Imagine a man, a bit taller than me, with tight black and curly poodle-type hair. A golden tan like the Yorkshire tea that he so enjoys, and chocolate drop eyes full of excitement and intrigue. He's so unpredictable.
Imagine this man dressed in a flat cap, with a smart golf jumper that undulated over his muscles like the sahara dessert. This is complimented with smart grey dress trousers, almost perfect, apart from the singed pocket where he stuffs his pipe frequently forgetting that it's lit.
Imagine this man with a real love for his family - an Irish wife and 4 lively daughters. It's no wonder he did so much sport!
This is my father, my hero.
Today I'd like you to sit back and relax as I showcase these traits - the love for his family, his pure strength and his total unpredictability.
Sundays were the best because mother stayed at home whilst father took us on an exploration!
Today wasn't the time we went blackburry picking - it was far more adventurous. Today wasn't the time we collected manure in my sister's doll's pram - it was far more adventurous.
As we scurried out the door and kissed my mother goodbye, we flew down the street and rounded the corner. It was then my father opened his winter coat and showed us today's surprise - a wood cutting saw! Yes, a wood cutting saw!
I said to my father, "daddy why do you have a saw?" ...but he was scurring off with full haste.
But this was nothing! The saw was nothing compared to where we ended up.
The best way to describe it is for you to imagine being suspended over a bath full of water. As you plummet into the water there's total devistation as water is splatted this way and that. You're left sitting in a trickle of water that puddles around your feet.
This was like the scene that presented itself - an end-of-terrace derralict house with the walls bombed, rubble and broken glass everywhere. In the centre is the most perfect Victorian fireplace standing tall like me in the bath. Next to it is a cosy armchair like an old dog waiting for it's master to come home.
Again I asked my father, "daddy, why do you have a saw?"
"to cut wood!" he replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. My father had a knack of making the most insane seem so normal. As if it was normal to take 4 young daughters to a deralict house to collect wood!!!
It was then that we heard the most almighty scream, aaaaaarrrrggggghhhh!
Like harry potter searching for the golden snitch, we swooped down to the scene of the noise.
All I could see was my baby sister's bobble hat bobbing up and down as she sobbed uncontrollably beneath, her tiny fingers White as she clung on to the side of the cavenous hole!
Like superman my father swooped down and picked her up like a hawk with a tiny White mouse.
My father, my hero!
I lernt two valuable lessons that day:
1) don't leave my baby sister unattended in a perilous place with rubble, broken glass and my father.
2) don't tell my mother because... She went absolutely ballistic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Public Speaking - Brick Wall
TOASTMASTERS SPEECH 7
BRICK WALL
OBJECTIVES (5 -7 minutes)
- Collect information about the topic from numerous sources.
- Support each point and opinion with specific facts, examples and illustrations gathered through research.
SPEECH
What do you think of when you hear the words BRICK WALL?
What do you feel and what do you sense?
For me it's nurturing and stability but I questioned my network group to find out their optinions.
In my industry research isn't always facts and figures - it's also people's perceptions with what's around them.
There were 4 main thoughts:
1) CONCEPTUAL & CREATIVE
- "Hitting a brick wall" to describe a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. When two people are encased behind their respective walls, one person needs to take the first step and step out from behind their defenses. (http://www.innerself.com/html/relationships/intimacy
- "Thick as a brick" to describe a less able person
- "He's a brick" to describe a solid, true and reliable friend
There was the odd case of surrealism with "Follow the yellow brick road" - very interesting.
2) PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
A brick wall is a boundary that can provide a sense of security, safety and stability because, for example, it's more permanent than a see-through wooden fence.
Let's look at a prison where the walls give outsiders a sense of security and a sense of safety by containing prisoners.
I remember watching a TV programme years ago that suggested the prison structure itself provides the inmates with a sense of security because they have clear boudaries and, for repeat offenders, it becomes a second home - a safe sanctuary where they know how to react and are with like-minded people. It's their sanctuary, their norm!
Walls are often used as boundaries, from your front garden to the farmers' field to the Great Wall Of China.
Great Wall Of China = 4 million visitors each year. (www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall)
(Some people have claimed that it's the only man-made object visible to the naked eye from space)
When we look at the aspect of containment we also need to remember the horrific stories of people being blocked into a wall and left to die.
There was a ghost reported in a pub in Lancashire and when they came to undertake the renovations the developers found the body of a woman and her baby encased behind the chimney breast.
I even found a story of a car that has been entombed: (http://celebrific.com/gossip/Entombed-car-unearthed-after-40-years-2150956.html)
"A 1958 Buick has been unearthed almost 40 years after three young men walled it up in the basement of an illinois house."
3) A BEAUTIFUL & AESTHETIC MATERIAL
- Battersea Powerstation (London http://www.batterseapowerstation.org.uk/) - the largest traditional brick built building in the world.
- Tate Modern (London http://www.tate.org.uk/) - the planned extension was changed from glass to brick when brick was declared "the new cool".
4) THE TECHNICAL STUFF
Here are some sites to expand your knowledge on the technical stuff:
The Brick Development Association
The British Brick Society
How To Build A Brick Wall
Ibstock Brick Limited
For now, I'll show you how building a brick wall is like making a sandwich:
a) Start with a piece of bread + butter - build a few courses at one side of the wall and make sure it's level
b) Add a second piece of bread + butter - build a few courses at the other side of the wall and make sure it's level
c) Add the filling between the two slices - join the brick courses together with a plumb line to make sure it's level
If it's not level then the filling in your sandwich will end up on your lap and your brick wall will fall down.
It needs to be remembered that today brick is not generally used as a structural element such as to "support my designer home" and is actualy a veneer or facade with the structural wall behind it.
It's a timeless material that's available in virtually limitless sizes, shapes and colours.
It can be laid in many different ways with running or stacked bond, soldier and rowlock courses.
You could have a single vertical plane or it could be corvelled to create depth with self-supporting arches.
You can use brick for many things such as flooring, roads, ceilings, chimneys, sewers, aqueducts, planters and seating.
However you use brick, it needs to be remembered:
A brick is not just a brick
A wall is not just a wall
A house is not just a house.
I'll leave you with a quote by architect Louis Kahn:
"I asked a brick what it wanted to be and it responded - an arch."
Here are the comments that I received:
- A fascinating and very varied talk which also showed us something of your own interests.
- Good internal linking around teh sue of the word "boundaries".
- An unusual topic providing food for thought and confidently delivered. You embodied exuberance.
- This was an imaginative topic. Good fluidity between movement free delivery and referring to notes. Watch use of "now" when starting senences.
- You always bring any topic you choose to life. You have great style and presence.
- You are surreal! You took us nowhere so pleasantly! You are such a pleasure to watch.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Top Lighting Tips
Lighting is much more than choosing a lamp and plugging it in!
There are several factors we should firstly consider:
- Why is lighting required?
- Where is light required in the room?
- What style should I choose?
- How can I co-ordinate the lights from room to room?
- What safety features should I think about?
Let's look at each one in turn:
PURPOSE
Lighting can be broken down into the following categories:
- General lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent or Display lighting
- Safety lighting
General lighting gives an overall light in the room. It's required for general movement within the room and would include natural light and central pendant lights.
Task lighting is as its name implies, it's required for undertaking a task such as reading, knitting, playing games and completing homework.
Accent or Display lighting adds interest to a particular item or feature in the room. It may include a picture light or lighting within a display cabinet or on a shelf.
Safety lighting is as the name implies, it's required to provide safety such as with under-cupboard strip lighting in a kitchen to help see better when using sharp utensils.
When you start to think about lighting in a room, it's a good idea to make a list of all the activities that are going to be undertaken within the space and then you can assess what type of lighting will be required.
LIGHT LEVELS
Once you've decided what type of lighting is required you can assess the level or strength of lighting required.
For example, task lighting would need a strong light but general lighting may only require soft lighting. Rem,ember that you can alter lighting through the selected bulb and also through a dimmer switch.
When you assess light levels you should also look for any dark spots in a room or property. Which areas are gloomy and how can you best light them?
It's also imperative when selling a property to adequately light the front aspect so that potential buyers can clearly identify the property from the roadside and easily find the front door.
STYLE
Lighting products fall into the following categories:
- Central pendant light
- Wall light
- Table lamp
- Floor lamp
- Safety light
Once you've decided the purpose and light levels you're in a position to determine the most suitable style. For example, task lighting would be a strong light and could be accommodated within a desk table lamp. You then know that a socket is required for a desk lamp near to the desk.
There are so many lighting options around today that the selection is truly breathtaking.
Rather than looking at the selection as a whole and being in total awe or confusion, break down the options into appropriate material types. For example, a country cottage would be more suited to natural wood and fabric lamp shades whereas a contemporary pad would be more suited to chrome and crystal.
This is also a top tip when co-ordinating lighting within a total property - focus on matching material and shapes. For example: a contemporary property may feature lighting that focuses on square crystal drops.
SAFETY FEATURES
Quite often we forget or dismiss the boring safety features of lighting but it's so important for a designer home as well as keeping you safe and sound.
Safety lighting ensure that our property and our lifestyle come together in a workable solution that also looks fabulous.
Most of us are already aware of safety lighting, for example: specialist bathroom sealed units because mixing electricity with water is not the safest of activities.
Safety includes many elements around the home and in any corporate environment, for example: lighting staircases to prevent falls and slippage, lighting front doors to make it easier and quicker when searching for keys, highlighting Fire Exits to make a quick getaway, and providing additional lighting when chopping vegetables in the kitchen.
Once you've assess all of these aspects, from the purpose to the light levels and from the style to the safety features, you should have a cohesive and co-ordinated lighting design that not only showcases the property's features but is also a workable and enjoyable space to be in.
Of course, we're always here to help out if you get a little stuck or overwhelmed.
Call us today to see how we can help you.
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
There are several factors we should firstly consider:
- Why is lighting required?
- Where is light required in the room?
- What style should I choose?
- How can I co-ordinate the lights from room to room?
- What safety features should I think about?
Let's look at each one in turn:
PURPOSE
Lighting can be broken down into the following categories:
- General lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent or Display lighting
- Safety lighting
General lighting gives an overall light in the room. It's required for general movement within the room and would include natural light and central pendant lights.
Task lighting is as its name implies, it's required for undertaking a task such as reading, knitting, playing games and completing homework.
Accent or Display lighting adds interest to a particular item or feature in the room. It may include a picture light or lighting within a display cabinet or on a shelf.
Safety lighting is as the name implies, it's required to provide safety such as with under-cupboard strip lighting in a kitchen to help see better when using sharp utensils.
When you start to think about lighting in a room, it's a good idea to make a list of all the activities that are going to be undertaken within the space and then you can assess what type of lighting will be required.
LIGHT LEVELS
Once you've decided what type of lighting is required you can assess the level or strength of lighting required.
For example, task lighting would need a strong light but general lighting may only require soft lighting. Rem,ember that you can alter lighting through the selected bulb and also through a dimmer switch.
When you assess light levels you should also look for any dark spots in a room or property. Which areas are gloomy and how can you best light them?
It's also imperative when selling a property to adequately light the front aspect so that potential buyers can clearly identify the property from the roadside and easily find the front door.
STYLE
Lighting products fall into the following categories:
- Central pendant light
- Wall light
- Table lamp
- Floor lamp
- Safety light
Once you've decided the purpose and light levels you're in a position to determine the most suitable style. For example, task lighting would be a strong light and could be accommodated within a desk table lamp. You then know that a socket is required for a desk lamp near to the desk.
There are so many lighting options around today that the selection is truly breathtaking.
Rather than looking at the selection as a whole and being in total awe or confusion, break down the options into appropriate material types. For example, a country cottage would be more suited to natural wood and fabric lamp shades whereas a contemporary pad would be more suited to chrome and crystal.
This is also a top tip when co-ordinating lighting within a total property - focus on matching material and shapes. For example: a contemporary property may feature lighting that focuses on square crystal drops.
SAFETY FEATURES
Quite often we forget or dismiss the boring safety features of lighting but it's so important for a designer home as well as keeping you safe and sound.
Safety lighting ensure that our property and our lifestyle come together in a workable solution that also looks fabulous.
Most of us are already aware of safety lighting, for example: specialist bathroom sealed units because mixing electricity with water is not the safest of activities.
Safety includes many elements around the home and in any corporate environment, for example: lighting staircases to prevent falls and slippage, lighting front doors to make it easier and quicker when searching for keys, highlighting Fire Exits to make a quick getaway, and providing additional lighting when chopping vegetables in the kitchen.
Once you've assess all of these aspects, from the purpose to the light levels and from the style to the safety features, you should have a cohesive and co-ordinated lighting design that not only showcases the property's features but is also a workable and enjoyable space to be in.
Of course, we're always here to help out if you get a little stuck or overwhelmed.
Call us today to see how we can help you.
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors
Monday, 22 February 2010
My Mother's Day Out
This year, as a mother myself, I'm taking some time out for luxury treats and special events that enrich my life.
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience?
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
We're often told by our clients that they wish we were sat on their shoulder or tucked away in their pocket for when they go shopping. They want our individual and expert advice there and then to make those snap decisions.
We've thought one step better for you because, although Gwendoline is only 5'1", she won't fit into your pocket no matter how many yoga positions she can get her legs into!
So why doesn't she take you shopping!
Your individual shopping spree with our creative expert will guide you on what to buy and where to buy it.
It's your time!
Of course, as a mother our time is precious, so we show you how to maximise any shopping trips and give you confidence in putting items together quickly and efficiently. Great skills for anyone who hates shopping or is time poor.
Gwendoline will take the time to teach you how to look for those special items to finish off any room, or maybe there's something you're already on the hunt for?
We can help you make those special purchases now or just give you the advice and skills for the future. Either way, it's going to be fun!
Contact us today to book your pamper shopping experience:
'My Mother's Day Out' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (04Apr2010).
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience?
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
MY MOTHER'S DAY and MY MOTHER'S DAY OUT.
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
MY MOTHER'S DAY OUT
We're often told by our clients that they wish we were sat on their shoulder or tucked away in their pocket for when they go shopping. They want our individual and expert advice there and then to make those snap decisions.
We've thought one step better for you because, although Gwendoline is only 5'1", she won't fit into your pocket no matter how many yoga positions she can get her legs into!
So why doesn't she take you shopping!
Your individual shopping spree with our creative expert will guide you on what to buy and where to buy it.
It's your time!
Of course, as a mother our time is precious, so we show you how to maximise any shopping trips and give you confidence in putting items together quickly and efficiently. Great skills for anyone who hates shopping or is time poor.
Gwendoline will take the time to teach you how to look for those special items to finish off any room, or maybe there's something you're already on the hunt for?
We can help you make those special purchases now or just give you the advice and skills for the future. Either way, it's going to be fun!
Contact us today to book your pamper shopping experience:
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail;: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
'My Mother's Day Out' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (04Apr2010).
My Mother's Day
This year, as a mother myself, I'm taking some time out for those luxury treats and special events that enrich my life.
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience!
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
My Mother's Day and My Mother's Day Out.
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
How many times have you walked into a room to be filled with misery - the decor is dated, the layout's all wring or you just can't see past the clutter?
Maybe you long for 'your own space' in your bustling home. Your own space to display your precious things and unwind after a long and taxing day.
As busy mums we give our energy and our time to our family, often putting ourselves last or just making do!
This year though, we're making time for you!
Our creative director Gwendoline will pop into your home and wave her magic to make your space and your home more appealing for you.
She'll offer you lots of guidance and practical advice to sort out those annoying and nagging worries about your home. She can create you a haven to unwind and relax or sort out that miserable room once and for all.
When we live in our homes we can become sanitised to what's around us. We live in the same way day in and day out.
This year we want to help you fall in love with your home again. We'll give it a new lease of life which in turn will invigorate you and your family.
No more miserable rooms and no more making do. Make time for yourself by contacting us today to book your pamper session with Gwendoline.
'My Mothers Day' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (0Apr2010).
Of course there's the fabulous facial and healing hot stone massage but I also want to learn more and see more. I find it fascinating and invigorating to experience new events, as long as it's not jumping off anything with a bungee rope tied around my legs - I'm too scared for extreme sports!
New events always make me more creative which is great for my work - they take me out of my box, widen my scope and broaden my horizons!
With this in mind, I contemplated how I could bring you a special treat for Mother's Day. What would make your day special, bring you fun and a new experience!
Just for you we've put together not one but two special Mother's Day offers:
My Mother's Day and My Mother's Day Out.
With our individual attention, these special offers are designed to pamper you. They're designed to give you that thrill and excitement under our expert guidance.
It's your time!
MY MOTHER'S DAY
How many times have you walked into a room to be filled with misery - the decor is dated, the layout's all wring or you just can't see past the clutter?
Maybe you long for 'your own space' in your bustling home. Your own space to display your precious things and unwind after a long and taxing day.
As busy mums we give our energy and our time to our family, often putting ourselves last or just making do!
This year though, we're making time for you!
Our creative director Gwendoline will pop into your home and wave her magic to make your space and your home more appealing for you.
She'll offer you lots of guidance and practical advice to sort out those annoying and nagging worries about your home. She can create you a haven to unwind and relax or sort out that miserable room once and for all.
When we live in our homes we can become sanitised to what's around us. We live in the same way day in and day out.
This year we want to help you fall in love with your home again. We'll give it a new lease of life which in turn will invigorate you and your family.
No more miserable rooms and no more making do. Make time for yourself by contacting us today to book your pamper session with Gwendoline.
Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
'My Mothers Day' sessions are £99, for a maximum of 2 hours and must be taken before Easter (0Apr2010).
Radio Verulam - Maximise Any Room
The last Tuesday of every month is our creative director Gwendoline's slot with Danny Smith of Radio Verulam (92.6FM www.radioverulam.com).
It's an informal session where Gwendoline will share with you design top tips for the hot topic of the month.
For February she'll be talking about awkward rooms - from the dining room to the bedroom, from the cellar to the loft - she'll share with you her industry knowledge and vast experience into what makes a room awkward and how to remedy the problems.
So, crank up your ears to Radio Verulam.
Don't worry if we're not in your geography because you can always listen online at www.radioverulam.com.
Enjoy,
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
It's an informal session where Gwendoline will share with you design top tips for the hot topic of the month.
For February she'll be talking about awkward rooms - from the dining room to the bedroom, from the cellar to the loft - she'll share with you her industry knowledge and vast experience into what makes a room awkward and how to remedy the problems.
So, crank up your ears to Radio Verulam.
Don't worry if we're not in your geography because you can always listen online at www.radioverulam.com.
Enjoy,
Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors
Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Workshop...Social Networking Made Easy
As highlighted in today's blog, 'If I Show You, Will You Look', social networking has many positive aspects to help strengthen your company, your brand and your public profile.
But how does it fit into your daily life? How does it link to other aspects of your business?
I love to use the analogy of a horse race where you are the Horse and your customer is the Golden Cup, the First Prize.
Of course the horse has the ability to take part in the race and reach the winning post on its own but it's more likely to achieve first place, the golden cup and first prize, with a jockey and a trainer.
The jockey ensures that the horse is focused throughout the race and the trainer prepares the horse for the race, ensuring it's muscles are toned and flexed with sufficient nutrients for optimum fitness.
Social networking is the jockey. It helps you in your marketplace (the race) to position yourself against your competitors (the other horses).
Social networking works alongside other marketing tools (the trainer), such as your website, blogs, newsletters and personal face-to-face interactions, to make a strong connection with your customers.
Like any new technology it always take a while to work out best practices.
With over 20 years business expertise, our creative director Gwendoline is now bringing you our top tips on how to make it easy.
- We'll share with you our industry insights and how to take the slog out of social networking.
- We'll show you how to make it structured with clear objectives and goals.
- We'll teach you how to keep it simple but effective, maximizing those precious hours of your day.
Here's what one of our previous students had to say,
" A big thank you for all your valuable advice and help.
You made it fun and interesting."
We create all of our workshops individually for you.
As well as teaching you industry theory and best practices, we make our workshops practical and create a relaxed environment so that you go home with useful skills that can be applied straight away.
Contact us today to reserve your place on our limited workshops.
DATE: Tuesday 2nd March 2010
TIME: 10:00 - 12:00 am
PLACE: Saint Albans, Hertfordshire
PRICE: £35
TELEPHONE: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
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