Prairie

Shop at Toms

When I was a young girl, I was very afraid of thunderstorms - my 

Mother loved them.  I remember after a rainstorm had passed by, she 

would turn on the porch light, go out to the front yard and stand barefoot 

in the wet, cold grass.  She believed that standing on the ground right after 

it'd been jolted by lightening strikes was good for the body - energizing.

After all these years, I still wonder about her ritual.  Could be this is why 

she's lived for so long?  Between you and me, I think she was re-charging, 

like a battery.

Yes, my Mum always had some strange, eccentric belief or weird theory or 

creepy wives tale that she tried to teach or instill in me. If not this, then guilt. 

When she wasn't passing on all this unconventional wisdom, she was scaring

the holy bejeezers out of me - terrorizing me with bizarro stories that sucked  

every last bit of childhood joy from my body. I'm astonished I've made it this 

far in life without regular therapy.  If only you knew what rattles around in 

my head, you would be cowering under your sheets right now. 

It's a deep-rooted phobia now - going barefoot.  

Even when at home, I schlepp around in thick socks or slippers - never barefoot.

Remember - lightening storms - wet grass - Mother ?! 

So when I came across this video, I was dismayed. It's so much more than 

one of my silly phobias or quirks, it's serious stuff.  These people need help and 

it's so simple really.  Please watch this video and then visit:   Toms Shoes

Woolies

Photo: Christmas rush - 1955 Woolworth's Department Store

It was 129 years ago, when Frank Woolworth opened his first Woolworth's store 

in the state of Pennsylvania, USA.  Unfortunately, 1997 saw the last Woolworths 

store in America close it's doors for good. So for me, it was a nostalgic moment 

the first time I walked over St. Ives, Bridge Street and caught sight of that large, 

red Woolies sign, I sort of lost it.  "woolies, woolies, woolies, woolies !!"

That was me screaming with my arms outstretched as I ran down Bridge 

Street like a marathon runner going for the finish line. I was told I had this crazy 

look on my face and my eyes had glazed over.

As in America, Woolworths, is soon to be only a memory here in the U.K.

I stepped into Woolies, for what I considered to be the last time  the other  

day and purchased an iron for £3.99 ($6.11)  People were queueing impatiently

in long lines for the cash registers. Not much different from the scene in that 

1955 photo above.  In fact, I think I saw that woman in the photo - the one 

wearing a scarf.   Yep - she was right in front of me - still standing in line.

For posterity's sake, I thought I would snap one last photo. 

Hello - what's this ?? 

Ah yes - here stands the future of England, wearing a pink tutu and smoking a fag.

I wonder what "finishing school" she attends ?!

I have now lost all focus on what I was going to write for this post.

Oh well - one photo is worth 1000 words they say.

Hmmm - wonder if Woolworths have any plastic hangers left....

They make great Christmas presents.

So long Woolies !

Hello Friday !

Bettie Page, sex kitten icon and pin up girl, passed away today in her home state of California. She had been in a coma since  suffering a fatal stroke. Innocence and naughty girl, all wrapped up into one sweetly fringed package. This is a great five minute feature and interview about the most compelling woman of her day.  Adieu Bettie !  

{*note: please see my post: Legacy - 7 December 2008}

The view from my Old Mill flat looks out over the River Ouse.

It was a "see your breath" morning today.

Within just a few minutes though, the horizon had evolved to this stunning vignette of colours. A fiery pink-orange sky, it took my breath away, forcing me to stop and admire.  Pop it up !

As it got lighter, I noticed the frosty coating of snow on the fields and foliage. It doesn't snow much anymore in Cambridgeshire - this was a real treat. 

I love this field - must have photographed it hundreds of times.

Never tire of snapping it. I miss my cows - "naughty boys"

I was so excited to see the snow and the frost on the trees, flowers and shrubs, I ran downstairs with camera in hand wearing nothing but my Victoria's Secret, black,  silk night gown and my green wellingtons. I didn't really wear this but I thought it would make this post a bit more interesting in a visual sort of way.  Close your eyes and imagine. Are you there yet ? I need the blog ratings, so let me do this okay ? So here I am outside, freezing cold, wearing nothing but this silk nightie and my wellies. Good huh ?! 

Can you see the frost on this bench ?  If not click on it and it'll pop up large. 

See how cold it is?  And here I am,outside, half naked and shivering - just so I can take these photos for you readers.  I hope you appreciate all of this. 

This plain wood bench which sits right by the river's edge has been a stalwart companion to so many souls looking for respite and meditation. It's also great peeing territory for pooches. It's been an extremely functional piece of front yard furniture.

This frosty foliage would make a nice holiday card don't you think ? Check this out ! Reminds me of one of those cards my auto insurance company used to send me.

I love this field I tell ya !

Taken with my Canon Rebel - 300D - not too bad - oui'?

Country Living, if you're reading this give me a call.

We can talk.

This last one is for you Bettie - you were really something !

 

I kept the black nightgown story to a "G" rating. But I will tell you this, 

the first draft had a delivery man and a big feather in it.  I'm doing you a favour by holding back - if I were to unleash my imagination full power, all at once, it would destroy you all. Little by little ....

Be patient.