Post of Randomness

[smallhobbit]

For Lent I am giving up unnecessary use of the internet - no following amusing, but irrelevant twitter threads; no random quizzes like 'which Disney princess are you'; no online games like solitaire and 2048.

That being said, I had an email newsletter from the Tate Gallery this morning which included Which Woman Artist Are You? I know very little about women artists, and this seemed a good way to pick one to learn something.  And therefore within my 'learn new things' ethic.  I ended up with Vanessa Bell, who was part of the Bloomsbury Set, and the sister of Virginia Woolf.  A bit of a search on the county library website and I've reserved two books.

Also, a couple a days ago I reserved the latest Kate Atkinson book: Transcription.  I hadn't been sure whether I wanted to read it, but if I get it from the library I don't lose anything.  I discovered I could reserve both the hardback and paperback version at the same time.  The paperback isn't published yet, but the county has eight copies on order.  So I am 101st on the list for the hardback and 13th on the list for the paperback.

Oh, and the vicar sent me an email the other day asking if I'd consider standing for church warden at the next church elections.  I waited until I had finished laughing to send my reply: 'No!'  I'm not even going to stand for the PCC this year.

In fact, I think we can safely say my time spent with the church continues to reduce.  Brownies, as per yesterday's post, continues to take up time - which is fine in that I like to see the girls growing.  (To that end, I have a particular problem with one girl, very outgoing and seems to want everyone's attention, but apparently unable to cope with basic challenges - when we were finger spelling our names she could not manage to learn hers, which is six letters long with four vowels - the easiest of the letters.  If anyone has any suggestions I would be delighted to discuss the matter with you - PM or email.)

And last Saturday I helped with Gloucestershire Bundles (they provide baby and children's clothing and equipment for families in need) Nearly New Sale.  They took in the region of £3,400 of which they got to keep just under £1,900.  A great effort and a charity I'm delighted to support.

And there you have it - the many and varied life of The Small Hobbit!

Comments

[luthienberen]

Good luck with Lent! I have given up sweets/chocolate and too much internet use.

Out of curiosity what is a church warden? We do not have them in my church.

[smallhobbit]

Good luck to you too! I admire those who give up on chocolate.

A church warden is a role within the Anglican church. Every church building should have two. Essentially they are responsible for the smooth running of the church regarding the physical building, plus the practical side of church services (making sure people with different roles eg welcomers, doing a reading are present). It's a major job. And because the Church of England is within English law it's a legal position.

[luthienberen]

Thank you. I have a sweet tooth so I am sure it will be beneficial as long as I have my cup of tea!

Ah thanks for the explanation. We do not have that role in my church - the Parish Council takes over various roles within the church and if the priest is fortunate he has a deacon or nun, or other helper as well.

Good luck with the Brownies and I hope you receive some good ideas to help the girl.

[smallhobbit]

There are those who assist the priest as well (in various ways). There are times when the priest and the church warden do not see eye to eye, because they look at things from different angles.

And thank you!

[luthienberen]

It is always amazing how many people flock to help the priest in a parish! Ah we have that too in our church, with the priest and occasionally some members of the parish not seeing things the same way due to context of their approach.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Good luck with Lent! I shan't tempt you too much with frivolous internet posts!

I bet you did laugh at the vicar. I think Ferret should be asked to be church warden in a fic.

Have you read other Atkinson books? Ancientreader mentioned her, too, but I wasn't certain it was something I'd like.

Good on you continuing your volunteering & helpful work.

Edited to say I took the quiz and got Anni Albers (whom I didn't know of previously) and she was apparently a weaver! V cool!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you! Reading friends' posts is perfectly allowable as it maintains contact, and therefore important.

I do like the idea of Ferret as church warden - I shall have to have a think.

I read Life after Life which I enjoyed but A God in Ruins disappointed me. You might find you like Life after Life - you need to get used to the style though.

I'm pleased you took the quiz - I thought it was interesting. I had heard of Vanessa Bell, but knew little about her, so it was a good push to learn more.

[smallhobbit]

I hold you responsible for this!
https://drabble-zone.dreamwidth.org/232449.html

[debriswoman]

Many and varied fits nicely. So easy to get sidetracked online...good luck with keeping that to a minimum. The balance between church and brownie commitments has to suit you...impressed with what you are continuing to achieve

[smallhobbit]

I do like having lots of different things on the go - so there really isn't any reason to waste time online, but as you say it's oh so easy.

I'm working on the basis that my contribution to Brownies is more important than that to the church for the moment, so that's where my time will go.

[margaret_r]

Good luck with the lenten pledge! I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out harder than you think.

Well done for sticking to your resolve with church matters, it's good you can devote more time to the Brownies. You life is indeed many and varied!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - I usually go for a variation on that theme, so I know by now the pitfalls. Doesn't mean I can avoid them though!

At least it remains interesting :)

[moth2fic]

Good luck with the lent objectives.
I love the idea of the ferret as churchwarden, or just receiving an invitation, like you!
I read one of Kate Atkinson's books and gave them up for eternity. Not a style I enjoy.
I would need to know a lot more about your brownie problem child before making any suggestions. But a few things spring to mind so do email me if nobody else comes up with anything.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. The Ferret is now a church warden: https://drabble-zone.dreamwidth.org/232449.html

I can understand why you would give up on Kate Atkinson's books. I wouldn't want to pay, but if I can get it for the library and decide against it, the next person in the queue gets it faster ;)

Thank you for your offer - I will email you.

[dariaw]

Very interesting! Your many activities sound wonderful as always 😀

Took the artists quiz and learned about a new artist!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much :)

It's a great quiz - I'm pleased other people are doing it too.

[corvidology]

You are a hobbit and a good egg!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you so much!