This was a click from Reading festival that Mark took. basically we had just packed up out tent and had the radio on. Suddenly Dom and Brad break out into a dance and I chopped it up, added music...and voila! lol

My friends Mark and Andy have a band and this is a video they made....I love it!

Johnny Depp!!! (again)

For those who read my blog or are my friends on facebook you will have read and seen my pics of Johnny Depp that I took in London for the Sweeney Todd premier a couple of years ago. Well, he was there again yesterday for his 'Public Enemy' premier and I decided I wanted to go in again and see this beautiful, kind and gracious man. I didn't know if I would get such amazing shots as I did the last time. He touched my hand and said hello - how could I top that!

Anyways, I waited....and waited..... the crowd was crazy and def more fierce then the last time, although to be fair it was a different cinema and they didn't use the entire square for people to stand like they did before. Johnny stood for the paps and let them take his pic and he did his interviews etc.



Suddenly someone came to him and told him he had to go inside and start the movie. I don't think Johnny realised the time as usually he goes through and signs autographs for the fans etc. People were sad that they didn't get to take close pics of him and most of them left. The amazing thing is he told a security guard to tell the fans that he would start the movie inside (he gets introduced, the people clap etc) and then he would come back out to meet his fans.



What a great man! He was true to his word, and lucky for us who stayed there was a crowd but only half of what was there before. Ie. less pushing!


So, here are my pics..enjoy (I know I did!!!)






My Autograph!

My friend Shaun Smith wrote this article for a magazine. It is amazing. This is a little tribute to his beautiful writing and to my Dad...on Fathers Day...for always supprting and loving me.



'Dads, Princesses and the Power of Woo'
Written by Shaun Smith


“Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous? Actually, who are you not to be?” - Marianne Williamson

I am standing in a crush of three-year-old pint-sized princesses. Surrounded by sparkling tiaras and frilly dresses, these little daubs of pink and purple are up way past their collective bed time. We giggle. We dance. We wait patiently for the real princess to arrive. Well, at least a real princess played by an actress.

Finally, the moment arrives. Belle, the beauty from Beauty & The Beast, walks in to the room. As she comes out from backstage, I can see it in my daughter’s eyes. The beauty is here. My daughter climbs out of my arms, fixes her purple dress, and runs toward her.

Running to beauty

We are all attracted to beauty. Beauty sells magazines. Beauty drives our self-perception. When I counseled teens, the issue of distorted definitions of beauty came up on a weekly basis. Our society hasn’t left us wondering what beauty is. Beauty is full lips. Beauty is long flowing hair. Beauty is a body shape Barbie would be envious of. Beauty wears the right clothes, surrounded by the right friends, and always plays with the right toys. We’ve immersed ourselves in cultural perceptions of beauty, so much so that we don’t know where to turn. We are consumed with the concept.


Love For a Lifetime: How I got past the parental rejection of my childhood
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As I watch my daughter wrap her arms around Belle, a concern reveals itself in my mind. What chance do I have to speak truth into my daughter’s life? As she grows, who will inform her on what beauty is?

I’ve been told by culture (and a few friends) that a father’s most important job is to provide. Be strong. Be courageous. And bring home the cash. Become “the provider for all, and the enemy of all,” as J. August Strindbergto once so eloquently wrote. On TV the only other option is to fill the role of a bumbling, awkward individual — the comedic outlet in the family fabric (see world-famous dad Homer Simpson). Is there room for a father to “woo” his daughter and reflect God’s heart for her? Are those moments as rare as a dance at a graduation, followed by another at her wedding?

Wooing your daughter’s heart

The role of father is vitally important to the emotional and spiritual (not to mention relational!) well-being of a daughter. A Dad is not just a provider, protector, and live-in comedian. Neither is a mother only a cook, cleaner, and sole provider of “the nurture factor”.

A father has the ability, to reflect the love that the Father has for us. He has the opportunity to “woo” his daughter’s heart - to let her taste the depth and strength of love. He is given the capability to speak the truth of beauty deeply into the heart of his daughter.

The tragic truth is this - if fathers do not take the opportunity to speak beauty into their daughters’ lives, someone else happily will. Turn your television on to any station and watch for a few minutes. Volunteer to chaperone a junior high dance. These are the prevailing voices of beauty in our culture. These are the voices your daughter (or son) will hear every day.

I want my daughter to know that she is beautiful. Not just for the reason that she could star on Toddlers and Tiaras, or even because she is smart, and talented, and funny. Those are all wonderful things and part of the gift of a daughter, but I want her to know that she is deeply beautiful because of Who made her. I want her to believe that her Father desires a deep and meaningful relationship with her, and so do I.

I want to be someone she can trust, someone she can talk with, someone she can walk through life together with. I want to be someone who can humbly and brokenly reflect the love that her Heavenly Father has for her. I want to woo the heart of my daughter so that she knows that her beauty transcends the length of her hair, the color of her eyes, the ability with which she reads.

After all, who is she?

“…who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.”

She is a child of God — and so are you. God has created you beautifully.

As fathers, we have the gift of engaging in our daughters’ lives meaningfully. And to unveil the true meaning of beauty found in each of our daughters.

Take a deep breath

It’s important, Dads, to take a deep breath. You’ve likely walked through the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt that come with parenting already in your journey. This segment of your daughter’s life - no matter if she is a two year old dress-twirler or a fourteen year old boy-chaser - is a great time to speak beauty into your daughter’s life. So take few tips from a fellow bumbling live-in comedian:

> Open your ears. Chances are, if she’s older than two, she’s using more words than you do. When you listen, you’re communicating more than attention in her life. You’re signifying that her world is a priority and that she is worthy of your interest.

> Be in the moment with her. With a thousand other pressures confronting fathers, it is easy to tune out. These are the moments you live for, not what’s coming for you tomorrow at work.

>Two words: date night. This is a special phrase in our house. The word date means undivided attention over breakfast, at a restaurant, walking with candy apples. It’s a time when my daughter can talk to her Dad. (And believe me, she does.)

So I stand here and reflect, amidst the mass of little princesses, as my daughter embraces Belle and looks back at me. And when she looks back, I hope she begins to understand that her daddy is in this moment with her, that she is loved, and that she is beautiful.


http://thelife.com/family/powerwoo/

DIVERSITY WON!!!

Another ending to a great year of Britain's got Talent. I love this show! A definite highlight in my year of TV viewing. I was a bit sad to see that out of the 10 finalists for the last show 5 were singers! I think the singers should be encouraged to try out for the X-factor (similar to American idol but over here they accept all ages from 12+)

There were two amazing street dance 'groups' and one kid who would blow your mind with his dance. My favourite was Diversity - a group made up of different sets of brothers and a few kids. I had hoped that they would win.

Diversity blew everyone else out of the competition. It was AMAZING!!!! I have attached the video below for you to look at. Let me know what you think!

PAULO NUTINI

When I first moved to England I turned on the TV and caught the music act on the Sharron Osbourne show. As soon as I heard Paolo's 'Jenny don't be hasty' I was hooked. I soon bought the album and fell in love with this guys voice and his music. I wanted to see him live but the only concerts I could find were long sold out.

So, here I am three years later and I notice he is touring again with his new album out June 1st. Of course, London gigs were already sold out so I decided that I was going to drive to the nearest gig to me no matter what. Booked my tickets for Bristol (3 hour drive) and finally the day arrived!

What can I say? His first album was amazing but this new album is going to be awesome. He sang all of his new songs and all I can say is that each song is filled with different layers and dimensions. It is his old style but now with added bluegrass feel. The song is slow and then breaks out in new rhythms...the lyrics are incredible and the added instruments including such things as a harmonica and mandolin complete the album.

This was a very intimate gig which added to its appeal. Gorgeous curtains, laid back style, a blend of lighting, and being dead centre front.....all added to the enjoyment.

If you don't know who Paolo Nutini is...then my suggestion is, go buy his first album. You won't be disappointed!!!

Phrases of the week

My friend Jeff whom I met a Bible college years ago came for a visit this week. He has just started a two month european holiday by himself. I envy his passion to do things alone. Some might say I am the adventure queen and would do anything for fun but....travelling alone is one thing I hate. Well, travelling for pleasure - alone. I could go on and on about why I would dread this a possibly analys my life and the embaressment I (think) I feel when doing some things by myself...but, not today! =)

I just want to leave you with a few catch phrases we heard or said this weekend that made me laugh and must be used for personal pleasure and a good laugh once and awhile.

1. While in a small clothing shop at Notting hill, the guy who I assume is the owner greets us with a lovely hello and then says 'please try anything on.... trying on is for free!' (has anyone ever been charged for trying on clothes?) anyways, it made me chuckle.

2. Jeff and 'the boys' from home say this at random before and after events...its quit funny if you use it. "We're really doin' it" or "we really did it" Funny thing he said they used it a whole day when one of the boys was getting married - which I again thought was very funny. Imagine prepping for your wedding and enjoying the day but you keep hearing "we're really doin it" use it - I know you'll enjoy it!

3. Ok, so Jeff and I had a chat about e-mails/facebook etc. Basically Jeff sucks at both. He will read a message but never write back. Something he admits he needs to get better at - and I agreed. Then jeff said "I miss the days when you get out a piece of paper and a pen, write what you want to say, and... (ok, I need to stop here for a second. what do you think the next line of this sentence would be? now, like you, I thought he would then continue by saying "... drop it in a mailbox"

BUT NO.... Jeff doesn't say that! He says "I miss the days when you get out a piece of paper and a pen, write what you want to say,...then give to a man on a horse who will ride and give it to the person.

Now, I'm not sure what 'western' canada was like back in the 80's but in eastern canada we certainly did not grow up in the time where mail was still delivered by a postman on a horse!!! bah ha ha ha He said it so non-chelant, as if he had indeed lived through a time where he missed the old ways! oh my gosh, I laughed so hard and he will never live that one down.


and thats the end of my story. I urge you try one of these fab phrases some day and see if they work for you.

Always remember...trying on is for free! x

This advert makes me laugh!

My life...the gong show!

Most of you know that my love life can be summed up in two words.... GONG SHOW!!! Seriously, I don't know what it is but I am a creep magnet! they always seem ok at first and then BANG, they pull a Britney Spears and turn out psycho. I have been told many times I should write a book about my dating experience as it would add great reading material in the comedy section. I hereby submit 2 examples...just a snapshop in the love life of Lynnette!

1. 'The blinker' - this was a blind date set up by someone I knew from church. Apparently this guy had seen me at the Easter musical and asked his friend to set him up with me. I was told he was an outgoing guy and very smart. I don't have to time to ge into much detail...but we went out with the guy who set us up and his girlfriend. We went to play pool and my date...well, he sat on a stool all curled up like an old man, hair cut so close to his head he reminded me of grover from sesame street! I call him the blinker b/c his eyeballs were huge! I'm talkin' the kind that stick out of the head more then in. He never spoke a word to me the entire date and when I did ask him something he would curl up more on his chair and smile. lol The worst thing was that when he blinked it was like an eclipse! It felt like slow motion...his eyelids slowly trying to reach over his eyeballs. It was hilarious. So, needless to say this date was over even before it started. Funny thing is a couple of days later I received an email from the guy saying he loved every minute of the date and thought I was marriage material! Bah ha ha ha...yeah right!


2. 'Kiwi Zoo boy' - (my favorite story!) this guy I met online. Now, before I scare you off from online dating, I did have a successful relationship from an online thing so it has pros as well as cons. Anyways, after talking for a couple of months I finally agreed to meet this guy in London for the day. When I first saw him he was wearing lime green shows, black earings and his hair kept falling over his eyes to which he was always flicking it back. (His picture had non of the above!) He was from New Zealand (Kiwi) and an elementary school teacher. Again, to make a long story short in the middle of tourist area, sat, before christmas (hence....crowds everywhere!) he asked me if I go embarassed easily. I told him I was pretty easy going and it depended on what happened. He then proceeded to make barn yard animal noises at the top of his lungs!!! NO JOKES! I'm talking about a horse, a cow, and e even added a donkey! everyone turned around and was lookign at us. Was I embarassed...? I would say the word would be mortified! he wouldn't stop! he kept going and going. I have no idea what the prupose of this was and usually fun banter does not involve everyone in London thinking we are mental. Again, needless to say I caught the next train home and after his many attempt to call me for another date...I finally got rid of him.

SO there you have it....2 of many stories of my so called love life. I would tell you more but that would make you pitty me more.....I put this qustion out to the world...are there any NORMAL available guys out there??????

My bestest buddies and their dance routine. They are amazing!!! lol

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greeks do it right!

I know I haven't written for awhile but in all honesty I'm finding it hard to think of what to write about....that, and I don't really want to type all of my thoughts....seems a bit too personal.

I saw this on Britains Got Talent 2009 last night. I laughed so hard that I had to see if it was on youtube and share it with you all. Enjoy, laugh...and be merry!

Lynnette

lifers....

You know how in life you make friendship connections that you know..or at least HOPE they last for your lifetime? Well, I was thinking last night about the friends that I have now. The people who have stuck with me through thick and thin. Those who I haven't seen in years - college friends that live on the other side of the world, childhood friends that maybe we have nothing really in common anymore but you still keep in contact and up to date on their life because you care that they're happy.

Well, I thank God for those people who are can truly call my life long friends. Its funny how life can change so fast. One day you're having parties at your house, heading for coffee or the nearest 7-11 for slushies...the next day one is married, possible having a kid and you live in a different country. However, no matter what road our lives have taken us on....the friendship remains strong. Its sad to think that you may not see that person(s) for years, but it is so reasuring to know that they are always there to talk on the phone, or just an e-mail away.

On that note....Thanks friends - you know who you are....for being there, for being a part of my life....for everything.

Lynnette x

Right....so...... I know i'm on this 'just go for it' phase in my life, but today I've hit the 'I'm so tired of waiting, will anything ever happen' phase.

I have no patience! I wish I did. Maybe its a girl thing?!?

Me and my lama

any a day throughout my life I have noticed myself whistling or humming a tune....a song which I heard on sesame street when I was a kid. The video was of a girl bringing her lama to the dentist. They just don't make tv like this anymore!!! Anyways, thanks to Youtube, I can now re-live this amazing video (sarcasm). ENjoy the show!

I still don't have my car back. I told work that they must rent me a car as I can't do my job properly and I refuse to cancel all of my appointments. SO, enterprise rent-a-car shows up with an electric car!

I can only explain driving this car like being in a train...it just glides along. No sound of a motor b/c there is none! I but a square peg in the whole and push 'power'... thats it! no sounds of the thing starting or anything. The dash board is basically like the cockpit of a 747. All computerised, touch screen for heat, music, and you can even look at your energy and how it is moving through the vehicle when in operation.

I understand this is great for the CO2 emission and 'being green' and all that anti-polution stuff but in all honesty ... what would it matter if we are all dead b/c we're so busy being on the computer that we forget to watch the road!

Slumdog Millionaire

This movie is amazing. I loved it! I also loved the song that came on at the end. This video is the new version with the pussycat dolls singing, but, its the movie video,no the music video. Hope you like the song! Joi ho!!!

A classic sketch from Saturday Night Live. One of my favorites!

Chippendales Dance Off - SNL

Car nightmare

So...I am without a car AGAIN! In the past 2 years my car has died on the side of the road 5 times! the car has been in the garage 8 times! 5 flat tires, 1 hit and run at a mall parking lot, been broken into while parked at my house, hit from behind at a round-a-bout. I have had to call AA6 times, 3 of which my car was towed. I have had to get the coils replaced and last but not least when getting an MOT the garage said I couldn't have my car back b/c it didn't pass any of the tests and it was illegal to have on the road. Might I just just add that the its always the same problem that the garage 'supposedly fix' every time!

ok, this is a three year old vehicle, leased through work. I recommend to anyone who is thinking of buying a Vauxhall Meriva..........DONT DO IT!!!!!! 3 more months and I get my new company vehicle! Thank God!

One of the best things I have ever seen. Rarely do 'stand up' acts make me laugh... this is awesome! Love Achmed the dead terrorist.

SILENCE! I KILL YOU!

This is a deep one! you are warned!

I loaded two movies (via my new favorite website) that I have been wanting to see for some time now. One intrigued me by the adverts and one simply because it seemed to win a lot of awards this year. I had no idea that both movies were based on the Holocaust. The genocide of approximately six million European Jews during World War II, as part of a program of deliberate extermination planned and executed by Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.

If you're like me, you would have heard about the Holocaust many times in history class and you didn't think anymore about it. Well, after watching these two movies I was intrigued to really get a grip and understand more about what actually happened.

Needless to say, I was disturbed, upset and angry! I made the huge mistake of searching 'concentration camps' on the images screen of google and was horrified.

You may ask why in the world are you talking about something so deep...so horrific....so inhuman. Well my friends, I guess I write this to get it off of my chest, out of my head and 'out there....in the world of questions without answers......in the cosmic shock of things gone by'.

I can't recommend 'The Reader' as there is far too much nudity in it for my taste (both male and female frontal) however I can recommend ' The boy in the striped pajamas.' Although the soldiers son does seem a bit dense, or maybe the writing was just not that good.... but the movie will make you think! And if it does to you what it did for me... you will take a look at your own life and ask those big questions. Do I persecute people? Do I criticise others beliefs? Am I slightly racist and don't even know it? I hope the answers are NO....and always will be.

Watch it..... let me know what you think.

Look into my eyes...

To document my UK life thus far, I figured I would write a list of cool things, and celebrities I've seen since moving here in 2006. Here goes.... (pictures included!!!)

Went to the Sharon Osbourne - Guest singer Amy Winehouse

Ant and Dec's Pocker face. (2 UK tv presenters - awesome!)

Saw Hugh Grant and Drew Barrimore at their movie premier 'Music and Lyrics' at Picadilly Circus. Sadly, pics are rubbish!

Went to see Bridget Jone's House! (film)

Saw an original Monet and Picasso at the Tate Modern museum.

Went to Harrod's and it was awesome...MMMmm pastry!

Spent the day at Notting Hill and went to the travel book shop from the movie.

Saw Stonehenge. Not as big as expected...but still cool.

Went to Harry Potter premier outside and saw all of the characters.

Saw Delirious in concert.

Saw Rob Bell twice and met him. (Nooma Videos)

Saw Matt Redman

Went to the opening ceremonies of the Tour De France.

We know the royal family's butler and he gave us a private tour of Windsor Castle (Queen's weekend home) and then a BBQ in Kensington Palace!!! For those who have no idea what Kensington Palace is, its the castle behind buckingham palace, where the queen and her family actually live!!! Um, who ever gets an opportunity like that!!! Austin(our friend) actually lived next to and shared a driveway with Princess Diana! And....he took care of Harry and William when their mother died. The picture is Diana's actual house.

Saw my first Football (soccer) game in the UK. Reading vs. ??

Saw John Kusack (from serendipity).

Ran into the Miami Dolphins (NFL football team) and talked to the players at the tower of London. We had our picture taken with the head coach.

Then went to leicester square and saw Lilly Allen and then I saw Bill Nighy!!! If you don't know him by name you will recognize him as the singer guy from Love actually. Or from pirates of the carr 2-3, constant gardener, Hot Fuzz and shawn of the dead.

Saw Trinny and Suzannah in a mall! (clothing Guru's...always on Oprah)

Saw Tom Hanks!!!

SAW JOHNNY DEPP!!! not only came around and I have amazing pics of him but he shook my hand and said "hi" =) This was at the Sweeny Todd Premier. I also saw that same night, Alan Rickman (prof. snape from harry potter, die hard1 bad guy), Thomas Sangster (kid from love actually) and Timothy Spall who is known for peter pettigrew in harry potter or Ron's rat! Last but not least I saw Tim Burton, the creative artist/director himself!

Visited a cathedral in Durham where they have filmed parts of Harry Potter. Durham is a gorgeous little village - very old fashioned with tiny little roads made of copplestone.

Went to Henry VIII's castle which is caled Leeds Castle and it is about a 5 minute drive from my house.

Took my sister to the Ritz for High Tea on her 40th Birthday. The hotel was beautiful and it was an incredible night. Def. something you have to do at least once if you are in London.

Surprised my nephew with tickets to see Good Charlotte. Both of us love the band and we had an amazing time. We even saw Paris Hilton as she is (was) dating one of the band members and she was sitting on the side of the stage.

Went to 'The Sunday night Project.' This is a great UK tv show. The guest host was Pamela Anderson.

Finally went into West Minister Abbey to look around. Saw the graves of Charles Dickens, Handel (composer), Sir Isaac Newton and William Wilberforce.

Went to the reading festival and saw so man amazing bands and stars. to list a few.. pendulum, metallica, tenacious D, and Rage against the machine. Kelly Osbourne walked right by me on the way to the bus one night which was too funny. Best of all, I saw Jack Black!

Went to London with Katy J and we ended up going to see Josh Hartnett in 'Rainman' on stage theatre.

December 2008, Went to see Coldplay - Finally after 6 months of waiting! They were incredible!!! Saw Simon Pegg (a british actor who stars in and wrote 'shawn of the dead', 'hot fuzz', run fatboy run' etc) He played harmonica with coldplay in the audience.

The End. So far....

Ode to my parents

Ok, so...day 2!
I spend yesterday afternoon in Maidstone high street as I had a meeting there. Funny thing about where I live is that I have no friends in my town. Every single one of my friends live in another town. the closest is about 15 minutes away. So, needless to say I don't necessarily 'hang out' in my town with friends. Most of my maidstone shopping is done by myself - which is fine, and I love the downtown part but I have no 'maidstone friend memories.'

Anywho, funny enough the only persons/people I have shared maidstone memories with are my parents who have been over to England twice to visit me! SO yesterday while walking around, all I could think about was mom and dad. All of maidstone is now a memory of my parents visit. This isn't a bad thing, but it really made me miss them. I see BH's and I think about looking for a sweater for my sister and a new coat for mom. I see a bench outside the local shop and remember us sitting there and them eating their very first british pasty.

So, this blog is an ode to my parents. They have been amazing the past few months in my little life drama issue and I had a fabulous time home with them.

I miss you both very much!
Love You!!!

The start of je ne sais pas! ok, so I assume I should have something very witty to say on my very first blog but in all honesty....I DON'T! I could tell you the story of how I was deported from the UK due to someone reading my application wrong, but I'm kind of sick of the story!

I don't know if this blogging thing will last as I'm not one to type out what I'm thinking...nor am I one to come up with fantastic topics like my friend Kathryn. But, I will give it a try.

So, to start this new journey, I will post a few pictures of my time back in canada with amazing friends.

Let the blogging begin!