Back to London

Again, blogging when I get the chance. Back to London in a moment or two, just as soon as I get M's Christmas present finished. It's been a busy week, visiting two sets of families and assorted cousins and friends. Have braved the sale shops in Southampton (and actually found a nice coat) and have ordered my birthday boots. I am looking forward to them arriving.

And best of all? I'm not due back at work for another week!

Crime In Primrose Hill

Thank you to those of you who have been supportive over the last week. I always thought that Primrose Hill was a pretty safe area to live. I've only seen one mugging incident in the park and one smashed car window (for a phone, as the charger lead was trailing out of the window). But I have been doing some reading since last week, and I have discovered some disturbing facts. Crime is in fact much higher in Primrose Hill than almost everywhere else in Camden (especially where burglaries are concerned) and is the 5th highest in London.

Wat Tyler at Burning Our Money writes of his friend who lives in Primrose Hill and the repeated crime that he has encountered and the measures that some people have gone to cope with the apparent disinterest on the part of the Police. I can only comment on how we were treated but in response to M's call they appeared within 20 minutes and the forensics came first thing the next morning. Not that they found anything of any use on the door, just an ear and shoulder print. I've left them there as a warning to anyone else who might think of trying. There's nothing left of any value to steal.

Will try and blog as and when I get access to a computer but if it's not for a few days, Happy Christmas.

Stuck in the office

No time to blog at all as am too busy this week trying to sort everything out before Christmas. The lack of computer doesn't help matters either.

Scrolled down the page and saw that on Weds I had commented that burgulars were unlikely to be able to get into the house if even I couldn't get in. Well, they proved me wrong. I stand corrected. I just wish it didn't have to be pointed out to me in such an obvious fashion 2 days later. I think I will have to stop going on about it now. But still, it really makes me angry.

And another thing, there are lots of annoyed travellers stranded in various airports because the airlines have deigned to suggest that passenger safety is important and due to there being no visibility, the planes have to leave much bigger gaps and so less of them can take off and land. What do people expect? That just because it's Christmas and they want to go on holiday, that the weather will be great and there will be no chaos. Would have made a rather different film, wouldn't it, if in The Holiday Kate Winslet had become stranded at Heathrow and Cameron Diaz had been left circling before being diverted to Manchester...

Motorbike Man

It wasn't the lack of time which prevented me from blogging this weekend rather that a criminal broke into the flat on Friday evening and stole the computer. He kicked the locks off the main front door and then took a running leap into our flat door, shouldering it so hard that the locks both smashed off. The forensics came and dusted for prints. No such luck. They know that he pressed his ear to the door to listen and then shouldered the door rather than kicking it, as they found an ear-print and a shoulder mark. He took a paperbag with baubles and tinsel from the kitchen and the laptop from the desk in the other room. The police say that he would have been in there less than a minute and then he was off, discarding an item of my clothing that was in the bag with the baubles, past the damage he had caused to the doors, possibly picking up one of the locks, tipping a few baubles over a wall, dropping a few more in the gutter, loading our possessions into his motorbike storage hatch, meeting M's eye and then speeding off on his bike.

It makes me angry and it makes me sad. All that effort and damage for a computer. An average PC Notebook, fairly slow, no real software. A computer, a phone charger and some tinsel. What kind of a person do you have to be to spend Friday evenings smashing through doors that you have no right to open, so that you can look through stuff which never has and never will belong to you, even if you do take it. But there's no point wasting time on him. The thing to do is learn from it and be glad that it wasn't so much worse.

18 Doughty Street

Am watching Rachel on 18 Doughty Street and drinking champagne whilst I wait for supper to cook. Have spent the early part of this evening watching Cameron Diaz bounce around a rather orange and part labotomised Jude Law in The Holiday with T. Had a lovely evening and did enjoy going to the cinema, but did wish that the film had been a bit better written.

Am looking forward to my time off over Christmas, as I plan to do some more writing. This blog has no obvious political angle and I rarely write about current affairs, but there are some issues that I do have opinions on and would like to have some time to write (and research) them properly. I also need to start visiting and writing about the boutiques in Primrose Hill.

Again, a busy week. We are celebrating J's graduation tomorrow evening, another Christmas Party on Friday, a birthday party on Saturday and then a carol service on Sunday. I hope to find some time to myself (which increasingly means time to blog) at some point over the weekend.

This and that

Just a quick post as am in urgent need of some sleep. Went out for a quick post work drink with C and ended up at B's house having supper until 11pm. Taxi home and then spent ten minutes trying to unlock my front door. Still, I suppose if I can't get in with a key, it's unlikely that the burglars will fare any better.

Spent the weekend not quite managing to see my Annie. Work party Friday, work itself on Saturday, so finally managed to spend some time together on Sunday. Tried to have a coffee at Cachao on Regent's Park Road but left when they tried to make us eat some food in order to sit a table (after we had sat down). So we had a pot of tea at Le Tea Cosy instead. Bought a few presents and some tree decorations and then headed to Camdem to try and find some fairy lights. A successful trip to Argos - a rather unsuccessul attempt to make them work. Will have to take them back next weekend, so for the next week the tiny tree in his little red pot is looking rather bare and sorry for himself. But we couldn't resist him, especially as he is pot-grown, so we should be able to keep him all year, all being well.

Rachel has posted details of the last mass lone demonstration this year. Follow the link here to view what she has to say. I will try and write some more on this when I am not having to prise my eyes open to see the screen...

Georgina Coleman Fine Art

The above photograph is by Boyarde Messenger and further details can be obtained via Georgina Coleman Fine Art.

More on this later (as am very busy) but attended Georgina Coleman Fine Art's first exhibition last night. Featuring three very different artists (Boyarde Messenger, Sophie Morgan & David Hawson) the work was exciting and individual, filling the gallery space with the beautifully displayed photographs, line drawings and watercolours. I was particularly taken with Boyarde's work - and will write more on this at a later date.

Update: As promised, a quick update and I will republish this so that it is at the top of the page. To set the exhibition in context, Georgina Coleman Fine Art was set up by Georgina Coleman within 6 weeks. An article charting her story can be found here and I was sent some tickets to the preview evening. The gallery in which she chose to exhibit the work was in Fulham and although rather tiny upstairs was much more spacious down the extremely steep staircase. Georgina had chosen to display Boyarde Messenger's photographs upstairs, with watercolours on one side downstairs and ink drawings on the other. Although I enjoyed the other work, it was particularly Boyarde's work which I found most interesting.

The theme was clearly a celebration of women: most of the photographs featured a woman, usually naked. The picture here was one of three - each featuring different coloured knickers - and some of the most vivid. Most were black and white, or at least more tonal. My favourite however was of a girl (my age I suppose) facing away from the camera, in a wood, naked save for her wellies. Just the sort of thing that I think would look good in the bathroom. I think I might have a bash at something similiar myself...

Lennox Gallery (77 Moore Park Road, SW6 2HH)

Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Dec (10am - 9pm)

10 simple things you can do to help stop global warming

Via Mimi in New York. I hope that you can read it.

Christmas Parties

And so it was the dreaded 'office party' last night, at the hotel pictured above. A far nicer venue than we have ever been to before. The food was actually rather tasty and I had a much better night than I expected. After suffering terribly with IBS all day, I had feared that I would have to go straight home to bed and miss out on the one free evening that work provides. But I managed to get there nonetheless, with some of my colleagues and sampled the free champagne (ok) the free wine (terrible) and the one beer that our free drinks tokens covered.

The evening highlighted several things to me:

(1) Dress Codes - the theme for this party was 'smart/casual'. As my work is based in London and the majority of my immediate colleagues fall into the 25-35 age group, I decided that smart jeans, 'cocktail' shoes and a dressy black and gold top was appropriate. (And the latest Debrett's publication is in agreement). A number of my colleagues evidently agreed, as they too were wearing similar outfits. Other attendees attire ranged from jeans and trainers to pretty much full black tie via cocktail dresses, kilts and suits. On the whole, we appeared a rather motley lot, as no-one ended up looking appropriately dressed. Even the host's dress to my mind did not fit into a smart/casual code; I long for the day when this awful dress code is obsolete.

(2) Behaviour - I was surprised at how many of my colleagues did not feel that they should be taking to our overall manager. To my mind this is foolhardy on many levels. First, it is rude. To deliberately exclude someone from the conversation or by refusing to meet his or her eye so as to avoid conversation of any kind is unnecessary and hurtful. Secondly, in a work related context it sends a message to the boss that they are unable/unwilling to maintain any conversation outside their immediate social or work-level context. Translated into the office environment, a person who does not even talk to their manager at a party is unlikely to be remembered or considered for promotion or leadership roles.

I think I will leave the list there for now as I have tired of whinging and reflecting on negative things. Instead, I am thinking of sunshine and of the impending festivities. I have still to finish purchasing my Christmas Presents or write any cards. The first of ours have begun to arrive and we shall go and buy a small tree on Sunday, which I hope to decorate with lights and candy canes. Goodness knows where it is going to go - I think that we better have a table top one.

The sound of silence

Have just made it. This morning, when I finally managed to prise myself from underneath the sheets and into the bath, I promised myself that I would be home and in bed the same day. Much like cinderella, but with marginally less stress. So I am in bed and drinking tea, reflecting on the day and listening to the sound of London. I would expect to hear people, cars, sirens, buses. What I can actually hear is the sound of an occasional black cab driving down Gloucester Avenue whilst the church bell chimes midnight. The people upstairs move around softly and the water tank refills. Some nights, I hear footsteps along the pavement outside and muffled, comforting conversation as neighbours return from an evening out. Now, an engine idles outside and then turns off. Doors open, close and high heels tap up the steps. A key turns and a door slams and then it is peaceful once again. A few minutes later the sleeper train from Euston to somewhere northern passes along the railway track and another taxi can be heard softly, a door bangs and someone else is returning home; there are more footsteps, laughter and then silence falls once again. This is one of the things I love so much about Primrose Hill - it is quiet and dark and I can sleep easily. Sirens do not blare past the door every few moments, as they did in my previous flat near London Bridge, where the orange street light glow penetrated even the darkest curtains and fighting, shouting people crowded past my window. It's London, but not as you know it.

Spent the evening in a little Italian restuarant in Angel with C, A and J. Cheap but good pasta, wine and a free lemoncello with the bill, as the other girls know the manager. A lovely girly evening and not too drunk. Not like yesterday's antics. Met TJ after work for a couple of pints to celebrate his new job before heading to the art exhibition. And then out for a meal afterwards, just like old times. TJ, M and I, eating curry and getting drunk, spending hours discussing religion whilst the poor waiter just wanted us to finish eating so he could go home. And then to work, and then work again, and then, finally, Friday evening and the work Christmas Party. At which we are reminded that the usual standards of dignity and behaviour apply. I can hardly contain my excitement. Especialy since the dress code is 'smart/casual - the sparklier the better'... But one never knows, and the drinks are free. Perhaps it will be great.

Georgina Coleman Fine Art

The above photograph is by Boyarde Messenger and further details can be obtained via Georgina Coleman Fine Art.

More on this later (as am very busy) but attended Georgina Coleman Fine Art's first exhibition last night. Featuring three very different artists (Boyarde Messenger, Sophie Morgan & David Hawson) the work was exciting and individual, filling the gallery space with the beautifully displayed photographs, line drawings and watercolours. I was particularly taken with Boyarde's work - and will write more on this at a later date.

Update: As promised, a quick update and I will republish this so that it is at the top of the page. To set the exhibition in context, Georgina Coleman Fine Art was set up by Georgina Coleman within 6 weeks. An article charting her story can be found here and I was sent some tickets to the preview evening. The gallery in which she chose to exhibit the work was in Fulham and although rather tiny upstairs was much more spacious down the extremely steep staircase. Georgina had chosen to display Boyarde Messenger's photographs upstairs, with watercolours on one side downstairs and ink drawings on the other. Although I enjoyed the other work, it was particularly Boyarde's work which I found most interesting.

The theme was clearly a celebration of women: most of the photographs featured a woman, usually naked. The picture here was one of three - each featuring different coloured knickers - and some of the most vivid. Most were black and white, or at least more tonal. My favourite however was of a girl (my age I suppose) facing away from the camera, in a wood, naked save for her wellies. Just the sort of thing that I think would look good in the bathroom. I htink I might have a bash at something similiar myself...


Lennox Gallery (77 Moore Park Road, SW6 2HH)
Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Dec (10am - 9pm)

City Slicker

Just a quick lunchtime post - I saw this mocked up photo by Peter Kennard on City Slicker's blog. And thought I would share it here on my blog. Hope City Slicker doesn't object...

And her blog is worth a read, especially if you're stuck for things to do in London. It's part review, part gossip and is full of interesting things to see and do in London.

sketch

It has been a day of three parts, three roles, three 'me's. First thing in the morning until about 6pm, I was 'working Rachel' - corporate in a casual way, efficient, busy, healthy and hard working. Slightly stand-offish perhaps, but then at the moment in the office, one has to be or risk achieving nothing. Rushing from meeting to a desk lunch to frantically ensuring letters would make the last post.

Then, at about half past 6, I re-touched my make up and put on some perfume and headed to Sketch, to a MarmaMeeting. We met in the Parlour, a room which is the embodiment of a MarmaLady - elegant, contemporary, fashionable, stylish and comfortable. And then I was 'MarmaRachel' and drinking mojitos and discussing my new role.

Finally, it was 'LibertyRachel' and I was choosing Christmas presents at the Liberty Cardholders Christmas evening, pretending that money was no object and I was simply being discerning. I saw many beautiful things, including a washing-up brush which I bought for our kitchen and a gorgeous diary, which I did not buy, because it was £50. I think I will have to wait for the sale. And I finally managed to buy M the jeans which I have been promising him for several years. So he is pleased, am so am I, as the cardholder discount made them just about affordable.

And then, just to round off the day perfectly, M and I went back to Sketch for a drink on the way home. A totally different experience, even though it was the same bar, the same waitress and even another mojito. And possibly, a slightly incredulous Rachel after a visit to the loo. There is an upper level which is all white with two sets of stairs, one lit in pink, the other blue. And at the top, the best kind of festival loos possible - egg shaped individual pods, each one containing it's own loo. The basins are sort of drifting against the back wall and the mirrors are distorted, in one I appeared large and round with froggy eyes, the next, elongated and far away. Not the kind of place to get high in; I think it would be extremely disconcerting.

Bentwood chairs and Mince Pies

A moment to reflect before the start of a busy week. Yesterday's concert went well and my guests all at least appeared to enjoy themselves. As soon as the concert ended it was straight off to H's 'The Beautiful and the Damned' party at Nordic Bar. Everyone there had made a real effort so I felt a little out of place in concert dress. Was great to see H but as I was so tired we decided to leave relatively early. B & C drove us back to Primrose Hill where they gave us an early Christmas present: 2 dark and 1 white bentwood chairs. They are beautiful and a welcome addition to our flat (as 3 of our present dining room chairs are held together with tape; victims of one party or another). We have put the white one in our bedroom. The room is white with light curtains and bedding and dark wood dressing table and shelves, so the white chair looks striking. I am half considering finding some beautiful silk underwear to hang over it.

It was a pleasant surprise to wake up this morning at 10am, refreshed with no hang over in sight. As we do not usually go to be until well into Sunday morning, our recent waking times have been rather later, so it was a real pleasure to have a whole day. M brought me tea in bed and then cooked a beautiful breakfast. We undertook several household maintenance tasks including re-hanging the curtains before venturing outside for a walk and then to an advent service at the local church. We have then spent the evening cooking. I made a Christmas style ham and 2 dozen mince pies. Boiling the ham in cider and with a clove studded onion before baking it makes all the difference and I look forward to my sandwiches tomorrow.

So Monday will bring the December meeting of the WI and the annual mince pie competition. I have selected 6 from my 2 dozen to take along as my entry. I am also looking forward to the port tasting, as I am a big fan of port. Tuesday will see tea at Parlour at Sketch (possibly more on this opportunity at a later date) followed by the Liberty Card Holder Christmas shopping evening. Wednesday is the preview of an exhibition and then Friday is my company's Christmas Party at a hotel on Park Lane.

Therefore I am enjoying the peace and quiet of this Sunday evening; I am sat here with a pot of tea with the gentle sound of the cricket in the background. M is sat in the kitchen with a glass of wine watching the action and periodically the commentators are punctuated by his exclamations. The air smells of roasted ham, mince pies and mulled wine mingled with the scent of clean washing, which is hanging on the radiator. And for once, it is beautiful and warm. This flat benefits from high ceilings and large windows, both of which conspire to inflated heating bills. But in the summer, the light is wonderful and pours in. The bathroom, a tiny but exposed room is a particular victim. In summer, I can lie in the bath in the sunlight looking out of the window; in the winter, I spend as little time in there as possible (even with the radiator, candles and M popping in with a boiled kettle, it is hard to spend any time relaxing in the bath). But it is our flat and I love it. And this will be our first Christmas together, both in terms of living together and actually together, as previously we have each gone to our respective parents. So I am very excited and enjoying every minute of the planning of trees, cards, cake making and present buying.

But for now, I think that it is time to stop writing and instead time to get ready for bed.

Beethoven's 9th Symphony and other interesting things...

So I have unexpectedly found myself alone in front of a computer for a few minutes and what better use of this time than to update my blog. I am 'in limbo' at present; we have spent this afternoon rehearsing Beethoven's 9th Symphony and we are to perform it this evening along with two of Bruckner's Motets Os Justi and Virga Jesse. Little parts of all three are swarming round my head like gangs of bees and I hope that my brain is able to sort them out and remember which instruction belongs to which piece before the concert starts.

This week has been indicative of the Christmas season to come. I have already written of Monday's 'work' drinks; Tuesday evening found some welcome downtime and we cooked two lasagnes and a cranberry and apple pie to see us through the rest of the week. I fell asleep watching Sabrina (the Audrey Hepburn film rather than the TV show about a witch) so please don't tell me how it ends. Wednesday saw the arrival of a friend from university, up for a job interview on Thursday. We duly rounded up university friends and went out for a few drinks, a night which ended up with whisky drinking and guitar playing/singing until 2.30am. How I expect our neighbours love us.

I had somehow had the foresight to take Thursday morning off work and had a lovely relaxing morning: a bath whilst listening to TJ play the guitar, lunch at Melrose & Morgan followed by cupcakes from Primrose Bakery. And then to work, where I managed to cram a whole days work into 4 hours. And then it was off for the first rehearsal with the orchestra (a very tiring experience) and suddenly, it was Friday. TJ left at 5.30am to return to work in Gloucestershire. M left for work and I dragged myself into my office and sat at my desk wondering how on earth I was going to make it through until lunchtime. Coffee and paracetemol. A long meeting. A walk at lunch and then finally I was able to escape. Straight to the pub for a colleagues leaving drinks.

And then to Angel, to the Island Queen and M's brother's 28th birthday party. By the time C and I arrived at nearly 9pm everyone else seemed to be already wasted. Goodness knows what time they got there, but when we were kicked out at 12.30am, one or two were unable to find their way home. And as for M and I, my navigation ability clearly wasn't what it usually is. In an effort to save money, we decided to get the bus. Only instead of just walking to the bus stop we managed to walk what felt like half way to Highbury before I realised my error. In the peeing rain. I was not impressed with myself, but we duly retraced our steps and caught the bus. I think we only wasted an hour. So we finally fell into bed, drunk, wet, cold, tired and me with all my make-up still intact at 2.30am. And there ended the week.

Rehearsals

Have spent tonight rehearsing for Saturday's concert, so no time to blog properly. In fact, haven't really been in at all this week. A friend from university has been staying, so spent last night in a pub in South Kensington with some other university friends and then rehearsal, pub and takeaway with friends tonight. Tomorrow evening is J's 28th birthday party and Saturday is the concert and H's 'The Beautiful and the Damned' Party, so it will probably be the weekend before I manage to have time to post anything.