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Saturday, December 23rd 2023

Christmas Greetings!

Sending you best wishes for Xmas and the New Year.

I don't know about you but I'm really looking forward to the festive season.

In days long past, I used to dread it. It was always a stressful occasion but as I've got older and wiser, I find that that the less I plan, the better it is.

I keep it simple. Favourite movies on DVD and video. Naughtiest food I wouldn't usually eat. A long walk on Christmas Day and a good sleep - in.

My telescope is focused on Corfe Castle which is lit up this evening as I write this blog. Not to mention all of the Xmas lights twinkling over Oakdale.

I have this wonderful view from my home. It really is worth more than any expensive Xmas present and I have to say, I appreciate it all year long.

So, whatever your view this evening - I daresay, if you look outdoors, wherever you are, you will see something beautiful as I do.

Gem xx

Friday, September 22nd 2023

"Versailles"...

...is a beautiful city. And I should know - I've been there twice.

It is altogether charming, alluring and seems to me, to possess the kind of gentilty that comes only from a connection to the past.

But what a past this city boasts!

On closer examination, one can feel the remnants of the decadence, opulence and turbulence emanating from the walls of the Palace of Versailles. How it was in the seventeenth century, with Louis, the "Sun King" on the throne and a place where anything goes.

Now, I've always had a penchant for period drama, but nothing can compare to the Canal series, "Versailles" for its historical rendition of the early years of Louis's reign, his construction of the Palace of Versailles and the political and personal drama surrounding it.

Currently showing on BBC iPlayer and starring George Blagden as Louis, Alexander Vlahos as Orleans, this historical drama is a feast for the eyes and and a brilliant lesson in history rolled into one.

Where the men look prettier than the girls, the quest for power insatiable and morals are non existent. This series encompasses it all.

If you are a fan of history, as I am, and you want to witness an astonishing array of talent, check out "Versailles" on BBC iPlayer.

For my part, Alexander Vlahos as Orleans just does it for me. Beautiful.

See what you think.

Gem

Wednesday, August 30th 2023

I, Gemma....

....am absolutely delighted that the BBC have, finally, after all these years, decided to show, on iPlayer, BBC 4, to be precise, that greatest of dramas, "I Claudius."

Now, I first watched this historical adaptation, based on Robert Graves' novels, back in the 1970's and loved it from the onset. And who wouldn't?

Charting the lives and history of the Roman emperors from Augustus to Nero, this series, for me, represents all that is great and good about the BBC's ability to produce classic drama.

'I, Claudius,' brought to the screen, a cast of stellar actors, many of whom have gone on to star in Hollywood.

Kevin R McNally as Castor can now be seen in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Patrick Stewart, as Sejanus, now more recognisable in 'Star Trek.'
And lest we forget, the late, great John Hurt as Caligula.

Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Sian Phillips as Livia, Brian Blessed as Augustus to name but a few, made up, what Derek Jacobi himself has described as a brilliant repertory company.

And it seemed like this for me. That these outstanding actors were performing in rep as they filmed this series. It was like being in a theatre watching these great performances.

I, Claudius has long been one of my favourite historical dramas. I've read the books and if you are interested in history, I urge you to do the same.

In 1996, at Bryanston School, Dorset, Derek Jacobi gave a poetry recital. I went along especially to hear him and speak with him and I did both because he was my absolute acting hero.

I was fortunate enough to spend fifteen minutes or so in his company and I can tell you he was an awesome chap.

Gracious, humble. And what a voice. For me, Derek Jacobi will always be 'Claudius,' although he has gone on to distinguish himself in many other roles since.

If you haven't already watched the masterpiece that is ' I Claudius,' I suggest you do.

It is a classic.

Don't miss it.

GEM

Friday, June 16th 2023

I'm Simply Seeing Red....

....and I warn you now... it's not the shade of red that comes from being angry or annoyed.about any given person, thing or event that can give rise to that emotion...I'm talking instead about the kind of red that embodies the unstoppable Mick Hucknall.

Had the esteemed poet and painter Gabriel Rossetti been alive in the 20th century, I swear, he would have committed Mick Hucknall's likeness to canvas as an example of Pre - Raphaelite beauty. Because he is. But he is so much more...

Simply Red. He began writing, "Holding Back The Years," in 1977 aged just seventeen. He finished writing that song in 1984 and by the age of twenty five, in 1985, Mick Hucknall had a number one hit with his song.

Of late, I have been listening to Mick's songs and his album "Stars" which I bought when it was released in 1992. His songs still make my pulse race.

I was fortunate to see him perform live in 2010 at the "Broadlands" estate in Hampshire and he was fabulous, as were his band.

Brought back from the brink of self destruction, Hucknall has found the "home" he was looking for and is now married with a daughter.

Having listened to his back story, it is a joy for me to hear him speak about his happy ending, given his unconventional childhood.

It is my belief, that without the trials he suffered growing up, he may never have written that number one hit, "Holding Back The Years."

But the unstoppable, beautiful Mick Hucknall is still going strong. His voice is as clear and as awesome as ever.

The enfant terrible of the 1980's and 90's is all grown up now and it's a joy to see the happiness in his voice and face.

What attracts me to Mick Hucknall I hear you ask?

It is this. I think he is unique. Massively talented, stunningly beautiful. Incredibly sexy and with a new - found humility that is endearingly attractive to his fans.

Simply Red are currently on tour in Europe and no, I'm not on Mick's payroll.

But I wish I was.

Gem.

Wednesday, May 10th 2023

Dreaming of Mercy Street.

To me, he looks like a minstrel, writes like a poet, and sings like an angel.

I give you Peter Gabriel.

I first encountered him when I bought his album "So," many years ago.

I was fortunate to see him perform live at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on the twenty fifth anniversary of the release of this album during his tour of North America. I flew to Vegas to see him. He was awesome.

It was a wonderful week in Vegas. I stayed at the Bellagio with my sister. I don't think she was keen on seeing him but we had a wonderful week anyway.

If you're not familiar with Peter Gabriel and perhaps you are of the generation who adores the wonderful Ed Sheeran, I suggest you check out Peter Gabriel.

Without Gabriel, there would be no Sheeran in my view. He set the standard for quality song writing, lyrics that come from the heart and melodies that are everlasting.

My plan is to see Peter Gabriel in concert in New York, Madison Square Garden later this year.

I'm looking forward to telling you about it.

Gem.