I work hard to stay fit, look good. It was seemingly the last day of summer, I had to multitask walking my dog and running an errand because I was experiencing pain and having to use a walking stick is a bit embarrassing so I thought well if I have to I'm going to look good. I hadn't worn this dress all year, so what if I'm having to walk with a stick, temporarily.
Then, I experienced a random attack. Thankfully, it wasn't serious. However, everyone ought to feel safe just going to the newsagents, right!
The video clearly shows two intoxicated adults. The female struck me and the Police classify it as a sexual assault.
Everyone is advised to be practicing social distancing, yet I was struck and then I had to put my hand out to stop her from obviously either going to go for me or definitely not respecting any social distancing anyway.
At this time I was having physio for my a sustained injury and where I was 'whacked', it was not a slap, it was a whollap and I still felt my skin smarting the following day and painful to even sit down! was also on my injury.
They obviously thought I would be their entertainment, however I got three witnesses and one of them advised me to call the police straight away. When the offending realised that the witnesses were not up for having a laugh expense she obviously realised she was wrong as she runs off.
During it my phone that I only use to listen to my music on now was knocked from out of my headphones lead and broken on the pavement.
This happened in the Avenham area of Preston in front of a newsagents three months ago. The witness who lives above the newsagents pointed out the camera and we locate that. I asked the newsagents about this who provided me with the CCTV when I asked for a copy of it.
I am posting this video because it is not okay to strike another person, it is not okay, in no uncertain terms and to think that it could be makes me think that people who do need educating that no, it's not. I am posting this video to raise awareness and also to hopefully help others be more confident about speaking up/because of the following:
A few weeks ago I spotted a campaign on the Singer Celine Dion's social media page that she promotes and it provides you with advice on what to do if you either witness or are a victim of street harassment.*
To me this is what I experienced. Though the police say the phrase is an American expression to me that is what it is really. I was going about my own business and then someone randomly thinks it's okay to hit you for their own entertainment. The advice is really good: The Five D's.
Only a day or so after seeing that campaign ad and reading the advice I witnessed a school girl on her own being subjected to insults and sexual gestures from a group of school boys (about 15 of them) on the opposite side of the road. I spoke up, they shut up and walked off and the girl said thank you to me.
If I hadn't seen that as I might not have acted so effectively.
I have put in a request to the police that the CCTV be shared on their social media platform, though I am still awaiting a response about it. I have permissions to share it of my own accord though anyway, thus why I am posting it 'in the meantime'.
If you able to identify the bully female offender in the video please speak up.
You can also contact the police anonymously.
Please call 101 or report it online on Lancashire Police's website for reporting non emergency incidents and state the crime reference: 04/148001/20 and for the attention of Constable Officer 4654.
Thank you to the kind people who have helped so far anyway.
In writing this blog it might not come as a great surprise that my username as a Blogger has the Composer's name Handel in it. An inspiration like many great composers/artists to many people including myself.
Thus, when I spotted this article today I thought to myself, yes, good reading material and as it's a lengthy one perhaps read all of it later.
This composer however is none other than Beethoven though and as I created a Dance piece to his music* and have it in my archives I thought I'd dig it out - something for you to peruse during the Christmas festivities, if you haven't already seen it and maybe even beat the boredom of particular tier lockdown restrictions. Hey, while we're at it, why not even have a go at learning the dance?!
Even got my multi-coloured/rainbow patterned arm warmers on. Who would have thunk it! #SupportTheNHS
Dance Analysis:
A Bit About The Dance
The style of the dance is predominantly contemporary. No surprise there as this is what I studied at Degree level, along with Contemporary Music. However, my sports training is becoming more apparent in my work. It was only a year before this I participated in a sports course by LAWMAC where I basically played football. (Anyway, I think it was mandatory as it was in conjunction with the the Job Centre and I opted for the sports course. - see prior blog for more details!)
Before I studied for a degree I qualified to teach Step-Aerobics attaining an Instructor RSA qualification. And before this I trained in various styles of dance right from a little tot to going to a Stage School.
Although I have trained in other styles of dance ultimately, my dance roots are the traditional styles of British dance such as Ballet, Jazz/StreetDance and Tap and these with my sports and fitness training are easily recognised in the dance.
* I created this video eight years ago! At this time I decided to start exploring recording with video. This mini site-specific movie piece is amongst quite a few videos that I have created to present that can be accessed digitally.
NB. Since then I have reclaimed my birth name, as my known name from my parent's second marriage is Cox and who I know I am from as far back as I can remember!
Running is an important part of my fitness regime. It's vital to have some form of aerobic activity in a good work out session. I ought to know as I am RSA qualified. Although it's just common sense, isn't it?!
When I participated in a football course organised by the company LAWMAC I thought it would be similar to a sports course, as mentioned. In fact it involved a warm up and playing matches, and as a result I was the only active girl playing football as another girl also signed up on the course just sat around drinking cups of tea.
Anyhow, I scored a hat-trick and improved my running technique.
What can I say?! As a professionally trained Dancer other movement based activities just intrigue me.
However with the festivities comes, hopefully, deluxe food, and this means, for some of us, you have to either be more vigilant with your exercise or something along the lines of start the diet with a new year's resolution. Personally, I hope to opt for the former option even if it means bringing out my inner reindeer, Dancer ♥️
photo credits to a fellow fitness stunt enthusiast
Thankyou for all of my birthday well wishes. They have wonderfully cheered me up along with my really girly and pamper day that I have treated myself to.
Here's a pic. to prove it!
#StaySafe
Copyright c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy Photography 2020
Fortunate to have a holly tree on my allotment so have started making Christmas decorations with some sprigs.
I missed tending a garden and although I have a back yard it's not the same. I was one of the ones, who when the bedroom tax came into effect, (2012) I decided to move. Very recently I got an allotment, something I thought I would always like one day but this is like tending a garden as the land demands alot (understatement of the year) of TLC.
As an Artist I am always very creative anyway and I like to be environmentally friendly when I can.
I have upcycled, using an Orangina bottle for a vase. This week, and sticking to a budget, I found Poundland have imitation berries. It's very simple, but sometimes simple is best.
Anyhow, I hope you like my Christmasy themed floral decoration and feel free to make your own like this or similar if you do.
At the moment, there isn't any space really for me to put a Christmas tree in the window unfortunatey so instead I have placed this in my bay window, but this is just the start of my decorations going up. #SuperExcited
To hear that Des O'Connor has passed on this weekend has saddened me alot.
However, I hope you're having a laugh with your pals on the other side now as always. I found this today and I am sure you would only want people to be happy and have a laugh and not to be upset of your passing and this clip(s) has made me cry with laughter:
Ever the gentleman and professional Artiste, I know this because I had the privilege, honour and pleasure to work with him.
My thoughts are with Jody and their son at this time.
In 1992/93, whilst still studying at the Arts Educational Schools in London I got my first professional contract as an adult as a Singer/Dancer earning my provisional Equity card:- (Nowadays you can just join. Back then though we earnt it. Old School rules.) Des O'Connor would be starring as 'Buttons' with his girlfriend, Jody as 'Cinderella' in the said production. (Woking Theatre, UK)
Jump to 2020 and I am a Multi-Instrumentalist (since circa 2003), my point being I have always remembered the song I Am The Music Man that I first heard when Des O'Connor sang it in this show. He sang it so smoothly, sophisticatedly, but projecting such fun, it was a joy to sing and dance along with and to.
I decided to utilise the third of three free passes provided as compensation to me from Energi Preston on my last day before the national lockdown. What did you do?!
Here's a video of me also taking the plunge with the slush drink or rail ride compensation (because of the forthcoming lockdown), guess what I opted for?!!
I'll give you a hint. I don't really do big rides at the fairground, and I'm also rather dubious of heights, to say the least, but last day before lockdown (national UK) and all that!
On reviewing the video, I realise, I don't really care that it's actually a bit embarrassing: kids are cheering me on.
This is just to say thank you Phil for letting me do my work experience at HW Music Stores Preston. You contributed so much to the music scene and community organising events. Whilst on my placement I was also offered the chance to volunteer at a few of these. #Rampage See photo links here:
I also decided to buy a flute, as I had wanted to learn it for a long time, am a multi-instrumentalist and was able to purchase it in installments. I was kindly given some old stock music books also.
The work placement was mandatory that I was required to do by the DSS, and as such unpaid.
However, the rewards I gained were so much more. Both Phil, the Manager and my colleagues were all great and I really did feel like one of the team.
I managed to record, one of the pieces of music from one of these music books.
I'm sure maybe he would have liked something a bit more rock, but I think it would also make him smile.
Flowers for Phil. First time I have ever arranged flowers for such a purpose, however, utilising the Holly tree on my allotment and being a Creative helped me in this matter. I must say that this was a challenge, although it's one he can take on his journey.
As an Artist who can also teach I was horrified about the very recent news of a French Teacher of Geography and History, who because he invited students to think for themselves is no longer with us.
I was moved to record this vigil for Monsieur Samuel Paty to honour his life.
This blog I write isn't paid, however by no means does such negate what I present in various artforms, myself included.*
This work that I have created you are free to also create.
However, don't try this at home, but you can if you work from home, or, you can if you go to work, perhaps on a break, though, maybe, but stay safe because, you can only try this at home, kids, if a responsible adult can make it safe making this.
copy and paste/click on the link HERE for photography:
I'm posting this recent video because although it is a serious piece - I am an Artist - it also makes me laugh, and I want to share it to hopefully make you, as the audience, laugh also.
And, in this current climate we especially need good cheer.
This August and September brought exciting sightings for me: occasional rare treats; aswell as spotting an otter I also spotted a mink, first time I've seen these ever. These creatures were too fast to capture on camera unfortunately.
Spot The Heron is a theme in my Blog and the best of my recent sightings doesn't disappoint. #RiverLife
So far this is the closest I have been able to get near the heron and it was quite a thrill.
More pictures from the sunny/warm weekend recently here I am specifically sharing as a dedication to all the heroes saving lives - as you will see my stripey bikini happens to be like a rainbow (thus this dedication) and signifying hope, however, it's also white, this represents peace (as part of my dedication).
This weekend I found this, a broken implement that could quite easily be utilised as an axe. It concerned me so I called the police, who unfortunately were unable to come and collect it.
As the station was open I said I would drop it off.
Usually, I carry another sort of axe through town, my guitar, so if anyone saw me carrying this one (see link for more) please don't be alarmed.
I handed the axe in to the police station, but not before getting a quick selfie, doing my best tinman or woodcutter man*, impression.
*If you're the real 'woodcutterman' know this little red riding hood found your axe and now the cops have it so you can collect it from the police station, though they've more than likely 'disposed of it'.
In these current times, whatever reduces the stress surely is a good thing - moor to come on this, shortly (punn intended).
So, everyone who has observed my blog, Spot The Heron and has guessed correctly, award yourself a gold star, like this one, a helium gold star balloon I spotted, 'moored' on the river, recently.
At the risk of sounding a bit like Bill Oddie I'm going to proceed with a little bit more detail. But, surely, that cannot be a bad thing anyway. Remember The Goodies. Fantastic musicians and entertainers.*
This week I also spotted a Cormorant. I got a few pics of it, though it was quite evasive, it seems, so here's the first:
Spot the Cormorant
and, another:
Today it was splendid to see both the heron and the cormorant within close proximity together.
The cormorant was showing off it's wingspan, it was amazing.
So, who hasn't been enjoying this delicious spell of super duper 'sunshiney' weather has committed a crime. Metaphorically speaking of course, and I say it in inverted commas because, well, here up north the sun might have been ⛅ but it's certainly been warm.
Here is a, just for fun, of the series: Spot The Heron capture shot:
(click on/copy & paste the following link for photography)
Usually, although directed at hopefully being interesting or topical, most of my blogs are non-subjective.
This one, however, is very personal.
It is time to go public.
As an artist, though first and foremost, as a mother, I reach out to my son. His name is Jerome.
Know this, Jerome, that you are loved, you are loved by me: your mum, by your grandma, and my side of the family as you always have been, as well.
If you have ever received my letters, though do not know how to respond, I hope that you see this online and can choose to do so. Please get in touch, but most of all stay well.
In the current climate, there is alot of discussion as to people unable to see their family and/or friends. The issue has been ongoing for about five months.
Try doing it for about twelve years.
Unfortunately, the family court system does not appear to be for the family - for you to express a wish to live/be with each of your parents, and for that not to occur, for no reason is diabolical.
cooking pasta quite a lot does not make me a bad parent
providing you, on a budget mind, with 'too many toys', does not make me a bad parent
to be accused, because apparently you could eat two roast dinners whilst at your dad's, that I am a bad parent, is pathetic
to be told, when I have disclosed private experience as regards to domestic violence, when in the relationship with your dad (you were too young to remember, though, thank goodness), when asked to, although I was reluctant, because I have been to counselling to deal with the issue, for the purposes of compliance I did share that information, that 'Oh, I don't believe he would do something like that' is unprofessional and alarming
etc., etc.
I hope you realise (and remember) that for the first twelve years of your life you were cared for by me, your mum
take care Jerome
as you are man now, I trust you can
you will always be my baby though, no matter what age you are
n.b. Nothing to do with Westlife or the now, Boyzlife.
At the weekend, it was a rare occasion for me to be able to bring out my little 'yellow submarine'* and cool off on the river - yes, 'I live by the river'* - due to the gorgeous sunshine (Friday).
Just For Fun
Spot The Army
I was walking my dog (Saturday) when I noticed the police had taped off the small bridge to the river access and asked a few bystanders about it. The fisherman, himself, also showed me a picture he googled to show what he had discovered near the water's edge - a hand grenade.
I promptly went on my way, took my dog home, and as it was getting cooler, got changed as I'd decided to return and see what happened next.
The bomb squad turned up and it was taken to the other side of the river into a field. 'London's calling'* - yes, this river here is on London Rd.
I patiently waited and experienced the thrill of the bang and the subsequent smoke from the explosion. Such things I would not normally be up for, however, as Saturday night's entertainment, and in the current climate, goes, with it being local to me, this was really cool.
To think where I was paddling, as I stayed very near the water's edge and in shallow water was not that far from where the grenade was found, or it could have been where I was paddling and moved along by the current, who knows, is an interesting thought, also.
Related articles:-
click on/ copy and paste or view in Archives under said title (See right hand column on any page/blog)
'Ray of Light' (July 2020) / The only one other sunny day this 'summer' so far (up north)!
Here's a rare clip of me singing and playing busking I'm sharing in this blog for good cheer, though also because unfortunately I do not have access to zoom, etc. to be able to provide live streaming of my music during this lockdown and advice to 'stay at home, or if you can work go to work, but work from home if you can', is just not possible.
In the current climate of the Corona virus pandemic and the rules with which we are all required to adhere to, for our own safety, I for one am really looking forward to getting back to work and performing live music, whether it is at a venue and a paid gig or busking - that is something as an initiative I can do to present live music in the public domain anyway, that is more of a gesture that the public can provide if you choose (as regards to pay), still it prevents musicians feeling that they have to pay for free, as the saying goes, would you call out a plumber and expect not to pay them? however, this will only happen when it is safe to do so.
This article, published by the BBC news today is particularly relevant:
The research is stating that musicians need to be 3 metres apart when co-performing.
I wish all other musicians and artists the very best, however, recent news about theatre venues and live music venues being able to open at the beginning of next month and seeing musicians and bands advertising that they are available to hire etc., because of the said permission, does not seem to register the fact of these scientists' findings.
Even on public transport, in the diagram, there seems to be more space allocated in between the aisles than either in front or behind (in standard class) - that to me creates a concern, especially when seating is not staggered.
I'd prefer to be able to say different, but The Band On The Wall's decision seems to be the wisest, in my opinion.
I don't think musicians and artists should be putting ourselves (this includes everyone/the public) at risk just to get the economy back up and running. The virus issue is world wide, as we're all aware. I don't think it's going anywhere soon, and to create false hope that everything will all be alright for a particular religious/commercialised yearly event is a poor show - pun intended.
Enjoy the video!
See you sometime when (from substantial healing, worldwide, I think) it's safe.
Thanks to the recent spell of gorgeous weather I was able to enjoy my workouts in the glorious outdoors more. I like to vary my workouts as well. I managed to get these photies. Here's a little insight in to what I like to do when I train. Have a ganders. Pun intended.
