Tuesday 18 October 2011

You only ever liked the beginning of things

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It goes without saying that I'm someone who can't wait for Autumn and Winter to arrive. People who obsess about music are usually like that, I find. The harsh weather lets you (quite legitimately) stay in a lot more - in that anti-social way - and play many, many records over and over again. Late at night, red wine in hand, headphones on. However, now it has vanished for the months to come, I admit I am rather missing the warmth of the Glasgow sun that does occasionally appear, honest it does. But, anyway, the joiner came this morning to fix the bedroom window so that's a positive. The stalking elements will no longer squeeze their cruel way into this tombstone of an abode. A drip of rain here and a howl of wind there. The irony. Also, and this is just a quick thought: I think, in watching it all over again, rather slowly, I am beginning to finally understand the complex character that was once known as Mrs. Betty Draper a bit more. That's Mrs. Francis to the likes of you and me now, of course. Her moods, tempers, pouts, tantrums; especially when she didn't get her own way with Don. And then, in later years, with Henry, of course. It's all about dealing with alienation, loss and being alone, isn't it? Retaining control; trying to hold onto something - to someone - that had already left the party, building, street. Her Dad, in fact, is the one who is missing here. I might be wrong, I usually am, but I just wish Betty some happiness, or at least peace of mind - via making peace with that loss. This is a song for her which she might dance with Henry to (not Sally though, obviously).
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The Springfields - 'Are we gonna be alright?' (2.39)
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This band has nothing to do with Dusty, in case you were wondering. Her. Him. A soundtrack, of sorts. But she was always my favourite one. And Pete Campbell. The shit.
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7 comments:

  1. The reality of living on the top floor of a beautiful old Victorian villa is suddenly upon me as gusts of wind raace round the living room and window panes rattle constantly. Wouldn't change it for all the pennies in the world though.

    Autumn and Winter... Big. Fat. Yay!

    But I do miss the sunshine and warmth too. Solution: 'winter sun' holidays.

    x

    ps Chances are, we're gonna be alright.

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  2. I love Mad Men. (Pete's my favorite. He really is a shit).

    I also love winter. As you say, any excuse to cozy up to music.

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  3. Niki - you've just triggered a wonderful memory and thus a future post, without knowing it, possibly. So, thank-you. :) Also, your accommodation sounds quite inspiring, from a writing perspective. Candles, cobwebs, ink and quill, I hope? Sigh! And yes, I think things will be alright. In the round. In the scheme of things. When the dust settles. And all other postcard-like cliches.

    Tricia - He is such a shit, and a very believable shit. We all have a Pete in our office, don't we? Jeezo, I may even be that Pete at our place. I hope not, but who knows. Cozying up to good music, in an extra-time type of way, is worth a wee bit of rain and wind, I reckon. x

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  4. PS. In a hilarious and rather predictable way, the sun came back out to play this afternoon in the central Glasgow area. Just to make a point, I think. Haha. :) It will vanish again by tea-time, I bet.

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  5. Oh, how exciting! I look forward to reading it. My flat is inspiring and wonderful. Just very big for a very small person... I rattle like the windowpanes. x

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  6. Itching to hear about The Horrors!!

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  7. I remember such premises: where unemployed newspapers were stuffed between the cracks to try and keep the drafts out, and the frames shoogling. Brrrrrrrrrrr! x

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    The Horrors were a no-show! To be re-arranged. Poor Faris (his voice went out). But, anyway, I had sold the tickets on. Needed the £££. :(

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