Welcome back to Throwback Thursday Maggie and Lauren’sd, Brainchild. This week we are going to tackle the kind of reading culture you grew up with. Should be fun.
This week it’s Maggie’s turn to pick and this week’s prompt is: Reading Culture and Books.
Who were the readers in your family? We all were avid readers encouraged by Mum and Dad. It was only my next brother who was not a reader. It turned out he is dyslexic… Not known in those days. He is an avid reader now!
Were there some people who did not like to read or could not read? Yes as I said above my next brother. School was no good for him and how ever hard my parents tried they could not get him reading. The army sorted him out and he did well.
Did your family subscribe to the newspaper? I don’t remember….no I don’t think we did… My Dad did take the Catholic Herald.
If you did get the paper, was your Sunday newspaper considered special? What part did you enjoy?
I really don’t remember, but when I got older I always loved the quizzes and crosswords.
Did your home have books strewn around? Hardbacks or paperbacks? There were books in every room mostly hard back but paper backs too. Always tidy though never seen around. Dad loved books he always told us never throw books away always pass them on ….we all do to this day.
Did you frequent the library at school? Yes we all did .
How about the local community library? Did you have a library card? I loved the Library, it was quite a long bus ride away. We all had library cards. I used to help out at the children’s on Saturdays and during the summer holidays..I loved having somewhere to go and a job to do everyday. I always felt very grown up!
What was the first book you remember reading? A beautiful illustrated book of The Brothers Grims Fairytales.
Did you have a collection of books (Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Happy Hollisters, etc?) Enid Blyton’s Famous Five also her Noddy Books, and Rupert the Bear. Originally by Rupert Bear ; Mary Tourtel (1920–1935) then Alfred Bestall (1935–1974) Freddie Chaplain (1965–1978) James Henderson (1978–1990) Ian Robinson (1990–2002)
Did you read comic books? If so, what titles? Yes, Dandy, Beano, Bunty, and Jackie.
Did you end up a bookworm, a casual reader, or someone who read only when required? I am a casual reader but if a book takes my mind I wl read it cover to cover in one go!!
Is there a book from your childhood you would like to read again? If so, what book? What Katy Did.
What book or books have been extremely meaningful or influential in your life?
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a 2007 novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. And The Devil’s Arithmetic a historical fiction time slip novel written by American author Jane Yolen and published in 1988. The book is about Hannah Stern, a Jewish girl who lives in New Rochelle, New York and is sent back in time to experience the Holocaust.
BONUS QUESTION: What book(s) do you frequently gift to others? Why?
This challenge explores Ekphrastic poetry, inspired by visual art or photographs. David, from the Skeptic’s Kaddish, provided the photo for this month’s challenge.
I took a long look at the photo and eventually a theme offered itself to me. What we see through the eye or the lens we also can see through the soul.
I wrote a Nonet, that can be read from top to bottom and bottom to top, hopefully meaning the same and making sense. I have also written the poem both ways so you can judge for yourselves. The punctuation in each version is different but the words and meaning are the same. So a mirror Nonet.
Through the lens of the omnipotent To soar high beyond the body. To attain the higher plain Past the confines of life. Further than the eye, The horizon Life beyond Captured Truth.
********
Truth Captured. Life beyond The horizon Further than the eye Past the confines of life. To attain the higher plain To soar high beyond the body Through the lens of the omnipotent.
Hello everyone it’s Sunday and time for Song Lyric Sunday, Jim Adams our host to give us the prompt for 15th May this week the prompt is – suggested by Paula of Light Motifs II, and it is Head, Hat, Hair, Scarf
So my first choice is I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair. I do love this song but it was really slammed for it lyrics! By people who should know better,! Perhaps they were just jealous!
‘Thom has been the subject of criticism by many artists within the recording world, most notably from Lily Allen, the Fratellis, and the Automatic.James Frost and Robin Hawkins from The Automatic stated that “If she was a punk rocker with flowers in her hair she’d get the shit kicked out of her by other punk rockers, for having flowers in her hair. […] I haven’t found anyone who’s told me they like that song and bought it.”Charlie Brooker also heavily criticised the intense public relations efforts to make the single popular.
“I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)” is the debut single of Scottish singer-songwriter Sandi Thom, released in October 2005. The song was written by Thom and Tom Gilbert. Following a re-release in 2006, the song topped the singles charts of Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Thom has said on her website that she wrote the song after being robbed of her mobile phone and other belongings one evening, leaving her completely lost and without any way of contacting her family, friends, or the bank. She says, “I wondered if that had happened to me back in the days of the hippies what would I have done and would I have freaked out so much?”
Although only physically released in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2006, download sales the week before are counted for the purpose of charts, and it achieved number fifteen on this basis in the general charts (and number seven in the download-only chart). The physical release had three formats: two CD versions (one featuring the radio mix and “A Light as Bright as Ours”, another featuring the radio mix, the album mix, a further remix, “May You Never” and the music video), and also as a 7-inch vinyl record backed with Stranglers cover “No More Heroes“.
.
Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair In ’77 and ’69, revolution was in the air I was born too late into a world that doesn’t care Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When the head of state didn’t play guitar Not everybody drove a car When music really mattered and when radio was king When accountants didn’t have control And the media couldn’t buy your soul And computers were still scary and we didn’t know everything
Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair In ’77 and ’69, revolution was in the air I was born too late into a world that doesn’t care Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When pop stars still remained a myth And ignorance could still be bliss And when God save the Queen she turned a whiter shade of pale When my mom and dad were in their teens And anarchy was still a dream And the only way to stay in touch was a letter in the mail
Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair In ’77 and ’69, revolution was in the air I was born too late into a world that doesn’t care Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
When record shops were still on top And vinyl was all that they stocked And the super info-highway was still drifting out in space Kids were wearing hand-me-downs And playing games meant kick arounds And footballers still had long hair and dirt across their face
Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair In ’77 and ’69, revolution was in the air I was born too late into a world that doesn’t care Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
I was born too late into a world that doesn’t care Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair
Now for scarf, a truly lovely song from Passenger. Staring at the Stars.
All the Little Lights is the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter Passenger and was released by Black Crow Records and Nettwerk on 24 February 2012. The album contains 12 tracks, comprising 11 studio tracks recorded at Sydney’s Linear Recording, and one song recorded live at The Borderline in London. A limited edition features a second disc containing acoustic versions of eight songs from the album. Staring at the stars is track three and my very favourite …it includes the word scarf!!
.
********
Okay up next is Hat so let’s have some Brilliant Steely Dan and Fez . The video is a Dr Who clip so The Dr, well two doctors really and Steely Dan I call that a win, win, win 😊
This is the only Steely Dan song with a third credited writer, Paul Griffin, who also plays organ on the song. On a BBC Online chat March 4, 2000, Donald Fagen said, “The Fez was recorded using a rhythm chart but there were a few bars missing and Paul Griffin, the keyboard player on the day, came up with a nice little melody, so we felt we should include him in the writer credits.”
I used the video below because the Fez is the registered trademark of the 10th Dr Who.
…
No I’m never gonna do it without the fez on Oh no No I’m never gonna do it without the fez on Oh no That’s what I am Please understand I wanna be your holy man
No I’m never gonna do it without the fez on Oh no Ain’t never gonna do it without the fez on Oh no That’s what I am Please understand I wanna be your holy man
No I’m never gonna do it without the fez on Oh no Don’t make me do it without the fez on Oh no That’s what I am Please understand I wanna be your holy man
I could of used Alanis Morrisette’s head over heels bit no let’s go with ABBA and a daft but fun video.
“Head Over Heels” is a 1981 song recorded by Swedish pop group ABBA, released as a single the following year. The song is the second track from their eighth studio album, The Visitors.
“Head Over Heels”, whose working title was “Tango”, was written and composed by both Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Agnetha Fältskog sang the lead vocals, singing about her “very good friend”, played in the music video by Anni-Frid Lyngstad, an overactive high-society woman who rushes through the shops, with her hapless and exhausted husband (played by Ulvaeus) following behind and being forced to carry the shopping bags. The song’s video, filmed on 21 January 1982 was the group’s final clip directed by long-time collaborator Lasse Hallström, who cameos as a man the woman bumps into while running around the city.
As with the previous single “One of Us“, Epic Records in the UK used a different picture sleeve from the standard one used in most countries.
The single itself was not released in the United States; it was accompanied as the B-side to another single “The Visitors” instead.
The sheet music has been released, and the song has been choreographed for dance numbers.
ABBA filmed a video for Head Over Heels in Stockholm which was directed by Lasse Hallström. It is the group’s only music video where the director makes an appearance; Hallström is the pedestrian who Frida bumps into on the street. The action in the video is taken directly from the text; where Frida portrays a woman who rushes through shops with her tired husband in tow (played by Ulvaeus).
I have a very good friend The kind of girl who likes to follow a trend She has a personal style Some people like it, others tend to go wild
You hear her voice everywhere Taking the chair She’s a leading lady And with no trace of hesitation she keeps going
Head over heels Breaking her way Pushing through unknown jungles every day She’s a girl with a taste for the world (The world is like a playing ground where she goes rushing) Head over heels Setting the pace Running the gauntlet in a whirl of lace She’s extreme, if you know what I mean
Her man is one I admire He’s so courageous but he’s constantly tired Each time when he speaks his mind She pats his head and says, “That’s all very fine”
“Exert that will of your own When you’re alone Now we’d better hurry” And with no trace of hesitation she keeps going
Head over heels Breaking her way Pushing through unknown jungles every day She’s a girl with a taste for the world (The world is like a playing ground where she goes rushing) Head over heels Setting the pace Running the gauntlet in a whirl of lace She’s extreme, if you know what I mean
You hear her voice everywhere Taking the chair She’s a leading lady And with no trace of hesitation she keeps going
Head over heels Breaking her way Pushing through unknown jungles every day She’s a girl with a taste for the world (The world is like a playing ground where she goes rushing) Head over heels Setting the pace Running the gauntlet in a whirl of lace She’s extreme, if you know what I mean
Lauren is choosing our prompt for throw back Thursday. She said: “We are back in our usual groove now. Last week Maggie asked us about how we were led to the music in our lives. This week we’d like you to think back to those early experiences visiting the doctor and/or the dentist. This topic should again be one that everyone relates to in one way or another.”
This week’s prompt is: Remembering Visits to Doctors and/or Dentists
There are many adults with severe concerns about going to the doctor or dentist. The fear of doctors, known as iatrophobia, is often strong enough to provoke “white coat syndrome.” Normally healthy blood pressure can soar in the presence of a medical professional. Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, often occurs alongside iatrophobia. I’d like you to think back to your early medical and/or dental visits.
As usual, you can respond to the following questions as they are, or you can use them to spark your own memories to write your post.
1) Where doctor/dentist appointments a regular part of your childhood?
Yes they were, we were a sickly bunch so Mum was often trolling off on the bus to see the G.P. with one or other of us. Also mum and Dad were very keen for us to look after our teeth so dental trips, which I hated were regular too 🤣
2) Did you go for well-checks or just when you were ill or in pain?
We only visited the doctor if we were I’ll, occasionally we had just a check up at the dentist.
3) Were you frightened by the medical professionals? If so, were there specific reasons?
I was and still am not happy visiting the dentist. I can remember our childhood dentist now he was a small and very bad tempered man. We were all scared of him.
I don’t remember being scared of the doctor ever, he was always very nice. We always had the same doctor unless it was an emergency. Our family Dr brought all of Mum’s nine children into the world. He knew us all and he was wonderful with mum who could get very nervous. We did have more than one Dr but our main Dr was Dr. Musgrave. He must of been a nice man I remember his name and his face even after over 52yrs. I remember the Dentist’s name too but for very different reasons it was Mr Paul.
4) Were your parents afraid of medical professionals?
I dont think they were ever scared of them but I would say they were in awe of some of them .
5) Was waiting in the exam room stressful to you?
No not really, just boring. It was however very stressful when I was older and waiting with my own children, trying to keep the quiet and well behaved.
6) Did your early visits result in your being afraid of needles?
No but I am not their biggest fan.
7) Does the sight of your own blood bother you?
No, but that of anyone else I know does!
8) Did you ever have the need to go to an emergency room?
As a child, not often. But I do remember one incident when I was about four. My brothers were not allowed to play football in the house but they were kicking a ball around the living room. Someone had taken the fireguard off the fire to empty the hot cinders from the grate tray. …..the ball hit me I fell I put my hand out to stop my fall. My hand went into the fire and boy it hurt. I remember it being wrapped up and then we had to walk up to the bus stop, then wait for a bus. Luckily the bus passed Acton hospital where it was sorted and dressed. Then back home on the bus! We never had a car.
9) Did your early experiences impact your current attitudes about medical care?
No really though I have always had plenty of respect for most medical staff. When I was a child all medical staff were held in awe by us mere mortals. Specialists and Surgeons were treated as tin God’s as we’re Staff Nurses, Sisters and heaven forfend Matron.
Its different these days….sadly not better or even as good. Unfortunately the NHS is on its knees.
Ron has set a difficult prompt this week . Well it’s difficult for me because I never graduated, in fact here’s the truth I never took any exam qualifications. No O or A levels, as they were in my day, I never went to university or college so I really am in the dark. However all three of our boys have graduated and so their University Graduations are what I have based my Sijo on. I have written two .
Pride is palpable holding our breath, our fledgings ready to fly. Years of learning from the good, bad and mediocre They are on the edge of the future God willing they may keep the spark.
35 words 46 syllables.
********
Graduation
Dreadlocks and piercings gone, new beginning in cap and gown. No flounces for middle lad but his diplomas just as worthy. Youngest dressed up to receive his papers first steps for them all.
You are so tired your pain is tangible it breaks my heart to see you struggling. You are so brave you insist on your walk no matter how it makes you suffer. Your breathing is so laboured as you walk, well wobble, you limp on all four legs. Your wound still weeps as I do as I watch you. We both hide our pain as we know your Daddy is denying your struggles…he knows but it’s unspoken. You may have weeks, months or days I just pray you are happy.
As you sleep do you dream of youth? Puppy play and training to assist. No rest, training starts young in truth So much expected of you the heaven kissed. You served, you worked , we gave you play. We loved you from afar until the day You came to live with us We hope you have enjoyed your retirement A princess among dogs we love you Our children and their children love you too.
It’s Saturday again and it’s time for SoCs. Our prompt arrived yesterday and it’s a strange one. LindaGHill’s said : Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “a phrase you grew up with.” Include in your post a phrase your mom/dad/grandparent/sibling used all the time when you were growing up, or just write whatever inspires you based on that phrase. Enjoy!
“It will be a pigs foot in the morning” or “I’ll give you a biff on the boko”
When I was growing up if ever someone in the family hurt themslves and Dad was around he would tend to our injuy and then tell us ” It will be a pigs foot in the morning” I have to admit for first few years of my life I was worried about pigs trotters growing all over my body! Of course it never happened!
Another of Dad’s favourite sayings was if we had any moans about people or ifwe had committed a minor misdemeanor he’d say ” I’ll give you/ them a Biff on the Boko” another nonsensical saying. I had no idea where it comes from. I looked Biff on the Boko up in Google and discovered Boko means nose.
If Mum was getting to the end of her tether she would say, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph” these words meant everyone back off and behave. Mum had lots of sayings I shall list a few here!
Never cast a clout till may is out!
Blue and green should never be seen unless there’s something inbetween.
The angles are playing skittles . When there was thunder.
There was so many I will not go on. But one saying they both had in common was ” We’ll see ” or “God willing” used went for one reason or another the requested was unlikely to come to fruition. Also “God bless your tummy” when we ate, too much too little or something unusual. Oh! of course the old favourites “your not having pudding until you finish your dinner ” “your not leaving the table until you clear your plate” ” There are millions starving in Africa ” …mind you neither Mum nor Dad could name any!
There are many more but I going to finish now because time and tide waits for no one!
Lets finish with a song about growing up from my favourite Immie.
Its Thursday again and time for Lauren and Maggie’s Throwback Thursday. This week Lauren has chosen Things I don’t miss.
I don’t miss being cold most of the time! We lived in a mid terrace council house. No central heating, there were two fire places, one the living room and one in front room. The one in the living room also had a back boiler and heated the water. In the winter our bedrooms would be so cold that there would be ice on the inside of the metal window frames. We had to wipe them dry when the ice melted. We all learned to be proficient at getting dressed and undressed in bed!
I dont miss being teased by my brother’s. I don’t miss seeing my sisters and brothers going out when I was not old enough to . I don’t miss being the youngest of a large family by eight years and feeling like an only child most of the time.
I don’t miss school I won’t go into that I have tackled that before.
I dont miss waiting for the bus! Or two arriving together! I don’t miss freezing, getting wet, or frying at the bus stop!
l don’t miss Ballet and Tap lessons I was a fairy elephant!
I don’t miss not being able to have new clothes or shoes.
I don’t miss feeling , insecure or frightened .
I dont miss taking the weekly wash to the launderette, sometimes my eldest brother would help me carry the laundry bags, it was quite a long walk. It was a boring couple of hours even with a book and dark in winter. If my brother came he’d leave me at the launderette and go to the pub to meet his friends while I stayed with the washing. He would come back when it was all ready and help me home with it .
Gosh I think I will stop there before I bore you all to sleep!
If anyone else would like to join in you can at Lauren page.
I am with 12 years of experience and ready to achieve any type of works such as, converting any form from JPG, PDF, ...etc into Excel,Word, PowerPoint and other editable forms, In addition to having a deep experience in inserting and managing data
willowdot21 