Wimbledon , and roses ...it's flaming June....

Yes, it's tennis time again, and Roger Federer, the brilliant Swiss player, will endeavour to make history by claiming the championship for the sixth year running - very apt description as he will have to "run his legs off" to achieve it...good luck Roger...! With Wimbledon comes the strawberry season - an inordinate quantity of these delicious berries are munched annually, helped down by lashings of cream, - ooooh, makes the mouth water just imagining them...I have two patches of self seeded wild Alpine strawberries invading the patio outside the back door, and I harvest a cereal bowl full daily - delicious. My one and only visit to the championships was the the first time Bjorn Borg competed, accompanying my dear Swedish friend Birgitta Raby - Ferron. It was a most memorable day as he won, and with hindsight, I can say I had no idea of the career which would unfold for him, only that day he was phenomenol from the moment he hit the first ball - talk about breathtaking .....The other June delight is the profusion of roses everywhere, and particularly in my garden. The fragrances mingle and make one quite light headed, intoxicated with a variety of scents to compete with any department store perfumery...How are these bouquets re-created to waft out of tiny flasks and sweeten the air so that we can gently breathe them in and be "carried away " by their magic sensations....? (Ambergris, a substance produced by whales, is involved somewhere along the way - don't even go there...) Some persons cannot tolerate any kind of perfume, poor they ... The spectrum of colours displayed by roses is immense - a great display of yellow blooms outside the front window here almost blind with their brilliance when the sunlight catches them, and the lounge is aglow - wonderful. Have you ever had a good look at rose thorns, other than when one pierces your finger ? No, I thought not. Neither had I , until I was making stage props. for Erte, the designer of "Der Rosenkavalier" at Glyndebourne. A slendid rose had been hand made by a silversmith, and when it arrived for rehearsal, it seemed that there was something not quite right about it, magnificent as it was. After a few days it dawned on someone that the thorns were "points UP" on the stem ! Yes, rose thorns have sharp points DOWN - well, there's a thing ! That useless item of knowledge might win you a prize in a competition someday...'bye for now, enjoy the summer...and k..p b.......g

Topsy Turvy......?

What is "Topsy Turvy" ? An expression we English use to describe circumstances beyond our control, which are an intrusion in the normal flow of life. Don't forget, we are amongst the most eccentric of peoples....Yesterday I arrived at London Heathrow Airport, on time, via SAS from Stockholm, and was walking genteely toward passport control, etc... Approaching the first ascending escalator I put my right foot forward on to the track, and was about to follow it with my left foot when I was suddenly aware that my left trouser leg hem was caught on the metal strip holding the approach plate down, so left leg couldn't move forward.. ooops ! Right leg was being propelled forward on the unrelenting stair, and I was achieving the "splits " - legs wide apart and getting wider. I'd never been able to achieve this consciously as a dancer, or in P.T. (physical training classes at school ). It came as a surprise that I have found it now....hm..hm..The fabric of my trouser leg is stretchy, but it eventually tore away from the metal strip, catapulting me into a heap on to the moving stairs - left leg up, right leg folded under my body and head first down resting on the edge of a metal riser, trying not to tumble back down - oooow! Does contortionist come to mind...? By this time, two bright young Swedish girls had realised what was happening; one crawled carefully up over me to anchor my left foot, and the other sat under my shoulders to support my my head - Vikings , I loooove you all... Are you readers still with me ..? The upper girl asked if I was alright. "Yes, I always try to find a new mode of travel, makes life more interesting" I quipped, and we all dissolved in to fits of laughter - what else does one do in a dangerous situation - smile, and take the terror out of it. See what I mean by eccentricity...After what seemed like hours whizzing up the rapidly moving staircase, (it was actually only a few minutes), a Japanese lady had the presence of mind to hit the emergency button and stopped this spontaneous fiasco. International relations were strengthened immediately, but once those Guardian Angels had raised me to the perpendicular, and been assured that I was none the worse for wear after the incident - they all vanished into the milling throng. So I've been deprived of expressing my gratitude for their presence of mind and selflessness - whoever you are, my heartfelt thanks go out to you, God Bless', and I hope you will be rewarded in some way for your kindness and quickwitted actions in saving me from, what otherwise, might have been a tragic accident. Only the other day I menioned the various "almost disasters" during my life. This morning a coach involved in the current football championships stated that "accidents that don't kill you, make you stronger " - but please avoid them like the plague, they can make one wrinkly of face ...! Have a very happy and refreshing summer, and don't forget to k..p b.......g

Having fun with young 'uns !

This week started with a breathing session here in Nasby Park with gifted young singers - what bliss to be with such uncomplicated, eager, learners..... Over the years, with the rigours of adult life, one tends to forget what it was like to be young and carefree - so if you're under fifty years of age - make the most of your energy and zest for life - it's priceless ! The main concern is to be healthy, so be good and respect your body. I'm not kiddin' - mine was battered about early, in my fourth year, when my younger - by two years - sister found it fun to shove me down a long, steep staircase...she was very strong and I was (still AM) gullible! Bouncing my way to the bottom, I was thrown into the pantry and hit my head on the edge of an enamelled bread bin - ooouch.... Yes, it did hurt initially, and I remember eventually being sat on the knee of our kindly old family doctor whilst he sewed up the little hole in my scalp - but I can't recall any pains in the head after that, luckily. That accident must have nullified the brain - which is my excuse/reason for being known as "The Mad One " - it figures....Anyone reading these blogs will conclude that I have survived in spite of all the mishaps, and possibly they made me stronger....? Back to having fun with the young 'uns. I guess it's always a joy to be with young people as one never has the chance to grow up oneself, and our inner child is still inside - look after that infant. As the wise Anna L observed, when my life took on a new direction a while back, and I felt a little sad - 'you are renewed, and as naked as the day you were born. Life will start anew for you' - wrote the amazing lady, that enigmatic, poetical Anna...and she was right (she always is....). Here in Nasby Park we were watching the Sweden/Spain football match the other evening, propped on a large bed with a lifting device, so that we didn't have to strain our necks to view the screen - and we were ALL indulging our lungs lustily, encouraging the "home" team, to the last few minutes - then - utter despair! A Spaniard "snuck" a goal in at the last minute - aaaagh - bother, bother, bother - to be polite ...! Today I had the pleasure of breathing with Johan Tenstam, tenor, and by golly - he's using it fabulously. He brought his sons, Johannes and Oliver - they not only look like little angels, they actually behave like adorable putti - unbelievable! Johannes has just auditioned successfully for the cathedral choir in Upsalla - so keep your eyes and ears open for him in future....Better sign off now or it will be tomorrow.....wishing you all a wonderful summer..k..p b.......g...

Find your "ping" ........

O.K. - but what IS "ping"? Imagine that rather nasty noise children make when they know better than you about ANYthing and EVERYthing - "Na na nanan na"! Yes, it's right up the nose, raising it up, making the cheeks move up under the lower eyelids -ooooowwwh. As I said - nasty ! That tiny focus point is the centre of vocal resonance, and if you then relax, "lower" the nose gently and support the sound with a 'warm breeze' of air, you should achieve perfect phonation. Sounds too easy, doesn't it? Of course - because it IS easy, and there's the rub. Too many singers want to feel some kind of physical discomfort when they sing, otherwise they assume nothing positive is happening...Wroooong! The last thing I ever want to feel is that I'm working hard! My aim is to enjoy life with as little hassle as possible, especially if generated by - me ! My perfect joy is when I'm helping someone release all the anticipated stress involved in singing, and give them the freedom to be inspired by their own creativity, which in turn - with any luck - will inspire the listener - that's when the magic takes over .....It's quite sad for me when, after hours of air connection, an artist pronounces that the result we have achieved is not what they expected - and what's more - they don't like it!! Aaaah ...That person is not an artist or performer, so I tactfully suggest they stick to singing in the bath and choose another life direction, devoting their time to helping less fortunate souls who have some limiting condition and would give anything to be able to move any of their limbs without pain, or assistance...or see... or hear....Yes, connecting the non-hearing with a system that will help them be heard if their voice is functional.. that is a blessing and not as difficult to achieve as one might think....it just takes time, and lots of love and encouraging hugs....Hugs are a very important part of human development, they help the respiratory system by exercising the ribcage - but DON'T overdo it or the effect is lessened and devalued emotionally..! Some folk do not enjoy being hugged - so don't push your luck and offend them....and don't compromise yourself by being too familiar with casual aquaintances .....This sounds like a Victorian epistle on the virtues of social intercourse - well, perhaps it is, I have been around for rather a loooong time....and I still enjoy breathing....'tis a gift, treasure it, and - k..p b.......g...

I dooon't belieeeeeve !!I

What is it that I don't believe ? Last time I was in Sweden my good friends Goran and Anna connected me with a server, using a portable modem. This time I'm staying with Liz- Marie and Tosse, in Nasby Park, and Tosse just explained that he's not an expert but thinks this laptop should automatically go on line "wireless". That didn't mean a lot to me, being of the "steam radio" era, but, lo and behold, Tosse pressed a few keys. Up popped "Dora" and I am using this wireless connection (with Tosses' permission) - well, how about that? As long as I stay within this house I can go on line any time - and Tosse is more of an expert than he believes ...so there !! Today Anna L and I "crossed paths" in the air at Arlanda - she was on the way to Berlin to rehearse with their Philharmonic Orchestra for Aix, and I'm here to "have a breathe" with my other lovely "regulars". Yes, breathing can become a habit....indulge....At London Heathrow Airport I was about to "drop my bag", having already checked in on line, when a "helpful" old gentleman advised me to join a very long queue and not try to "jump it" by going to the baggage drop counter which was free. Explaining that I didn't need to do that, he argued with me for a few minutes whilst I tried to enlighten him on the art of checking in "on line". He shrugged his shoulders, looked at me, obviously branding me an idiot or senile, and muttered "Uuugh - wooomen" ! As the SAS lady took my bag on to the belt and it disappeared, she asked the old gentleman if she could check his ticket, allowing him to avoid the queue. Her smile disappeared - "I'm so sorry Sir, your flight closes in ten minutes. You can't possibly make it, you'll have to be re - scheduled on a later flight" . MEN !! Of course I'm teasin', I love 'em all . Just be careful of the helpful advice given to you by strangers at airports....The other evening I was giving a dinner party at my place and one of the guests spotted a tin of jelly beans,48 flavours, a present from New York via Anna L. The tin was opened and war broke out! The beans were emptied into a dish and the otherwise calm, sedate and frightfully polite guests turned into a group of naughty kids, each trying to secure their favourite flavour...never seen anything like it - I had no idea people were so passionate about jelly beans ! If you want a lively dinner party invest in a tinful and stand back - thankyou Anna x - k..p b.......g.....

The soul ....?

Yes, we've been shivering here for some time, it's rained enough to fill all the reservoires, and the grass has reached knee height - agaaaain ! That makes cutting the lawn a major epic and backbreaking experience (although this time, my Goddaughter is visiting and took on the task - pheeeew, many thanks Celeste) - maybe the Japanese have it right - raked shingle terraces... good for contemplation, meditation, spiritual healing and the soul.... My weekly yoga class is a God send - it matters not which God one is associated with, in fact, one does not need to be a worshipper of any sect or religion. Belief in the divine order of life, and the sanctity of the soul is the ultimate mystery. So what is the soul ? In the Oxford dictionary it is explained thus : Soul = the immaterial part of man regarded as immortal, the organ of emotion and thought and will. My favourite meaning is = the essence of life or inspiration - there you go, my favourite word! It encapulates so many interpretations which create circles - one cannot be inspired creatively unless one is inspired with air, and imagination - the circle has already grown - and so on and so on ! What has inspired me to wite about this today ? The current lack of respect for our fellow creatures; why is there so much evil dominating the headlines? Much is lack of respect for each other. I was with a young Chinese man recently and he is apalled by the lack respect for the elderly in the Western world. The breakdown of our "civilisation" is affecting us all, but how do we redress the situation? Who knows? Faith can play a part and here we are again - belief, religion, etc..Today, at last the sun is shining magnificently and that always gives me a boost of faith in human nature. I count my blessings, take a deep breath and say a heartfelt prayer in the hope that whoever, whatever, makes our world go round, receives my pleas that a kinder, more caring and peaceful world, will emerge from the will power of those who would have a more peaceful way of life globally.....take a nice slow breath - and help to "will" this to happen, for our children's sake ... they deserve it...k..p b.......g....

Glyndebourne then..... cont'd.....

After that brief reference to my old stomping ground, Glyndebourne, in previous blog, I thought I should elucidate a little more on "then", "then" being 1968. In the letter I recently found on a rummage through memorabilia are details of accommodation in Plashett, the long buildings on the lower level of the car park which now contain the Archives. Ironically, on my visit last week, Julia and I were in what I think was originally the shower room of "the boys" end - a forbidden area for "the girls" in my day ....!! The letter contains details of the equipment allocated to each resident - e.g. 1 knife, 2 forks - 1 large, 1 small; 1 dessert spoon, 1 soup spoon, 1 tea spoon - etc., etc., any losses should be replaced... Clean laundry should be collected PUNCTUALLY from the House big kitchen on Thursday mornings, do NOT leave any washing to drip in your bedroom or the bathroom....oh, what fuuuun it was - and it REALLY was !! For a basic week of 48 hours (i.e. 42 hours worked plus 6 hours lunch breaks), you will be paid the rate of £20.00 per week. Overtime :- Time worked over the basic 42 hours up to 72 hours @ 63p per hour. Time worked over 72 hours @ 84p per hour - wooooow - we had to feed ourselves there, and pay for our domicile flats elsewhere ....."aaaah, thooose weeeere the daaaays" said with quivering Spike Milligan oooold voice .....stop laughing Sims - your fingers go aalll wwoobbally ........p.s. We will pay your 2nd. class rail fare from Victoria, London to Lewes, and return, in respect of this engagement - hmm hmmm..!! Those years spent in the bowels of Sussex were some of the happiest and sublime for me, such a Mecca of excellence, some of the finest world class singers - so many came through there, and the only management where the budget was unlimited - you simply requested the materials required to make a piece, and it was delivered pronto ! We were so spoiled in that respect - can't imagine that it happens anywhere else now - that's fairly obvious from cut price productions, isn't it......A "perk" for we minions was to be allowed to sit on the tennis court low wall and watch the patrons promenade to the theatre. One episode that still makes me laugh was when John Fraser, a fellow "Propper" came in to the workshop, speechless and belly laughing, finally rolling on the floor guffawing. When he was eventually able to blurt out the reason for his hysterics, it transpired that a very elegant Lady ( who shall be nameless..) having alighted daintily from the family helicopter, hair piled high, beeeautifully dressed in a strapless, backless gown - down to the crack (!) , gave a little skip as she passed John (sitting on the wall, sipping beer) and moved on quickly. The gentleman following the Lady, noticed something on the path and smartly picked it up, presumably thinking she had dropped her handkerchief . Much to his surprise and embarassment it was her - ? Yes - her panties !! With lightning speed, he shoved them into the yew hedge alongside and walked on majestically as though nothing had happened. The reason John was almost bursting when he arrived in the prop. room was because he knew he couldn't scream his head off in front of the rest of the arriving audience - he'd have been hung, drawn and quartered for that .....So ladies, always check your elastic or thong - !!
'bye for now and do , please k..p b.......g

Glyndebourne - then, ..... and now.....

My first season at Glyndebourne was in 1968, and last Friday I drove down, to research my contribution to their productions over the years, with their charming and highly proficient archivist, Julia Aries. Oooh - to have such a treasure organising my filing system. To my surprise, Julia first presented me with my personal file, which contains the first two letters, written in 1967, applying for a position on their stage management staff - how's that for efficiency? The most surprising thing for me was the hand writing - so neat and text book accurate! One recommendation to students at the London Opera Centre, which I was attending in '67, was to always hand write an application - that can still be the case in England - prospective employers "read character" into it , don't you know ..!! ooooooh. It has been known for a person to persuade a friend to ghost write for them - naughty, naughty...With the advent of computers I think this is inevitably changing....At University, it is not now compulsory to be able to spell, even in the languages departments, which gives everyone a chance of higher education. Some folk don't approve, it would be like having a choral scholar who can't sing in tune to them....much debate on these subjects.... As Julia and I searched through hundreds of photo's, many items I'd forgotten emerged - it must have been a period of prolific output that I'd not realised at the time...Must say I took a few deep breaths at the variety and quantity... There is so much to write about, but I'll stop now and continue later ...I still feel breathless...but you .. please .....k..p b.......g...