Rejected, but not down

Email in my in box this morning. Applications were invited from interested people to become a TEDx speaker. Worth a go I thought, after all I have been a speaker for many years, have no fear of standing up in front of a couple of hundred people, fine with a camera pointing at me, let's give it a whirl. So I applied.

I didn't expect to get selected, would have been a buzz if I had, but I'm not going to lose any sleep about being turned down. After all, if you don't try you never know if you can do something. Like the summer house thing, sometimes you win, but you have to be prepared to lose. I am not a competitive person, I don't dwell on winning at everything I do, it's the taking part which is important. Life is a series of experiences, I live for the moment, and move on.

My rejection email.

Hello,

Thank you so much for applying to our Ideas Search 2019.  We had a wonderful response of very high quality applications and it has been a privilege to review so many great ideas.

All of the applications are considered in relation to the themes for each event, and on reflection, unfortunately we felt your proposal wasn’t the right fit on this occasion.  I genuinely hope you don’t feel discouraged by this decision, and that you will continue to explore opportunities to share your idea with the world and inspire others. 

I wish you all the best for the future, and thank you very much for taking the time to consider collaborating with us and making your application.  I hope you’ll continue to follow our newsletter and social media for updates on other opportunities to contribute to TEDxLondon, and future Ideas Searches. 

Best wishes,                                                                          

Ashleigh Brown

Speaker Scouting and Applications Manager

I have two talks to do this month to small groups, but I shall give them as much gusto as speaking to two hundred. They get my full attention, they get my passion about the subject, and they go away smiling. That's all I need. ilona xxx

One pan one meal

I try and reduce my time in the kitchen by making a meal in one pan. Chuck it all in together, no faffing with several pans on the go, indeed there are rings on my gas hob that have never been used. One small ring at the front is the one I use for everything. 

Last night I steamed some vegetables, I did extra so there were some left for today's lunch. I cut up two large mushrooms and cooked them in a drop of oil, added the left over steamed veg, a good handful of spinach, and finished off breaking an egg into it. One pan. Served with some precooked beetroot from Aldi. 

I'm trying to cut down on my cheese consumption, I'm sure it can't be good for me to always nibble some as soon as I open the fridge door. I think it's making me feel sluggish, so I am not buying any at all during February. I may carry it on after that. Up to now I am not craving for it, as I have told myself, I no longer buy cheese. Now I will explore other foodstuffs which can take it's place. I don't like veggie cheese, and that quark stuff is horrible, so it will be something different. I'll let you know how I get on with it. ilona

All arty and crafty

Oh dear, oh dear, I seem to be missing some posts. Not my fault, I have found a Facebook group, Textile Art Collective, and have been spending time on there. With over 21,000 members world wide, it can get quite busy. Lots of pictures to peruse, lots of inspiration for possible future projects, and lots of friendly banter. It's a closed group so if anyone is interested just click the button to join. Read the rules, there are rules, and write a few words about yourself. No selling allowed.

I kept these photo's back from the Cromford walkabout, saving them until I had a gap. I love the way the green mossy type stuff is appearing from underneath the rotting brown leaves, and climbing up the trees and twigs. Isn't it beautiful.

We went to the Scrapstore yesterday, me and two friends. As well as delivering the scrap I had for them, we found a few things to buy. Afterwards we went to the Tileworks Artisan Village on the south side of the Humber Bridge. There is a lady there called Material Gail who has a sewing shop and does workshops. She makes beautiful stuff.

Lunch time now, I need to get off this computer.  ilona

What!!! Only 50p.

I was out early today, needed to get to the dentist at 8.30am, an emergency appointment, I broke a back tooth on Saturday. The car was frosted up, I'm not used to this, scraping ice off the windows lark. I usually wait until the sun comes round and it melts naturally. Traffic was busy, got caught up with those going to work, just made it in time. 

The lovely Jim was ready for action, a repair should do it, but if that doesn't hold a crown might be needed later on. I shall do all I can to be gentle with this new filling, hopefully it will last a few years. Cost, £21. 

While I was there I went to the sewing shop and booked myself on three workshops. Patchwork similar to what I did before only a different design. Free motion machine embroidery, I missed the last one, and creative hand embroidery. Looking forward to those. 

While I was out and about I thought I would look for some bargains. Found these crackers in the bargain box at the Cash and Carry, 20p each.

Two cartons of Almond milk from Poundstretcher, 25p each.

Reduced salad in Morrisons. I thought surely the yellow sticker is a mistake, only 5p. It definitely  was only 5p, so a good bargain. I looked at lots of items while I was in the store, to compare prices, and found that the things I normally buy are a bit more expensive there. I don't go very often because it's the other side of town, even if it was nearer I doubt I would do much shopping there.

This has got to be the best money saver. Browsing Poundstretcher I came across this organic coconut sugar, it looks identical to what I bought the other day at Aldi, different label. There was no price ticket on the shelf so I asked an assistant. She came back and said 50p. I was amazed, what, only 50p! Yep, it went through the till at 50p. I bought six, maybe I should have got more. There is another store in the town so maybe I will see if they have it in.

On the way home I picked up some scrap vinyl and some wood from the two places I visit on the industrial estate. I'll deliver this to the Scrapstore tomorrow.   ilona

Wise words from Rafi and Klee

I've had this post in my draft folder for a month, it's about time I published it. I follow Rafi on yooootoooob, because he is entertaining and talks a lot of sense about all kinds of subjects, not just about art.

This is his New Year message for all his followers. He says, use your power for good. Don't do the things that you don't want to do. He only takes the commissions that he wants to do, and turns down the jobs that he doesn't want to do.

His messages can apply to lots of different scenarios, you don't need to be an artist to get what he is saying. Think about how last year went for you, and how can you make 2019 better.

Klee keeps chipping in from the corner of the studio, she is making jewelry, I can't always hear what she is saying, but they are a fun couple and work well together. Have a listen, you may be inspired by his down to earth common sense words.



ilona

The secret of budgeting.

I have a mug of coffee every morning, sometimes I have a second mug around about lunchtime. I have got my sugar down from two spoons to one, but I just cannot get it any lower. Coffee is too bitter for me without any sugar. 

I read a book recently which said there are lots of different kinds of sugar, more natural ones which are better than the refined white sugar which is said to be deadly. I spotted this in Aldi and thought I would give it a try. It's made from the nectar of the coconut flower, it's unrefined and dehydrated. Ingredients ; organic coconut sugar. A 100% natural alternative to sugar. Worth a try I thought, but it's not cheap, £1.69 for 50 x 5g teaspoon servings. 

I put some in my coffee and it tastes just fine, I couldn't tell the difference. 

This is how you save £150.50, by not buying a TV licence. They send me a letter every two years asking me to confirm if my circumstances are still the same, or if there are any changes which mean I need to get a licence. I tell them I still don't watch live TV, still don't watch BBC iplayer, on any device. Don't watch programmes at all on a TV set, because I don't have one.

So, my new healthier sugar might cost more money than the conventional white stuff, but by not buying a TV licence, I can buy 89 bags of coconut sugar for the same price. A good deal I think. Swings and roundabouts, balance one off against the other. That is the secret of budgeting.  ilona

The king of the castle

Today, Oscar is the star of the show. Here is a little video I made of him yesterday. He certainly knows where his home is now. Comfy bed, regular servings of food, choice of menu, doors opening and closing for him so he can come and go as he pleases. He is in pussycat heaven.



Thanks to all those who checked in yesterday with their mileage. If you haven't yet done so, you can go back to that page at any time. Next check in date 1st of March.   ilona

Walking Group check in. How did you do in January.

Well that month soon went didn't it. Only another eleven more to go of the Walk 1000 Miles in One Year Challenge. So how did it go for you? With extremes of weather happening all over the world, and this being an International Walking Group, there will be some people who are going to be struggling to get out. Parts of the UK have snow, but we are ok at the moment here in the east of the country. We may get some eventually.

Lets have a look at who is taking part in the challenge this year.

Samantha - Sheffield.....Kath K.....Ruth K.....Mrs Off-Grid Feral.....Hazel c UK.....Cherie K.....Slave to a sighthound.....Fiona.....Linda - London.....Anne.....Beachcomber.....Hazel Dxb.....Judith - Switzerland.....Ray Nicholson.....Jeanneke.....Wendy Elisa.....Simone.....Julia.....James Jepson.....Odette.....Hilogene Oltman.....Vickiey.....Alison Central Scotland.....Sue P.....Kay Schmitz.....Hilde.....Jeanette.....Sandi.....Jenette.....Linda Martin.....Jayne.....Kate on the Coast.....Mary Rothfus.....Christina B.....Pam Davis.....Jenny P.....Mut657.....Jacquie.....Nicki.....Jennifer Christie.....Joy - Central Vic Australia.....Connie S.....AT.....Heather.....Alicesav.....Alison - Victoria BC Canada.....Rentintin.....Melanie.....Jo.....Welsh Walker.....Susie W.....Renee.....Bunty Moore.....Patricia in Canada.....Gillian.....Eilidh.....Jana.....Gillie.....Lisa NSW.....Deepti - Auckland.....Sonja North Carolina.....Shelly Williams.....Apartment Cat Katie

What are the rules? There are no hard and fast rules. You are responsible for measuring you own mileage and you can do that whichever is the best way for you. There are electronic gadgets, fitbits, pedometers, GPS on your phone. I measure mine by using a web site Bikehike.co.uk. I have a 2 and a 3 mile route around my village which I walk most days. When I go further afield I take an OS map and mark where I have walked as I am doing it, then check the distance when I get home. If you use this site, you want to toggle the map sizes so the OS map is larger on the right hand side of the screen.

It's up to you whether you record every step you take, or if you only record the distance when you go out for a walk. For instance, I don't record my shopping trips, but when I put boots or trainers on and go for a walk, I count that in. You can do what suits you best. It isn't a competition, isn't a race, you are doing this for the benefit of your good health. The idea is that you do some exercise.

You might not make the 1000 miles, perhaps set your own target a bit lower. I'm impressed by those readers who have been doing this for a while, some are doing more than me. Well done, keep it up. This isn't a short term fix for a few months, something to try then stop when you get fed up. That will not bring you many benefits, and when you stop you will undo all the good work that you have put into it. It's a lifestyle choice, a commitment to do the absolute best that you can for yourself.

63 names on the list, myself makes 64, a fantastic number. So I'll start the ball rolling and declare that I am on 84 miles. Don't forget that February is a shorter month so a bit more effort is needed to stay on target. Good luck everyone and thank you for taking part.  ilona

Saved from the slaughterhouse.

When I am out walking I love to talk to the farm animals that I come across, love to see them in their fields and enclosures, and try not to think of them being herded into trucks and taken to the slaughterhouse. I know that's the nature of farming, they are reared for meat, but it makes me very sad that they have short lives.

I saw this article. A Devon Farmer was supposed to take 20 of his lambs to the slaughterhouse, he has been doing it for years, but this time was different, he was so upset that he couldn't do it. Instead he drove them 200 miles to an animal sanctuary where they will live out the rest of their lives. It has cost him £9,000 in lost revenue, he has become vegetarian, and is changing his farm over to growing plant based food. Read the story here on the Vegan Food and Living web site.

I googlied the name of the charity, Goodheart Animal Sanctuary, and found their web site. They also have a Facebook page. They offer care for life to rescued farm animals. And they also have a Twitter page. 

A short video on their new barn and woodland to house the pigs.



I have added them to the list of charities I support, and sent a donation. It can be done online, but I donate with a cheque in the post. If you don't eat animals, or even if you do, you might like to send something to help. Thank you.  ilona

Soap gets in your eyes.

Now here's a thing, Meanqueen doesn't use the toiletries in the hotel, and doesn't take them home either. Why? I've paid for them. 

If I use them, I wouldn't use the whole bar of soap, or the whole bottle of shampoo or shower gel, so what would happen to what's left? Would the cleaners be able to keep, them as a bonus? Would they get thrown away? Would the plastic bottles be recycled or would they get binned? Or maybe it is expected that the guest gets to keep them and take them home whether used or not? Are the staff expecting to find them all missing when they go in to clean the room?  Do they mind if their toiletries disappear altogether into someone suitcase?  Is that normal practice?

Seems such a waste to only part use them, so I prefer to take my own from home. I am not so skint that I have to resort to clearing the bathroom of any unused toiletries. I might have done once when I was very skint, but then I couldn't afford to stay in the room anyway. Now that I can afford the treat now and again of a nice hotel, I see no reason to help myself to some shower gel and soap. I do not need it.   ilona

A walk around Carsington Water

On the third day I checked out of the hotel after breakfast. I wasn't very impressed with the two vegetarian dinners I had, but the breakfasts were great, lots of choice. After studying the map I decided that I didn't want to walk from the hotel and cover ground I had already walked, so I drove a few miles to Carsington Water. It's a big reservoir with a paths for walkers and cyclists all the way around it. I hadn't worked out the distance before hand, but after when I checked it, I found that it was eight miles long. Perfect to finish off with before heading for home.

I parked in Carsington Village, not wanting to pay the parking charge at the two official car parks. The village is part of the circuit anyway so it was a good place to start. I wonder how many more of these signs we are going to see popping up in different places. It seems drones are not wanted in a lot of places now. 

Several large wildlife sculptures were positioned in a grassy area. I suppose the concrete base is to deter thieves, though I think it would be a nice idea if they painted them green.

You can't walk right next to the water as it's fenced off to protect the conservation areas and wildlife. Dogs are not allowed to go in the water.

This very large shed has grass growing on the roof. It's a superduper bird hide and class room,  teachers can take their kids in there and learn all about the different visiting birds.  Link to the RSPB web site if you fancy doing some bird watching.

Ducks hoovering up the crumbs underneath the feeders.

A slip way with a few boats moored up.

This is the sailing club site. A link to the Carsington site if you wish to partake of some sporting activities.

Things to look at as you walk along.

The modern day version of a stone circle, set on a mound, there is a path up to the top.

The view from the top.

In some places the walking and cycling tracks split, then they come together again. I was on the walking track when I came across what looked like an old derelict building, which was probably in use some years ago as part of the workings of the reservoir.

There are no windows, just a door, and inside it is kitted out with rough cut timber furniture. Talk about re cycling and re using, this is the ultimate in self sufficiency. So clever to make use of this space. I feel I want to decorate it with little nicknacks. I bet the kids love it when they come across this hidden cottage.

On the home straight now, one last selfie. The weather has been a bit overcast with a little wind, but it stayed dry. I have walked on long straight stretches parallel to a road, with great views over the fields. Through the twists and turns of the woods, all very well signposted. Mostly flat with some slight inclines.  There is a big visitors centre with all facilities, cafe, shops, toilets, and restaurant.More info on the Severn Trent web site.

Eight miles walked today, with a total of 21 miles over the three days. It's been lovely scenery, good for the body and soul. It's thanks to my friend Janet who looks after my cats and house for me, she is one of the best. The kids were pleased to see me when I got back. Where shall I go next, back to studying maps.   ilona

A walk to Wirksworth.

I am running out of new routes to walk in this area, my map is covered with coloured lines, the creases where I have folded and re folded are getting tatty. Today I walked from Cromford to Wirksworth, a place that I haven't explored before. 

The A5036 out of Cromford is very steep. After a mile I went off left down a track across a field, and picked up another track at Black Rocks, then joined a minor road to Bolehill. 

The road narrowed down to a track as it came into Wirksworth, passing over a stone bridge at the back of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

I enjoyed a bimble around the town, and came across this tiny cinema. I asked a local about it and was told it is indeed a working cinema where you sit on a sofa and have a drink while watching the film. Sounds very cosy.

The Town Hall and Council Offices, and Library. Age UK have a charity shop there.

The big church is just behind the shops on the main road going through Wirksworth.

I just happened to be passing this dinky little shop when I came across the owner chopping wood outside on the pavement, for her wood burner. Dog was strolling about and of course I have to speak to dog people. We got chatting and it turned out that Jo started this Ale House with very little money. Found the premises and furnished it with a mish mash of bits and pieces she found in skips and scrounged off friends, in a similar way that I built the summer house in my garden.
I asked if I could take a photo inside and I was immediately invited in, even though I said it was a bit too early for me to be drinking beer. Tempted as I was I had to keep a clear head for the walk back to Cromford.

A friend of Jo's strolled in so that was the cue to put the kettle on, and we got a free mug of hot tea. A very enjoyable hour or so later, more people came in, and I had to go, time was getting on and I didn't want to be caught out in the dark.

Getting the fire stoked up. There is a room upstairs which is used for entertainment and quizzes. No food is served but anyone can take their own. It's a very friendly place, if I lived near enough you might have to drag me out. Jo has a Facebook page here, The Feather Star. 

A few doors along is this second hand re cycle and re use centre, with some very interesting furniture in the window.

I next went to the main entrance of the Railway.

Not much happening in the winter, getting things ready for the summer season.

Spotted, a Blackpool Tram.

More information about Wirksworth on this web site.
Time to set off back. Had to walk through these cows, they were curious but not threatening. My boots and the bottoms of my trousers are getting a bit mucky now.

My map reading went a bit tits up. I was going to do a circular but ended up back tracking along a road so I could walk faster, didn't want to be wandering around fields in the dark. There are many footpaths which crisscross each other around this area and it can be a bit confusing at the best of times.

It was dark when I came back down the steep hill into into Cromford. A relief to see the street lights. The hotel is on a hill so the lights shine out quite a distance.

Dinner in the dining room tonight, a table for myself. There are two large groups in, one a coach party, and the others came in cars. It was Swing Dance night Forties Style and I was invited to join them. I had stuff to do on the computer but I did go in the ballroom for half an hour to be sociable. They were all dressed up in the forties style, with forties music. I think they must have a club where they learn the dances because they were all step perfect.

Nine miles walked today. One more day to go, I'll post about that tomorrow.  ilona

Walking around Cromford

Hey, I've been away, two nights at the Willersley Castle Hotel at Cromford near Matlock, some jolly fine walking in the area. I left home a bit later on Wednesday because there had been snow and a heavy frost during the night, so I waited till the sun came out and the gritters had treated the roads. 

I arrived at the hotel at 12.30pm, and after a bite to eat I set off for a bimble, taking the road towards Sparkholmes. It was a steep climb, but the views were lovely. That is Matlock Bath down there. 

So far up the road and I took a right turn over a stile and into a wood. The path was steep, so the views got better and better.

A bit further up and another photo. The two pylons you can see on the right are supporting the wires for the cable cars up to the Heights of Abraham.

At the top, Riber Castle comes into view across the fields, I zoomed in on it.

It was a beautiful sunny day.

I headed towards the castle, and took the road to the right hand side of it.

Oh wow, more fantastic views. Matlock looks pretty big down there.

It's been a while since I was last here, and the building work still isn't finished. All fenced off, can't get near it.

More of Matlock comes into view.

Time was getting on so I thought I ought to make my way back down to the main road and head back to the hotel. I had a look round Masson Mills on the A6 as I was passing. It's a big shopping complex, some nice things in there. I just wanted to get warm, it was getting pretty chilly now, time for the woolly hat. Only four miles covered because of the steepness.

I have a lovely room, and a lovely young man served my dinner in the lounge, as the dining room was full with a coach party. This is where I'm sitting as I type this, it will be published when I get back. ilona
PS. More photo's tomorrow.