Living a Life

Rocket & Roses HQ Play List:

The Puppini Sisters ~ Could It Be Magic
The Zutons ~ How Does It Feel?
Helen Humes ~ Dirty Mistreater Blues
Queen ~ We Will Rock You
Queens of the Stone Age ~ ...Like Clockwork
The Cranberries ~ You And Me
Audioslave ~ Until We Fall
The Commitments ~ The Dark End of the Street
Bonnie Raitt ~ Million Miles
The Blow ~ Bump It
Slash ft Fergie ~ Beautiful Dangerous 
Schubert: Symphony #8 in B Minor Allegro Moderato
Airbourne ~ It Ain't Over Till It's Over
Javina Magness ~ One More Heartache

First rule of blogger club....don't talk about blogger club! Ha! No sorry that was too irrististable to not say and is from some movie I watched a while ago. lol Forgive me? What I meant to say was the first rule of blogging is...Live life first then blog about it. It's essential and for the last few days that is exactly what I have been doing. 

Remembering to do this...

Sadly coming home was almost a physical body blow for us both. And having to keep answering the same question....Glad you've had a great holiday but you are pleased to be home, right?....has been a little exhausting. Out of politeness you say..Yes of course...because no one really wants to hear the truth. Our truth being...No. Not at all. We are sad and miserable living in this house and in this town and we are truly desperate to leave...it has been a trial coming 'home' this time. And neither of us handled it well and now we are counting down the days to our short trip to Amsterdam and then it will be for the holidays to be over so we can get back to getting this place sold and making the move. But in the mean time we have to try and remember that even though we are very sad because of our situation, we still have a life to live. 

This week is ML's birthday week and there have been mini celebrations along the way. Firstly on Monday we were lucky to have tickets to watch the West End Touring Production of Cabaret. We attended with our good pals Dev and B and we enjoyed a fantastic night at the theatre. The perfomances were energetic and the emotive moments drew you in until you were lost with them. Will Young made for a great MC and I could see why he had won his awards. The supporting cast were amazing and we were entertained from the beginning to the end. 

Such a great show...I would happily see it again.

  
As we have taken every opportinity to leave the house we've also met up with pals for coffee/tea to catch up with each other and that time is precious. Catching up with my sister and hearing about the wedding updates was really good. And we also picked up the four legged fella from the Doggie Hotel. And as predicted he really didn't want to leave and has been pining for A & C since he returned. 

Coffee, Herbal Tea, Hot Water..or Kaluha...it all works as longs as the loved ones are there.

ML chose a movie for the enterainment for the evening of the actual birthday and as with every year I get dragged to a Sci Fi movie..lol. This year the selection was Ender's Game which ML had read 20 years ago. So with the company of Dev and her lovely Mum who is visiting right now, we made it to the movies. And beside four others we were the only ones in at this showing time and so we stretched out in the VIP seats and got settled in. 

Never heard of it until ML brought it to my attention...

Well...who knew? Who knew that I could watch a Sci Fi movie and get so lost and invested in it? lol. Not me, that is for sure. But that is exactly what happened with this movie. It's hard to talk about it without giving the fantastic plot twist away. So I shall say only this....first class story and scriptwriting...first class acting...great action combined with great moral issues. A fantastic movie and I was so pleased that ML asked me to go...but once again..who knew? lol

As ML has been on holiday from work this week too...we've also caught up on sleep..lol. But it has been so good...no rushing about in the mornings...just peaceful sleep followed by breakfast in bed...lovely. It's living...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz and repeat

 
And during those rare moments this week where we have found ourselves at hell home and I've been a Candy Crush widow...I've caught up on a couple of movies that I have always wanted to see...today's being...

Thought it was about time I watched it...lol

...I know it's a fairly old movie but it is one I have never seen. Being a 'thriller' movie fan it is shocking to me that I haven't...but today it went on Netflix..ML was deep in CC territory so I thought I'd go for it. And to be honest...I enjoyed it very much but why it is considered such a classic is lost on me. Maybe it was a case of expectation ruining the results...but I am pleased I have watched it now. 

Tomorrow I am heading back into the kitchen so recipes will be back tomorrow folks. The rest of our Friday will be a quiet one and then on Saturday it's family day madness with my sister and the little ones. Sunday is the final celebration day as we are meeting up with our good friends for Sunday lunch in the city...

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Friday is a very good one...

~Red~ 

Finding smiles...

Rocket & Roses HQ Play List:

Brandi Carlile ~ Fall Apart Again
Brandi Carlile ~ Caroline
Jools Holland Big Band ~ Outskirts of Town
Def Leppard ~ Love Bites
Snap! ~ The Power
Joan Jett ~ Frustrated
Bowes & Morley ~ On A Day Like Today
Alanis Morissette ~ Forgiven
Bowes & Morley ~ I'll Take The Stars Out Of The Sky
Alisha's Attic ~ Just The Way You Like
Billie Meyers ~ Much Change Too Soon
Bebel Gilberto ~ Close Your Eyes
Holly Williams ~ Happy
Jessie Ware ~ Wildest Moments

For me...this week has been tough. But there have been moments where I've smiled and discovered words of comfort, music that has made me feel high and miscellaneous things that have given me something to look forward to. And as I haven't a food posting to share I thought I would share a few of these things that have kept me this side of sane moments with you. lol.

*taking a breath*

I need Yoga and its philosophies in my life. But I physically haven't been able to do any form of real practice for over a year now and it's hurting me. I had also forgotten that I still have an important part of it all open to me...the breath in my ravaged body...and the mental focus. And this simple poster reminded me and it had quite a powerful effect on me.

Such a great name for a recipe!

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and the recipe name actually made me smile and even chuckle. Serendipity is one of my favourite words so to see it used in such an awesome way and with a recipe that I can't wait to try I Pinned it to my For The Love of Vegan Food board straight away. So thanks to www.dietdessertndogs.com for the smiles...and I can't wait to try the recipe out.

Airbourne ~ Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast

Well...how happy was I when I stumbled upon these guys. If you like AC/DC then you will almost definitely enjoy them. They are an Aussie rock band that are unashamedly rock and just so good. I was on a music high for hours after listening to as much of their music that I could access on YT. They reminded me why I am the rock chick that I am. And yes some of their songs are Cert 18 but you can be a feminist and enjoy great rock music too!

Breaking Dawn part 2
SPOILER ALERT!!!
If you haven't seen it yet...scoot down to the next item!

It was recently our anniversary and my sister snuck in a belated present. The Breaking Dawn part 2 DVD. So ML and I finally sat down to watch the end of the series. I never got around to reading Breaking Dawn so the last movie and this one was a mystery to me.  So what did I think? Well firstly can I just say....CGI baby/children faces? With the budget they would've had to make this movie...I felt it could've been a lot better. In fact it freaked the bejesus out of me and it just wasn't convincing at all. Such a shame. And the whole film felt really rushed...but then when you split a book into two movies then I guess something has to give.

However...I did love the introduction of all the new characters, the mystery of Alice & Jasper's departure (ML aka Alice junkie..said That it was obvious Alice was going to save the day...lol *eyeroll*), the battle scene was righteous, the frustrating sudden twist in the story and did I mention there were vampires and werewolves? lol. But one thing that both of us liked and respected was that instead of a list of cast...at the end of the movie they went back to the beginning of the series and every character was given a face and actors name. Nice touch.

Total rock and roll, eh? lol

Rock n Roll or what? lol. We found these little beauts on a recent crawl around a shop. I did resist buying some as I don't get on with earbud earphones...but they did make me smile.

Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts ~ Hold You

When I first heard the growly voice of Crowe I knew I was a gonna like the Grunts..lol The songs are great and I have enjoyed the one album I have. This song in particular and it seems to have popped up on my play list on my Pod a few times this week. Making me both smile and think lol. Dammit..lol

J.R.Ward *bowing*

One of my favourite authors J.R.Ward is about to release the latest in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. They are pure escapism for me. When I need the world to shut the hell up and music isn't doing it...I can take one of her books from my shelves and disappear between the covers.

But this one is very special hence the clue in the title, Lover At Last is the story of two regular characters Quinn & Blay. The Brotherhood are warriors and throughout the series, one of the brothers story is told...and in the background has always been these two characters story of fighting their love for each other.

And from what fans are told..the powers that be were not happy for them to have a book to tell their story...until now. I know that when this comes out in paperback I shall lock myself away for two days and revel in the highs and lows of their story. Because all the BDB fans have waited such a long time for this. It's gonna get bloody...it's no doubt gonna make me cry at times...and there will be many laughs and I cannot wait. So I shall be marking the days off until it's released here...something to look forward too.

Holly Williams ~ Three Days in Bed

This week I found Holly Williams. And yes she is indeed the granddaughter of Hank Williams. Her music is at times emotive, dragging you back to places in your past. Other times light and you feel your heart lift with hers. And everything in between those places. She tells beautiful stories with her song writing and her voice is both enchanting and gritty...for me that's a great thing. I have enjoyed listening to two of her albums this week and very happy I found her music..whilst searching for something completely different entirely..lol.

I need this cookbook for my collection..lol

I collect cookbooks...this you know, right? And when this one was released I knew I wanted...no..needed it. lol. I made a decision to do a long running review on my blog. Starting at the beginning of the book with recipe one and work my way through them all..giving over one day a week of the blog to this. I've seen many people's reviews and the photos of their efforts and enjoyed them. So when I do pick up a copy I shall be joining the masses in this sandwich making fun.

Wise words

This has been my mantra this week...however, it does work most of the time...but even this rain loving freak is getting really fed up with being sodden everyday. Oh well..whilst it's raining on me it's leaving someone else alone, eh?

I am no lover or supporter of guns. But when this came through on VeganCartoons feed this week it really did make me laugh. The right to hunt and the fur trade make me crazy angry and saddens me. But this makes a great point in a funny way. Loved it....

Thanks for stopping by...and I hope our Friday is a fantastic one..

ML is deep in birthday cake making...so I will be back tomorrow with the latest creation for our little niece Noo...who is turning 4 but acts 14! Urgh..where on earth is the time going? lol.

~Red~

Music from the Movies of Nora Ephron..

It was a sad moment when the news of the death of Nora Ephron reached R & R HQ this week.

The late great Nora Ephron

I have owned and watched some of her movies for the longest time and still watch them over and over again to this day. They are part of my 'feel good' batch of movies that when things are getting on top of me..I know I can press play and be taken away from life for a little while...and that time can refuel me and give me the strength to get through the next batch of Urgh! lol. So I scrapped my original idea for today's blog and decided that ML's idea of writing a tribute blog to Ephron using the music from my favourite movies..was a by far better one!

So Ms Ephron..this posting is to celebrate your life...and your work..thank you for many hours of 'happy' in my past..and many many more in my future...in this heart you won't be forgotten.

Amazing Grace ~ Meryl Streep

There aren't many words that are needed regarding Silkwood..such an amazing movie....

It Had To Be You ~ Harry Connick Jr

Oh Wow..where do I start with this movie?? lol. I have loved it from the first moment I watched it. I love the characters..all of them. I love the back drop of NYC...I love the humour and the vunerability in the word play. Of course there is 'that' scene..lol I've actually eaten there but the food certainly didn't have that effect on me! lol The song I chose for this film has special significance to ML & I as it's 'our' song and we danced to it when we got hitched. I will still be watching this movie..as I own it on VHS, DVD and have the soundtrack on CD..until the day I die. Love it!

Make Someone Happy ~ Jimmy Durante

Fell for this movie when I first saw it at the movies...big time. Then was gifted the VHS..then bought the DVD..and I have the soundtrack too..lol. I think of this film and I get a huge grin on my face..all the characters are great and acted so well. The whole fate theme is interesting to me. And I adore the soundtrack to this movie..so this is why and am going to link a couple more from the OST... A Kiss To Build A Dream On ~ Louis Armstrong Great tune... Stardust ~ Nat King Cole Haunting lyric and beautiful melody..and the great Nat King Cole.  In The Wee Small Hours of Morning ~ Carly Simon  Deeply emotional tune...and finally...Back in the Saddle Again ~ Gene Autry for smiles I get when Tom Hanks character attempts to ask someone out for a simple drink..lol. Told you I loved this soundtrack..

Feels Like Home ~ Bonnie Raitt

I confess to only watching this movie once..but I enjoyed it. And for me this song is one of my most favourite songs of all time..

Dreams ~ The Cranberries

Ephron, Ryan and Hanks slay me once again in this movie. I loved the original it's based on, The Shop Around the Corner...and because of that it took me some time before I sat and watched it. My friends Michael & Tim..having cooked an awesome Eggplant Parmesan for  me, for dinner, were so stunned that I hadn't seen it..they insisted we watch it whilst eating dessert. Oh how they cried at the end..lol. And as the titles rolled I knew that I would buying the DVD the next day..lol. Which I did..and the soundtrack is great..but this song will always be the one I remember the most. And once again..great acting..by all.  

Georgia On My Mind ~ Ray Charles

Now for the cast list alone I wanted to watch this movie...then I found out it was an Ephron movie and it was set in stone I would watch it..lol. I know it didn't get a great reception from the critics..but I thought they were way too harsh. I like this movie because it is about real family situations..ok the hollywood version..but still a real family dynamic. I think it was all acted very well..and although there wasn't a great soundtrack it did have the very talented Mr Ray Charles singing Georgia On My Mind.

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic ~ The Police

As a child I loved the TV series Bewitched so was quite happy when it was announced there was to be a movie. And ok it won't be remembered for being a great movie..but it was very entertaining in a very light hearted way. Kidman pulled the nose wiggle off perfectly. Ferrell was great as the self-involved fading actor..Caine was excellent as the father. And the soundtrack was very cool..and of course this song had to be part of the movie eh? It's a wonderfully obvious choice..and one of my favourite songs..

A Bushel and a Peck ~ Doris Day

OK confession time..I haven't seen this movie...yet..although it is on our LoveFilm list. Friends I know who have seen it have enjoyed it. So no doubt I will too..but when checking out the OST I saw that Doris Day's song was listed..so I had to include it..especially as it was Nora Ephron's last movie.

So there we have it. A great collection of feel good movies..by the wonderful Nora Ephron...thank you for the smiles lady...

Tomorrow my guest host for the blog takes over..and he is slaving over the posting this evening..lol. Trustworthy is a good friend of mine from Brisbane Australia and is a committed vegan too..so it should be fun. lol. I know you folks will be gentle with him..lol

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Thursday is a good one...mine will be cupcake scented..lol Chocolate at that!! lol

~R~

Weekend Round Up..joyful chaos, friends, a show, a market, music and a movie

Weekend Play Lists:

Porcupine Tree play list courtesy of Red (GRD)
Nickelback ~ The Long Road Album
Fun Lovin Criminals ~ Bag of Hits Album
Jamie Cullum play list
Girls with Guitars play list

Wow..it was a very busy weekend..and I am sat here with heavy eyes..I think I could drop off into a snooze very easily. What happened to my days of partying all night and functioning throughout the day? They got up and walked off apparently..lol. But for every yawn I stifle today I have an accompanying smile to go with it..because it has been a great weekend.

Friday afternoon was the beginning of this great weekend with a movie trip to see Avengers Assemble. Then on Saturday morning my sister and the little ones came for lunch and general play time. Now there haven't been many of these of late, as there have been so many lurgies going around that we have had to keep away from each other for fear of sharing the germs. So both my sister and myself were going through major 'sister time' withdrawals..lol...and it was so good to see her. The little ones were their usual riot of fun, chaos and energy...the girls showing off their fading Chicken Pox spots and then the boys joined in and it ended up being a shared Chicken Pox scar session..lol. Nice! And after my first batch of hugs from all, I was feeling one very happy chick. The boys ran off into their own little world which left little Noo and myself to snuggle up on my chair and watch Tinkerbell...it was a lovely half an hour. Carpet picnic lunches followed and then a manic Musical Bumps, Statues and Eggs..(eggs is a game M invented and he is quite proud of that..lol) Then the boys were allowed their 20 minutes of Star Wars Wii time whilst I played cars with Noo and littlest niece L just enjoyed running around us all. ML and my sister were both sprawled on the sofa catching up...family fun! But as always before we knew it, it was time to pack everything away and find shoes and boots...and in some cases socks..lol More hugs and kisses were enjoyed and then they were away to their friends birthday party.

With some time to recharge I took the chance to catch up on some book reading before it was time to get ready for a fabulous night out.

Don't bother me..busy reading..lol.
Image not mine..take no credit for its creation
found online..

Now Saturday night was an event..lol. A friend is a Burlesque performer and she had asked us to go to the upcoming show. The Cat's PJ's are a collective of Burlesque Performers who formed a group..they work under their own directive and enjoy what they do immensely. No exploitation here folks...I need to make that understood. For them it's an art form and a passion...and they are very good at it. So a group of us bought tickets and went along.

The show was being held at an old stomping ground from my yesteryears..lol A biker club which has diversified into a fantastic venue. It's not huge but the atmosphere is still just great...and for me it was a very nostalgic evening. Memories of many night spent there..the many bands I had seen there and the people I once knew. Fabulous. Now we were greeted by our friend out front and she looked amazing. She is a force of nature this lady and she is like the living embodiment of Betty Boop and Marilyn sensuality. She was stoked that we had come and arranged to get us in early so we could get a great table...which was good in theory..I shall explain later. So we got settled at our table and we spent the hour catching up with each other and watching the performers roaming around in wonderful outfits..then the other people started to arrive and with them a whole new visual treat as it seems it's an event to 'dress up' or 'glam up' for. The theme of night's show was Around the World in 80 Dames..so guests had come in native dress for different countries etc. But the collective favourite attire for the evening was a couple who had come as a Western Cowboy Sheriff and his partner was wearing a Saloon showgirl outfit. You could just tell the effort they had made.

The force of nature that is Storme Chaser...before the show cheeky snap..
as cameras were banned.

Now this is where the plan fell down...our wonderful table didn't give us a view...of anything. So the rest of the gang ended up stood up on their chairs to view the show..and I didn't feel strong enough to do that and really didn't want to risk falling (What a wuss..lol) and doing myself damage so I spent the show bobbing and weaving between peoples heads. Oh well..I saw enough to have a great evening..the music was fun..the old fashioned 'Cigarette & Candy' girls walking around with trays of delights for purchase were a great addition too and D & I both bought a dotty fan to play around with throughout the night..lol. The bikers who own and run the club were gracious and wonderful hosts and I really felt at home there. I was the veteran Burlesque show attendee amongst our party and I was very relieved when I saw just how much the others were enjoying the evening and the entertainment. And there are plans afoot to attend many more..lol.

We crawled through the door at 1.30 which is late for us lately...and didn't surface until 11.25 the next day..even more unheard of...however upon hearing that pals A&C didn't get out of bed until 2pm I didn't feel so bad..lol. But tell me this....how is it possible to be stone cold sober and wake up with a hangover? How is this fair? lol But hungover I was and so dragging myself around the Farmers Market was an experience that came with coffee and blackout sunglasses. lol. And it was the fast track slow crawl around..lol..we went to our favourite stalls and bought a beautiful bag of luscious veggies. We tried to buy some of the splendid falafel's for the evening meal but the women looked worse than I felt! lol. She shamefully admitted that she had been too tired to make the falafel's and apologised..a lot!

We then departed the market to go have an early lunch and if you have ever had one of those head stuck to the table moments...."Just please leave me be and let me sleep here..Yes right here..I don't care if everyone is looking at me!!" I was wiped out...lol. But a lunch was enjoyed and I had a very lovely steamed plate of veggies with what can only be described as, a lump of mashed beans and spices. It tasted OK...but it wouldn't win any awards..lol. Then it was a slow crawl to the car and around the closest supermarket for bits and pieces.

Once home I curled up in my chair with my iPod plugged in and playing, a steaming hot mug of Peppermint Tea and got between the pages of the latest Classic Rock magazine. A blissful couple of recharge hours..lol I found information about a group called Girls with Guitars who are three British blues singer-songwriters who have formed a group for touring..I checked them out on iTunes and enjoyed them greatly and then later in the evening I was looking through some flyers we had picked up at the club and low and behold...they are playing there at the end of the month! So hopefully we are getting tickets and will be going to see them live. Synchronicity or what? lol. I also found out that Chris Cornell, Slash, Beth Hart and The Levellers are touring this year but sadly don't think I'll be making it to those shows..next time, eh?

The weekend was finished off by watching a movie that came through via Lovefilm.com and it was the British film Four Lions.

Image taken from the internet.

Now this Bafta award winning comedy/drama isn't one I've been desperate to watch. To be honest I thought it would be a load of cobblers. So as it started I was sat halfheartedly watching....maybe because I don't find terrorism funny...or judge people because of their religious beliefs and the whole concept was making me a little hinky...who knows? I had been told it was a laugh from start to finish..and I love a comedy! But not a single laugh passed these lips for three quarters of this movie...until a very funny moment collided with a very tragic moment and then I was caught in a weird hysterical need to laugh and gasping at the shock/sadness of the situation. I had tears rolling down my cheeks..and sure as heck couldn't tell you if they were happy tears or sad tears. It was a Very.Strange.Moment! The whole movie for me was a roller coaster of emotions...and maybe with the tiredness I was feeling it, a little more then most would. But I am pleased I watched it..I think.

Other new music I've been introduced to this weekend is Porcupine Tree courtesy of Red who sent me a large play list of their music and I have listening to it in the car but still no where all the way through it yet. But I have enjoyed what I have heard so far..so thank you Red.

And in true Bank Holiday Monday fashion we have had 30 minutes of sunshine before the clouds took over and now it's chilly. So thankfully I ain't leaving the house today and I can stay warm..lol. At least it's not raining...lol.

Thanks for stopping by...and I hope your Monday is a good one..

~R~

Some Like It Hot Fun

Workroom Play List:

Tango Classics

Yesterday afternoon I had a movie matinee moment. Years ago when I was a little nipper in the afternoons they used to show an afternoon movie matinee and if my Nan had finished her jobs she would make herself a cup of tea, grab her No 6's (old cigarette brand here in England) and we would snuggle up and watch the movie together. It's where my love of the old Black & White movies came from. She introduced me to all the greats..I fell in love with the glamorous women and stylish men and we would look at the TV listings with great anticipation of what was showing that day. Those times were priceless and the memories are very much cherished.

I have quite a collection of old movies and I enjoy them often. I especially like the ones that make me laugh. For that reason I found myself choosing Some Like It Hot yesterday afternoon...I was feeling a little blue (impending 40th birthday, side effects from meds low etc etc) and my choice was to watch a thriller (which I only get to watch when My Love isn't here..wuss! lol), drama or a feel good movie. I searched through the offerings on Netflix and couldn't make a decision..then a classics listing came up and there was the very excellent Some Like It Hot...and the decision was out of my hands. I do own this movie on DVD and VHS I think? lol. But as the movie started I snuggled up with the Sock Stealer and let Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe transport me away to Chicago and Florida. I would've loved to have travelled on one of those sleeper trains..maybe I still will? Where is that 40 things for my 40th list? lol  

And how I laughed..like I always do especially to Jack Lemmon who I am a huge fan of..that man can make me laugh, cry and just hum happily...such talent. As Daphne he was superb..don't get me wrong Tony Curtis as Josephine was also brilliant but it's Jack that makes it for me every time. One of my favourite parts is the Tango scene which always make me howl with laughter..and after when he is back at the hotel shaking his maracas..timeless and perfect...to me anyway. And I wanted to share it with you...


You have to admit..he rocks the stockings..the guy had great legs..lol. And I have to add Josephine's pout was hilarious.

There was one thing that saddened me though whilst I was watching this movie..Marilyn..not her herself but her shape. She was one of my Grandad's favourites because she had the curves and is still a favourite of My Love's and a good pal of ours even more so. But today an actress would be written off as too big or just plan (very rudely!!) fat. As she wiggled her way around the screen in her sexy dresses it hit me that society doesn't celebrate real women's figures..it's all about the skinniest bodies and size 0's. Very sad..Marilyn with all her curves was a beautiful woman...I wish there were more like her today...

*putting soap box away* lol. This movie is one of my all time favourites and always will be...

Thanks for stopping by...And I hope your Friday is a good one...

~R~