Never straying from the present path

I tried to do most of my shopping online this Christmas. Not only do I avoid the hordes and the feeling of panic that sets in as closing time approaches, but I also avoid that temptation to buy one for them, one for me.

Or so I thought. What I discovered this year was that the same thing happens online! I was just online for the last 2 hours, only to realise that in fact, I had totted up a fantasy shopping list all based on things I want. Which defeats the whole purpose really.

It has helped splitting the shopping this year. Usually I end up having to think of, source, buy and wrap about 30 presents. It all gets a bit silly and has meant in the past that I have begun to hate Christmas.

But I put my foot down this time. Writing everyone's names on bits of paper and drawing them out of bowl. Half the stress! Wahay! Or so I thought. Now my half has been done, delivered and is awaiting wrapping, I have now started to worry about the other half's other half of presents. It's tricky not to nag, but I can't help worrying. Nothing worse than having to smile sweetly at someone on Christmas morning who has realised that they haven't yet opened anything from you. No point pointing at Himself and mumbling that it was his turn to buy. It doesn't work like that does it?

I am determined to have faith.

Right, having broken my own rule of 'never straying from the path' on the internet, I am going to explore some more ... I'll be back!

Favourite place to browse today .... http://www.anothermag.com/loves

I know where my Loyalties lie

It's started again. That yearning to actually tell the world about something. it's not enough to just tell work colleagues or email someone. Oh no, this needs to be shouted from the rooftops.

Last night we ventured down to R.A.R.E, which stands for Rock 'n' Roll exhibitionists - to see a music/art fusion show. It sounds a lot posher and poncier than it was. It's basically a collective of musicans who do art stuff and decided it was a good idea to put on an exhibition, but play gigs every night too.

I'm so glad I went!

First, the art was great, some really good stuff. My favourites were:

Tom Spencer, who does Tattoo inspired stained glass. http://www.tattooglass.com and Vince Ray who I champion at any available moment: http://www.vinceray.com

But the biggest surprise of the night for me was Tom's band, the Loyalties. One word: awesome. I chose yesterday to go because Vince and the Boneshakers were playing, who I knew were going to be good. But the Loyalties was an unexpected bonus.

http://www.myspace.com/theloyalties

Put it this way, I don't think I have ever looked up someone's myspace quite so quickly. :)

And I shall no doubt be inhabiting the Resistance gallery some time soon, great space with a great vibe.