GOOD NEWS

I heard yesterday that I have the all clear from my biopsy. I had a personal call from my breast care nurse. They are there to respond to my concerns at any time. I want to thank again Mr Hoque my consultant and his staff at the Queen Mary's. SAVE QUEEN MARY'S HOSPITAL SIDCUP. Local hospitals are so important as are local fire stations and police stations.


I have been delighted to hear and see that Josie Russell appears to be doing well after the awful attack that killed her Mum and sister Megan. I pray her life will remain quite and calm.

I have received several very generous sponsorship pledges already so Thank You, Thank You to all. I am really looking forward to the Race although I will walk it rather than run (except perhaps short bursts)


I am some putting some names out in the ether to try and find out information about them, they are women about who I am writing in my PhD.


Jean Stratton born in Dundee
Margaretta Gibson Low born in Edinburgh


Love Granny xxx

Dear friends, you all know about my cancer - well I have decided to take part in the Race For Life to raise money for research in cancer to give something back. This is my small effort because unless the research had not been done I would probably not be here. My best friend Maggie was diagnosed almost a year to the day from my diagnosis so it is for her. My colleague Ian - his wife has terminal lung cancer and has been told that it is now in her spine. So it is for her. Another colleague died last week from cancer so it is in memory of him. Our health is the most precious thing we have. My dear dad Ralph also died from cancer in 2001 so it is for him. My dear Auntie Vickie died of cancer a year ago, so it is for her. I try to live a healthy life style. I know however that Cancer can strike anyone.

I have chosen to run around The City of London on April 1st 2008.

Below is the official online sponsorship form and this is my own page in the official site as you can see how I am doing.



http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/helenbarnard2

TALKING FASHION

I visited Bluewater of Thursday after having seen my consultant and having the little biopsy....why I hear you mutter. Well I hoped that it would cheer me up. What was there to titillate my taste buds. Indeed I found little, all the usual shops are there and I as I wandered around I noted that there were the usual suspects shopping, people with more money than sense. The ridiculous cost of clothing and some of the cheap copies of cat walk innovations (I strongly support the fashion show system as an ideas venue) poorly finished especially hems and buttons.

The places that really disapointed were Accessorize and East.

H and M had some simple cotton skirts ideal for the beach. I am also inclinded to think that the linen/cotton longer shorts with a waist tie and on the baggy side which at the moment might work for me on the beach rather than sarongs. I have noted some attempts at kaftans on the market, forget these try the real deal from north africa (as warn by Abdel in 'You' magazine p 43 in blue and white. I used to have similar when I went to Tunisa and Morocco I purchased a few and I loved wearing them.

Despite my less than satisfying trip to Bluewater I was lucky to find a Robert Wilson crime novel to take on holiday should we go - I love his books. I also found some Ruby and Millie makeup which I like a lot.

My better shopping was done in some Sidcup secondhand shops. A beautiful stretch devoire dress in maroon, and long and coloumn like, I have some great accessories to alter the overall look. I found a nice pair of black velvet trousers brand new in from Next.


Keep it simple, go for good fabrics and finish.

Love Granny xxxx








Let me highlight a beautiful dress in the Sunday Mail 'You' magazine dated 23rd (today) (page 15) It is long sleveless and slinky in black with wonderful blue and yellow flowers in the skirt. Stocked by Banana Republic (bananarepublic.eu) I love this dress, at £75 not so bad a cost. This is a dress I would wear. Again I state this magazine is worth a read on fashion issues and it is weekly.

HEALTH UP DATE

I have been so well recently that almost forget that I still have my cancer. I had a little glitch this week.. I had a small 'spot' on my scar. I was worried so I was glad I was due to see my consultant this week, when I did he did a 'punch biopsy' to clarify if it was something serious or a small infection.. either way I have to wait for two weeks. It has depressed me a bit, because I know that it can come back anywhere any time.

My dear friend Ian's wife who has terminal lung cancer learnt recently that it has migrated to her spine. She can have no more chemo so they are trying to radio it. My heart is with them both all the tiem.


Sadly a colleague called Mick Daly died last week from cancer - a recent diagnosis. My heart is with his family at this sad time, what can you say to make it less painful.


Patrick Swazie has his own cancer battle and Dame Maggie Smith.

Life is fleeting... it is about how we live our life rather than length and each of the above has 'lived'.


Love Granny xxx

IN MY GARDEN

Today it is so cold and even snowy that I am worrying for our Robin chicks. The adult birds have been very busy feeding over the last two days. We have seen the grubs in the mouths of both birds. They have a set flight plan using our garden chairs as a stop off to check out for preditors then fly into the nest. They have not been able to feed themselves so Mick put out seed and this morning the birds were feeding like crazy - probably to build up reserves for the coming awful weather. I hope the chicks survive the cold.

Talk about cheek.... we spotted super squirel making use of our bird table, which has a roof. There he sat eating nut after nut under the shelter of the roof...it was raining...clever old thing.


Love Granny xxx

TIBET

There is no greater injustice than the Chinese occupation of Tibet, if you believe the controlled media output coming from the Chinese - then wake up. If you can't see that China bans foreign media for the reason that it does not want 'You' to know what is really happening. Only a country with something to hide does this, witness Mugabe in Zimbabwe. The rich and powerful in both states are the winners, keeping the poor down and controlled - the corruption of commercialism. Do whatever you can, the smallest effort can move mountains - never forget, don't ignore it (it's in your back yard and could happen anywhere)


Support the Dalai Lama - peaceful demonstration and non violent action - raise voices in protest telling our politicians to pressure the Chinese government - you have the Olympics that does not give you carte blanch to ride rough shod over other peoples in fact it is the opposite. The Chinese are breaching the Olympic ideals.

This Easter people around the world are being crucified for freedom - Easter should be a time for the Christian voice to speak out on behalf of others, regardless of their religion.

Love Granny xxx

TOWER HAMLETS CHILDREN

Today I attended a training day for 8-13 year olds from Tower Hamlets borough, the topic was Hate and Faith Crime. It was held at Oxford House. I was so impressed with the young people, who had a strong voice and were wise beyond their years and we as a society underestimate them. They deserve the people who teach them to be the best that they can. We had some guest speakers at the end of the day and the children listened carefully to some very dry comments. This was a multiracial group of kids, getting on together, adults take note. I was even a tree covered with postits with their ideas on Hate crime, even on my nose! but think it through, we have to advise children about Hate Crime, what a sad world.


It was a real privilige to meet these kids, who if you talk to them frankly and honestly respond so well.

PS I LOVE BETHNAL GREEN (TOWER HAMLETS ALL OVER) it has colour and life.

Love Granny xxxx

CULTURE

Listen to the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album, well I like it!!! Discovered the Culture Show on BBC 2 Saturday, excellent..... excellent group The Editors. Think Nigel Kennedy still fab after all these years. Watch Coast if you can because you get to look at how beautiful Britain is. Music is the greatest therapy.

Love Granny xxx

OUT SPOKEN LADY

News is my drug and I have views about everything - the current picture is not any exception.

Well done to Bjork, lets get real about China. I believe that the Olympics should not be held there so in my small way I shall boycott watching this summer. Talk about commercial interests prostituting themselves....there has been no move on Human Rights or pollution. The sponsors are hoping for big bucks, lots of coverage SO LET'S BOYCOTT THE GAMES. The Chinese are so selective in their conservation issues as well but do still promote traditional medicine for which many animals must die. MONEY talks, stand up against it.

A man killed himself, his passengers and three others because he was overtaking...a man described as loving speed and convicted drink driver....if ever an example for removing these drivers from the road this is it. He was always going to kill, he had a warning which he ignored so he is a murderer.

Sharron Matthews remains missing, let's all call out....own up bring her back of give her mother closure. JOIN TOGETHER to bring her back. Someone has lied and is still lying.

My heart goes out to the family of Carol Barnes, who died following a stroke. She was part of my growing love for news.


Please support with your prayers Amy Maria Molloy at 23 a widow, her husband died of cancer eight months ago. Read her article in 'You' the Sunday Mail 9th March 2008.

NEW'S NEW'S NEW'S LOVE GRANNY.

I HAVE TO SPEAK OUT - ITS MY DUTY

ODE TO MARTYN (Martyn Compton, Lance Corporal)

I looked at the screen
I saw your face
disfigured by fire - by war.
I looked at the screen
I heard you speak
made stronger by war
I looked at the screen
and screamed at the set
why again, how many more?
This is a look I have seen before.
Identity blurred not diminished
the fire in your eyes.
Martyn the man
Like so many before
victims of war.
Soldering - governments demand.
Then government must pay.

Love Granny