The Wicked Garden of Sweet Delights

a long lost piece of music

2009-08-28T14:43:40Z

Yaaay! I don't know why this song touched me so deeply but it did when I was 14 and performing it with my school choir of 125 members, and it still does, even more now. I've been on the search for this piece ever since the internet really came into full being, as it were, and have just today found it again. It's so beautiful. If you don't enjoy choral music, you might not like this, but I urge you to give it a listen. The whole arangement is absolutely breath-taking. I'll imbed so all you have to do is go to the Military tribute featuring flash movie start button and press space.

a quick update

2009-08-18T22:26:03Z

Hi all.
Well, subject states this will indeed be quick, as I'm beyond just tired at this point. I did, however, want to update to say hello to perhaps the few who might read this and not Twitter and FaceBook and all the other social networks. Yay! Moving is right around the corner, and excited is not even beginning to explain or express my feelings. The house is just brilliant.
Another show gone well today on The Phoenix so yay! I look forward eagerly to Thursday when Hope will once again look human and be able to eat things like burgers and fried chicken and other things not in a tin with broth or pasta. Bleck!
Anyway off to sleep, before I drift sitting at this keyboard. Night all. For now.

Yes, I do remember li'le old lj

2009-07-21T22:21:55Z

Hi all.
I know, it's been an age and a half since last I updated. I can only plead guilty to the immediacy of twitter as my excuse. I have not, however, forgotten the sheer flexibility and limitless space of lj, as Twitter only allows 140 characters for everything in one's stream of consciousness at that moment to be condensed. That does not, however, mean I'm despairaging twitter by any means, only comparing.
Ok, ok. Enough of my self justification--for the moment at least. I just finished another broadcast on the Phoenix, and found it most enjoyable. Thanks muchly to wordwizard1000 for your messages and for keeping me company through the first few hours. Most especially, I have to thank afro_thunder for always being a faithful and loyal listener and supporter no matter what even if I'm whining and moaning about the smallest things and nearly going hysterical because I dropped something. Yikes, the things you have to put up with. *smile*
I won't say I promise I'll update more often, because I'll inevitably break that promise, but I'll say that I'll try.
I know, a very very short entry, but the hour grows late, and my physical and mental exhaustion have finally, I believe decided that the battle is over, and I must raise my flag in surrender. Bye for now all, and all the best to florida_phoenix sending some extra hope your way. After all, I can aford to give some up, can't I? lol

quick update

2009-06-17T22:27:38Z

This shan't be long--to be posh and absolutely what I'm not. Just thought I'd say hello as I've not updated in some time. So, hello. Wow.
Anticipating July immensely as many exciting things are happening; not the least of which is Jack's birthday. Yay! I know, could have and should have linked but, I'm too tired at the moment to do that.
Have been doing lots of pc stuff of late, which has been rather fun. Lots of music as well.
Please, postman, come tomorrow bringing the magic disc that contains a PS3 game.
Goodnight for now all. Will be back with my normal updates when I can.
Oh, doctors tomorrow. Ugh. Not looking forward to it, but hopefully will be getting more meds.

this time the show's really happening.

2009-05-21T09:07:33Z

Hi all.
Well, as the subject states, this time it's really going to come to fruition. Hurray! Thanks to flourette67 for pointing out the rather important detail of my neglecting to give you times and such. smiles Jack's show of course is at the usual time and mine will be just after it, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so it will be eight hours of radio for us on those days. Should be brilliantly fun though. Thanks also to chiming_magic and mom for your comments. Hope you all enjoy.

tiny tech things

2009-05-11T05:46:52Z

Well, everyone. I'm updating now from my newest acquision; Jack's as well. It's the absolutely most adorable thing; an eight inch asus netbook! Yayay! well, when there's a bargain and a huge one too, then take it I say and so we both did and what a great job we did.
the keyboard's small, bu*smile*t a full one, and so far I have no complaints.
be back soon I'm sure. I've wanted a netbookfor months and months but didn't actually think I'd get one.

last week and things

2009-05-08T20:45:35Z

Hello all. Well, after all this time-- which has flown by, incidentally-- it's finally the week of good-bys and packing and sorting out shifting details, and other such necessities. It will definitely be a blur this week for sure, filled with many tears and many fits of laughter, probably more of the latter, I'd say. Englad does call, though, and whether for just the next sixth months or the next six years, I must answer its call as it grows more and more urgent.
I know Jack's going to miss America like hell, and probably so will I, though I did write probably.
More updates to come, and a bit more often. Promise. and I'm not too good at cleavering, so not to worry, Lulu. *huge grins* Besides, I get rather boring rather quickly so it's a very good thing indeed that bears, especially the Jack bear has others to create and cause brilliant amounts of mischief and merry-making. hee hee

Sickness be gone!

2009-04-24T03:02:20Z

Eeek! I don't like colds/sinus infections nor do I like eratic weather which is exactly what I've been dealing with these last two days. I have lots of things to get ready for and I absolutely can't aford to be ill. I shall win though, with the help of afro_thunder and ZyCam, this miraculous throat spray that I was given today. It's already working so yayayay to it.
Also, thanks to kwpodcast my 2 tb hard drive is now happily and busily receiving data from my other drive.
I highly recommend the WD My Books. They're brilliant and they're quite rugged as well.
Ok, enough from me for now. Off to shower.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T15:36:21Z

Hello everyone.
I know, it's been an age and a half since I've written anything and for that, I am eternally apologetic. That's a long time as well. *smile* Anyway, Easter this year is going to be very nice indeed because my gran is cooking us all dinner which is something in itself as she decided long ago that she wouldn't cook again. Should be a lovely time filled with munching, music and much laughter. Will be back with an update.
Oh, PS. My stepdad, who might as well be my father brought back a Celtic harp, and I can't wait to see it! Tripple yay! Come by the hills, here I come!

I can do it this time, correctly. See? SMILE

2009-03-15T17:48:14Z

Ok, just to show you all that I really can write a link in lj here goes. Thanks to

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Ok, just to show you all that I really can write a link in lj here goes. Thanks to <ljuser=afro_thunder> for being right all the time.

floody floods!

2009-03-10T17:06:49Z

Well, looks as though the weather's being awful again to those living in the northern part of Ohio, because once again, the floods have begun, or at least one has certainly decided to make its presence known. My folks are pretty much underwater when it comes to the business office building and the main river is two feet above the limit of where it should be. The rain is expected to continue for the next two days. Yikes! and more yikes! Best to them.

cowards and chocolate milk

2009-02-25T18:25:39Z

I'd like to first say thanks muchly to everyone who has commented on the last few entries. Yay!
Now, onto why my subject line says what it does. I received an email containing links to another person's lj, because they wish me to read specific entries and/or comments that I either hadn't read before or had no interest in reading and still do not. To [Unknown LJ tag] and user it was neither of your lj's. I did not follow many of the links, and only followed two because I was curious about why I even had received such a message. Here it is as follows, minus names and addresses and corresponding links.

Hope.
You don't actually know me but this is what you should read. Follow the following links and you'll see you're not really the star of the jack scrimshaw show.

Needless to say annonymous coward, I found your email both immature, and most certainly unprofessional. If you're trying to tell me that I was not the only one in Jack's life in his entire lifetime, I've got news for you, and it might shock you just a bit, but news flash! I know!! Um, here's another one that might make you really have a sleepless night but here goes. The past is in the past, and the future is now, so here's my advice to you: grow the fuck up and act your age, not your IQ! And if you're so cowardice that you can't even sign your emails with a decent signature, I really have no time for you. There's a place for you in nursery school, and some building blocks just calling your name. Don't mistake those for your mummy, as they both have a hollow sound. Oh, and one more thing I'd like to address. Jack is the star of the Jack Scrimshaw show, since that is, in fact his name, and if anymore disgusting dribble is sent to me--and it won't be because I've blocked this email--then prepare to go back not unscathed, because this kind of childish behavior will not be tolerated. You've obviously not dealt with the champion, have you, and if you know Jack or have any regard for him, I would highly recommend an apology to him.

An interesting day yesterday

2009-02-24T08:18:41Z

Hi all.
Well, yesterday was interesting to say the least. Had chats with some people I thought I never would again, which caused me to get rather reflective. Had a quick chat to chiming_magic and ezzie_j and those were nice, if brief. We heard from Claire Blande as well; with nothing but glowing positive reviews, so extreme yay to that.
Well, it's early, and this was brief, but I'll be back. Promise.

busy day

2009-02-22T09:12:15Z

Today is going to be a bit busy, as well as exciting, because I'll get to meet Claire Blande, someone I've been wanting to meet for some time now. She and Dominik are coming for lunch. We're having chicken, marinated in garlic and olive oil, if we have any, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and lots of other very yummy things. It is definitely very exciting indeed. It'll be mine and Jack's first sort of lunch entertainment couply thing. That's all I'll say about that.
Had a lovely day yesterday as well. Steve came by and we had a fabulous musical jam. He also brought some delumious chocolates and a lovely clutch hand bag for my birthday. Aren't I lucky to have such fantastic friends? *smile*
Ok, must end here, because the chicken needs to be prepared.

hello again smile

2009-01-23T15:46:28Z

Back again. Lucky for you, or is it? Anyway, so, yes, Jack's granddad has decided that along with giving jack as he puts it chores to do, \i've been assigned some as well. yay to that. i think it's sweet, and I am flattered to bits that he seems to like me. To be honest, I was exceptionally nervous about meeting everyone, and I've still not met everyone and I'm still nervous. That includes all readers of this LJ as well. Be kind to this poor bumbling american foreigner. *smile* She's new at this game, but she'll get better as time passes. or so I hope anyway.
I could write novels and more novels about being here, but I'll say this. I truly feel at home here. I feel as if after all of the years I've been alive, \I've finally reached the place I was always trhying to come back to. \I know all of you that are reading this might find that sappy or cheesy or whatever you might find it, but if you do find it cheesy have a hot dog or at least some bread to make it nice and edible.#Ok, getting a bit off track again,k but what's new?
I've come home and I've already told my family, you'll be lucky to see me again, now I've been here. The magic of England has cast its spell upon me, and that's for certain. Of course, the true magic is in the greatest castle of them all, isn't t?
I shall end here because I keep pressing the # key when I mean another, and it's time I gave the key board back to jack as the poor man's sitting here and has been patiently waiting for my idol thoughts to be finished.
Yay to life, love and happiness, and I can't wait for the days ahead. The future is now!

Wow and more wow! \i'm here!!!

2009-01-23T15:36:19Z

I've finally made it everyone! The moment of moments has hapened, and it's really still happening. Who would have imagined that after nearly a decade of waiting, wondering, hoping, and wishing, something so magical and something so beautiful could actually come true and take place\/ \has anyone ever read the book Confessions of a \jane Austin Addict? It isn't as if I'm in a Jane Austin novel, but the character in the book switches places and times with someone from that particular century, ends up in nineteenth century Britin, and deals with all of the very interesting, sometimes complicated and otherwise horribly painful ways of treting illness and wounds, by bleeding a person nearly to death with a surgical knife and walking for hours in the garden that you've seen every day of your life, making small talk with people you'd rather see swimming in a swamp somewhere. what does this have to do with what \i just said above about dreams and things of that sort\? Not really much at all. I know, then Hope, why on earth would you write such random things? The only connection is that I'm here, and I feel as though I'm in a dream world, and it's so blissful, it seems too good to be true, and yet it is.

So far, it's been absolutely brilliant. Met Jack's dad and grand parents and they're all just fantastic!

celtic_medusa @ 2008-12-29T12:05:00

2008-12-29T17:11:52Z

I understand that when a person is truly bored, they must try to think of things to do to entertain themselves, but may I recommend things like interacting with people, reading a book, playing music, just to name a few things. I don't recommend attempting to make waves and play games with the undertoe, as it were; because it's only you who gets lost in your own maze of words. As I've said before, think before you speak.

Hurray!

2008-12-27T09:02:45Z

Ok, ignore my previous entry. It's all in the past now. The sun has risen and the new day dawns clear and bright.

some more predawn lines

2008-12-27T08:11:43Z

Well, hello all. Guess you get to accompany me as I write these lines. I'm keeping vigil this night because I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to; and I don't want to. I'm more than just a little worried. The music that's choosing to come up in the random cue isn't helping that worry whatsoever. I knew this Christmas would be difficult, but I had no idea just how far that would go, and the worry it left in its wake. I suppose it isn't Christmas's fault, but I'm not feeling particularly just today, so for now it is. Jack, please, feel better and rest as peacefully as you can. I promise, I'm not going anywhere anymore, except to go to you. I couldn't take going anywhere else, and that's the truth.

home again and an update of sorts

2008-12-27T06:35:53Z

Well, I'm home. Hurray! Christmas was nice, and all that time I was away before Christmas was not always so nice, but I'm home now.Wow! I'm home again. There really is no place like home; especially if the place you were imprisoned, I mean, staying has an internet connection that should be thrown out forever, as it kicks you off the moment you connect! Stupid horrifying disgusting despicable disgraceful diabolical ComCast! That's only the tip of the iceberg as they say.

Christmas with my stepfather's family was nice, if a little remote, and a lot distant. I received some batteries, yay! and some lovely clothes, some yummilicious chocolates and some bath beads as well. Love baths, so yay to that! My little step niece, or niece Leah gave me a necklace with a harp pendant on it which is lovely for sure. I think it's silver, but not sure. Chuck gave me a lovely adapter so anything that has US. voltage will work just fine over in the UK. so tripple yay to that! I told him that now he's given that to me, I might not ever come back. He just laughed and said, "well, at least I know where to find you."
My stepbrother's monsterous witch-in-law, otherwise known as Queen Eleanor gave me a book. Now, I love to read as much as anyone but the book she chose to give me is in print. Brilliant right? I know, I could scan it, but I don't have a scanner, and she, of course, couldn't understand why I didn't start reading aloud right there in her daughter's living room. Leah was going to try to help by reading what the book was called to me but her grandmother told her too sharply I might add, to let me do it. Evil evil witch! Chuck finally came over and read the title, and it was something like how music effects the brain from birth to death. Boring beyond description. I suppose her heart was in the general direction of the right place by choosing a music book, but a print book? And a book as boring as that? I know, I know, I seem horribly selfish and ungrateful, but it wasn't presented to me with the purest of intentions. Hell, not even any sort of pure anything, just an intention and to see what I would do with it I guesss. I thanked her for it of course and she didn't even acknowledge it; only said that maybe I should go in the kitchen and help Lisa, her daughter get dinner on the table. Lisa, overhearing this, told her mother that dinner wasn't for a couple of hours so everyone could relax and enjoy the morning. I got some secret satisfaction from that, I must say.

I went quickly to the spare bedroom I was staying in where my computer was set up and, as I did countless times that week checked to see if there was even a phantom connection I could cling to. Alas, there was none, so I worked some more on the letter I had begun to write the night before.

Later, there was the aforementioned dinner and lots of conversation--most of which I tuned out as it had nothing to do with me or anyone I knew. I turned my face away and dreamed of you. ...
After dinner, and more chatter and worrying about Chuck's worsening bronchial infection, or whatever virus has taken over him, it was decided that Daryl, Lisa's brother would take me home as he was heading out the same night on his way back home to North Carolina. That was an experience I'd like not to live again. He was pulled over by the police, his car was searched, and after they found nothing, allowed him to continue on his way. He wasn't even going fast at all. They claimed they were just being overly cautious as it was Christmas and all that. Yeah, right. What a way to send joy and good cheer I blame it all on Michigan, because it all happened in Michigan. After we got into Ohio, and then into Toledo, it was literally smooth sailing, as the roads were one solid sheet of ice, and combined with that, there was freezing rain. We made it though, after nearly getting lost three times.
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas, and I wish everyone the best for next year. I'll probably be back before then to write a real end-of-year entry.
I missed you all, but I missed my troubadour the most.
Take care, all.

Yeah, he's comin' to America ...

2008-12-19T02:47:59Z

Wow! Things are just amazing. Brilliant, and just wow! I know, not exactly the most coherent way to start an entry, but it's late, and I'm not at home, and I want to be and there is already six inches of snow outside not counting what's continuing to fall. Yikes!

Before I go into whatever I'm going to go into at this moment, I'd like to send out some well-deserved thank you's. To Jack and Kay, thank you for your constant friendship, and for being the wonderful magical people you are. Krista, thanks so much for your wonderful comment. I apologize profusely for not answering you on VT, but this nightmare of a connection sent me back to nebula before I had a chance to utter more than a monosyllable. Amanda, thanks as well for your response. We'll have a chat, I promise, but it'll have to be after Christmas because I won't be home until then.

I can't go into my usual chapter and verse here, for fear this won't allow me to post, but let's just say that destiny really must be at work here, because the man, the myth, the legend ... Cactus Jack will be coming to America when I return in March. How brilliant is that? Tripple tripple yay! Look out next year, for you have no idea of your own brilliance.

a response and a declaration

2008-12-17T05:33:06Z

Hello, all.
This is probably going to be one disorganized chaotic entry, but here goes. To begin, though I might seem like a selfish heartless bitch, as told to me by someone not brave enough to sign their comment. Those of you who know me know the truth, and those who don't, well, your perceptions are your truth, because that's all you've got to go on. I'd like to respond with this. I'm well aware of what it may or may not look like, but despite what this person has said, this is very different indeed. I am not out for victory, this is not even a battle for me, it never was. I value chiming_magic's friendship entirely too much to have a childish war of wills, and afro_thunder is not just some unknown piece of the human race; he's a person, someone with feelings of his own, someone who, if you're privileged enough to know him at all, will do everything in his power to see that you're happy and all is well. He is not some object to play tug-of-war with, and I resent very much that comment. I was not, as this anonymous person claimed their undoing, nor did I wish in any way for it. Perhaps, yes, I didn't help, but they did not have an undoing at all, as life has been extremely kind and dealt us all the beautiful cards of friendship, but especially to them. I am well aware that Jack and Kay have a history, and that history cannot be undone, nor will it be. I believe in cherishing all of that history, as for them, it's what enabled them to remain the best of friends, even now. I would be very sad indeed if Kay left the picture entirely, as would we all, and if I'm supposed to be waving the flag of victory according to our friend of many words and no name, then it's one very hollow victory indeed.

I look ahead to the sparkling wonderful times of next year and can only hope that certain spineless shallow idiots will one day do the same. The future is bright with promise on all sides, and it's time to start living in the moment. You never know if it's your last, and you certainly wouldn't want to leave this world with a miserable attitude and one very half empty glass would you? Ok, perhaps the glass bit you might want at least to be filled once more but come on, at least laugh before your time is through, as laughter is the spice of life, and alcohol and or Pepsi is another one. grins. I hope that in the next year more friendships will develop. I wish all the best to everyone; to Kristian and Jen; may life bring you chiming melodious nuggets of joy; to Lynn and DJTT; may musical boxes of sweet joy play sweet melodies only for you. I wish all the best to Lulu and Rob, may happiness fill each and every moment for you both .

In closing I'd like to make this solemn vow. Kay, I'd like to send so much gratitude your way, I'll have to get you the rest when I see you with a huge huge hug. I'd like to also let you know that Jack will be honored and loved with the deepest and most heart-felt love a person can give. He will be cherished beyond measure, and held in the highest regard. I am only here to love him, and to laugh with him, to make beautiful music, and to share life's never-ending road. I will not be the barer of betrayals and heartache, but only, I hope of happiness. I want you to know that you're not sending him to the wolves as it were, or to the land of chaos and destruction. I promise that if I cannot follow through on all I've said here you can be the first executioner as there will be no need nor point to live after that. Jack, I cannot say enough thank you's to you in one lifetime, but just know that all roads lead to you, for me, and they always will.

Take care all, and for God's sake, have a drink for me, since I can't have one myself. Better yet, have a few!

Ticket Tuesday!

2008-12-09T17:57:44Z

Hi all,
Well, guess what? There are no maybes, hopefullys or nearlys left, it's time for absolutelys! The ticket to London is bought and paid for and I keep looking at it, just amazed! Talk about a rush! Dreams absolutely do come true, no matter what anyone says. Yay! Yay! and more yay! Do you believe in magic? Well, of course I do, Starlight, Rainbow Bright replied. A dream is a wish your heart makes, StarLight replied, and when you wish and dream little glittering bits of magic dust fall out of the sky and land all around you. That's exactly what's happened here. It really is a kind of magic.

Another few brain droppings for you all

2008-12-08T08:30:40Z

Well, I'm back, and it seems these predawn writings are going to continue to occur, and there's nothing I can do about it. Anyway, my day. I'm much relieved about a lot of things that have been weighing on my mind. Communication is underrated, that's all.

Now, onto the real reason I'm writing this. I only will say that children beware, and step cautiously because the ice is thin and you wouldn't want to fall through would you? The worst mistake an amateur could make is to try to beat a legendary prize fighter, and if this proves to be attempted, well, boy, say goodbye to what was once your dignity, and all you hold dear because you'll lose it all in one well executed old-fashioned country round house. It'll come at you from all sides. If you have any sense at all, use it and don't be stupid. Think before you act, and think before you speak.

Now, off to post this.

I'm back!

2008-12-05T03:57:25Z

Hello, one and all. I have returned, and I throw off the cloak of invisibility and send it sailing to its invisible fate. It is wonderful to be free of that weight, as even a cloak of invisibility can weigh one down with its pockets of sadness and regrets. I have some special people to thank for my freedom, and I hope, in time, I will be able to do my very best to do just that.

I'll go for now, as this is only an introductory entry, but never fear, my dears, I shall be back; perhaps sooner than you think. After all, you never know about Medusa ...