Dita at Waterstone's Piccadilly, Watching ballet classes

This evening I did something I've never done before ! I stood in line to get a signature on a book:- in this case the uber-feminine Dita von Teese who was to sign one of her newer publications at Waterstone's in Piccadilly, London. My fellow queuers were fun and even the security folk supervising those waiting were in good spirits and did their work tremendously well. To my shame, I even relented and had a photo taken 'with' Dita !! I may post it here later... I didn't stoop so low as to have a dedication to myself added to her sig., though she did ask. I freely admit that I am a fan though have not as yet managed to catch one of her shows. I had intended to ask her when next she will be performing for the public, but forgot in the general mayem.
Well, she looked much as I had expected:- glamorous and was sweet enough to thank me for waiting ! I had had no. 146 of the 150 available tickets allowing people to get a signature, so just another few minutes and I would have missed the chance. I had glimpsed her arrive and be whisked - flanked by security men - into a lift at a back entrance as I passed by on my way to the 'happening'!

A fabulous day in fact, as I had earlier watched dance classes at a prestigious London ballet school during which the invited 'audience' was shown different classes. The last one I elected to watch but had intended to stay for only part of, had the students performing solos selected and practised mainly on their own (from well-known ballets) to be shown for a competition in December. The choice criteria included that the solos should suit their own style/dance personality and interpretative powers. This is such a good idea - rather than just concentrating on pyrotechnics and 'gymnastic' prowess. In the event I remained till the end, very impressed by the artistic quality of the students' performances. After that, I went on to the Dita event and then home sweet home.
Strangely, the 2 seemingly un-related events are not entirely, since Dita did study ballet earlier in life and has credited this fact as being fairly important to her acts and also to the poise that ballet can help engender in its participants.

Well, a wonderful and satisfying day. How lucky I am:- a thought that often comes to me as I lie warm, well-fed and safe in my bed. Count your blessings, those of us in this happy situation. On that note , goodnight to one ('and all 'is probably overly optimistic!) J xxx

Agent Zigzag

I'm reading - amongst other books as I always have more than one on the go - Agent Zigzag about Edddie Chapman, a double agent during the 2nd WW. There are many amazing aspects to his time as a double agent for the British, not least the incredible thirst for danger and ability to manage the strains maintaining his cover to the Germans. However, one thing I find particularly interesting is his protective attitude to his women :- yes, he had one in the UK by whom he had had a child, and another in Norway who he also insisted be set up in comfort by his German masters. Well, that may seem a trivial aspect of his life to many, but it intrigues me! Amongst the other characters in the story is a staunch Nazi - who had an immense interest in Morris Dancing which he had come across during his years studying in England. Yet another - the main German controller of Chapman - was aristocratic and frankly rather cool on the Nazis. So much so that one wonders just how much he may have suspected the double nature of Zigzag's activities... But I speculate (I think, as I have not finished the book yet!)
Much more I should be writing about but instead I shall say goodnight and sleep tight J x

Paris in the Fall !!

Just back from a fabulous weekend in Paris with my partner.

We enjoyed relaxing, drinking in the atmosphere and just living without watching the clock... Lazy mornings taking time to get up and out of the apartment, delicious meals and wines and walking around this beautiful city are a tonic for the soul as well as one's physical well-being.

Vive Paris!