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Madrigal68

Wiltshire

Film, philosophy and food-loving blog-fiend

Interests: films,art,art history,books,music,walks,cycling,heritage,singing,performance,philosophy,culture

Recent Activity

Will Uke Still Love Me Tomorrow?

I love love LOVE playing the ukulele (and terrible puns, apparently). I've been playing for about a year and a half now and am slowly, slowly improving, though it's taking me a long time to master strumming technique and some of the more tricky chords. I found an excerpt from... Continue reading

Posted Feb 11, 2017 at Witterings and whimsy

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Ukulele workshop Knuston Hall 19-21 August

Now, I'm not one to brag, but...I am the proud owner of a pineapple-themed ukulele (it's true!). During the weekend of 19-21 August, I had the opportunity of working on my ukulele skills with a group of fellow enthusiasts at Knuston Hall's residential college in Northamptonshire. There were nine of... Continue reading

Posted Oct 24, 2016 at Witterings and whimsy

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A European Lament

I was born in Europe My ties to Europe, strong Now I am not sure To what group I belong Yes, I still feel British I also feel bereft Something has been taken from me Democratic identity theft Worried for our future For our economy What can be done? We... Continue reading

Posted Jun 26, 2016 at Witterings and whimsy

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Swindon sculpture trail: Diana Dors and Looking to the Future

Swindon hosts a sculpture of 1950s movie icon Diana Dors. Who knew? I didn't, until fairly recently. Blonde ambition Diana Dors was Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe in the 50s and 60s. She was born Diana Fluck, but the alliterative 'DD' seemed more starry and echoed Marilyn's double initials. As... Continue reading

Posted Mar 6, 2016 at Witterings and whimsy

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The world of work and mental health: something's got to give

Winston Churchill named his depression 'the black dog'; Hemingway referred to his as 'black ass'. I see mine as a really cute pet - puppy, even, that lies contended and docile for most of the time, but every so often, with no warning or indication, turns aggressive, savage and 'bitey',... Continue reading

Posted Mar 3, 2016 at Witterings and whimsy

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The other fine lady of Banbury

For those who may not have heard of it, Banbury is a small market town in the north of Oxfordshire. The association many people will have with Banbury is as the location for the nursery rhyme 'Banbury Cross', which the town does indeed make reference to more than once whilst... Continue reading

Posted Dec 18, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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The music's not great, but, my, how shiny my sax is!

A few months back, I went through a bit of a phase of recording snapshots of music and singing. I think I was having a bit of a self-indulgent creative flurry. Thankfully, I'm over that now, but I thought I would hang on to a couple of recordings as evidence... Continue reading

Posted Aug 16, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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Mucking about with my sound recorder

Further sound recordings, this time channelling Desiree. Download Livin In the City Continue reading

Posted Apr 2, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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All of it, a kiss

Inspired by earlier writing about Dennis Potter (formerly of Ross-on-Wye), I've basically tried to shoehorn his epitaphs into a poem. The last verse doesn't quite work and it's the whole thing's bit trite (I won't even start on the heavy-handed rhyming usage), but his epitaphs are lovely (he and his... Continue reading

Posted Mar 22, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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Ross-on-Wye - a very lovely place to live

I lived in Ross-on-Wye from 2001-2005. On the England-Wales border, Ross is a small town known for its picturesque setting and for being the home of British tourism. With church spire and cliff-top views on the approach, this historical town is set to a backdrop of sandstone, lush countryside and... Continue reading

Posted Mar 21, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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More from the Phoebe Buffay School of Music

A Perfect Day, played imperfectly Download Perfect Day Continue reading

Posted Feb 26, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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People get ready (or how not to play guitar)

This is a recording of me trying very hard to play guitar and sing at the same time. Multi-tasking and instrument playing are not my strong suits, but it's nice to capture some creativity for posterity and that. Download People Get Ready Continue reading

Posted Feb 10, 2015 at Witterings and whimsy

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A guide to honouring your saints

In June of this year, I went to France to see my Dad and family in Brittany. As part of the trip, we visited La Vallee des Saints, a motte bordered by 36 stone sculptures all depicting saints of local and historical significance, situated in the Breton commune of Carnoet... Continue reading

Posted Aug 25, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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A Universal Construct

The great poet-activist-author-life-chronicler Maya Angelou died today. She was 86 years of age. Her first autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (one of seven) was on the syllabus when I studied English A-level. The book covers her life from birth to the age of 16, growing up as... Continue reading

Posted May 28, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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Donalogue, done during lunch

A while back, I made a few videos messing about in movie maker. Well, today I made another one using Camtasia (screen casting software). It's shameless self-promotion of the worst kind, as it's me singing an acapella song (done much better by Sheila Chandra), over clips of my oil pastels.... Continue reading

Posted May 23, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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It's Lonely at the Top (but it's Crowded at the Bottom)

Another poem written on the bus. Inspired in-part by an interview with Sharon Stone in a 1995 edition of Premiere magazine. Talking about the pressures of fame and celebrity, Ms Stone commented, "It's lonely at the top, but it's crowded at the bottom." Something about the wryness of the statement... Continue reading

Posted Apr 11, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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I don't want to win The Lottery Splashing out millions on a yacht Is really not for me I'd rather live artistically Channel my creativity In random ways - Like writing subpar poetry... Does that make me odd? Quite possibly Continue reading

Posted Mar 2, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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Adventures in creativity part 1

As a heavily instutionalised Arts College graduate, I'd been feeling a slight lack of creative mojo recently, so when I saw a couple of opportunities to get involved in a spot of creative improvisation, I threw myself in with great gusto. Finding my voice The first event was a 45... Continue reading

Posted Mar 2, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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Perfect Imperfect

Why do we always want what we haven't got? Bigger lips Bigger tits Smaller hips A button nose A chisled jaw A few inches less... ...A few inches more What's wrong with dimpled thighs? Crinkled eyes Plus-sized? Let's celebrate our veiny blubber Having one boob bigger than the other The... Continue reading

Posted Feb 5, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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Baking, Hollywood style

I was bought a copy of Paul Hollywood's Bread recipe book as a Christmas present and, as a very amateur baker, was most chuffed with this chance to get stuck into some new bread baking attempts. It's gone well so far. I'm only two loaves in, having made soda bread... Continue reading

Posted Jan 4, 2014 at Witterings and whimsy

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Impervious to Bullshit Boy

Companion piece to Day Release Girl, continuing on the alternative superhero theme. Impervious to Bullshit Boy can hear a false note at point-two-five decibels Sniff out a charlatan at twenty paces He'll cut to the chase as soon as look at you He'll wipe the smirk off all the knowing... Continue reading

Posted Nov 16, 2013 at Witterings and whimsy

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Day Release Girl

If Day Release Girl were an actual superhero, this is what her unique skill set might be like. Day Release Girl leaps out on you When you're least expecting it Ability to stop a speeding truck By walking out nonchanantly in front of it Can hear your thoughts (At least... Continue reading

Posted Nov 11, 2013 at Witterings and whimsy

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The poem below is a partial tribute to Ian Dury. Having recently seen the film Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll - an original and lively biopic about Ian Dury and his relationship with his son and the women in his life whilst finding success with The Blockheads -... Continue reading

Posted Nov 9, 2013 at Witterings and whimsy

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On making mistakes

Some more poetry, possibly a bit self indulgent; certainly cathartic. The initial fear Is like a knife, which I grab A thought, turned in on itself And I stab, and I stab The thought takes a hold I begin to fixate Worry turns to panic Keeps me awake I rake... Continue reading

Posted Nov 5, 2013 at Witterings and whimsy

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I do tend to riff on a theme with my posts, whether they be about heirlooms, social media, sculpture, etc, and it seems I have got my needle stuck, so to speak, once more. Following on from my last post, I have continued along similar lines with a spot of... Continue reading

Posted Nov 3, 2013 at Witterings and whimsy

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