La Lanterna!

La Lanterna

 Love, loss, politics and the Pope!

Last night I spent an enlightened evening with two amazingly compassionate, progressive thinking ladies sharing intellect with reason and individualism.  With me in the mix and all three of us hoping to share a point of view, with conviction, there was never a hint of silence.

I first met Anne Marie Coccozza when I was approached to be involved in FFAMS – Families Friends Against Murder and Suicide.  This is a registered charity based in Scotland specialising in supporting those left behind after the tragic death of a love one through murder or suicide.  This is a cause very close to me and my family.

Ann Marie is passionate about reaching out to anyone in need of relief, support or comfort and is willing to help any way possible.  This could be to listen, talk or simply to be with others in a similar situation.  The mission of FFAMS is to operate a grass roots Befrienders' service offering free, peer support and confidential advice to anyone in need of it!

If you are interested in being involved with this charity, then have a look at the website on their Facebook page to see how you could help or be supported!

Then there's Ann Marie Di Mambro, a prolific, Scottish writer and Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University whom, I don’t mind saying, I am in awe of.  Ann Marie gave up teaching to concentrate on her writing for theatre and her plays have been performed in Scotland’s theatres for many years.  On a professional level her work is integral in the delivery of both my Higher and National 5 levels  when working towards SQA examinations.   I also use them in my approach to teachings drama and production skills for ACfE.

Ann Marie writes for television and has had major input for programs such as EastEnders, River City, Casualty, Taggart, Holby City and many more.  She is very fabulous!

Over the course of the evening we discussed men, (that lasted about two minutes) politics, I didn’t express any views on this as I felt a bit lacking in the extraordinary level of knowledge these two beauties expressed.  So, I was quiet for a change.   The evening flew past but I was left with a sense of purpose and a new perspective on my recent past.

In our lives, everyone we meet and everything that happens to us is for a reason.  Although at times we feel weak and sad, any experience, good or bad make us stronger for the future.  That future is today.  The past doesn’t matter and we can’t see what’s ahead.  As George Harrison said, “Time is s very misleading thing.”  

If we absorb ourselves in the past or are always yearning and hoping for what might be then we are missing so much in the present moment.

Having said that, my mind keeps flipping back to last night and the fun we had while eating in the best Italian Restaurant in Scotland (three years in a row).  I don’t need to discuss the food because it was, without question as delicious as ever.  The staff were attentive and friendly, Megan with her understated professionalism and Maritna with her charismatic smile and charm.  

Congratulations again to Luca and Chris to all they have achieved this year.  Vote for them in The Scottish Entertainment Awards.

I live my life in a truthful way and believe if we are all honest and true to ourselves then we will be open to new ideas.  In doing this we will gain a willingness to accept people for who they are and live a healthier and happier life.

“If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.”

ReneDescartes

So, from three Brave hearted and courageous Scottish/Italian women, thank you for a lovely evening.  We will be back but in the meantime, we will each, in our own, small way try to make a difference in someone’s life.

Ci Vediamo la prossima volta!

Mx

All Bar One

All Bar One

I don’t normally do a blog without The Mary but there a few places in town that are so welcoming that I often go in myself.  There is not a time when I pass by to say hello or go in for food to All Bar One that I am not welcomed with hugs and kisses; and that’s just the girls!

Granted, my daughter works there but that’s not the point.  It is one of the busiest bars in town but when I sit and peruse, which is often, I see the staff smiling and chatting in such a genuine and friendly way that it makes me want to linger longer.

I found out from a friend of mine recently that it’s actually one of the best pick-up joints in town and I was totally unaware of this.  Maybe because I wasn’t interested but I had been curious as to why guys often winked, nodded and smiled.  The first time I went in I thought it was a Tourette’s convention or something?  I kept looking over my shoulder to see whose attention they were trying to attract!   

I just google ‘dodgy guy winking’ for that image but misspelt winking and I got a right fright with the  images that popped up. They literally, came, up on my feed.  

Educationally beneficial though because I actually didn’t know there were so many different shapes and sizes.  Size I could understand but I’d never actually seen such a large, bendy member!  I'm a bit lacking in experience in the Willie department!

Who clicked on that link then?

Funny!

All Bar One is a very stylish city bar where you can catch up with friends, unwind after work or simply find a sophisticated space to indulge in an excellent selection of food and drink!

Within easy reach of Glasgow Central, Argyle Street and Buchanan, it is the perfect place to meet up with friends or unwind with work colleagues. Of all the bars in Glasgow, they’ve got the right blend of food, drink and atmosphere at any time of day.

I never feel uncomfortable going into any place myself but it is made particularly easy here because of the set up.  There is an eclectic mix of benches, high tables, easy chairs and small round tables to choose from.

So the next time you’re in town pop in for a drink, coffee food and chat and you will be made more than welcome.

I love the Tapas Tuesday whereby two people can eat 4 Tapas and have a bottle of wine for £20 which I amazing value for money and I would recommend the prawns which are so succulent and tasty they made me dribble!

Made me feel right at home because if you’re there after nine all the guys at the bar are dribbling down the cleavages of the local, tasty lassies!  

Some of the the local talent even Glow in the dark...and that's just the guys!

Afraid that will never affect me as I’m usually home and tucked up with a cup of herbal!  Also, cannae go all the bullshit.  If I was to start dating I wouldn’t waste any time with small talk and get right down to business.  Life’s too short and I need to be asleep b about 10 anyway!

But who knows……?

See you text time!

Mx

The Blythswood!

The Blythswood Hotel

So, The Mary and I have decided to go a bit upmarket this week and give The Blythswood Hotel the pleasure of our company.  It’s situated in a part of town that has also been renowned for pleasure of a very different kind.  I remember a time in the 70s when The Mary and I were skint and we decided it might be a good idea to earn some fast cash.  We knew lots of girls who were doing it and thought we’d give it a go. 

Off we went with our robust energy and enthusiasm like two eager little beavers.  Beavers are very keen and start having sex around the age of three.

That’s no right!

Well, the square was very quiet when we arrived and within five minutes I needed to pee.  There was no hiding place and we thought it would be a bit of free advertising if I exposed my bits.   So I went right ahead on the edge of the kerb. 

Like the wee fluffy beavers we did not last long in the wild because prostitutes are a bit like beavers in that they are highly territorial and before we knew it, we were surrounded by an overwhelming stench of fish! 

We got chased right down to George’s square!

Anyway, beavers are mainly vegetarian and both me and The Mary like a good, lean piece of meat.

They do like a bit of fish though as me and The Mary will attest.

Joking aside though, for those who say the sex trade is a job, a choice or a path of liberation, Katie’s story is worth reading.

She is a living example for those who consider prostitution an act of violence against women.

This beautiful building is Located in Glasgow’s vibrant city centre, Blythswood Square Hotel’s classic architecture and modern touches welcome business and leisure travellers alike to enjoy a world-class city and a hotel with ample amenities. You can relax in The Salon bar with a cocktail or Afternoon Tea, or recharge with an exclusive treatment at the award-winning spa.

An oasis in one of Britain’s most engaging cities, Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow offers exceptional event suites that are easily tailored to any occasion from weddings and celebrations, to conferences and private social gatherings. Enjoy meals and catering crafted from local ingredients, and ease of planning with help from a dedicated event manager.

Just this week they won ‘Best in the West’ at the Prestige Hotel Awards!

On arrival at the door Liam was charming and ushered us into the restaurant like two Hollywood stars.  The Sala was very chic and we had a table near the window looking out onto the gorgeous square.  The service was excellent and George told us about Greece and he and The Mary totally excluded me from a conversation that was all Greek to me anyway.  Kasia, one of our servers, was so charming and had the loveliest Liverpool accent.  I could have listened to her all evening but kept interrupting and The Mary had fallen asleep anyway.

Time for home and I have to say it was one of the nicest and most welcoming evenings we have had for a long time!

Oh, the food was great and very good value but for us it’s not about the food.  Life should be lived and experiences are much more valuable in the long run.

Thank you to Γεώργιος, Kasia, Neil, Liam and anyone else we might have missed!

Till the next time.

Mx