Why The Big One is The Big One

I have had a request to explain The Big One's moniker. There are fears, apparently, that without explanation, some people will feel that he is in some way deformed by gigantism or some other similar accelerated growth condition.

The Big One is simply bigger then me.

not life size

He is a foot taller then me (I'm aware the picture doesn't represent this fact) which I feel is a substantial amount - enough to justify being termed 'The Big One'.

For the record, he's not such a BIG (hee hee) fan of his blog name especially as mutual friends have started referring to him by it.

"You have to think big to be big"

- Claude M. Bristol

P.S Happy Birthday J-Row!

Urban Dictionary Definition of J-Row - (NOUN) An aspiring artist of music. He speaks in a F.O.B. manner (Filipino on Bacation) on accident sometimes. He is too tall for his own good because he keeps injuring his most precious of limbs and cries about it all day long.

xxx

Look What the Big One Found...

Loves it!

Janelle Monae, Tightrope (Wondamix) feat. B.O.B & Lupe Fiasco

Kärlek....

BIG fan of Robyn since her last album. Downloaded 'Body Talk Part One' the other day and CANNOT stop listening to it. Love her tone, lyrics, style and attitude.

Seriously wanted her shaved undercut hair circa Cobrastyle.

Spoilt for Choice

We (moi et le Grand Un) have some of the best friends anyone could wish for!

One of our good friends....I shall name him....Espagne....has recently been assisting a landscape gardener and he claims he has caught the gardening 'bug'. Our new home came with a garden, our very own garden yet it is a horrible mess of gravel and weeds. We had been planning to somehow turn it into something beautiful when along came....Espagne! Having heard about our project he has offered his new and  invaluable services and skills and has been clearing out the existing wreck and prepping it for whatever we choose to turn it into.

He has been turning up, in his own time and getting stuck in. It already looks unbelievably better! He has pretty much returned it to a blank canvas and has now asked me to consider the type of garden I want, the flowers and plants to get and he will turn my vision into a reality!

What an amazing gift! I keep asking him if we can offer him something, anything! A fridge full of treats if not dosh but he insists he enjoys it and wants nothing in return.

So I have been thinking and mulling away to come up with my ideal garden. I kind of already knew what I wanted (cottage style with natural border elements) but having never been a green fingered one, frankly I was a bit intimidated by the task at hand, but now, now, I have someone to guide me through it. I couldn't be more excited!

These are a few pretties I saw today to add to my nursery shopping list.

"A garden must combine the poetic and the mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy."

- Luis Barragan 

Summer, Summer, Summer!

Me and The Big One spent today at Knebworth with family celebrating his nephew's 5th birthday. It was a gorgeous day, the sun shone, the breeze blew, the picnic was never-ending and the games (football, rounders and kite-flying) kept everyone thoroughly entertained.

We had never been to Knebworth before and highly recommend it as a top picnic spot - the entrance fee allows you access to the grounds, the gardens, the castle and the adventure playground fort. Fun for all!

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."
-- Henry James

My Bible...

I am currently reading (for the umpteenth time), 'The Girl Who Walked Home Alone', a personal biography of my all time professional idol, Bette Davis.

Charlotte Chandler interviewed Ms Davis over many months before her death in 1989 and simply presents; their conversations (about her upbringing, her studio life and her relationships), synopses of each of her movies and anecdotes from the many people who played a part in her life and career. It is fascinating and bursting with quotes from the sharp tongued star.

I find her so inspiring, she achieved such an incredible career against the odds. She was raised by a strong and determined single mother who after being abandoned by her husband, faced many nearly dire financial struggles. Finally making it to Hollywood after struggling to make ends meet in rep theatre, Bette wasn't considered 'Moviestar attractive' and so had to fight the studios (and often the directors) to be recognised as a highly accomplished actress.

It's a battle that is still being fought in the industry. The fact she conquered and redefined the Hollywood stereotypes fills me with hope for my career. Despite her many professional and personal hurdles she became one of the greatest and most celebrated actresses in the world.

As an actress, her contained and almost repressed style to emphasise her character's vulnerability is a skill I constantly reference. As an individual, well what a lady! Not afraid to speak her mind or to be unpopular in order to stay truthful to herself and her beliefs.

"Hollywood always wanted me to be pretty, but I fought for realism."

- Bette Davis