Beautiful treasure...

This was a poem printed inside a pocket watch (date unknown), but it is a very beautiful verse and very romantic...

Nottingham Castle

This week is half term for my children. So today we have come to Nottingham Castle in Nottingham, not too far from where we live. The castle that stands today is not the original, (the original having been built out of timber in 1068). Neither is it the ducal palace that once stood here. No, it's a bit of a mish mash. We came here, and took our time in the beautiful grounds, which yesterday morning were awash in mist and fog. Inside the castle, we looked at all the beautiful objects that have been collected, the war memorabilia from every war that Britain took part in...and even found the 100 year old mouse, standing to attention with his rifle ! The boys entered a competition in which they had to draw a picture of a futuristic Nottingham Castle. Needless to say, the castle looked like someone medieval, but then buildings built in the past were made to last, unlike today. While they were drawing, I had a chance to quietly look at the paintings in the gallery. There is some beautiful work there, however I do prefer 'fine art', rare than modern work.

Tomorrow, we are off to Warwick Castle, and I am really looking forward to this. The King Maker's home, Anne Neville, Richard III, and a spot of BBC's Merlin. It's a great place to go, and since I last visited, they have just this year, opened more of the castle, so I have great expectations.

Shrove Tuesday !

It's Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day today !

The word shrove is the past tense of the English verb shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of Confession and doing penance. Thus Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the custom for Christians to be "shriven" before the start of Lent.[2]. Shrove Tuesday is the last day of "shrovetide", somewhat analogous to the Carnival tradition that developed separately in countries of Latin Europe. The term "Shrove Tuesday" is no longer widely used in the United States or Canada outside of Liturgical Traditions, such as the Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic Churches.

In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, Shrove Tuesday is commonly known as "Pancake Day" or "Pancake Tuesday" due to the tradition of eating pancakes on the day.

Shrove Tuesday is exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday, a moveable feast based on the cycles of the moon. The date can be 3 February or 9 March or anything between.

Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs.

Here is my pancake ! I'll be putting my favourite sugar and fresh lemon juice on it...yum !

Cezanne and the proud mummy

Yesterday I plowed my head into the art world. This week I am studying Cezanne. I confess that I am finding this hard going. I wouldn't call myself an art lover. I do like to look at paintings but I definitely prefer the fine art of the Renaissance, rather than Cezanne's 'work'. I'm sorry to say that I feel my 5 year old could do better. However it's not really that simple. Cezanne's work wasn't incompetence, it was just his interpretation of how he saw life and the fact that he hated fine art. That's fine, each to their own....but I'll be glad when we have finished this section.

My five year old son came home from school yesterday, very pleased with himself and quite rightly. He had earned himself The Head Teachers Award for outstanding behaviour and hard work certificate. And he has worked hard in the last few weeks, especially with his reading, and I am sooooo pleased and proud of my baby bird !

Still nothing on the job hunt side...but I'm hoping that no news is good news. Just need to get those interviews....fingers crossed.

Cleopatra

This week as part of my History Degree, we have been looking at the reputation of Cleopatra in reference to her portrayal in the media. Roman propaganda has painted such a picture of her that we will never really know Cleopatra's real character. Any film and tv representations reflect modern day politics; cultural and social concerns.  It has been fascinating learning about her and I also enjoyed the reading of Plutarch, Dio and Horace. I believe Horace was more sympathetic towards Cleopatra.  He wrote "fiercer she was in death."  Beautiful words for a woman, who I believe was a strong, powerful Queen.

So what's this blog about ?

Well, I'm a mum to two boys aged 5 and 7. Keeping up with them is like keeping up with a tornado ! I'm married too, 9 years in August. My family is the centre of my universe, my constant point with myself orbiting around them.
After a series of setbacks in life, namely abandoning my career as a vet nurse due to spine surgery, potential redundancy, then being unemployed for the last month, I decided to chase my dreams, whilst searching for a part time job.
So as of this month, I started a BA (Hons) in History with The Open University. I have had a passion for history since I was a child and decided that I could indulge myself in my passion, with the additional hope to re-direct my career.
So this is what the blog is about - motherhood, the ups and downs of life, studying, history and generally anything that comes to mind.
I hope you enjoy...