There is a Kylie song which pretty much sums up how I am feeling at the minute in fact lets insert it here and you can listen while reading as long as you don’t get distracted by the hot pants…
Okay so now we have the music pumping lets crack on, first you will have noticed Monday remains book reviews but the TV post on a Tuesday has undergone a little transformation towards more of a writing view point. Here on a Wednesday I will talk about my writing in the previous week, so this week I would mention the fact I have been reworking the story which was rejected into a longer form for submission to a Sci-Fi market and that I have now moved on to reworking an old serial I posted on here to try to extend it with the intention of publishing it as a novella. I felt a brief break from Voices was needed for a couple of weeks while I get into the swing of my timetable/scheduling routine.
For those of you who want to see who I am doing with the resolutions I posted back in January the last months round up is published and you can read that here.
I feel I should briefly touch on that here I am a list addict I find I am more productive if I can see exactly what needs doing and what has been accomplished. Previously I seemed to have different lists all over the place but then I bought this…
I am loving it and although it has taken a week of two moving things round to find a way to make it work best for me I am really happy with it. At £17.99 it was not exactly cheap but it has some brilliant exercises in the front as well to help keep you mentally focused and motivated I just hope they make one or next year now, if you want a better look you can find it here.
Thursdays for now will continues as Throwback Thursdays partly because they are quick to post and secondly I have lots of old photos and as time goes on new photos become old ones, not sure I would continue it next year but for the rest of this year you get to look at my mug at least once a week.
Fridays will remain Vlog Time though I would like to improve these and add a little more in terms of content I also know a few people would like to see and hear more from the monster so maybe I will look at when I film them and see if that can be changed.
Saturdays will become a little more about me, once a month will be the Glossybox review, my friend Deborah gave me lots of grief when I stopped those before and as she has my phone number and knows where I work I better not upset her any more. I will use this day to talk about any days out I have had, plays I have been to etc. It may be in the form of a blog post or some video footage depending where I have been or most likely a mixture of both. I also listen to a lot of podcasts so I may discuss issues from them or the news at this point but I do not want this to get heavy and serious I would rather keep up with a light hearted tone similar to the one I used during A-Z.
Sunday will see the return of Sunday Story, at the minute I am aiming to post a flash piece or a character scene and keeping it under a 1000 words, half my flash fiction pieces seem to end up getting reused at a later date as the start point for longer pieces and that is a failing of my flash fiction writing that I can never tell the full story in so few words people always ask for more so we shall see what happens with them. I do think by having at least one separate piece to work on each week it will give me a break from my main WIP and take some of the pressure off myself.
Write back to writing now I hope you like the sound of the changes I am making and really hope you will all enjoy what is to come. And I want to say thank you to all of you for being there through the last few dark months, your likes, comments and support has meant more than you can ever know xx
I decided to make the Vlogs weekly rather than fortnightly in an attempt to keep the time down so I decided to give you one today but normal scheduling will be for a Friday from now on and that means you get a #TBT photo ever week of me as well which I hope you enjoy, I would love to see some #TBT photos of you guys so if you are up for the challenge post one this Thursday for me to come and smile at xxxx
A little late I know but you get two videos for the price of one, first the next vlog featuring the footage from the Kylie Concert and the second is the opening number from a my friends cousins band who we were out seeing this weekend…
I have not really read enough this week to actually write another post but instead I decided to do a YouTube search and see what the title brought up, I thought I would be a fun way of seeing how my views relate to others out there.
The first thing I found was this reading, now I have not yet reached this actual passage but it is very reflective of my of the description of journeys…
The language is not too bad when read to you but on the page can be very wearisome. I must say though the reader has a lovely voice I fear if he read the whole book to me I would struggle to stay awake.
Next up a very brief review of the book as well as a general overview of Ann Radcliffe as an author, I confess I did rewind to check if we were reading the same book because the one she was reading seems much more exciting than mine, so I am guessing it all kicks off in the second half…
And finally my favourite thing I found was this music inspired by the story, I might try listening to it as I read maybe it would help…
Normal posts resume tomorrow fingers crossed or as soon as I write them hope you enjoyed this break fro scheduled programming.
Put your hands up if you guessed this one was coming.
I did debate a few different topics but I came back to this one for several reasons, first of course there is my 30 year crush on a certain bass player who like a fine wine has aged rather well, but then there is the band dynamic as a whole.
Duran Duran was formed in 1978, despite various members leaving at different times to pursue personal projects and for various personal reasons, the band has not only endured but gone from strength to strength. Their fan based comprises of all ages, from those who like me fell in love with them as teenagers to those in their teens and twenties who grew up with mums playing it at them while declaring the 80’s to be the best decade for music ever (we just won’t mention the clothes.)
The reason though I am talking about them today is not specifically about their music but rather longevity in general. There are few bands, artist or authors that stand the test of time over their own life time. An author like Jane Austen may be read for hundreds of years but success in her own lifetime was a very different matter, in terms of actual books published she does not have the sort of volume produced by many authors today, consider JK Rowling wrote more Harry Potter books than Austen did novels. While we know Austen’s life was cut short by illness it is unlikely she would have written more than another three or four books given the restraints placed on her by the age she lived in, likewise if you consider the Bronte sisters. Then consider more modern authors, someone like Stephen King who has an impressive catalogue of work, King was my introduction to adult horror as a teenager, I loved his books but there came a point where I drifted away from him, for me one too many novels set in Castle Rock diminished my suspension of disbelief.
For a person or group to remain successful within their own life time they need to diversify, develop and evolve, stagnation is something a modern audience will not forgive. If every song sounds the same, eventually people will look for something different no matter how much they love the band, but it is a double edged sword because within the development there must always remain a thread of the reason your fans loved you in the first place.
In any form of entertainment it is hard enough to get a break and requires a great deal of luck whether you are a musician, and artist or a writer, but once you have that lucky break it is sheer hard work and determination which will decide your long term success.
If we are lucky those who join us on our journey will grow with us, the clip I picked is taken from a concert the week after I saw them, I chose to see them on the home leg of their tour in Birmingham, I waited thirty years to see them live and will not be waiting that long again.
I have decided on a new format for the Vlogs where I will do one a month to be published on the last Thursday of each month, hopefully you will enjoy them and want to see more but also I am going to use them to run a monthly competition on my Facebook page and once I get more practised at editing you will get to experience more of the places I visit during the year.
If you want to take part in the competition please visit my Facebook page here
As I have mentioned previously most of the time I like to listen to pod-casts, especially when I am writing. For me music makes my mind drift more whereas a voice talking to me I either listen to or if I am really focused I block it out (and have to listen to it again later) possibly because as anyone who has children will tell you the sound of silence usually heralds disaster and therefore without the normal noise levels I find it impossible to relax. But the last couple of weeks I have been listening to a little more in the way of music, mainly because in my madness putting the Christmas tree away on New Years Day I decided to do a little rearranging and found a box of CD’s (one of many stashed away in various cupboards) and added a little more music to my laptop I haven’t heard for a while so as I am not back to my normally blogging schedule yet I decided to share a few with you, feel free to add you listening preferences in the comments 😀
And the final one and amazing version of an old favourite
(remember the opinions are mine as a viewer I have no actually knowledge in terms of the technical side of the dancing)
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, oh we do like to be beside the sea….
Its Blackpool week where the remaining celebs get to dance at the spiritual home of sequins and feathers Blackpool Tower Ballroom and as always there are high expectations and they will have to raise their game to impress so lets see who puts a smile on my face…
Celebrity; Ashley Taylor Dawson, soap actor
Professional; Ola Jordan
Dance; Pasa Doble
Judges Marks; 35
What I thought; This has to be one of the few times in my life where I have found a cowboy a turn off, he was more Sid James in Carry on Cowboy than anything else to me, I just really didn’t like it, the music choice was okay and could have been an inspired theme with someone more imposing dancing the role, just didn’t do it for me sorry and the open shirt only shows how poorly he compares with the professional dancers physiques.
Celebrity; Mark Benton, Actor (starred in Doctor Who)
Professional; Iveta Lukosiute
Dance; Jive
Judges Marks; 29
What I thought; This is a dance which is notoriously difficult for the larger person and Mark fell foul of that, although it was incredibly fun to watch and I really do enjoy watching his and Iveta’s performances but technically it was poor, it was not his best dance and I would hate for him to go out on this one but I fear after the fans not getting behind him last week he may be in the dance off again and depending who he faces he could be going home.
Celebrity; Susanna Reid
Professional; Kevin Clifton
Dance; Pasa Doble
Judges Marks; 39
What I thought; Kevin decided to stick to the traditional roots for their routine and they nailed it. they looked amazing, the music was powerful and evocative and the dancing mirrored it. Susanna could easily have passed for a professional in this routine and her Pasa face was magnificent. Definite contender for dance of the week and if she keep going like this she will be fighting it out for a place in the final.
Celebrity; Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Singer
Professional; Brendon Cole
Dance; Quickstep
Judges Marks; 34
What I thought: I really enjoyed this it was literally as if by letting her hair down she was giving herself permission to thoroughly enjoy herself. There was a sense of fun and ease I have only really seen in the Charleston, the faster ballroom dances seem to be made for her. The dress was lovely and suited the occasion however I have said it before I wish they had covered her tattoo as it just does not fit with the ballroom image.
Celebrity; Natalie Gumede, Actress, ex-dancer
Professional; Artem Chigvintsev
Dance; Charleston
Judges Marks; 39
What I thought; Given there have been two amazing Charlestons already the series you cannot blame Artem for wanting to try something different, and for the most part it works. there were the odd bits which I didn’t enjoy quite as much and the thing they have slapped on Natalie’s head is proving very distracting. Technically her dancing is amazing but her overacting once again was off putting her as she gurned her way through the routine again.
Celebrity; Ben Cohen, ex rugby-player
Professional; Kristina Rihanoff
Dance; American Smooth
Judges Marks; 32
What I thought; I really loved this, a contender for dance of the week. Love how easily he picks her up and twirls her around like she were a child, for someone who has hearing problems and is neither an actor or performer he is proving to be fantastic. There is a really lovely feel to this dance, a tenderness which is beautiful to watch. He is proving to be the real dark horse of this competition as he goes from strength to strength each week.
Celebrity; Fiona Fullerton, Actress and Bond Girl
Professional; Anton Du Beke
Dance; American Smooth
Judges Marks; 29
What I thought; This was the dance I really thought would suit Fiona, she has a suave, sophisticated partner in Anton and you would expect Hollywood glamour and that they did deliver, sadly however it was rather ‘nice’ it lacked a spark and excitement, it was lovely to watch but wouldn’t leave you gasping in surprise. I fear Fiona’s days are numbered on the show as the younger ones pull out all the stops.
Celebrity; Patrick Robinson, Actor
Professional; Anya Garnis
Dance; Samba
Judges Marks; 35
What I thought; This was the best dance Patrick has done and it was a real shame his partner got her heel stuck in her dress, to be honest he coped very well it would have been very easy to lose count given how hard it was for her to free her foot. I think this was a real chance for Patrick as well to build his confidence he really seemed to feel this rhythm which hopefully will help him get into other dances as well as he did this.
Celebrity; Abbey Clancy, Model and Footballers Wife
Professional; Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance; Quickstep
Judges Marks; 37
What I thought; I have to say Abbey is becoming a firm favourite with me, another amazing performance, light, fast footwork, a huge smile and I really believed she was having the time of her life. Abbey when she is waiting to perform or stood afterwards looks like a nervous school girl expecting detention but when she dances she comes alive, a real contender for dance of the week, and of course she looked stunning.
My Dance Of The Week
Costume of the Week
The dress just flowed so beautifully especially when he was whirling her around in the air.
Frocky Horror Picture Show
It was not so much the dress but the wig that made this a disaster it made me think she had a ducks bum stuck to her forehead.
The Dance Off
The first name called for the dance off is Mark and I really fear he may be going home depending on who the second person is… he dances against Fiona but I would imagine it is getting closer every week. Mark ups his game in his dance but sadly Fiona falls apart and a split vote sees Len make the final choice and Fiona leaves us.
(remember the opinions are mine as a viewer I have no actually knowledge in terms of the technical side of the dancing)
Celebrity; Ashley Taylor Dawson, soap actor
Professional; Ola Jordan
Dance; Quickstep
Judges Marks; 35
What I thought; I want to say I liked it and most of it I did but there is something about him that puts me off and I think I know what it is. There is a surface layer of his Hollyoaks characters arrogance that for me he can’t shift but also there are a couple of little things that bug me such as the lack of pointy toes, this would not seem a big thing if he could not dance but he can so there is no excuse for not correcting such a little thing, I am also tired of hearing what a busy week he has had he knew what commitments he had when he signed up everyone else is just as busy so shut up and dance.
Celebrity; Mark Benton, Actor (starred in Doctor Who)
Professional; Iveta Lukosiute
Dance; Rumba
Judges Marks; 23
What I thought; I love Marks performances but I fear this week he could be in trouble, the Rumba is supposed to be a passionate, sensual dance and I understand that as a larger guy that is not easy to pull off. So choosing to play a character makes sense, choosing a Bond theme makes sense until you realise he chose to be Blofeld rather than Bond. While the bald head might appeal to a few people I doubt many will see this particular villain and think sexy, if Mark finds himself in the dance off depending on his competition it may be home time.
Celebrity; Susanna Reid
Professional; Kevin Clifton
Dance; Waltz
Judges Marks; 36
What I thought; They looked elegant, the perfect waltz dress (loved the feathers at the bottom) and the dance was divine. She looked like she was enjoying it and like this was something she does every day. Close contender for dance of the week and costume of the week, the competition really is getting that close already that you cannot assume any one is safe but it would be terrible if she were not in Blackpool next week.
Celebrity; Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Singer
Professional; Brendon Cole
Dance; Argentinian Tango
Judges Marks; 32
What I thought; My favourite dance of all the Latin dances so I have high expectations and I confess I was a little disapointed Sophie created some fabulous lines and shapes, she looked gorgeous but she was just a little too fluid. Where there should have been sharp staccato she flowed from one move to the next, she needed to be sharper, more passionate but it just didn’t quite get there which was a real shame, I really enjoy watching Sophie dance and I know she gives everything but I am beginning to get the feeling she will never really be able to excel at Latin.
Celebrity; Natalie Gumede, Actress, ex-dancer
Professional; Artem Chigvintsev
Dance; Jive
Judges Marks; N/A
What I thought; Sadly this week Natalie collapsed in rehearsals and was unable to dance, she does get a bye this week which does mean should she recover she will be in Blackpool next week. I may not have agreed with her being chosen as a competitor but it would be horrible to see her have to leave through illness so I hope she will make it back, she is a beautiful dancer and of course should she go out we would see less of Artem which would really be tragic when he has so many chest baring dances remaining.
Celebrity; Ben Cohen, ex rugby-player
Professional; Kristina Rihanoff
Dance; Jive
Judges Marks; 26
What I thought; Before he even took to the dance floor I knew this would not be Ben’s best dance, the jive is bouncy and lightening paced which is almost impossible for someone of his size to keep up. However despite not being the best Jive it was fun and his back flip at the beginning was very impressive. Outfit wise I can’t decide Kristina looke gorgeous as always but not sure about the Sailor theme.
Celebrity; Fiona Fullerton, Actress and Bond Girl
Professional; Anton Du Beke
Dance; Pasa Doble
Judges Marks; 26
What I thought; Technically she is not the best dancer, and she does not get the best outfits due in part to her age but also I think the does not have much of a waist which in some style does show, but and this is a big but I really loved the story telling in tonight’s dance, I loved her steely determination and while she might not get her best score I hope she will get through another week, saying that last week proved no one is safe and you cannot judge who the public will save or condemn to the dance off
Celebrity; Dave Myers, Hairy Biker Celebrity Chef
Professional; Karen Hauer
Dance; Tango
Judges Marks; 20
What I thought; Where do I start… I guess first with the whole theme a Scottish Tango, I would never have thought of using the Proclaimers song ‘500 miles’ for any dance let alone a Tango but somehow it worked, technically possibly the worst dance of the night but you know what I don’t care I loved it, it made me smile, it had everyone on their feet and if this were judged on entertainment value Dave would win hands down sadly as it is a dance competition his days should be numbered.
Celebrity; Patrick Robinson, Actor
Professional; Anya Garnis
Dance; American Smooth
Judges Marks; 37
What I thought; Great music choice and they looked great,
Celebrity; Abbey Clancy, Model and Footballers Wife
Professional; Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance; Charleston
Judges Marks; 36
What I thought; First I have to say I really did not like the wig they put on her this week, I get the bob is more suited to the dance but I wish they had just made it a straight bob and it would have been less distracting, However the distraction was soon blown away by the dancing wow maybe not quite as good as Sophie’s Charleston but it is very close and definitely the best of the fast dances for Abbey so far.
My Dance Of The Week
Costume of the Week
Classic elegant and flowing the perfect ball gown.
Frocky Horror Picture Show
I am sorry but Blofeld is just not sexy no matter what Iveta wears in response.
The Dance Off
Waiting for the dance off show to start no idea who will be in it, realistically it should probably be Dave and Mark but I doubt it will be, this has to be the most difficult series of Strictly to call.
First up to face the dance off are…Dave and Karen and I have to say that unless the people they face fall flat on their faces I think they will be going home. The second couple is Mark and Iveta, I think they will be safe, and unless they really mess up we will say goodbye to Dave and Karen so let the dance off commence…
both couples up their performances but as I expected Dave goes home and misses out on next weeks Blackpool extravaganza.
(remember the opinions are mine as a viewer I have no actually knowledge in terms of the technical side of the dancing)
Well it is Halloween and you all know how much I love dressing up so I expect to be highly critical of the outfits lol last year this week was amazing with not only great costumes but great character performances will this lot live up to it? I think certain people will shine at this theme others I fear will be left looking haunted rather leave lingering memories….love the opening number ‘The Timewarp’ it was fun while still keeping some of the original moves in.
Celebrity; Ashley Taylor Dawson, soap actor
Professional; Ola Jordan
Dance; Tango
Judges Marks; 33
What I thought; The costumes were really good, and the music suited the dance really well. I did enjoy parts of it and technically it was quite good but I am going to have to admit I am biased against him. I just see parts of his Darren persona come through each week and as it was a character I really disliked in Hollyoaks it is putting me off him on this, I can appreciate the technical side but I am not sure any more where Ashley finishes and Darren starts and if he can really play any other parts
Celebrity; Mark Benton, Actor (starred in Doctor Who)
Professional; Iveta Lukosiute
Dance; Pasa Doble
Judges Marks; 25
What I thought; Loved the idea and the twist on the interpretation sadly the dancing was not quite as good as the dancing, but it was real fun. It is great to see him play to his strengths and if he had tried to do a classic Pasa I think he might still have put in a decent performance not sure how this will go down considering that the alternative version of a dance didn’t workout to well last week for Deborah.
Celebrity; Susanna Reid
Professional; Kevin Clifton
Dance; Charleston
Judges Marks; 34
What I thought; Right lets start with the outfits loved him as a werewolf hated what they put her in. Susanna is a real woman with curves so why cove the curves with tassels that made her look bigger than she is? Plus she missed out on getting into the scary spirit but onto the dance, I did enjoy it not as good as Sophie’s which is obviously the benchmark for this series Charleston’s but it was fun, flirty and fast my only issue was the lifts. I mentioned last week my concerns given Kevin is barely bigger than her and I think it did show in the lifts during this dance and gives even more cause for concern should they need to perform a show dance.
Celebrity; Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Singer
Professional; Brendon Cole
Dance; Jive
Judges Marks; 28
What I thought; I really loved the outfit, the music and the story telling of the performance but and it is a huge but the actually dancing was yet again a disappointment, Sophie’s long legs and laid back style just didn’t suit the jive my dogs lift their legs higher than she did in her kicks and it was like watching slow motion at times. the energy was there it just looked like someone had pressed a button and slowed down the action, really not sure how she is going to change this but feel she really needs to to have a real chance at lifting the glitterball.
Celebrity; Natalie Gumede, Actress, ex-dancer
Professional; Artem Chigvintsev
Dance; Viennese Waltz
Judges Marks; 38
What I thought; Well what can I say except I loved it, unusually I loved everything about it, the music was romantic and haunting, the costumes were perfect for the dance and the occasion and the dance was exquisite. A definite contender for dance of the week. It was brilliant Natalie let the dance speak for its self and cut out the pulling faces this week.
Celebrity; Ben Cohen, ex rugby-player
Professional; Kristina Rihanoff
Dance; Pasa Doble
Judges Marks; 32
What I thought; Okay they really seem to have missed the whole horror/Halloween theme but I guess Ben stripping to the waist does compensate for that, over all I really enjoyed it though I think he did twirl his cape for a little bit too long. I am really enjoying watching his transformation from rugby player to dancer and can only image how much he could throw Kristina around in the show dance.
Celebrity; Fiona Fullerton, Actress and Bond Girl
Professional; Anton Du Beke
Dance; Charleston
Judges Marks; 28
What I thought; Okay was not tot.ally convinced by the ‘scarecrow’ costumes as a choice for halloween they were more comedy scarecrows than scary and reminded me a little of Judy Garland dressed up in one of her films but overall I enjoyed the dance, there were serious timing issues when they were supposed to be in sync and it certainly was no where near as good as Sophie’s Charleston a few weeks ago but it was fun and Fiona looked to be enjoying herself rather than being petrified, I don’t see her making it to the final but am glad to see she has conquered her nerves.
Celebrity; Dave Myers, Hairy Biker Celebrity Chef
Professional; Karen Hauer
Dance; Jive
Judges Marks; 19
What I thought; I confess I did cringe when I heard he was doing the Jive because I knew this would be another car crash. He brought fun to the show and brilliant entertainment but sadly once again the actual dancing was lacking. As much as I love him I do think his days are numbered and that the first time he finds himself in the dance off he will be on his way home unless his competition falls flat on their faces.
Celebrity; Rachel Riley, TV presenter and Maths Whizz
Professional; Pasha Kovalev
Dance; American Smooth
Judges Marks; 30
What I thought; I really liked the outfits and the concept behind this dance, most of the dance was lovely but there were just the odd moments where you saw the clumsy girl peep through, things like not quite finishing arm movements but it was quite fun and a big improvement on last week but I do think that the next time she finds herself in the dance off unless she is facing Dave she may be heading home.
Celebrity; Patrick Robinson, Actor
Professional; Anya Garnis
Dance; Quickstep
Judges Marks; 32
What I thought; I know last week he had hurt his hand but I am starting to get a little fed up with them going on about his injuries, they said in week one he has dodgy knees why keep reminding us get on and dance or go home. Music choice was good, costumes were okay but nothing outstanding and sadly I felt the same way about the dance, there were some really good sections but overall I was left feeling very underwhelmed. I do think the judges scores are possibly because they don’t want to see him in the dance off like last week but we shall see.
Celebrity; Abby Clancy, Model and Footballers Wife
Professional; Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance; Rumba
Judges Marks; 34
What I thought; The costumes were brilliant and she looked stunning, the song was one of my favourites and perfect for a spooky Rumba. I think it was pretty amazing but maybe could have done with just a little more wiggle and hip action not easy I know for a size zero with no natural curves but she certainly has the flexibility to twist to add the illusion of curves.
My Dance Of The Week
Really close between this and Abbey’s number but this just edged it for me
Costume of the Week
I totally loved this dress it moved so beautifully as she twirled and whirled around the floor
Frocky Horror Picture Show
Sadly this costume made me think of the turkey wrapped in foil at Christmas more marshmallow man than spaceman.
The Dance Off
This will be close and as I wait to see who will be in the dance off I really can’t call it if we were going on dancing I would have to put Dave and Rachel at the bottom for me but will the general public agree lets see…..
first into the dance off we have Abbey which is a huge shock to me she is joined by Rachel and now it becomes a real question of whose nerves hold out, if both repeat early performances Abbey should be safe but she gets very nervous.
Both couples danced even better than earlier, Abbey stays and I have to say before they danced Abbey showed what a sweet girl she was with getting so upset about having to go against Rachel.
I am loving it and although it has taken a week of two moving things round to find a way to make it work best for me I am really happy with it. At £17.99 it was not exactly cheap but it has some brilliant exercises in the front as well to help keep you mentally focused and motivated I just hope they make one or next year now, if you want a better look you can find it here.
Paula Acton 