music

and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains

This song holds a very special significance for us. It never fails to make me feel sad. But glad, too. For so many reasons. I’ve mentioned it before, here and here. So, I was particularly happy when Cast decided to cover it recently. It’s so refreshing to hear it sung in an accent much closer to home (geographically and emotionally). It’s shot straight into my top five covers. And that’s saying something. Enjoy!

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life

some people got lost in the flood, some people got away alright

We got back from Berlin last night. It took us a couple of days to get our heads round the place, but once we did there was obviously no going back. It’s hard to think of all that life still going on over there, in all our favourite places, while we’re back here. I can’t wait to go back. Obviously there’ll be a more comprehensive post soon and an onslaught of photos, but for now work is calling. No rest for the wicked.

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music

i already know the roads that you will take me down tomorrow

We’re going to Berlin in the morning, but I shan’t baffle on about that until I came back. You’ll be bombarded with photos upon our return. But more important than our jollies is the gig we’ll be going to next weekend. Olde Time Religion, hosted by The Springtime Anchorage, who I’ve mentioned before here, are hosting it on 10th March at the Zanzibar, Liverpool. I don’t need to tell you how boss a night it’ll be, but I will: IT’LL BE BOSS. So if any of you are north-west heads, I suggest you get down there, not least to see our new friends, The Wellgreen (who can also be found here and here, JUST SAYIN’). Get onto me with all those links. See you then, but in the meantime, tschüs!

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life

the house is always empty ’cause they’re all doin’ time

Much needed day off today. Went out for breakfast and then had a nosy round the shops. Obviously, it had to be the first day of half-term, or so I quickly realised. I therefore didn’t have the shops to myself like I’m used to which is clearly not on. I was, however, amused by the poor girl who was clearly making her first ever trip to the vintage shops, with bemused parents in tow (they were very vocal, she was very mortified). Anyway, I’m home and dry. I’ve descaled the coffee machine and done three lots of washing. Clean bed linen and jarmies for me tonight. Oh, and it was still daylight at five! Spring is mere moments away. Hoo-bloody-rah.

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literature

but our trip was different

…It was a classic affirmation of everything right and true and decent in the national character. It was a gross, physical salute to the fantastic possibilities of life in this country – but only for those with true grit. And we were chock full of that.

…I couldn’t remember. Lacerda? The name rang a bell, but I couldn’t concentrate. Terrible things were happening all around us. Right next to me a huge reptile was gnawing at a woman’s neck, the carpet was a blood-soaked sponge – impossible to walk on it, no footing at all. “Order some golf shoes,” I whispered. “Otherwise, we’ll never get out of here alive.”

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fashion

locked away all on your own, chance and your head all blown

Yesterday I came home to my first ever Vogue in the post. Santa got me a subscription, you see. It was all very exciting and I dived straight into the Spring-soaked pages. I’ve gone for a suitably Spring like feel in the photo effect too (see below – my first look at Vogue: March 2012). Nevermind the fact that the weather has taken a turn for the cold. Oh and by the way, our holiday’s not long away now and I’m busy, busy, busy with work things that I’m yet to divulge on here. More later, perhaps. It’s all happening. That’s not to say that I’m not still stressed, of course. For example, my laptop is dying before my very eyes, just when I actually need it. Bring on Berlin, where laptops don’t matter, but cocktails do.

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literature

oh if you find the time please come and stay awhile in my beautiful neighbourhood

Thought I’d better squeeze in a post before it’s bloody February. Anyone else completely failed on the resolution front? I’ve been anything but an active blogger (and anything but a detoxer/money-saver). Fresh start in February, yeah? I’ve probably been too busy self-indulgently eating nachos reading books; Hunter S Thompson’s The Rum Diary (amazing – I could’ve quoted something from every page) and Philip Roth’s Nemesis (so sad, lots of commas). We also watched the film adaptation of The Rum Diary – not even close to the brilliance of the book, but Johnny Depp so it’ll do. Must go and attend to those resolutions. See you in Feb, kids!

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