Today is not a good day. I am still recovering from That Accident, and am at the bad-tempered nasty stage. I got soaked through to my knickers riding in torrential rain this morning (Titch had said it would rain. I said it woulnd't), am having a horrible time trying to cope with a new moblile (I do NOT want apps and widgets and smidgets and whatsits; I JUST WANT TO MAKE PHONE CALLS, TEXT, AND TAKE THE ODD PHOTO.Ok?), have had trouble changing a light bulb (yes, really) and am not doing well with the WIP.
But all is not lost. I have rediscovered Gerard Hoffnung's marvellous speech to the Oxford Union in the 1950s. This multi-talented man - consummate artist, cartoonist, musician and speaker - died at the tragically young age of 34. If you haven't heard this, please do. It'll take a few minuntes, but is a masterpiece of wit and timing. It certainly cheered me up. You can listen to it here I advise you skip the first 9 minutes, and get on to the bricklayer's tale, which ends at 16 minutes (the rest doesn't matter so much).
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Glad you found something to cheer you up!
ReplyDeleteOne of those small mercies we have to be thankful for!
DeleteWonderful! What a loss, him dying so young x
ReplyDeleteYes. Really tragic. But he has a delightful widow who has spent all these years celebrating his humour and promoting his books.
DeleteCheered me up, too, Frances. I'm pretty sure I heard the bricklayer's letter years and years ago, because I remember the perfect timing of the pauses, but it was real a hoot to hear it again.
ReplyDeleteK
Yes. It's all in the timing, isn't it!
DeleteYou've got a great attitude. Can't say I've ever said knickers. :) Love you Brits.
ReplyDeletePlease tell me why you've never said knickers. I really need to know. Do you go commando? Call them something else?
DeleteI was listening to the Hoffnung last week so you obviously got my thoughts. Who needs mobile phones when one has telepathy? I keep telling you that horse riding is bad for you. Working out how to use your new mobile phone is much safer. The trick is to tell yourself how much you love the new technology, embrace it, get a few apps and then your mind will be free to concentrate on your WIP unencumbered by negative thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGB I think you and I were probably listening to the same radio 4 programme, so the telepathy theory goes out of the window! As for technology, I HATE it! But the WIP is having a better day.
ReplyDeleteNo, Frances, I haven't listened to Radio 4 since my wife and I parted - in 1993. Well not that I can recall. In fact when someone stayed a while ago I couldn't recall where my radios where. All the TVs have radios of course and I discovered that there are at least 4 independent radios as well as one in every computer and smartphone. It's all a bit excessive for someone who only listens to the radio in the car.
DeleteOn well. Telepathy it is, then!
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