tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-11-08:/Life and Times of Maureen Rowntree, fifty and fabulous.MokoFeed2009-11-08T14:54:26+01:00tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-10-23:/2009/10/23/hard-times-7229795/Pompadour2009-10-23T15:28:39+02:002009-10-23T15:28:39+02:00 <p>Haven't been posting. Been a bit lethargic of late. Tarot line dead as a doornail. I've just applied to be a Leaflet Distributor and really hope I get the job 'cos the bailiffs are hanging around again. "Hard times, hard times, come again no more, hard times, hard times.... many times you have lingered around my cabin door, hard times, hard times, come again no more". Is a folk song which reminds me that my romance is still on hold as haven't got back to the folk club since but hoping to go this weekend.<br> Still no news of Hackney House.<br> Have audition next week. Excited about it. It's only profit-share but a dream role, I think. Plus a showcase in November so some things are happening "career" wise only none of them paying.<br> Never mind, nice lady in my psychic circle gave me a Louise Hay CD which I play constantly. Bonnie very derogatory about it but watch this space, I say.<br> Although quote "the CD is for listening and the book is for reading" is a bit worrying - even I managed to work that one out for myself. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/hard-times-7229795/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-25:/2009/09/25/a-hard-taskmasker-7036681/Pompadour2009-09-25T10:16:58+02:002009-09-25T10:16:58+02:00 <p>Renowned drama tutor is not that for no reason. He's hard to please and then some. His pupils love him, dunno why 'cos he insults us from a height. Most of his classes, I just think, "I can't do this. I should stop, concentrate of my writing, acting is not me." But then I usually have a slight breakthrough and carry on.<br> He has certainly helped me more than anyone else. I was doing such rubbish - "Why didn't anyone tell me before?", I asked him, and he said it's because I'm funny and people just let me get on with it without trying to teach me how to act. Or something like that.<br> Those were the days. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/a-hard-taskmasker-7036681/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-24:/2009/09/24/swine-flu-7032103/Pompadour2009-09-24T16:37:25+02:002009-09-24T16:38:08+02:00 <p>I've had a bad cold for the past two days. I know, a cold is nothing much but it's miserable while you have it and I didn't feel up to logging-on to the tarot line.<br> Bonnie dissaproved.<br> "What's the problem? It's not as if you have to get out of bed to read your Tarot cards."<br> "Felt too sick and poorly."<br> Which I did.<br> She played the Mother card, as they all bloody do. Some writer I read once, forgotten who, said that Mothers are Senior Officers, the rest of us are other ranks....<br> "When you have a child to look after, you just take Paracetomal and carry on."<br> Lillie was much more sympathetic when she rang me.<br> "Mo, you sound terrible. Of course, you can't work. Get some sleep."<br> Cut no ice with Bonnie.<br> "Lillie's as daft as you. It's obvious she's never had kids either."<br> I didn't even bother to mention that my head cold was possibly clogging-up my aura thus rendering psychic work impossible. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/swine-flu-7032103/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-18:/2009/09/18/if-at-first-you-don-t-succeed-6992866/Pompadour2009-09-18T21:03:55+02:002009-09-18T21:03:55+02:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/if-at-first-you-don-t-succeed-6992866/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-18:/2009/09/18/misery-6992837/Pompadour2009-09-18T20:58:59+02:002009-09-18T20:58:59+02:00 <p>Let's have a bitta misery. Always cheers me up!<br> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/wholenumbers/multiplication/timestables/flash1.shtml">http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/wholenumbers/multiplication/timestables/flash1.shtml</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/misery-6992837/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-18:/2009/09/18/more-6989977/Pompadour2009-09-18T12:26:09+02:002009-09-18T12:26:09+02:00 <p>I read somewhere that if you think what you'd do with a lottery win, it shows your direction in life and what you should be aiming for.<br> What I'd like more than a lottery win?<br> Once I would have said a baby but that's out now.<br> I would bloody like an acting job. One part in some damn thing, that'd do.<br> Of late, I'm thinking maybe I'd like a relationship.<br> I'd even rather have my MA but I suppose that's something a lottery win could finance.<br> Plus did I mention my arthritis? What's a lottery win gonna do about that?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/more-6989977/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-18:/2009/09/18/another-e-mail-from-the-he-mail-6989948/Pompadour2009-09-18T12:19:05+02:002009-09-18T12:19:05+02:00 <p>I would never be sarky about you're acting. I genuinely think you might still get a shot at the big time.</p> <p>Thanks for Lynne details. I should have asked for her phone number but her call took me completely by surprise.</p> <p>Regarding the burglary that's the first in my street in 10 years! Bad enough being burgled twice and then to find that the insurance company want to rip you off. Not much point having your contents insured...</p> <p>Let me know when (if) you arrive back in Hackney.</p> <p>Finally, yes like you I think I too could still hit the big time. I think I'm better looking than Susan Boyle and definitely more stable.</p> <p>Take care</p> <p>Ern</p> <p>Xx</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/another-e-mail-from-the-he-mail-6989948/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-09-17:/2009/09/17/bored-6983385/Pompadour2009-09-17T13:01:20+02:002009-09-17T13:02:08+02:00 <p>I am getting very fed-up of being a telephone psychic. For one thing, the lines have gone so quiet lately. So I spend hours sitting around, not getting any calls, not making any money and just bored. Working from home is a novelty that has now worn off. Lillie says she can get me a couple of days in her office when I go back to London which would be great. Me, that was never going back to office work.<br> Email from Ern this morning. He wanted a friend's number, thinks he might have some casual work for her. Why do I still get excited when he sends me an email or text message? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/09/17/bored-6983385/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-19:/2009/08/19/melancholy-celt-6759083/Pompadour2009-08-19T14:05:22+02:002009-08-19T14:05:22+02:00 <p>Discovered this is the middle of all my packing and just love listening/watching it. Will I ever be ready to move outta here? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/19/melancholy-celt-6759083/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-17:/2009/08/17/saying-goodbye-6747714/Pompadour2009-08-17T22:16:48+02:002009-08-17T22:19:55+02:00 <p>Worse thing ever when you're supposed to be packing is to start listening to Leonard Cohen. Just sitting in the middle of all this junk and I can't cope. I can't organise, I've never been able to. I'm on tea not wine but even so, I've already sent 3 videos to Ern, mental or what. This one isn't an Ern song, it reminds me of Casey and how long ago was that.<br> I think I need an adrenalin fix. I'm bored being a Telephone Psychic, bored out of my head. I want to go out to work and have colleagues and I never thought I'd say that. But have to find a flexible job 'cos I need to be available for auditions.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/17/saying-goodbye-6747714/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-17:/2009/08/17/war-of-the-roses-6743539/Pompadour2009-08-17T12:04:14+02:002009-08-17T12:04:14+02:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/17/war-of-the-roses-6743539/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-17:/2009/08/17/gypsy-starring-mo-rowntree-6743053/Pompadour2009-08-17T11:03:25+02:002009-08-17T11:08:04+02:00 <p>Last post, I hope, I have a whole house to pack up by Friday.<br> Nice Niece, 18 and waiting for her "A" level results, wants to be an actress.<br> Did I tell you the O'Looney's opinion of that when they heard?<br> "But I tort she was a nice girrrl."<br> "You put her up to dat!"<br> No, I didn't put her up to anything but I'm so pleased. Maybe acting is genetic and not some perverse career I dreamt up to upset everyone.<br> Auntie O'Looney suddenly recalled that an old, dead, erudite uncle had a daughter who for a time "was with a top theatre company in Dublin". Couldn't establish whether this was an amateur or professional engagement and, anyway, she gave it up to teach.<br> "They all end up teaching" I said which caused Auntie O'Looney to put me in my place by pointing out that "teaching is a very good job."<br> My Dad also used to speak of a cousin who was an excellent actor (and he must have been if my Dad considered him such). His best performance occurred one night in the village hall when he was blind drunk but still faultless (as well as footless). (Footless, for the uninitiated, is Irish for legless).<br> "Ah! He could have gone to Hollywood if he hadn't had the farm" said Dad.<br> Anyway, Niece. Failed all her drama school auditions and everyone worried, especially her Mum, 'cos Niece refusing to go to university as an alternative. Then I saw a weekend acting course (because I keep up with these things) and suggested Niece went on it. Sista said it really helped because Niece has since been accepted for an Acting Foundation Course at an accredited school. It's something and I am so pleased for her and proud of her.<br> Would I have been a Stage Mother or would I have been a Stage Mother. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/17/gypsy-starring-mo-rowntree-6743053/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-17:/2009/08/17/the-devil-in-disguise-6742614/Pompadour2009-08-17T10:33:10+02:002009-08-17T10:33:10+02:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/17/the-devil-in-disguise-6742614/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-16:/2009/08/16/jerry-hall-6738097/Pompadour2009-08-16T18:30:18+02:002009-08-16T18:30:18+02:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/jerry-hall-6738097/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-16:/2009/08/16/calendar-girls-6737832/Pompadour2009-08-16T17:46:27+02:002009-08-16T17:46:27+02:00 <p>One good thing about moving back to London - I can go and see the new version of "Calendar Girls". All sorts of reasons for seeing it, I mean, I loved the book and the film but mostly - hee-hee, I want to go and see if Jerry Hall is still as appallingly bad an actress as she was in "The Graduate."<br> Sometimes, you know, there is a God. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/calendar-girls-6737832/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-16:/2009/08/16/circles-6735595/Pompadour2009-08-16T12:44:32+02:002009-08-16T12:44:32+02:00 <p>Spent a pleasant Saturday evening with the ladies from my psychic circle. Lovely meal, wine and then, naturally, the tarot cards came out.<br> The very glam Terri, who runs the circle and looks every inch mystic with her long, black hair and enormous dark eyes, does not think London is the place for me. She's very much "no, no, no" as far as Hackney House is concerned and says I must brace myself for forthcoming upsets and difficulty in that direction. Spirit want me elsewhere, she says, Hackney House was just an opportunity I was given to fund the establishment of the elsewhere.<br> I don't know. All I know is things are difficult - the Housing Association are mucking me about, big-time. First I get the house back in December, then 'very soon', now I've heard that the tenant has refused her new housing offer and they are going to have to take legal action to evict her. My landlord good but I have to leave here by Friday because he has a new batch of students coming in. At first, I was going to rent another room from him (he owns loads of houses) but, as it could be only for a week or two, I've decided against it. Bonnie, bless her, is being very supportive, although, naturally, this support is delivered in her bossy, teacher knows best manner.<br> "Stay here till you get the hoose back. I will nae take any rent as long as you walk the dog. No, I'd rather you put the rent you'd pay me towards your mortgage re-payments. Just get that place on the market as soon as posssible and get rid. Sell it, for fuck's sake, you dinnae want to be re-possessed."<br> Anyway, the imminent move is from here. Piles of tat to be sorted and packed. I don't know where to start, why am I such a hoarder?<br> Money crisis once again. The Tarot line was so quiet, last month, and, I dunno, despite earning half what I usually earn, I suddenly went on a spending spree and bought some new clothes and a couple of jars of wonder face-creams. Sense! No!<br> I've got £200 in a Tesco savings account somewhere, will just have to try and access it to fund my imminent move.<br> When will I get rich?<br> Or even thin? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/16/circles-6735595/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-11:/2009/08/11/bachelor-girl-6697984/Pompadour2009-08-11T11:56:07+02:002009-08-11T11:56:07+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/community/profile_photo_sizes.php?item_ID=3776403" title="all image sizes"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/403/3776403_0ab1d8a6aa_m.jpg" height="336" width="500" alt="The Graduate"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/community/profile_photo_sizes.php?item_ID=3776402" title="all image sizes"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/402/3776402_52980632c4_m.jpg" height="375" width="252" alt="Bachelor Girl"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/11/bachelor-girl-6697984/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-08-10:/2009/08/10/well-down-at-lemonie-s-all-last-week-bless-her-6695591/Pompadour2009-08-10T23:54:22+02:002009-08-11T00:00:03+02:00 <p>Well, down at Lemonie's all last week. Bless her but the poor woman does need educating at times. She can have some very 'Daily Express', genteel little ways.<br> 'Don't you love that song, Hallelujah' sez me, taking it as given she would.<br> 'Ugh, no. What's it's about? Tying people to chairs? Horrible. They said it was about a war at work...'<br> Work is a fracture clinic. Their probably okay at setting bones.<br> We go round to her friend's house. Friend away but Vonney, her daughter is at home. Wine comes out. Bottles of it.<br> I tell them about Bathsheba and Samson and Delilah; stories neither of them can ever recall hearing before although perhaps they'd forgotten because of the wine.... Plus, I make them listen to Leonard Cohen on 'YouTube'.<br> I'm still not convinced they really appreciated it although Lemonie didn't seem quite as disgusted when she cottoned on to the Biblical references, Daily Express readers being generally in favour of the Bible, as far as I know.<br> (I'm such a snobby old hypocrite, I'll happily sit reading the Express and the Mail, for hours.)<br> But the Bible's full of sex and violence, isn't it?<br> Gay friend said the Mary Magdalene story was the sexiest thing ever. She washes His feet, dries them with her <em>hair</em> (long and probably red from henna) and then covers them in some fabulously expensive, perfumed ointment.<br> What's wrong with me tonight? If I wasn't post-menopausal, I'd say it was hormones. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/08/10/well-down-at-lemonie-s-all-last-week-bless-her-6695591/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-23:/2009/07/23/lucky-for-som-6575700/Pompadour2009-07-23T21:58:39+02:002009-07-23T21:58:39+02:00 <p>Ex-soap star very nice, by the way. Only really got to say that I enjoyed the show (which I did). Friend said to her, 'I'd wish I was as successful as you' to which she replied that she'd been lucky. Apparently, she's coming to do a workshop with us sometime.<br> Career doldrums, again. Made about a tenner since half-past-seven. When am I ever gonna get lucky? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/lucky-for-som-6575700/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-23:/2009/07/23/organisation-6572842/Pompadour2009-07-23T14:02:51+02:002009-07-23T14:02:51+02:00 <p>Luckily, it wasn't necessary to pre-order my graduation gown. Back to this topic again because one of Menhir's comments reminded me of the fracas the night before the graduation ceremony.<br> I was at Bonnie's, drinking gin, watching The Young Victoria or whatever is was. All well and good until Bonnie asks for her ticket to get into the graduation.<br> I'd lost it, naturally.<br> "I'm sure you're on a list, it won't be a big deal."<br> Excuse for her to go into one. How could I have lost it etc.<br> Her new husband (Henry 8th, I call him, 'cos he's got the same Christian name as her late husband), well, Henry 8th recently got his Masters (from Durham) and he didn't lose his ticket, oh no.... and he's never paid Bank Charges in his life, either.....<br> "Why on earth didn't you order your gown sooner? You'll end up with no gown. You'll have to ring Jay (notorious hoarder) and she'll have to rush down with that old gown she keeps offering you. The one she's had in the garage for the past 35 years. You might shake the dust off, perhaps, but then you'll be walking across the stage and a cat will jump out of it" (Jay also notorious cat lover).<br> Needless to say, Bonnie's worse-case scenario didn't happen, she got in perfectly okay and I've got photos of self in cap and gown (still to go onto disc).</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/23/organisation-6572842/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-22:/2009/07/22/caravan-6566218/Pompadour2009-07-22T13:29:49+02:002009-07-22T13:29:49+02:00 <p>Always wanted a caravan.<br> Just like them. I remember caravan holidays as a child and I loved them then and still do. I like their dinkiness and compactness. People say don't buy one, site fees always go up and up but how could I buy one anyway, state of my finances.<br> But....<br> Lemonie's daughter and grandkids are always off to Norfolk, staying in caravans. They're going next week. Lemonie's staying home to mind dog and wants me to visit. Amazes me how a lot of long-time married women much prefer to be with their friends than their husbands. Marriage is still lauded as the best state or, at least, I think it still is but it's not so bad being single. I mean, I didn't choose it but now it's here....<br> Anyway, how lovely if I could have a caravan then Becca and babies (well, quite big girls now) can stay when they want. Caravans are for families really and I'd have a nice surrogate family to keep me company. I wonder if I can put a phone in for work.<br> Until this fantasy materialises I'm off to Scotland on Sunday to stay in Bonnie's sister's caravan for a few days. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/caravan-6566218/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-22:/2009/07/22/name-dropping-6566071/Pompadour2009-07-22T13:05:10+02:002009-07-22T13:05:10+02:00 <p>Going to meet famous ex-soap star tonight.<br> I'm dead chuffed, I love hob-nobbing with the rich and famous, me.<br> Maybe won't get to actually talk with her. She's an ex-student of my drama tutor, we're all meeting up for a meal, her, him and lots of current students.<br> Still, it's exciting. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/name-dropping-6566071/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-22:/2009/07/22/on-a-roll-now-6565744/Pompadour2009-07-22T12:15:06+02:002009-07-22T12:15:06+02:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/on-a-roll-now-6565744/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-22:/2009/07/22/pre-raphaelite-monkees-6565683/Pompadour2009-07-22T12:00:33+02:002009-07-22T12:00:33+02:00 <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/pre-raphaelite-monkees-6565683/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-21:/2009/07/22/pre-raphaelites-6563600/Pompadour2009-07-22T00:52:59+02:002009-07-22T00:52:59+02:00 <p>Just watched BBC iplayer, the new series about the Pre-Raphaelites.<br> Can anyone else remember watching the original one? Sometime in the 70's. This one's more light-hearted than that (from what I can remember). It's like a Victorian version of The Monkees (a series even older than the Pre-Raphaelites, oh dear).<br> I have been into the Pre-Raphaelites since forever. Not so much the paintings, more the way of life and the hair. The hair, if only.... They also featured in my Open University Arts Foundation course (I have been studying forever as well, long before taking my Drama/Creative Writing degree).<br> The actual paintings? Yes, I do like them but.... As part of the same OU course, we were shown two versions of "The Annunciation" - Rossetti's and Fra Angelico's. There was no comparison, I mean, I don't know about art but I know what I like. Rosetti's was so posey, completely false, all done for effect. Fra Angelico's, on the other hand, was the most sincerest thing ever. So truthful, a man painting his faith, beautiful and maybe my favourite painting.<br> If I could download both versions, I would. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/22/pre-raphaelites-6563600/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-21:/2009/07/21/ice-is-nice-6562914/Pompadour2009-07-21T21:40:41+02:002009-07-21T21:40:41+02:00 <p>Bored and hungry is what I am.<br> Wish I'd gone out now.<br> Not allowed to eat. Not excessively anyway and I've had today's three square meals.<br> Plus a sneaky ice-cream on a stick! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/ice-is-nice-6562914/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-21:/2009/07/21/not-ceroc-6562827/Pompadour2009-07-21T21:26:18+02:002009-07-21T21:26:18+02:00 <p>Went to have hip x-rayed.<br> That's it, really. Came home and felt really tired so had a little lay down. Skipped the Ceroc class, not sure if my hip up to it. But still, intend to go next week.<br> Chatting to the radiographer who says no-one really believes they are getting on - ageing is something that happens to other people. Arthritis is only the joints wearing out and no, there's no cure for old age.<br> Oh, Gawd, how miserable is this post. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/not-ceroc-6562827/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-19:/2009/07/19/graduation-6546401/Pompadour2009-07-19T16:32:40+02:002009-07-19T16:32:40+02:00 <p>I should be working not blogging.<br> Still.<br> Quite liked my graduation. I mean, I've never been to one and hardly likely to go so would have been a shame to miss out on my own.<br> On way there, at bus station, someone had left an Ambrose Wilson catalogue on a seat. My Mum always liked Ambrose Wilson, so took it as sign she was with me.<br> It's a thing for parents really and even the actual parents there seemed younger than me never mind the students.<br> Took some extra-strength Ibruprufen to stop my arthritic hip playing up.<br> Of course, I loved the dressing up part of it. No instructions as to what to wear but I noticed lots did have white blouses/black skirts. And a couple of the women had RED shoes which looked just great with the blue and red hood thing.<br> 'I'd love to do a law degree now" I told Bonnie, 'Just think, a barrister could dress up like this every day.'<br> Felt very 'establishment', I really should talk RP I continued. Short shrift from Bonnie.<br> "Don't you dare subscribe to that bollocks. Working-class people with accents, aren't clever? Come on, the cleverest man you or I ever met spoke broad Mancunian."<br> That was a reference to her late husband. She's very Marxist but right.<br> I had mortar board on back to front but they fixed it before my parade down the 'catwalk.'<br> Bonnie and Frank watching. Mistake, probably. Bonnie not one to suffer fools gladly and Frank she has firmly placed in the fool category.<br> "I've spent two hours listening to him talk shite, I can't bear it, I'll have to go home."<br> Frank, in theory, should also have graduated today but he's since failed his second-year twice. He doesn't seem too bothered and has plans to continue part-time somewhere else.<br> Anyway, he then somehow managed to spill a pint of beer over Bonnie's new dress which, of course, was the absolute last straw and off she went.<br> Me and him meandered down to Town Hall for freeby glass of wine.<br> My lovely gay tutor was there.<br> "You should have got a first for your dissertation" he said. I got 63 but he seemed to think I should have started it earlier. And, he's right, I should have. I'm a bit lazy and procrastinating when it comes to academic work and don't really want to do any more. Which doesn't mean I won't.<br> On to the pub with Frank, his brother and daughter then home (to Bonnie's) on the bus where some passing transvestite struck up a conversation.<br> But that's another story.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/19/graduation-6546401/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-17:/2009/07/17/gap-year-6535137/Pompadour2009-07-17T18:04:48+02:002009-07-17T18:04:48+02:00 <p>Part of me wants to decamp to Spain. Or anywhere warm but I do like the Med. It would do my arthritis good. A TEFL course and a bit of tarot-reading on the side, it's feasible.<br> What's stopping me? My acting course mainly. Wild horses won't drag me away from that although it's finished now until September.<br> Sun would be could for my hip, plus all the swimming I'd do.<br> Maybe next year. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/17/gap-year-6535137/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:desertflower.blog.co.uk,2009-07-17:/2009/07/17/top-to-toe-6533470/Pompadour2009-07-17T13:12:38+02:002009-07-17T13:12:38+02:00 <p>Hairdresser's this morning. Have to prepare my graduation self. S'alright, my hair. I'm letting it go unnaturally grey i.e. grey with peroxide streaks. So it looks a kind of ash blonde now, not too bad. Drank 3 cups of black coffee. I only ever really drink coffee at the hairdressers so much for my new caffeine-free self. Then hobbled along to shoe shop. I need shoes and that's all there is to it and it's no good having cheap ones with my hip. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://desertflower.blog.co.uk/2009/07/17/top-to-toe-6533470/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>