As you will by now have realised this is going to be one of
those posts covering even more subjects than normal … but if I note things here
– they remain forever blogged about for me and by me.
 |
| Spring Border |
I’m going to add in in S for Stroke, C for Cuisine, B for
Birds … ah ha – what a mix even worse than Four and Twenty Blackbirds Baked in
a Pie …
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| Tilly's (aged 9) winning design for Waitrose's supermarket - the cake they will be selling - raising funds for charity |
Where shall we start – you can’t have not realised Her Majesty
turned 90 on 21st April … an incredible record ... and seeing her on
Friday (22nd) organising the
Obamas into the car and then walking resoundingly around the back of the Range
Rover and getting in beside Michelle – you’d think she was Sixty … not Ninety …
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| Part of the stamp section for the Queen's birthday - here she is with her great grandson Prince George |
… as you might guess – I will at some stage do one of my usual ABCs of celebration of her birthdays – yes … she has two – one private and one official … that comes the weekend the Duke of Edinburgh turns 95 (as sprightly as ever too) … 10th – 12th June.
S for Strokes next … when my mother had her strokes back in February 2007 … I had no idea about them, or how people could heal and continue living: I absorbed knowledge as time went on …
I read two books which came to prominence – Jill Bolte Taylor,
the brain specialist, “My Stroke ofInsight” on her own stroke … then Robert McCrum “Discovering Life after a Stroke” and his wife’s play about thesubject … they were recently married – his wife is American, while he was a
senior editor with Faber and Faber. Both
very well worth reading, as too listening to the play.
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| The Shakespeare Festival at Southmoreland Park in Kansas City, Missouri |
My mention of McCrum brings me to Shakespeare … as he recently
travelled America looking at Shakespeare and the American Dream …
... and how
Shakespeare has always been in the American psyche – since the Colonists came
to settle in the 1600s.
The talk is on BBC radio 4 – but there’s an article in The
Guardian detailing his talk “WilliamShakespeare: a quintessentially American author” … which I found
fascinating and led to me wanting to listen again, or read up on …
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| A descendant of that starling |
… that law of unintended
consequences and Shakespeare’s birds – which have overrun the States …
Eugene Schieffelin is the culprit here … ‘twas he who introduced the invasive starlings
… and wanted to introduce all of Shakespeare’s birds to the States …
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| Shakespeare's Birds |
… Schieffelin belonged to the American Acclimatization Society
– a group that aimed to help exchange plants and animals from one part of the
world to another … a fashionable idea in the 19th century: as we
know today – not a good idea.
I have a book here on Shakespeare’s Birds describing all the
British birds referred to in Shakespeare’s poems and plays … providing a
fascinating and unusual insight into the world of the Elizabethans.
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| Shakespeare Unravelled by Pauline and Michael Black |
But with Shakespeare’s Unravelling (per my book as briefly
noted in my previous post) … was he a writer, did he live in the Shakespearean
era, did he even exist … ? All questions
we’ll never get fully answered …
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| Shakespeare glomped ... c/o the Art of the Ez.com |
… from all angles they came to glomp him … even
vicariously … on this the 400th year since he died … he is all over
the place – everywhere … we can’t get away from Shakespeare quotes and
references …
 |
| Alan Rickman |
This week someone on the BBC was reminiscing about how many
famous/celebrity figures have died (early) recently – it was after Victoria
Wood, one of our most iconic comedic actresses lost her fight with cancer. The comment was ‘our generation’ had reached
that age – the late 50s to 90s … when a human being is moving inexorably
towards a higher plane.
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| Bowie and Mercury |
Bowie, Rickman, now Prince … all too early – and how many others … we never know whether we will go young, or having had a good life, or the lucky few who can continue on for an extra decade or two …
Then there’s I for the Internet or YouTube … with a link tothe Big Think Blog … which had an eye catching title – “The Science Behind Why Freddie Mercury’s Voice Was So Damned Compelling” … fascinating and I’m sure you’ll find it so …
Bowie is smoking as he sings ... but the bit to listen to is at two minutes - when the post remarks that 'man, the dude had some pipes ... '
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| Add caption |
Now to C for Cuisine … I have a Shakespeare Cookbook – which brings
to light the early days of how our meals developed … Chaldron of Swan – a sauce or soup that has the edible chopped
parts of the bird in it … where our Chowder of today comes from …
… the witches’ brew from Macbeth – bears a striking
resemblance to Chaldron … I give no recipe!
There are a lot of roasts, of spit-roasted animals … spinach was coming
in, sorrel sauce was used for fish … gooseberries were newly introduced and
quince was the fruit for marmalades …
It’s interesting how foods were cooked together and it’s only
in the centuries following that separate dishes were created … meat with fruits
as Chewets … combined whatever food
was around. Baked meats means pies and
fancied baked goods …
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| The ghost of Banquo by Theodore Chasseraiau (1854) |
The Globe Theatre Players have toured the world with his 37
plays … it is still apparent that
Shakespeare rules the world … as the monologue from “As You Like It” quotes ….
All the World’s a Stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
At first the infant …
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| Knife and Fork form the 1600s - Waddesdon Bequest by the Rothschilds |
So to celebrate the last week of the A-Z … a quote from
Macbeth Act 3, scene 4:
‘Now, good digestion wait on appetite,
and health on both!’ …
No change this end of the world … my next post will be after
the A-Z … and the next two will be easier reads!
PS - I'm sure there's a quote by Shakespeare about being a ForgetMeKnot ... I've mislaid two Shakespearean cuisine items I was going to put in ... they are amusing - so coming up another day!!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
62 comments:
I was lucky enough to see Freddie Mercury in South Africa at Sun-city. Wow what a performance and one I will never forget. Hope you are well Diane
That looks like primulas or primroses in that spring border photo. Interesting about those medieval recipes, too, a one daughter was trying recipes which were from Game of Thrones. That same daughter is reading about the British monarchies through another set of novels. I and the younger daughter like the Vikings shows which now will have to wait until the fall.
I did know the Queen turned 90, so congrats to her! I love that photo of Prince George, too! Such a happy looking child. This was a nice surprise, Hilary, to see a post by you!
This was almost an A-Z post! So pleased :) Had to look up 'glomp' what a cool word! Shakespeare is worth glomping totally!
The Queen grows in dignity and grace every year, and looks as you say most unlike a 90 year old. Really liked the cake design. Loved reading this whole post, Hilary!
Best always,
Nila.
You almost got the entire challenge in one blog. Good for you, all pertinent and interesting with Shakespeare as the true focus! Well done!
I'm silly I guess, but I get saddened by famous peoples deaths, like I know them.
Teresa
We've lost a lot of well-known names this year. I posted about this all the way back in February, after Terry Wogan, Harper Lee, and Umberto Eco went in quick succession.
Wow, I'm exhausted just reading this brilliant Tour de Force!
"Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't." (Hamlet)
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
@ Diane – gosh I never saw him in Sun City … perhaps we couldn’t get tickets or I was overseas – who knows! Lucky you .. I’m sure you’d never forget – amazing voice …
@ DG – they are primroses and did look wonderful as I walked past … so wonderful to see the different colours come back as Spring appears.
The Shakespearean recipes appear to be rather revolting in some ways – but I guess we’ve got so used to a great deal of flavouring in our food … still the early ways with food are here in the book Lovely to find you’re all learning about the British way of life via Game of Thrones and recipes, Monarchy in all its gory glory and the Vikings – even more gore! But so much history.
I’m sure the Queen turning 90 has reached round the globe … and isn’t that photo of Prince George a delight … and yes I needed to get a post up … I’ve done the next two in early May.
@ Nila – yes almost an A-Z post – but when I do those they need more organising. Glad you like glomp – it was a word that came into my head and I needed to see if it was appropriate for what was happening with Shakespeare’s 400th year of his death .. I think it’s just carried.
Isn’t the Queen amazing … I bet the cake will be a huge hit for the parties that will be happening for the official birthday …
@ Yolanda – how lovely to see you ... and yes I just needed to put a few things down … in my haphazard way … with Shakespeare and the Queen to the fore.
@ Teresa – I think we all feel the way you do – but we do get to think about things in various ways – and I always learn something about life … so I don’t think you’re silly!!
@ Ian – thank you .. I knew there’d be many more names people would remember ... and Harper Lee and Umberto Eco, as well as ‘our Terry’ … are excellent remembrances …
I wanted to include the Big Think article and video on Freddie Mercury’s voice range .. so with Prince dying … it became a ‘musical odyssey’ … to those three ..
@ Bazza – just things I wanted to get out there … and I’m very happy to know you enjoyed the read … I failed with your artists though …
Love the quote “Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t” from Hamlet …
Thanks so much for visiting a non-A-Zer .. lovely to see you all – cheers Hilary
I laughed at one picture of the queen with a grandchild who held her purse. Somewhat of an impulse to secure it they said.
The queen does well for someone her age.
Prince was a real tragedy. Way too young.
It's been such a sad year so far - too many of my favourite celebrities have left us. Victoria Wood was brilliant, and I shall be finding time to re-watch my boxset of Dinnerladies soon. Freddie Mercury was an amazing singer - I remember exactly where I was when I found out he'd died :-(
My goodness Hilary, you packed a lot in there! From Queens to Princes, both musical and royal. A thoroughly entertaining and informative romp!
Visit Keith's Ramblings
Ahh yes, those starlings. We see them here from time to time. Happy Birthday to the queen! And to those who have left us, may flights of angels sing them to their rest.
I saw the Queen on the news and thought she looked so amazing. What a lovely occasion! And Prince George is absolutely adorable.
Yes, I couldn't get away from Shakespeare last week! He was even on Google's homepage yesterday.
What a lot to read and think about in this post. The Queen is amazing isn't she? And the anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday too. But sadness again at the loss of some well loved figures.
As for strokes, yes something close to me as my late mother had a severe stroke which left her very disabled and without much speech... a hard illness.
Beautiful flowers! The Queen and her grandson make for a lovely photo. He's so cute.
Wonderful eclectic post, Hilary! I enjoyed this. As for the article about Freddie Mercury's voice, it was fascinating so thanks for linking to that. Funnily enough, I thought the queen was already 90! She's doing very well for her age, I must say!
So many goodies in one post. Can't comment on everything, but I'll give the Queen props - she's darn perky and an inspiration. I do think the Obamas truly enjoy her company and the President is very sincere in his praise of her. You baked 4 and 20 blackbirds and more into more than a sonnet. Your writing, pics, links, etc. are a delight. Thanks! Have a good week
@ Steve – yes I saw that picture too – the black handbag being guarded … and by her great grandson even!
@ Alex – she is amazing; but Prince – the Purple Rain one – was so sad … and so young
@ Annalisa – the deaths seem to keep rolling in – unexpected ones mainly. Victoria Wood was so clever – glad she made the big time … many memories for us to watch. Freddie Mercury’s voice is extraordinary … I was down south – SA – that’s all I remember …
@ Keith – yes I did pack things in – I’ve found if I don’t, even note things, I regret not having done it: at least it’s here …
@ Bish – do you get them (those starlings) in the Virgin Islands – incredible how they’ve spread … a good way of understanding invasive species. I’m sure flights of angels will be in choral fantasy with those who’ve died …
@ Elizabeth – the Queen is doing so well .. and Prince George is just a sweetie – looks it anyway!
@ Suzanne – sorry there is a lot to read – but there’s so much going on and I missed some out – St George’s Day, the start of the asparagus season …
Strokes are pernicious … and I’m sorry your mother had such a bad one – that makes it so much worse for the family, while there’s some recovery it cannot ease things much … my thoughts for you: as you say – a hard illness.
@ Jean – good to see you .. it’s her great grandson … that’s what’s incredible … he does look a cutie, doesn’t he ..
@ Val – yes very eclectic – just glad you enjoyed it. Also so pleased you listened to the Freddie Mercury voice range and why it’s so compelling: I wanted to keep it to remember .. so here it is!
@ Joanne – yes I went to town and quite understand you about the commenting – it’s a ‘take your pick’ variety! It does seem the President and the Queen have that special rapport … which is lovely to see. The blackbirds came to mind … so thank so much …
I appreciate all your comments and thoughts – and it’s wonderful to see you during the A-Z …
Here’s to the last week of the 2016 A – Z - cheers Hilary
I'm always amazed how active the Queen is at her age and think it's wonderful. I always learn so much from your post, Hilary. I find them fascinating.
Ooh, that cookbook sounds interesting.
Fascinating -- I hadn't known about the Acclimatization Society. It sounds like such a sweet idea in theory -- let's bring Shakespeare's birds here -- but, as you say, it wasn't a good idea at all to start mixing flora and fauna willy-nilly...
Your latest blog is rather like Celtic Knotwork the way in which it intertwines by criss crossing so subtly.
I never took much notice of Freddie Mercury when he was alive, for I was too busy earning a crust. Even when reading your blog I failed to see why you had mentioned him and it was only when I was talking with Mrs H and when she mentioned that his band was called Queen that the penny dropped!
Forgive me please.
Hi Hilary,
You're astonishing - I really don't know how you do it! My only problem with your wonderful blog (and it's not really a problem!) is one mentioned by others above and on other posts... so much to take in and so hard to know which bits to comment on! In the last few posts I could have ranted about starlings and raved about rhubarb but sadly, I think the bit that resonated most was just how many icons of my age we've lost these last few months. They've left amazing legacies so I always wrestle with anxiety and sadness wondering about my own. The mention of Jill Bolte's book brought back memories, too - her Ted talk video blew me away years ago. Thanks Hilary, for all this work you so lovingly do and share! :)
What a delightful mix of topics - you are a wonder! Appreciate the info, I always learn something from you. Yes, the Queen's birthday, saw many photos and tributes online. My favorite picture was the one of her and little Prince George. He and his sister are just adorable. Have a lovely week! :)
Your queen is amazing and a great example for us all about what aging is and isn't. And those darn starlings are really pests. They're evil birds.
Your posts are always so interesting and packed with information.
Susan Says
Shakespeare had a way with words that most of us can only ever dream of. I know I do. He was a man ahead of his time, I feel. I always wondered about medieval feasts and cooking. What the food tasted like and the type of cooking they did. It's fascinating. Take care, Hilary. Wishing you well.
@ Mason – yes the Queen is looking particularly cheery at the moment – must be the great grandchildren. I’m just happy you’re here and commenting – thank you …
@ Deniz – it’s a British Museum book – they do have some excellent publications. I too didn’t know about the Acclimatization Society … but McCrum brought it to my attention – no wonder the Victorians were so keen on collecting … but it wasn’t as you say a bright idea at all …
@ Mel – sorry – it did wander around and I changed it up as I was writing it … so it got longer. Freddie for Queen and for the Big Think link I mentioned about why his voice was so compelling – an amazing video …
But I’d have never have known you had no idea ... if you hadn’t secretly told me here … glad Mrs H has her finger on the ball!!
@ Janice – I know I do wander around … but so difficult, when so much is happening, and then a few favourites decide to die on us.
I mentioned to someone else – the reason I wanted to note the early deaths – was because I could learn about them, and I probably hadn’t paid that much attention to their music (in this case) when they were alive – because I live under a stone musically. So I’ve found I’ve been able to appreciate them a great deal, even though they’ve died …
My own mortality will come when it does … and who knows when or how …
Jill Bolte Taylor’s TED talk was amazing wasn’t it … and the McCrum book, then listening the play was just extraordinary .. I learnt so much … and realised how lucky we were that our mother was able to communicate – a huge blessing, despite the circumstances.
@ Karen – so much happening and some things I didn’t want to forget … so the blog becomes a diary at times – a funny one … but notes for me. Yes isn’t the Queen and Prince George photo a delightful snip … and then too Charlotte – I wonder what she will be like in due course …
@ Susan – Her Majesty is certainly a tower of strength and as you say a great example to us all. I hadn’t realised the starlings are such a pest … we are short of them here … they’re almost endangered! Thanks so much re the post …
@ Murees – you’re right there … his range and way he set his words are extraordinary – he did set us up with some incredible literature.
There are chefs and cooks who are looking more and more into the early years of cookery and cuisine … trying to re-create the dishes … it’s interesting to know about.
Cheers to you all – thanks so much for being so interested – I’m very grateful … Hilary
What a fabulous post - a veritable romp through almost the entire alphabet, and covering such interesting things. I'm particularly fascinated by the Shakespeare's birds book. I'll be adding that to my summer reading list.
I kind of like it that the Queen is hanging on to being Queen. I used to think she would step down in favor of son or grandson at some point, but she's in such good health. Love that.
Fun post!
No one else could possibly write about the Queen and Prince in the same post and make perfect sense out of it! I love that picture of the Queen with Prince George. What a dynasty and what an adorable child. I remember pictures of Elizabeth as a child and she was adorable, too. What a long reign she's had and I can't imagine all of the PMs she's dealt with, including notables like Churchill!
I'd like to hear that talk on the BBC about Shakespeare. Saving that for May! And I don't care if Shakespeare wasn't Shakespeare at all. I'll continue to read and relish the talent. I'm always finding new ways to express an idea when I read him.
Off to finish the U Day! Five more letters. Heaven be praised.
I saw on TV the clip with the Queen getting the Obamas in the car and then getting in herself. What an amazing woman. She sure doesn't look 90! I'm glad she's in such good health.
I love the Shakespeare quote "All the world's a stage..."
The medieval feast sounds like fun. Wow, to be preparing for that for over a year, that's quite impressive.
Losing Prince last week was certainly a shock. Still waiting to hear the cause of death. He sure went way too young. A huge loss of a magnificent artist. I have a hanging shell light that has colored bulbs in it (3). Two were red and one was green. One of the bulbs burned out so I replaced it with a purple one in honor of Prince. Seemed fitting.
Thanks for listing the books on strokes. My mom had a stroke years ago and thankfully recovered fully from it. She only has a bit of weakness in her right hand. Sounds like your mom had several strokes. That's scary.
I enjoyed reading about the starlings. I love birds. How cool that there is a book about Shakespeare's birds! You are always so full of information for us!
Have a great week Hilary.
Michele at Angels Bark
I agree, so many wonderful things in one post. The Queen and her great-grandson is truly a beautiful picture. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of it. Happy Spring, Hilary!
Quite the collection of interseting posts, Hilary. Thank you. That picture of the queen and George is just so cute. And the recent one all over the news with George and President Obama, my goodness. Cuteness overload in that kid.
We absorb knowledge every day, it seems, yet we know so little. Well said.
I will be doing some watching on Shakespeare. And more on the Queen. She is an amazing women, so loved, it seems.
Cookbook sounds great!
So hard to believe the Queen is 90! She looks great! Of course she has always been a beautiful woman.
Hi Hilary, This is just great, you are in wonderful form here and I may just be a bit too tired to get to all of it today. You are so right about the Queen, she's remarkable. And so hard-working. Puts us all to shame. It's shocking how many muscians have died recently, I'm adding two Americans I like, Glenn Frey of the Eagles and our local guy, Merle Haggard, who was from Bakersfield, which of course is not where I live. Just go there to see specialist doctors. Which you can read all about in my post of tomorrow. If you can. You have been so wonderful, following my journey. It's moving on to happier things after tomorrow.
@ Deborah – thank you ... yes a veritable romp it is – and I’m delighted Shakespeare’s bird book interests you … the birds are brought to life in their settings …
@ Lynn – the Queen certainly is keeping herself interested in all things – she’s very curious … stepping down is not on the cards …
@ Lee – yes – it was a big stretch … but I just wanted to put so much in and somehow link all things together. The Royals seem to have life sorted out … and the girls in the family were/are wonderfully blonde. Prime Ministers – eleven she has seen off … so far …
Good that you’re going to listen/read about the Shakespeare American Dream connection ... McCrum does an interesting job …
Whether Shakespeare was a person or not … I agree it doesn’t matter: we have his plays, sonnets, quotes and words … but I love the history and am happy to find out the thought behind the suggestion …
@ Michele – thanks for your lovely long comment – that’s great you caught the Obamas with the Queen and Duke … and they both appear to be in excellent health for their age.
The actors, players, producers, journalists etc have all put their heads together to give us ‘acres of Shakespeare’ – an opportunity to express their ways.
Losing Prince was a shock – and it all happened so quickly … how lovely of you to add in a purple bulb in your lamp to remind you of Prince and his music … Purple is his colour.
Your mother was lucky … some people come through, some don’t – my mother would have been like your mother, but there was a noro virus, and the brief ambulance journey she took to the rehabilitation centre … set off more strokes. But once stabilised … the fact she could talk and rationalise things for herself – certainly helped us all enormously.
Unfortunately the spread of starlings through their introduction has been a huge mistake at the cost to your own native species.
@ Joylene – Thanks so much … yes the Queen with her great grandson, the future George VII, is very endearing … and I suspect we’ll see more of them. Spring would be nice – it’s freezing (relatively!) once again …
@ Silvia – yes a lot got into this post. Yes – George’s shaking hands with the President is delightful isn’t it … cuteness overload –I think is a good phrase!
Glad you enjoyed the other snippets – there will be lots of Shakespeare during the days ahead, as too the Queen … and the cookbook is interesting.
@ Sherry – the Queen is looking really relaxed now-a-days … and it’s lovely to see snippets of the Royals as a family …
@ Inger – I’m just delighted you’re going to take the different links in, in your own time … that’s the advantage of blogging. The Queen certainly works very hard … and is remarkable at her continuing interest in life.
Musicians dying … I’m glad you listed Glenn Frey of the Eagles and y local guy – Merle Haggard … I’d noted the Bakersfield connection – which is one of your local main towns.
I’m very happy to journey with you on your ‘year after’ – the grief and the coming to terms with life now … I’ll be with you right up to Z … well done on participating … and I’m glad it’s helped … funny thing blogging – it does that .. it helps.
Thanks everyone – I can’t believe how you’ve all enjoyed this eclectic post – it really is a mish-mash of many thoughts – thankfully you know me – and thus can relate to this rendering of a few threads in a post! Very grateful .. cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary
I discovered Shakespeare in High School. That year, Romeo and Juliet came out and I sang to all the music. I loved Alan Rickman, and Bowie. They will be missed.
Nancy
I have seen the Queen on TV what an amazing woman, at least she went with her time and changed when she realized that she has to change ! I wished I could be like her at 90 !
You managed to catch up on your ABC !
Hello Hilary. Good to hear from you. I enjoyed seeing the Queen's photographs in the media with her great grandchildren. As always, she looks inspiring. I have two grandchildren aged two, thus, the photo with George strikes a chord.
On this side of the pond, I missed a Prince concert last month and I regret it.
A smorgasbord Hilary thank you! My husband watched the Queen while I was away and said how lovely she looked and how sprightly Prince Philip is at 95! (may we be so lucky)...
I enjoyed all of this post and will watch the video you tube link you provided. I love Bowie, not madly familiar with Prince's music though would probably recognise that particular song.
I'm awaiting digestion to begin come this Saturday ...:)
For a minute there I was convinced you were asserting Shakespeare had recently been to America... He really has had an amazing influence. And long-lasting. It has also been a very hard year for lost celebrities. Bowie is the one that hit me hardest, but I was also a huge fan of Rickman and Prince.
The number of celebrities I like that have died this year is distressing. Is it just my age that makes these so hard?
Jemima Pett
We're reading Romeo and Juliet in a class I'm currently teaching. Some of the kids claim to hate the language, but I've noticed they're quoting it quite a bit. ;)
@ Nancy - we did Henry IV part one .. and I could never get to grips with it .. obviously I'm a late developer! Glad you like Alan Rickman and Bowie - the will be missed.
@ Gattina - I'm glad you've see the TV footage ... and I hope I'll be as fit as the Queen at 90 ... I bring in the ABCs when I need to ...
@ Beste - I'm sort of keeping in touch with blogging ... and am sure the thought of great grandchildren and grandchildren of that age must be so lovely ...
Prince was an amazing talent - I hope to read more anon ... and hear some of his music ... what a pity about the concert - that would have been memorable now ...
@ Susan - I'm glad your hubby watched the Queen and Prince Philip ... they both looked so well. This was a smorgasbord post ... as you say.
The video link is worth reading as well as listening to ... I think what I was trying to say ... was that I'm not musical, but am more appreciative after their deaths ... as I get a chance to understand what they were about ...
Good luck with settling down again after the long A-Z road ...
@ Hart - nope .. but he lives on with you, and has done since the settlers arrived - which is interesting timing in our joint history. The talk here or the Guardian article makes interesting reading.
It's the information that is given out after their deaths I find fascinating .. as I'm so unmusical - but I learn at this stage in life ... so many have gone this year.
@ Jemima - it comes to all of us ... I think that we're still young and going strong, with them going early hits us a great deal, yet gives us time to absorb their lives and how forward thinking they were ... I'm not sure I'd be interested in 20 or 30 years time ... who knows though!!
@ Rosey - Fascinating take on your teaching of Romeo and Juliet - we absorb so much subliminally and just don't realise - that's good the kids using Shakespeare's words ... interesting ..
Cheers to you all - thanks .. Hilary
Lots of great stuff to digest here! I saw Bowie way back when I was in high school. I wasn't a big fan then, but as I grew older, I grew to love his music more and was happy to have seen him live. Have a lovely rest of the week, Hilary.
Too many deaths recently, all too soon.
It's sad when anyone dies, especially when it's someone you admire. Either for their views or their accomplishments.
I find the fascination with Royal family so fascinating! As for Shakespeare? Love him, talk about a great Legacy!
Hello Hilary,
I quickly read your post and will be scrolling back to re-read all your wonderful topics. The Queen is marvellous and always regal and gracious. I loved Prince and his music and have been listening to his music for the past week.
Have a glorious weekend, Thank you for visiting
Helen xx
@ Christine - yes .. it is an ecelctic post - but I just needed to make notes for me that can 'sit here' .... Like you I've learnt to appreciate the music greats feats in life ...
@ Jeffrey - as you say too many deaths recently and far too early - and sad we don't get to see them fulfil their lives ...
@ Cindy - thanks for the visit .. and the Royals ... it's our history. Shakespeare - he will always be around won't he ...
@ Helen - lots to read .. but I hope you'll find some special ones amongst the many. The Queen is extraordinary .. and we're lucky to have her. I'm not really musical enough .. but I am so interested in their forward thinking abilities ... Bowie and Prince here ..
Thanks so much for coming by - good to see you ... cheers Hilary
I'm going a bit off your post here because of your first sentence :)
Both of my parents had strokes too. Sorry you can relate. It was terrible. My dad was paralyzed on one side for the remainder of his life. My mom ended up having seizures which led to Alzheimer's from her stroke. Just awful. Ugh! Hugs to you.
I rather enjoyed your buffet of goodness. The Queen is one classy lady. I once read that when the Obamas first visited, Michelle hugged the queen, which I hear is a no, no. Someone asked if the queen acted offended, and they replied, "Oh no. The queen has too good of manners to let on there was ever a breach in manners." I think she's pretty awesome.
yes, lots of talent gone too quickly. shakespeare's birds are everywhere. :)
and, yes, go queen E! goodness!
@ Elsie - I quite understand ... and despite my mother's strokes - it turned out to be a 'positive experience' because she was able to communicate - and she was ill for a long time - and that enabled me to get to know the staff at the three different hospitals and build rapports as we moved on ...
I quite understand - my mother was bed bound for 5+ years ... but thankfully we coped. So sad about your mother ... as you say - just awful ... I do appreciate what you went through ... I saw so many other patients with their relatives.
@ Elizabeth - yes I'm sure that story is true ... but the Queen and Prince Philip seem to get on so well with the Obamas ... lovely they can have that rapport. She is one classy lady ... and I agree she is pretty awesome ...
@ Theresa - both of your comments are so appropriate .. thanks ..
Cheers and have good weekends - Hilary
Hilary, someone posted of Facebook a pic of Sir Paul McCartney on stage and it read, "Somebody bubble wrap this guy. He's about all we got left."
Cheers!
@ Karen - it works differently that is for sure - I think the learning instinct sits firmly at the fore .. good to see you.
@ Stephen - how interesting ... and probably how many people feel - what is so informative is how much we learnt about all aspects of life, and how forward thinking they all were .. but McCartney in bubble wrap is a little worrying!
Thanks to the two of you for coming by - Hilary
Hi Hilary. I am a massive admirer of Shakespeare but a surprising fact I heard during the recent celebrations is that he is now held in higher esteem all around the world than he he is in the UK. If that's true it's outrageous!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
This post is chocked full of information! So many great quotes from the master. :) The Queen has certainly seen a lot in her life! Thanks for sharing all of this with us.
~Jess
Hello Hilary! Very sad about Prince indeed. And yes, those starlings have definitely overrun the states!
For some reason, I thought I'd posted on this already! I must have had a technical issue. A lot of folks have died too early lately. Will we be able to fill the holes?
@ Bazza - well he's highly respected everywhere and perhaps that's a greater accolade for the bard - he influences many cultures and peoples ... we're certainly seeing articles about performances of his plays in many, many countries ... not all English speaking ones either ...
@ Jess - yes there's lots here ... but at least I can come back to it and remind myself ...
@ Keith - gosh - good to see you! You'd know about the Starlings ... now perhaps you miss them?! I was interested to read his hips had gone from strutting around in high heels, but as he was a Jehovah's Witness he wouldn't have anything done about them ...
@ Shannon - you commented twice on the last post - that's why!
Musical, creative, artistic geniuses are around ... and will rise into our psyche - when the time is right ... Prince has only just hit mine and it's a bit late ... but that's my life - better late than never.
Thanks so much for being here and commenting ... see you all soon - cheers Hilary
Well, Hilary, another breathless, fact-filled and fascinating post - so much to absorb. I have ordered 'Shakespeare's Birds' - thank you for the tip:-)
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