A ONE WOMAN'S PHILOSOPHY ON LIFE. A NEW POLITICAL FORCE. A BREAST CANCER SUFFERER. WITH OCCASIONAL SHOPPING AND FASHION REVIEW.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
IN MY VIEW
For example George Michael, previously a talented singer, now a simple drug addict and not before time he is weeping in a cell. He has traded on his name and celebrity for far too long. Along with the Pete Docherty's and the Amy Winehouses the idea that money and celebrity exonerates that person from committing crime....wrong, oh so wrong. He is without doubt a wimp and a coward, he should be in solitary with no luxury to learn the value of reflection and how luck has been in life and how stupid he is as a person, arrogant and unthinking. He gave no thought to his partner. I care not a jot about him and hope he rots. He could have so easily killed a child...what would he have done then? Let's consign him to the bin of 'anonimity' and lets see how he likes that. The same of course can be said about Ricky Hatton, I guess he will run for rehab. I understand about depression I have suffered all my life but I have avoided, illegal drugs. I have had treatment and rose slowly from the mire.
A dear old lady died in anonimity this month, Eileen Nearne MBE wartime agent of the SOE strong under torture and silent in her life about her life. How different from the vainity of George who has not the courage to resist addiction. Now she will have the buriel service and recognition, she deserved. People passed her by or made up stories, they failed to consider that the elderly have lived full and interesting lives...and offer much insight into the world, its failings and its glories. I suggest those interested read 'A life in Secret - The story of Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents of the SOE' by Sarah Helm published in 2005.
I would have said much recently about child abuse, child deaths with parents killing themselves and their children. This is my view the most selfish act. I have watched the news with sorrow and the terrible disasters across the world, the floods of magnitude in Pakistan, with the self seeking government leaders looking only to their power. Millions of lives destroyed, the loss of food supply. The poor babies, so ill with diseases in the water that is polluted, the Taliban who are using this tragedy to cause problems while the Army tries it's hardest to save people. So much for politics and religion. Also of course there is the Pope's visit, for Catholics I see it as important, I have watched with interest. The overriding issue for me is the secrecy of the papal records which should be hand in total to criminal investigators. The truth is now out there, a Belgium Arch Bishop has confessed as have others, resulting in no value in secrecy unless there is more guilt and more to cover up.
The question of women being stoned to death or imprisoned because they are educated and covered from head to toe in the shroud that means death in life, should be condemned. I think every woman should stand hand in hand in every street, city, town, village, region, country and continent to say they stand with these poor desperate women victims of monsterous religiously fundemental states. There but for the grace of life go us, each woman could face this future.
I have been horiffied (by way of balance) I also condemn really stupid girls, who without understanding real freedom, behave in such as a way for me to say 'I why do I bother to care when they dont'. I find many women have wasted the opportunites that WW2 was fought for. freedom yes, right to speak ones mind yes, but commonsense, accountability and responsibility an even bigger yes yes yes.
TV REVIEW. I have loved 'Val and Roger are In' excellent acting, beautiful story. The new series of 'Who Do You Think You Are' and Merlin of course. Can't wait for more Dr Who, love Matt Smith. Hope to see Anne Widdicombe win Strictly Come Dancing!!!!!!
THOSE CUTS. Well I think all benefits should be reviewed, the elderly should get preferencial treatment for any money available.
I have been researching the history of female employment, nothing has changed... I do however think that you should take jobs offered even if it is not a job you want (in the 20's and 30's this happened, you lost your benefit if you did not take up work) You build up your CV of course with every job you do. Think adult education, at home, on line to improve your skills. Form family co-operatives in your local environment and share child care. Yes of course you have to be careful, but if it means that one person picks up children from school - do the checks and use your commonsense. Think forward. Education is important, vital, but not everyone can be a university candidate, for goodness sack avoid the media courses, you will only end up watching yourself, there are only so many places in media. You need to be able to READ, WRITE, DO MATHS in addition there should be mechanics, cookery and domestic management for all. Married or single you have to balance your finances.
Avoid all credit cards and loans......cut you consumption to you income. Bin the huge wide screen TV's. This Christmas spend money on making it a family one, with good food instead of over priced presents.
My heart is with Coleen Rooney and her son Kai, If I was her he does not come anywhere near me until he has full checks for all sexually transmitted diseases and never ever trust him again use a condom. His foolish and dishonest behaviour could lead to her having serious health problems in the future. SHAME ON WAYNE ROONEY. Don't think footballers are super dooper guy's to fall for, they are pathetic and stupidly attached to their 'manhood' AVIOD LIKE THE PLAGUE.
RANT OVER. FOR NOW.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
X FACTOR
STOP BULL FIGHTING
Granny
Thursday, August 19, 2010
TEARS FOR JIMMY REID
Anna Komnene (Comnena)
Let us hear more about these women, hidden to all but the specialists.
Love Granny
Sunday, August 15, 2010
MORE BLUEWATER FOR MEN
For the guy's SUITS YOU has a sale, if you are looking for a job, along with updating your CV look at your wardrobe. We are talking competition here, right impact with the CV, current and addressing the job you are going for....no your company. Then look at their image, match yours, smart, clean, well pressed and finished with a clean look and personal hygiene, no one wants to work with someone who has a BO problem. I like The Russell Brand look but not a good look for an insurance company! There may be several 100 others going for this job and they will have done their home work, some may not...move yourself up the list. Do you want that salary? Look at different looks that work for you, trousers narrow or wide leg, not shinny please. Give up smoking, Ashtray is not a good look. DO YOUR HAIR! Muscles are ok but not pumped up and steroid boosted so ugly. A light tan not over done meat, Smell good as well but not over powering. A good smart briefcase is an investment. A watch - for time keeping and a diary are a must...late is not a good start. Show you can manage your time, keep your private life at home. David Beckham, knows how to work it...just look at him when he started the England World Cup Holding Bid. He can do it, can you? think carefully.
By 'The Way'....all the above go for female candidates as well.
My big visit was to John Lewis, not a favourite of mine but there is a new food hall. Definately High End, Gourmet options for shopping not an everyday visit. THE COST is a big consideration, but definately if you have to impresss the inlaws then a visit here can help from a wide exclusive range think starters, and excellent meat section, a Wine section with a bar that serves food, full when I visited. A Charcuterie to die for and a Cheese section that I would kill for. Fish, I suggest the ready to cook 'Sea Bass fillets in fennel butter' new pots and a single fresh veg. Interesting bread needs to be fresh. For eggs you can expect that you will know the breed, go organic and Free Range. A big yes from me but this a place to visit for that really special meal.
Despite what I said about the looking for work look, I do believe in the individual look. Know yourself, expert hair is a treat, you can do it yourelf....but know your products and dont do 'Crazy Colour' unless you can carry it off.
Surprisingly, I am the girl who likes Victoria Beckhams designs. She knows what she is about. Like Danni Minogue, I have an extensive style book, just like hers.
Love Granny
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
I AM NO LIZ JONES.
I am very much in favour of the style that you find on Joe Brown clothing. It is quirky and I love the tie dye, the dip dyed, the tie up style dresses. Leggings worn with shorts, which I have now taken to wearing, wear with really light cardigans. I like florals and light coloured lace with anything black this season.
I like harem pants, I like maxi dresses as well and recently found a stunning example in black in my usual haunt of the charity shops.
I know perfume is very personal, I wear Avon, Rare Gold (Autumn) and warm and Rare Silver (Summer) not fashionable I know but they suit me and are not expensive. On a pension you have to be careful. I have renovated some jewellery, for the Hippy look I really wish I could design jewellery. I really look forward to a warm summer to remind me of the era of peace and california.
With the credit and money situation, recycle clothes...it is dead easy and you can have a real fun time and look original which allows you to stand out in the crowd of sheep who do not venture past the High Street.
I am still, sort of the happy to shop in Bluewater but many of the shops remain far to expensive.
Granny
Sunday, April 18, 2010
WHAT THE TV IS FOR
The best performance in a Drama...on the BBC = Sue Johnson and Alun Armstrong in a Passionate Woman. Two of the best of our actors ..... Long may they reign.
Sunday on the BBC 18th April 2010 which is why I pay my licence fee.
Songs of Praise
Country File - I loved the young man who wants to be a farmer...PLEASE help him someone.
Antiques Road Show (shame that it clashed with Foyles War - ITV)
A Passionate Woman
Great British Railway Journeys
Why I watch TV in General.
I Love Ross Kemp and his documentaries.
Stephen Fry for his mind
Katy Brand, what a girl and Jenny Eclair with her Grumpy Old Women
Tony Robinson - everything as he does.
David Attenborough
Michael Palin
Prof Brian Cox
Fiona Bruce
Anything, Art, History and Science.
Where I find an chance to learn.
Granny xx
VOTING
The election should be about 'service' to society not individual politicians aspirations or arrogance about seniority/experience.
Something needs to be done about the 'fashion' of killing among gangs and young people...the result I have to say as a result of the 'sterilisation' of police stop and search powers.
Dogs as weapons of offence...is a real problem. It is also an issue of dogs in families...I don't leave my beloved dog unsupervised with my grandchildren. Dogs are unpredictable, but a dog should not face the death penalty when it cannot defend itself....just because it is a dog...the owners should be punished....
Who do I trust....Michael Portillo, Vince Cable, make of that what you will. Granny
GO WITH THE FLOW-GET A LIFE
Bring some commonsense to this situation people. Granny
Sunday, March 14, 2010
THE PARTY OF COMMON SENSE
From the date we got the vote the argument has been why can't or rather why didn't women create a party of their own? why did they follow the old 'male' political parties? While I do not describe myself as a feminist in the 'bra burning' second wave genre, I do think the women in the current parliament are not only token but some are really awful at their jobs and represent the old established parties to the detriment of 'women' 'children' 'families' and workers. I can honestly say none of the current crop inspire me, they are 'shadows'.
I think that it is this fact that many women 'outside' parliament are turned off by politics, especially young women. I know that I am turned off.... I am also in a state of flux, I want to use my hard fought for right to vote because I believe in democracy. Could someone tell me who I can vote for? I do not want to vote for the main three or any of the smaller and more extreme parties most of them sicken me. There are however debates that must be undertaken if we are to save the place we live from sinking in social disorder and state debt.
That leaves me, with no option but to vote for myself....and I can't do that. I believe that if a person does not use their vote, then they cannot complain about the out come or the policies.
See the problem, so where are all the women who want to make a difference? My previous employment has given me my sense of service to community it has always given me my purpose. Politics should be the same, the better we can make the state work for all the people the better it is for everybody.
Work for the PEOPLE.
Granny.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
FASHION
I am an Urban Outfitters fan, I get my ideas there but I refuse to pay their prices. As I have bleated about before I use my old clothes with key new purchases. My 'style book' is my reference point.
I am now a regular Bluewater visitor, my office is five minutes away. There are some fantastic shops there and I enjoy a quick wander around either the top floor or ground floor. I have always been a Punky Fish fan, the original quirky shop. I notice lots of sales so I guess it is either a 'changing seasons' or just that people are not buying....a lesson there I think.
I love the lighter fabrics, which can be worn in lovely layers. One of my key purchases this year was a pair of high heeled sneakers from New Look, they are comfortable (perhaps the best I have) and a heel that is substantial enough to walk on, they look fantastic. They work well with all that I have clothes wise. I also purchased a Punky Fish parachute (tieup) dress in black which I wear with Harem pants. I have three pairs of Punky Fish baggy trousers two black and one grey purchased in a sale, very good value...they work with a wide range of tops.
Accessories are key to making an older outfit trendy. I love Yumi, they have some great items to 'Jazz' up the dull or old. I also use a lot of pashmina type wraps to add colour. Another great second hand purchase, a yellow, black and white '60's geometric tunic which I can team with a related colour 'T' shirts and leggings for summer wear and different looks.
I do like 'Romantic' but I am much more an 'Edgy' person having said that I am delighted to see long dresses and skirts are back in the 'Hippy' style. I am an old Hippy and these styles take me back to a time when 'peace and love' were the watch words. I knew I would become fashionable at some stage in my life.
We must always link fashion to music, and there are some fantastic female singers out there. They also bring distinctive looks to their sounds. Lady Gaga is such an example, my personal favourite is Paloma Faith.
If I have a message for young women, it is this, forget the airbrushed images, be yourself, value your bodies as they are. Dress your bodies that raise your self esteem, do not believe that you have to have a 'herd' mentality. I do not hide my breast that has been changed by cancer, I have even gone topless.....your body is yours 'Love it'.
Granny
Sunday, March 07, 2010
BACK WITH A BANG
I am retired now and I am enjoying being able to do what I want.
My plan for my blog is to move to more focused work.
Politics, I would like to start a new party...dedicated to the many bright and clever, young and all generally disillusioned, disenfranchised women.
I would like to get into parliament to try an be a voice of check and balance. Avoiding the awful party system which seems to me to be where people go to promote themselves only. As a independent I have no alligence except to my contituents - free to speak unfettered on issues. I invisage my key issues to be on, further empowerment of women through education, but I want women to feel free to choose what they want. No woman should be disadvantaged if she wants to stay at home and bring up a child. My education plan would be to provide both men and women with key skills to bring up children and manage a budget. Education is vital but it is important that there are traditional elements such as reading, writing and mathematics. I would like to see a focus on an re introduction of History, Geography and Art. For people need to be rounded individuals to succeed. I don't believe in wholly faith schools they are too limiting in vision. I want to move away from dictatorship of religion, not anti religion but it must not control peoples choices of sex and sexual orientation. For myself I am Christian, I adore Desmond Tutu, but that is just for me I don't preach or push it on others.
I would be arguing for a greener programme, I would like to see alternatives in energy. I want a real focus in saving the world environments for animals....if we don't humans could become extinct.
I want a complete change in the banking world....no more fat cats...no more expences for politicians and no bonuses for MP's.
I want a government that shrinks the 'Big Government' but that doesn't mean I don't believe that Government should shirk its responsibility to children....and should intevene to save the lives of children. I do not believe every child is best in its birth family. Equally I do not believe that 'Children's Homes' are entire answer, I would like to find another way, explore the options.
We need to embrace children in a legitimate way. I am totally opposed to making excused for those who abuse others....
Crime is another area where I want to make a difference, empowering local residents to stand up against anti-social behaviour, but I do not support vigilanties. Make the law work and do its job.
I have certain advantages in this area, being an ex Met officer who has worked in the area I live.
I psent 30 years trying to change attitudes to Rape, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. I am disappointed that society still believes that a drunken female has a 'guilty' role in the offence...she does not, clearly it would not be possible to give clear informed choice in wether or not to have a sexual intercourse...rapist know this and often 'taint' a victims drink. What a woman wears is for her not a green light for male predation.
Well it's out there now, what say you?
Granny