Tag Archives: scribedoll

Odds & Ends: The Dumb Innocent and the Wise Enchantress

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Scribe Doll

My grandmother brought me up on fairy tales.  Every evening, as daylight faded and silhouettes grew blurred, my mind’s eye would open up to the world of magic.  Talking animals would trot into our living room, princesses with stars on … Continue reading →

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Double Standards: The Ravens in the Tower

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Scribe Doll

I took one of my students to the Tower of London, last Friday.  I confess that, in the seventeen years I have lived in London, I had never been there.  Well, at least not in daytime.  I was not looking … Continue reading →

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Kisses, Handshakes and Hugs

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Scribe Doll

When my Italian, Spanish, Irish and Basque friends greet or part with me, they kiss me.  That is, their lips smack into my cheek full on, like a firm cushion.  A solid, present, committed kiss.  My English friends*, for the … Continue reading →

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Pet Hates: Job Interview Platitudes

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Scribe Doll

Sorry to keep you waiting, we’re very busy today. Tempting answer: Are you suggesting I am not busy?   I can honestly say that I have seldom been seen at the agreed time.  It is the would be employer who … Continue reading →

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Trust

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Scribe Doll

Some thoughts on the painting Tobias and the Angel (circa 1470-80) by the Workshop of Verrocchio.  Egg tempera on poplar.  National Gallery, London. Trust me, if you will.  I am loving, I am infinite, I am immortal.  I do not … Continue reading →

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Odds & Ends: Human Decency Is Not Dead

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Scribe Doll

The past week has brought to light a ugly side to the nation, that makes me feel deeply uneasy.  I can only hope that History will not spin the truth into a falsely glorified image of an ideologically motivated revolt … Continue reading →

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Odds & Ends: The Money Yardstick

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Scribe Doll

I know this one is going to spark off controversy, so here comes the disclaimer: this is just my personal opinion, which I have formed from my own observations.  However, I would be most interested in hearing about your experiences. … Continue reading →

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Pet Hates: In Restaurants

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Scribe Doll

No.1 Is everything O.K.? Have you noticed how waiters wait for the exact moment when you have your mouth full, before they ask you that? I often try and cheat them by staging my forkfuls when they are not around … Continue reading →

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Odds & Ends: The Neglected Sense

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Scribe Doll

On the Tube, the conductor’s announcement is so loud, the sound is fuzzy and incomprehensible.  I plug my fingers into my ears and meet the eyes of other passengers.  They are impassive; their curiosity at my reaction, unemotional.  In the … Continue reading →

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Pet Hates: Pet Likes: London Transport 2

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Scribe Doll

Last week, Adrian challenged me to come up with a list of ‘likes’ about London Transport.  So, here we go: Pet Hates Likes: London Transport 2 No. 1 Teenagers on the bus. The smaller boys grab the overhead bars, swing … Continue reading →

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