Bell, Book / March 15 2008
It’s amazing what you can find on the damp streets of an ex-mining village in the Kingdom of Derbyshire at seven-thirty on a Saturday morning. Revealed amongst the litter and detritus of the previous evening’s drunken bumping and brawling can be found many an unexpected item that surprises even a seasoned beachcomber like me.
Hiding in [...]
Peoms for Punky Pets ™ No.75 / January 17 2008
If you happened to read Jo Beaufoix’s post that I mentioned yesterday, you would have seen her mention the book that we have written together, Peoms for Punky Pets.
I have already alluded to it before; it is a book of silly, short verse about pets and animals that is aimed at children - but with [...]
Nomination / January 16 2008
I have been nominated for another award.
The lovely Jo Beaufoix put me forward for the McArthur Genius Grant in her post on Monday. I am so flattered by what she said about me. Thanks, Jo!
Jo writes a brilliant blog about her life and young family. It is always funny and full of soul and perfectly [...]
Fun with Middle Eights / December 10 2007
Whilst working on Nelson’s new recordings last week, we came across a slight predicament with his use of middle eights.
Most of his songs include such things and, by and large, as his producer, I am happy for them to stay there. Also as his producer, I found it necessary to point out to him a [...]
Blogging Dilemma / October 18 2007
Nelson has been blogging about how good he is at worrying. Well, we are cut from the same cloth; and this is evidenced by how remarkably talented yours truly is in this respect, too.
What I find most worrying is the fact that, generally speaking, Nelson and I are both fully aware that we are worrying [...]
Goodbye, Anno Domini / October 2 2007
I have had an epiphany of sorts. I have decided to get rid of many items from my past. It is time to start over in my life in many respects and I have realised that the process will be facilitated by discarding certain elements, elements that long ago became quite redundant and perhaps even [...]
The Measure of the Man / August 10 2007
I was in Smythe’s the Tailors in the village yesterday being measured for a suit. It was an odd experience. I have always purchased what few suits I own ‘off the peg’ - so it was all new to me. Audrey was with me and we were both full of eager anticipation.
Whilst he was busy [...]
Everyday Things . . . / July 5 2007
2. Whistling
I have always felt very envious when, at gigs or sporting galas, someone emits a piercing whistle in appreciation of the events that are unfolding before them. To be in possession of such a skill must make them exceptionally proud.
This type of noise – the big whistle - is something I have never mastered. [...]
Everyday Things I Wish I Was Better At Doing / July 4 2007
This is an informal list that I shall be updating periodically. It is an inventory of ordinary, day-to-day activities at which I sincerely wish I was more proficient. In not being able to accomplish these things properly, I would not say that I feel any less adequate or fulfilled; I would merely be marginally more [...]
The Cigarette Machine from God / June 24 2007
Audrey and I have just passed a very strange sight indeed: Lying in a yellow rubbish skip by the side of the road was a big, fat and fully-intact cigarette vending machine.
(I enjoy rooting through the contents of roadside skips when no one is around. One can frequently find various discarded items that can potentially [...]
