A Twist on the Scottish Play - Masham Players - Spring Production 2011

They say that when you're involved with the Scottish Play that things may go wrong. Well, Ron Smith decided to direct and act in Masham Players comedy version of The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of the scottish play written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr.

Did I mention that this was his directing debut? Challenging is an understatement.

Now you're wondering what went wrong  - but where to start! Everything that could have gone wrong did but, Ron pulled it all together and the result was three brilliant performances.
Now he's sleeping at night again and has deleted his therapist from his speed dial :-)

I have to say that these photographs are from the brilliant dress rehearsal (I was unable to attend the public performances) and I laughed my socks off.  Brilliant comedy all round. Congratulations Ron and well done to everyone who took part.

 I know what it's like to direct and having to pull everything together especially after directing Ding Dong last November. But all good fun, eh!

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of Macbeth (A Play)

Awakenings In an Age of Angels - Angel Eliza

I wasn't sure what to expect when I received the book 'Awakenings In an Age of Angels' written by Angel Eliza and published by Rosedog Books.

As you can imagine - because of the title - I thought it was going to be dedicated to stories about angels and it was . . . in a very special way.

Once I stated reading, I could not put this book down.

Yes, it's a collection of stories about Jesus, and the role of Angels in God's plan, but so, so, different to what I expected. A lot of thought has gone into writing this book although Angel says she was guided by a higher force she calls The One.

Angel talks of miracles. About how she was told to write about her visions and dreams by The One.
This enlightening book is the result. And, whether you are religious, or not, it doesn't matter. 'Awakenings In an Age of Angels' is most definitely worth a read.

Ellen Dean Recommends

Bjorn Belief at The Georgian Theatre, Richmond, North Yorkshire

Sat Nav, Amy and I caught up with our favourite Abba Tribute band Bjorn Belief again last Friday night at The Georgian Theatre in Richmond.

The band was on top form. In fact they were Super Troopers! We had a brilliant night and they absolutely wowed the audience.

Great songs, brilliantly sung, plus zany jokes and funny dialogue in between numbers that had everyone laughing and clapping. Of course, we all joined in with our arms swaying and feet stamping (pity you can't dance in The Georgian 'cos my feet were itchy) as we sang along to everything from Waterloo to Thank You For The Music.

Ellen Dean, (herself) Lorraine King (Agnetha) and Helen Morgan (Frida)

Amy, Ellen, Lorraine, Sat Nav and Helen

Mamma Mia . . . no wonder this band is so popular!

Ellen Dean Recommends

Smashwords Special Promotion Sale - Read An Ebook Week

Beautiful Strangers ebook 25% off from 6th - 12th March 2011

Smashwords

Positive Impressions

First impressions are formed within seconds of meeting people.  It's a fact.

We all want people to like us on first meeting, don't we? We want to strike the right chord. We want to make a positive impression on whoever we meet wherever we meet them, be it out shopping, on holiday or at that all important interview or business meeting.

We all want to feel comfortable in what we are wearing. If we look good, we feel good. But sometimes it's so difficult to get it right!

Yesterday, I had  image consultant Kathryn Clarke (based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK) pay me a visit.

Not only did I learn that I am a Cool Muted (yes, it's official - I'm cool) but I now know why I have so many clothes in my wardrobe that I never wear. I seem to like the look of something when I'm shopping for clothes but, when I get some things home I just hang them in the wardrobe and there they stay: never to be worn or see the light of day. The local charity shops love me because they get lots of things still with tags on 😀

It was absolutely amazing to see what colours actually suit me.
As you can see Kathryn started with different shades of green. (I felt like Alice through the looking glass sat in front of the mirror.)

Then it was on to the yellows - one of my fave colours. But, which were the right yellows for me?

After the yellows (I love bananas) we had the reds (I quite like tomatoes too). 

 Isn't it bizarre how different light changes everything too?

Some of Kathryn's colour swatches used to determine your personal colours

Like me if you want to get things right and make a positive impression or if you've had your colours done previously (remember time changes everything including our skin tone and hair colour) then contact Kathryn. 

Not only does Kathryn offer colour analysis and style consultations, she also offers cosmetic consultations, total image reviews and wardrobe planning. And for all you men out there, grooming is included. And, first impressions are just as important for you too. So, don't be shy :-)

For me she offers the ultimate service . . . Personal Shopping.

The Personal Shopping Service covers Newcastle and 

the world famous Metro Centre in Gateshead, 

but Kathryn is available to travel throughout the UK and abroad.

Please contact Kathryn Clarke direct for more information via her website.

Ellen Dean Recommends