I AM NO LIZ JONES.

I have to say I disagree with The Daily Mail fashion writer, 04/05/2010 She does not like the thick tights and shoes that Carey Mulligan is shown wearing in a picture with Miu Miu outfit. I do....I also think Carey is by far and a way a style icon, she is fresh, young, sassy, bright, intelligent, original and classy. Forget all the other glitzy women with whom she shares page 23.



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

BERTHA GLEGHORN

Does anyone know where this lady was buried, second world war?

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

Let those in the Labour and Conservative Parties understand that this election is not a two horse race. They do have to realise that their lack of understanding will allow more than the Liberals to get a nose in.

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

Yes I guess it is very stressful if you are stranded, but a lot more stressful if in a plane affected by volcanic ash!!!!!! Caution over risk, damned if the authorities had not grounded planes and damned if a plane had crashed. Let's face it we are too reliant on aircraft for everything.... time for a re-think about our life styles. Let us not put profit over lives....

Bring some commonsense to this situation people. Granny

THE PARTY OF COMMON SENSE

That new political party I have been thinking of starting, is based on common sense, using great and brilliant minds that happen to be female. There are judges, lawyers, doctors, medical staff, social workers, entrepreneurs,accountants, professors, managers, musicians, actors, fashion designers, teachers, sporty type, police officer, TV presenter, hard worker and not a gender specific occupation among them. All these jobs can be done and are done by women young and old. This means that they have many and varied views on how to run the country.

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.

FASHION

There are some brilliant fashions out there at the moment, great bold florals, light and floaty neutrals, bold geometrics so plenty of choice for everyone. However too many fashions are 'youth' focused. I am very keen for example on the shorter 'Ra Ra' type skirt over leggings but in terms of size the main brands forget the average woman.

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

BACK WITH A BANG

I have been quite for a while for which I am sorry.

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

MAGGIE EDWARDS BIRD

Today, I attended the funeral of my dearest friend Maggie. She and I shared many interests but especially we both had breast cancer. She lost her fight after the cancer migrated to her liver, four days after her 60th birthday. I was proud to stand with several hundred people, me in uniform, to remember her life in the way she would have wanted. I proudly stood in the honour guard. I allowed most of the people to enter and stood out side listening. I smiled at the choice of music and spoken word because her taste was mine, California Dreaming, Love Changes Everything, Islands in the Stream (Comic Relief version) Well she was Welsh. We shared many happy hours of classical music while working on our research. Maggie was diagnosed almost a year to the day that I was, we talked and she allowed me the privilege to hold her when she cried, as I had cried...in fear a fear that is shared by sufferers and their families...but it was our moment. At the end of her funeral I entered the venue, I walked up to her coffin and saluted my friend one more time, touched the coffin and said goodbye my dear friend, a personal and private moment.

In the service it was mentioned that Maggie loved the rain, and it rained and as her son George spoke of the sun casting shadows, the sun came out brilliant and bright. My tears were sharp and personal.

Life is short - we have a small time on the earth so live your life the fullest way you can. Don't apologise for yourself, you are you - be happy.

Granny xxxx

FASHION WORDS

Once again I tip my hat to 'You' magazine because once again they have my taste just right and I believe that it is worth sharing.

But before I start, I raise my glass to Biba the fashion out let of my youth...coming out of the shadows and making it to the silver screen.

On 28/06/2009 page 16 Style Notes page... they focus on yellow a favourite colour, especially in my view the shift dress by Giles. Granny

TRIBUTE

Why should a woman die because she wears the muslim veil. Standing in court where she should have been safe, giving evidence against her abuser...his actions were surely a 'guilty plea' Marw Sherbini aged 31 died in Germany in front of her 3 year old stabbed 18 times. Women really have to stand together, I may not agree with the veil but I will defend the right of women to do so if the freely choose. I do demand that religion and men uphold womens civil/human rights. Granny

ANOTHER TRIBUTE

Euan Williamson died fighting a fire in Edinburgh, saving lives....love Granny

TRIBUTE

They died together as they had lived Daniel, Joseph, William the youngest to die thus far, Jonathon and James (also Lee the same day) in Afganistan - my heart is with their families and friends.....Granny

For every death my husband plays the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards version on their award winning CD, They Shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Valid across the years. Granny

A REPEAT MUST READ

Johnson Beharry VC 'Barefoot Soldier' is a fantastic extraordinary read. He is now become my husband and my hero. Granny

FASHION AS IT IS NOW

One of my keen interest is clothes, and colour. There are some lovely simple vest T shirts out there and fantastic colours, the basic and staple for my wardrobe. I wear under light weight or see through blouses in a complementary colour way. The longer the line the better, to avoid the bare belly look. These look great with some of the longer line white or black shorts. There are some very pretty, thin strap or strapless varied dresses (boho and my particular the plain colour 1950's style of waisted dress) about, short again and worn with footless tights if you don't have tanned legs. Tights should be of the same colour as the dress (if multi coloured it offers a chance to create different out fits, or black. The wonderful line in short Roman sandal is great, but slim ankles are a must for these.

White dresses are making a come back with some same colour embroidery or single other colour.

Per Una (of M and S)have a lovely lime green linen skirt and jacket suit, wear with white or navy for a sharp modern colourful business look. Grey is not a good business look in my view. Again I think it is to expensive.

Monsoon has some fab looks, for that special occasion, but I still think they are to expensive.

I am so glad that after October I won't have to think about 'business clothes' and will revert to my beloved hippy look.

Following my trip to Turkey, here is a tip for the Men.....DO NOT WEAR SPEEDO type trunks...GHASTLY ON ANY MALE BODY...particularly bad on the older flabby male who think they are gods gift to women, are actually perfectly disgusting. Look at your body shape and your legs then look at the hair on your body and think about the colour of the trunks. Men - socks, sandals and shorts is so not a good look.


My favourite shoes are made by Bullfrog, I have just treated myself to a low heel court shoe that has a bar across which is stretchy and hidden by a bow - called 'Gypsy' actually more 'Flamenco'. Perfect with my short Next black linen skirt with a side bow, and opaque black tights. Sassy, smart, funky and comfortable. Looks funky with my new light weight linen 3/4 length sleeve white blouse. Also with a restored to favour black sleveless, loose shirt with self colour embroidery (brought out again after three years from my archived clothes)


Don't forget to get down and dirty in the second hand shops, to make up a new look.


A trick I have learnt, Archive clothes for re-use, also seperate clothes into work and play and special. Then sort by colourways. Non of these can 'only' be used in the catagory sorted but it gives you a sense of control.


On the street I have noticed some really nice urban looks, not just like the uniform street wear. But you have to say it is a young girls world. Some girls are predictably 'chav' with huge gold earings. I also say that the return of the bright coloured velour two pieces is a disappointment...yuk.

Granny.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson died, I was not a fan but I am sorry for his family for his children. I was not surprised it was always a matter of when not if, such is the price of fame. He thought money would make him happy it did not, his life was a car crash other stars should take note. Granny

OLU DENIZ TURKEY 2009

My husband and I have just returned from Olu Deniz in Turkey it was wonderful and I loved it. We stayed at The Flamingo Hotel, which again I loved. I loved the nearby Mosque, the farm at the back with it's chickens and goats. Don't be put off by the call to prayer, if you don't like the sound don't go - simple as that.

Turkish business as I have mentioned before think all Brits eat a 'Full English' and speak like Del Boy and want everything 'cheap as chips'. It is in your face sometimes but hey they have a living to earn.

I jumped of Mount Babadag, paragliding...sensational 6,550.

Women should be aware that Turkish men have a fixation with us, not for our beauty or brains but rather our passports...this was admitted to us during a discussion with waiters.

Do try the Secret Garden, which is beautiful.

Watch out with cocktails some are made better than others.

Go to the Talk of the Town shown in Hisoronoe - it is a Super Drag Show, excellent costume, very funny and the guy's are great.

It get's very very very hot, be warned and take advice and wear a hat. Mosquitoes are a pain, I found lavender oil brilliant for the bite. Use the local lemon concoction for keeping them at bay. I need to be very careful, and I found it worked for me. Plus it smells great.

Try Sugar Beach go on Wednesday for Lunch and enjoy the fantastic dance troup that perform there, More 'Strictly Come Dancing' than 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The last picture above shows the beach, which is fantastic.

I would go back tomorrow if I could. I will next year.

JAMAL

A young man was killed in Hackney early this morning. What a skillful young footballer. My heart his with his family. Granny xxx

UNKNOWN SOLDIERS

I am passionate about the history of the First World War.....They have discovered some 400 photographs in France in a barn. These are photos of such emotion, men who at rest had them taken to send to family in 1915-1916. Many would die in the heat and mud of battle. You can see them on www.independent.co.uk/unknownsoldiers and some are published in Independent magazine today.

I also recommend two books, Richard Holmes 'Tommy' is wonderful.

Read the 'Barefoot Soldier'.

Granny xxx

POISON

The current furoe will bring down the Government. I believe that they have done wrong, but we must watch carefully for 'demon' parties sneaking in and taking control....imagine CCTV in their hands! Remember the Germany of 1930's. If you value your civil liberties be warned.

Now how do we deal with this situation? Well I am thinking new political parties. Granny xxxx