MailChimp subscribe popup

Monday, November 22

What a difference a few years make...



 

Do we still read blogs?  

Do I start to write here again, will you read it?  The blow up of spaces like Instagram and TikTok is a huge push in the direction of quick watch.  Is blogging DEAD?  I remember when studying journalism in 2005, we were told print journalism is dead, blogging was the way forward, but do people actually read anymore, and do I have enough to say to be consistent and put out regular content.  

I swear I ask this question every few years!😅

I am ever growing, ever questioning and ever analysing.  It is who I am and will always be.  My ramblings may die away in the deep dark corners of the internet or.... there is a record of my life, in part accessible for all time, or at least until the next phase of the earth where all changes and the internet is relegated to an urban myth.

So.... an update, for those who are mildly interested in seeing inside some strangers brain and life for a moment.

Half of the boys are now men.  Sal is 27 almost 28, in fact I've been saying he is 28 for the past 6 months and was totally convinced that he was.  Does anyone else, rising 50, have this affliction?  He takes total offence (of course, I'm sure the requirement of our children is to be offended by EVERYTHING) in my adding a year closer to 30, but not as much as when I forget his name and call him every siblings name until I get it right!  Now that I KNOW happens to everyone! 

Louie is now a 19 year old not so 'mini' fashionisto, producer, actor, model, internet journalist and academic.  This is all information I receive through the wall when he is talking to work or friends, as most of our actual communication is done through between the teeth grunts, I'm often treated like a whistleblower and all juicy information comes to me after it is public to all.  Sorry no scoops here.

Wednesday, November 25

Countdown to Christmas



Forget about Game of Thrones 'Winter is Coming', yes I still use the phrase.  For us, that unknown monster of mystery is Christmas.  The House is currently a building site, again!  Kitchen only this time, which will be finished soon, hopefully.

There is a general uncertainty in the air; what is really going to happen?  The universe is working away in the background with a plan that none of us quite know or understand as yet and the Government has us on tender hooks, gathering around the television and radio  (Alexa, I'm not really that ancient!)  for updates.  What tier am I in?  

But I can feel it and am more or less, going with the flow.  Whilst everyone else is blogging about and posting Instagram pics of their Christmas preparations, I am, well, I am!  I was tempted to pop into a garden centre, (one of the only stores to be open) take a picture of their tree and post it on Instagram tagging Tree.  Well its not quite a lie!

Last year we were planning our break away to Barbados, what a difference a day makes, ooops, yes I sung that as I typed.  I mean, what a difference a year makes!

Is there something about the 20's

 Could anyone have guessed the intensity of this year?  Maybe? Possibly?  Is there something about the 20's?

It is well known that the last pandemic was the Spanish flu which started around 1918 and spread across the world over the next year.  Although a year behind, according to published documents, we are on track 100 years later.  

In 1820 seemed to be close to a revolution.  Protest & democracy, a fight to reform the system.  Very similar to what we see with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Obviously in the background there are a great many other 'headliners', movements and events, but is there something about the 2nd decade of a new 100 that forces change?  I am extremely interested in the topic and curious to unpick the theories.

Well now.  That was a great way to apologise and start blogging again!  Clearly I have learnt loads from my husband whose apologies are remarkably similar, random and irrelevant!  


It's ok, I know we have a love, love relationship, and that you know I don't blog unless I have something to say.  

-X_

Tomboy

Sunday, March 15

Anita Whittaker & Friends PODCAST

Justin Randolph Thompson Black History Month Florence:  

Why it is important for the modern world to accept and teach it's past and how Art transcends boundaries...



Black History Month is an irritation of Anita's as she feels it is often used as a gimmick to sweep real issues under the table and 'tick' the diversity box. 
Justin explains how, an African-American man came to create Black History Month in Florence, Italy and how he is aiming to help educate and 'involve' the wider population of Italy. 

Wednesday, February 12

BONUS POST - Happy Birthday Zach!!!




Bonus Post, Happy Birthday Zach, just because he's a super cool kid, sharp, funny, bold and self assured.  Our last baba, Zach is 8 today.

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner "
The infamous line from Dirty Dancing, is very true of our boy Zach, he will let you know not 'steal his fame' 'he is NOT baby Alexander' 'his name is Z A C H, Zach'.  His exact words!

Happy Birthday Zach we love you beyond the moon and through the stars xxxx




Zach's 1st Birthday





8 year old Zach!