Oh dear nearly a month since my last blog entry!!  My computer had a bit of a wobbly combined with work and play did not a leave a lot of time this month!!  however had to write as such exciting news in the ballet world as principal dancer of Royal Ballet Tamara Rojo is leaving to become Artistic Director of the English National Ballet taking over from Wayne Eagling.  She will also continue to dance with the ENB so all her fans can breath a sigh of relief!! A youtube clip of her dancing above and a Great interview today in the Guardian on link below.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2012/apr/15/observer-profile-tamara-rojo-english-national-ballet?newsfeed=true

On a less successful note i attempted for the first time Macaroons. I absolutely love Laduree and thought how hard can it be???? Well the first mix was a disaster  and second attempt was a little better. 8 eggs later and i just about had the consistency needed to pipe into the bags but in the oven they still spread to look like a giant biscuit......
however I persevered and cut them up and filled with Nutella. Results below. They may not be as pretty but they were still very yummy!!!!
 
 
I am very excited to announce my series of new limited edition prints. They are available in different sizes and on  canvas as well. The Perfect Gift!! Please check out my print page for details!!
 
 
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Just been to see Midnight Tango with Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace in Cardiff Millenium Centre. I am a huge fan of both these Argentinian Tango Champions and was thrilled to be able to go and see them live in their new show. It is set in a cafe in Argentina and the dances by both are breathtaking. The whole company are amazing and set the scene and story for many showcase dances. You will not be disappointed if you love tango and dance. It is a must see!! It was also great to meet them and they both could not have been more charming. A real pleasure!! for all tour dates follow the link below. They will be in the West End in January due to their huge success so far,they definately deserve it!! 
 
http://www.midnighttango.co.uk/

 
 
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With singer Marty Wilde just before his concert with The Wildcats at Swansea Grand Theatre.  Very charming and very tall!!!  He was among the first generation of British Pop Stars  to emulate American Rock and Roll.  A really great night was had by all!!
For further gigs follow the link below
 
http://www.martywilde.com
 

 
 
Going  to the dress rehearsal not sure what to expect from Children of Eden. Not familiar with the production it s a revelation. Composed by the same man who did Wicked it is full of toe tapping gutsy music that carries you along with the story or Adam and Eve to Noah's Ark. Swansea Amateurs gave, as always a thoroughly professional performance with some great star turns by the leads. The children involved, picked from the local theatre groups such as Wiseman Stage school where super talented and enriched an already great production!! I was drawing away in the auditorium catching the action, wondering how I had never come across this before. Going back stage the cast, anxious to iron out all the niggles before opening night where a delight as always, happy to pose and point out anything that may be of interest.

While i was waiting for it to start, talking to Brian, he told me of the Grand Theatre ghost. I have never heard of this before so begged him to tell me more. Apparently the ghost was a young dresser who had died on the Lusitania. Brian said had felt her presence and see chairs in the theatre auditorium  move as she walked past!!! There is always apparently,  a smell of violets when she is roaming and a "cold" seat on the top circle where I presume she likes to sit. I , needless to say did not go and check it out. I will keep you posted if I see any sightings.......
 
 
Happy International Womens Day! 

 International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.  Suffragettes campaigned for women's right to vote. The word 'Suffragette' is derived from the word "suffrage" meaning the right to vote. International Women's Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women's success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed. The f International Women's Day event was run in 1911. So it is the 100th Year Anniversary today!!
 
 
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An odd looking bird appeared with russet coloured coat and blue feathers under each wing. Quite a chubby stong looking bird which seemed, also to be a bit of a bully chasing after the little birds. Does anyone know what this is?

Last night I was  at The Harry Secombe  dress rehearsal. Their show is in the main theatre on Fri Jan 28th. A really talented lot of youngsters, promises to be a great night.

Last but not least Happy Burns Night. Don't eat too much haggis.........


 
 
Wishing Everyone  a Very Happy Christmas and Wonderful New Year!!
 
 
The moon was so beautiful outside my window I took this photograph. It reminded of the poem below.
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Winter
    CLOUDED with snow The cold winds blow, And shrill on leafless bough The robin with its burning breast Alone sings now.

    The rayless sun, Day's journey done, Sheds its last ebbing light On fields in leagues of beauty spread Unearthly white.

    Thick draws the dark, And spark by spark, The frost-fires kindle, and soon Over that sea of frozen foam Floats the white moon.

    Walter De La Mare