London Southern Belle

much too tired to write something clever

Sunshine.

This is one aspect of living in America that I took for granted for many years and miss dearly since my move to the UK. Of course, the sun shines here, just not as often or for as long as I would like. I found myself racing home yesterday after work to retrieve handsome man 'o mine from the train station and hurriedly making our way home to catch some rays from our back garden.  Keys down, work clothes off, sunglasses, magazines and folding lounge chairs out - and for an entire hour we basked in the sun. It was glorious.

Today is overcast with strands of sunshine at times however, the sun is trailing in the distance as I type. Luckily, I have the day off and a much needed morning stroll along the high-street and a stop for Starbucks coffee was a priority. It is a all a part of my 'stress free before IVF treatment' plan.  I'm heading out again for some much needed stress free shopping in a few. Ok, so I don't really need an excuse to shop.

Speaking of stress free, we leave for Czech Republic next month to meet my lovely fertility doctor and have some routine tests.  It is quickly approaching and hard to believe that September is just around the corner. I am more excited than ever.

Last weekend my good friend Rach and I completed a 5k cancer research run. It was amazing and I know my Aunt Millie would have been proud. It was a surreal experience as it has been for the last three years I have taken part. It feels good to know I have made such a positive contribution to a terrific cause. I wish I had gotten involved years ago.

May the sun shine on you today!

A stress free scented Sunday

 
When my doctor quite sternly informed me that  'you must find a way to live stress free' for my upcoming IVF treatment I chuckled (which is only 3 months away may I remind you). Anyone that knows me well can tell you that I stress over dust bunnies under the bed so, living a stress free day in the world of me is nearly impossible.

However, I have no shame in stating that the biggest stress in this rainy Sunday afternoon is sizing scented drawer liners a la Cath Kidston - I believe that is pretty low key if you ask me. Doc would be proud, wouldn't you say? Even Pippi le kitten agrees (and approves of lemon and geranium scented drawer liners).

 

In other news, I sneak peek into my world - my summer reads:

 

Petite Anglaise by Catherine Sanderson. The french version of my life minus the love affair and the child.

The Creative Family by Amanda Soule. As a teacher in child development, I have the excuse to purchase books like these and incorporate lovely activities as such such amongst lecturers about child development psychologist, Bandura, Chompsky, Piaget and their ever so interesting theories (I think so anyway, my students...not so much). I love that I can play with my students with paint, glue and homemade playdough whilst I teach (as long as I refer to gross motor skills, fine manipulative skills etc., especially, when our head of dept in walking passed the classroom). 

Things I Learned about My Dad (In Therapy) by Heather Armstrong author of Dooce. I have yet to delve into this collection of short stories but am looking forward to the sheer honesty and hopefully much needed humor.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Again, this one has a very crisp spine at the moment as I have yet to open it. I have read terrific reviews.

Enjoy your weekend wherever you may be!

I almost forget the city

I adore London, the roaring city streets, the panache-ness, glossy haired richness of Kensington, for instance. I adore the occasional trip to overpriced salons where thirty-somethings parade in designer labels, clutching their blackberry while a uniform of stylists and colourists are circling like vultures and hankering for generous tips. How I adore the thought of travelling lattes and lunch dates with conversation of European trips and long stays in family owned villas. Four years on, I continue to feel slightly tourist-ish, trying to refrain from impulsive photography of landmarks I have seen a dozen times more.

And yet, at the same time, the English countryside captivates my heart and momentarily, I forget the city.

'I cannot justify someone paying that kind of money in London for a glorified port-a-potty,' by this time I am relentlessly clicking my mouse, hovering over websites homing properties selling for prices that I just cannot get my head around.

"Who on earth can afford these properties?" By this time my voice is reaching ultrasonic pitches.

With conversations like these smothering our weekend dinners of red wine and pasta, we may have come to the conclusion that country living and commuting may be our answer. My arm does not have to be twisted, please understand this to be true. When I think of living amongst small villages, quaint enough for a postcard - the idea sounds idyllic.  Compelled to invest in wellies and a large dog for rambling walks is high on my list already and having miles of greenness excites me to no end.  I shall need no convincing. One half hour train ride and we are back in the city. It is ideal.

Tomorrow, we plan to view a two bedroom character property – it could be our very own little thatched roof cottage. Yes, a straw-like roof. It’s incredibly Shakespeare and I am smitten at the idea.

Perhaps I am a country girl at heart. One thing is for sure - since living in England I have learned it is not the size of your home that makes it special.

 

[Pictured above are nearby cottages in our county for your viewing pleasure. The second photo once homed George Orwell from 1936 – 1940, when he was not travelling. He wrote Wigan Pier here and it is said the farm a few yards away is the one he had in mind when writing Animal Farm.]

Heart Warming

At last, the weather is turning and the sun and all of its charming glory has made an appearance - a promising appearance.  For months on end I have longed for wine and book reading in London’s perfect parks with handsome man ‘o mine, basking in the sunshine and reeking of grass stains and summer happiness. All of Britain becomes tiny ants emerging from their grand mounds, emerging from the darkness and into the light. Away with the heaviness of wool blends and hairy jumpers and in with neatly painted toes and hats to hide our cheeks and noses from the elements.

Afternoon walks consist of countryside of golden perfection for miles, my eyes squinting at its brilliance. It is hard to believe something so pleasing to sight can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. The childish spirit within gets the better of us and running amongst the yellow, handstands in full and laughing until we are breathless is a priority. No such act of regret follows whilst toting a handkerchief for nose blotting the following day. It was well worth every ounce of merriment.

And, while England has its charms this time of year, I am reminded of all I miss in southern Mississippi during the summer months. I imagine iced tea brewing in the back yard sunshine and the pong of swimming pool and chlorine contaminating the once unmarked air. Sizzling grills with over-priced beef despite the semi-vegetarian lifestyle I now lead. I pine for the clatter of water dripping from hanging baskets filled with heaping ferns and flowers that my mother cares for using careful attentive hands. The bright colours of butterflies, the hard summer rain and listening  from my parent’s front porch swings as it pelts the saturated earth– knowing fully that soon another family member is sure to join, with conversations of how the earth ‘sure did need this rain’. Southern accents. How my brother can pronounce the word, ‘ice’ using not one but three syllables.  Today, I yearn to greet my father as he returns home from a day of fishing on the river, gleaming with delight at the fish he caught and seeing his excitement as he prepares dinner for our family. Yet 5,000+ miles and an ocean between us makes that impossible.

For now I bask in the English sunshine and a warmth of memories within my heart.

'What have you been up to lately?'

[Friends that have been asking for this for months - this pic is for your viewing pleasure. Life on the train.Exciting? Not so much.]

What have I been up to lately, you ask? Only site seeing until my little heart is content, potential home buying and enjoying the early signs of spring. Have I ever mentioned just how glorious England is in the springtime? Well, it is breathtaking. People emerge from the wood-works like ants from their mighty mound. Everyone wants a piece of the sunshine as it finally decides to make its daily appearance especially when we have been doing without all winter long.

Life has been eventful. With impending fertility treatments in the future, I have tried just about everything to keep my mind occupied to the fullest. My sewing machine has been in full swing where I hope to fill my etsy shop with lovely goodies soon. My ipod is full of music to keep me motivated at the gym and I even purchased a swimming costume *ahem* swimsuit (for you American folk) to swim laps at the gym pool. That is an outstanding accomplishment. I do not do do not even entertain thoughts of swimsuits. In fact, the last time I ever remember wearing one was a bright orange and pink bikini during a trip to the family beach condo with my college roomie, Gwen (remember those days Gwen?) That was absolutely donkeys years ago. I was in my third year at university if that tells you anything.

I have also recently entered my third charity race since moving to the UK. This year I am running for cancer researh, Race for Life. You may graciously sponsor me here, if you feel so inclined. As of present, I am slim in the support department! Please feel free to show some love!

We have recently joined the home buying robbery scene. I do find it quite difficult thinking about buying a flat, detached or semi-detached 'home'. When one comes from land o' massive backyards with swimming pools, triple garages and enough rooms to house the Waltons, it is increasingly difficult to liken to the idea of buying a property here in the UK. As my mother delicately put it, 'You are buying a condo.' Call it what you like, but I am looking to invest in a ground floor two bedroom property with no private garden/yard and a single parking space for a price that equates to something in the region of half a million US dollars. It is somewhat depressing -welcome to the cost of living in England. I am slowly but surely learning to take it as it comes. I have always heard good things come in small packages. If and when we sign for our own place, it better come with one huge velvet bow.

[This is the face Pippi makes when we mention the open market value prices of home buying around London]

Kitten goodness surrounds the home and I am in complete bliss over our new furry feline. She has settled in rather well and is perched on my lap as I type. I do make a fuss over her and am as smitten as can be.

With all of the sunshine, trips to the park with my favorite little people has been a must (thankfully, their mother enjoys bringing them over for visits to see 'Uncle D and Aunt Mandy.' We adore the energy in our home when they are around. Meet Bronwyn (middle child of three sisters), the most delightful child, ever (with an accent so cute it should be boxed and sold at Christmas).

I am creativity and excitedly working on a children's book manuscript at the moment. More details closer to finish, but this one my friends is going for submission regardless. I cannot wait. I have never felt more inspired! It is all just exhilarating!

This past weekend, I spent some time doing all things American in London - site seeing. I was in full tourist mode with a camera swinging from my neck, sipping mandarin tea and shopping vintage. Just a few photos taken whilst near Canary Wharf (the pure genius of the building structures are magnificent and the transition of old and new brings forth a mix of emotions), a walk in Chinatown (where Beth and I promptly bought new All Star sneakers), a slither through Brick Lane with a new, old friend Candace from the town where I originally grew up (Candace and I took dance together in our childhood and her mother actually owned and taught at the studio. She now lives in London, too. Small world!) where we hit up a few vintage clothing shops which were a.ma.ziiing and of course a stop in Soho where we drowned our kitsch sorrows in Cath Kidston (where I am adding to my newest collection.)

Living in England isn't that bad ;)

Aced!

In order to gain naturalisation and a British passport, I had to pass the 'Life in the UK' test. Today, I finally managed to stop the insanity of procrastination and took the dreaded test.

My test taking strategies were in place and it paid off. I aced it with flying colours (Union Jack colours of course)! Now, time to fill in that application for naturalisation and hand over £655! (booo!) I will then have dual citizenship!

I couldn't find a post-it

Dear 2008,

Hi, I’m Amanda. How are you?

I’m pleased to have met you and thank you for gladly welcoming me into a new year of life and adventure. Now that introductions are out of the way may I make one request? If you happen to see 2007 could you take this time to wind up your classy new Nine West boot and swiftly kick 2007 between the legs? 

You didn’t think I would pay that much on a pair of boots just to be trendy, now did you?

While I may revel in a few key points that 2007 graciously brought, the trials I faced could have been left out.  Thank you very much. But, 2007 decided to test me continually. Yes, I was able to visit Paris on two occasions, once with my parents  -which was a.maz.ing. Yes,  I managed to get through my first year of teaching at college level and completed a year of my graduate course through Greenwich University in London amongst other adventures.  It is true that 2007 pulled out a few stops throughout the year but, on the down side it also revealed something more devastating than anything I have experienced thus far. It opened its filthy drenched trench coat and waggled its tackle at me.  Hey, if you get to wear £450 boots, then I can make 2007 wear a greasy trench. Yes, 2007 has a lot of explaining to do.

Shall I stop there? I think I shall. Not.

2008, it is time for wheelin' & dealin’. No more baby roulette. I’m here to make a few deals with you and you must comply. After all, I’m good to this ole’ life that you throw at me from time to time. Lucky for me, I played softball as a youngster. I gently take the good with the bad (with tears and tantrums in between, but I’m human – and female! I'm menopausal, too! Remember when 1997 decided to break my plumbing!) Later this year, is my first IVF treatment. There my name sits, politely poised on a fertility clinic’s reception book – appointment for 2-3 little delicate embryos to be placed within this body of mine. If you can keep our little embies warm and happy so at least one of them becomes a baby of our own (we certainly would not mind if two decided to stay!) Handsome man ‘o mine are not choosey in the sex of our miracle(s) so you may choose yourself.

Do you feel privileged? Well, you should.

You are probably asking yourself, “What’s in it for me?”  The deal is if you go easy on the negativity of my year, I’ll go easy on your groin when 2009 rolls in. If that is not enough for you to be good to me, I do not know what is. Yes, I’m just that generous.

So as you can see for yourself (*ahem* take off the rose coloured glasses, will you?) 2007 left behind quite the mess. I am expecting you to get out your lovely feather trimmed pink rubber gloves and get to work. And, just like I have mentioned to handsome man ‘o mine, 2008 is the year of no 'tutting' (you know that sound he makes when he is annoyed and it sound s as if he is kissing his two front teeth? ah, yes, that noise). That goes for you, too. No huffing, no puffing, no wining, no crying. It’s go time. Make it happen.

 

Kindness,

Amanda

PS- You know what would be fantastic? If those of you (ALL 175!) that emailed me for the password to my blog once it went private would comment! I would love to hear from you! De-lurk in 2008 and show some love!

 

Warm & Toastie

Ringing in the new year London Southern Belle style:
A terrific candle-lit italian meal with handsome man 'o mine
champagne (+some more)
disco dancing in the living room
indoor sparklers
hearing St Stephens Tower (Big ben!) and its ding-dang-dongs on the tellie 
being warm and cosy in our home!

Now that is ringing in the new year!! Happy New Year from London, everyone!!

Wishing you all

Hi everyone,

Just a quick not before my days are consumed with cooking, baking and entertaining family and friends. A very happy christmas goes out to you and may 2008 bring you life filled with all you hope for and more happiness than your little hearts can handle.

2007 has been an eventful year. I am so looking forward to what is in store in 2008!

Sometimes I still feel like a tourist

Just when I feel as if I am meshing with my surroundings, no longer feeling the need to sneak into souvenir shops or tote my camera around on new adventures-- I relapse.

Upon arrival of this stunning estate (what we would call back home in southern Mississippi, A CASTLE!) I felt like such a tourist again. Imagine attending your husband's work Christmas party at a place like this.

My life is very much like a fairytale most days. And, I can live with it.