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Tuesday 24 January 2012

Bits and Pieces Post Today ....

Hi everyone.  Yesterday dawned with a lovely blue sky and warm (well, warm-ish!) sunshine, so off I went for a walk with a friend.  As we were walking along, it actually got quite hot - and this towards the end of January, here in England!  It was a real pleasure to see the snowdrops and irises poking through the gardens that we were walking through.  Before we know it, there will be banks of golden daffodils to please the eye.  There is even a solitary primrose in amongst the snowdrops.



I would just like to say how proud I am at the moment of my 'gawgus' number 1 daughter.  On Monday, she arranged a special fund-raising lunch in aid of Breast Cancer with a group of her friends over in Paris, with people donating prizes for the raffle.  I am delighted to announce that they raised the magnificent sum of 1,492 Euros.  Well done Emma and friends!

This particular charity is very close to her heart, after her very best friend (and Eleanor's godmother) was very ill indeed last year with Breast Cancer and this only a couple of months after having her first baby.  It was a very traumatic time all round.  I have to say that her friend, Kelly, was an absolute diamond throughout and an inspiration to all around her.  After months of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by a masectomy, we are all very hopeful for the future.

Last evening I went to see my fourth film of the month.  Not bad, eh?!  This time  it was W.E., which was written, produced and directed by the one and only Madonna.






This is a difficult one! (to talk about - NOT the film!).   Of course, because of the era (the 1930's), the costumes were wonderful.  I don't know if any of you ever saw the film Julie and Julia, starring that wonderful actress again, Meryl Streep.  It was filmed a bit like that, in that you had flashbacks of the events happening around the time of the King's Abdication, and then a modern story going on at the same time, with the two main female leads interacting with each other at times, which was very clever.  I thought the actress who played Wallis was very good, BUT  the actor playing Edward, (David) Duke of Windsor, niggled at me all the way through the film really.  For a start, he was far, far too tall.  I believe the Duke was fairly small and, certainly, the Duke and Duchess were about the same height.  But even setting that aside, to be honest, I didn't think his acting was very good at all. 

This was a shame because I think Madonna created the story very well indeed and, of course, a lot of it is taken from the actual letters between Wallis and Edward (David).  I watched an interview with Madonna last week and her intention was to show the other side of the story.  In other words, we all know what the Duke gave up for her (a throne!) but what did she give up for him?  In actual fact, quite a lot and, of course, at the time she was the most reviled woman around for what she did.  Looking back, I think this was a bit unfair because all her letters to the Duke, right up to the time of the Abdication Speech, were begging him not to give up his throne. 

Anyway, if you are thinking of going along to see it, I think you will enjoy it.  Oh! There are a couple of scenes of violence against women.  Just thought I would put this in as an afterthought.

Two of my dear bloggy friends, Desiree and SkippyMom are grieving at the moment because they both lost their beloved pet dogs, Bonnie and Scooby, within a couple of days of each other.  Please hold them in your thoughts and prayers my friends.  As you can see, they were beautiful dogs.  The first photo is of Bonnie and the second one of Scooby.





28 comments:

Shady Del Knight said...

Hallo, dear Thisisme! First of all I love seeing your grands featured in your header. All three are precious!

Secondly, my heart goes out to SkippyMom and Desiree. When I look at a dog I see God and I can tell by looking at the pictures of Scooby and Bonny that they were wonderful companions. My prayers are with SkippyMom and Desiree.

I can hardly believe the lovely weather you're having! Last winter was a long and difficult one for you as I recall, and you thought spring would never arrive.

Hats off to G-T for the success her breast cancer fund raiser! My prayers also go out to her friend Kelly. I wish her a full and speedy recovery.

I am still trying to find time to see War Horse but I will also add Madonna's new movie to my must see list. Mrs. Shady loves historical dramas and we both thoroughly enjoyed The King's Speech which we saw at your urging.

Have a wonderful day, dear Thisisme!

Shelly said...

How lovely you got to go for a warm walk! We worked many hours this weekend to put in our wildflower seeds, mainly bluebonnets, and they are spectacular when they bloom in about a month.

I have not seen the film yet, but I want us to go see it. I have read a number of books about Wallis and Edward and find their story fascinating.

Kudos to your daughter for her hard work and the good results!

Anonymous said...

Well done to your daughter for her fund raising ... :0)

Madonna's film is one I want to see; hopefully I'll get to see it over the next week or so.

So very sorry to read about Bonnie and Scooby. I lost Heidi last June and although we now have two very lovely cats, I still miss her very much. xxx

Unknown said...

Hi Diane! I'm amazed to see spring arriving in your part of the world. That means that very soon I may be seeing a few blooms here. Thank you for reminding me to keep looking for it's arrival!

I'm so sad to hear of Desiree's and SkippyMom's loss. To lose a beloved companion is devastating and I will pray for their hearts to be healing every day.

Wonderful news about Gawgus' success in fundraising! That is such a supportive thing to do for a friend and for those who are fighting that fight.

I had no idea that Madonna wrote a screenplay! With the recent film recommendations, I think you have become my source for knowledge of pop culture and current events! Which is nice because you have very good taste. Have a fantastic, positive and lovely day!

Gawgus things... said...

Oh poor Skippy Mom and Desiree, they must both be heartbroken losing those gorgeous dogs :( Thinking of them both.

Interesting thoughts on the film - I'd really like to see it as I'm definitely interested in hearing the 'other side'.

Oh, and we've now made it to 1500€ as Lynda make up the difference for us :)

Unknown said...

It is surely a sad time for our two special ladies in their time of loss. Those precious dogs were family members and should be thought of as such and I feel so deeply sorry for each family.
I, like you, enjoy seeing signs of new life in the form of wild flowers. It just makes me feel better seeing beautiful flowers decorating the grounds.
Don't think I have even seen an advertisement about that movie but will be looking for it.
Have a wonderful rest of your Tuesday.
Hugs,
Odie

Glenda said...

Hi Thisisme, Let me say first that I love your new header with your grandchildren! Then I'll move on to the weather. We're having the same Springlike weather off and on here all winter. Flowers that should have died out are still blooming. Unless some strong arctic front pushes our way, we're going to just slip right into Spring without having a winter.

It's sweet of you to have such compassion for your friends who've lost their pets. Pets become interwoven into our families and it's heartbreaking to lose them. My heart goes out to them.

Also, thanks for the sweet comments on my post yesterday.
Have a nice Tuesday today and a wonderful week.

Unknown said...

Sounds like spring, not winter in England. The weather is terribly unsettled on this side of the pond too, first deeply, bone-aching cold, then a 23 degree temperature change over night. People are sick all over the place.

My good friend died of breast cancer two summers ago. What a plague Cancer is all around the world! Every little bit of fund raising goes to help discover a cure. Dear Lord, please soon.

Flowers and music and sweet remembrances to your two grieving buddies on the loss of their pets. They do become part of the family and their loss is felt deeply.

Blessings, Rosemary

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Sun!

Warmth!

Flowers!

Oh my, but you are no longer in the dull, dull, dull, dull days of January, over there. Wonderful my Dear!

I am stuck in them, myself. -pout- -whine- -sniffle- -sob-

:-)))))))))

"Fiction is life
with the dull bits left out"

~Clive James

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh my, and Congratulations to your wonderful daughter!!!

"Fiction is life
with the dull bits left out"

~Clive James

Grammy Goodwill said...

What an outstanding fund raiser your daughter managed. I think you'll be interested when I tell you that Lady Astor was from Danville, VA - my hometown. (Or that's what I was always told. I believe her former home has a plaque on it.) No blooms here, but my mums are coming back. It looks so strange to me. I'm sorry about your friends' dogs. I know how sad it is to lose a beloved pet.

Olive said...

Losing family pets, and I mean family in the truest way, is awful and heartbreaking. We never go to the movies but get them mailed to us on Netflix later. Will order that one.

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of your grandchildren in the front. Congratulations to your Emma - well done!
I'm glad you've had some nice weather over there, so nice to get out and about isn't it?

Sad news about SkippyMom and Desiree's dogs :( My prayers are with them.

It's nice to see the snowdrops peeking out :) Enjoy your evening my friend! Big hugs x

Belle said...

I'm surprised at your weather! I hope it continues to warm up and more flowers pop out of the ground.

Your daughter did a wonderful thing. I can see she has learned from your example to hold fundraisers and help people. That is quite a lot of money and will help with research I am sure. I have heard the survival rate with breast cancer is much better now and I pray her friend with the precious baby will be completely cured.

I also saw The Kings Speech and thought it was terrific. I'm sure I would like this movie too and I hope it is a big success for Madonna. I know she sometimes has trouble with films.

We lost our oldest dog Maggie before Christmas and the days aren't the same without her. Our pets are truly our family. Maggie was very old, the vet said he had never seen a dog as old as she! Isn't that strange? We didn't know her exact age, but he could tell from her teeth or something. (very long comment!)

Claudia Moser said...

When I read your posts, I somehow imagine you next to me, telling me your stories and your feelings. I find this so amazing.

Well done Emma :)

And sorry for the losses, I know that when I will loose Naila I will be lost!

BB said...

Kudos to your daughter for her efforts! That's great. I was on a fundraising committee for the American Cancer Society for 5 years and it was very rewarding indeed. Especially when you know someone personally. Haven't heard of this movie I'm afraid but it definitely doesn't sound like it's my kind anyway. Thanks for the update! Hugs!

Rebecca said...

beautiful flowers and congrats to your Gawgus and so sorry about Desiree and skippy

orchid0324 said...

Good Morning Dearest Diane,
MY, your new header is shining with LOVE, they are all SO marvelous♡♡♡ What a proud family you have♬♬♬
Oh, as we don't have that kind of sweet nature around me any more, I am envious you can enjoy relaxing walk. I remember I loved the flowers outside when young like astragalus in the rice-paddy. Snowdrops and primrose are REALLY beautiful. (haha, I didn't know the English name of primrose) The weather is too cold here to stroll here, p;)
I am SO proud of your daughter for her activity and succeeded to raise quite a fund, one of my aunts of my mother died with breast cancer.
Oh, that movie is the must for me to watch, should enhance my knowledge of your contry's history. I knew vaguely about the couple. Thank you very much for another precios information♬♬♬
War Horse will be road-showed in March here. I may be able to watch it with my friend at the theater.
I DO admire you for the warm-heartedness towards blog friends. Oh, I sure hold them in my thoughts for their loss. My dog I had before my 30s, died only 5 yers old. My hubby doesn't wish to have a pet after that...
I am proud and happy being a friend of yours☆☆☆
Blessing to you, xoxo Miyako*

Suzanne said...

Hi Thisisme. Your post is so touching. Your daughter is so wonderful to participate for the cancer cause. I will be participating in a cancer walk in April...well, passing out t-shirts, etc. We will gather a team from our office to walk, as a tribute to one of our co-workers who had a double mascectomy last week. Her prognosis is very good, they found no more signs of cancer. Now, for the healing.

I feel sad for SkippyMom and Desiree for their losses. We lost our beautiful Husky, Whitey in August. The heat was so rough on her, even tho we fixed her a room with air conditioning. She developed hip dysplasia, and was around 12 yrs old. I haven't mentioned it because I still can't talk about her without crying. In fact, a few years ago I had made Christmas ornaments, wood cutouts with our pets' photos decoupaged on them, and could not hang them on our tree this past Christmas. One day, tho, I will post her prettiest photo. I have posted a few of her pictures in the past. I know it will pass, but it's very hard.

I truly love your meadow photos...how refreshing to be able to walk the countryside and find such beauty. Have a wonderful week, talk to you soon. Hugs to you and yours!

Sush said...

I love your bits n' pieces. You always have so much to share. Good going Miss Emma she is a wonder woman isn't she. As beautiful on the inside as the outside, you have every reason in the world to be proud!

I feel for Des and Skippy Mom. My dear Holden, our Oldie Holdie as we call her is just hanging on and I'm afraid we'll be telling her goodbye sometime this spring.

I am going to have to get Mr going on the movies but we've been staying at home with our grunge. Hopefully it's over soon.

Enjoy your sunshine dear friend...
Loves~

romance-of-roses said...

Congratulations to your daughter for the fund raiser she did. This cause is so close to all of our hearts. Think we all know someone that has or has had this horrible disease. I pray someday they find the cure. Have heard great comments on the Madonna movie but have not seen it. Don't get out much, might of told you my hubby had a stroke some years back but is paralyzed and really difficult to take him out. Hugs...Lu

Stella said...

Give Skippy/Mon and Desiree my best wishes. It is so hard to lose a part of your family. We are having a wonderful winter here as well. In the high 40's today and usually this time of year we are covered in snow and ice. Sounds like a good movie just think I might have to go see it.

Chatty Crone said...

It is always sad to lose a fur baby. And the weather - everything is blooming - hope the weather holds out. Your daughter did great fundraising for breast cancer. Awesome. Beautiful family. sandie

Knitty said...

Ahhhh, flowers....I wish we had some here in Michigan but they are a long way off even if we are experiencing a mild winter. I just returned from Hawaii though so I did get to see and smell some lovely blossoms.

I don't go out to see movies often but do eventually watch them at home. Sometimes it is almost detrimental to know the real facts or have read the book that is the basis for a movie. Those without this knowledge might love the film while the rest of us are bothered by inaccuracies.

Telling this story from Wallis' point of view sounds interesting.

vintch said...

you're such a great friend. your tributes to those sweet pups was so sweet, and i'm sure very appreciated! and what a darling daughter you've got--i see the apple does not fall far from the tree:)

thank you for the honest movie review! i saw those previews last week and i've been interested:) we just saw the artist last weekend and LOVED it:)

hope your week is blessed and beautiful like you!

Facing50.Blog said...

My leetle friend how glad I am to be back with you and to share your life again. As always this is a fantastic post; full of news, interesting info and your special touch which reminds us of how kind you are.
This is just a quick comment because I really want to catch up on all the posts I have missed from you so forgive the brevity.
XX

Empty Nester said...

I just heard about that film today on GMA--they had the actress on for an interview. I love your new header- your grands are gorgeous and a pure delight! I saw that Bonny had passed away over at Desiree's blog. I cried myself through the post. We're still having that nasty weather- sunshine and 70 degrees. That is NOT proper winter weather!

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