Some Lucky Canuck might win a trip to New Zealand!

I was alerted to this opportunity to win a trip to New Zealand by my blogger friend Nat from Richard Armitage Fan Blog.  She was contacted by the company who is promoting this prize but since it for Canadians only, she passed the information on to me.

Here is what you could win:
Roundtrip Economy airfare for two (2) from Vancouver, Canada to Queenstown, New Zealand
Ten (10) night’s accommodation for two (2) at the Hilton Hotels & Resorts Queenstown in a deluxe lake-view room
Daily breakfast for two (2) at the Wakatipu Grill, courtesy of Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Follow this link to Tribute.ca to enter the contest:

http://www.tribute.ca/contests/triptonewzealand20121217/?referrer=tribute

You can enter until Feb.10, 2013, so keep trying until then!

For more information, the rules are all laid out here:

http://www.tribute.ca/contests/triptonewzealand20121217/rules.html

Good Luck!

Seasonal offerings

When I travel, I love to visit historical sites, such as old churches as well as art galleries and museums. Not all places allow photographs to be taken, and I certainly can't take a picture of everything, but I do try to capture a few that interest me.  I had to do a bit of research to discover some of the background to these works of Christian art from the Medieval period as I didn't take notes at the time.  It is interesting that both of these pieces were created within only a few years of each other, but they are by artists from different countries and are also housed in galleries far from the other.

German Lamention (1510)

Glasgow, Scotland. The Burrell Collection

Lamentation over the Dead Christ (ca. 1509).
by Andrea Solari (1460–1522)

Paris, France. The Louvre

This next picture was taken by my husband on our recent trip to Mexico.  I was unable to discover any details about this particular work. 

Wrought iron artwork in doorway (ca. early C20th)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Since I can't bear to see anyone so sad, it brought to mind this famous Negro spiritual which has been rediscovered since Bruce Springsteen covered it.  I realize it's not about Mary, the mother of Jesus - but it still works, if you can ignore that fact!

Oh Mary Don't You Weep

performed by Bruce Springsteen

May you have a joyful Easter season!

Hill Top Farm (part 2)

After my long walk up the hill (see Part 1 here), I arrived at Hill Top Farm and it was well worth the effort!  Beatrix Potter's farm is a delight to see.

Beatrix Potter Song   by Phylly    

(To the Tune of the Lonely Goatherd)

Beatrix Potter at Hill Top Farm

High on a hill in the La-ake District
To Hill Top Farm (Miss Potter Land)
I did go.

To see the haunts of the Flopsy Bunnies
The centre of Peter Rabbit's world.
Little did I know she was such a hero
Her earnings saved the land from speculators!
And when she died she gave the land to England
Beatrix Potter -- Way to go!

Oh that Lad-eeee!
What a wonder she was!
An environmentalist!  Before her time!

Oh - ho - ho - ho! Beatrix Potter
Storyteller, artist, queen of the farm
Oh - ho - ho - ho! Beatrix Potter
A nature conservationist too!

This video is a lovely tour of her house and grounds at Hill Top which includes her illustrations.

Here is the intro to a DVD collection of her stories called 
"The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends".

Here is the entrance to the farmhouse where she did her writing.

Hill Top Farmhouse wth a random tourist in front

Beatrix married rather late in life, after her first fiancee died shortly after their engagement.  She was engaged to Norman Warne, the youngest of the Warne brothers who published her first books.  She met William Helis in the Lake District.  He was the lawyer who arranged for her purchase of the farm.



Beatrix and William as newlyweds



In the distance to the right you can see the house where she lived with her husband.  She seemed to have kept her two worlds somewhat separate, her married life in the house and the farmhouse as her retreat.

Here are some more of my photos of the countryside.  Many of these views were illustrated by Miss Potter in her books.

I like to imagine what Beatrix Potter might have thought of John Thornton

[if he were a real person and] if they met!



If Miss Potter had met Mr. Thornton

This was not the first time I have mentioned Beatrix Potter on my blog
(and probably won't be the last either).  Here she is on my basket themed post.

Austensibly* in Bath!

OR Phylly's Bath time (part 2).  *Title explanation.

On a previous post (which I began in September!), I reported that I had taken a bus tour in July 2010 and visited the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, UK.  However, there is another reason why visiting Bath is so interesting, especially if you are a fan of the novels of Jane Austen, as I am.  Jane Austen lived for a time in Bath and also used the location as a setting in her novels, particularly Persuasion.

Bath is a very picturesque small city, situated in the Avon Valley. The steep streets rise from the river up to the Cotswald Hills. It is a place I hope to return to because I certainly didn't have enough time to take in all the beauty of its vistas, its architecture and its historical sites. 

My Bus Tour Guide

Our bus trip was to visit the Roman Baths Museum.  When we arrived at our stop beside Bath Abbey, with the Museum right around the corner, our guide explained that our guided tour would begin in a half an hour.  So we had that much time to explore the area on foot before the tour started.  My goal was to find the Jane Austen Centre.  Luckily there were well labelled street signs everywhere but I had no idea how far away it would be.  I gave myself 15 minutes to find it so that I knew I could get back on time.  I started in the direction the street sign gave me.  The street inclined steadily upward so it was a bit of a workout but I was in  better walking shape from my previous jaunts than I had been since I arrived on England's shores.

After 15 minutes of hiking uphill following the signs I still hadn't reached my goal.  I stopped to consider my options.  I decided it couldn't be very far off (this was complete optimistic conjecture), but as the way back was all downhill it would be a quicker return trip.  The clincher was I was in dire need of a toilet!  Less than five minutes later I reached my goal!

I was met at the entrance by a life-sized statue of a lady in Regency costume whom I assumed was supposed to represent the authoress, or at least one of her characters!   After nodding respectfully at my greeter I crossed the threshold.  The first room to the right of the door was a Book shop and while my brain was clamouring to examine that space, my bladder was much more insistent.  A sign on the stairway in front of me beckoned to the basement where I was able to find relief in the usual offices.  In that  room I was amused to find a little shrine to Colin Firth's Darcy on the wall.

Powder Room Portrait

After quickly perusing the gift store for any easily portable Austen memorabilia, I realized that books were the only items for sale.  Normally a book would be the perfect thing, but because of luggage weight restrictions I knew I should restrain myself.
Down the hall from the entrance was a roped off section which appeared to be the museum.  It looked very intriguing and as no one was around, I pondered stepping over the rope to have a better look at what I would be missing. However, my manners and morality forbade me doing so and also I should admit, my fear of being caught!
The top of the stairs had a waiting room where some people were watching an introductory video before the next museum tour started.  Down the hall there was a little Tea Room which I deeply regretted not being able to visit, but it was absolutely time to be getting back!

I had less than 10 minutes to hoof it back to the Roman Bath Museum but I am proud to say I made it back precisely on time. Good thing, or I would have been in trouble with my husband!  I had to let him have a few choices in our tours as I had dragged him off to every literary tour I could find!  The Roman Baths were really a very worthwhile place to visit.  It satisfied both my historical and my husband's technological interests.

After our very interesting tour we had a few more minutes to spare before boarding the bus back to London.  I couldn't leave without having a peek at the Pump Room which was right next door to the Baths.  It was a large room full of many tables glittering with fancy place settings and the lively chatter of many customers enjoying their afternoon tea.  Right by the entrance to the room was the actual "Pump" where we were encouraged to sample the water which was free for the asking.  So I did have a sample which was tepid and mineral tasting, but not as bad as I might have thought.  I have also drunk the water from a Glacier in the ice fields of the Canadian Rocky Mountains so it was interesting to have that comparison.  The young lady who gave me the drink kindly consented to having her picture taken.  She seemed surprised that I was interested, but I knew it would be a good picture.

As the bus climbed the hills on its way out of town our guide pointed out a row of houses, one of which was where Jane Austen had lived with her parents when her father retired from the clergy in 1800.  I almost missed it, but I think this was the right photo. Some day I must return to Bath to enjoy the place in a more leisurely manner!

And what does Jane Austen have to do with Richard Armitage?  Just that I am not the only fan of both that author and that actor. Many Austen fans yearn to see Richard Armitage chosen to star in a remake of Persuasion.  Here is a mashup trailer with Richard's character of John Thornton in  a movie with Kate Winslet.

Richard Armitage stars in Persuasion / by Elizzybrigth

Austen's most cherished hero was Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.  So here is another fan's creative way to make Mr. Armitage into Mr. Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice Trailer / by beccybubb

Last but not least, feast your eyes on this graphic artist's

portrayal of Mr. Darcy.

Don't we wish it were true!

Funny Money for a song

Canadian singer / songwriter Corin Raymond has a very unique idea to raise funds for his next studio recording.  Since he wrote the song Don't Spend it Honey which refers to CanadianTire money, he wondered if his supporters might want to send him their Canadian Tire bucks since he found a studio which will actually accept it as legal tender!

Canadian Tire bucks, for those readers who are not familiar with this uniquely Canadian phenomenon are what the Canadian Tire hardware store gives out to customers with each purchase as a type of coupon which can be used with your next purchase.  Most Canadians save up this money and sometimes never even use it!

I have been a big fan of Corin's since first hearing him play with his friend and fellow bandmate Sean Cotton as The Undesirables.  I even posted one of his videos on one of my latest train themed posts. Currently Corin is working with a back up band called The Sundowners.  They are planning on recording a Live Album which on Jan. 24 & 25 at the Tranzac in Toronto.


Here is an earlier video of Corin singing about how music is more important to him than money.

Fill Me Up With Sound / The Undesirables (featuring Corin Raymond)

Unfortunately, independent artists trying to make it in the music business have to use a considerable amount of the cash earned from touring and playing gigs in all manner of places to pay for studio sessions. But that is how they get their recordings out there for people to hear and (hopefully) buy. 

Yesterday I attended a house concert in the home of a local supporter of the musical arts where we collected  a basketful of Canadian Tire bucks to send to Corin.

Here he is with a video explaining his campaign and singing the song that inspired it all:

If you have ever shopped at Canadian Tire and collected any Canadian Tire bucks, wouldn't it be fun to feel you had a part in producing a music album by a very talented, and deserving up and coming singer / songwriter? If you would like more information, along with the address to send this fun little currency, please visit a special web page created for this purpose: http://www.dontspendithoney.com/   The latest news is that if he can raise enough, the record producer is willing to carry some of the funds over to his next recording as well.  So that might mean he gets the next 2 albums paid for!

Now, you may be wondering, if you are a frequenter of this blog -- What has all this got to do with Richard Armitage? Wait for it, I am getting there I promise!

You see, when I visited England in July 2010 I happened  to stop in for a drink at a pub where the walls were decorated with paper currency from all over the world.  Of course I scanned the walls looking for a Canadian bill.  I should let you know that the lowest currency in paper is a Five Dollar bill.  There used to be One and Two dollar bills but they were phased out with coins charmingly knicknamed Loonies (after the Loon on the back) and Twoonies (just for fun).  I wouldn't say that Canadians are stingy people, but let's just say they are known for being more frugal than some other nationalities.  So I was getting a bit worried about not being able to find any Canadian bills -- until finally -- I saw it!  You guessed it -- a Canadian Tire buck -- right there amongst all the real money.  Well that certainly made me chortle (rather ashamedly actually).  I had to share my glee with the bartender, who practically rolled his eyes because I'm sure he hears the same story from every Canadian who ever comes in there!  Later, I did find a real Canadian fiver on the wall so my sense of national pride was restored.

Bar Bucks

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Don't you just wonder where this interesting pub was located?  First, I should tell you a bit of its history. 
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be the oldest inn in England.  Although the actual building which stands today is not original, the location of the brewery dates back to 1189 AD (or CE if you prefer), the same year Richard the Lionhearted became King Richard I. Apparently knights would stop here on their way to the Crusades.  The brew house was located in the caves at the foot of the castle in Nottingham.
Yes! That is the Nottingham as in Sherwood Forest of Robin Hood fame! 

The caves below Nottingham Castle

My husband and I were visiting with friends and only had one night so we didn't have a chance to visit the castle other than to take a couple of pictures of it on the way to the pub.  Our friends didn't seem to think the castle was much to see, but I was quite disappointed not to have a better tour.  It is difficult to spend time with friends and sightsee at the same time, especially when short of time.  So I am determined to return someday and do a proper tour!


We did have a lovely visit with our friends and I must admit, the tour of their English garden was one of the highlights of our trip for me.  They even kept their own bees which made delicious honey!

Here is the view from their livingroom window.

You have probably guessed by now where I'm going with this post.  Since we have now arrived in Sherwood Forest, I can at last mention my favourite character in the BBC's version of the Robin Hood series.  He is none other than Guy of Gisborne as portrayed by Richard Armitage as the antihero with heroic tendencies.

Wouldn't it be a dream to meet Sir Guy at the local pub?

 Guy seems to be enjoying his drink.  
We must have spent awhile in that pub because his hair seems to have grown quite a bit!

Guy has a few too many brews and gets a bit flirty.  

Of course I don't mind, but my husband is getting annoyed so we have to say our goodbyes.

Luckily Guy pays the tab as all I had on me was Canadian Tire bucks!

I don't think Sir Guy is impressed. 

Owl's well that ends well

An award winning picture book.
Have it read to you on Youtube!

Who? Close as darkness.

Who? Whose cold voices
trembling in the trees?

The owls are calling.
Ice in their voices.
Moon in their glittering eyes.

Cocooned in dreams
my sleep troubled
by the owl's calling

till the black throat
of the early cock splits
night for the furious sun

to spring up singing.

     PAUL COLTMAN

My daughter showed me this freaky owl awhile back and I have been saving it to share with you now.  I am not sure it is for real. Make sure you watch until the end, for the most surprising transformation!

 Transforming Owl

Fellow Richard Armitage fan Ana Cris also mentions a certain type of owl in her post called: I'm Not Going Out There on her new blog La Loba :A jornada de uma alma (Wolf Woman: A soul's journey). She posts twice - first in English and next in her own language of Portugese. I was introduced to Ana Cris where she is a frequent commenter over at Servetus's blog, Me + Richard Armitage. It is lovely to meet RA fans from all over the world -- Ana Cris is from Brazil!

One of the most famous bird artists would have to be John James Audubon (1785-1851)

Canadian naturalist painter Robert Bateman is famous for his realistic depiction 

of animals in their native habitat.

Native Canadian artists paint in a style known as Woodland.  I like this Anishanabee artist's depiction of an owl. This artwork by Robert Kakegamic can be found in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Wahsa Gallery.

 
  Here is an awesome website of arts and crafts and wonderful things all to do with owls!
http://www.myowlbarn.com/



 Probably Canada's most famous owl of all, wasn't a real owl, or even what he appeared to be. The man known as Grey Owl (1888-1938) was thought (by white society) to be of First Nations origin.  He was actually born Archibald Belaney in England and dreamed of coming to Canada since he was very young to live his life as a native person.  He finally arrived in Canada in 1906. He lived with the Ojibway peoples in Quebec and Ontario and learned much from them.
After several failed relationships he met a young woman who had a huge influence on him. Named Anahareo, she was of Mohawk and Iroquois descent and much younger than he was when they married  She persuaded him to give up trapping for a living and instead write about his experiences.  Grey Owl's writing had a huge influence on the conservation movement.  His log cabin home where he lived while writing is a historic site in  Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan.

Born Archie Belaney, known as Grey Owl

A movie was made in 1999 starring Pierce Brosnan. Although it was quite factual, I couldn't quite believe Brosnan in the role as he was just a bit too movie star beautiful to seem real.

If the movie is ever remade, I would vote Richard Armitage for the role!  He is a better character actor and can easily transform himself (like that owl!) to fit into any role!

Do you see the resemblance?

 
  








Owl and the Pussycat is a very famous nonsense poem by Edward Lear, published in 1871.  Beatrix Potter was fascinated with Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat and even did her own illustration of the poem which is on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. Click here to see it.

 This title was also used for a movie made in 1970 starring Barbra Streisand and George Segal.  This one is definitely not for the kids! It's pretty racy and very dated but it looks like it would be good for a chuckle.  Here is a trailer:

Guardians of Ga'hoole is a series of children's books written by Katherine Lasky. It is a fantasy adventure about a group of owls who are on a quest for justice and must escape danger from the evil usurpers of the kingdom. Zack Snyder made the first three books into a movie last year.  I hope you enjoy this preview which highlights a song by Owl City.

Take to the Sky / by Owl City from the movie Legend of the Guardians (2010)

Here are a couple of cartoon owls from Disney movies you will probably remember:

Winnie the Pooh's Owl

Archimedes from Disney's The Sword in the Stone

 

When I was in Leeds, UK last summer I was fascinated by all the gorgeous owl statues everywhere I looked in the middle of the city! I took lots of pictures as it seemed very unusual to have a city mascot (especially of an owl).  According to Wikipedia, the owl symbol is part of the city's coat of arms, established in 1666.

This one shows 3 silver owls which are attributed to the coat of arms of Leeds' first city alderman Sir John Saville. The sheep in the center symbolizes Leeds' history as a center for the wool trade. This coat of arms has not been used since 1921, as it has been replaced by a newer design.

 I enjoyed my visit to Leeds and would love to return some day.



 
 
In the Harry Potter universe O.W. L. stands for Ordinary Wizarding Level and it is type of test or examination which must be passed in order to become a wizard.

Owls play an important role in the Harry Potter series of books by J.K. Rowling. They are the messengers and every wizard must have one!

Hedwig the Snowy Owl from the Harry Potter movie series

Now here is a wizard who performs magic nearly on a daily basis for me!  

I have him in costume for Halloween, so perhaps he is not quite as attractive as usual. 

But at least he looks better than his sidekick! Can you tell whooo that is?

  
Happy Halloween to OWL of you!

Roman Bath

A bus trip to Bath was an exciting daytrip during last summer's trip to Britain.  The focus of our short visit was the Roman baths.

This wasn't my tour bus, but it made for a colourful shot.

Our day of touring started out at Windsor Castle. (I had a previous post about that.)  We had to cover a fair distance to get to Bath but it was beautiful countryside along the way.

The Roman Baths

The underground hot springs

The complex during Roman times

Medieval architecture looms over the ancient structure

What the pool looks like today. 

No one bathes there now!

Poolside

And this was the pool guy!

I couldn't help but be reminded of one of my 
favourite Wayne & Shuster skits.

So here we have my favourite Roman soldier!

Richard Armitage in Cleopatra
(photo courtesy of Richard Armitage Net screencapped by Jonia)

RAFrenzy has a great post about watching this movie. I haven't seen it yet. Richard doesn't have more than a tiny role, but he makes the most of it.  If there was an Oscar for "best background" actor he should get it!