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Alicia Speaks [message #10451] Fri, 23 January 2009 19:43 Go to next message
jmeadows is currently offline jmeadows
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Alicia Speaks

Smooshes!
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10455 is a reply to message #10451 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 19:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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I guess that it is a good thing I don't live in England [yet. note the 'yet'], then, or else I would undoubtedly be seriously tempted to volunteer myself. I want to learn. Unfortunately, and I did look when you first brought it up, Robin, there aren't any towers with real bells that I could try to join in ringing anywhere near me. Sad

Alas, I too suffer from lack of enough time in the day. So maybe it is a good thing that I haven't been able to locate a bell tower nearby.
Ah well, I have plenty of time. And I'll be in France for three weeks over the summer... while I'm there, maybe I could just hop over to England and see if I can spot- how did she put it, so marvelously- "bells were rung with such mind-bewildering exactitude, great speed, and total concentration from the three involved that one could practically see a golden glow unifying them – they looked something like Zen-masters doing a simple little thing like re-arranging the pattern of the Universe."

Wow.
I think 'wow' just about covers it. Smile

[Updated on: Fri, 23 January 2009 19:58]

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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10456 is a reply to message #10451 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 20:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Good gracious. Alicia, it seems like a miracle that you survived. I hope you'll let everyone know when you take up handbells where *you* live, too.

Quote:

Robin seemed to me to be ringing with carefree but exact rapture


Hah! I knew it! I knew she must be amazing at it, and all this "I'm dragging down the group" thing was just her being humble. Thank you for bringing out the truth, dear Alicia.

Quote:

Unfortunately I have no idea what you should be looking for.


Deep Ones.

Smooshes!
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10461 is a reply to message #10455 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 20:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Alicia was talking about us and our *handbells* you know. And you can have handbells ANYWHERE. They're SMALL. They're PORTABLE.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10462 is a reply to message #10456 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 20:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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[quote title=jmeadows wrote on Fri, 23 January 2009 20:00]Good gracious. Alicia, it seems like a miracle that you survived. I hope you'll let everyone know when you take up handbells where *you* live, too.

Quote:

Robin seemed to me to be ringing with carefree but exact rapture


Hah! I knew it! I knew she must be amazing at it, and all this "I'm dragging down the group" thing was just her being humble. Thank you for bringing out the truth, dear Alicia.

OH FRELLING FLAPDOODLE. Can't you recognise British frelling TACT when you read it??? I was her HOST. She HAS to find me competent. I admit that as a beginner Alicia probably can't TELL the swift from the clumsy . . . and I *can* almost ring bob minor, which is what we were ringing last night. I may indulge in the occasional lurid phrase (who, me?!), but I AM A LOUSY RINGER. I just, you know, won't go *away*. :)
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10463 is a reply to message #10461 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 20:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Robin wrote on Fri, 23 January 2009 20:10

Alicia was talking about us and our *handbells* you know. And you can have handbells ANYWHERE. They're SMALL. They're PORTABLE.


But then I am out of excuses. And that is no good.
Aaaaaaaahh!
Heehee. No, it does sound delightful, if terrifyingly complex. Which is why I lean so heavily on my "wrong side of the ocean" excuse, I suppose. Smile

Eventually... I think I may just have to learn. There, you got me. Happy, Robin?
Very Happy
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10465 is a reply to message #10462 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 20:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Robin wrote on Fri, 23 January 2009 20:14


OH FRELLING FLAPDOODLE. Can't you recognise British frelling TACT when you read it??? I was her HOST. She HAS to find me competent. I admit that as a beginner Alicia probably can't TELL the swift from the clumsy . . . and I *can* almost ring bob minor, which is what we were ringing last night. I may indulge in the occasional lurid phrase (who, me?!), but I AM A LOUSY RINGER. I just, you know, won't go *away*. :)


Oh sure I can recognize British tact. It's just, sometimes I choose not to acknowledge it and take the words as Absolute Truth. I prefer to believe you are a secret bell ringing genius. ;)

Even if you're not, I'm sure your bell ringing would sound amazing to me (call it my untrained ears if you wish!), so that's what I'm going with. :)

Smooshes!
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10469 is a reply to message #10455 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Julia wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 00:58

Alas, I too suffer from lack of enough time in the day. So maybe it is a good thing that I haven't been able to locate a bell tower nearby.

With ten weeks of learning behind me, starting next week I will be ringing at 3 tower practises, and 3 church services each week... and now I'm making my own homework to drum the patterns and methods into my elderly brain, said brain having told me that it was falling asleep quite nicely, thank you very much, and all this (ouch) activity (ouch) is tormenting those little grey cells...
Any suggestions for improving memory for call changes Robin?

Someone says "pie" and we all go on alert, like meercats. "Pie? Where?" - Blackbear
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10475 is a reply to message #10451 ] Fri, 23 January 2009 23:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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All this counting business in handbell ringing makes me nervous-and has me convinced it is for OTHERS to do- I can listen and admire those who do this. The thought of trying to keep the pattern and failing ...nope. More power to you Robin-must be my aged brain since I am 21 months older than you!
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10478 is a reply to message #10455 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 12:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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"And I'll be in France for three weeks over the summer..."

Where will you be?
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10481 is a reply to message #10469 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 13:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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southdowner wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 02:25


Any suggestions for improving memory for call changes Robin?


How about knitting a pair of those 'Nine Tailors' socks that Blondviolinist just gave us the link to? And if you wanted even more practise, after you've finished those...I'm sure Hazel or Rosie would love a quartet each? Very Happy

"Never let a computer know you're in a hurry."
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10482 is a reply to message #10478 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 14:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Quote:

"And I'll be in France for three weeks over the summer..."
Where will you be?


I'm going to Toulouse! I go and stay with a host family and take classes and so on... it's a three week mini study abroad sort of thing through my university, so I get credits for it and everything. Still hasn't quite hit me, that in just a few months, I will be in FRANCE!
Of course, it also still hasn't quite hit me that I need to pack because classes start again on Monday, and I am driving back tomorrow... Sigh. I don't want break to be over yet!

Smile


EDIT: If you don't mind saying, where in France do you live?
[don't feel obligated to answer or anything. I'm just curious.]

[Updated on: Sat, 24 January 2009 14:37]

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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10485 is a reply to message #10451 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 14:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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good for you julia.

Bonnie Holmes the faster ahead I go, the more behind I get
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10495 is a reply to message #10463 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 18:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Wrong side of the ocean doesn't work either. I think the *only* remaining manufacturer of handbells is on YOUR side of the Atlantic. Over here you have to import them, buy used (although old handbells can be absolutely glorious), or put up with INFERIOR.

You've had it, kiddo. :)
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10497 is a reply to message #10465 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 18:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Snork. Yes, it probably would, till you'd had your first, oh, say, three lessons, and are beginning to figure out what you're listening for. If I ever meet southdowner in a bell tower I will be careful to have a suddenly sprained wrist!!!!!
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10499 is a reply to message #10469 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 18:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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YOU'RE ALREADY RINGING FOR SUNDAY SERVICES????? Gods. I hate you. I REALLY hate you. :) When you start ringing Stedman next month DON'T TELL ME.

. . . Sorry, why do you need to *remember* call changes? The conductor calls them. You do what he (or she) says. . . ? You mean they have you CONDUCTING already? I don't want to hear ANY MORE ABOUT THIS.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10500 is a reply to message #10475 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 18:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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R and B wrote on Fri, 23 January 2009 23:26

All this counting business in handbell ringing makes me nervous-and has me convinced it is for OTHERS to do- I can listen and admire those who do this. The thought of trying to keep the pattern and failing ...nope. More power to you Robin-must be my aged brain since I am 21 months older than you!


The counting is the EASY part. The counting is the thing you HANG ONTO because it's your single port in a very messy storm. It's remembering the pattern that is the thunder and lightning and the sea monsters etc. You're just counting (on six bells) 1-2-3-4-5-6, 1-2-3-4-5-6, to give you something to hang your memory of the pattern ON.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10501 is a reply to message #10469 ] Sat, 24 January 2009 18:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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southdowner wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 04:25

and now I'm making my own homework to drum the patterns and methods into my elderly brain, said brain having told me that it was falling asleep quite nicely, thank you very much, and all this (ouch) activity (ouch) is tormenting those little grey cells...
Any suggestions for improving memory for call changes Robin?

What elderly? Not even middle aged, southdowner, I've met you these excuses don't pass muster Razz

[Updated on: Sat, 24 January 2009 18:35]

“I have always imagined heaven to be a kind of library.” –Jorge Luis Borges
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10518 is a reply to message #10500 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 09:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Robin wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 18:21



The counting is the EASY part. The counting is the thing you HANG ONTO because it's your single port in a very messy storm. It's remembering the pattern that is the thunder and lightning and the sea monsters etc. You're just counting (on six bells) 1-2-3-4-5-6, 1-2-3-4-5-6, to give you something to hang your memory of the pattern ON.



I knew it was all about maths. Smile

"The time is always right to do what's right."--MLK Jr.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10519 is a reply to message #10518 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 11:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Black Bear wrote on Sun, 25 January 2009 14:06

I knew it was all about maths. Smile


Which is why I don't get involved - I don't have a mathematical brain. I believe my sister did change-ringing for her Duke of Edinburgh, though.

But if I understood the patterns, I'd happily knit a sweater in them!

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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10520 is a reply to message #10482 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 12:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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[quote title=Julia wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 20:21]
Quote:



EDIT: If you don't mind saying, where in France do you live?
[don't feel obligated to answer or anything. I'm just curious.]



I live in the North of France, in Lille. It's about 10 hours by car from here to Toulouse. Have fun.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10523 is a reply to message #10520 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 13:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Fake Frenchie wrote on Sun, 25 January 2009 17:48


I live in the North of France, in Lille. It's about 10 hours by car from here to Toulouse. Have fun.


Ah, there are some great rail links in Lille, aren't there. We went over from Ashford (30 minutes from us in Kent) to Lille on the Eurostar and then straight down to Avignon by TGV - it only took six hours from Lille, which we thought very good. I think in the summer we can get one train, right through, which is even easier.

"Never let a computer know you're in a hurry."
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10530 is a reply to message #10518 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 18:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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No, it's only about COUNTING. I still have to figure out a way to post a few method diagrams (I know it can be done, I'm just being lazy). It's learning the frelling methods that is the nightmare, and even that's not strictly maths, but it is LOGIC. If you can see how the wretched thing fits together you can remember it.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10532 is a reply to message #10519 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 18:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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It's NOT about maths! It's about as much about maths as KNITTING is about maths! You have to count your rows and your stitches, don't you?
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10534 is a reply to message #10530 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 18:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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I'm afraid anything that involves keeping digits focused in my head--for any reason--gets lumped in with Math for me. The moment it's numbers not letters I can actually feel my brain cells becoming less permeable... Which is one reason I don't knit, either. Smile Quilting doesn't demand you count stitches, you just have to keep them small and the numbers work themselves out.

"The time is always right to do what's right."--MLK Jr.
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10548 is a reply to message #10497 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 19:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Robin wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 23:16

Snork. Yes, it probably would, till you'd had your first, oh, say, three lessons, and are beginning to figure out what you're listening for. If I ever meet southdowner in a bell tower I will be careful to have a suddenly sprained wrist!!!!!

and there was I thinking the same Razz

Someone says "pie" and we all go on alert, like meercats. "Pie? Where?" - Blackbear
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10549 is a reply to message #10499 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 19:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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I'm really hopeless, yet I love those bells. Plain hunt is totally scary at present, like riding a bolting horse, and trying to keep focussed and not get left behind/dumped (got that T-shirt too Smile) I'm not even worrying about Stedman for yeeeears!

Someone says "pie" and we all go on alert, like meercats. "Pie? Where?" - Blackbear
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10551 is a reply to message #10501 ] Sun, 25 January 2009 19:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Susan from Athens wrote on Sat, 24 January 2009 23:35

What elderly? Not even middle aged, southdowner, I've met you these excuses don't pass muster Razz

Thank you Susan, so kind (must get hair cut again, it worked wonders last time) Smile

Someone says "pie" and we all go on alert, like meercats. "Pie? Where?" - Blackbear
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10559 is a reply to message #10523 ] Mon, 26 January 2009 02:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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AJLR wrote on Sun, 25 January 2009 19:05



Ah, there are some great rail links in Lille, aren't there. .


Yes, the TGV is great. With the TGV, it takes us 5 hours to get to Bordeaux from Lille; with the car, it takes 8 to 10 hours depending on the traffic. I don't know how long it takes to get to Toulouse or Avignon. The only reason I know how long it takes to go to Bordeaux is that my husband's sister lives there.

The down side is that it's relatively expensive. I keep telling myself that we'll take a trip to England, but the rates at least on our end are still too expensive when you have to add food and lodging for the weekend.

[Updated on: Mon, 26 January 2009 02:46]

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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10564 is a reply to message #10520 ] Mon, 26 January 2009 13:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mrs Redboots is currently offline Mrs Redboots
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Ahhh, our favourite restaurant in the universe is in Lille - Le Meunier, near the Gare de Flandres. And we love the mural in the metro station at Gare Europe, too.

Mrs Redboots
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Re: Alicia Speaks [message #10565 is a reply to message #10559 ] Mon, 26 January 2009 13:33 Go to previous message
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We went to Avignon a few weeks ago; the way the timings worked out, we changed in Paris rather than Lille; took us about 3 hours to Paris and then another 3 to Avignon - it was pitch dark by then, so we weren't entirely sure we weren't going through a wormhole into space somewhere. But coming back, in daylight, was fabulous.

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