Tag Archives: katherine gregor

Odds & Ends: A Green Pillar Candle

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Scribe Doll

I am warming my stiffened fingers on the green pillar candle on my desk.  Forest green.    I bought it from Robert Sayle’s.  The flame is dancing on the sloped ceiling of my attic room.  The East Anglian wind is … Continue reading →

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Words and Civilisation: A Smidgeon of Français

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Scribe Doll

Say sidewalk, elevator or garbage, and the English will wince in disgust and mutter the almost unspeakable.  “That’s American,” they will remark before casting you out of Society for polluting the purity of Shakespeare’s tongue.  Using French, however, suggests to … Continue reading →

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Double Standards: 7 Inconsistencies for the First Week of the Year

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Scribe Doll

Saturday: The country is being squeezed by financial cuts.  Child poverty is rising sharply.  The rate of unemployment is high.  The cost of living is escalating while salaries are dropping.  Yet, last Saturday, a six-figure sum (I could not find … Continue reading →

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Odds & Ends: New Year’s Eve

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Scribe Doll

When I was nine years old, and we were living in Nice, I would sit by the window, in my pyjamas, and watch the neighbours leave home to go to various New Year’s Eve festivities.  The men all wore black … Continue reading →

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Odds & Ends: Christmas Eve (Claws Sheathed – Promise!)

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Scribe Doll

My Russian-Armenian grandmother celebrated on Christmas Eve.  That was when she served the special dinner, after which presents were unwrapped.  Christmas Eve was also full of mystery and magic.  It was when Gogol’s witch flew out on her broomstick, plucking … Continue reading →

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Words and Civilisation: Words of ‘Comfort’?!

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Scribe Doll

You’ve just had a major disappointment, heartbreak or mishap; or you’re just having a bad time.  You’re feeling low, sad, upset or angry.  Whatever the reason, you’re basically in a lousy place, from which the view is – begging your … Continue reading →

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Pet Hates: (Some) Christmas Cards

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Scribe Doll

No, I am not one of those people who get grumpy, depressed or reclusive at this time of year.  I love, and always have loved, Yuletide.  No, I do not like to see tinsel and baubles adorning the shops in … Continue reading →

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Pet Hates: The Devil’s Demand (or Direct Debit)

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Scribe Doll

When I took out a contract with my existing mobile ‘phone company, I was told that I could have the package I wanted only on condition that I paid for it by direct debit.  No, a standing order was not … Continue reading →

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Words and Civilisation: You Lucky Thing!

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Scribe Doll

You tell a friend you are going on holiday to New York.  This person is most likely to exclaim (at least in England), “You lucky thing! I wish I were going!” You may find this reaction offensive on two fronts.  … Continue reading →

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Odds & Ends: Commitment – Just a Couple of Thoughts

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Scribe Doll

I have an issue with commitment – or, rather, the lack of it around me.  That is, commitment as I define it.   More often than not, we equal commitment with promise; with the ability to stick things out.   … Continue reading →

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