You're so right, Katherine. Sadly, I am out of inspiration at the moment so all I can do is relate the real story: "I was crossing Westminster Bridge at lunchtime and some kid let go of his balloon. Doh!"
Robyn, I'll have to go back and check during the other hours to see if they release balloons (any excuse to hang around Westminster is a good one).
Time drifting away as if on a balloon... trying to watch the live feed on the Guardian site of Felix Baumgartner and his attempt for freefall record. So far, it's delayed, if not outright canceled.
That, a cheap aluminum lawn chair, a couple 6-paks of Bud Lite and a BB gun. Well, maybe a bunch of Red Bull to keep the sponsor happy.
Golly, Big Ben looks beautiful. Last night, I was trying to imagine the work force required to produce it - the quarrymen, the carvers, the gilders and the, uf, time needed to make it all come together. Where were all the bits made? Is there a quarry nearby that's been made a special site to honor the workers?
The tower (Big Ben is the bell inside it) is an iron framed, mid-Victorian building and so relatively modern. It's clad in limestone from the midlands. I must confess it looks good though.
When I was at school we were taken to the Houses of Parliament as you know, and we went up to Big Ben and were allowed to watch as it struck ONE we all had our fingers in our ears but it was very very loud, would not be allowed now I suppose. I more remember climbing a lot of stairs and was tired, how sad…
maybe that is why I always moan when you make me climb steps on our trips to London?
Such a magnificent structure. I didn't realize that Big Ben is the name of the bell inside and not the name of the tower. I don't think we Colonials name our bells in the same way you UK folks do (except for the Liberty Bell, of course). Love the whimsical balloon floating about. One is perfect.
Mum, I wondered where that came from: all of the "Oh, no! MORE steps!" every time we visit London. Now I know. Big Ben is still loud.
Ms.M. I think most of our bells are just called "bell" … I don't know where the name Big Ben came from but it was probably some kind of political joke in the Victorian press.
And thank you for letting me use the photo! I took the poem to my writers group yesterday and they said I should have the photo next to the poem. I told them I had asked your permission, so now I shall report back my success. And when I get rich and famous from the Big Ben Balloon, we'll have enough money between us to buy a pack of chewing gum. You choose the flavor.
Woohoo! Do let me know when the ebook is out (not that I have an ebook reader, but it's nice to know when your poems get published). No need to name-check me, though. I'm trying to withdraw gracefully from the interweb as I get older.
16 comments:
There's a gorgeous metaphor or two or sixteen in there somewhere. Or a poem. Or a short story. I might tackle it when I'm not brain dead. :)
Oh, how lucky that you get a balloon for each hour on the clock. This one o'clock one is lovely.
You're so right, Katherine.
Sadly, I am out of inspiration at the moment so all I can do is relate the real story:
"I was crossing Westminster Bridge at lunchtime and some kid let go of his balloon. Doh!"
Robyn, I'll have to go back and check during the other hours to see if they release balloons (any excuse to hang around Westminster is a good one).
Time drifting away as if on a balloon... trying to watch the live feed on the Guardian site of Felix Baumgartner and his attempt for freefall record. So far, it's delayed, if not outright canceled.
He should have used the one o'clock balloon … far more reliable.
That, a cheap aluminum lawn chair, a couple 6-paks of Bud Lite and a BB gun. Well, maybe a bunch of Red Bull to keep the sponsor happy.
Golly, Big Ben looks beautiful. Last night, I was trying to imagine the work force required to produce it - the quarrymen, the carvers, the gilders and the, uf, time needed to make it all come together. Where were all the bits made? Is there a quarry nearby that's been made a special site to honor the workers?
The tower (Big Ben is the bell inside it) is an iron framed, mid-Victorian building and so relatively modern. It's clad in limestone from the midlands. I must confess it looks good though.
When I was at school we were taken to the Houses of Parliament as you know, and we went up to Big Ben and were allowed to watch as it struck ONE we all had our fingers in our ears but it was very very loud, would not be allowed now I suppose. I more remember climbing a lot of stairs and was tired, how sad…
maybe that is why I always moan when you make me climb steps on our trips to London?
Such a magnificent structure. I didn't realize that Big Ben is the name of the bell inside and not the name of the tower. I don't think we Colonials name our bells in the same way you UK folks do (except for the Liberty Bell, of course).
Love the whimsical balloon floating about. One is perfect.
Mum, I wondered where that came from: all of the "Oh, no! MORE steps!" every time we visit London. Now I know.
Big Ben is still loud.
Ms.M. I think most of our bells are just called "bell" … I don't know where the name Big Ben came from but it was probably some kind of political joke in the Victorian press.
Dive, I knew something would come of this. Perhaps you can take a trek over to my place to see what you've done!
A fabulous poem, Katherine. The balloon would be as delighted as I am.
And thank you for letting me use the photo! I took the poem to my writers group yesterday and they said I should have the photo next to the poem. I told them I had asked your permission, so now I shall report back my success. And when I get rich and famous from the Big Ben Balloon, we'll have enough money between us to buy a pack of chewing gum. You choose the flavor.
Hey Dive--the poem I wrote based on this photo is going to be in an ebook and you will be "named"as well as linked. How do you feel about that? :)
Woohoo! Do let me know when the ebook is out (not that I have an ebook reader, but it's nice to know when your poems get published).
No need to name-check me, though. I'm trying to withdraw gracefully from the interweb as I get older.
Shouldn't I at least reference the Planet?
BTW,eBooks can be read on the computer or any kind of screen type gizmo. I've got Kindle books on my PC.
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