tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30086272011-04-22T01:17:10.065ZEmmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1114757606702538952005-04-29T06:49:00.000Z2005-04-29T06:53:26.703Z

Apparently I have lost the urge to double post. Mainly I have lost the urge to post at all, but if you are missing the Emma Clark soap opera there is sporadic moaning here. Mainly about estate agents. Sayonara :)

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1114343681426493692005-04-24T11:54:00.000Z2005-04-24T11:54:41.426Z

Removing from my mobile all the names of people who never call or text. Marvellous.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1113772631851252332005-04-17T22:16:00.000Z2005-04-17T21:17:11.853Z

When I was living with my mum and dad and dreaming dreams about an exciting future life as an adult, of all the outlandish fantasies I entertained taking dance classes for leisure purposes never occurred. Tomorrow, I shall have trouble sitting...but it'll be worth it for the rush of endorphins at 3.40 this afternoon when it occurred to me that I was really enjoying myself.I think it's all the

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1113643615325133962005-04-16T10:26:00.000Z2005-04-16T09:26:55.326Z

Gordon's Wine Bar is a very fine establishment. Last night I happily maintained my record of never leaving the place remotely sober. I think this has something to do with the fact that once you've spent the obligatory half hour hovering next to people waiting for them to give up their table, the seige mentality sets in and the only thing is to drink too much. Or it could be something to do with

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1113583739100189442005-04-15T16:48:00.000Z2005-04-15T16:48:59.100Z

The builder gives me a ballpark figure of 3 grand for the roof and windows. Hmm, OK. That's about what I was expecting. Though I preferred the fantasy 'I don't think anything really needs doing' option.I ring the estate agent, and inform her that I would like an equivalent drop in house price.Can she have the estimate in writing? She says. Did the surveyor value the property at the asking price?

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1113504225506343092005-04-14T18:43:00.000Z2005-04-14T18:43:45.506Z

The contents of a little boy's reading folder:1 toy car4 felt pensancient smarties (an entire packet, loose)half a packet of fruit pastillesMissing, presumed abandoned:reading bookreading recordPlease note that I wasn't even vaguely tempted to eat the smarties. Though I did check to see if they were still there today just in case I was desperate at playtime. They weren't.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1113076243431031552005-04-09T19:50:00.000Z2005-04-09T19:52:13.616Z

We love the National Portrait gallery, and the National Portrait gallery loves us. Admittedly it is a little sad that I was fascinated by the hanging system on the first floor (you should look at it, it's really cool), but apart from that honestly I was looking at the art. I paid my seven quid to see the Lee Miller show and to be honest...£7 was a lot for that. Interesting show but...seven quid?

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112867055951053592005-04-07T09:43:00.000Z2005-04-07T09:44:15.953Z

I feel like I ought to post. I've never posted out of a feeling of obligation before, that's a new one. In the last few days I have brought my internet time down, quite deliberately. I spend a lot of time on here, you know. Reaching out. Looking for something. I think there's a lot of that in blogging, in bloggers. It's a theory of mine that many (not all, exclude yourself if you wish) bloggers

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112631591690951472005-04-04T16:19:00.000Z2005-04-04T16:19:51.693Z

I've been tidying up. There's a room upstairs which holds all my art stuff which it hasn't been possible to get into for a while, mainly because of the pile of frames in the middle of it. Plus the assorted junk laying on top of the frames. Ninety frames, it turns out. Ninety. Blimey. Roughly twenty of which are rather bigger than your average frame. Unwieldy, even. Oh dear, the bulk buy seemed

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112481782356355992005-04-02T22:42:00.000Z2005-04-02T22:43:02.356Z

I wonder who designed that font on Dr Who. You must've noticed it. Yes, you must. On the tardis ticket, and then on the platform screeny thingies. You didn't? Weirdo. I wonder if it was designed specially for the episode (reckon so). I wonder if someone is sitting at their computer somewhere uploading it to www.genericfonturl.com. I hope so. I liked it. It was a highlight for me.Ooh. Fonts.Also,

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112393082563988072005-04-01T22:04:00.000Z2005-04-01T22:04:42.566Z

On the way to the Oestra meeting of Depravity and Cake this morning I was forced to shout at a man in the street to go away. He was trying to make me sign a direct debit thingy and was chasing me as I yomped up Picadilly. Typical: the first time in ages that a man chases me with pretty compliments up the street and I'm both late and tetchy. I was decidedly hot and bothered for all the wrong

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112263780860806982005-03-31T10:09:00.000Z2005-03-31T10:10:48.546Z

I spend a reasonable amount of time wondering about the politics of linking between blogs - who links whom, why some of the blogs which I read that I don't consider any better than others are consistantly linked by lots of other people, whether it's a clique thing, and what I ought to do to get myself 'noticed and linked'. (Note to self - no-one's gonna link you if you use sentences of that

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112202605954314352005-03-30T17:08:00.000Z2005-03-30T17:10:05.956Z

All these things I keep meaning to post about...How I had forgotten that when you go out dancing you carry home several different aftershaves with you. Which I rather like.How it was so good to see the DJ last night..someone I see so rarely but really one of the lovely people. How actually there were a LOAD of friends there who I haven't seen for ages, and how oddly we'd all turned upout of the

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1112102759802852092005-03-29T13:24:00.000Z2005-03-29T13:25:59.803Z

I am home from Devon. What I mainly did in Devon was sit about on sofas, and eat - sometimes simultaneously. Most pleasant. There was a rather half-hearted atempt at kite flying yesterday on Slapton beach (after a pub lunch), but we gave it up and went home for tea and biscuits. Unless you enjoy standing with your back pressed against the front window, my Mum and Dad's house is a mobile phone

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111739411676875862005-03-25T08:29:00.000Z2005-03-25T08:31:35.036Z

My capacity to not do things I had planned to definitely, definitely do is beginning to frighten me. Is it any wonder I get lonely if I stay in all the time? No, it isn't. Silly girl. Remember: the internet is not a Proper Friend.I'm definitely definitely going dancing next Tuesday, now. Someone ring me up talk me out of the door, please. I have no idea really why pizza and wine and The

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111739379363150762005-03-24T19:59:00.000Z2005-03-25T08:33:12.220Z

Colin The Builder looked harrassed as he squinted at the 'external joinery in need of cutting out and replacing, possibly requiring the removal of some double glazing units'. He's normally fairly recalcitrant anyhow, but today he fair jogged out of the house and back home, taking my List Of Things with him so he could come up with a quote. The phone has gone crazy, apparently. I wandered about

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111652972636085032005-03-24T08:29:00.000Z2005-03-24T08:29:32.636Z

You spend weeks fantasising about having a lay in and then you're wide awakey by 8am. Tsk.I am very tempted to make a great long list of Things I Should Do over the holidays, but last half term I didn't do that and then I didn't have to beat myself up when I hadn't got any of them done, which was rather pleasant. Still I am meeting Colin the Builder at the house this afternoon so I had better

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111563625044023132005-03-23T07:39:00.000Z2005-03-23T07:40:25.046Z

Just today and then I have twooo and a half weeks offyesyesyes

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111221551831834002005-03-19T08:37:00.000Z2005-03-19T08:39:11.833Z

I've found something new to play with. It's very addictive, but it's sometimes nice to have something other than work and one's own navel to contemplate.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111151979953017122005-03-18T13:19:00.000Z2005-03-18T13:21:56.663Z

1. What time did you get up this morning ?Ten to twelve2. Diamonds or pearls?Diamonds3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?Meet the Fockers. I thought it was very funny, despite myself.4. What is your favourite TV show?Jamie's School Dinners, or The Reclaimers, at the moment.5. What did you have for breakfast?Tea6. What is your middle name?Margaret7. What is your favourite food?Don't be

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1111088952258937762005-03-17T19:48:00.000Z2005-03-17T19:49:12.260Z

My ears ache, my legs ache, when I lay down my head fills up with liquid. What a relief. I'm not going mad, I've got a cold. Hurray!This morning several emails cheered me out of my slough a bit, anyhow. An old friend advised me to refer to 'eating a mars bar sexily' - something I'd forgotten I ever contemplated. Sarah told me I was archeology, in reponse to my Marvin-like assertion that I was a

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1110916456538730202005-03-15T19:53:00.000Z2005-03-15T19:54:16.540Z

Walking across the playground back into school at lunchtime I experienced one of those sinking moments. What am I doing, why am I here, why am I doing this job, I wondered. Five minutes later I'd sort of forgotten about it, bantering in the staffroom and discussing someone's speech therapy needs, but there it sat. In me, like the sherbert.Driving home I suddenly wondered whether I wasn't making a

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1110911760469668402005-03-15T18:35:00.000Z2005-03-15T18:36:00.470Z

I've been making an effort to eat more of those vegetable things, and less of those refined carbohydrate things. And also drink more water, which is a teensy bit akward when you aren't supposed to leave your class of 29. It's lucky I pee fast. Less lucky that the ladies loos are being decorated at the moment so it's a much further sprint. Anyway, I digress. As part of my more vegetables less

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1110838942241030682005-03-14T22:20:00.000Z2005-03-14T22:23:44.226Z

Verry relaxing weekend en Solihull chez Liz and Matt including face packs (see scary pictures on Liz's site), manicures (see scary red nails on my hands), eyebrow tittilation (see red welts on my eyes - I'm such a glamourpuss), food from cheese emporioums (see customers asking 'does this have much cheese?') shopping (see depleted bank balance) and langorous but slightly cold brunching with

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1110316538089447402005-03-08T21:15:00.000Z2005-03-08T21:15:38.090Z

So today, halfway through the four hundredth and fifty seventh time of singing 'Right to the End', a soupy and rather too high song about loving your friends, I am in the middle of shouting my constant refrain of 'Breeeeeathe!' so that the kids will hit the notes and sing loud enough that we can hear them..and they only bloody do it..and there was this moment which made me want to cry. Something

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1110304961515743012005-03-08T18:02:00.000Z2005-03-08T18:02:41.516Z

On Sunday I read The Cement Garden. Someone reccommended it to me about 17 years ago, and I only just got around to it.Well..it wasn't quite like that, it was more like..someone recommended the book 17 years ago and I didn't read it, then in the interim a lot of people went on about how Ian McEwan was a great author, so I tried reading Enduring Love and got very pissed off with the characters

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1110115843277240442005-03-06T13:29:00.000Z2005-03-06T16:39:38.623Z

I met up with Sarah yesterday and she routemarched me across London (she calls it walking but I nearly have to run to keep up with her) to Hoxton Square for lunch. Very trendy, darling. We sat on leather swivel chairs in a cement bunker bar with superhero photographs and ate poached eggs. I felt terribly overdressed and ashamed of my tidy cardigan and River Island jeans which have no holes. Maybe

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109836557616196152005-03-03T07:55:00.000Z2005-03-05T10:15:57.473Z

http://www.freecycle.orgIt's a network of groups who give away (and get) stuff. Recycling, for free. (freecycle, geddit?). You can post offers or wanted ads.To find the UK groups follow links to 'international' (This might be perfectly obvious to most but I couldn't find 'em at first).Anyway, how cool is that?

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109789549673489562005-03-02T18:51:00.000Z2005-03-02T18:52:29.676Z

I've made up a country dance for the play....clap clap clap, slap slap slap, skip skip skip is broadly how it goes. It's hilarious...in a good way (one hopes). I particularly enjoy the way some of the kids clap hands as though they were hoping to do some serious damage to their partners. There is some very nifty bowing and skipping, too. They are very proud of themselves for being so good at it,

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109663470138685152005-03-01T07:50:00.000Z2005-03-01T07:51:10.140Z

I've been on my sign language course tonight. It's very exciting. I've worked at Pelham on and off for 13 years and picked up a fair bit of sign language. The school has two hearing impaired units and over the years the status of signing in school has been raised and raised as more and more staff have taken signing qualifications. You'd have to keep your eyes closed all the time not to pick any

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109501356422618652005-02-27T10:48:00.000Z2005-02-27T10:49:16.423Z

In a further attempt to Get Out of the House and Meet Real People I am trying to find a choir to join. Phase one of this project was going to a story-reading evening, but the more observant reader will note that I got pissed with my girlfriends instead. Whilst this might be regarded as veering from the matter in hand, it did at least throw up the following comment:Emma - I am thinking of joining

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109441240279096262005-02-26T18:03:00.000Z2005-02-26T18:07:20.280Z

The story-reading evening at Foyles was great fun. We started off by drinking cocktails in a bar in Old Compton Street. I had a pink one with the word 'berry' in the title. A cocktail which includes a superfood can never be a bad thing, and it certainly perked me up no end. Must've been all that vitamin C. We then wandered about a bit and decided to go over to Waterloo to eat at Tas. I can't

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109353753481410142005-02-25T17:48:00.000Z2005-02-25T17:53:40.953Z

I am going to a story reading thing tonight, at Foyles. It's all very daunting. I have no idea what one wears to hang out with story-telling types, though to be honest I have so few clothes that this question is academic. I am worried that I might get bored and giggle in innapropriate places. I am worried that I shan't get any dinner, and am extremely worried that I shall remain disturbingly

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109270015962053792005-02-24T18:33:00.000Z2005-02-24T18:33:35.963Z

I managed not to lose my temper at work today quite so many times or quite so spectacularly as I did yesterday, which has to count as an improvement in my day. This may or may not have to do with the copius quantities of sugar colleagues poured into my tea, and the fairly constant stream of biscuits and cake that I ate. Give up caffeine and sugar to improve PMT - pah.Andre is giving up smoking.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109181267293860472005-02-23T17:53:00.000Z2005-02-23T17:54:27.296Z

From Coco's Corner, via Sarsparilla, because I have bugger all to say and the water's not hot enough for a bath yet.Delete the authors not on your bookshelf and replace them (in bold) with someone else.1. Iain Pears Iain Banks2. John Irving Barbara Trapido3. Alice Munro Annie Proulx4. Barbara Hodgson Barbara Kingsolver5. Elizabeth George Sara Paretsky6. Nick Bantock Neil Gaiman7. Ruth Rendell -

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1109098443737047312005-02-22T18:53:00.000Z2005-02-22T18:58:51.403Z

1.Total amount of music files on your computer?3602 songs, 17.38 GB2. The last CD you bought was...Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Kate and Anna McGarrigle3. What was the last song you listened to before reading this message?My Town - K&A McGarrigle. I haven't heard it for at least 10 years but I still know all the words. I like that.4. Write down five songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108993819389992452005-02-21T13:49:00.000Z2005-02-21T13:50:19.390Z

1. My headteacher said the words 'you are a good teacher' to me.2. The house purchase seems to be on again.3. There is a strong possibility that next academic year I'll teach four days a week.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108859771314775082005-02-20T00:35:00.000Z2005-02-20T00:40:40.653Z

Does ordering the Kate and Anna McGarrigle CDs that I had on tape as a 16yr old count as an adventure?- thought not :)I've always been a musical sponge. I sucked up whatever my friends were listening to, became equally as dedicated as they were. This took me from David Bowie to The Roches and back again via Pink Floyd at the age of 16 or so. It was another way of getting inside other people's

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108723104351153752005-02-18T10:38:00.000Z2005-02-18T10:38:24.353Z

The first thing I thought when I awoke this morning (after..'Oh my god I said what??) was that this time next week I'll be back to spelling tests This was swiftly followed by one of those little interior deaths I am prone to in the mornings on occasion.Oh dear. It has been such enormous fun having a week off, I've really really liked acting like an adult (sortof) and staying up after 10.30. I

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108653693014423492005-02-17T15:21:00.000Z2005-02-17T15:21:33.016Z

See the pretty colours...listen to the jackets saying 'buy me, buy me'...know that when you get them home and there's only one - which in today's case would have been the fourth one in from the left, were I not saved by the camera, then the effect is entirely lost. Unless you buy them all. Shopkeepers are evil. Evil, I tell you.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108581357472230862005-02-16T19:15:00.000Z2005-02-16T19:15:57.473Z

If I ever get a studio of my own I must never ever be allowed an internet connection. Or if there is one it must be in a locked room to which I do not have the key. Except maybe at lunchtimes.I was working (get that) today - in between checking my email (bloody addict), and it occurred to me that the work I was making, which I had thought was new stuff, is actually exactly the bloody same as much

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108550098920423672005-02-16T10:34:00.000Z2005-02-16T10:34:58.920Z

Halfway up the M40 at 90 miles an hour belting along to blinking Madonna of all things I had one of those moments of feeling so completely free and alive that I almost burst with happiness.The trick I'm told is to hold the thought.Halfway back, crawling along through the Heathrow roadworks with my chin on the wheel I spent some considerable time considering the nature of my art. I'd write about

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108378797320481192005-02-14T10:59:00.000Z2005-02-14T14:03:52.110Z

Amazing how shoelust can overtake everything else. Especially when you are looking for something to overtake everything else, such as evil estate agents and house purchases.I am still dilly-dallying about whether to hang on and see if this house comes off, or throw the towel in and start looking again. Aargh. I am reminding myself that there is no perfect decision. Aargh. I am thinking..bird in

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108324698288935692005-02-13T19:58:00.000Z2005-02-13T19:58:18.290Z

There is nothing better than spending time with your friends.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108286381910043392005-02-13T09:19:00.000Z2005-02-13T09:19:41.910Z

My iPod growls, I swear it. It sounds as though it has indigestion. Either that or I'm having aural hallucinations.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108235008517163702005-02-12T19:03:00.000Z2005-02-12T19:20:36.613Z

I should know better than to go shopping as a cheering up activity, it's never worked for me. Like art, I do shopping best when I'm cheerful. When I'm faintly disgruntled as I was this morning shopping is likely only to push me further into the gloom. Bluewater was full of people with children looking resigned to their sentence. Everyone without childen had a partner with them. All of the clothes

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108161244553332722005-02-11T22:33:00.000Z2005-02-11T22:34:04.553Z

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1108064503331415902005-02-10T19:40:00.000Z2005-02-10T19:43:11.206Z

I ring the estate agent, and tell him that I can see the people who are supposed to be selling me their house are not really ready to move. They have nowhere to move, they haven't instructed a solicitor...I tell him that I'm going to start looking at houses again, and that if the vendors find themselves ready to sell then he should get back to me, as I am still interested. He calls me back in

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107970687445247602005-02-09T17:37:00.000Z2005-02-09T17:38:07.446Z

This morning as on every Wednesday morning I will do self esteem work with my class. We will all walk around the classroom telling one another why we like one another and recognising our achievements. Sometimes there's even colouring, which is probably my class' favourite school-time occupation. Actually there's nearly always colouring, because it's probably my favourite occupation, too. By

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107883902659533792005-02-08T17:31:00.000Z2005-02-08T17:31:42.660Z

Everyone was frazzled and running late this morning : 'Miss Clark! I put bubble bath in my hair this morning because I thought it was hair gel... - I hope it doesn't rain!' Nice to see him with a smile on his face for once, usually he comes in with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Angst at eight - not good.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107762924636526902005-02-07T07:55:00.000Z2005-02-07T07:55:24.636Z

Woken by the alarm from a complicated and finally filthy dream. Very nice. Maybe it's the new sheet on the bed. It's LIGHT this morning. Now that is good.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107689230707832472005-02-06T11:26:00.000Z2005-02-06T11:27:10.706Z

This week's obsessions: 1) Bonnard. All those ladies in the bath, and tables of food. And oh, the colour. They make me want to paint. I've never made a succesful painting in my life, but I am really really enjoying the feeling of wanting to do something again. 2) Nick Cave. 'You have a heart and I have a key, lie back and let me unlock you'. Oh my, that's sexy. 3) Kiehl's Original musk No. 1.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107462240215792542005-02-03T19:12:00.000Z2005-02-03T20:24:00.216Z

Laying in bed this morning waiting for the alarm to go off for the third and final time, I get this feeling...this idea that I can somehow smell a springtime. Nineteen years on, I remember the squeaking sound of pushing two fat bunches of tulips into a pint glass, the wavy line of the water pushed between the pale leaves and the glass, and the line of light around the rim. I can almost breathe

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107191882443183332005-01-31T17:16:00.000Z2005-01-31T17:18:02.443Z

After lunch, every day - book changing, interrogation and crisis management: 'I can't believe that after Friday, when the entire school had to miss their playtimes because of a stone throwing incident...yes, Morris and the catflap seems like a very good idea, Danny...you two go out onto the playground and start throwing things...what were you thinking?'

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1107120223089568782005-01-30T21:22:00.000Z2005-01-30T22:29:39.936Z

The six warning signs that should have sent me running for the hills: 'I only like happy songs' That's just sad, really. How can anyone not like sad songs every now and again….or even quite regularly. I am a huge fan of sad songs. Sad songs are my friends, they help me express myself when I can't manage it myself. How could I possibly be attracted to someone who doesn't get that sad songs are a

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-1105828403233629282005-01-15T22:33:00.000Z2005-01-15T22:33:23.233Z

test

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-42202142001-06-24T19:27:00.000Z2001-06-24T19:27:48.933Z

I've come over all goal oriented. A few weeks ago someone asked me what my aims were for the next year, and I was unable to answer in anything but the vaguest terms. This irritated me. I've read somewhere that people who write down their goals are much more likely to achieve them, but the problem was, I didn't really know what my goals were. For some reason, when I woke up this morning I decided

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-42083912001-06-23T18:44:00.000Z2001-06-23T18:44:28.990Z

A Saturday at home for a change. Seems like ages since we had a weekend to ourselves. I'm not complaining, it's been great bucketing around the country doing jolly things, but I now understand why some people say you have to travel to appreciate home. The garden is looking desperately weedy..this year the bindweed and brambles are rampant. This is in part due to the fact that when I was on

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-41439722001-06-19T19:15:00.000Z2001-06-19T19:15:17.163Z

Today I went to get my work back from the RA. I decided to put myself up for the ritual humiliation of getting rejected from the Summer Show again this year in a moment of foolish optimism...at least I had the sense to put in small work so it was easier to go and pick up! The thing with this show is there's very little chance of getting in (once all the RA's and the invited artists have had their

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-41263492001-06-18T18:21:00.000Z2001-06-18T18:21:47.660Z

Ok, so I got the battery charger. Now the hunt for a stainless steel grill of some description begins. Local garden centres have been tried to no avail, next onto the kitchen shops. I haven't got around to doing anything about it yet, because I spent the weekend in Devon with my parents, mainly eating far too much. Very nice. I also ran into a friend who I haven't seen for about 15 years, in the

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-40326532001-06-12T12:53:00.000Z2001-06-12T12:53:44.850Z

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I got a battery charger! Going to go and look at the instructions in a fainly bemused fashion now...

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-40059432001-06-10T18:08:00.000Z2001-06-10T18:08:03.166Z

I dunno...I'm trying to move my blog from Dircon..which I pay for but no longer use for anything else but this blog to...somewhere else, free in money and preferably in adverts. I just moved it over to BlogSpot, but then found I couldn't upload any graphics. Now how rubbish is that? I've moved it back again. Onto plan R. Maybe I should double check the graphics thing with blogspot. It would make

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-40058572001-06-10T18:01:00.000Z2001-06-10T18:01:03.380Z

Now testing my move back to dircon!

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-40057872001-06-10T17:53:00.000Z2001-06-10T17:53:58.120Z

Just testing my move to blogspot

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-40046632001-06-10T15:48:00.000Z2001-06-10T15:48:53.383Z

I've worked three days at Printspace this week. It's been really enjoyable. I've probably got more printmaking done in three days than I would have in twice as much time at Artichoke - even though I've been looking after the gallery as well for two of those three days. For a few months now, Artichoke has been a difficult place for me to work, either because I've been socialising with my friends,

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-39353972001-06-05T16:04:00.000Z2001-06-05T16:04:35.173Z

I just got these in the mail: This pic was taken in the dark, as when I arrived on Friday morning to open up, the lights had shorted out. We're still trying to work out what the machinery suspended from the ceiling is... This is the first time we'd used the press. Trevor Price is looking relieved that it works, and I am thinking "Please let no-one look at that godawful print". I'm going to

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-39213172001-06-04T16:40:00.000Z2001-06-04T16:40:58.090Z

Seems like a while since I've put anything here. Half term has passed in a blur - I have this vague memory of visiting Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxford for a day sometime at the beginning of the week. Most of the rest of the week was spent at Printspace, getting things ready for the opening night. I thoroughly enjoyed myself rushing around, and the opening was great, but I feel like I'm

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-38058182001-05-26T19:07:00.000Z2001-05-26T19:07:56.510Z

I've taken my prints over to Printspace ready for the opening on Thursday evening, and moved the tubes of ink and a few other bits and bobs over there too. For some reason I was feeling a bit worried about doing all that stuff. Having done it I definitely feel better: ready to start doing some work there - even though when I arrived there yesterday the sink had been removed because of a problem

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-37579212001-05-23T07:06:00.000Z2001-05-23T07:06:01.176Z

I'm trying to make a list of all the things a studio needs. press & blankets hot plate planschest (got one) work surfaces blotters and boards (got a few) water tank fume cupboard (assuming use of acid) solvents (think there's some about somewhere..) lidded bins (there's one in the garden) inks (got 'em) paper scrim tissue oh yeah..and RENT. Anyway, I've been putting ink into tubes ready to

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-37155252001-05-20T17:43:00.000Z2001-05-20T17:43:52.596Z

I think I finished a print on Friday. I'm not exactly sure yet. It's been laying about the house all over the weekend and I haven't been bugged by it - in fact I've been thinking 'that looks OK' which is a pretty good sign that it is finished. I had one of those strange unexpected leaps forward on Friday and suddenly there it was..pretty much finished. Where do they come from? The print was

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-37047642001-05-19T18:21:00.000Z2001-05-19T18:21:51.130Z

I've just signed up again at h2g2, the web community set up by the recently deceased Douglas Adams.I suppose it's a bit like blogger (which powers this diary), with journal entries and the like, but it's more interactive because people start discussions about the entries, as well as write 'guide entries' which are discussed. It's an enormous compendium of sometimes useless, often entertaining

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-36730952001-05-17T14:51:00.000Z2001-05-17T14:51:48.223Z

The Printspace meeting on Monday left me with a spinning head...the rota for the gallery is currently a little difficult to fill as only four people have been recruited so far. Even with the two people who are setting up the gallery joining in with gallery duties it's a bit tight. We need to have two people in the building at all times, which would be fine if everyone could do any day: 6 people,

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-36137412001-05-13T17:45:00.000Z2001-05-13T17:45:16.970Z

We went to Wimereux in France yesterday, for a slap up meal in honour of Viv's Mum's birthday. Fabulous. Brilliant sunshine, a panoramic view of the beach and the blue sea with fluttering flags and windsurfers, and gourmet cooking in a lovely restaurant. What more could a girl want? I'm going again for my birthday. I haven't quite decided if I'm going to go to the same restaurant, or to start a

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-35928182001-05-11T18:58:00.000Z2001-05-11T18:58:31.983Z

The cats have been bringing in stones today. I'm not sure what's brought this on - maybe the worms are all hiding. The worms started about two weeks ago, and I now keep expecting them to graduate to livestock with legs, but so far this hasn't happened. I've become quite used to finding worms with a few puncture holes making for the nearest exit, and the occasional dessicated worm which has

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-35811742001-05-10T17:45:00.000Z2001-05-10T17:42:10.913Z

Lookie! Another site with information about non toxic printmaking. Nik Semenoff has information on loads of different techniques, including Electro etching.I'm going to get my keys for Printspace on Monday. Goodie Goodie.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-35201062001-05-06T18:09:00.000Z2001-05-06T18:33:07.306Z

I took Viv up to Bankside today for a peep through the windows of Printspace. There are signs of movement in there, although the press wheel is still leaning where I left it against an upended planschest, so It's still less than functional, I assume... We wandered along the riverside walk in a wind cold enough to make us wish we'd worn gloves, past the Globe, and the Tate Modern, and stopped at

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-35082932001-05-05T18:06:00.000Z2001-05-05T18:08:47.940Z

I've found another interesting website. World Wide Arts Resources. I haven't spent much time looking at it yet, but there does seem to be an awful lot there - enough for several hours browsing. I've signed myself up to the artist's portfolios bit, as part of my attempt to have a link to my work on every blinkin' website you ever visit. Must add the link to my site. I'm touring the local motor

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-34365822001-04-30T20:10:00.000Z2001-04-30T20:11:06.050Z

Hmm..have norticed a definite inability to put in the spaces after links.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-34365732001-04-30T20:09:00.000Z2001-04-30T20:10:20.750Z

I've discovered that the reason I can't move my blog is a BT thing. They will only let you upload files to their server if you're connected directly to them via a BT account.Grrrrrrrrrr. I knew there was a reason I didn't want to sign up with them. Am trying to think of a solution that doesn't involve using my emmaclarkprints site - cos I have to re-dial into that one using their special number.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-34204122001-04-29T18:15:00.000Z2001-04-29T18:20:01.010Z

Blinkin 'eck. I can't manage to ftp via blogger to my btinternet server. Have spent about two hours trying and am now going to go off and sulk instead.End of whinge.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-34194862001-04-29T16:41:00.000Z2001-04-29T16:44:28.073Z

I'm trying to move my Blog. Should have put it in the right place in the first case.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-34110972001-04-28T22:12:00.000Z2001-04-28T22:12:57.140Z

It took ages to fix that bloody email link - and at least ten minutes staring at (perfect) code. Why is it that the simplest things often take an age to do online?Well, there's my rant for the day. Off my chest now. Phew.I wasn't going to mention this, especially post B. Jones and her slightly weight obsessed diary, but today I got meself into a pair of 32 inch waist (hip, really - honest!) Levis

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-33803772001-04-26T17:27:00.000Z2001-04-26T17:27:12.640Z

Oh DUH I managed to delete the 25th. Precis:I got a review in the Glasgow Herald for my Jeremy Strong site.I got a phone call about a meeting at Greenwich Theatre (see below). I can't remember the rest. It was sparklingly witty, of course.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-33803022001-04-26T17:21:00.000Z2001-04-26T17:21:57.293Z

I'm going to have a show at Greenwich Theatre then. I'm not sure quite when right now. They had asked me to hang on Monday (!) but then someone else joined the meeting. There was at this point a sudden attack of internal politics and they told me they'd ring me in a couple of days. Ha. It's nice to know other people suffer the same lack of internal communication that schools often do (not mine -

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-33459792001-04-24T14:23:00.000Z2001-04-24T14:28:11.340Z

Todays lesson: Theory of electro etching. Learning intention: Understand what electro etching is. Extension: Build equipment (not all children are expected to acheive this).If two metal plates (eg copper) are placed parallel but not touching in a conducting solution (eg copper sulphate)andare connected to battery terminals (like a car battery charger)...thencurrent flows from one plate to another

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-33323612001-04-23T17:31:00.000Z2001-04-23T17:36:17.806Z

Oof...I went back to school today. I'd somehow completely forgotten over the last two weeks that I have this other life which mainly involves the under 12's. It was a bit of a culture shock going back. I was ready to leave by about 9.30, to be honest. I stuck it out though, and did persuasive letter writing with year 3/4, then three digit numbers with the bottom maths group, followed up by half

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-33180182001-04-22T17:56:00.000Z2001-04-22T18:01:03.900Z

I've been updating my website. I'm trying to keep up the new links. It'd be nice to get a few more printmakers on there too, but very few of the people I ask seem to have slides. Ho Hum. While I was surfing around looking for possible links I found this environmentally friendly method of etching at Green Prints which uses electrochemical etching. AND it's possible to etch steel this way.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-33144162001-04-22T08:45:00.000Z2001-04-22T08:49:59.123Z

Eight hours of solid whitewashing. What was a dark and dingy room is now...much whiter. It does look gallery-like now though. The press - which was saved from someone's back garden, is laying about the place in pieces looking a bit rusty, and the studio bit is frighteningly clean looking. What we need now (apart from a few painting fairies to do a second coat and slap some gloss about) is some

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-32958552001-04-20T21:55:00.000Z2001-04-22T08:33:13.230Z

Ah yes...whole minutes of timewasting potential heromachine...enjoy.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-32953012001-04-20T21:16:00.000Z2001-04-20T21:20:26.466Z

Twice a day?This is not normal, is it. Actually I can't remember the last time I was online at this time in the evening.Well..I'm nervous, aren't I.

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-32877612001-04-20T10:03:00.000Z2001-04-20T12:23:50.133Z

Tomorrow I'm going to go and see the new studio/gallery where I'm going to be working. Two minutes from the Tate Modern and about a minute from Shakespeare's Globe, the building which will hold Printspace stands on the site that was Bankside's last bear baiting ring. The idea is that there's a gallery with a workshop connected to it, so that when people come into the gallery they can see artists

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3008627.post-32723982001-04-19T12:13:00.000Z2001-04-19T12:16:36.573Z

Diary of a printmaker isn't exactly the most gripping title, but it is at least descriptive. I am a printmaker, and this is my diary. I'm not going to say what I intend to put in it, because then I shall go straight ahead and ignore that. I did think it'd be vaguely interesting to keep a record of my printmaking life, so expect lots of stuff about my teaching job and how I have to take my cats to

Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12619556560389971897noreply@blogger.com