Window on the World

Make And Do With Perri...

2009-07-14T11:56:00.001-07:00

The Guardian Offices, York Way, London
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Tuesday 7th April 2009

Lucy's friend Steven was arriving back from a three week stay in San Francisco and Lucy had promised to meet him at Heathrow. We travelled up together and I took the opportunity to go and visit a contact at the Guardian Newspaper, while Lucy travelled on to the airport.
The Guardian Building is really impressive, a security man on the door and an escalator that only moves when someone gets on it. Upstairs there was a reception desk where they gave you a visitor's card and then there were very interesting seats to sit on in pink, orange and green. It was lucky that I had to wait for Perri as everyone who walked in was a potential VIP. The only person I really noticed was a photographer with a very large camera. As he sat and waited for his contact, he was playing with a brand new motor wind - straight out of it's box...
When Perri eventually emerged she was not as I had expected, but very nice and chatty all the same. She led me to their 'relaxing area' (full of different types of squashy seats - all difficult to actually sit on) which looked out on the central glass atrium area. Raising your eye line, all the meeting rooms were clearly visible and it was hard to believe that there were meetings going on at that moment where the front page stories were being discussed - exciting stuff!
All too soon it was time to leave and after some slight confusion as to how to be let out, I was walking back to St Pancras in search of something to photograph.

British Museum

2009-07-14T11:54:00.001-07:00

British Museum Panorama
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

The British Museum has to be one of my favourite places to visit in London. It doesn't matter what the weather is like out side, the sense of space and the light and shadows just has to be experienced to be believed.

Light And Shadows...

2009-07-14T11:50:00.003-07:00

People Watching, Inside The British Museum, London
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

See The Film, Experience The Musical...

2009-07-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

See The Film, Experience The Musical...
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

After meeting up with Steven and Lucy , we went and had something to eat and then Lucy and I made our biannual visit to a the bead shop near Covent Garden. (Steven sat patiently while we spent our pocket money) I then made my way home, while Lucy and Steven saw a few more sights before travelling back on the 8 o'clock train.

Big White House...

2009-07-14T11:36:00.001-07:00

Big White House, Holbrook, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Monday 30th March 2009

Not the most eventful of weeks, but this was the last week of term.

We made felt necklaces and a key rings in my Jewellery classes and an Easter Card in the card class.
Preparation were in place for a new 6 week Jewellery Class in Chaddesden beginning in two weeks time.

Things to do in the holidays: visit parents

Always Expect The Unexpected...

2009-07-13T11:33:00.003-07:00

Where Did He Come From...?
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Sunday 29th March 2009

It was a beautiful sunny day today, so 'dragged' Lucy out for a long walk this afternoon in an attempt to photograph some local scenes for the All Things Local magazine.

This is one picture that won't be appearing on the front cover...

Beautiful Blossom...

2009-07-13T11:33:00.001-07:00

Blackthorn Blossom
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Hapless Heifer...

2009-07-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

Heifer, Holbrook, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Curious Horse...

2009-07-13T11:31:00.001-07:00

Curious Horse, Holbrook, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Peak District Panorama... Stunning View

2009-07-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

Panorama, Peak District, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

22.03.09
Robert had rather a long journey back to Salisbury last night, eventually arriving home at 12.30pm

23.03.09
Made a Felt Corsage with learners today with the felt they made a fortnight ago. Cut out petals and used the felt balls for the centre, they looked really effective.

24.03.09
Graham went back to America
Was very pleased with the variety of Memory Albums learners made today.

25.03.09
Busy with website and sourcing materials for tomorrow's class.

26.03.09
New class went very well. This new class excelled themselves and made some beautiful earrings and matching necklaces.

27.03.09
Graham's away, so Lucy and I went to Ikea for tea - after shopping in town and food shopping at Morrisons.

28.03.09
Ended up going back to Ikea today, but for the other shops this time. Boots had a special money off offer due to being newly opened.

Ladybower Inn

2009-07-13T11:06:00.003-07:00

Ladybower Inn
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Saturday 21st March

Lovely sunny day to make our first trip to Ladybower Reservoir. Stopped here for lunch and had a nice (if a little short) walk around the lake. Had to get back as Lucy had a party to go to. (Steven's grandparent's Golden Anniversary)

Ladybower Reservoir

2009-07-13T11:06:00.001-07:00

Panorama, Ladybower Reservoir, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

It was so lovely to have the whole family together and to go on this walk.

Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District

2009-07-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

Tower Triptych, Ladybower Reservoir, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Matchstick Men...

2009-07-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

Lonely Trees, Shipley Park, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Sunday 15th March 2009

We went for a walk around Shipley Park today. The weather was very dull, but as the sun began to set, the sky brightened and gave me the opportunity to capture these silhouettes.

16.03.09
Tried to find out about hiring the Memorial Hall in Breadsall and thinking of giving up my teaching and doing it privately. The person who does the lettings was really unhelpful, so looks as though I won't be able to change anything in the near future...

17.03.09
Card Class at Alfreton went well, learners enjoyed embossing using Parchment paper.

18.03.09
Red Letter Day today. I sent an email to the editor of All Things Local today asking about placing an advert for piano lessons. The rate is £150 per year, which although isn't that expensive, is beyond my means. I wrote back to say I wouldn't be advertising, but offered her any of my images for the front cover. She wrote back to say she loved my photos and would like to use them for her three magazines and in return I get my advert for free!!

Next I had a phone call from my Line Manager today. "Could I go and teach a group of mums at Chaddesden starting tomorrow?". They've been doing crafts with a tutor and have 'fallen out' with her. Great, couldn't be better!

19.03.09
I thoroughly enjoyed teaching Jewellery to 12 enthusiastic young mums and they thoroughly enjoyed the class as well. Only down-side is that there are only three weeks left in the term.

The Moon and Me...

2009-07-13T10:29:00.001-07:00

New Moon And Venus...
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

7th March 2009

Graham was back from America today

09.03.09
Checked price of Calligraphy Pens at Johnny Wrights for WI Calligraphy talk in June.

10.03.09
Lucy's interview in Birmingham for work experience. Went really well, she starts immediately from next Tuesday, one day a week.

11.03.09
Moodle Training at Peveril House Codnor. Three hours of CPD, lucky me. Can't say I learned anything, but helped another tutor... Must remember to go via Ripley next time, much quicker.

12.03.09
Glass painting over at Burton. Went really well, we painted glasses using frosting medium and covering the edges with glitter.

13.03.09
Graham had to go for a second blood test. They took one at his last check up, but as it was on a Friday afternoon, it wasn't sent off and had to be thrown away!

I caught the 9.18 train to Birmingham and spent the day that the Hobbycraft Exhibition. Had a long catch up with Chris and took some photos of the 'Learn To Knit Stand' for use on the website.

London Fashion Weekend 5th March 2009

2009-04-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

London Fashion Weekend, Natural History Museum, London
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Read all about it here: Fashion Weekend Event

London Fashion Weekend

2009-04-13T06:33:00.001-07:00

London Fashion Weekend, Natural History Museum, London
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

I was contacted by a trainee journalist for permission to use this image in her online article: http://www.mindzgap.co.uk/ (image no longer there unfortunately)
See here for Hat Exhibition

Models Strut Their Stuff...

2009-04-13T06:31:00.001-07:00

Catwalk At London Fashion Weekend, 5th March 2009
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

For video on You Tube see here

2009-04-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

IN BRIEF

02.03.09

Had difficulty thinking up a new project for my Jewellery Class, so used something I hadn't done before - making a necklace from Shrink Plastic. I had some Shrinkles which has pre-printed patterns on it. All the class has to do was colour the stars/circles/squares in, cut it out with wavy edged scissors and watch me heat it. Worked really well and some even asked to use the heat gun.

Had phone call at 8.45pm from a Line Manager who is coming to observe me tomorrow. Says her mum is coming out of hospital and she can't make it...

03.03.09

Decided to change what I'm doing for this afternoon's Card Making Class and save the lesson I had planned for the OTL until I am observed. Had phone call at 11.00am to say I will be observed after all, by someone I don't know. Panic stations...

Observation went really well, lady was supportive, gave constructive feedback and me a Grade 2. Might even get to have access to a laptop in future classes, which isn't possible at the moment.

I've been corresponding with someone for weeks now about her husband who (she thinks) wants piano lessons and he finally arranged to come tonight. I think he was as impressed by me, as I was by him... Received a 'thanks, but no thanks', email by end of the evening - relief...

04.03.09

Catch up day on website.

05.03.09

Day out in London at Fashion Weekend event. Lucy arranged tickets for this event a couple of weeks ago. The tickets weren't cheap, but Lucy assured me they were 'worth every penny' as she'd paid extra to return home with a 'goodie bag'.

Everything went according to plan, train on time, straight to the Natural History Museum had some lunch (at a sandwich bar opposite) and a quick look at the V&A shop. Once in, I have to say I was a little disappointed at what was on offer. For our £26.00 we had the opportunity of drooling over a reasonable number of Designer Stalls, all selling clothes and accessories that we couldn't afford even at reduced prices! I nearly did succumb to a Mojo Handbag for £115, but settled instead on some unusual shell jewellery for £5.00! The Fashion Show (included in the price) was entertaining, but a little short on content. Got some reasonable images and passable videos. Afterwards we went back to the V&A and went to see the Hat exhibition, which, to be honest was the highlight of the day...

Post script: I received an email from a student journalist who asked permission to use one of my images for her online newspaper, great!

06.3.09

Quiet day spent at home catching up on everything

07.03.09

Graham home from the US, spent most of the day busy in garden.

Willington Power Station

2009-03-31T12:56:00.001-07:00

Willington Power Station, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Sunday 1st March

Weather beautiful, if a little chilly. Felt I had to get out and record the event. Lucy not really up to going out, but was happy to come for the ride.
Even the disused cooling towers looked good today...

Mercia Marina, Newly Decked Out...

2009-03-31T12:55:00.001-07:00

Mercia Marina, near Willington, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Discovered a new Marina near Willington, so stopped for a look and a quick walk round.

Through The Arch...

2009-03-31T12:54:00.001-07:00

Through The Arch, Repton School, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

I've never stopped in Repton before. The old school buildings are full of historic attributes. We've all heard so much about the place, but how much do we actually know...?

Triangles In The Sky...

2009-03-31T12:53:00.001-07:00

Repton, Art?
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Had to take this one for the amazing colour in the sky.

2009-03-27T02:04:00.000-07:00

IN BRIEF

24.02.09

Jewellery Class, making necklaces with wire bouillon. Worked well in theory, thread lengths of bouillon onto wire and make simple loops. In practice, students chose colours they liked rather than size they could work with. Something to think about next time...

25.02.09

Card Making, a touch of Origami this week. Only had four students, but just as hectic as they bombarded me with questions and enthusiasm.

26.02.09

Worked all day on website. Long chat about preparations for taking knitting into schools.

26.02.09

Should have been very exciting day for Lucy as she has interview for a work placement. Unfortunately, the person organising it was called away at the last minute and Lucy has tummy bug. Obviously not meant to be today. Lucy decided that she was well enough to meet up in Birmingham and we took Sarah out to lunch at the museum - a belated birthday present. Quick look around and then a long walk around the shops. Home by 6.00pm (Interview has been rescheduled for next Tuesday).

27.02.09

Work and then some tidying up in time for 11.00am when acquaintance from teaching was coming for coffee. Unfortunately, she took the scenic route via Chaddesden and was late, then had to leave early, but lovely to have a chat, however small, all the same.

On way to collecting Lucy from station, called in on Graham's work colleague to give him Graham's Birthday card (he is travelling to America tomorrow) and then went shopping.

28.02 09

Graham's Birthday

Not sure what sort of a day it would have been if Graham had been at home. - I had to attend a tutor meeting all morning. It was quite a jolly affair, but I'm not sure taking three quarters of an hour to do introductions was a valuable use of our time...

After lunch Lucy and I had a quick trip out to Hucknall and then came home again...

Trip To Buxton...

2009-03-07T04:55:00.001-08:00

The Palace Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis

Saturday 21st February

We didn't manage to get off very early, but went to Buxton for a late lunch, a walk round and to take a few photographs.
It was absolutely freezing.