Catch Up Time: holidays, lurgys, food carvings and James Rhodes appreciation

Hello there folks...I cannot believe its been so long. That said I thought I would update you about recent goings on at R&R HQ. So here goes....

Kessington Sands (shingle), Lowestoft. Photo courtesy of Ann

Our break away by the beach was a peaceful time. We stayed in accommodation 2 minutes walk from the beach although it was one I was unable to do so Ann took a few photos for me. Isn't this one great? But it was nice to be near the beach and we enjoyed a couple of days out exploring. Our friend Bev suggested nearby Southwolds and it was just lovely.  We ate at a fab little cafe who were vegan friendly and I devoured delicately ate...ahem...a plateful of mixed salads. Roasted fennel, artichoke, pepper & asparagus being my favourite of the offerings. ML & Ann also had great meals and although it was extremely busy in No 51 the atmosphere was very relaxing. I just wish we had found it earlier in the week...ah well. Should you be visiting Southwolds any time soon..check it out. 

I found an almost zenlike moment of peace sat in the gardens of Framlingham Castle whist ML and Ann took the tower walk. Warm sunshine on my skin, peaceful surroundings and that feeling you get when you are sat somewhere drenched in history.

The week away was nice and ML and Ann both got the space and healing time they needed. I struggled though..the pain was bad so I slept little and by midweek I was bouncing off the walls with sleep deprivation and pain overload. But I was happy to be there and enjoyed sitting by the window watching the sky as the weather was extremely changeable and intensely beautiful. On the final day I started to feel odd and by the next morning as ML and Ann were packing up the car I was in full on lurgy mode. 

Yep...I went on holiday and came home poorly! Go figure...lol

The drive home was long and hot and I was an incubator for the germs I'd picked up. I managed a quick visit with my sister and little ones (all gifts loved and approved..Auntie points 10/10 lol) and then I crawled into my bed...and never made it out for a whole week. The lurgy completely floored me and it was nasty. But made bearable because of ML's TLC. Who when not making nutritious homemade soups for me to eat was found on the bed next to me administering hugs and playings games to keep me rested. And luckily didn't catch the lurgy from me...bonus. I was determined to get through it without medications and I am proud to say I did. Took some time to feel even remotely human but I stuck it out and now my body doesn't have to recover from a serious dose of anti-bios. I'm still a little shaky but I'm lurgy free...wehoooo. 

Cucumber carvings...hush..they were my first attempt...I will keep practising lol

So what does a person on rest, do on holiday? Well take up the practise of Japanese food carvings of course. I picked up a bargain copy of The Decorative Art of Japanese Food Carvings by Hiroshi Nagashima shortly before we left for our holiday. It is a great book with clear instructions and inspirational photos...I say inspirational because they make the art of food carving look easy. It isn't...believe me. 

And now for the radishes and carrot basics....gal needs practice...

Sorry about the quality of the photos...oh and the crude carvings...but I am committed to keeping up the practice. I found it to be challenging at times...but all consuming and it took my mind away from the pain and frustrations that come with it. It was fun...watch this space...

My little garden....

We recently made the decision the take our house off of the market and stay for a while. The reasons are many...but the outcome has brought us some peace of mind. We are happy with our decision and therefore making plans based around it. We are taking up some home maintenance jobs around the house that we will work on ourselves and I am very much up for that challenge even if I only manage 30 minutes a day. I love doing 'jobs' around the house and have missed doing them greatly so I can't wait to get started but obviously my body isn't keeping up with my heart/mind. But I am determined and so is ML so it's all good. One of the main things I wanted to get started was a reorganisation of the gardens. Our property has a substantial garden area. Thankfully divided up into sections...the majority of the garden which ML was responsible in the past (no longer due to major reactions to anything green and natural..) we are going to offer up for someone to make into a fully functioning allotment. But the large yard directly outside my kitchen window we have cleared and I have made a 'container' vegetable garden. I have no idea if it will work but I have researched everything I needed to and I'm very enthusiastic that it will. With the helpful advice from ML I am hoping to have an abundance of veggies in a short while. Planted as follows:

Spaghetti squash
F'Atena Yellow courgettes
Junona squash
Tumbling Tom cherry tomatoes
Orinoco Dwarf Beans
Bell Boy Bell Peppers
Californian Wonder Bell Peppers
Marconi Pointy Peppers
Carrots
Rainbow Beetroot
Chioggia Beetroot
Bright Lights Swiss Chard
Black Magic Kale
Fizz Kale 
Rhubarb Beet Leaf Beet
Dragon F1 Hybrid Radishes
Rainbow Mixed Radishes

Still to come shiso leave seeds. And an abundance of herbs...

I have chosen many veggies for the simple reason that I can't buy them in my area of England. So I am very happy to be starting this project. Once there is something to see I shall post some photos but I promise not to turn into a garden bore. Hopefully...

...so I have a new addiction. Although I am and will always be an espresso gal. I have to admit that caffeine doesn't suit my body anymore. I have my adored machine waiting for the days when I allow myself the espresso hit. I have unsuccessfully been trying to find a good decaf coffee for years. I have tried many...some worse than others but always a let down. Its frustrating because sometimes I just need a black coffee instead of my beloved green teas and the like. 

A really good Fair Trade decaf instant coffee

I don't know what dragged me down the coffee aisle of the supermarket whilst away on our holiday. But before I knew it was scanning the instant coffee offerings. I am by no means a purest when it comes to regular coffee. Espresso...oh yes but regular cuppa joe...oh no. Yes I prefer the filtered kind...but if I can find an instant than I am happy. Percol have never even blipped on my radar until that day. Something drew me in and I had stashed a jar of this decaf coffee in my trolley. And I couldn't be happier about it. ML made me a cup when we got back from the shopping trip and from the moment the jar was opened I knew it was going to be a good one. The aroma assaulted my senses and brought me back to all my most loved coffee drinking memories. I almost didn't want to take a sip and face the disappointment but the swirling blackness worked its magic and I took my first taste. Smooth, strong and a great depth of flavour...aside from the jolt you get with regular coffee..you just wouldn't know it was a decaf coffee. I now look forward to my afternoon coffee moment...and its Fair Trade too! Thank you Percol! If you have to have decaf or just simply choose to drink decaf...try this coffee I beg you. After all there are worse addictions to be had, eh? 

And lastly...and by no means least...Mr James Rhodes. I confess I had never heard of the chap until very recently. I was checking in with the Hay Festival via iPlayer and happened upon an interview between Stephen Fry and James. From the first answer to Fry's question I was taken. James Rhodes life story is at times brutal but not in a 'misery for money' way. He is honest which above all else I respect. And found myself ordering his autobiography for my Kindle a few days later. The impression he made stayed with me. 

The autobiography that almost never happened....

You only need to Google his name to read about the battle he has been through to get to publish his book. It was long, tortuous battle but despite this he remains loyal to his truth. Where lesser people would have given up and limped away..he with the support of his wife, family and good friends kept going. And I for one am so happy that he did because I have been so emotionally touched by this book...his life...his words and the way he looks at the world. I hate that the man who hurt him as a child got away with it and it would eat me alive but he has managed to move on. It still has an effect on him but he deals with it. I have a huge amount of respect for this man and should I ever have the chance to meet him I would tell him so although he would probably light a cigarette and tell me to hush. This book isn't doom and gloom and woe is me. This book is an honest account about one mans childhood and adult life so far. And filled with far more positivity and honesty than anything I've read in a long time. To quote an old cliche...I am forever changed by reading this.

I enjoyed the play list that comes with each new chapter and I added the Instrumental suggested play list by James onto our Spotify account. Each chapter starts with a suggested piece of music and a short paragraph about the composer. Did I forget to mention that James Rhodes is a fantastic piano player and tours the world doing so. I've listened to some of his CD offerings and being the classical music fan I think I am..I am ashamed that his work has slipped by me. That is now rectified. I recently watched his documentary on Channel 4...Notes From The Inside: James Rhodes. Having had some time in a locked ward himself..he takes a Steinway piano into a hospital and personally selects 4 pieces of music for four patients to try and make a connection with them as music has been a safe haven for him. It is a good documentary and at times raw. But to have the chance to listen to him play and see the emotion he pours into every note and know all of the hidden struggles he faces as he sits there playing...I was humbled. 

Mr James Rhodes: Brief clip from the Hay Festival talking about Chopin then performing

I have respect for this man. Not in the seedy groupie way..for goodness sake. But respect for his words, notes and the way he has survived the ordeals of his life. His love for his wife, son and his family and friends. But mainly his honesty...the fact that he admits he can to quote "...be such an asshole..." but then can wax lyrical about real love. He is flawed but then who isn't. He is honest...not that many people are so for me it was a refreshing change. And he is close mates with Ben Cumberbatch...whats not to love about that. I look forward to many hours listening to James music and hopefully a book or two alongside. Thank you Mr Rhodes for leaving an impression...

Anything else...well our much loved 'road tripping' car finally died. It was a very sad day in R & R HQ but we have many fantastic memories of travels in Carmen to enjoy.

Right that is us all caught up. I am feeling stronger each day so hope to be back in the kitchen very soon. But in the meantime don't forget the extensive archive of recipes on offer. Just please forgive the photos if you go..way back. I was an absolute beginner back then but the recipes are good. 

I hope you are surrounded by sunshine and happiness folks...and thank you for stopping by. 

~Red~ 

Images and thoughts from the last week...

Rocket & Roses HQ Play List:

Janiva Magness play list on iPod

Hello folks...great news...there will be food posts aplenty from Tuesday! Alas not from my hard efforts but ML's and I shall be blogging about them. So please indulge me as I bring you another image and thoughts based posting. I was enjoying listening to Janiva Magness's play list on the Pod and I had a few moments of thinking back about the last week...and decided to collate some of them together for today's offering.

So as I have mentioned the lady twice already I shall start with her. I admit I had never heard of this awesome vocalist until this week. How this was possible, I have no idea. Because the moment I heard the opening lyrics of You Were Never Mine...I had fallen hook, line and sinker. And this morning I relaxed listening to her entire body of work whilst researching...a great way to spend a Sunday morning. But be warned..you may need a tissue or two...lol

Janiva Magness ~ You Were Never Mine

 

I am a firm believer in living in the moment...although it's a struggle when the pain is riding me hard. This image I had printed off and hanging in my office. Until A & I got started this week and stripped down the walls and hangings and the final packing up is due to happen Tuesday.

You only have this moment folks...make it count.

On Saturday my sister and her little ones came for their weekly visit. Each one of the little ones waited for a moment I was alone with them and questioned me about my move. I really didn't realise how it would effect them. So I was a little sad about that but spent time with them and reassured them that they would still see me every Saturday..just somewhere with great parks to play in. As a distraction I asked them to help me pack and sort the DVDs. And what fun they had...lol. M got tired of DVDs and decided to decorate the boxes as we filled them..although I am fairly certain little L would've preferred to make one of these...

LOL Maybe at the other end I'll let them make these..

Do you believe in soul mates? Yeah..it's one of 'those' questions..isn't it? I'm undecided. But this week it's one nagging thought that won't go away. I found this quote..and it kinda made sense of the nagging questions. I can't bear all that hearts and flowers cutesy soul mates stuff...so maybe that was why I was having trouble with it.

So yes...maybe now I think I do believe.

This week has been a tough one for a number of reasons so when I haven't been keeping distracted and focused on the move...I have been watching a lot of Stand Up Comedy. And blimey have I laughed...past the point of tears...and serious Oh ouching. Don't you love that feeling? I do. I find no matter what I am going through...laughter is the best medicine.

I will always laugh until I cry....

My favourite foodie moment of the week has been a dish that would send most of you running from the room. (I do read your emails every time I use sprouts..lol) But I adore the little green globes of yumminess. When I saw this recipe by The Healthy Family and Home I had to print it off, to make very soon and share with you. This actually made me smile...



Raw Vegan Chipotle Almond Stuffed Brussels Sprouts

Yum, eh? I cannot wait to try these..however ML said I will have to wait until I can carve them out myself..lol Spoil sport.

My friend J sent me this painting and I loved it. His reason for sending it was highly personal so I shan't say anymore except...Yes.

Sadly we don't know who the artist is so cannot give credit where
its due. If you know...drop me a message and I shall amend this caption.

Regular readers will know...I believe in staying hopeful..and I believe in smiling whilst you do so. So when I found this picture I had to share it...

Nope..not ever.

Do you ever get that moment when you are reacquainted with an old song...you have forgotten you even have..or its been hiding on your Pod. Then something or someone reminds you of it and you are carried away with its awesomeness or emotive qualities? You do? Good so it's not just me because I would hate to think others don't get that feeling. I had that happen this week. I was reminded of a song..I YouTubed it whilst reading the lyrics...and found it on my Pod waiting for me. Such a good tune and heart stirring lyric...and thank you to the lovely who gave me the nudge..hope you folks enjoy it too?

Aerosmith ~ Dream On

I want to walk along this jetty and take in the beautiful view and sit down at the end and paddle my feet in the water until I am ready to slide in and away. Such a glorious image...one I use in a visualisation..

Peace, acceptance and beauty.

Well this wouldn't really be a Rocket posting without the odd tattoo design, eh? Although I am now sensing a theme running through this posting. lol. When I saw these words I read them out to ML who said..."Very you dear.." lol

Damn straight!

I'm never sure where I stand on Digital Artwork. Maybe it's because my Mum is a fantastic free hand artist and therefore Digital Artwork is therefore the Kindle of it's world. Please don't email me with the many virtues of the Kindle...lol But I did find this piece of art by Consuela Para and it made me start to rethink that thought process. I adore the use of colour and I feel it's storm reach out to my emotion and link up.

And finally...a link to Steve Hughes, who is a comedian that I had the pleasure of watching this week. He helped with the Happy and we found out he's coming to the city we are moving to in November so we are hoping to take in his show Live.  Woo!..

Steve Hughes on Live At The Apollo London

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your week is a fantastic one...and I'll be back Tuesday with a food blog...promise. lol

~Red~

NB: All images and clips were found online so therefore I take no credit in the creation of them. I send out great thanks to those that did. And am happy to give credit where it is due. ~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 Loves: The Union ~ The World Is Yours Album

Rocket & Roses HQ Play List:

The Union ~ Sawtooth Mountain Ride part 1
The Union ~ You're My Jesus
The Union ~ Tonight I'm Alive
The Union ~ Fading Out Of Love
The Union ~ The World Is Yours
The Union ~ To Say Goodbye
The Union ~ The Perfect Crime
The Union ~ Tangled Up In You
The Union ~ Lost To The Wind
The Union ~ What Doesn't Kill You
The Union ~ Marie Celeste
The Union ~ Wreck My Scene
The Union ~ This Is A London Song
The Union ~ You Can Share My Dreams
The Union ~ Sawtooth Mountain Ride part 2

(Yep listening to the album as I type..lol I got it bad..)

I have mentioned and blogged about the talented Mr Luke Morley many times before. I have been a fan of his music for over 20 years. From the early days of Terraplane...the glorious days of Thunder (classic performance)...the Bowes & Morley days and the solo days El Gringo Retro...through to The Union days which are still going strong. Although Thunder seem to be making more appearances recently lol. Never a bad thing at all.

As the main writer/creative force behind the great British rock band that was Thunder..Morley was happy to share the responsibility with Pete Shoulder when Thunder had their final tour and he went on to form The Union ( Hmmm? Wasn't final for long..but hey I enjoyed every heartbreaking moment of that tour..lol) Anyway...

The Union ~ The World Is Yours
You're My Jesus ~ Live in Manchester

If you like bluesy rock...with great lyrics..great hooks..albums that lift you from moments of tearful heartbreak to balls to the wall rock/blues the next..then I can't urge you strongly enough to check them out. I remember listening nervously to the first demo that was released from their first album self titled The Union. As the first sounds came through my laptop speakers...I nearly cried with relief..because I loved it in that rough form. In fact if I'm honest I prefer that version, to the one that ended up on the album.

The Union ~ The Union
Black Monday
 

Why did I nearly cry with relief I hear you ask? Simply this...I understood Thunder...Morley's writing and Danny's voice...were for me...awesome. I have so many memories attached to those guys it's crazy...but not in a mad groupie fanatical way. I just respected the hell out of them. I didn't like every song they ever released and I accepted they weren't to everyone's taste but for me...perfect. So when it was announced that Morley was forming a new band I had a natural...Oh hell will i like this? moment. So it was a great moment when I first heard Shoulders captivating voice...the song Easy Street actually made me shiver..lol. And the exquisite Lilies...

I went to see them in Manchester when they toured for the release of The Union album and it was a fantastic night..one I will never forget. When they released the second album Siren's Song I had tickets for York and made it there and stood patiently waiting for them to come on..however half way through their first song...my body decided to give out on me. ML had to help me up and steer me out through the crowd. Not my finest moment..I knew I was too ill to go but hey...rock chick till I die..lol. So I missed that tour but I loved the second album as much as the first. I get lost in Cut The Line and get fired up to Burning Daylight every track on the first two albums are all great..no weak album fillers on either.

The Union ~ Siren's Song
Obsession

As you know I've been unwell (flipping understatement eh?) and as a treat to make me smile my much loved sister bought me the third album the week it was released. This album I had been patiently waiting to be released and was beyond excited when my sister walked through my lounge door waving it in her hand..."It's here!..." And blimey did I ever smile...lol. It was opened and the disc slotted into Ruby (laptop..hush! lol) and I sat and listened to every tune to the end. And then repeated this...(which was a blessing because the pain was very bad and it helped distract me)...and then once more. I added it to my iPod and then sat with the CD sleeve and read it cover to cover...taking in every word of the lyrics. Did I mention I'm a bit of a fan??? lol

The Union
Left ~ Mr Luke Morley Right ~ Mr Pete Shoulder
Tonight I'm Alive ~ Live in Manchester
 

I haven't formed any favourites on The World Is Yours as yet...I like to take my time and get to know each track so over the coming weeks I will listen to the album quietly in my moments of reflection...loudly on the days when I need the release that music brings me...and in the background whilst every lyric and melody becomes a part of me. I mentioned before that music is my life force haven't I? lol. This I know...the lyric and music are, as ever, of a high quality and creatively awesome. These guys do know how to write an album....that is for sure.

If you were wondering where you'd seen the artwork for The World Is Yours...then here is the full painting.

Now if only I could remember who painted it?
Feel free to pass me the information and I will
update the posting.

As I'm writing Fading Out of Love is playing in the background and it is a tale of doubt and heart break. Sung perfectly by Pete..the emotion he puts into every word is breathtaking.

Their albums are available at all the normal online places..Amazon, iTunes etc. But here is a link through to their website for you to have a look around..should you wish...you really should you know..lol.

Thanks for stopping by and letting me tell you about The Union. I hope your weekend is being very good to you...

And last but by no means least...Thank you lovely sister of mine for wanting to make me smile and doing it in such a perfect way..xx

~Red~

NB: I take absolutely no credit whatsoever for any of the creative genius for any of the music used in this posting. That is firmly in the hands of Morley and Shoulder. But I do thank them for every bit. I am always happy to share the music love....Thank you ~Red~

Moments of the Week...

Rocket & Roses HQ Play List:

Frank Sinatra ~ All This & Heaven Too
Evanescence ~ Lithium
The O.T Quartet ~ Hold This Sucker Down
Zac Brown Band ~ Where The Boat Leaves From
Thunder ~ Welcome To The Party
Adele ~ Best For Last
The Zutons ~ The Railroad
Christoph Von Dohnan ~ Mozart Jupiter
Meredith Brooks ~ Back To Eden
A Perfect Circle ~ Crimes
Bruce Springsteen ~ The River
UB40 ~ Guilty
Halestorm ~ I'm Not An Angel
UB40 ~ Cherry Oh Baby

Happy Friday one and all! I haven't done one of these posts for a while and as I didn't have a foodie post to write for today, I thought why not do a mash up of things? lol. So I hope it entertains you for a little while. Would be happy to hear what your 'moments' would be...

Thought of the Week

OK...I know it's a little sappy but regardless, it is very true. And I have experienced this a few times this week.

Yum of the Week

Photo courtesy of Trustworthy

This is guest blogger Trustworthy's Boost with Bite scramble. He served this tofu scramble over ciabatta bread this week for his breakfast and sent me a photo. I have been enjoying tofu fritattas for breakfast this week and it was nice to see the lovely man was enjoying a tofu yum fest too! Hopefully he will be writing a post about it very soon...

Movie of the Week

Trustworthy and I usually meet up on a Saturday afternoon and have an international movie moment. lol. This week we had a midweek moment and I finally watched As Good As It Gets. And Trustworthy was right about this movie. It had great acting..many laugh out loud moments and a great story.

Happy Moment of the Week

Regular readers of my little blog will be aware that ML spends a portion of working life travelling around Europe. This week ML has been in Brussels, Belgium and not been well either, with the Salicylate and Nickel condition. So my happy moment was when a very sadly ravaged ML walked in the door and promptly fell asleep on the bed.

Smiles of the Week

There once was a girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very, very good. But when she was bad..she was horrid. No wait!!! That's another story! lol. Ooops.

OK so there was once a baby girl born in a maternity ward that was filled with baby boys. She was this little bundle of curly blonde hair, little pink lips and cute as a button. But she had parents who could not decide upon her name..so the enamoured nurses and midwives started calling her Cherub until her actual name was decided. Yep, that bundle was indeed me...and although my parents did give me an actual name..my Mum called me Cherub for many years after. So I've always had this tie to the little Cherub..especially Cheeky Cherubs...and when i saw this Bert and Ernie style Cherubs..it made me smile so much.

Tune of the Week

I was sat chatting with a mate this week when this tune played on my iPod. Music is very emotive for me. And as the first few bars started to play I was taken back to a moment in my past when a good friend had sent me this tune. I won't share the whys or what for's..but the tune has been playing in my head ever since. And it's a very bittersweet feeling. Do you ever get tunes like that?

Truthful Moment of the Week

Right..bummer, eh? But it doesn't make it any less true for me and no doubt many other thousands of people who are dealing with chronic long term illness every day of their lives. This week has been quite a bad one and on one day this week this quote summed up my feelings eloquently. Thankfully these lows do pass...but at the time...you really doubt it. This is my truth...

TV Moment of the Week

How happy was I when The Killing Season 2 came through the post box this week. I am very addicted to this Danish drama. The acting and story lines are first class. And I confess I am desperate to learn Danish now because I love the sound of it. I have learnt Thank you...but that's it so far. I know some people run screaming from anything subtitled but not me...I love it.

Art of the Week

'Windswept' Artist unknown.

I found this piece during a visit to Pinterest. I cannot find the artist responsible for this beautiful creation but I wish I could because I have a feeling I would love their other works too. I love the use of the colours and graceful lines. I am enchanted with this piece. And if you recognise this and know who the artist is..please drop me a line so I can give credit where it's due.

Live Music Memory of the Week

Thunder ~ Until My Dying Day

I could fill a Tumbler with images of the memories I have attached to this gig..this band..and this song. For me..it's rock heaven.

Reclaimed Happiness of the Week

When you are on enforced rest..and very bad at it...you find yourself easily going stir crazy..and suffering from bitch cabin fever. So I spend a lot of time listening to music, watching music, watching movies, TV shows and reading. Yesterday afternoon whilst cruising my iPod I found that I had 30 Pod cast plays to listen too. Something I used to do whilst cooking....and so got comfy and started to listen to one. And I had forgotten how much it relaxed me. I won't forget again...lol. Sad how something that makes you so happy can just be forgotten..

And finally...yes...you're right...it's the tattoo moment..lol

Tattoo of the Week

Not for everyone...but I loved the placement, the black and grey mix and the beauty of the design.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your Friday is an awesome one and sets your weekend up well for you..

~R~

NB: All images and links were found online and I take no credit at all for their creation but send out thanks to all those that did. Thanks ~R~