northie

I really enjoyed this story with its unequivocally happy ending. Along the way, you made me think about how much our gender perception is based on an initial impression, usually based on clothes, accessories and such. Also, James' feelings on his actions and inactions rang very, very true to this reader. I'm looking forward to reading more of your stories.

I didn't start out meaning to read this properly - I saw it in the 'new' list and thought I'd have a look. The fact that I'd also not read the earlier novellas was another reason I wasn't expecting to stay. But, I was hooked and read it in one sitting. Maybe I missed out on a number of things but there was more than enough to engage and amuse me. I really like the principal characters - so, I'll be going back and starting at the beginning.

I like both the film and the music. My memory is faulty perhaps but I think both actors learnt their instruments for the film ...?

Yay! You managed not to kill my tablet. I do like both listening to and playing Debussy. I find the graphics a distraction, though.

Very good and produced a genuine shiver down my spine. The best 'horror' stories are often the ones where less is more. This is definitely the case here. Nothing much happens but the atmosphere and both his fears and my fears create a psychologically fraught tale of the impossible.

Much as I liked this performance, my ears wished not to hear a piano and something like that does get in the way of listening properly. I also liked the real sense of chamber music being played - no conductor, with Schiff giving direction as necessary.

I'm going back to the start to see what I've missed. Anyway, this one from Peter reminded me that one section of the Christmas Oratorio was also reused in one of his secular (almost operatic) cantatas. I can't remember which one off hand but I could probably find out if anyone's that interested.

Perfect and so true (as I'm discovering ). Short poem = shorter review ...

And that's before you add in blue bears, wolves, zombies, eagles and our resident rhymer .... It's safer over in Live Poets, Tim

You are both wrong - it won't be long before I'm back, installed in my palace with the shiny. I make no promises whatsoever about my future conduct ...

Another Last Post Wins entry. I am no longer queen - I have been usurped To welcome our new monarch, Valkyrie, I wrote the following to help her pass the time as she's recovering from an operation. [A bunch of hacks are waiting in a palace anteroom for a press briefing to start. They look engaged but not exactly riveted. The door opens and their eyes all swivel, focussing on the individual who enters. The (now ex-) queen walks up to the podium - she is dressed regally but lacks one vital item: the crown. She looks tired and somehow defeated.] Good morning, all. I have a short statement to make; I will not be taking any questions. [she looks fixedly at the autocue. The words come out in a monotone and sounding, somehow, as if the speaker is grinding her teeth at the same time. The hacks are sitting back in their seats and writing without fervour.] In the early hours of this morning, an involuntary transfer of executive authority occured. I was informed of this fact shortly after it happened. In the interests of my, sorry, our country and after consulting my advisors I have decided, reluctantly, not to challenge it. I wish ... I wish my ... [The ex-queen appears to splutter to a halt. She coughs and tries again. The hacks move forward in their seats and a sense of anticipation spreads ... Suddenly she thrusts the podium aside.] WTF! Do you seriously expect me stand back and let a penguin, a penguin, take control! [This sounds as though it could make the hacks' day. They start making calls while scribbling furiously.] I'd sooner die fighting than let some tuxedo wearing bird from Africa ... [The ex-queen's knowledge of geography and natural history are not her strongest suits.] … ruin my country. I mean, it can't even fly! What does that tell you about its abilities to govern effectively? [she is just getting going properly when a courtier sidles up and turns the mic off. He whispers in her ear, gesticulating as he speaks. The hacks are trying to hang onto every unheard word, wishing they could lip-read. After a couple of minutes, the ex-queen drags the podium back to its place and prepares to resume. The courtier turns the mic back on.] I wish my successor luck and good fortune in governing our amazing country. Thank you.

Beautiful. Really, that one word captures my review. So wonderfully full of tenderness and love, and the fire analogies fit both that and the time of year it was written.

I started this thinking I wouldn't be spending long but I was pleasantly surprised - not to the extent I'd go looking for more, but still ... The slow movement had strong hints of Tchaikovsky to my ears and worked very well.

As soon as this started, I heard David Munrow's version start up in my head as well. Very different but obviously memorable as I haven't heard Munrow's version for ages.

It does seem to be something to do with the link - it's just killed off my tablet yet again but other embedded YouTube links seem to play fine. It's obviously something to do with using my own YouTube app ... Strange. Oh well, I'll try it on my laptop later.

With an obligato part for someone literally yelling into their phone ...

My tablet by the look of it - my phone has just played it with no problem - only, I'm on the bus without any headphones so I can't hear a thing ...

Thank you for the gentle reproof, AC. I've not been in a mood for music much lately - still less so to play it (it happens ). I did try playing Parker's link early this morning and twice it caused my tablet to reboot... *sigh*

In the fond hope that someone might just listen to one of my choices .... Is my musical taste really that weird? *sigh* I shall carry on, regardless ... First up: Erik Satie Trois gymnopedies And the first opera by Monteverdi, L'Orfeo. A wonderful favourite of mine I shall await the avalanche of replies (or maybe not ... I'm sure I've something else to do instead).

I'm very, very happy you've changed your mind but I'm sad and angry that 'hate' was the reason for your state of mind. Here's to much more poetry, prose and blogs!

Tim, your voice is distinctive - gritty, truthful and full of what is most important to you. The fact that other people (me included) write lighter stuff doesn't lessen or denigrate that distinctiveness. There is room for all voices and that includes yours. Please take time to reconsider.

A wonderful read, Tim! Despite your 'fini', it feels as though it could continue.

I recognise this list. Not all of it - but enough ... Particularly the cleaning or indeed any housework.

The pictures started coming almost immediately (I didn't have to work at them like I have to sometimes) followed very soon after by the emotions. Memories (images) of young people at that time of their lives do seem to be sunlit (in every way) and the contrast with the monochrome drabness of deep winter is stark and if not actually upsetting, certainly a cause for your reflections. In your profession, whether their lives were short or long, your memories will be of that time - I don't know whether that's a blessing or not ... They shall not grow old ...

I love the opening two lines with the mixing of the senses. It had the effect of making me stop and assess, or trying to imagine your word picture instead of just gliding over the words with barely a hesitation. Three different senses all employed to the same end ... Wow!