Blue Peter

 There's a fair chance some of you may well remember having these annuals during your childhood as avid viewers of the BBC TV Blue Peter program. It may surprise you to know I also have a number that are co-related to the period I was (officially) a child having not just information about what was shown during that 12 month period, but also on the news of the day such as with this edition information about the US space carrier, Skylab and some good illustrated bits about British History.

It all helps to jog my memory back to the year and what mattered to me as a child during it such as the arts and crafts which at all the schools I attended we did.

As far as I'm aware that's John Noakes a Northern English presenter during most of the 1970's with Shep, the Boarder collie to the left of him.

Girlie socks!

Through my love of the cute and my 'Little Girl' side I'm strongly drawn to these very girlie socks that aren't a million miles removed from what I'd of had on as an actual little way back when.
While at British Home Stores who have branches in most UK cities I spotted these really cute ankle socks that were on special offer are are great with trousers or mid to short length skirts.
 During the recently snowy patch I went out shopping as work had called advising not to turn in as they'd shut down.
I have issues about being out in the winter following a childhood accident and in an attempt to deal with that I gritted my teeth and went out.

New year edition

It's the start of a new year on this blog which has been going now for a good while exploring things around my feelings emotions and needs which compliments my other blog.

 One of big needs is to be comforted because I get upset very easily over things which may be badly thought out comment, losing an object of great affection or the loss of  a loved one such as a pet or friend.
I need the space to let out my feelings, to grieve and cry as they work their way from my mind though my body as a part of coping with life which from an emotional point of view I do struggle with.
My response as few people took the time caring enough to put an arm around me, cuddle and let me cry has been to hold in those feelings rather than learning to master them and for that matter to help me show feelings of understanding and love toward others by doing the same.

Death Kitty

Let's be plain here. I just love Goth styles and Death Kitty who not only are based in London, England but actual make it there produce a great range.
It appeals head on to my little girl side although it's aimed more at mid to late teens.
From it I've selected this, their Cherry Dress available in small/medium and medium/large sizes.
Photo courtesy of Death Kitty.

Death Kitty





 




Amongst other places like your local Goth Emporiums these people on Ebay are Death Kitty stockists Black Prince Clothing

















A recent arrival in my wardrobe is this lovely Death Skull mini skirt from Death Kitty with built in black frilly underskirt. I just love it


As worn:

Diamond Daydreams

Well this was a dvd that I always wanted to get but wasn't able until now as it not issued over here and the individual imported discs were quite expensive.Based on a story by Ohji Hiroi, this is a collection of tales about six woman in the Northern Japanese island of Hokkaido telling of their trials of love, loss and life.

Meet the women:
Atsuko.
A hard working, fun loving woman who tries not to let life get too complicated discovers an approaching arranged marriage to a self centred Hotelier. Another man mature and passionate becomes a part of her life too and she torn between them.She has to battle between wanting the comfort of firm stability and the pain of a wanting heart.
Karin.
She is very ill and her Physician doesn't seem to doing much for her either medically or emotionally being cocky and aloof to her needs.The only thing that keeps her going is her Blog on the Internet as only there does she find some warmth and sanity in her cold confined state.In time her blog develops a following that leads to her meeting a new friend that is kind and caring. She feels this is the one she's been longing for however when she mets him face to face things aren't what they seem.
Kyoko.
She's an aspiring young filmmaker to whom creating compelling stories and capturing them in an engaging way is her only goal in life.Passionate about this she will stop at nothing to make it happen, spending the college days obsessed with her craft and neglecting all else around her. As her unbridled passion for directing grows the rift between her, colleagues and friends widens. It seems by focusing on her craft she's lost the her touch with the intimacy of her world that a true master of the cinema needs to draw their inspiration.
Suomi.
You could say she was born to be on the ice commanding her skates to glide using her grace and strength with a delicate ease. In her childhood she with her friend Hanna often dreamed of winning skating tournaments and sharing medals when they grew up.This is well in past now and her star has faded as has her friendship with Hanna. Life indeed has moved on.
Suomi senses an opportunity to perform again but she is engulfed by a flood of memories taking her back to her humble beginnings, her once beautiful friend, Hanna and to a promise made long ago.
Shoko.
She's a radio presenter doing an agony aunt style show which is very successful, is held in high regard by her listeners and indeed you could say she really couldn't ask for a better job.
We learn that she is having an affair with a married man and this relationship already shaky grows further so, she's forced ask herself some very importantly and emotionally painful questions.
Akari.
Ever since the death of her mother she's lives alone with her father. She works during the day at the local confectionery and while not there does household chores and takes care of her father.
Her father is an unsuccessful gold digger,.
To make things worse he is a drunk, spending the majority of his time and Akari's money at the bar at the end of their street where every night he gets into fights after drinking a lot resulting in him being kicked out.
Faithfully Akari picks him up and takes him home putting him to bed.
You'd think it could not get any worse but when Akari find out about her fathers illness it does.

Presentation: This is on 3 dvd's in slimcases inside a slipcase so it takes up the same space as a regular dvd and is Region 1 (many players can be made all region).

What I like about this anime is it has a good storyline - it is pretty much the kind of story that in the printed form I love to read - but with the added value of the animation that helps to bring it to life.
Anime doesn't have to be all mecha, tournaments and ninjas, folks.

Soumi eats a cream bun. This anime was retitled Diamond Daydreams for the US.

Looking forward to the new year

Among many things I had for Christmas there were some anime sets as athough I talk more about this on my regular blog, I do love anime, which is put simply the style of of animated films and the associated print form, Manga, that is prevalent in Japan.
While I have no problem with say the animation of Disney and love their Princess movies, I find Anime speaks to me more and some of topics covered are of more interest.
This next year will see a person I encountered a few months ago try too help me deal with some of crippling issues I have around body image and self loathing by having me try things I normally wouldn't go anywhere near.  I may not be easy but I think it's worth a shot.

Christmas is a time for...caring

I usually enjoy Christmas but since losing a close family member a short while ago have found it hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year. No I'm not whining here for me - that would be selfish - but I would like to encourage people to have some consideration of how this time of year feels to us.
Some are lonely and Christmas sadly can make it feel more so, some perhaps facing unemployment or on reduced income may feel they can't take part looking their neighbours in the eye even and still others like me are dealing with loss and you're reminded of every time you write or receive cards.
Perhaps a offer of Christmas cheer, hospitality, a donation to one of the many charities operating in your district or even a hug may go someway toward helping those struggling at this time of year and you may enjoy the warm glow of trying to make things better.

Happy Christmas,