Dressing the part

Today I am dressing in costume for my part in the Drama showcase.  So I thought I would show you what I look like....

Tiggy Entwhistle

Trust- an excercise

This isn't a long post, but I wanted to talk about some of my feelings regarding trusting people.

There are some people that are trustworthy, regardless of their relationship to you. Or their own agenda.  They  may disagree with you, your politics, your religion, or even want to steal your boyfriend... but what they actually  say is honest, and to the point.

Other people may smile at your face, and nod at your opinions, and cosy up to your nearest and dearest.  But without trust they are more dangerous than those who outright face to face hate you.  The poison of a false smile, and nodding politely is more harmful than the strongest rebuking of an arguement.

Beware of the false, and dishonest- especially if they are determined to appear as your friends.

Cooking with Mary - Ready, Steady....Starving

A quick look in the fridge tells me that I made an error in the number of courgettes I recently purchased.  So I did a little search for a suitable recipe to use them up in.  I found this... courgette tagliatelle.

However I don't have a handy Waitrose here, so I had to improvise the ingredients.  I didn't have fresh thyme, creme fresh, or fresh lemon.

What I used:

• basics spaghetti
• jar pesto
• basics Italian hard cheese
• squeezy garlic
• red onion
• courgettes
• and...... Activia Greek style lemon flavor yoghurt.

How to make it:

• slice the courgettes - or food process them to get thin slices
• chop the onion, and gently fry in a shallow pan.
• add the courgettes, a spoon of pesto and a squeeze of garlic.
• boil the kettle, and cook the pasta in the normal way.
• when the vegetable is softened add a yogurt and a handful of grated hard cheese.
• Warm it through, and season generously.
• spoon the sauce over the cooked pasta to serve.

It might sound a little strange, but honestly it works.  Its fairly low in fat, as the amount used to soften the onion and courgette was tiny, as was the portions of pesto and cheese. It was also quick to prepare which I was glad of because I was so hungry.

Bank Holiday Weekends.... the other side

It is a four day weekend here, with usual business resuming on Wednesday.  Whilst it is really nice to have a break, and I certainly don't begrudge anyone enjoying some time away from work, and with people they care about ... there is another side to Bank Holidays that doesn't often get a mention.

Most people are with their families.  I, myself have spent a little time with my family this weekend.  However, there are times when having an even longer weekend than normal brings into sharp focus how lonely and empty time can be for some of us.  Friends don't tend to call, and ways to pass the time such as shops, libraries and leisure centers are closed.  

Weather permitting it can be lovely to take a trip out in the countryside, or even just a long walk around the neighborhood (nice and easy on the budget).  But it doesn't fill a whole day.

Food is hard to plan for some reason.  I think it has been praying on my mind how socially bonding food can be. To eat alone for a few days on the trot feels wrong in face of some many social/ family/ and public events.

I urge anyone who has been at a bit of a loose end this weekend to take a chance, and call someone you haven't called in a long time.  Chances are they will be just as pleased to hear from you as you are to speak.  But I ask one favor, please don't extend invites out of pity.  Tagging onto an event like a spare wheel is embarrassing and can be hurtful.  Sympathy cuts like a knife, so even if you feel it, don't show it, just be your usual chatty self. 

Make someones day and reach out to connect.  However brief, it will lift you as well as them.

xx

Its Party Time.....

You may have noticed a bit of a theme lately.... and lots of parties/ events/ celebrations.  So to do my bit I am joining in with this look. The bit you can't see is white jeans and red shoes.  Along with-

R, W & B themed nails

I hope the weather cheers up a bit and that everyone gets the chance for a nice relaxing long weekend, and that everyone's events go to plan.