The little drummer boy

A quick pictorial catch up of my world over the last few weeks.

Here are the drums....




Not as big as you might have thought, but I am informed reliably informed that size isn't everything, as long as the operator is fairly skilled.
And yes, they are situated in a book (and CD/DVD) lined study. Are the family men amongst you asking how that jammy begger gets his very own personal playroom? Frankly, I ask myself that sometimes, especially as he is actually downstairs hogging the telly, watching football, and not even luxuriating in his own private kingdom.



In fact, just to rub it in, here is another shot of aforementioned booklined..etc etc...

If you zoom in Kev you might be able to recognise some of the filums...



Last weekend, as mentioned over at Mrs P's, we went to a wedding, with picnic on Box Hill. We were friends of the groom - he and I were at uni together...indeed we graduated 20 years ago this year, so took the opportunity for a reunion shot.





No shots of the actual service or the official photos you might notice. That's because we weren't there. Shan't go into too much detail for fear I will be overcome (again)with the need to go downstairs and point out a couple more home truths to the man of the house. (Actually, can't do that - I'm still not speaking to him) Suffice to say that if anyone says anything about women and their inability to handle directions I shall be round forthwith and shove a bat up your nightie.

Multi-tasking.....don't get me started.......

Pretty in Pink

Shamelessly jumping on the Jukebox Monday bandwagon-

There has been some pointless nonsense in the papers about girls and pink recently.

But back in the good old days we knew that is was OK to be pretty in pink.....

Sitting...the final night

Oh, blimey, how did we get here without mention my third all nighter ...Mel Brooks films...with Blazing Saddles being the favourite. "Is Bismark a Herring?"

And no mention of Monty Python? Brian for choice. Holy Grail in second place, and Meaning of Life third, despite Mr Croesote "Fuck off...I'm full"

And no room for Audrey Tautou and Amelie?

No - the final movie has to be "It's a wonderful life". Too many wonderful moments to mention....but isn't his wife a librarian? Or does she only become that in the sad, no George version of her life?

And look at the image I found...collect your own Bedford Falls! It really is a wonderful life!

Sitting...Parts 10 and 11

Nearly there. Pure slush and feelgood....My Big Fat Greek Wedding.



Then, well, as mum of a small, you have to get used to watching the same movies over and over, day after day. The pentultimate movie in the festival is one I don't mind seeing frequently - Night at the Museum. A Ben Stiller movie, but, if possible, he is almost overshadowed by a supporting cast of Robin Williams, Dick van Dyke, Micky Rooney, Steve Coogan and Rick Gervais, amongst others. Just watch out for the monkey!

Sitting....parts 8 and 9

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement,Kevin, but it's all down hill from here.

You were warned. Next film will have me sat at the front, drooling over the lovely Mr Dafoe - sweaty, grubby and in a uniform! Yep, it's Platoon. Academy award winner, and the lovely Willem was a nominee. And to continue a bit of a theme, it was the first in Oliver Stone's Vietnam trilogy. More trivia - I've just discovered Johnny Depp was in it. Can't say he made much of an impression on me during the numerous viewings! Oh, and I had the poster on my wall all three years I was a student. And, of course, the beautiful Barber's Adagio for Strings.

Ninth day, and I'm giving you an easier ride now. Let's hear it for Pretty in Pink. Classic (or is that cliched) tale of girl from wrong side of the tracks meets boy from 'right' side. He dumps her through peer pressure, then finally finds the courage to get back with her. All this, an amazing 80's New Wave soundtrack and Harry Dean Stanton. Oh, it is a total nostalgia trip.

Sitting in the back row...part 6 & 7

Now, what film festival would be complete without a foreign movie or two? We're going for an allnighter with Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy. I treat this as one choice, but if pushed, I offere Blue as my favourite, and the first one I ever saw.



After that burst of colour, my next offering is decidedly not foreign. Back to England, and opp north, where, as we all know, it is grim. How about Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. And if any fancies another all night session, I'd press on with more gritty (ish) 60's stuff...A Taste of Honey, anyone? Alfie? Georgy Girl?

Sitting in the back row...parts 4 & 5

Every OK for popcorn and slush-puppies? Then I'll continue. We stay in black and white for a little while longer, and more husbandly influences. Hitchcock. Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said...how about, he went to the same school as my dad, but not at the same time. Our first Hitchcock movie of the festival is The Lodger - and it's the one with the Joby Talbot soundtrack. We were lucky enough to go to the premier at The South Bank several moons ago, alongside Terry Gilliam and Neil Hannon (not literally, but they were there as well). Anyway, extremely atmospheric and nothing like Psycho!


Then, onto another early Hitchcock, but a talky this time: Sabotage. Made in 1936, and based on Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent, I've just discovered (thank you Wikipedia). Gripping tale, gorgeous shots of 30's london, and an absolutely extraordinary, suspenseful bus trip....

Sitting in the back row...part 2 & 3

Now that we've softened you up, let's continue the horror theme with Nosferatu, directed by Murnau in 1922. Essentially it is Bram Stoker's Dracula with the names changed. As many of you know, I do moan (incessently some might say) about my husband's hobbies and interests. But, sometimes, when I get off my high horse for long enough, he does come up with some corking movies, and this is most certainly one of them. Normally, mention of a 1920's silent movie sends me running for the Carry On box set, but Max Shreck's Count Orlock (Dracula) is just so scary looking!

Part 3....Shadow of the Vampire...and the audience is looking at me in a puzzled manner..."Haven't we just seen this?" Well, sort of...Shadow of the Vampire is a movie about the making of Nosferatu, with the intriguing story that Max Shreck actually is a vampire. Also stars one of my all time favourite actors/idols/object of lust..Wilem Dafoe. We'll see more of him later in the festival (o, if only!)