Tom Jones was on ‘Desert Island Discs’. this morning. The old git and I lay in bed and listened as Sir Tom played a selection of music that, although not always my taste, indicated what a brilliant geezer he was.
There’s something about a human being who is focused, has faith, believes in themselves, and inspires others to get on with their dream.
At 70 he is still living his. Of course into every life a little rain must fall. sometimes its torrential, sometimes it spits and sometimes it just drizzles like a soft day in Galway, but The Jones made me take out my umbrella and listen to the pitter patter of my life.
As it stands today is wet. Very wet. so wet I am still in my pink pyjamas. I’ve cancelled my lovely Bridget who was going to iron, wash, clean and scrub, but we’re all in the house and we would only get under her feet. So I called her and told her to come when we are in Costa Rica – now that’s some kind of excuse – that way she can get the house back to order without the git and the girl and yours truly.
My pink pj’s smell of turmeric, asofeotida, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger and spring onions. I have finally cleared the fridge of last weeks Joo Doo Foo (d) and made a wonderful mish-mash of chicken, pasta, and whatever else was edible.
I intend clearing the pantry but I have two wonderful books on the go and the armchair looks so inviting. The cushions all soft and ready for a sit down. The light just dull enought to put the lamps on. The temperature just right for de-soxed feet and the kettle ready for a cup of camomile. Reading in the day time feels decadent and joyously naughty.
I cannot believe that its two weeks since I have been on gardening leave. Your comments keep coming and for that I am very touched. But I truly am okay.
I am already beginning to have ideas, I will write that book, I will get some work that pays the mortgage, I will get a new rhythm to my life, and whatever the Gods of Chaos throw at me I have my bat ready.
Here comes Jeni Flintoff ready for those googlies in my long stop, I may be in the slips but I’m ready to bowl ’em over. Enough with the cricketing metaphors I have no idea what I’m talking about.
Howszat…..
Dr. James begins his new journey today. The 2 of you should commiserate.
Luvely Lady – I get back from a yoga week in Spain and you’ve gone. I miss you. How do I get in touch?
Pam xx
Wow what a positive blog today Jeni !! Whatever you do wherever you go be it London or Costa Rica take todays positive thoughts with you. Raining here today as well, spent half the day doing embroidery, not the same without you in the background. The puppy has the hump as he is stuck indoors and would rather be romping around the garden, but there is always tomorrow.
xxhugxx
Jeni, I was very sad to hear you had left LBC. Having said that, and after reading your Blog – where you have said that the Landlord in the Battersea flat has been understanding, you still seem to be living the lifestyle you had before – nonsense food, parties, alternative treatments, theatre and hailing black cabs. Does he know this. Bad form on your part. Cut your cloth and all that!
You inspire me sooo much!! Petri is great but you were special…really special avd totally irreplaceable!!!….don’t go!!!…….
Jeni, I’m already getting withdrawal symptoms of not hearing you on the radio via my laptop thingy, my little connection to life back in the UK, as I now live in Ireland. but as I have once before in the past had you leave my tv screen, which I loved daily(my cooking skills have never quite recovered !) I know it will not be long until we can all have our Barnett fix again. I really think you should write a book Jeni, you have a lot of stories to share with us. I’m going to download your Good Food Live audio book if I can get my head round all that downloading nonsense, I’m just a chap who has never got past the demise of Betamax and the audio cassette, so this new pod-casting thing is to much for an old boy from Bromley to get his head round..lol!.
I think you should come over to Ireland (Galway specifically..lol) and do a talk to all the young students studying Broadcasting and the Arts. As an ex actor I know they are always wanting to have people come and give lectures in this field !. I really know they would love you here !. I wish you the very best Jeni, you are a unique talent in a world of broadcasting which without people like you is becoming bland and soulless. Have a great weekend Jeni and I really look forward to your return to us all very soon…Rob xx
Jeni, you are so missed! Been on jury service for two weeks – could not believe what I saw when trying to podcast your shows which I had missed – so sad. Your podcasts have seen me through my London Marathon raining, and, like another writer, the small hours of the morning when slumber eludes – thank you. All the very best………..for now, for I am so sure that you will be back – you are too special. Sue xx