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Everything posted by Talisman
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Are you the main reader in your life?
Talisman replied to Anna Begins's topic in General Book Discussions
In my real as opposed to cyber life, I can honestly say that there is no one who reads anywhere near as much as I do. Coran has been reading a lot more in the past few years but a lot less than I do - last year I got through 90 books but her total was probably less than a third of that. As for friends, while most of them do read, the amount of books that they read in an average year would again be less than half what I manage. -
She is indeed a very good friend - the best kind in the world. Even though she has a lot of health problems and is often in pain, she knew that this was something that she needed to do, and so battled through it with a big smile. I said to her at the end of the ceremony after Nat King Cole had finished playing, that in the words of another of his songs "It Had to be You". Our friends all loved that one, but it was true, it really could not have been anyone else.
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In the end it doesn't matter anyway re Scotland as they have now made their choice, and only history I guess will tell whether for the Scots it was the right thing. Our blessing today though was beautiful. Coran and I did a lot of the setting up last night and it was a good job we did, as we would never have got it all done this morning. One of our friends who plays crystal bowls came and cleared the space for us and helped us with all of it. In the end though, we had 34 people including us and the facilitator, our best friend Sarah Jane. We had decorated the entrance to the main area where the ceremony was held with a canopy of paper butterflies, which were actually made by the clients where I work - they were originally used as a window display for the shop where they reach them retail skills, and I asked if when they had finished with them, we could have some of them. Once we were in we greeted all our guests as they walked through to the strains of "Blue Danube". Coran and I then sat in the centre opposite Sarah Jane in a circle of various natural objects - shells, leaves, crystals and more paper butterflies, representing the four elements. These were arranged in the shape of a butterfly body, while the chairs on the outside of the circle formed the shape of its wings. The butterfly, for those who don't know is a symbol of transformation through its metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, which for Coran and her metamorphosis from male to female and indeed our relationship, is the perfect symbol. Sarah did the opening address, welcoming everybody and speaking a little about our relationship to both her and each other before playing the theme tune to the old TV show Butterflies, "Love is Like a Butterfly" by Clare Torry (Clare is the one who sings on the epic Pink Floyd song "Great Gig in the Sky". Sarah then did the blessing of the rings after which we exchanged our commitments for the second time. She then played "Love" by John Lennon, a song which for us was perfectly appropriate. You could feel the change in energy, and afterwards you could have heard a pin drop. Sarah then talked about the meaning of the word intimacy or into me you see, which was part of the commitments that we exchanged and which we had written ourselves. She then played some music by Icelandic group Sigur Ros - "Ara Batur" - a really powerful piece with choir and stirring strings. During this guests were asked to close their eyes and meditate on what the term intimacy meant to them and then look into the eyes of the person next to them. There were a few tears at this stage ! We then read some words from our favourite science fiction TV show Babylon 5 - the "Declaration of Principles" before the closing address and Nat King Cole's Let's Face the Music and Dance. Coran and I did just that ! Once it was all over we went outside and the guests all lined up forming a tunnel through which we walked. Then it was time for various other photographs and the food. They all commented on how delicious it all was - all vegetarian and gluten free. Finally it was the cutting of the cake and the inevitable clearing up, followed by a much deserved cup of tea. The nervousness that was present for the wedding itself seemed to be missing today being replaced with a feeling of alertness, joy and elation. The wedding I feel was or us but the blessing today was for everyone and affected everyone who was there in one way or another. Our special guest was our first spiritual teacher, who introduced us 19 years long ago - it wasn't until 2 years later than we actually became a couple. 2 of our other friends travelled all the way down from Liverpool - it was lovely to meet them for the first time, while another of our friends who moved to the West Country a few years ago, also made the effort, staying last night with a friend nearby. It was though a really special day and one I am sure they will all remember.
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I for one am a little disappointed in some ways that Scotland did not become independent - not because I particularly wanted them to leave the Union, but because it would have been interesting to witness the birth of a new nation so close to home. I am enjoying a days holiday from work today in preparation for our blessing tomorrow. We have a lot to do getting all the stuff ready to take with us - all the drinks, paper plates etc., list of names to sign people in, order of service leaflets that we had printed, Corans Ipod with the music on it, decorations for the altar, gifts for some of our friends, it is a pretty long list. We also have to go to Sainsbury's this morning for the usual weekly shop. This afternoon after we have done all that, I have booked an appointment at a spa in Epsom that has saunas and steam rooms and different things for a total relax and chill out. That definitely has to be better than work !
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I will reserve judgment until I see it. I replaced my old Keyboard recently with a standard Kindle and am not in a hurry to replace it again. I would have liked a Paperwhite, but funds have been a bit tight lately what with a wedding and a trip to Iceland to pay for !
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Bob Marley
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Hope it all went well Kell, and congratulations on your exams Anna. Coran and I are preparing for our blessing this weekend. Everything is pretty much in place - the food has been ordered and paid for, the guest list has all been confirmed and the music for the service chosen. Our best friend Sarah Jane is conducting the service, and she has refused to tell us what she has in store, so it will be a total and knowing her, very nice surprise. In many ways this is more important than the wedding itself, as that was just the legal bit - this is the spiritual ceremony which for us at least has much more meaning.
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How long will it take you to read a book?
Talisman replied to Athena's topic in General Book Discussions
As a Kindle reader, I go more by what percentage of the book I can read in each hour rather than by word count. If for example I manage to read 20 percent of the book in one hour, like I did with the book I started last night, then I know that I will finish it in a total of 4 hours. Word count doesn't really work for me, as there are always some bits in most books that I want to re-read in order to clarify their meaning (or sometimes to add highlights), but I guess we are all different. In the end the only thing that really matters is that you enjoy whatever it is you are reading and get something from it. As for The Bible, I have read bits of it, but have never tried to read the whole thing - I have probably read more of the Gnostic texts. -
Finished Singapore Sling by John Malathronas for Singapore at lunchtime today.
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I don't normally wear dresses, but of course I wanted to get married in a dress. I can't normally wear white as it's too harsh with my colouring, and makes me looked drained and washed out. That's why I thought wearing it with the scarf would add some colour and warmth.
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It was Coran's idea to paint our nails in matching colours Frankie - normally I bite mine, more to keep them short than anything else. We chose green as it matched Coran's outfit.
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I have finally managed to go through our wedding pictures and chosen a few favourites, which I have posted on Facebook. I know that not everyone is on there, or even likes Facebook, but it's a medium that works for me. I don't normally make these things public, but only available to friends, but as I know a lot of you want to see them, for one week only I have made it so that everyone can see these, after that I will be changing it so that only my Facebook friends can view them. If you not one of my Facebook friends and would like to be, feel free to send a request, but please say who you are on here, as I don't accept requests from people I don't know ! Hope you like them as much as we do. Coran's niece did the photography for us (she studied photography), and she did a great job for someone who has never done this sort of thing. https://www.facebook.com/june.austin.9/media_set?set=a.937762242906780.1073741831.100000190397932&type=1
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We are going food shopping to Sainsbury's in a while, after Coran has finished downloading the wedding photos. Then we are meeting our friend Sarah this afternoon who is guiding the blessing ceremony on 20th September, to go through her plans and generally catch up.
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I was lucky enough to see them last October - also in Iceland. They weren't the brightest or the best of last season, but they went on for several hours and were still pretty spectacular with all the colours.
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Thank you for the good wishes everyone. It is our first week anniversary today, and we haven't argued yet, so far so good. Coran is downloading the pictures as I write, so I will hopefully be able to post some on Facebook over the weekend. I have never been able to get it work on here. It is shaping up to be an interesting year then for me. A few days ago my favourite Icelandic airline emailed me to let me know they had a sale, and being unable to resist a bargain (and knowing I also have 2 more weeks annual leave to use up before the end of March) I have booked another trip for the beginning of March next year, The Northern Lights season has already begun with some good sightings already. This time I will do it properly - instead of going on a big bus with 50 other people, I intend to book one of the Super Jeep Tours which take about 4 people out into the middle of nowhere, which is an altogether much better way of travelling. A posh lunch at the Blue Lagoon might be in order too with of course a crate of Icelandic chocolate and beer to bring home. In the meantime of course, it looks like another Icelandic volcano has started to erupt - it has been threatening for about a month now, and having looked at the live webcam it is pretty spectacular. Of course it is far from most of the tourist areas, but air traffic has been grounded at less than 18000 feet as a precaution. l knew I should have booked for next week rather than next March !
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I love the thrill of discovering something new in the pages of every single book that I read - something new about myself, or perhaps about the way that others think, or something new about whatever place the book I am reading is set. I love discovering new authors and new genres and of course I love being lost in a good story whether that be fiction or non fiction. I love the way that the books I read stretch my mind and my own boundaries, sometimes challenging my own views and perceptions. I love meeting a stranger on a train or in a coffee shop and on discovering that they are reading something I have read, discussing that book with them. I love introducing books to my friends both on and offline and the recommendations that I receive back. I love the fact that as long as there are books in the world, I will never be short of something to do.
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Sorry you have been having such a rough time lately Kat, and glad that you are alright after that earthquake Anna - possessions can always be replaced, but your lives can't be. Coran and I got back from our honeymoon this afternoon after a lovely couple of days. The wedding on Friday was beautiful, but very emotional - all the family were there and many of our friends. It was the first time I had seen my brother for about 4 years, and the first time I had met his second wife. It was very emotional for both of us after 17 years together - we could hardly get the words out, but we got there ! It had been cloudy in the morning, but once the ceremony was over the sun came out just as we walked out into the garden, which was lovely. Glastonbury was as beautiful as ever - we stayed at Little St Michaels, which is the Retreat House attached to the Chalice Well Gardens. We have been members for years and have stayed there many times. There was a therapy and healing weekend going on over the Bank Holiday which was a bonus with various 1/2 hour treatments available for £10. I had some sound healing and an aromatherapy massage while Coran had some reflexology. We spent a lot of time in the gardens of course, but also went out into the town to eat and to meditate in the Goddess Temple. I had been hoping to visit the White Spring, but sadly it was closed each time we ventured round - I have never been lucky enough to visit when it's open. I did though climb up the Tor, which was windy and exhilarating. Driving back in the rain took longer than it should have done with some scary idiots out there speeding without lights, but we made it back in one piece. I guess then it's back to work and normality (whatever that is) tomorrow.
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Thank you - I will tell you all about it when we are back from our honeymoon after the Bank Holiday.
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Two days then to go until I am finally a married woman - I finish work at 12.30 tomorrow lunchtime, and certainly won't be sorry. It has been a really strange week all told with everyone very subdued still about the death of one of our clients almost 2 weeks ago - it really knocked everyone for six as it was so unexpected, and she had been in the home for most of her life - an incredible 68 years. Had she been born into a different generation, she would probably never have been institutionalised but led a normal life in the community. Today though was the funeral which a large proportion of staff and clients attended. The coffin came past the home and into the car park so that the remaining staff and clients (with me among them) could pay their respects. Afterwards the family came back to the house for a wake which was nice. She had an awful lot of friends all over the world, and I am told that the church was packed. Hopefully though now that the funeral is over the energy will start to lift a bit and things can get back to whatever normal is. After work tonight my lovely boss took me and the rest of the maintenance team out for a drink to celebrate the impending nuptials. That was an interesting experience, sitting in the pub with 6 men ! It was very kind of him though and not something he had to do. I will though be glad to finish work tomorrow lunchtime and even gladder when the whole thing is over and done with !
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In what physical position do you mostly read?
Talisman replied to emelee's topic in General Book Discussions
Mostly sitting upright in bed, leaning slightly forwards, or at work doing the same thing in a chair, -
I am sure it will all blow over - these things usually do, and at the moment I have bigger fish to fry anyway. Five days to go.
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Never Ending Song Titles - Part 8
Talisman replied to Kylie's topic in Quiz Room / Thread Games Jokes etc
A Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin -
Well I for one am thoroughly glad that that week is finally over ! It has been a rather strange one in many ways, but I take solace in the fact that this time next week I will be a married woman on her honeymoon. There have been a few incidents with other staff at work lately accusing me of various things and being generally unpleasant which they unfortunately reported to my Manager, and of course he had to talk to me. Thankfully he saw through the individuals who are the cause of the problem, as they both have form, but because I was so upset and because of the nature of the complaint (I was shouted at by one of these people in front of clients, who are sensitive and vulnerable people) he has reported it to HR. I now then have to wait to see if they approach me to find out what happened. Unfortunately the person who did, who is the Deputy of the onsite care home and so should have known better, has had a car accident and will be off work for a month with cracked ribs. It has not then been an easy week with all this going on, as it does go through your mind, particularly given the history of my last 2 jobs, which my Manager does know about. BUT on the flip side, I am looking forward to the wedding next week, and of course the honeymoon and some much deserved time off. Coran and I are going shopping into Guildford later on today for some last minute bits and bobs and hopefully a nice lunch in our favourite vegetarian restaurant. We had a cheque from my soon to be mother in law earlier in the week for £1000 which can't be bad either as wedding presents go.
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In the end, like everything else, it is all about personal choice.
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True - but you are still saving paper and ink, and it uses a lot less electricity and oil to truck (and power) one e-reader than it does to make and truck the 1500 or so books that an e-reader can store.