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Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hmmmmm, started the day with a little quiet reflection as I lit a candle at the chapel. Thanks Revcat.
Moondog x

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Just been down to the little chapel of St Raphael to light a candle for SCACO and anyone else who needs a little bit of support.

For newbies, St Raphael (one of the 'All Angels' who accompany St Michael (patron saint of knickers, obviously, oops, givina away my age)) is charged with healing (as well as being an artist and a half decent ninja turtle). One of the stalwart Woodies called Sivam discovered the chapel here http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=ddw and so long as one candle is lit it stays open, and anyone can light a candle and leave a message. If the candles have all burned out you can reopen the chapel from the mainpage by adding a group name ddw. Anyone of any faith or none is welcome in the chapel, which is unmoderated and free.

Off to Benchland now to sit on a while and ponder...

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I always wondered about the NE connection! Silly little bearded man!! xx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Oops, can't handle the new site too well. I'm double posting which means I'm either too impatient or its too slow x
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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hi Annie and Kate, we had both Pierce Brosnan and Noel Edmonds running around in here at one point. Piercey boy PB was for his aesthetic qualities but don't let him sing ! Noel made awfully patronising comments to a woman who'd had bc on Deal or no Deal so we use him as the general whipping boy.
I don't often get back to the JM (Jingling Merkin) these days. Took me a while to even track down the thread let alone our favourite hostelry but I'll get the next round in.
No matter how awful bc is, we still had some good times and made some good friends in here. I still come back to light the torches and shine a way through the woods every now and again xx
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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hi Annie
This alone has cheered me up and made me laugh..YES he was awful!!!
I will keep an eye and watch he doesnt sneak in 🙂
I'v lined em up Annie 🙂 Cheers xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Kate - I'm lurking around tonight so you're not alone!!

PB is Pierce Brosnan although Mamma Mia is loved by everyone, his singing wasn't appreciated!

Hope the tamoxifen is kind to you .... it messes with my mind and body something chronic xxx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

well I'm here..it's quiet tonight..I will stay here a while and enjoy the peace 🙂
Sorry Annie Im new here and must have missed what PB means?
Hugs back at ya
Kate x

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Line them up Kate!! It seems like I have delayed chemo brain happening!!! Manopause ....(ooops don't tell the hubby that,although he may agree its a se of the blooming Tamoxifen!)

Kate just be careful about the piano playing ... PB may join in and as we know that's not good!!

Mary Grace, I may take refuge in the tree-house - nasty things are happening at that place that begins with W and ends with K and no one will find me here (until I want to be found!)

Hugs to all

Axx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Im feeling a bit down today and need cheering up ..I'v lost my way a bit, these woods are very big and although it's been a week now I have finished my treatment this bloomin Tamoxifen is really playing with my hormones.I need to find that bar and have a sing a long..if anyone wants to join me Im in there I will be playing the piano trying to perk myself up a bit......
Kate x
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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

"man"opause, hmm, sounds better than my hot flushes, Annie. The thermostat in Tamoxifen Towers definitely needs looking at, ery unpredictable.

I've been doing a bit of tidying, cleared the paths and lit the campfire. Woodies standing by with flamethrowers to fight gremlins and stomp on nasties. Have done some remodelling and there's a treehouse big enough for all who need it with its lights blazing just on the edge of the clearing.

Hugs SCACO <<<>>> we're here to help you find a path through the woods xxx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I don't venture from Tam Towers often these days ... Have seemed to have developed manopause madness, so thought a dose of PB singing would bring me back to my senses!!!
SCACO, you've got Rev muttering naughty words, think I'll take over the baton and relieve her from muttering duties!

((((Hugs))))

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Think we're all muttering those words todat RevCat 😞 xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Thanks MG... sometimes the silence says more than the words... 😞

Sending hugs SCACO, and muttering words a vicar isn't supposed to know.
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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

SCACO don't know if you will want to, but bumping up the Woodies thread in case it helps 😞

Sending you love and hugs xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Thanks Bev - is one Great Crested = to two common or garden?

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hi woodies,
Sorry all - managed to eventually catch a sleep fairy in the middle of the night and must've held on too tightly, I've not been up long - hahaha!
Pitch your tent Kate (or pick an empty one), grab a flamethrower (to fend off gremlins), pick up some supplies (biscuits and beer / whatever you need), settle in and hopefully there'll be others to help you along your journey through the woods. The piano in the JM may benefit from a tune-up before we commence frivolity
Yes, the path through the woods is well worn Jane - nice to see you in here again too (I've missed the woods recently).
Going to get PM (Paul Macca) do some weeding around the woods today - hopefully a fitting sentence for a shocking opening ceremony set - almost as bad as PB (Pierce Brosnan for the newbies) in Mamma Mia.
Still glued to the large screen around the lagoon, so going to enjoy some more olympic action whilst sipping on some cider from my hammock - it's quite draining watching all of these athletes with their stamina and fitness - pffftt.
Hi D, stray newts - there should be many running around after the rowing teams disturbed the breeding grounds at Eton Dornay, I'll get my net and bucket too.
Bev x
CanonJane
Community Champion

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

#The Woods were a lifeline for many of us who were scared.... in here, we found support, fun, loopy-ness which broughth a smile on days you thought you couldn't smile... Feel free to invite your friends and make it your own - we just cheer on from the edges, but we know how scary it can be going through the chemo woods... the paths were well-worn... possibly a bit overgrown now, but we'll help you clear a way... Jane xx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

WOW thanks Jane..I'm there...scared but on my way 🙂
Kate x

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hello Woodies!

Calling in from tamoxifen towers to say hello to old and new. Guess what!, one year on from my last chemo and I need to go fishing for newts! Anybody got any spare?

I've had a repeat blood test (cliches about blood and stones are apt) to to see if it was a blip. Am fending off gremlins but also have a spare sleep fairy.

Dx

CanonJane
Community Champion

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

You're VERY welcome Kate - there's a piano in the JM, feel free - we've had karaokes and all sorts in the Woods. Looknig forward to more adventures with people coming back - it's been TOOOOO quiet! Whoo hooo - more 'ventures! Newt fishing optional... sleep fairies helpful... gremlins NOT allowed..... courage waits round each corner... Be Positive is not known for her reliability, but Humour is everywhere!
Jane x

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hi its me again..Just wondered if I could join you all in the woods please.I have a lot to bring and play piano for a good old sing a long..does anyone know is there's a piano in the woods?
Kate x
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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hi
Im a newbie and this thread has been very inspiring ..made me laugh and made me cry..I look forward to meeting new friends on here 🙂
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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Well, we've all spent a few months getting lost in the woods, not sure if there are other woodies out there wandering around - I'll llight some flares............
Have eventually come down from Herceptin Hill this week (drinks are on me so I'm off to the JM for some bubbles) and spending the afternoon by the lagoon in a hammock, watching the big screen olympics. I'll round up spare newts on my way for those in need of a few extra and I've got some of that olympic flame so will be lighting a few flares around camp to light the way for others who may seem lost out there. I'll drop off some extra provisions from Tam Towers, a few flamethrowers to ward off those nasty gremlins, and harmonious music will play by the camp fire tonght to entice the sleep fairies out for those in need.
I've moved into my new penthouse in Tamoxifen Towers, need to find the maintenance man - he needs to turn the radiators down pffft, and I may even have a plunge pool installed in my vast bedroom suite.
Bev x

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I thought I could hear laughing in the JM from Tamoxifen Towers!! Too tired to join in these days - got to do that W.O.R.K. thing in the land of NED - I'm just there on day release at the moment!

Here's hoping that others needing newts from the lagoon find sanctuary in the woods!

Axx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I always knew the Woods were in some parallel universe, but for those who have seen 'Lost' will understand that the Woods' physical location keeps moving - no wonder all is quiet and nobody can find their way back - off to light some beacons as the flamethrowers are seemingly useless. Well I hope fellow Woodies aren't wandering around shouting whilst finding their way home, I could do with a good night's sleep tonight, a few cheeky snifter's in the JM should do it.
CanonJane
Community Champion

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Yay! Beverlie, the drinks are on me! Perhaps we can light some flares and see if any of the others find their way back?! Jane

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Cherry Kindly guided me back in the direction of the Woods, and standing between Herceptin Hill and Tamoxifen Towers I can see that the woods have indeed grown very, very dark.
Looks like I need to venture back into the woods and light a few flamethrowers so that you can all find your way around a bit more, those bleedin' gremlins get everywhere, some have got into the 'ether' and are causing mayhem on the periphery.
I'll take this opportunity to find out what has happened to PB and NE as they don't seem to be vocal at the moment either. A visit to the JM is in order, I've been discharged by the Onc today and I'm gonna make sure it is fully stocked for when fellow woodies eventually find their way back.
CanonJane
Community Champion

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Hope everyone's been enjoying the lovely warm sunshine by the lagoon.. ice creamavailable... All gremlins quaking at the strains of zadock the preeeeeest cool cider's great... Guilt not allowed to come with us into the Woods.... Enjoy the weekend..Jane x

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I did say 'in the afternoon'. [Looks hurt.] The morning fog has just cleared away here. I need to spend the afternoon on a float or hammock at the lagoon, foot elevated, and no guilt feelings about the house or garden. [Sighs deeply.]

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Sorry to hear about the foot MM, sounds nasty. As you say, immune system suppressed so I guess we are more prone to lots of things for a while after treatment.

We are doing Zadok/I was Glad on Tuesday evening.Hope your goes OK, and that it isn't too chilly.

Sounds like a day being chauffeured by ST and lazing by the lagoon is just what is required. Though even I am not hitting the Strongbow just yet! xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Well it's Zadok, I was glad, and an assortment of Palm Sunday/Holy Week music tonight, in one of the coldest churches I have ever been in. They've promised to put some heating on, but on Thursday evening it was colder inside than out! I promise, no matter how bad your flushes, this would cool them. Actually, old stone churches take a very long time to warm up, and a church crawl can be one way to cool off in hot weather. I discovered this while pregnant during the infamous hot summer of 1976.

Just to make it all even more fun, a sore on one foot which was not healing very quickly decided to get even worse, as in unable to wear any of my shoes without agony. I've now got some antibiotic cream and doughnut-shaped pads, and have found a pair of battered sandals I can actually put on and walk in without pain, but standing and walking for any time makes the inflammation worse. To say nothing of the socks-and-sandals effect. Now this is small potatos compared to the SEs some have to put up with, but I include it as a warning that even post treatment, trivial things may need more attention than they used to.

Tell you what, let's have an afternoon with ST zipping us along Arimidex Avenue to The Lagoon, top down, with some of that Strongbow in the back and music blasting out.

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Thanks ST, don't mind if I do. Cheers! xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I have just loved zipping around with my top down in the sunshine. just wish I could bring my car into the woods but there isn't a road, just a footpath. Back in my tent for the weekend - I need the space and the distance from reality for a couple of days. I've brought a crate of cold cans of Strongbow and put some in a keep net in the lagoon. Help yourselves ladies.

CanonJane
Community Champion

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

int it funny? My OHs response to his mid-life crisis was to buy a topless Jag.... and I HATE it with the lid off! Too drafty by half (might spoil my SOPRANO voice!!!) (joking).. but not joking about really disliking the lid off.... he's got an estate as well (and no, we can't afford both + my car!!) gripe over... have a good day in Woodland... off to NED to work.... love Jane

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I love telling people that 'I drove here topless' just to see the momentary confusion slide across their reaction.

Out today in A4 convertible, roof off, shades on, ignoring my age and white hair re-growth......such fun! We have the car for 3-years now, a real mid-life crisis and what the heck...been 'topless' on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Just wrap up warm and let the wind whistle on by..

Sx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Gosh Mezzomamma been a few years since I performed Zadok The Priest! I was at the festival hall in London and during the big piano build up to where the choir explodes someone in the audience freaked out & started shouting!

I am an alto by the way. No squeaky high notes for me!

Twinky x

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Ooh Supertrouper. First time around I had a TT convertible & after chemo used to whip off my hat & drive home with the top down ( and totally ignore the Oncologists advise to stay out of the sun). This time I have a sensible estate.,... bah humbug.......perhaps Ican do the doggy thing & stick my head put of the window...

Twinky x

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

All is quiet again in the woods tonight - just seems to be me and Buggerit on patrol again. I have managed to catch quite a few sleep fairies and they are in the butterfly farm nets over there ------->

I had a lovely day in the land of NED today - went out in my beloved MGF with the roof down in the sunshine. I had been considering part exing it against a very practical estate car, but after a weekend of sunshine common sense prevailed and she can stay for the summer.

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Ooh, I could go for Gareth as choir director. And my OH (who directs the choirs I sing in) would be SO jealous!

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Is this going to rival the Military Wives? Do you want the lovely Gareth as technical advisor?

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I guess we could all stand on a chair for the high bits.....

Think I'm probably a mezzo... used to sing second sop at school, many long years ago, sing alto with churchy things and find the low notes a bit too low sometimes! On a really good day I can get a top F but am more comfortable at a D# or E as the top of my range. Can get a bottom G if I go down slowly... but that's only cos I used to need it for violin tuning an equally long time ago!! Trust me, you would not want to hear me scraping a fiddle.

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Gulp! How high are those high parts? I really am a mezzo, so while I can manage a Halleluja Chorus or a Zadok, I get a bit squeaky at the top of the 1st sop range these days. If I make any noise at all, that is.

But I'll give most things a go--it's just that everyone else may want to go [out the door] too.

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

RevCat, lol I'm an Alto too. We may have to be a choir of Alto's with Mezzo singing the high parts unless any sopranos put in an appearance! xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Can't sing but can mime beautifully xx

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Alto... any other altos? Yes! Me. So rarely get to sing it at all these days... singing other than the molody from the 'pulpit' merely confuses everyone.

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

*Puff* *Pant* *comes running up all out of breath* - hello Woodies all! Better late than never! Sorry that the woods are still needed, but very glad that they can be a safe refuge for all those that need them. The view from Tamoxifen Towers is lovely, if a little tropical at times and the stairs up don't half make your legs ache. But hey ho - I reckon I can still pop back to the woods every now and then to say hi and do some baking.

Yes, I'll be back with the choir... any more altos out there?

MM, we're doing Stainer's Crucifixion again on Good Friday this year and organising a West Gallery workshop over the Jubilee weekend. No Zadok for us!

MG, I remember the sing-a-long-a Peachez as well - particularly the wine that accompanied it 🙂

I'd better get back working in that patisserie yurt for all the newcomers. I did make some Rocky Road the other day but the cast of Nicholas Nickleby ate the lot. You've got to be quick to beat the theatrical lot to cake!

Must go to bed now as a late night sesh in the JM will do me no good at all.

Jane xxx

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Excellent, another one for the woodie choir. Alto can swell the, well, altos. Any more for the choir? xx

CanonJane
Community Champion

Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

I seem to remember conducting the woodie choir! It was great. A definite repeat necessary... I haven't got back to real choir yet - works taken all my energy, but I'm happy to practise in the Woods... La la la de lah-ah
Ja - ne

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Re: Standing outside the dark, dark woods.

Sounds good to me. I remember a sing-a-long with Peachez who was really at the Last Night at the Proms with the "remaining" woodies. Wouldn't vouch for being in tune, but we always sing with good heart xx