[tear]

I was originally supposed to fly home tomorrow... that is when I booked my flight (roundtrip) last summer. I did book the flight with the thought that I might have to change it later. Still because of the screwed up policies of an airline that shall remain nameless today as I'm canceling my flight for tomorrow I can't help but feel slightly homesick and ready to go home. Really, it would be so nice to have a quick visit... I've got too much left to do to leave for good. Gotta keep telling myself that's not a possibility at least not yet. October 8th, my D-Day, will come and I can head home to my family, our sweet dog, my purple room and the porch in Broxton, and my WELCOME HOME PARTY (see flyer above)! If you might be able to attend, shoot me an email to let me know you're interested in more details. Should be fun, especially since I've not had a real birthday party in years. Until then its something to look forward too at least.

Just, Margaret

See "Worth Your While"

Today (and last night) I'm with my BFF Jane Marie... exploring her English home, meeting her English boy for the first time, who I will say is pretty great, though I don't plan to tell him quite yet. [smile] Having so much fun. Loving the comfort of being with someone who knows me so well. Tomorrow off to research in London, but to tide you over until then check out this post by said best friend at her blog Worth Your While... might be helpful in putting our friendship in perspective. I will add that for as much as we are different we do share several loves, which I've listed below:

CHOCOLATE (today was a 5 truffle day for us both)
ADVENTURE (hey we are both ex-pats)
GRITS (you can take the girl out of the south, but not the south out of the girl)

... there are more but as these are the most relevant for today's events that's all I've got for you now. More later.

Just, Margaret

House of Lords

Yesterday I visited the House of Lords as a guest of Lord Peter Brooke of Sutton Mandeville (quite a mouthful right... he actually introduced himself as Peter Brooke [smile]). I find it a bit hard to describe the experience because of the sheer surreality of it all. First sitting in the security/cloak room of the Houses of Parliament waiting to be escorted by Lord Brooke and having my Rotary counselor, Pat (who made the visit happen) point out various Lords who were passing in and out, then sitting on the floor of the House of Lords watching question time, finally my personal tour of the building by Lord Brooke including tea and cucumber sandwiches in the swanky tea room for members of Parliament and their guests. Lord Brooke was so kind and so knowledgeable and I could tell really passionate about his role in the government. He actually asked a question in the House which made it all the more exciting to watch. A quick aside about the beauty of the building: which I can attest totally extends into the interior... a beautiful Victorian interpretation of Gothic. Oh and I also saw a copy of the Magna Carta, c. 1215 and displayed completely anonymously in a corner of a chamber. Another amazing, once in a lifetime experience! I feel so blessed!

Just, Margaret

One minute I was walking down the sidewalk...

and the next I was (how can I put this politely) sprayed from above by a shower of bird droppings.  [pausing for laughter]  You finished laughing yet.  I know its funny.  My first thoughts oscillated between whether to laugh or cry.  Then I got caught up in the reality of having guano in my hair.  Now after an extra hot, extra long shower when I used up the last of my favorite smelling shampoo that I brought from the US by washing my hair three times I still feel a little nauseous thinking about the whole episode. Further my body is as pink as my robe from being completely scrubbed to death.  Doesn't matter that I only found the droppings on my wrists (in an odd mirror like position... the bird must have had good aim), there was no way I was emerging from that shower with any bird cooties.  Still I have this weird feeling that somehow despite the triple dose of shampoo it is still in my hair.  [uhhhhh]  

In the shower I did have some time to reflect on why this might have happen and how I can go on with my life now that I have been used as a bird's loo.  [smile]  And these are some of the things I came up with.  

• Ironically, just yesterday I skimmed an newspaper article about birds, from THE DAILY MAIL I think.  It was about how some scientists have proven that birds can remember people.  The context was a bit different (pet birds instead of your average pigeon), but I can't help but wonder what I did to this bird to get him/her to react in such a way.  Sure its been a while since I've "fed the birds", but I don't go around kicking pigeons.  I actually used to think they were sweet.  
  
• What I never realized about being showered by bird droppings is that its a whole sensorial experience.  Before the smell or sight hits you, there is the sound.  SPLATT!  I heard the sound, felt something akin to a brief shower of rain, looked around for the source, then reached up to touch my head and horror of horrors my fingers came back with a bit of brown stuff.  [uhhhh] Finally the smell.  So the answer to the age-old question is that "yes you do hear the sound of bird droppings fall before you smell them."
• Now about the shirt I was wearing when the incident occurred.  My blue oxford button-up from Gap is one of my favorite go-to pieces of clothing, when I can't decide what else to wear.  Now its sitting in my sink with stain treatment that I hope will get out all the physical residue of "the event".  Problem is even Shout! with Oxy-clean can't erase the memory. I'm afraid it will forever be ingrained in my mind as "the shirt that I was wearing when...". [smile]  I might have to relegate it to the "to be worn on digs pile", especially if the stains of which I counted about eight (apparently the bird was really angry with me) refuse to come out.  
• Finally a bit of philosophy, it occurs to me that there is nothing better to teach one humility than to be defecated on by a bird. Let me explain... living in a pedestrian culture I have learned that some days you walk and some days you strut.  The sidewalks can either just remain sidewalks or they can be your personal catwalk.  Today, spent mostly behind my computer or in a cafe reading was more of a just walking day (though I did think my hair looked particularly good), but it occurs to me that I could have as easily been showered with bird droppings on a strutting day.  You might say that guano from the sky is the great equalizer.  It can happen to anyone and is a really good reminder that we are all just human.   

One last thing, if you happen to get into a similar situation do not spend time looking up how best to clean it off clothes.  Not because there aren't any sites offering advice, but because you will also be barraged with CDC warnings to avoid bird droppings because they are rife with disease.  Just to say I was already feeling vulnerable enough as it is, I do not want to think about catching bird flu from this experience, too.  [smile] 

Just, Margaret

Summertime and the living is easy

Predictions out for our bank holiday weekend weather:  in the 70s and SUNNY!!!  We've had several days in a row of sunny mornings and rainy (real proper rain... remind me and I'll explain later) afternoons.  I do hope the predictions will hold true.  Saturday I have a BBQ I'm attending and I'd rather not be soaked.  

Just, Margaret

2 out of 9, soon to be 3

[diabolical smile]  My master plan to get all "The Nine" to become expats with me is working out just as I hoped.  So maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration... some of the Nine already settled into lives in the States (homes, jobs, appendages*), but today the UK becomes the home to one of my other halfs... or ninths. [smile]  Jane Marie- roommate of 4 years, best friend since freshman year- is moving here!!!  And in 3 short days another "bestie" Blair will be in the country too!!!  Can you tell that I'm excited?  U.K.- Consider yourself warned.  Beware "The Nine" invasion!

Just, Margaret 

*Appendages in "The Nine"-speak equals husbands.  Sounds harsh I know, but its really a term of endearment. 

Eurovision 2009 and Dream Interpretation

The United States is poorly served by our exclusion from the EU... not economically or diplomatically, but because it means we aren't exposed to the awesomeness that is EUROVISION!  [smile] Cable networks in the U.S. are really missing an opportunity to capitalize on this oh-so-European phenom.  A combo of Miss Universe traditional costuming and 80s dance music... it totally eclipses American Idol audition weeks with the addition of spectacular IT effects.  Good thing we have YouTube.  Search Eurovision and then tell me you think we're not missing out.  [wink]  Especially can't-be-missed performances include Hungary, Greece, and Albania.  The above clip is the entry from Cyprus... the first song I happened to catch. 

Jos, fellow histarch, author of "Researching Life," and good friend, is also into dream interpretation in her spare time. After reading my post earlier this week about the odd dream I had, she sent me these interpretative tools below. Gives a whole new dimension to my refusing to eat a hamburger. Gotta say some of it feels fairly to the point... anxiety is a pre-requisite to dissertation writing and finishing up my fifth month apart from the familiarity of home, family, and friends isn't really helping.  Then again maybe I just don't like hamburgers anymore. [smile]  Thanks Jos.

Eating
Food is seen as a metaphor to fulfill and gratify our hunger of love and desires
Also consider the pun, "what's eating you up?" in reference to anxiety that you may be feeling.
Food can represent love, friendship, ambition or pleasure in your life. Thus, food is seen as a metaphor to fulfill and gratify our hunger of love and desires. If you are refusing to eat, then it indicates that you want to be more independent and not rely on others so much. If you dream that you are a picky eater, than it indicates that you are holding back something.

Hamburger
To see or eat a hamburger in your dream, suggests that you are lacking some emotional, intellectual, or physical component you need in order to feel whole again. You may be feeling unsatisfied with some situation or relationship. It is also symbolic of your experiences and how you need to learn from them. Look at the big picture.

Just, Margaret

Photo on a Friday, but not "Photo Friday"

I took this photo while in Wales last weekend (with a little photo shop magic).  Something about the dove felt so evocative to the peace I felt that day.  I waited for several minutes to capture the bird in flight, but wasn't able to get the image I was looking for.  Still I think this one is pretty great.  

Just, Margaret

Its good to be exhausted.

MIH Group Photo

Saturday I joined most of the other student residents of my house for the annual "Day Out."  Loaded in a big coach with picnic supplies, we headed to Wales borderlands (Tintern Abbey and the Osc Valley to be exact).  What a fun day we had despite the chilly wind and occasional spot of rain.  We did see a bit of sun and my cheeks are rosy and have that warm summery feeling I've missed so far this spring.  What follows are a few photos and a peek into my thoughts for the day... which includes some brief journaling I did while on site hence the stream of consciousness form.  Something about just having a day to relax opened up my soul.  The landscape, though beautiful in its uniqueness, was also reminiscent of the North

 Georgia mountains.  So the day was a strange combination of remembering and creating new memories. A significant day for me in ways I don't feel completely able to express yet.  

  

It is nice to be reminded why you love something/one.  Wandering around Tintern Abbey, I suddenly have this feeling of peace that I am doing what I love, that ruins still entrance me with their memory.  "A lonely ruin what does it tell us about humanity." The poetry of space... It is so lovely to just wander and make up my own story.  Very different feeling to my field trips with my course.  Laughter with questions. 

A word for the sound of water.  Someone asked me if the English language had a word for the sound of the water flowing, falling.  Suddenly English seems so inadequate.   

When was the last time I lay down in a grassy field like this... years ago I think. [smile]

Hope you enjoyed the brief tour of my Saturday.    

Just, Margaret

Skittles

Last Tuesday I attended a pub night with my host Rotary Club.  A little ways out from Bristol, we met at a pub that had a skittles alley.  If you're not sure what I'm talking about see definition.  Sounds like it should be a lot like ten pin bowling right?  Well, its not really.  The scale is completely different and though I'm not a great bowler, after trying both I think it really takes much more skill to play skittles.  Just in case you ever find yourself in an English pub getting ready to play, I'll enlighten you to some of the "tricks," literally from the ground up.  Beware the skittles alley.  It's slanted... purposely and not visible to the naked eye.  Arched in the middle making the task of aligning the ball with the pins decidedly more difficult.  Then take the skittles, aka pins, themselves.  They are shorter than bowling pins.  Their shape with the bulging part in the middle make them harder to hit with the wooden ball, which is deceptively heavy and is just the right size to pass directly through the skittles formation without touching a single pin.  Still its a fun game and because it takes considerable skill or great luck to play well, there's little danger of anyone taking the idea of competition too seriously.  

skittle |ˈskitl|noun
1 ( skittles) [treated as sing. ] a game played, chiefly in Britain, with wooden pins, typically nine in number, set up at the end of an alley to be bowled down with a wooden ball or disk.
2 a pin used in the game of skittles.

Just, Margaret

A day out: Chew Lakes

Today Pat, my Rotary host here, took me out to visit some of the areas that she once visited for her job as a speech therapist for the hearing impaired in the local school system.  The Chew Lakes were absolutely beautiful, despite the cloudy, misty, very English day. [smile]  We also ate fresh trout from the lakes in the perfect English pub.  I learned I do like hard cider.  All in all a great day.  I took several photos but I think this one with a bit of late afternoon sunlight reflected on the water is my favorite and sums up the peace/relaxation of a day off from my grad school life.  

Just, Margaret

P.S. I know I still need to update you all about the conference.  I promise to get on that.  Expect something tomorrow or early next week.  

King Cake Query

I'm looking for a good and fairly easy recipe for Mardi Gras King Cake. I'd really like to try making one for my international housemates and share another part of my US Southern culture with them.  Too bad I didn't bring any of my Mardi Gras Beads with me.  Any suggestions for the cake would be very welcome. 

Just, Margaret

I decided...

against. I'd already really come to the decision to go back to the US for my PhD at Christmas, but with the prospect of having to close a door on continuing on in Bristol I felt mixed up... well "In a quandary." Anyway, I'm thankful for the experience of completing my MA in the UK, but I think with my interest in researching subject matter in the US and knowing that's where I plan to work someday I should really begin to build some archaeology contacts back home. Feels a little scary to make such a big decision in 24 hours, but then again I won't have to continue to think about it.

Just, Margaret

"If I loved you"

Last week I traveled with the Bristol Rotary Club to London to visit Westminster Abbey and see Rogers and Hammerstein's Carousel.  Although the day started off a little uncertainly (with all the snow of course), we all had a great time.  I have to say that I was pretty psyched about the whole trip.  I hadn't been to London since I arrived, plus last time I was there I missed seeing Westminster Abbey and I of course always love going to a musical.  Our tour of the Abbey was particularly great as we had our own private guide.  We saw all the highlights, Elizabeth 1's and Mary Queen of Scots graves, the coronation chair, Poets corner, grave of the unknown soldier.  We were a bit rushed and didn't have time to explore on our own, but I imagine that it would take a full day to see everything.  

Upon exiting the Abbey we walked the few blocks to the Savoy, past Big Ben and the House of Parliament, several of the international embassies.  We also happened to pass Number 10 Downing Street just in time to see the Prime Minister's convoy of cars arrive.  Really quite exciting (although I couldn't actually see into the vehicle to be sure it was him)!  We arrived at the Savoy Theatre in plenty of time to find our seats for the matinee.  Of all the musicals I've seen in Atlanta, London, and New York, I've never seen a Rogers and Hammerstein show.  The production was awesome.  The actor playing Billy Bigelo was particularly great, a very good singer.  The plot of Carousel is actually quite depressing (secret love, lost, and eventually love realized).  Everyone was in tears by the time for the curtain call.  Its one of those shows that makes you want to make sure you express your feelings to those who you care about.  The day ended with fish and chips at a pub.  

Just, Margaret

Plans delayed, cathedral bells, and the cinema

I unexpectedly have had a free day.  The winter weather (that is in fact much better today with no active snowing) has put off the plans I had to visit a Rotary Club just outside of Bristol.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to revisit the club in better weather.  I was particularly looking forward to seeing the Gloucester Cathedral, the one used in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts, and the tailor shop that was the inspiration for one of Beatrix Potter's stories.  I'll just have to make plans to visit the village some time later in the spring.  

My day instead included working a bit more on transcribing my great grandfather's journal (its not long I've just put it off as reading for class took over) and then a trip to the Central Bristol Library to do some research for another paper.  Interestingly from the time I arrived at the library to the time that I left, the bells of the Bristol Cathedral were ringing.  Over an hour of church bells pealing out an indistinct melody.  I'm not sure if they do this every day or every Saturday, but it seemed quite unusual (and quite lovely) to me.  Upon leaving the library I headed over to the Watershed theater for a matinee.  I saw Doubt... a great, albeit at times disturbing movie.  Anyway that was my day... sounds super exciting I'm sure.  [smile] I had fun.  Tomorrow may bring more snow, I'll let you know.   

Just, Margaret

Snowed in

I'm sure you're getting tired of this, but once again I'm going to post a snow-related blog.  I do promise that this one will be short and as of yet I don't have any new photos to share... because lets face it how many photos of snow can I take and how many can you look at.*  [smile]  But since this is the major news story around here these days I felt I should keep you all well-informed of the my reality.  Let me preface this next statement by reminding you that it snows in Bristol just about as often as it snows in Georgia:  Today I woke up to BBC Radio 4 spouting that in Bristol and in particular the community of Clifton had experienced "blizzard-like" conditions last night and that our world was again frosted with a lot of the white stuff.  Then the radio cautioned that anyone who didn't have to get out during the day should not do so.  So of course I moved to the window to see the damage and what I saw was definitely more snow than we've had all week, but also definitely the results of a blizzard.  Still the advice to stay off the roads if possible is a pretty good one to follow as the rumors are partly true and fewer streets and roads today are being scattered with grit (salt and sand).  So effectively I'm snowed in and won't be traveling to the Rotary weekend event I was scheduled to attend this evening.  (We might still be able to go tomorrow.)  I do have to say that I'm welcoming this extra free time to prepare for next weeks courses and get a head start on some research.  I have seen a little snow falling already today and I think they expect some more.  I'll keep you up to date.  For now I'm going to keep warm while watching my African housemates have a snowball fight.  

Just snowed in, Margaret

*So just kidding I did remember that I had wanted to share the photo above on the last post, but it wouldn't load.  Helps you really connect with the rest of my post right... a picture is worth a 1000 words right. [smile]

Snow 2.0

Victoria Square, Bristol

Although around 5PM just as I was getting out of class a brief flurry of snow mixed with freezing rain began, Bristol's weather has been fairly clear today with lots of sun.  Consequently most of the snow has now melted and we're left with wet footpaths and a little grey slush.  Still it was fun while it lasted and probably would have been a little frustrating if it lasted much longer.  Who am I kidding? I could have stood the freezing temperatures and treacherous frozen sidewalks for a few more days if it meant we could keep the fluffy white stuff.  [smile]  Actually if the weather predictions are correct, I might get my wish.  Anyway, hope you won't mind indulging my "snowtastic" mood one more day with a few more photos.  These were taken on my way to university this morning.  I've been pretty lucky to capture photos during the best parts of the day in the early dusk yesterday and then this sunny morning.  

Just, Margaret

University Gate House, Bristol

Outside the Archaeology Building, Bristol

Snow

Clifton Cathedral, Bristol

We are having a proper snow. A beautiful white blanket to grace this already charming city. And even though we had warmer weather over the last two weeks it appears the population of Bristol has come out in force to participate in the event. Even though you wouldn’t believe it as Bristol is so much further north than Georgia, I’m told that a snowy day in Bristol is just as rare as at home. Walking back from ca

mpus bundled in my wool coat, gloves, and matching green scarf and hat, I felt so elegant, a player in a theatrical landscape, even with my rosy cheeks and nose. Snow always makes me feel like just about anything can happen. 

Just, Margaret

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

A cold February Sabbath in Bristol

I had another one of those moments today, one of those "I can't believe this is actually my life moments." Well, really the whole day felt this way. I spent another Sunday practicing Sabbath and a la Blair's comment last Sunday I took sometime for self-care.  Worship this morning at the Catholic Cathedral near my house, then as I walked home for lunch I actually saw some flakes of snow... not a flurry, just flakes.  [smile]  (But even flakes of snow have always seemed somehow magical to this Georgia Girl... even after my North Dakota adventure.)  I spent the afternoon lounging on my bed reading a magazine, listening to podcasts I've been meaning to catch up on, and napping.  Throughout the afternoon I tried to take a page from Elizabeth Whitson's children's book The Casual Observer, be aware of the beauty of my surroundings and watch the sky through my window change from pale blue to a deep cornflower to an irradiance violet as dusk began to fall. Before the night settled completely on my neighborhood, I decided to take a walk around the village and I found myself along with a few other people willing to bear the turn in the weather drawn toward the bridge.  Looking out at cityscape and then glancing back over the rooftops nearby, my one thought was how fortunate I am to be living in a place so beautiful.  All the colors of my landscape seemed especially soft and precious in the dusk on this cold crisp day.  Part of me can't imagine not living here forever... something about this environment is just so stimulating and invigorating.  But I imagine that part of the magic lies within its "otherness."  Perhaps my best hope for the future is in somehow storing up these experiences so that one day when I'm settled somewhere I can think back to the charming chimney-scapes of my year in Bristol.  

Just, Margaret

The list

So I'm trying to be proactive about having significant experiences before I leave in September and decided to make a list of things I would be really disappointed if I didn't get around to doing before I finished my year in England.  Here's what I've thought of so far:

• Visit all the fountains in Bristol.  
• Play backgammon in a pub.
• Find a really unique souvenir.
• Take a train somewhere.
• Spend a day walking around the countryside and have a picnic on public land.
• Visit the Lake District.  
• Become a regular at one of the local cafe's.  
• Spend a day channeling Mary Poppins and go galavanting around the city on a carousel horse and dance on rooftops with an umbrella.  Okay so maybe this is a little crazy, but it is my favorite movie. [smile]

This list is really incomplete, but I'm going to continue to think and maybe I'll add to it as I can.  

Just, Margaret