tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54212885759889720942024-03-13T07:51:09.482+00:00Janey's Jottings Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-69192230516599834762015-10-11T16:28:00.000+01:002015-10-11T16:28:16.680+01:00MY LIFE AS A GALLERIST...I'm juggling so many things at the moment that I'm afraid I've let things slip a bit in the blogging department. sSo, for the floods and floods of people that click onto my site and shoulder-slump with sheer and utter disappointment you'll understand when I tell you that being a gallerist has taken over my life ...just a bit. Yet I'm glad to say, with the help of Peter (throwing me in at the deep end) I'm getting there.<br />
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A lot certainly has happened since we opened twenty weeks ago. For starters we have sold over fifty paintings - that's over half a century (whichI'd say sounds pretty incredible when you say it like that) and a pretty good innings for a brand spanking new gallery. According to our calculations that's 2.5 a week which we hope to change to one a day! But patience is a virtue and Rome wasn't built in a<i> </i>day and so on..<i>. </i><br />
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<i>ON TO THE LATEST NEWS THOUGH</i>...
As if we didn't have enough great artists to brag about, <a href="http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk/" target="_blank">PETER BARKER FINE ART</a> now has two further high ranking artists join our stable, namely the much celebrated <a href="http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk/shop/viewcategory.php?groupid=88" target="_blank">HAZEL SOAN</a> & <a href="http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk/shop/viewcategory.php?groupid=89" target="_blank">LUIS MORRIS</a>!<br />
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Hazel Soan might not need much of an introduction, but I'm going to anyway because I love her work so much I just want to wax lyrical. The marvellously talented Hazel Soan divides her time six months in London and six months in Cape Town where she has galleries in each. Some people might remember her from television, others from her copious number of books she's had published, but for me it's her stunning works of art. She paints in both oil and watercolour, but it's her watercolours that make me tingle with delight, especially her depictions of Africa, me having lived there for several decades.In fact I love her so much Peter bought me one of her paintings for my birthday! A gorgeous big watercolour of an African woman and her two children walking through the desert. I am going to treasure it forever...<br />
Here are some of her mouth-watering paintings:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEwkZnLQKhwokfJxWihm7OJOhdb2IkChvkgPhywmRk8boqvsF-pfAnLA7BzR4ALshxrQuwMoRxACZ3kyGRy6PYrUfJKxyuEzEe2kDUjfqMzhnEblee4oZF_s9xMRb1N25liDE7wlKzMof/s1600/unnamed-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEwkZnLQKhwokfJxWihm7OJOhdb2IkChvkgPhywmRk8boqvsF-pfAnLA7BzR4ALshxrQuwMoRxACZ3kyGRy6PYrUfJKxyuEzEe2kDUjfqMzhnEblee4oZF_s9xMRb1N25liDE7wlKzMof/s320/unnamed-003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Land Where Time Began: Hazel Soan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wi1bxXvroxLkpDamQJaEXGesEf-TlUut3Fn45jioHDpjUjXjCUGs9jj0u4kHhm10gZY0M3sam7fVDTqhdQgjB8quUL2sFQH5tQ97dKc9TPnbbZYPsJ_EDdaX6Rcn061yrn228ZmsCEeV/s1600/unnamed-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wi1bxXvroxLkpDamQJaEXGesEf-TlUut3Fn45jioHDpjUjXjCUGs9jj0u4kHhm10gZY0M3sam7fVDTqhdQgjB8quUL2sFQH5tQ97dKc9TPnbbZYPsJ_EDdaX6Rcn061yrn228ZmsCEeV/s320/unnamed-006.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shades of Grey: Hazel Soan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfMK0dXtbaiI9zTvdNgqpgjBIX_sC1zWua7fx6z9bvG12wOl-dFv_VMXvZic_6wAFm-JYtetDoLaSB7WP9bRDEi2yp4LT6k6DP3nUkbFkWtx0nuTSXzj1rh0Y9OdER6hNSOWwmSzwas8u/s1600/unnamed-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfMK0dXtbaiI9zTvdNgqpgjBIX_sC1zWua7fx6z9bvG12wOl-dFv_VMXvZic_6wAFm-JYtetDoLaSB7WP9bRDEi2yp4LT6k6DP3nUkbFkWtx0nuTSXzj1rh0Y9OdER6hNSOWwmSzwas8u/s320/unnamed-005.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Ele: Hazel Soan</td></tr>
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Luis Morris...Runner up of the Sky Portraitist of
the year in 2013 and in my opinion he was robbed and should have been
first! His speciality is beautifully rendered nudes prone or standing,
the quality of which is breathtaking soft, hazey blunt strokes of pastel
shades in oil giving the impression of looking at the subject through a
rain drenched windowpane. His work will be on display shortly, but
already we have had enquiries, so watch this space for availability.<br />
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Here's a couple of his works to drool over:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC38b8pscSQ6eDnrxNUvJ_urdKkixv-o95y730rDsHVF2OPn-3w3jxzS1s4zMCEbR7XEZbikPSIMvd5k-YjInAzgWUVrT_0z6Fv94n-PlU1DXrVWkvgFW4MV0EEQLe0Ec4XSnGrnu5kU8T/s1600/Rosa+in+the+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC38b8pscSQ6eDnrxNUvJ_urdKkixv-o95y730rDsHVF2OPn-3w3jxzS1s4zMCEbR7XEZbikPSIMvd5k-YjInAzgWUVrT_0z6Fv94n-PlU1DXrVWkvgFW4MV0EEQLe0Ec4XSnGrnu5kU8T/s320/Rosa+in+the+Bath.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa in the Bath: Luis Morris</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9n6jOOo97PaJ2Gzz7uX5WdsrM-j6BOgQycmDQsM1_qvaXQxaGgUpxmaW2xbIHQT8eDNnENYy1xyGGImFYrF-dBMuI3rAv1he0mJnkXawxDZhs2eZFpweBI6kbb1iPGHa160Bb_fzTOuv/s1600/Rosa+Standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9n6jOOo97PaJ2Gzz7uX5WdsrM-j6BOgQycmDQsM1_qvaXQxaGgUpxmaW2xbIHQT8eDNnENYy1xyGGImFYrF-dBMuI3rAv1he0mJnkXawxDZhs2eZFpweBI6kbb1iPGHa160Bb_fzTOuv/s320/Rosa+Standing.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa Standing: Luis Morris</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That is all for now. Do try to get along to the gallery. For details here is our website:<br />
<a href="http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk/" target="_blank">PETER BARKER FINE ART</a>. And remember all our paintings can be purchased on line.<br />
Bye for now.<br />
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JaneyJaney Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-8717841255385871312015-05-30T09:45:00.000+01:002015-05-31T10:07:13.490+01:00PETER BARKER FINE ARTHello everyone, I am delighted to say Peter Barker Fine Art opened its doors this weekend with a flurry of curiosity and excitement resulting in nine glorious paintings flying off the walls, and now gracing the homes of mostly local buyers. There has been such an incredible buzz, people complimenting on what a great space we have, and of course the array of fine work by Peter Barker himself, John Lines, David Curtis, Peter Brown, our darling Haidee Jo Summers, Trevor Lingard, Trevor Chamberlain, Tina Morgan, Roy Connelly, Michael Morgan, Gerald Green, huuuuuh, had to take a big breath, there are more, thirty-two artists in all, and for those I have missed off it's not because I don't love you; I do, you are all of equal brilliance, it's just that I have to get off to the gallery! It's Saturday and we are hoping for another stampede!<br />
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So, come along and see for yourself, and in between viewing (you'll need some time! There are so many paintings to see!) have a rest in the gorgeous coffee shop practically conjoined to us, or visit the garden centre jam packed with lovely, healthy plants and everything your imagination can stretch to related to gardening. It's a day out, and what could be better in this jewel of a county, Rutland, especially when the sun is shining gloriously, which it is today. <br />
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Of course if you can't make it, here's the link <a href="http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk">www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk</a> to the website to feast your eyes upon, and since you can buy on line you might even be tempted. <br />
Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-80221029991087716562015-05-19T09:24:00.000+01:002015-05-19T10:00:07.832+01:00PETER BARKER FINE ART WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN ITS DOORS THIS WEEKEND!We are nearly there! Our stunning, brand new art gallery - namely PETER BARKER FINE ART - is about to go public, officially! We are opening our doors this Saturday, 23rd May with drinks and nibs, so come along and browse, or rather feast your eyes on walls pulsating with some of the best artists' work in Britain! To brag a few - Peter Barker of course, then there's David Curtis, Peter Brown, Trevor Chamberlain, Douglas Gray, Derek Daniells, Trevor Lingard, Haidee Jo Summers, Tina Morgan...oh the list goes on. Already people have popped their heads in for a sneak preview and gasped and the amount of outstanding works we have on show. So come along, don't take my word for it and see for yourselves. See you on Saturday through to Bank Hol Monday for the grand opening, or if you are a little crowd-shy, after the dust settles...<br />
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For a sneak preview and directions, here is website link to copy and paste: www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk and a pic of the gallery in it's semi-finalized state.<br />
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Janey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSxDKkeKykLaPyTVAKTdSHenc55vj0vmDMeQ9O9Z0FZM6xiMeXAkWRZYAVs8mJPI7Xxedg-SNcqii2adZ5lNSZnC3_0t0DwlE9c59VyHvBQSAyCTvWXBT07o_lnZ61WYJn_O76IhgcqeB/s1600/gallery+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSxDKkeKykLaPyTVAKTdSHenc55vj0vmDMeQ9O9Z0FZM6xiMeXAkWRZYAVs8mJPI7Xxedg-SNcqii2adZ5lNSZnC3_0t0DwlE9c59VyHvBQSAyCTvWXBT07o_lnZ61WYJn_O76IhgcqeB/s320/gallery+pic.jpg" /></a>Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-49792255300384607952015-05-14T14:43:00.001+01:002015-05-14T15:05:17.711+01:00PETER BARKER FINE ART IS COMING TO TOWN!I know I have been gabbing a lot in the past about writing and books and publishing, but something else has been bubbling in the background, something ultra, ultra exciting - a brand new Art Gallery in Uppingham, Rutland. Yes! We - Peter and I - are thrilled to announce that our stunning outlet will be opening within the next week. Two whole rooms packed with THE most delectable, mouth-watering original art by some of Britain's finest! To boast just a few...David Curtis, Pete Brown, Douglas Gray, the wonderful and prolific Peter Barker of course ;) and the list goes on. Truly too many to mention. A sneak preview can be drooled over by clicking on this link <a href="http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk/">http://www.peterbarkerfineart.co.uk/</a> We will hopefully be having a "soft" opening some time next week (phone line installation willing...)but watch this space for an official opening date with bubbly and nibbles.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
Janey<br />
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Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-89280874995030001872015-04-25T17:44:00.000+01:002015-04-25T17:44:45.223+01:00CUTTING CHILDREN'S HAIR IS NOW SO MUCH FUN!/remi%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bhairdressers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Gub3d5HEafUbVztQf831hzh1yAmk6ktlQ_5DG4gUtLi0GHd_Nv62Jg3LVJT5pcO8je6nfRPUXSilDdctM7d0sTMvT-JxexpCDS91fK0_yq_GlBg2SnZW5BzNAUeQdesU6wQT-l1PeTdS/s320/remi+at+the+hairdressers.jpg" /></a><br />
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MY grandson Remi finally having his hair cut!Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-91231211381163153452015-04-15T08:42:00.001+01:002015-04-15T08:42:23.560+01:00PS FREEBIE ONLY STARTS TOMORROW...SORRYJaney Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-67192452634724283962015-04-14T13:15:00.004+01:002015-04-14T13:15:45.823+01:00Free read for a few days!With spring in the air, and the countryside full of gorgeous daffs, and because I feel so happy and generous and exhilarated by it all, I decided to run a freebie on my "Walking on Marshmallows". So for those that blaze through my blog and haven't read it yet, get downloading! It starts tonight.<br />
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Big smiles<br />
JaneyJaney Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-34983589332419297752015-03-15T18:08:00.000+00:002015-03-15T18:08:41.414+00:00LitterIs it me, or have I been in such a fog of newly found love for the last three years and a bit years - but is the litter on our roads and bi-ways mushrooming? Recently I've been noticing an unprecedented amount of trash and ghostly plastic bags fluttering on the trees. I don't know; in my youth I'd sooner walk down the street naked than release something of waste from my hands, so hounded were we by stern playground monitors ready to cuff an ear, and bins boldly embellished with signs stating "KEEP BRITAIN TIDY". Good lord, I don't want to sound like my dad, but it really is a crying shame that nobody seems to care or respect our beautiful countryside. Does anyone else have any comments on this awful state of affairs?Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-78276948351630698342015-02-20T13:37:00.000+00:002015-02-20T13:37:10.512+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvJflAigkfh4ZGOP6I6np6YTwX733QimxrTpGzBpSprysaYrpGE3DMS8Gi0fNpGjMhdxnqCiW8vOji_HP7dH3JuYLVSG3hXvzLbzrESU0vBKLtF7157B5kDgpacPBsLV-qd58-4Yt5Yif/s1600/Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvJflAigkfh4ZGOP6I6np6YTwX733QimxrTpGzBpSprysaYrpGE3DMS8Gi0fNpGjMhdxnqCiW8vOji_HP7dH3JuYLVSG3hXvzLbzrESU0vBKLtF7157B5kDgpacPBsLV-qd58-4Yt5Yif/s320/Tom.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I haven't blogged for a while and there's a reason for that: I'm in love! With my brand new grandson, Tom along with his brother Remi, a very gregarious and delightful three year old. I'm afraid I'm smitten and have been back and forth to London since the 8th January so much so my writing has suffered. But I will get back, very shortly back to the anchor of my laptop. <br />
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but here's a little taster of my current-work-in-progress book ; ))<br />
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CHAPTER 1<br />
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<i> You’re mad, and you drive me mad, but guess what? I’m mad about you…<br />
Happy Anniversary Sleeping Beauty...</i><br />
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A delicious shiver shot through Angie as she thought back to earlier – Matt kissing the tip of her nose as he tried to wake her and then the way her eyes drifted sleepily open and locked with his, and then their mouths seeking out each others, and then kissing spongily, and then frenziedly like a couples of duelling daggers, and then...the inevitable. <br />
Angie giggled, and tried to cross her fingers but they were all numb and clammy from the heavy pile of try-ons draped across both arms, and that she’d been carting about for the last half hour. Please God maybe just maybe this time they might have hit the jackpot. After all the temperature chart said she was bang on, and she had this feeling inside, a real gut feeling that this time she might, just migh— <br />
‘Stop! For the love of God, stop!’<br />
There was a pause, then a split second of confusion during which Angie let out a hideously girly scream, did a dithery pin-toed cha-cha, and then finally let go and slammed with wild abandonment into the well-padded contours of her mum’s arse. <br />
‘Mum! Jesus Christ!’ she staggered about like a drunken fool, tripping over something squashy that had slid from her arms. ‘What the hell are you doing?!’<br />
‘I can’t!’ wailed Bridie dragging a theatrical hand up to her quivering mouth.<br />
‘Can’t what?’ <br />
‘Bear it!’<br />
‘Bear what?’<br />
‘This place, it’s horrible, it’s like Dante’s Inferno.’<br />
By this place Bridie meant Oxford Street’s, multi-levelled Top Shop, bursting-at-the-seams-with-every-conceivable-item-of-outerwear-and-accessory, frenzied shoppers and grating music blaring from every orifice.<br />
‘But you wanted to come here,’ said Angie, trying to remain calm as she bent down to pick up the spongy thing she’d nearly gone A over T over – in this instance a pair of bright red, elasticised slacks for the fuller figure (i.e. size 18 masquerading as 12).<br />
‘I know, but I feel sick!’ The hysteria began to mount again. ‘I think I’m going to faint! Oh God, luv, you have to get me out of here!’<br />
Get her out of here. <br />
Angie gripped a handful of fabric until her knuckles turned white. Did she just say: get.her.out.of.here? Where the hell did she think she was on I’m a Celebrity. Jesus wept, this was unbelievable, un-bloody-believable. Less than ten seconds ago she’d been swanning up and down the aisles inspecting labels with her pretend glasses on as if she was bloody-bleeding-pissing Kate Middleton’s personal shopper.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed!!!Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-1762529334052098692015-01-03T16:56:00.001+00:002015-01-03T16:56:13.471+00:00Christmas is over : (Yes, over! And I wonder how many years, months, hours, minutes are spent looking for the end of a roll of sticky tape. I contemplated this during my second day of Christmas present wrapping. Every year I think to myself I'll get more efficient and buy one of those sticky tape dispensers, but like new year resolutions (i.e. brisk walk every single day, in bed by ten, up at six for second brisk walk, join a pilates class, wean self off chocolate, never eat chips in any state or form again, clean windows at least four times a year as opposed to every two years, never get cross or grumpy with annoying people but rather smile serenely and imagine them naked)just goes down the plug hole. So the cursing under the breath continued, until about seven-eighths through wrapping my darling Peter appears rested and smiling from his studio at the end of the garden, looks inquisitively at me and then says "Darling! Why don't you use my dispenser, it'll make it so much easier."<br />
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.........Argggh!<br />
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Anyway, that aside, and the fact that I feel at least a stone heavier, it was all so magical. I had all my girls over for the first time ever and we ate, drank and made merry as a complete family.<br />
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It is therefore, after such heavy imbibing, time to get back into some serious writing. I've made a conscious decision to do a part 2 Walking on Marshmallows, but perhaps in the form of a Novella which is about a third of a book. And then perhaps another and then another. <br />
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We'll see. <br />
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Fingers poised over the keyboard, I am still trying to decide. A lot of people say it isn't a good idea, but I say go where the heart is telling you, and Angie, Bridie and Hazel are calling me to resurrect them. <br />
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So for all you people who loved the escapades of my last book, watch this space! And for all those that haven't read Walking on Marshmallows One then get downloading! I can promise you an absolute gas, and just the ticket after the mad, whirlwind of the festive season. Just click on the book to the right of this page and voila. It's on a countdown special at the moment too!<br />
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Hope you all had as fabulous a Christmas as me, and on that note shall say Au Revoir and Bonne Annee.<br />
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Janey of the Walking on MarshmallowsJaney Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-59783811882880037992014-11-16T13:12:00.001+00:002014-11-16T13:12:52.078+00:00POPPIES AND RUPERT BROOKEI heard on the radio a poem by Rupert Brooke which was all about WWI and was so moved I was prompted (as I do about a lot of things) to look him up on the net. Not only did he have an uncanny likeness to Hugh Grant, but sadly he died so young. <br />
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Here are a few words written by his closest friend upon his death...<br />
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...I sat with Rupert. At 4 o’clock he became weaker, and at 4.46 he died, with the sun shining all round his cabin, and the cool sea-breeze blowing through the door and the shaded windows. No one could have wished for a quieter or a calmer end than in that lovely bay, shielded by the mountains and fragrant with sage and thyme.<br />
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Profound words, and such a beautiful rendition of someone's death<br />
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I thought, with all the poppy fever and talk of the Great War, I'd share that one with you. <br />
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Do look up his poetry, especially the one about going off to war, it's pretty powerful stuff.<br />
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Janey<br />
<br />
PS thank you to all those who have recently purchased my book.Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-26302269337049198222014-10-31T13:17:00.001+00:002014-10-31T13:42:17.851+00:00RESULT - TA-DAWell, you could have knocked me down with a feather! There was me desperate for some comments and I got! Well...only one, but one is better than none! Thank you darling Haidee-Jo Summers, artiste extraordinaire, and suddenly winner of just about every prize going around lately. And if you don't believe me just look her up, she is a wonderful painter, and one of my faves. So thank you for that. <br />
<br />
Well, now onto my debut into the acting world. Last night, it happened, yes, me and my thirty seconds of fame as I tripped - lights glaring - across the stage (to a half-filled audience) wearing a frothy black net skirt, crazy stockings and a black and white maid's outfit. And I loved it! I might even go back for more. I might even stop writing and take it up permanently! Three more shows to go! Hey-ho!Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-4773501639781439272014-10-28T15:33:00.001+00:002014-10-28T15:33:34.471+00:00ISOLATIONSometimes I feel like I'm marooned on the top of an iceberg. I got loads and loads of people pass through (and hopefully read) my blog, BUT NOBODY BOTHERS TO COMMENT! Even a critique would be welcome. Come on everyone say hello! I'm so lonely I could cry :((<br />
<br />
In my next blog I'll let you know about my thespian adventure; I'm afraid in this case I think I should really forget being the next Helen Mirren because it's bloody difficult. I have about two lines to remember and I can't even do that. So hats off to actors - they are in a class of their own. <br />
<br />
Speak later...<br />
<br />
Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-10349834154964672832014-10-17T11:01:00.000+01:002014-10-17T13:03:01.162+01:00GOGGLEBOX After being coerced into watching Gogglebox I realised that I (and Peter) should be enlisted as "Mr & Mrs Grumpy Old Couple". Surely, all of us must have done something bad in a previous life to have to put up with the formulaic rubbish thrust down our throats at the moment. And I know what you're thinking: well bloody well don't watch it then; but the problem is, as repugnant as it is, like slowing down at the scene of a grisly accident, you find you've just got to watch it! And it seems after watching Gogglebox, the general consensus across Britain is the same. Take Cheryl(Fernandez@#*@$...or whatever the hell her new name is) sending the only girl packing in in favour of someone who sounded as though she'd just d overdosed on a helium-filled balloon. We all know it's fake; clearly Simon, dollar signs whirring like Catherine Wheels inside his eye sockets, instructed Cheryl to ditch her just for the hype. She was phenomenal. And did you see any nerves? I didn't. <br />
<br />
I've had enough and have made a very constructive decision to never watch it and all the rest of the reality show drivel ever again. Instead, Brucey or no Brucey, shall stick to mi' Daz.<br />
<br />
Anyway, rant over, miracle of miracles I am making some headway with my new book, and thought I'd put a taster on for anyone who's interested, but don't expect miracles,it's only a draft. <br />
<br />
Chapter 1<br />
<br />
Funny, the stuff that floats into your head when it’s not supposed to. Like now for instance: here I am about to have a sneaky little snog in the storeroom with someone I shouldn't be, and all I can think (having consumed a whole garlic and coriander nan to myself last night) is that my breath must stink like the inside of one of those human cattle trucks in Mumbai. When actually, what I ought to be thinking is: I am wife, I am mother, I am teacher of the English language, and this (which I know, with the mere flick of a wrist or wriggle of the arse, dear God, I could stop!)is nothing short of vocational suicide. <br />
<br />
Let me freeze-frame for a minute while I explain. <br />
<br />
Two words: Adrian Poncey.<br />
<br />
I know, I know. But believe me, the man bears not the slightest resemblance to what the name implies. A mere unfortunate dint of birth. These things can happen. I knew a woman once called Annette Curtain. <br />
Anyway, back to the plot. It all kicked off, this crazy situation, when Mr Hartburn, that’s our headmaster, or rather was, since he collapsed (in bizarre manner of Tommy Cooper)in front of an assembly full of <strike>shuffling, surreptitiously-tweeting, pimply-faced</strike> students. <br />
<br />
Prognosis: stone dead. <br />
<br />
Very unfortunate...poor, poor man.<br />
<br />
Anyway, given the grisly circumstances, and with as little disruption as possible, a replacement had to be found. And to give credit where it’s due, even before the knee-deep swathe of flowers and bobbing metallic balloons and teddies portraying headmaster flat caps and half-moon wired spectacles, had been cleared and carted off in a giant skip, rumour was rife that the powers that be had dispatched a replacement, albeit temporary. <br />
<br />
So there we all were, no one at the helm thus languishing in atmospheric slackness (copious mugs of tea, biscuit tin doing the rounds, feet on coffee table, etc) debating the usual mind-numbing stuff, i.e.pension cuts, uni fees, the ever increasing size of Carol Vordeman’s arse vs Ann Widdecombe’s pitiable demise on Strictly) when school secretary, Wendy Grenfell, mind-numbingly irritating at the best of times, stopped in mid-rant, dragged lash-less lids away from the embroiled conversation, and proceeded to soil her underpants.<br />
It was in a sense like the second coming; in he drifted, a testosterone-infused vision of lean, loose-limbed self-confidence: tousled black hair with a delightful lick of grey at the fore, ten-clock shadow, dazzling white teeth to match an equally dazzling white shirt worn trendily out and over sack-arse jeans (as opposed to bri-nylon tucked into poly-poplin). Not for a second that I’m a huge fan of sack-arse, since it reminds me of the rear end of a matriarchal elephant at the end of her productive years. But on him oh God, to coin an American-and-never-to-be-repeated phrase hubba hubba hubba. in other words I FANCY THE F ****** arse off him. <br />
Of course I’m putting tremendous effort into fighting the urge: talking really, really loudly, mimicking Kat off Eastenders, pretending I read Katey Price and Louis Walsh biographies, and even, God forbid giving the impression that I’m affiliated to that political party that are fond of bulldogs, tattoos and the Union Jack. But nothing seems to be working; in fact if anything, it all seems to be having the opposite effect because every time he sees me he keeps giving me “the look"; you know the one, that on anyone else would give the impression of an inebriated, double-chinned gom, but on him… Christ alive...<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed. Please, please leave a comment if you have any constructive criticism.Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-72043339517955495662014-09-28T18:19:00.000+01:002014-09-29T09:31:59.754+01:00FREEBIES - AN UPDATE ON...
Freebies are a wonderful thing, are they not? And isn't it amazing how everyone comes out of the woodwork at the merest sniff of one? I must confess I'm the same, love a bargain. Anyway, during my little window of generosity, during which time I gave away my book for free, I had hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of downloads from around the globe. I was flabbergasted, yet at the same time filled with joy that so many people will now be reading and with a bit of luck enjoying the madcap escapades of the formidable Angie and ever-ballooning Hazel!
Anyway, for those that have dipped deep in their pockets, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and for those that haven't, well I thank you from the heart of my bottom ;) Anyway, I just ask one small request: I'd love to get some feedback. We writers thrive on it, you see, so give me a tiny window of your life and go to my Amazon page (click on my book to the right to take you there)and write (preferably something nice)!
Or, alternatively, if you'd rather write to me directly, here is my email address: janeuknow@gmail.com - but please, please DO NOT CLOG UP MY SYSTEM while doing so ;)
I'm working on a website too, so look out for that and there I will be able to tell you more about my next book and the crazy Rachel and soft-hearted Ellie who both realise, for totally different reasons, that they want to bump off their husbands...
Anyway, that's all folks, so au revoir once again from a very sunny Rutland.
Best wishes
JaneyJaney Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-88607560298965767362014-09-20T14:03:00.002+01:002014-09-20T18:50:32.289+01:00FREE!!As a special promotion my book WALKING ON MARSHMALLOWS is on offer for free, yes FREE!! Only for a day or two though, so be quick. It's a perfect day for it too since it's as dull as ditch water out there...well at least in England. Kick off your slippers, envelop yourself in a cuddly blanket and curl up with a plate of warm toast and butter and read about the (mis)adventures of Angie Darling and her quest to find her grumpy sister a man before she self-combusts from comfort eating! All yours, for free! Click on the book to the right of this page. Go on,you know you want to...
Oh and don't forget, please, please, once you've read it, I'd love it if you would leave a review (especially a nice one...)thank youJaney Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-59173151483633693732014-09-06T09:00:00.000+01:002014-09-06T09:07:01.053+01:00JOAN RIVERS...AU REVOIRWhen she was able to prize open her rigour mortised mouth, her quips were as fast as a Formula One lap and as plentiful as the eff words that tumble out of Lee Evan's mouth. Love her, hate her, but you have to admit there won't be many that can follow in her shoes. As a comedic writer myself I certainly will miss her. She didn't hold back did she? Hard to believe that she was riddled with complexes, particularly about her body. Then again aren't we all
R.I.P. Joan, but as long as we have TV and internet and radio you'll never be far away.
On a lighter note.
I delivered my first batch of books to my local bookstore yesterday - Walkers in Stamford High Street, so get down there before they sell out ;)
speak soon...
Lots of love
Janey
PS if you can't get down to the bookstore, which of course you won't be able to if you are reading this and you live in far-flung places such as Canada or America or Russia or Timbuktu, you can download on Amazon...see right of this page at a ridiculously low price for lovely big funny lol read. Thank you!Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-41927209220685445702014-08-12T15:33:00.001+01:002014-08-14T20:01:38.913+01:00DRAGONS' DEN AND MARSHMALLOWS!I nearly fell over backwards the other night watching Dragons' Den when one of the contestants presented herself in front of the dreaded poker faces and started touting a marshmallow business.<br />
<br />
<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFInLtN5N1iWzn91Rt6JaEiIYZKH6X9p0x5Wk-Wp1rhDEEAp4" data-sz="f" name="bRWqyqQG3BS-zM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFInLtN5N1iWzn91Rt6JaEiIYZKH6X9p0x5Wk-Wp1rhDEEAp4" style="height: 189px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -4px; width: 209px;" /> <img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTenG_J4eSw0TijI2t0qaPHz1E8s1W3JDJFTy36JmN9Gfcegle3" data-sz="f" name="-bUJWU0uOVCFkM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTenG_J4eSw0TijI2t0qaPHz1E8s1W3JDJFTy36JmN9Gfcegle3" style="height: 175px; margin-left: -8px; margin-right: -6px; margin-top: 0px; width: 288px;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They are the latest craze apparently - marshmallows that is - not the stony-faced quintet. Everyone's gone totally cuckoo for them. Well <i>I</i> could have told you that. I've been waxing lyrical about the heavenly, powdery and oh so delicately scented confectionery for yonks. I wanted to scream: "hey der man I got there first, so get off o' my patch!" But then I started thinking 'hang on, this is great advertising for me and my book'. So, taking full advantage, for all you fanatics out there, forget about eating them- read them! Get yourself a copy of Walking on Marshmallows. I'ts available to download on Amazon (just click on the big book to the right of this page to do so) and ta da, big drum roll, it is now, wait for it, available in Walkers book shops in both Stamford and Oakham high streets respectively. Yes, how wonderful, they loved it and hope to sell lots. So if you want the real deal, or think it might look good gracing your shelves, get down there and join the snaking queue; it's big and turquoise and showy, so you can't miss it!<br />
<br />
Ta ta for now, must get on with my scribing, and my garden which is slowly taking shape, and the gallery which Peter and I are opening shortly. I sound a very interesting person don't I? But actually, I'm just your bog-standard woman with a penchant for dipping her garden-soil encrusted toes into lots of things, most to my detriment I think at times...<br />
<br />
Oh, and I forgot to say, I've also joined an am-dram group. Yes, I know, utter madness! But more about that later.<br />
<br />
Again, bye for now, let me get this bog off, I mean blog off ; ) <br />
<br />Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-59568688874244534752014-07-16T18:22:00.000+01:002014-07-16T18:28:00.110+01:00BRIDGET JONES WOW!<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Things have been so manic lately and I haven't had time to do a solitary blog. Peter and I are manic trying to get our new art gallery in Uppingham organised for 15th August, so do watch this space. On my next blog I will list the incredible stable of amazing artists coming on board. And when I say amazing, I mean AMAZING!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">We're also having new paving put down in the patio area, so the place has been an absolute dust trap. Nearly there now though and so far it looks a treat. On top of that, we have been hacking out old trees and shrubs that have overtaken the garden. It looks a bit bare and we can see into next door's garden, but it was so overgrown and in desperate need of a fresh ... a bit like us really... ; ) And our neighbour - also Jane - is so grateful since a few rays of sunshine can now find their way into her shadowy and dank garden and she can get her washing dry now!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I have however, in between, been writing,
writing, writing and I'm nearly nearly a third through my next book - well a least a draft form. I'm sure much of it will change by the time I get to the end, that's the way it goes, and I'm never happy until I think it's perfect. I am also very chuffed to see that I have had two reviews on Amazon for my current WALKING ON MARSHMALLOWS - likening my writing to that of the great Helen Fielding who immortalized the much loved memorable Bridget Jones. Now that is a compliment! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">So come on, read it now by clicking on the link below<span style="color: magenta;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_5?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=janey+edkins&sprefix=janey%2Cdigital-text%2C257&rh=n%3A341677031%2Ck%3Ajaney+edkins" target="_blank">Walking on Marshmallows</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> the book to the right of this blog. At GBP1-99/$4-99 a kindle download it promises to be a barrel of laughs for such a little outlay.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Have fun.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Janey</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">; ) </span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">PS for those that have bought already many thanks for your support! </span>Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-41582229932160473712014-06-29T09:59:00.000+01:002014-06-30T17:52:33.114+01:00STUNNING PAINTING BY PETER BARKER!I think, since Peter Barker - that's my gorgeous, lovely partner - is always waffling on about what a great writer I am on his blog, it's time I waffled on about what a brilliant artist he is on <i>my </i>blog.<br />
<br />
Feast your eyes on this!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4288YpsTWk__iiraT1elTZFDHyV2tUhQKgW0YUuGc-2yqR4B_ZcQynNPnvuujE6o3IvgZ1Tt20HDi9CESicXwkLyNPVBBDxvMEj8phTJkCS_M2UZnTOMY3QOIl-bEjzSqn1f_ENXpN_eg/s400/DSC_0011-002.JPG" height="283" width="400" /> <br />
<br />
I know...brilliant, isn't it? <br />
And there's much more, You can see his much admired work on his website and blog. Here are the links.<br />
<a href="http://www.peterbarkerpaintings.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.peterbarkerpaintings.co.uk/</a><br />
<a href="http://peter-peterbarkerpaintings.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://peter-peterbarkerpaintings.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
His blog-write-ups are incredibly colourful too! I've told him: he should have been a writer! ; )<br />
Speak soon <br />
Janey <br />
<br />Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-85238300997035797812014-06-24T22:48:00.000+01:002014-06-24T22:49:34.290+01:00OOOOPS - SHAMEFACED ME....I want to say a very <u>big</u> thank you to all those that have either bought the hard copy or downloaded WALKING ON MARSHMALLOWS on kindle, but I have a very big apology to make. I very stubbornly kept my book close to my heart so much that I didn't let anyone proof-read it other than myself, and of course you cannot proof-read your own work. Hence, a very dear friend of mine in south Africa bought my book recently, read it, loved it, but said, oh dear Janey there were some typos in it. Since then she has proof-read it thoroughly for me, and within the next few days the book will be uploaded again without the errors! For those that have already purchased, my humble apologies, and I truly hope it hasn't diluted your enjoyment of Angie's antics.<br />
<br />
Speak soon...<br />
a very red faced me... <br />
<br />
<br />Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-66062028292724132992014-06-18T18:10:00.001+01:002014-06-18T18:10:14.797+01:00THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH MARSHMALLOWSBesides wolfing them down in huge handfuls, there's lots you can do with <span style="font-size: large;">Marshmallows</span>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlYuj9TmGNDu87sE5ZsvHM9hCq-9kYJfaW3tt1E3IEKe-XTaGE8FfAbgbQQo8AoD9ZLa2qezCNbOl9Ymegx692pmf-qZtBclzNMy-Z-NsYgwZEJ_HiXLbLIuFqKqc3ozLK_wGGlu0Expv/s1600/wom+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlYuj9TmGNDu87sE5ZsvHM9hCq-9kYJfaW3tt1E3IEKe-XTaGE8FfAbgbQQo8AoD9ZLa2qezCNbOl9Ymegx692pmf-qZtBclzNMy-Z-NsYgwZEJ_HiXLbLIuFqKqc3ozLK_wGGlu0Expv/s1600/wom+10.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
You can toast them next to an open <span style="color: red;">fire</span>.<br />
You can sprinkle them on <span style="color: #e69138;">drinking choc.</span><br />
You can dip them in <span style="color: #783f04;">chokky</span> (ooo yummie...)<br />
...Or toasted <span style="color: #c27ba0;">coconut</span>.<br />
Or make a nice <span style="color: #ea9999;">cake icing</span> out of them.<br />
Or make a smiley face on top of said <span style="color: #93c47d;">cake.</span> <br />
Or string them into a snazzy <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: purple;">necklace</span>.</span><br />
Or even shove them up your <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">nose</span> for that matter.<br />
But the best thing by far is to DOWNLOAD THEM!<br />
Come on!Easy-peasy! Get to it! And that is an order! <br />
<br />
WALKING ON MARSHMALLOWS is available on Amazon, and (unless you are a robot) promises to tickle not only your ribs, but every single part of your anatomy.<br />
A great summer read to curl up next to the pool with, or for those freezing their butts off in colder climes, perfect for stretching out in front of a roaring fire.<br />
<br />
Here's the link:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=janey+edkins&sprefix=janey+edk%2Cdigital-text%2C297&rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Ajaney+edkins" target="_blank">Amazon:WalkingonMarshmallows</a><br />
<br />
Now come on...<br />
; ) <br />
<br />Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-70161580504161489722014-06-17T11:00:00.000+01:002014-06-17T11:00:07.753+01:00FOR ANYONE WHO DARESHere's a link below to us girls and boys at our local community choir last Saturday when we did our mid-year concert - yes I didn't mention that, did I? Not only am I a prolific writer, but an incredible soprano too! (My writing keeps me far too busy to enter into these current competitions doing the rounds at present...X-Factor, BGT, etc...great pity...)<br />
Thankfully, I'm mostly hidden on the left front row by a bald head in the audience (not Peter's...although his was about three feet behind that particular one...) Occasionally thought, you might get a glimpse of me fidgeting and biting my thumb nail and looking gormless, and when the occasion rose, opening my mouth as wide as a hungry little bird about to fledge. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZZAZCbILOcct8-q5lMUv-eRpM9bi71nM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZZAZCbILOcct8-q5lMUv-eRpM9bi71nM</a><br />
<br />
Bi for now<br />
Speak soon... <br />
<br />Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-61015410593711624472014-06-14T09:21:00.002+01:002014-06-14T09:24:14.288+01:00BLIND DATES ARE MAYBE NOT THE ANSWER!<br />
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span lang="EN-US">For those of you passing through <strike>and <i><u>not</u></i><u><i></i></u> taking cognizance of the pure literary genius a mere click away</strike>, here is a little taster below that I've plucked from Chapter four. And if you're wondering what is going on it's something to do with a blind date from hell, but that's all I'm saying. Get the book! It's only 2-99 on Amazon! Cheap as chips, and worth it's weight in gold. Well that is what I've been told ; )</span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span lang="EN-US">Here goes...</span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span lang="EN-US">Start of Ch 4</span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<br /></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<br /></div>
<div class="Janey1stparachapterbody">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">To be fair, delusions of
grandeur quashed, close up he wasn’t <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too</span>
bad. This Angie valiantly concluded as the car pulled away from
the litter-strewn apocalypse. At least, nothing that wasn’t fixable, especially
these days, what with the onslaught of self-enhancement programmes such as Gok
and Trinny & Suzannah, or that hoity-toity blonde with winged glasses whose
name escaped her at present.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Teetering on this observation, Angie
mentally catalogued his potential as they hurtled out of the crumbling estate
and headed east towards the A47. For starters he could quite easily dispense of
the facial hair and ponytail (both clearly an over-compensation for the lack of
same on top) and with a quick fashion change, high-quality rug, built up shoes,
head transplant.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Okay!</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Alright!</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">What was left of Angie’s optimism
plummeted. Not only was he the creepiest, most revolting man she’d ever set
eyes on, but he was clearly committing the cardinal sin of wearing crocks over
socks.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Oh Gad, why oh why hadn’t she insisted
on a sneak preview? If she’d done that, like Matt suggested, none of this would
have happened. Still, it was a bit too late in the day for that now. Now was
the time for damage control, or rather to <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">take
</span>control, because clearly from the constant rustling noise behind (Hazel
pretending to tidy her already clinically immaculate handbag) there clearly was
zero bonding taking place. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i>T<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">ime for a sneak peek. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Neck rigid as a poker, Angie, rolled
her eyes clockwise, did a quick scan then rolled them counter-clockwise again.
Honestly, if Hazel could put any more distance between them she’d be perched on
the sodding bumper. And if nothing she could at least spark up a conversation
with the poor sod. Apart from a monosyllabic grunt when he stumbled his way into the back, she
hadn’t uttered a single word since. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The air in the car was so thick you
could slice it with a hacksaw. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">And Matt wasn’t helping either.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Angie tried to snag him, but he was
all poker-faced and staring rigidly ahead, the only vital signs of life a little tick on the side
of his jaw every few seconds. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Typical, just bloody typical. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Oh it was no use. As usual it would
have to be up to her to save the day. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span></i></div>
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Grafting a smile on her face, Angie
twisted round and peered cheerily though the gap.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">‘Everything alright back there in the
stalls?’</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Hazel impaled her with a homicidal
glare then went back to her frenzied ferreting. </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">‘So Terry—’</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US">‘It’s Trevor,’ enlightened Matt,
dragging his eyes jumpily off the road.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<br /></div>
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">...</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, there you have it, lots of laughs and many, many more to come.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do yourself a favour (and me the honour) and get a copy!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Speak soon...let me get back to the grindstone</span></span></span></div>
<div class="Janeybodytext">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Janey </span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></i></div>
Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5421288575988972094.post-68489684363617906282014-06-13T16:28:00.001+01:002014-06-13T21:39:14.756+01:00Aha!Aha! I got a comment! Well that was long coming after such a dry period. Nice surprise and surprisingly a very complimentary one. So a quick blog to say "peoples out there, do contact me!" It would be wonderful to hear from those further afield, writers, gardeners, painters! Anyone! Communication is a wonderful thing. So chow for now - I'm practising for my choir concert for tomorrow. I can't sing for toffee (and wing it a lot of the time..) but at least I'm willing, and it's pretty uplifting, even though I sound like a frog with a sore throat. Bye for now I'm off to have a lovely, deserving <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JgdaU13K6ri-4B5dxKUZ25FX5Mr5mDgthinrGOXaSh-OE8PfSJ1L9URNaIZl7UCjpW0QdA_cdUiR5hBdVbgZsLaNAEEp0g3w27caKiGHznF7QMISdvVeWRlmLZbkWZ035jcL9OyBiTP/s1600/w+o+Marshmallows+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JgdaU13K6ri-4B5dxKUZ25FX5Mr5mDgthinrGOXaSh-OE8PfSJ1L9URNaIZl7UCjpW0QdA_cdUiR5hBdVbgZsLaNAEEp0g3w27caKiGHznF7QMISdvVeWRlmLZbkWZ035jcL9OyBiTP/s1600/w+o+Marshmallows+5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Speak later.<br />
Bi<br />
<br />Janey Edkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03868528613022505235noreply@blogger.com1