)

Now I relate to this lady. I sleep exactly like this and look just as angelic and beautiful (including the halo) but I prefer sleeping in a bed. I think perhaps - she's been very naughty - because someone has tied her up and left her in this puddle.

The dream continues and I'm in the heart of it now - everyone's a blur.

For a second there, I thought I knew him.

This photo above, is my favourite. Can you guess why ? If you can guess correctly, I will send you one of my photo cards to where ever you live. In case there are multiple correct answers, I will let my hair stylist, Darren, draw the winner. Good luck !

The first time I saw Winged Victory, I got all choked up and the tears flowed. It was so damned beautiful. Displayed at the top of a very tall stairwell and set atop a majestic plinth - the sight of her caused me to reel and bend with every emotion in my body. I need to take one more look. Breathtaking !

I'm flying back and forth between museums now. But it's my dream so I'm allowed to do that. And we're back to the breasts again !! They are exquisite aren't they ? I meant the "painting" as a whole. Today, some might regard all this nudity as porn. Where are artists that can paint like this, where have they gone to ? Go away Damien Hirst, with your so called art of dead, dissected and stuffed, formaldehyde soaked sharks,sheeps and cows ! You can go stuff yourself and you can keep your rubbish art. What goes around comes around - remember the Blood Heads ? They called that art too. It's all subjective.

Okay - she does not look happy at all. Another one who must've been naughty - hence the hand cuffs. Good golly and tsk, tsk. Looking at her is just like when I watch East Enders - life is good in comparison.

These two look like single parents - maybe we should introduce them. I hope I've not offended any serious art lover(s), reading this posting of Prairie. My attitude is a bit silly tonight. I worship art, as much as I worship "my" cows. I really do love it. In my dream, I'm leaving Paris now and this is what I see as I melt away from my hallucination. I'm lifting away from the Louvre and out to the sidewalks of Paris. Oh la la !

I so want to live in this house !!

Thank you for reading Prairie - if you enjoyed my little blog, please share the love ! Au revoir !

The Longest Way

2009-06-09T13:52:47+01:00

In 2003, whilst still a student at university, Christoph Rehage had the gumption to walk from Paris, to his home in Hanover, Germany. In November of 2007 - on his 26th birthday - he set off on a another journey. This time, he intended to walk from Beijing, China to Hanover, Germany. An admirable goal of 4000 kilometers (2485 miles) He never made it to his destination - but did, while away an entire year trekking the panoramic vistas of China - journaling his adventure in a five minute cascade of facial flickers on You Tube. The video has become a smash hit amongst *Tube-ies (*my nickname for Tubelophiles)

In 2003, this Prairie Person, spent little more than a month in Nepal - endured arduous climbing, showered maybe four times total, ate food that I didn't recognize (was it really yak meat?) and if I wasn't constipated, I was dashing behind any tree or rock I could find - with a serious case of the troubles. My nomadic trip up the Everest Trail, was one of the most challenging things I've ever done, and like Christoph Rehage, it enlightened me - spiritually. I witnessed the vastness of this planet and the diversity of other cultures, I saw indescribable suffering, inspiring horizons and fierce forces of nature. Whilst Christoph grew a straggled beard - by the time I reached home, I had some exceptionally hairy legs.

Most people are satisfied to stay safely tucked in - in their carefully constructed routines and that's okay - not criticizing anyone here for it. Walking across a country carrying your world in a rucksack on your back, is not for everyone. But for those of you who have always dreamt of doing it - stop dreaming and go out and do it - eat weird and wonderful things, yodel from a mountaintop, pray with a holy man, squat behind big boulders if you can find them , celebrate life ! Then send me an email and some photos - I'd love to hear about it !

Here's a link to Christoph's blog:

http://www.thelongestway.com/20080618/谢老师-teacher-xie.html

Numbers

2009-06-14T11:09:56+01:00

Life is frantic - a whirlwind of priorities, responsibilities and expectations, coming at us from all sides. Pulled from post to pillar, we forget birthdays, anniversaries, lose contact with best friends and favourite blood kin. We watch our children grow ( too fast ) - That advice my Mum gave me, about putting a brick on the head of my daughters to keep them from growing - does not work.

And adding to this frenzied pace of life - we have all these numbers we're expected to remember. Reduced to a number - do you ever feel that way ? I have a home phone number, a mobile number, a library number, a British NHS number, an American Social Security Number, a passport number, a multitude of pin numbers I must recall for computer web-site's such as, my Ebay account and a vast selection of websites I shop from. Let's not forget - two bank account numbers, pin numbers for credit cards, my bra size, ring size, shoe and dress size and darn it anyway - my age !! That, is one number I'd like to forget. But life and numbers are intertwined. Life really is reduced to, the science of numbers. I think if I were labeled a number - I would be a "Three." I think it's a quirky little number. How about you - what number would you be and why ?

I listened to radio programme just this week, where the guest speaker was saying, that in the near future every person on earth will be required to get a chip under their skin - similar to how they chip cats and dogs. No more remembering all those numbers, only the chip number. Creepy.

So because I understand how much of your time is taken up trying to recall all of these personal numbers, I've reduced the photos, so as to not waste too much of your time today. Little photos - quick glances - more time to think about those numbers.

Regarding the little contest and free card give-away (see my previous post: I Dreamt Of Paris) I've just sent a beautiful, La Pêche photo card, to Nadine Laman, a brilliant author who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She gave the correct answer to why a particular painting was my favourite. I had quite a few answers of: "because her butt makes your butt look smaller." This answer, technically speaking, was also correct. But the real reason I liked that painting - was the hat. She's wearing a beautiful straw hat ! In the future, I ask that you please refrain from mentioning my butt in any responses. Ouch ! Thanks to everyone who voted.

Here's the link to Nadine's website. She is truly dedicated and passionate about writing.

http://www.nadinelamanbooks.com/

Well - my number's up. Until next time - thanks for reading Prairie.

Birthday In The Meadow

2009-06-21T23:40:37+01:00

Sunday last, I spent the afternoon taking photos of a celebration. It was Raff's 21st birthday. Raff's Mum, my good mate - Corinne - organised this lovely get together in picturesque, Grantchester Meadows. I could say that this meadow and the surrounding area is steeped in history, but what inch of England isn't ?!

I lunched and drank champagne and very possibly walked on the very same bit of earth that was trod on by Virginia Woolf, Rupert Brooke, Sylvia Plath, Lytton Strachey and E M Forester and so many other notables. I love the Bloomsbury group and have devoured many a book about their lives, loves and indiscretions. They were, quite the people in their day.

This is the path that leads down to the meadow.

Right next to where we planned to set up the buffet table, I noticed this beautiful old tree full of character and sprouting this splendid growth of bright, yellow fungi - high up on the trunk. It looked grand indeed with all the bikes parked against it.

Sadly, it was a victim of someone's heinous act - they had sliced one of the fungi growth clean off the trunk.

I think if this tree could talk - it would say "I'm never lonely!"

I should tell you, that two summers ago I was served a glass of Pimm's over ice. Sickly sweet - I hated it ! But this Sunday, I was in for a totally new way of drinking Pimm's. I thought it was just a sissy's drink. I was about to learn the power of Pimm's. I had just three little servings and it about laid me out under that fungi tree.

The secret ingredients: orange, strawberry, blueberry, lemon, cucumber and the secret weapon - mint leaf.

Mix with fizzy lemonade and viola' - I wonder if the Bloomsbury crowd imbibed on this cocktail ? Could this be the reason why they were always skinny dipping in the River Cam ?

I spied these little two little madams in their Sunday go-a-walking frocks. I was a bit cross-eyed by now.

Because I had some liquid courage by now, I sauntered on over the meadow to investigate what this man was painting. He agreed to letting me take his photo - under conditions that I not show his face. Don't worry Michael, your identity is safe with me.

I love the ancient trees that grow in England. When I first lived on this island, I dreamt of the legendary Tree Man. A mystical, magical dream of a man whose arms morph into branches and whose feet petrify into a tree trunk. He looked like a wild man, with long, thick, black, uncombed hair and fierce eyes. He was surrounded by mist and creatures of the forest. When he spoke it was thunderous and made my heart beat like crazy. It was a powerful dream and now, whenever I look at a tree, I think of him. I wonder if I were to put my ear to the trunk - would he speak to me ?

The guests were arriving now - young, beautiful and spirited - twenty strong.

He's like a young Fabio ! Yummy !! They never made them like this when I was in school.

I ate almost an entire serving of this desert and then found out there was cream in it. I'm allergic to dairy.

I was having a great time and then THEY showed up ! A clump of cloned cows.

He's licking his lips - I think he wanted some birthday cake.

And what a cake it was ! Just so you know - I did not model for the frosting decorations.

The Birthday Girl.

I'm closing with a stanza by Rupert Brooke, because he said it so beautifully -

"Ah God ! To see the branches stir

Across the moon at Grantchester !

To smell the thrilling-sweet and rotten

Unforgettable, unforgotten

River-smell, and hear the breeze

Sobbing in the little trees.

Say, do the elm-clumps greatly stand

Still guardians of that holy land ?"

Thanks for reading Prairie !

Food Inc.

2009-06-23T13:32:41+01:00

I saw this trailer on my Apple Mac recently and really hope that it will make it to the cinemas here in England. I love food, good food - and I have the womanly curves to prove it. For a long time during my fitness and body building craze, "fast food" was like a dirty word to me. But if I were to make those foods at home, from scratch, I think I would enjoy eating a few french fries and a burger. Maybe a baked potato instead as I was never too keen on french fries. Fries (just my opinion) have the consistency of chewing a candle - waxy and greasy. Oh - and let's not forget a nice German beer to have along with that burger and fries !! You know me and my beer obsession.

I was very blessed during my childhood to have a Mum who had time to make everything from scratch. My family owned and operated restaurant(s) for close to thirty years, offering fresh, homemade soups, breads, stews, beef roasts, coleslaw and salads, potato and a variety of ethnic foods - Norwegian, German, Polish and Russian recipes that were handed down for generations. These were the people that migrated and settled on the plains of North Dakota. And because I grew up around food-gurus and pastry artisans - I make an awesome apple pie ! Now-a-days, many children are not as fortunate to have their Mum stay home and nurture them with wholesome, homemade meals. The old fashioned Mum role has had to take a back seat to financial demands for the survival of the family. So pizza, has become the staple meal on many tables.

I hope you find this trailer interesting - it really made me pause and think a bit more more about what it is, that we actually shove into our gobs everyday. Food is a blessing.

Tapped

2009-06-24T23:28:14+01:00

A few days ago, I received an email from my friend Peggy, who lives in Montana.

She recommended a link to a TV documentary on bottled water. I felt pangs of guilt while watching it. I drink the stuff and although I recycle the plastic containers, I've always wondered if those petroleum based bottles genuinely do get re-incarnated. The Telegraph, printed an article about plastic - exposing facts that these containers are worth practically nothing and that England struggles to find a company that will buy them. In the end, they get shipped off the Isle (which costs a fortune) and then some other poor country gets to admire them in "their" landfill. WE pay THEM to haul IT away. How crazy is that ?!

This is a disturbing video, a real eye opener. After watching it, I'm seriously wanting to get a water filter on the kitchen tap. If that's not enough, more on plastic: The U.S. Mayo Clinic advises strongly drinking from plastic water bottles, especially those that are left in the heat. And also, cooking in plastic containers or with plastic wrap as it's extremely toxic. The heat leaches all sorts of toxins and hormone type substances from the plastic and this is absorbed directly into body tissue. This is more so a problem for women as it's been positively linked to breast cancer. Remember when the medical experts said that coffee was bad for you ? Now they say a little caffeine is good. Sometimes these people make my head spin. But I do believe this Tapped Trailer is worthy of a watch.

Here's a link to their official website, which has a plethora of information.

http://www.tappedthemovie.com/

Celebrating Mia

2009-06-29T22:22:34+01:00

I attended a very special party this weekend - complete with champagne, jazz singer, canapes, lots of friends and laughter ! It was in celebration of one of my good friend's birthday - Mia's birthday.

This is Mia - she's ever so posh ! She wears a lot of Vivienne Westwood designs.

She's also one of the nicest women I've ever been blessed to meet.

She has a cute habit, of expressing herself with her hands.

Mia loves jewelry and has really good taste. Hopefully some of it (good taste) will rub off on me soon.

This jazz band, was quite good and I discovered when visiting with the songstress, that she was American. She convinced me that I needed to purchase on of the band's CD's for £10. And because I loved their opening song - "all that jazz" - so much, I said YES !! I listened to the CD today. I think it sounds much better after about six glasses of champagne. What was I thinking ?!

Mia's sister - Julia Francis - and friend Sally. Two more posh birds.

Sally has a great face - so expressive.

A lovely, warm, sunshine filled day, shared with good friends.

Corinne and Mia - looks like trouble to me.

Neil and Sally.

Vivienne came all the way from Bordeaux, France - just to point a finger at me !

Actually, I think she likes to point at people and things - she's so cute !

Yummy ! Cake.

Okay - I got a bit distracted.

I happened to see this little buster - he busy working out how to use a racket and a ball.

And distracted again by the Pub's Mascot Puppy Dog - another cute little buster.

Mia hugging daughters - Amy and Emma.

No more champagne for you - young lady !!

I think Mia had a great time - what do you think ?

Blurry is as blurry does - you think as the daughter of a Publican, I could handle more than two glasses of champagne. Anyway, Mia was a delight to follow with the camera. If only I was seeing straight.

The setting was so pretty.

Happy Birthday Mia !! Thank you for being such a great friend.

And she's off ......

If The Photograph Is Good

2009-07-17T18:01:54+01:00

This is Barbara. I love the song she's singing - but she scares me. Not only is she scary, she's bouncy. She sort of reminds me of one of my villianous teachers from Junior High or one of those shush-ing librarian types. If you watch this video a few times over, you may start to feel like you should go sit in the corner. Naughty, naughty, naughty ! I adore French music. It makes me feel happy. And bouncy.

I've not been posting much lately because I've been studying like a maniac for my "Life in the UK Test" I've put in anywhere from two to six hours a day. It's a mandatory requirement if one is working towards UK Citizenship. There are 17 chapters in my study guide, each chapter has 24 questions - so memorization of 408 questions. The test will consist of 24 questions and in order to pass, one needs to get 75% correct. I now have a head crammed full of mundane statistics - most of which I will never use in my lifetime. I'm posting a link to a website where you might try your mighty wit and wisdom of Life in The UK. I wonder how many of you British persons will actually know the answers. Let me know how you do.

http://www.hiren.info/life-in-the-uk-test/17

Now go sit in your corner and watch Barbara and be very afraid whilst you bounce along with her. Enjoy !

Riverside Gala

2009-07-20T12:20:01+01:00

Many years ago when I lived in America, I used to watch news stories filmed in some rural UK village or town and it was usually coverage of some quirky event where the news commentator would say in a patronizing voice "Ah those crazy Brits, they're at it again!" The camera crew would then show film bits, of Brits log rolling on the river or scuba diving down a murky stream or happy people with painted faces, dressed up in strange costumes whooping it up with exuberance. The weather always looked so freezing cold, but there they were, these tough and enduring British blokes, shirtless and in shorts, having the time of their lives. Being American, I thought it all very amusing. Ironically, I was at one such event on Saturday, a very British occasion called "The Riverside Gala" Although American news commentators do an excellent job of portraying the British to look barking mad - which they are - let me tell you this: British people have the greatest community spirit I've ever experienced. The longer I live in this lovely country, the stronger my affections grow. Brits have a unique camaraderie, one such that I've never witnessed in the States. I've been called barking mad by many British persons and let me just say; "to be barking mad, can be a good thing"

The day of the event was a "PIG" - bold, gusty winds and spitting down rain which would suddenly turned into proper downpours, sending people running for shelter. "A typical English summer" as the Brits would say. Did that stop them from showing up? NEVER ! The Gala took place in Noble's Field which is down Thicket Path and such a lovely path it is.

Noble's Field had these three trademark trees that I love to gaze upon.

Although the main event of the Gala is the Dragon Boat Racing, the focus was on providing a fun day of family entertainment including: 27 foot high climbing wall, magic shows, circus workshop and balloon modeling, pirated- themed river taxi, food stalls, hog roast, beer tent (hiccup) and craft stalls.

Look at these brave, little busters !

Did I mention Super Heroes (?) - they were everywhere !!

Great Riverside Gala, Batman !! Pow! Zap!

Even Supergirl and Superman flew in for the day.

Ummmmm - I do not know who this caped avenger might be. He's a bit tangled in his own cape at the moment. One of the Three Musketeers also made an appearance or was she simply a dominatrix ?

It was a gaggle of feisty Super Heroes !

The competitors getting one last bit of pep talk and strategic planning.

And here come some of the Dragon Boats !

Just look at the determination in their faces - incredible !

And the winners were these lovely young ladies ! Way to go girls !

The team was chuffed ! I have a blue dress just like that. Good thing I didn't wear it.

Throughout the day, the rain would pour down, which sent people, young and old, running for cover.

Above the big tent, the sky would rumble and blow the clouds about - it's just beginning to clear now.When it did this, I felt like dancing and skipping like this little angel !

Or maybe it was the sight of the ice cream truck that made me want to skip and dance.

The English countryside was getting it's thirst quenched - maintaining it's glorious green veneer.

The day was freezing cold, nevertheless, I had a great time, met some interesting people and am constantly learning so much about this little community I live in. One thing I have learned, is that British people are tough and should be admired for their unwavering spirit. This day was dang cold and damp - I about froze !

Oh good golly ! they were just so funny, I had to put them on here one more time.

Until next time - thank you for reading Prairie !

http://www.stives-town.info/

Eisbaer

2009-07-22T07:46:05+01:00

What happened there ? In addition to a movie video, I used to post a music video at least once a week - just for fun. I love, love, love this video ! She's just a girl, a gorgeous French girl, with a lovely voice, singing a song in German, about what else ? Her Polar Bear. The imagery is very pretty , very Mediterranean. There's a dash of either Michelle Pfieffer or Deborah Harry in her appearance don't you think ? It's a bit 1960's - I like that. I hope you enjoy this !

Bits and Pieces

2009-08-01T10:07:52+01:00

I did it ! I've passed my "Life in the UK Test." Can't tell you what a relief it is to have it out of the way and to be able to stop this incessant studying. I hated memorisation of statistics the most. It drove me me to a coffee and muffin addiction. I'm sure my little face will be be sorely missed at Costa, now that I'm graduated and have my "pass" document.

I had three statistical questions on the test. One was this: In 1971, what was the population growth of England ? I knew the answer - it's 7.7% But how does knowing this, teach me anything about England or acclimate me into my new life here ? Will the fact that 65% of all children in the UK, live with both parents, ever factor into a daily conversation ? I would have rather learned more about location of regions, cities, climate and geography of smaller islands that lie on the outer perimeters of UK. And although it touched on government - I wanted more details on how parliament actually functions. The fact that England has an "unwritten constitution" is a very bizarre concept to me - why even mention it if it doesn't exist ? By the time it was over, I looked a bit like I did in this photo below. Like I really did need to be medicated.

The test was administered by two men, one very tall - like 6 foot 2 inches, whilst the other chap was 5 foot 4 inches, eyeball level to me. Both were wearing checked, short sleeve shirts, tucked in and belted up to their nipple line - just like Pee Wee Herman. And both wore glasses, like the type engineers wore in the 1950's. I think they were engineers. Identical haircuts - flattop, jarhead style. I could tell they loved their job. While explaining how to take the test on the computer, they would attempt to make jokey comments - which were not funny. After the test, the shorter man called me into the room to inform me, I had passed. I was so surprised I blurted out "I could kiss you!" He took a step back, a look of horror on his face. Next on my list: the UK driving exam. I see it's back to Costa for me.

Now on to other things...

Fashionistas Rejoice ! This month sees the release of "Coco Avant Chanel" a film about the life of Coco Chanel. It documents the rags to impeccably clad life of this fashion icon. The film stars Audrey Tatou as Coco. Ms. Tatou happens to be the new face promoting the Chanel line - replacing Nicole Kidman. I love her look - mens' trousers, tie and waistcoat. The cinematography looks stunning. Can't wait!

Thanks for reading Prairie !

Taproom Canvas Project

2009-08-05T18:18:56+01:00

I have some exciting news to share with all of you. A while back, I was commissioned to do a canvas for the local wine bar here in St. Ives. The Taproom on Bridge Street, now features one of my images of Monte Carlo on their wall. If you happen to be in the area, please stop by, have a glass of wine and stare at it a bit !!

Hopefully - there will be a few more commissions for this local hotspot.

http://www.thetaproom.co.uk/home.html

Thanks for reading Prairie !

Cimiteres de Nice

2009-08-07T02:16:59+01:00

Whenever I'm in Nice, I love to spend a morning climbing the 92 metre high hilltop that leads to the lovely landscaped park of the Colline du Chateau. It's not the Chateau that brings tourists up the mountain, rather it's the spectacular, panoramic views of the ochre roof-tops of Nice, the endless sweep of the Promenade des Anglais and sparkling, azure waters of the Mediterranean. A remnant stone wall is all that's left of the antique Chateau now.

Nearby on on one of the many paths are a dramatic, man-made waterfall and two of the most beautiful cemeteries I've ever seen. The Cimitière du Chateau, a Jewish cemetery, is regarded as one of the most beautiful resting grounds in the world.

Next to the Jewish Cemetery is another memorial park - burial home to other faiths as well. I love the extraordinary, vibrant colours of this bell tower. Since Nice is so close to Italy - I think there is Italian influence in the artisan's work.

When I walked through the gates of the next cemetery, I was awed by these beautiful angels rising up into the ether.

The Tombeau de Famille Francois Grasso - Monsieur Grasso was a prominent civic leader in Nice and has a boulevard named in honour of him. The tomb shows the likeness of his two small children who died at a very young age. I found this tomb to be most touching - the angel touching a finger to his lips, as if to say quiet. Circa 1894

The artist painters, Raoul Duffy and Henri Matisse ended their days in Nice and are buried here. Another notable, sleeping resident is Roger Martin du Gard - winner of the 1937 Nobel Prize for Literature. I'm sure there are many other famous persons who lay sleeping in this memorial grounds - I welcome any comments from readers, if you might know of any other prominent souls.

Whilst doing some research about these burial grounds, I came me across three wonderful blogs which are authored by Jilly Bennet. She's an incredible woman !

Riviera Dogs, Menton Daily Photo , Monte Carlo Daily Photo

Thank you for reading Prairie !

It's Complicated

2009-08-09T20:54:41+01:00

I love the cinema ! I love great Academy Award productions as well as the rotten apples - like Mall Cop. I can laugh at the lamest humor. I'm sick that way. Most American productions never make it across the pond to UK theaters and so, I always make a list of what I want to watch and then get it when it's released on dvd. I'm a list maker - I'm sick that way.

"It's Complicated" - is an uncomplicated, light-hearted comedy which premiers in America in December. It stars three extremely good actors - Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Cute Trailer.

Gargoyles of Ely Cathedral

2009-08-12T14:04:28+01:00

Although I've made several visits to Ely Cathedral this year, I would always take this shot - framing the entire church in the camera lens. Thinking I had taken a nice photo, I then walked to the right of the building and followed the path into the High Street. I had quite a small shock this time, when I wandered to the left path and discovered all of the gargoyles and chimeras, perched high on the ledges and windows. The very long, detailed history of this medieval building can be found on the link above. Hundred of years ago, this area of England (flatland) was under water - Ely Cathedral was on a virtual island which could only be accessed by boat. If I'm wrong about this (don't think I am though) - please correct me. The land was drained and the city sprang up around this ancient structure.

These are not gargoyles - they are two lovely English ladies in their Sunday hats, enjoying the beautiful summer day. They'd just ordered tea and scones and were waiting to be served. So English - this scene !

This cafe used to function as a rectory and the interior architecture is quite lovely. I don't have a photo of it but will take one next time I have one of their delicious sandwiches. We're having a bad year for wasps in this area of England and they were quite the little pests this day, wanting to sample everything on my plate.

The word "gargoyle" is derived from Old French: gargouille "throat" and also a latin word , meaning "to gargle." The gargoyle's purpose, in addition to ornamentation, was to chiefly serve as a rain spout. Thus associating the name to the passing of water through the throat and mouth of the gargoyle/gargle.

Not all of these ornaments are gargoyles - only the ones that are water spouts. Otherwise, they're called "chimeras" - a mythical Greek monster made up of all different sorts of creatures. The chimeras and gargoyles have roots as far back as Greece, Egypt, India and finally in France, where the demonic looking things then spread to the rest of Europe.

Notice the sculpture on the left - how the elements and centuries have eroded it's surface.

Some of the sculptures are modern - replaced by contemporary artists. I guessed this to be one of them. Wonder what the significance would be - picking his nose ?

The image below - these two also look contemporary to me.

This chimera below - reminds me of an illustration from the children's book: "Where the wild things are"

The headless water spout !

Do you see the little flecks on the image above ? A family of wasps have built a nest in the mouth of this sculpture. I found this one and the image below to be the most disturbing of all of them. The demonic looking creatures are holding on to humans - is this to protect them ? All of the research I did on gargoyles and chimeras were the opposite of what I believed. I always thought they were put up to intimidate the uneducated populace - an image insinuating a torturous demise if they do not come to worship. Instead, they are meant to be signs of luck and protection. To the peasants, it planted the belief that buildings with gargoyles and chimeras were a safe haven, one where the sculptures warded off evil spirits. Very bizarre !

This posting was a bit disturbing and heavy - even for me ! Imagine that, coming from someone who loves cemeteries and even has a book called from "From Death To Dust" in her bookcase. Whew ! Let's lighten this up and look at some lovely flowers from cathedral's gardens.

The field next to the church had several small horses and this gigantic old tree. The branches were so wide and long that they had wired the heavy limbs to keep them from breaking off. It must have been several hundred years old. The horses loved it's shade !

Thanks for reading Prairie !

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Oldelaf and Monsieur D

2009-08-15T17:38:01+01:00

I must warn you - this is a tune that will stick in your mind like one of those unforgettable jingles. Before you know it, you're humming it out loud over and over again and tapping your shoe on the floor. I've heard that Oldelaf and Monsieur D are performing a "farewell tour" - the last concert date being January 30th, 2010 in Paris. Their stage performance is quite lively - for example: animal costumes, super hero songs with googles and capes and instruments including guitars, ukulele and a dust bin-tub. So the question is: how much coffee is too much ? Watch the video. Be sure to check out their website - fun !

Jackson

2009-09-02T20:19:45+01:00

This is Jackson and he loves to have his photo taken. His routine is to jump up and down and run in little circles at the sight of my camera. His favourite places to pose, are the sofa arm, chairs or the bed even. He will jump up on anything to get my attention - almost like he's saying "pick me, pick me!"

Jackson is a wire hair fox terrier and interestingly enough, his lineage goes all the way back to England where his Grandfather was champion winner at Crufts. I was Jackson's mistress when I lived in Arizona, many years ago. When I relocated - I found it impossible to find a landlord that accepted canines and so trusted his care to someone I knew. When I was finally in a position to take him - they refused to give him back.

I was heartbroken and it took me a really long time to get over losing him. Even now, when I look at these photos, I can feel the tears start to well up. I think when a person bonds with an animal - it's forever.

Maybe this is why I like cows so much - no expectations there. I know, that I will never bring a cow home to sleep at the foot of my bed, nor would I care to give him a rub on the tummy and kiss his nose. And how would that be - for a cow to jump up and down and run in circles and pose on the arm of my sofa when I get out the camera ?! So I'm safe there - with my naughty cows - snapping photos in the fields, where they can poop and chew and queue for the scratching post. A cow in the house isn't quite the same as having a dog. I can't tell where the carpet ends and Jackson begins in the photo below. I think we should all take lessons from a dog - on how to relax. They're experts.

A few months into his life, Jackson's left ear started to stick straight up. The cartilage never quite broke like it was suppose to. It always gave him this expression of "surprise" or maybe like he was listening to everything you were saying. He was a lovely little guy - so affectionate and loving.

It's a yawn - not a snarl.

My youngest daughter thought Jackson needed little jacket to wear in the winter months. OMG - did we ever laugh ! Might as well have dressed him up in a jacket and ascot and stuck a pipe in his mouth.

Like the brother they never had.

Jackson sired one litter of pups in his lifetime. Here is one of his offspring. Handsome like his Daddy !

I use to dream about Jackson all the time, but not so much anymore.

There will never be another one like you Jackson !

Thanks for reading Prairie !

Rupa & The April Fishes

2009-09-07T11:21:30+01:00

Rupa: "practicing doctor by day and a professional musician by night, she's regularly exposed to life's fragility, resilience and randomness"

I'm crazy about this band - have a listen and check out their video !

http://www.cumbancha.com/albums/extraordinaryrendition/

Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !

Fun With Photography

2009-09-14T00:10:16+01:00

I discovered some vintage photos on the web today and just had to post and share with you. Hope you find them as interesting as I do. I get lost in looking at images from the past - the clothing and automobiles especially. These were all taken around 1900 to 1960. These women are very posh - love the leopard print coat. Although times were dire during the Second World War, men and women had a sense of fashion. Women sewed new out of old, embellished, invented and created and nothing was wasted. Remember how the movies of that era had such glam. So next time you see me on the streets of St. Ives in my old jeans that are missing buttons and that crappy old tee shirt, no make-up and one of my dorky hats - do the shame thing with your fingers and say in a really serious voice just like what my Mum always said to me to make me feel guilty: "Ah-ver" Some Russian, Mother guilt thing. It always works on me. Sad.

I have to make up stories when I look at a photo. You can let your imagination go wild. For instance, I can tell that these people love chickens. People from this era typically had more children than chickens, but not these people. More chickens than children. Smart people - children cannot lay eggs !

Do you see the little boy on the bottom, right ? I feel so sorry for him. Imagine spending the day with this lot. Love the hats - which reminds me, I have a red cloche that I am so excited to wear this winter. This photo really cracked me up. The women look like caricatures. The man at the far left, looks as if he does not even belong in the photo. He should be cropped out I think.

This photo is French. What a darling little boy - I just want to smooch his fat cheeks !

If this little girl were to run away - I'll bet the woman could never catch her.

The man resembles Hitler a little - yes ? That was creepy.

I love this Victorian house and the people on the porch, from "Deliverance" - are a nice touch.

Let me make up a story for this one. Their car just broke down in the middle of no where, somewhere in North Dakota. They have no food, water or beer even. He is trying to persuade her to push the car but she has to pee and is being difficult. Anyone else want to try to make up a story - please do so.

Poor girl - only one leg.

Either it's a parade or someone lost their chow mien all over this car.

Does anyone else think what I'm thinking - that this is a man in drag ?

This is exactly like me and my girlfriends, when we go out to the Ollie for pub quiz night together.

Very good image of vintage San Francisco.

The one on the left looks like "Grannie" from the Beverly Hillbillies and if you were to slap a mustache on the woman on the right, she would look exactly like Teddy Roosevelt. I simply call it as I see it.

Okay - someone just told these two ladies a joke and they are beside themselves with laughter. I'm a bit embarrassed by their lack of decorum. I don't know about you, but I would love to party with these two. They need a Saturday night out, because being a matron at the asylum is a very stressful job.

I sincerely love this image. Oh how I miss the Sixties ! Look at her beautiful smile. She's young, full of hope and no doubt, going to marry the High School football champion. Her husband will work for his Father in the family run appliance business and during her lifetime, she will have a dozen ankle biters, wear gingham and rick rack aprons , make tons of jello in those aluminum molds, bake sugar cookies, fish sticks, smore's and ply the kids with red kool-aid. And all through this - her hair and make-up will always look perfect and she'll do the house work in heels and red lipstick. She won't know any better because Oprah was not yet invented in the Sixties.

Thanks for reading "Prairie"

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Make The Girl Dance

2009-09-15T15:20:24+01:00

In June of this year, the electro-techno rock duo consisting of Greg Kozo & Pierre Mathieu launched this catchy little song called "Baby, Baby, Baby." Yes, yes, I know - the lyrics are rubbish and mildly offensive but I found the beat wonderful and video is really fun and cheeky ! I loved it !! It was filmed in the trendy Châtelet-Les-Halles District - 2nd Arrondisement of Paris, an area I've explored several times while visiting the city. The song features the French singing artist "Musubi." I noticed two things on this video, firstly - all of the store and shop signs are flipped, as if you're seeing them in a mirror. Secondly, I noticed the girls in this video always reach to the back and front - down below - like they are adjusting something. I wondered if the video was shot illegally or perhaps, the women had to wear something on the naughty parts in order to legally strut through the streets naked. Oh who cares - it is what it is - an electro rock video meant to shock and amuse. Just so you know, the naked bits are covered by black censor boxes.

Thanks again for reading "Prairie"

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Two Days in Paris

2009-10-03T01:33:11+01:00

I was in Paris last week. The weather was hot, full sun and the streets crowded with tourists - lots of loud Americans especially. The first thing I saw as I exited the tube station near Notre Dame, was this renovation screen. I thought it was a clever, swaddling guise whilst the building was being reborn. Much nicer than the usual steel skeleton of construction racks and planks.

I love this simple, functional bridge. One thing I've noticed about my photo eye is: I love repetitive lines. Rows of windows, rebar, chairs, cows - if it goes on and on, I just have to shoot it, sometimes 50 times over. Am I a bit OCD ? Yes, I think I am. Excuse me - I need to go wash my hands now.

Here's more examples of my addiction of taking images that run in succession - I can't stop ! Look at the beautiful architecture of the Louvre - windows,windows and more windows windows,windows,windows.

Two rows of lovely trees, sporting their fall colours.

Okay, enough of that ! I like him very much - did they really have men that looked like this back in the day I wonder ? Without fail, the models always had these nice abdominal bellies and muscular arms.

Let's move on now to Les Jardin des Tuileries. This lovely garden runs along the Seine from the Louvre all the way to the Place de la Concorde. These ornamental grounds were originally designed in 1664 by Le Notre, the famous French park designer. I've read recently, that a complete renovation is being planned for this popular site.

This is a lovely place to just sit and people watch, drink in the sunshine and take a nap even. I brought my lunch with me - cheese, bread and an orange. I sat in one of these green chairs, put my feet up and read my book for over an hour. And then - I sat some more and simply watched the world go by.

There were a steady stream of athletic runners up and down this tree lined lane. This is the first time in Paris that I've stayed away from the museums - no agenda, no planned itinerary. I just wanted to be.

On my second day in Paris, I visited the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) in the Montmartre district. The Basilica is built on one of the highest points of the city. For centuries, this sacred place of worship has drawn the Druids, the Gauls and various Saints, all making the pilgrimage to cleanse their souls. The list of Saints reads like who's who: Saint Germain, Saint Clotilde, Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Bernard and Joan of Arc even.

A ghostly mime on the Cathedral steps, taking a well-earned break.

I found the Basilica to be an impressive building. The stones of this monument stay white because of the calcite content. When it rains, the calcite (re)acts as a natural cleaner. The steps were heaving with tourists, peddlers selling cheap collectables and mimes earning a day's wage. To be honest, the steps leading up to the mount smelled - well - like urine and there was rubbish everywhere. At least I had the view over Paris, and what a view it was !

I wandered a bit farther up the hill to the Artist's Market and watched the talent at work.

I love this charming restaurant. I'm certain that all of the wood facade, is original to the building.

I love Paris - especially in sepia !

"If you are lucky to have lived in Paris as a young man, then where ever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you. For Paris is a movable feast."

- Ernest Hemingway -

Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !

Bright Star

2009-10-04T21:42:42+01:00

"Bright Star" is the story of 19th century poet John Keats, and his passionate love for Fanny Brawne. Although poverty kept Keats from marrying Fanny, their love endured for three years despite many tribulations. Sadly, John's literary fame came too late and he never did marry Fanny. For like his Mother and Brother before him, he succumbed to tuberculosis at the early age of 25. At the bottom of this post, I've included a beautiful love letter that John penned to Fanny. Jane Campion (The Piano) was responsible for direction and screen play and although it didn't win, "Bright Star" was nominated for a "Golden Palm Award" at Cannes. It looks divine.

My dearest Girl,

This moment I have set myself to copy some verses out fair. I cannot proceed with any degree of content. I must write you a line or two and see if that will assist in dismissing you from my Mind for ever so short a time. Upon my Soul I can think of nothing else - The time is passed when I had power to advise and warn you again[s]t the unpromising morning of my Life - My love has made me selfish. I cannot exist without you - I am forgetful of every thing but seeing you again - my Life seems to stop there - I see no further. You have absorb'd me. I have a sensation at the present moment as though I was dissolving - I should be exquisitely miserable without the hope of soon seeing you. I should be afraid to separate myself far from you. My sweet Fanny, will your heart never change? My love, will it? I have no limit now to my love - You note came in just here - I cannot be happier away from you - 'T is richer than an Argosy of Pearles. Do not threat me even in jest. I have been astonished that Men could die Martyrs for religion - I have shudder'd at it - I shudder no more - I could be martyr'd for my Religion - Love is my religion - I could die for that - I could die for you. My Creed is Love and you are its only tenet - You have ravish'd me away by a Power I cannot resist: and yet I could resist till I saw you; and even since I have seen you I have endeavoured often "to reason against the reasons of my Love." I can do that no more - the pain would be too great - My Love is selfish - I cannot breathe without you.

Yours for ever

John Keats

Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !

Glory Days

2009-10-23T16:31:29+01:00

From 1993 to 2003, I was a competitive, natural body builder. I ate, slept and breathed the lifestyle. I know many of you will be saying "Egad, body building?!" Well - maybe you wouldn't say egad, but you might be quite put off by the idea - BB doesn't appeal to the majority of people. "Ewww, all those muscles!" That's another comment I hear even today, when I mention my past life of sweating and grunting in the gym. People tell me, that they like the way I look now. Squashy around the edges ?

The small populace of people that admire and follow the circuit of competition BB are extremely faithful to the sport. Many have never competed themselves, rather they had a spouse, partner or a friend who appeared on stage for competition and they attended the event to be supportive. Many get hooked this way and some, even take up the physical challenge themselves, in hopes of reaching their goal of performing on stage. How did I get drawn into a strange hobby you might ask - read on:

Twenty three years ago, immediately after having my second baby, I began to get painful, chronic migraines. I can't remember ever having a headache before this. The pain was so severe, it kept me in bed for a good four days out of every week. Cold sweats, chills, shaking limbs and nausea signaled the end of every spell - this was the routine. And because I was nursing my daughter, the doctor refused me any type of medication for pain. Not only did I have a newborn, I had a three year old as well. After about eight months, the headaches eased to sporadic episodes, but when I did get one, it was the same experience - I'd be sidelined by debilitating pain. Two years on, I remember lying on the living room, suffering intense pain and wondering if I was to spend the rest of my life in neuralgia hell. I had tried all variety of headache meds - they did little good. Okay - enough of the dramatics, you get the picture - it was bad. I decided that very moment, while lying on my carpet, that I would start walking for one hour everyday. Maybe, the fresh air would clear the pain. After three weeks of long walks, not one headache. I had my life back ! I was determined now, to join a gym and get really healthy. It was in the gym that I met my mentor, Greg Monical. Greg was a seasoned trainer with all sorts of degrees in exercise physiology pinned on his wall. He was constantly sought out by professional basketball athletes from the local university - they looked to Greg for advanced training. He'd been observing me for many weeks and always said hello in passing. One day, he said to me "your arms are looking good, have you ever thought about bodybuilding?" That was the day that changed my life.

I was a single Mum by this time, living on a budget, and could barely afford the gym membership much less pay for a personal trainer. Although I didn't hire him, Greg designed a work out for me, told me to follow it for six weeks, then come back to him for an evaluation and he'd change the work out accordingly. He gave me a short demonstration of every exercise and sent me downstairs to the weight room, telling me to get started. It was an intimidating experience, to walk into a room filled with grunting, sweaty, muscular guys. I soon found out, that under those big stony, lumps of muscle were a great group of guys with huge, soft hearts. They took me under their wing, giving me an abundance of help and advice on proper form. They even did sets with me ! These scary looking guys turned out to be my greatest supporters, encouraging me at every stage of my training. After only three months of training, I did my first competition. Little ol' shy and modest me, now up on a stage in front of hundreds of people with just two little pieces of fabric covering my body. How my legs were shaking ! I had trained hard and lost a lot of weight - not perfect in the derriere region - but what a change on my back and arms. I never did, in all the years of training, take any drugs or steroids to enhance my growth - it was all done with hard work and diet.

Anyone reading this blog, that has any knowledge about BB competition, will spot right away that I was crap at posing. I watched videos and practiced for hours, grimacing and posing in front of the mirror, not really sure what I was doing. I did get help for a short time from an older woman, who used to do competition but she was worse at posing than I was and so, I was on my own here - too shy to ask my gym posse for advice. BB posing has a profound effect on the success of whether you place first, third or even go home with home a title at all. You might have the best overall physique on stage, but if you don't pose correctly, accentuating your best attributes, you will lose points to the person next to you who knows how to showcase his or her muscularity. You have one shot to get it right - your performance on stage is only a few precious minutes and you must make every second count ! It's all about attitude and confidence.

My back was my best feature, but I never showed it well. Have you ever watched a nature show where the male bird species, when attempting to impress the female during courtship, will puff himself up and exaggerate his chest or feathers ? Whenever I watch a nature programme and see critter strutting their attitude, it always reminds me of posing. This, is what a body builder should do, puff him/herself up giving the illusion through posing, that he or she, appears bigger than they really are. Not just bigger, but defined and hard. It's hard work, this posing - it can leave one feeling knackered out . Try it sometime. Hold a pose as hard as you possibly can, for ten seconds and then go on to several more poses in succession for two or three minutes. You WILL need a beer after doing this !

Competing drained me of my physical and mental resources. Here I am looking like I haven't slept for a month. No make-up, big dark circles and a lovely cold sore on my lip from actual lack of sleep. It was a learning curve for me - I over trained and now I was feeling the effects. A BB's diet in my opinion, is not a healthy one. Any where from six to eight weeks out, depending on body fat percentage, the competitor starts eliminating many things from his/her diet. The higher the body fat, the stricter and more extreme the dieting. In the off season, many BBs' try to maintain a low body fat percentage. This way, they can easily snap back into competition form in the shortest time possible. This method is kinder on the body. Lack of discipline leads to eating like a glutton in the off season and then have to pound yourself into shape through overtraining and harsh diet methods. This yo-yo effect is really dangerous on the body's organs. A healthy, balanced approach is the best. When I ran into diet problems, I would do food combining and the weight dropped off easier. I felt better also.

The science of bodybuilding is total body manipulation. It's deceiving the body into giving up it's layer of body fat and at the same time convincing it to hold on to and build muscle. This is not natural to the body. When starved for fat, the body naturally wants to burn muscle for fuel. Supplying the body with small meals of protein throughout the day, constantly fuels and protects the body's stores of lean muscle mass.

As I continued with my training, I was getting denser and more defined. I look so much improved from my first competition. I placed 1st here in the Middle Weight Class, but lost the Overall Title to some out-of-towner who wanted one more win, to qualify for the Pro Circuit. Smart girl - she chose an insignificant contest in the middle of Montana, where she would not get any big girls to go up against. She was a huge black girl, who entered above me in the heavy weight slot, pumped up on steroids, big blocky jaw and looked like a bloke. I swear she had a package - if you get my drift. I'm second from the left, in the magenta suit. The stunning girl with the dark hair, to my right - this was Connie. She was an aerobic teacher and had great stage presence. The girl in the middle, in the black suit, looked as if she never lifted a weight in her life. I think she decided to just walk in off the street and compete. She had a cutesy cowgirl routine (gag me out) but absolutely no muscle tone. The two girls on the end - great potential ! The one in the blue suit had the best legs, awesome hamstrings - I coveted those hamstrings. Both girls were very barrel-chested though and really full of themselves. There's a difference on stage, between confidence and conceit. The audience is intelligent and will pick up on this.

I admired Connie for her grace on stage - she had a great smile that girl, and a pleasant personality. I think Connie and I presented better here than anyone else on stage. All the rest was sloppy posing. I was really trying hard with the posing this time as I was in my hometown and would be in front of all my friends. I was pleased with my stage routine as well. Still, those problem legs of mine needed more work. I used to ride my stationary bike twice a day to shape and define them.

During a contest in California, I was approached by Paula Crane, photographer for Muscle Mag. Paula invited me to Gold's Gym for a magazine photo shoot session. I was just a little excited. When I rang to tell my friends, my voice was squeaky - like I was trying to hold back a scream the entire time I was talking. I sounded really strange I think. So here I was at last, Gold's Gym in Venice Beach - home to the Royalty of body building. In this photo, I am trying to look my most glamorous, with sunglasses, tight jeans and arching the chest out. I was hoping to find a hot sports car to pose against but all I could find was this Nissan. What can I say - it kept me humble.

Here I am with Paula Crane. WOW - were those really my arms ??!

In the photo below, you can see how much my legs improved - the quads had more shape were more defined. I had a great time at Gold's - but never really relaxed during the shoot. Paula wanted me to wear a thong and while we were shooting, there were several people standing behind me, ogling my bum. A friend gave me a ride to the shoot and took a few pictures and sent these to me. Yes - he also took one from behind but I'm not posting it on the blog.

As I was leaving Gold's - I walked smack into veteran body builder, Robbie Robinson. When I say walked into, I mean that in the most literal sense. I was not looking where I was going, gawking at the photos of legends, lining the walls of Gold's Gym, when BAM ! It was like walking into a brick wall. Robbie had just won the Master's Title - dressed in black leather jacket, black work out trousers, black shoes, black gym bag and a black beret perched on his head - he made a formidable personality. I looked up and saw this huge black guy staring down at me - I was gobsmacked ! I believe I apologized three times over. He smiled wide and said "that's okay" I think my jaw was on the floor.

During my BB days, I met quite a few notable personalities. Lou Ferrigno for one and also Laura Creavelle. I trained at the same gym where JJ Marsh trained and was even a guest at his house for a few social occasions. Although I had a few trophies presented to me by famous personalities - I'm afraid I don't remember their names. How daft is that ?! I trained and prepared for seven contests but because of my finances, only competed in three. Never the less, I dedicated myself for over twelve years to the strictest of training rituals with heart and soul. After my contest in California, I had interest from a West Coast agent, he wanted to promote me for magazine ad and other promotional work. I decided that it was not what I wanted to do in life. I liked keeping fit but found the bodybuilding lifestyle, especially the higher level of it, a bit pompous and artificial. I recall the California contest, I was handed my trophy by a very famous blond, body builder - a real pretty boy. I later looked at his photos in several different BB magazines and it impressed me that in every picture, he had the same plastic smile and an expression that reminded me of a deer when it's caught in the headlights of a car. Soon after the California contest, I backed off of the serious training.

I think I looked my best in the photo below but what is up with the hands ? Bad posing habits die hard. I'm in my fifties now - trying to get comfortable with this evil aging process and the fact that gravity is now my worst enemy. I'll admit I've become very lazy and have sloughed off from exercise since moving to England. But one look at my bum in the mirror and the fact it resembles the backside of a sumo wrestler, is enough to scare me back to the workouts. Long gone are the days where my body fat registered 6%.

I had to post a photo of my all time favourite BBs - Bill Pearl. He first started competing in the 1950's. Not only is he an intelligent, articulate man - he's a true gentleman. He must be in his 70's now and still as dedicated as he ever was. I really respect and admire his philosophy on body building and am doubly impressed that he's eliminated virtually all meat from his diet. Even on a veggie diet, he has been able to maintain a solid amount of muscle mass to his frame. I'm also eating a more vegetarian diet these last three years - I was a vegetarian for many years before my body building adventures. I was told back in my competition days, that I needed to eat meat to build muscle. Not true ! No more battery raised chickens with hormone fillers for me. I'm including a link to a wonderful interview with Bill Pearl - I hope you are as inspired by him as I am. Bill Pearl is one body building legend I always hoped to meet but never did.

http://www.criticalbench.com/Bill-Pearl-Seminar.htm

Thank you for reading Prairie - Share the love !

Everlasting Moments

2009-10-29T10:44:51+00:00

Swedish director Jan Troell, directs this true-life-inspired account of Maria Larsson, and how her life is transformed by a Contessa camera. The film, narrated by Maria's daughter Maja, unfolds beautifully in grainy, sepia tones, depicting the joys and tragedies of Swedish life in pre-war, 1900's. In spite of the fact her husband is an abusive, alcoholic laborer, womanizer - Maria stays in the relationship and has seven children with him.

She forms a warm friendship with photographer and shop owner Mr. Pederson, when she visits his shop and attempts to sell a lottery-won camera for money. Instead of purchasing the Contessa, Pederson encourages her to try taking images. "Not everyone is endowed with the gift of seeing" he tells her.

I was very much affected emotionally by this movie and can relate to Maria's evolving passion for photography. In researching this movie, I found a You Tube video about the actual Larsson Family. Despite the fact it's in Swedish, sans subtitles, the gist of this mini-documentary is easy to follow. Here, you can see photos of Maria, her family and many of the images she captured during her lifetime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFS1s26212U

"Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !"

Four Days in Nice

2009-11-14T13:44:30+00:00

I haven't posted lately because I've been away to France for four days and as soon as I returned, I had to cram for the UK Theory Test. I'm happy to write that I've passed this first part of the test ! Next comes the Practical part, which is the driving test with the UK drive instructor sitting next to me in the car, barking out instructions like: "STAY ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD YOU DAFT AMERICAN !" I'd better get practicing.

I visited Nice with my mate Corinne, who had never been there before. I had great fun taking her to see all of the local sites, like the Old Town, the two old Cemeteries, the port and a few other towns in the area. I wanted to especially be in Nice for the Monday Antiques Market - which I absolutely love ! So the photos I'm posting today, are mostly of the same places I've posted all the other times I've been to Nice. I will, at the bottom of this post, include links to my previous visits to Nice - just in case you haven't seen them.

We stayed in a very charming, Nicoise style apartment. The owners had this nature theme going on, discreet touches of little statutes of: Chickens, ducks, fish, etc. The sitting room curtains, on closer inspection, I noticed had tiny, black, embroidered bumble bees and in the bedroom where I slept, the curtains had COWS of every colour ! I never knew this until I got ready for bed that evening. All I knew is that I when we chose which bedrooms we wanted, I had a really good feeling when I walked in that room. Now I know why. I love my cows. The kitchen was attractive and well kitted out with every possible appliance. It also had a little balcony with table and chairs, which looked out onto the old, crumbling buildings of the alley.

The apartment was huge, 1500 square feet. My mate Mia, was to come on this holiday also - but she came down with a terrible cold in her head and chest and had to back out. I really missed having her along.

The weather stayed near a beautiful 20 c. (68 f.) the entire time we were there. For me, the Antiques Market was the highlight of the trip. Corinne discovered and fell in love with an old, weathered, leather chair with chunky rolled arms - she regretfully had to leave it behind. As for me, I was all over the jewelry stands and loving the vintage pieces of linen fabric. Next time, I plan to drive to Nice with a large lorrie so I can fill it up !

In the afternoon, Corinne and I walked up the hill to visit the old castle ruins, the waterfall, cemeteries and to take in the spectacular views over the city of Nice. I know I've taken this photo many times, but I never can resist a shot of the earthy coloured, tiled roofs of the city.

I have this weird fascination with cemetery art and Nice, by far, has one of the most interesting assortment of tombs, statutes and headstones I've ever seen in my life. If anyone reading this post knows of any other intriguing cemeteries - please send me an email. Maybe I should start doing a cemetery blog which features nothing but memorial garden art. I have come across a few already. So if photos of graveyards makes you uncomfortable, you might want to skip these next photos. I took this photo because I liked the hues and tones of stone - pinks and grays - and the simplistic form.

Do you see the two women in the photo below? With a bucket of water and a sponge, they were lovingly washing the dirt from several family tombstones. It reminded me of the movie Volver, where in the opening scene, the cemetery is heaving full of women, cleaning the family memorial monuments. This is the Jewish cemetery. Corinne and I noticed on many of the grave monuments, there were small piles of rocks. Is this done by family members I wonder ? Perhaps every time they visit, they add a little stone to the pebble tower in remembrance of their loved ones. I must look into the significance of this. I've seen this one other time, when I was in Nepal - in the quiet valley of the memorial cemetery. Atop the graves of those brave adventurers who had succumbed to the mighty Sagamartha mountain range, were little pebble towers, each rock placed there with respect, by visitors passing by this spiritual spot.

Many of the grave sites are lovingly adorned with flowers - it's very touching.

When Corinne and I came across these two in the photo below - we stopped in our tracks. I must admit they gave me a creepy feeling. The young girl's eyes followed me everywhere, like a haunted oil painting.

Okay - on to one of my favourite villages - the ancient St. Paul de Vence. Last time I visited, was in January and many of the art and jewelry shops were closed for the season. This time - about 80% were still trading and what a day - just snooping around, looking at works by talented artisans. Whilst walking towards the entrance of the village, I saw this quaint cafe. The architecture reminds me of the little chapels one might find in Mexico. So rustic and pretty !

This art statement, a dress of paper and twigs - was hanging on the stone wall as we walked under an arch entrance to the shops of the village. The paper bits were more like celluloid film material.

A trip to France just wouldn't be complete without a photo of a Cat !

I love this sculpture !!

I wanted to show you the beauty of the village, including what I walked on. Take a look at the incredible work put into the paths that meander through this historic place. Millions of polished pebbles anchored in mortar. They were slippery little suckers - I kept sliding around because the soles of my shoes were smooth.

I discovered new pieces of art as we wandered about the village.

I've captured this little hidden-away square before - but this time I happened to catch this little buster playing in the water basin. She gives the image some life - innocent wonderment.

As we walked down the hillside and exited the village of St. Paul de Vence, we came to the spot where the locals play their afternoon game of boules. Boules is a bit like bowling, sans the pins and with more flair and passion. I've taken some striking images of the people on this graveled grounds. They take the game seriously and it's a wonderful tradition that strongly bonds the people together. I saw something I don't remember seeing the last time I visited. This welded piece of artwork - retired boules. I love it !

As we walked to the corner to catch the bus back to Nice, I came across a fruit and veg stand and happened to see this small bundle of radishes resting on a very old, water basin. It looked like a painting: shadowy in the background with light falling on the pungent root.

Day three - we took the 15 minute train ride to Antibe. So much better than the 60 minutes by bus.

Antibe harbor and in the background - a fortress.

We visited the Pablo Picasso Museum, a massive brick building, which housed not only Picasso's works but that of many other artists. I was impressed with the inside of the museum perhaps more than the artwork. The architecture, the floors, archways and stone walls were extraordinary. Corinne fell in love with the twisted, androgynous, bronze sculptures on the back-of- yard terrace of the museum. They stood stoically on the brick wall, their backs to the sea.

Our last morning in Nice, we caught the bus to the sleepy village of Ville Franche Ser Mer. This is village of fishermen. Looking out over the harbor, we discovered a family run soap factory, which makes bespoke, organic soaps, lotions, perfumes and bath goodies: natural sponges, bath foam and skin brushes. I love this market store front, displaying colourful fruit and vegetables. Shops like this one are common to the South of France.

Okay - so the photo below is not very interesting, nor pretty - but I liked it - so I snapped it.

Inbetween our travels - we drank too much beer and ate too much cheese. It was wonderful. Now I'm back to England, where today, the wind is blowing a gale at 70 mph and it's pissing down with rain. Gotta love it ! Here are some links to my past visits to the South of France.

http://prairie.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/08/cimiteres-de-nice.html

http://prairie.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/dogs-of-the-mediterranean.html

http://prairie.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/boules.html

http://prairie.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/images-of-nice-france.html

http://prairie.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/en-france.html

Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !!

Séraphine

2009-11-18T20:07:28+00:00

I've discovered another jewel of a movie and it's French of course ! "Seraphine" debuted several months ago so it may be old news to some of you reading this. The movie is based on the true story of Seraphine Louis aka Seraphine de Senlis, a brilliant and somewhat autistic, eccentric painter.

Born into poverty and orphaned by the time she was seven years old, Seraphine works first as shepherdess and then later in life as housekeeper, in the small town of Senlis - which is near Paris. The story begins when she is middle-aged and employed at a house where German art critic and collector Wilhelm Uhde, happens to be lodging. Uhde discovers one of her colourful paintings and soon becomes Seraphine's greatest patrons.

The devout artist seldom sleeps and paints by candlelight in the seclusion of her room. Guided by her guardian angel and inspired by nature, she uses materials such as plants and animal blood as medium with which to create her compositions. Sadly, after enjoying a short bit of fame and small fortune, Seraphine's mental state declines into the realm of schizophrenia and she lives out the rest of her life in a convent. The story is not unlike the tragic lives of master painter Van Gogh and Dora Carrington of the Bloomsbury clan. Sad, but beautifully done.

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Emilie Simon

2009-12-01T16:52:46+00:00

I love this video and just had to post it. Emilie Simon is exquisite in every way.

Today was the coldest day on record in Cambridgeshire, so far this season. Not officially winter yet - but it feels like it, after all, it is December 1st today. I stopped by the Nut Shop to say hello to the ladies that work there. I wasn't wearing a hat which is unusual for me. They chastised me for coming out in the cold without one. Those women are so sweet to say that. If I don't go into the shop, they always wave and smile at me through the window as I walk by. I hope where ever you live - you are keeping toasty warm.

Twelve more days to go until my Type Pad subscription is due. I'm thinking about whether I will continue with my quirky little blog or send it off into the ether of blogger history. Hang it up or go on ?

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Sunday in St. Ives

2009-12-03T12:21:44+00:00

It's the changing of seasons here in St. Ives. The horrific winds from last week have stripped the trees bare of their leafy colours and the conkers have also fell victim - scattered about on the paths and walkways. Winter is a strange and mysterious time. Mother earth sleeps, producing no colours nor signs of life and routines are ruled by ebb and flow of light. Darkness settles in on St. Ives by four p.m. these days. I wandered familiar paths last Sunday - stopping by the quay to watch the bird life.

It's never quiet when the seagulls hang about. Greedy busters ! There have been reports of people being attacked by gulls. One elderly lady was so startled as it swooped down, she fell and broke her wrist. They can be a bit cheeky. Wish I could post an audio of them screeching "me, me me" and a video of how they fight and bicker over the snippets of bread - not unlike women at a 50% off sale event. Have you ever noticed how gulls always perch the same direction on a roof - like little soldiers ?

The Bridge Chapel had open doors this Sunday - they do this only a few times a year, December especially, being a month they like to ask for donations for this lovely old building. I discovered a fantastic website authored by Francis Firth - I will post a link at the end of this post - the site has oodles of black and white, vintage photos of St. Ives. This is what the Chapel looked like many, many years ago. Notice the difference in the bridge arches, some being round and some being pointed - evidence of the structure being re-built.

There's a placard on the quay that gives a concise history of the chapel.

This, is what the chapel looks like today - it's missing the layer-cake, top story. I captured some great photos of those crazy birds from this balcony. The seagulls swooped so close to me, I could feel the whoosh of air on my face as they flew by.

I love this little room. I wish though, that the Society would put more effort into decorating the inside. It has those lovely arched, lead glass windows that would be so pretty, embellished with holly and berries. Not all that inspiring. I'll probably get some raging emails for my comments.

See the dirt and cobwebs on the window ? It's leftover since Oliver Cromwell was alive ! Yep, that dirt and those cobwebs are 359 years old. The British take pride in protecting anything historical.

I've never been in the what I call the "basement" of the chapel. It was an absorbing moment, to stand in that room and feel the energy - the ghosts of the past. If only stone and wood could speak. The women that were volunteering that day were so friendly and didn't mind me asking, if I could move some personal things out of the way for to take photos - like their lunch boxes, thermoses and shopping bags. No heat in the chapel either and they were bundled up - including mittens. Bless em.

After visiting the chapel, I meandered down to the churchyard. I love this churchyard. Oliver Cromwell attend church services here - when he found spare time from executing people.

I saw this strange looking duck with a tuft of feathers on it's head. It reminded me of the character in the little book I wrote a few years ago. I wrote this children's book called "Stuck As A Duck" which I sent out to 30 some publishers - it got favourable comments, but they said it was too long for the age group. I must fix it some day. I need an illustrator, know of anyone ? Anyway - the story is about the adventures of a little boy who turns into a duck and on top of his head is a tuft of hair, that never turned into feathers. Am I boring you - waffling on ? What sort of duck is this anyway ? He was an evil little thing, kept nipping at all the other birds. Very bossy.

Every once in a while, a hot air balloon magically appears over the skies of

St. Ives.

I could watch the birds all day - makes me wish I could fly.

I think it fitting to close with words penned by the great Bard himself. My hero.

"That time of year thou mayest in me behold

when yellow leaves, or none, or few, may hang

Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,

Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang"

- William Shakespeare -

Sonnet LXIII

Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !!

http://www.francisfrith.com/st-ives,cambridgeshire/photos/

http://www.worldconkerchampionships.com/html/about_conkers.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/cromwell_oliver.shtml

Emily Loizeau

2009-12-08T19:29:06+00:00

The first time I watched this video, I mistook Emily Loizeau for American actress, Parker Posey. The resemblance is amazing. "Je Suis Jalouse" is a lovely, bouncy tune and I found myself humming it all day long. This can be really torturous though, if the song happens to be annoying ! I've experienced this with songs by Neil Diamond, Michael McDonald and James Blunt. Has this ever happened to you ? You try to go to sleep and there it is, still rolling around in your head. Well, you may as well get up and drink a few beers. I've found, that a few bottles of Adnams Broadside, helps me to forget most anything.

I've learned this week, that Heroes really do exist. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your support and encouragement! The cows also would like to thank you. So Prairie lives on into 2010. You're stuck with me for another year of strange, stupefying, spectacular, extraordinary, stunning, astounding Prairie blogs. Just so you know, I borrowed those adjectives from my Thesaurus.

I'm including a link to Emily's website. It's one of those sites,so cleverly designed, you go "wow!" http://www.emilyloizeau.fr/

Emily is very, very, very jalouse (jealous) in this video. JEALOUS !!

Thanks for reading Prairie - share the love !!