In The Pink

Well the last day of the year is here and I have a lot to do, all good but all busy none the less. Anyway, every once in a while I have one of those days where everything I do goes horribly wrong, it usually culminates with a complete disaster in the kitchen. Days like this don't happen very often and I have learnt to recognise them and be smart enough not to try and cook anything and order out however today I am cooking tea for us and some friends to eat at their house this evening!!!!!! So, there will be lots of counting to ten, staying calm, taking my time and praying! Happy New Year Bloggers! Image Credit: Salvaging Cooking Disasters

I am not sure what I am going to write today but I felt like coming here and creating a post. Once again I have written many mental posts over the past few days. I should drag out my pocket tape recorded and then I can get them on tape when I think of them and write them up later when time allows. I have had the most lovely Christmas with visits to see family and many communications with friends. In fact I heard from a very old friend just a few days before Christmas which was a wonderful surprise, a girl I went to school with who's parents moved away when we were about 14. For whatever reason we did not manage to keep in touch however she has found me on Facebook and it is lovely to be in touch again. I have been flooded with lots of lovely memories of good time spent with her, mostly giggling! I was spoiled rotten with thoughtful gifts from family and Mr Dancin' and all of the gifts we gave have been very well received. Receiving is wonderful but as we all know giving is ...

Last night we were watching an episode of Scrubs and they played a Del Amitri song in the background. It was at the end of the episode and inspired me to put some Del Amitri on, one of my favourite bands. We ended up having Del Amitri on all evening and I sang my head off! It was great. We usually listen to our music on playlists these days and although I love the random/ duke box quality to it sometimes its just good to listen to someone you really love all night. Anyway I have just been visiting with Scottish Nature Boy over at Breath in and out, now repeat for as long as possible , and in addition to posting some lovely shots of the Lunar Eclipse, that I recommend you go and see, he also posted a fabulous You Tube clip of Floyd at Earls Court in '94 playing Dark Side of the Moon. I saw Floyd on that tour and it brought back some amazing memories, as a result I predict a Floyd day today, in celebration of their awesome music! And I am going to start with this! Join m...

Well our decorations are up and the Christmas playlist is on! Bet you can't sit still to this one!!!! What a lovely young man he is!

I met this soul on Friday while at work. He/ she (I am a little ashamed to say I did not look to check!) kept me company while I surveyed the trees in the field. Horses are very good company. I have spent a lot of time with horses over the years, mucking out, fussing and a little riding. They are incredibly intelligent, (as all animals are) and without exception love to be told they are beautiful! I have been kicked, bitten, head-butted, stood on, thrown while riding and lifted off the ground and chucked against a wall by horses, the last of which was all over a packet of polos, and I never tire of their amazing company. Spotty here followed me around, gave me a nuzzle and undid the zip on my fleece coat, all in search of something to eat I am sure, but the experience lifted my spirits and made my day. There is something very special about moments shared with animals, and I am sorry for anyone who does not have that opportunity.

Funnily enough I was thinking today about creating an animated video for this song and some clever soul has beaten me to it! Great song. Next post will be my 1000th on In The Pink!!

Ok I think we can all agree that I can mention the Christmas word now but is it too early to send cards? I am feeling very organised this year, all my shopping is done and half of the gifts are wrapped; still waiting for a few to be delivered. Last night I was going to write out my cards but if you got a Christmas card next week would you think it too early? I know I can write them out and post them the week after but I do like to get the whole job done in one go. Maybe I will wait until next weekend and then get them done. There are a few decorations up in our neighbourhood which I do think is a little soon but each to their own. We are not ready to have the Christmas Playlist on the computer yet but yesterday I did purchase Bob Dylans Christmas album from last year to add to it. Actually I do still have 2 presents to buy, for the pups. What do you get the dog that has everything?!

Image Credit: Paul Bevan on Flickr

So after a fairly OK day, but a trying week, I came home to a dog with a poorly tummy, some pants work news and promptly burnt tea! Having been abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks to be healthy I decided on a large scotch to make things better; I don't think it has worked! However what is working is a good bout of Jethro Tull (and a great Scrabble session with my sister) and I am planning on sharing the joy. For all those feeling the strain this is for you. (For some reason we are now listening to a Bernard Cribbins track...hey whatever gets you through the night, it's alright, it's alright.)

We have had some great winter weather recently and lots of fog which makes for some interesting photos. I took a load of shots locally on a beautiful, foggy, early morning, dog walk last week, and got some more shots with my phone around Ironbridge yesterday. The shots on my phone did not come out as well as I would have liked but never mind. Here are some collages of the shots I took. The weather man promised us a foggy day today but it has not emerged which is as shame as I had planned a trip out to get some more shots but I am sure there is some more good wintery weather to come!

All future posts relating to the Compassionate Shopping Guide will be posted over at my other blog   Evolved.  The Compassionate Shopping Guide is described below. 'NEW AND IMPROVED 12th EDITION OF THE COMPASSIONATE SHOPPING GUIDE IS NOW HERE! This 60-page pocket-size guide is packed full of positive and practical tips from where to find cruelty free and eco-friendly products on the internet, in the supermarket or even spa, to eco-cleaning tips and homemade cleaning recipes. The NEW edition includes dozens of newly endorsed companies, including quite a few surprises! From the use of palm oil which endangers orangutans and talc mining, to positives like eco-cleaning products and cruelty free, the Compassionate Shopping Guide helps you use your purchasing power effectively. Each copy of the Guide comes with money saving discounts offering £s of savings on outstanding ethical products and, for orders placed before 1st September 2010, entry into a Priz...

Since I took these photos last weekend we have had a week of storms that have stripped the trees of their remaining leaves. It has been a beautiful autumn so I don't feel cheated, and winter gives us an opportunity to appreciate trees varying and delicate branch structures and take a close look at the years extension growth and new buds, waiting to burst next spring.

Image Credit: Bing

Well that was the best thing I have read in ages! So I am afraid it is goodbye to The Body Shop, goodbye to Ecover and goodbye to Dove, another old favourite, but I feel better for making the decision. Obviously the issues do not only relate to animal experimentation but to detrimental practices in order to obtain some ingredients which damage and reduce valuable wildlife habitat. There is a wealth of knowledge in this book which will help me promote wildlife habitat, reduce harmful bi-products and actively support the abolition of animal experimentation. I am excited to be making a change! As suggested in the Guide I will be writing to the companies I will nolonger be using explaining my decision and urging them to bring about the changes necessary to gain the Naturewatch Approved Status.

Over the past few years I have been trying to buy personal care and house hold cleaning products that are environmentally friendly and are not tested on animals. I use Ecover household products and have, for the most, purchased personal products from The Body Shop. Even Mr Dancin has been a willing convert to The Body Shop. However he returned from town last week saying that he had seen a notice on a stall calling for a boycott of The Body Shop. He was a little reluctant to tell me as The Body Shop is my favourite shop and I love going there to treat myself. Anyway I looked it up online. The Body Shop was sold to  L'Oreal in 2006 and at the time I checked with The Body Shop to ensure that their animal friendly status still stood to be assured it did however it has been speculated that the profits from the organisation are not ring fenced and are used to suppliment L'Oreal who do not maintain an animal friendly status as of yet. There is a lot more to is that this and I reco...

I have had a great year blogging in 2010 but have been a little late getting started this month. As usual I write many mental posts as I pass my days but few make it here. I have however missed blogging. I have recently joined Facebook in an attempt to track down an old friend, and have had a spell of contacts from old friends via Facebook and funnily enough on Friends Reunited. It has been lovely but also a little odd and I have found my head filled with memories over the past week. Its all been a little overwhelming actually and my head seems to be craving some quiet and a calm spell to allow me to adjust. I have found my head filled with lyrics and lines also in recent days and think I should spend some time with my note book and get some of it down. I know it may sound odd but it has been a bombardment of memories and feelings. It made me think of this song from the wonderful David Sylvian, Nostalgia. Its a beautifully chilled song from the album Brilliant Trees, perfect fo...

This is one of my favouroite songs ever, although I find it very sad. Anyway Neil Diamond has recorded it for his new album and I heard it on Radio 2 today, so I thought I would come and post this version here. No offense Neil but this is a tough card to trump. Lyrics, A Song For You (Leon Russell) I've been so many places in my life and time I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme I've acted out my love in stages With ten thousand people watching But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you I know your image of me is what I hope to be I've treated you unkindly but darlin' can't you see There's no one more important to me Darlin' can't you please see through me Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you You tought me precious secrets of the truth withholding nothing You came out in front and I was hiding But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come to...

Well it's Halloween and it has been suprisinglhy quiet so far this weekend. We are usually assured three nights of little ghosts and goblins tapping at the door! The year I carved this pumpkin we lived in a house with a small gated front garden and I was able to light the candle in the pumpkin and put it outside the door to the side, kind of an advert 'Trick or Treaters Welcome Here!'. I thought it looked really good. I love going to the local shop and buying masses of sweets. Its fun to check out what new sweets there are and Mr Dancin and I eat some too! The surplus, as there always is, go to work and are demolished within minutes. Every ones a kid at heart I guess! Unfortunately it is not so easy to be hospitable in this house. We have a front garden but it is open to the passing footpath and I would not like to leave a lit pumpkin outside. At the old house I could hear the gate open if someone arrived but here I would worry. Also it is very hard to answer our fr...

Image Credit: Bing

We watched this over the weekend, I love this song, what an amazing performance! Especially the last 30 seconds!

I am delighted to announce the arrival of my friend, and Mr Dancin's sister, Sensory Dragon to the world of Blogging over at Brambles, Rambles & Shambles ; a blog predominantly dedicated to the development of her garden, which is a restoration project in progress. If you have an interest in gardening and home produce I recommend you keep an eye on this blog. I am looking forward to being able to see the developments in the garden in between our visits to Cornwall, which tend to be less frequent than we would like given the distance between us. Welcome to the Blogosphere Sensory Dragon ! Happy Blogging! (Image Credit: Clipart N Graphics Haven )

I have spent much of this morning signing online petitions and posting banners to show my support for the many endangered species on our planet and it has all made me a little blue. I won't ever stop making the effort but I can't help but fear that we are stuck in a trend that will not change and we may actually see the extinction of tigers, whales and many other amazing creatures within our lifetimes. I have always wanted to change the world and felt that there is something I am meant to do, some bigger contribution I am meant to make. I have dedided that I am going to take more of a more active role in supporting the organisations that I care for the most, Greenpeace, all animal welfare charities, charities caring for children and supporting the elderley and environmental organisations. Up until now my support has been limited to financial contributions, signing petitions and letters and spreading the word via email or my blogs but I want to do more. The decision to ded...

Well its here! Blog Action Day 2010, topic WATER! I have chosen the oceans as the subject for my post and have been reading some hints about how to help and learn more about them over at Save the Sea. I do not claim to know all the ins and out of the oceans and just why they are so important, although I am taking steps to learn, however I do know that they are important. Our planet exists as a whole, every part of it integral to the next, therefore any impact we have on the planet for example deforestation, or air and water pollution, on any scale eventually has an impact. Its Gaia. (Gaia Theory - the Earths physical and biological processes are inextricably bound to form a self-regulating system. Text Credit: The Gaia Theory ) We may not be aware of the implications where we live, they may not as far as we are aware effect us in any way, but someone somewhere will be effected, maybe significantly, maybe even to the extent of loosing their lives, and sooner or later we may go t...

Image Credit: Visit Reykjavik Created for John Lennon by Yoko Ono Lennon  see the tower being lit tonight HERE

I have been visiting over with Scottish Nature Boy and have learned that it would have been John Lennons 70th birthday today. In tribute Scotty has posted the most amazing You Tube clip of a Ukulele tribute to the Beatles and John Lennon which I very strongly recommend you go and check out HERE . The first thing that struck me as I listened to it was just how many amazing songs they/ he wrote, how can there be that many beautiful melodies and harmonies in the world? The second thing was just how simple but effective the songs are, when you see the chords being played. I am not saying they are easy songs to play or write, it is their very simplicity that is their genius. So, do yourself a favour and pop over for a listen . It will be a few minutes very well spent.

In my ongoing quest to spread the news to the world that Porcupine Tree are the best band ever, apart from Little Feat that is who really are the best band ever in the world and have had the title a lot longer, I have decided to post a PT (Porcupine Tree) song every day up until the gig next Thursday. This morning I have chosen something a little more mellow than Arriving, which although begins gently does progress into full on rock, the previously unreleased song Meantime - now featuring on the album In Absentia. I must apologies in advance for the image accompanying this song, there is no video for it on You Tube and only this still of the album cover which I hate and find disturbing. I suggest you listen to the song, which is beautiful, and turn off the monitor or look elsewhere! Umm, well maybe just one more, this is the brilliant Trains

I slept in for ages this morning, like I haven't done for years! I remember as a teenager I could sleep in until mid day quite easily sometimes, well this morning I almost managed it again. We were up until 2.30am, and I did get up at 8.00am and let the dogs into the garden, but even so! Mr Dancin got up sometime before me but I have no recollection of that and slept through until he appeared with a cup of tea at 11.30am!!!! As a result, seeming that I am no longer a teenager, I have a bad back from too much lying down and could do with a good stretch on a rack!!!! I did have some great dreams though! Well that has put pay to my plan for a busy Saturday morning! (Image Credit: Polyvore ) Just a final note, to any of my friends or family that have children and may read this, sorry but if it makes you feel any better it really was not worth it, my back really does hurt and I have missed a lot of the day!!!

Last winter we purchased tickets to see Porcupine Tree at the Albert Hall for this autumn, it will be the fifth time we have seen them. I am delighted to say the long awaited event is drawing near and there are only 6 days to go now! We have been checking out song lists from recent gigs as this is to be an extended performance and we are pretty sure they are going to play Arriving Somewhere which is a favourite of ours we have never seen them do live! I don't want to get too excited in case they don't do it, and I have seen them play most of my other favourites, but it would be so amazing! Anyway here it is! It's long, but that's Prog Rock for you!!!

I did not post any pictures of me in my recent holiday postings but wanted to put this one up, taken by Mr Dancin, at the summit of Ben Hiant. We usually go for a group shot at the top of mountains but it was just too plain windy! I do actually need to hold on with two hands and my left leg is wedged against the trig point to stop the gusts from blowing me over. It was the kind of wind that is so strong you just have to laugh, but not for too long as its so cold it makes your teeth ache! This was a most lovely and memorable walk!

Huge thanks to those of you who have taken part in the recent meme or left me a comment, answers posted so far have been a hoot! If you fancy a laugh and want to take part the original post with instructions is HERE . Posts up so far are from  Bowledover ,  Claire  and T-Bone . Thanks guys, I had a lot of fun reading your brilliant answers!

We have recently returned from our summer holiday into instant Autumn but I have found that I don't really mind that much. We have had such a lovely long summer, and a great holiday, that I am actually ready for the change in the season and am even starting to get excited about Christmas! I do not talk about it too much at home as Mr Dancin does not like to get into things until mid December but as for myself I am enjoying planning gifts and even the preparations in the shops are not bothering me too much. I do think that we get into it a little too early in the UK but I am happy to be taking small steps to the festive season! However between then and now there's lots of other stuff to keep me busy. We are going to see Porcupine Tree in a couple of weeks, and then Nick Harper in November. Yeah!

I have been thinking about Blogging today. I have been on Blogger since 2006 now and think I can honestly say I am here to stay. Over the years I have had times where I did not want to Blog, times when I wondered why I Blogged, and times when I could not keep away from my Blog and it became my most treasured activity of the day. I have shared thoughts and experiences with other Bloggers, learnt many things from people all over the world, and made a very good friend or two. I have found new Bloggers through: Blogging groups such as Camera Critters, Sky Watch Friday and Thursday Thirteen, have followed links on other Bloggers Link Lists when an identity or Blog name caught my attention and have found other Bloggers while reading comments on other peoples pages, especially now everyone uses identity pictures. Its a bit like buying an album because you like the cover! Thankfully following cool identity pictures has turned out to be more beneficial than buying albums be...

Have you checked out the video on my previous post yet? Ok not to blow my own trumpet, after all the song is not mine - just one I wish I had written, but really seeing that much water, and knowing how hard it is for some people to get a drop, how can you not support this! It is raining cats and dogs here as I speak. While I post people are dying of drought. Please support this Blog Action Day!

Well Blog Action Day  is almost here again and this years topic is Water. I am starting to research my post and have chosen my particular topic which is going to be the oceans. The Blog Action Day website has lots or interesting information including suggestions for posts , banners to put on your blog, a registration page so that you can register your blog for participation, information on fund-raising , and a petition which indicates your support of the UN's efforts to improve water and sanitation for billions of people around the world. You can also sign the petition by clicking on the banner at the top left of my blog and it only takes a few seconds to complete. I usually post the Blog Action Day You Tube clip to help promote the day here but frankly this years clip has some annoying music as an accompaniment (sorry guys but it really does) and so instead I thought I would post this, a splendid song written and performed by the folk musician Benji Kirkpatrick. The ...

We stopped by this small cliff face for a coffee break on one of the walks we did on holiday and I was struck by how many faces I could see in the rock face. In particular I swear I can see three dwarves, complete with hoods and full beards!

Well we have returned from our summer hols and I can honestly say it was a most relaxing 2 weeks! The tent withstood the small amount of wind and rain thrown at it and the rest of the time we had sun and did plenty of lovely walks through the amazing area of Ardnamurchan, west of Fort William. Here are some of my holiday snaps!