Julie70 in London at 77

Dave's Comedy, all around in Leicester

2012-02-21T13:07:00.002Z

I did not know till know, oh, how much is still to learn! but Dave's Comedy Festival is one of the "renewed" one!

So being part of it was already great. Having won an award in it, even better.

David, my last comedy workshop teacher, writes me that I could use it as a reference in the future.

Even more important: I begun reading again books! Not only website or Kindle! I can read again. This was a difficult period for me, as my eyes went worse, then recovering, adapting after operation, that I looked with my heart sad and had to read the minimum.

What a joy, when something bad is a bit better!

Comedy Festival Seniors in Leicester Slide show

2012-02-20T07:42:00.002Z

Emily did not have a good time, does not speak Standup language!

2012-02-19T06:34:00.003Z

I will not publish today here what she wrote in the Independent, and appeared this morning, also she spend a whole afternoon and evening with us, Silver Comedians and then the public too, she did not seem to enjoy it.

There is more put down and even more disdain, in my opinion in her reportage of it.

She begins, with me, thank you, as thus:

"With her tightly curled grey hair, oversized cardie and sweet smile, Julie Kertesz looks like the sort of granny who fishes in her pockets and hands out fluff-covered humbugs. But then she opens her mouth: "I'm 77 years old; what the fack am I doing stand-up for?" Rather than antique sweets, she dishes out a profanity-filled comedy spiel that arcs from biting reflections on catching cheating lovers to the perils of shaving unwanted female facial hair.

She and 23 others are vying to be the first ever Silver Stand-Up of the Year, being held in a small hall in Leicester's community arts centre.

She is nicer with Bob, the older between us:

"Bob Renshaw, 80, with white hair and white beard, looks like Central Casting's idea of a doddery pensioner. He has never done stand-up in front of a proper audience but – emboldened by a course last year – is taking the plunge. "I've always done a bit of writing and thought that some of it was quite amusing," he says. "The only older people you generally see doing stand-up are those who've been doing it since they were young." When he gets on stage he is laugh-out-loud funny."

At least, Emily, appreciated someone's comedy Bob was indeed great but so where many of us!

Here, Jumbo with Charmain, with whom I become very good pal! Both on the circuit for 20 years.

Towards the end, Emily writes:

"The 24 have to endure an agonising wait to be whittled down to 10 for the evening's final and the chance to take home a prize.

Don has not made it, and goes home early looking dejected. Bob, Charmain, Julie and Shelley are all through to the next round.

The final 10 battle again, this time in front of a paying public of 100 or so and a panel of five judges. Shelley's skit on being born a man raises the biggest laughs again and she takes home the prized golden microphone for Silver Stand-Up of the Year.

Potty-mouthed Julie Kertesz bags Best Old Newcomer and is sporting a victory grin. "My pleasure is not to win but to make people laugh and to challenge stereotypes about age," she says.

What does it mean "potty-mouthed" ?

I would return to Emily, that she is "bitter poison" minded! No, in fact, she has yet to learn the language of Standup comedy! For me, it is my 5th language and I try to speak with all people the language they use.

Silver Comedy Best Newcomer 2012

2012-02-18T20:40:00.003Z

And the Sliver Comedy 2012 Best Newcomer, winner, is... Julie Kertesz. I have the certificate to prove it, and yes, it went well yesterday, but with all that I hardly believe it yet.

Some photos tomorrow, I am tired tonight.

Even more important,

I made some good pals with the others present!

Here is a photo of some of our judges:

Real article and page but with a doctored picture

2012-02-17T06:08:00.002Z

This is what appeared Wednesday in the Guardian supplement, and it is not. Instead of my picture, they added an advertisement, even if the byline is about me. But it is of course not me who changed 77 to 70 ! Someone, having read too fast what Brian Logan wrote, did this. I only put "back" my picture, while I was gigging at Canterbury.

You can find the original, here: Link to The Guardian Paper

Still from the Guardian and my observations

2012-02-16T07:20:00.004Z

"Julie Kertesz's comedy is all about up-ending expectations and stereotypes. Besides the swearing, she jokes about her ex-husband's infidelities, and her own sexual appetites – much to her daughter's dismay. "I say standup is like making love," she says. "You have to look people in the eyes, you have to pace yourself, you have to practise, and you never give up – even after 70."

Kertesz thinks her age gives her an advantage. It buys her instant audience affection, and plenty of cliches to subvert."

I can not agree more.

Yessss!

Subvert stereotypes, yes!

But I also learned to begin with what the audience see. I do tell my age, That begins the cheering.

I do tell I stand not easy on my legs, and I do tell early that my mother language is Hungarian, too and that I have had.... experience.

Changing fast also the expectations about old age, old women, and "others", connecting to what each in audience can think inside or feel.That begins the laughter.

And tell a story about all that, rather then jokes. Or stories, somehow connected together.

Tomorrow, early I am of for Leicester.

StandUp after 55+ Silver Comedians

2012-02-15T08:28:00.002Z

Preparing to Friday Leicester Festival, today G2 part of The Guardian, has a page on us!

link to Silver Comedy in the Guardian

Yes, Brian Logan, a brilliant young actor / reporter, speaks in it a lot about me, "Kertesz" also the first time he added Julie, too. I would have liked to be later on called Julie, not every time Kertesz...

I love what and how he writes about us, our difficulties and differences too.

Come, to Leicester festival to see us Friday, and if you cannot, we will have bits and pieces of what we have done on-line, too, after the event.

That is the picture, they did not publish with the paper but Jumbo is indeed very interesting looking on his picture!

Be happy, love and let know

2012-02-14T06:11:00.001Z

And not only today, each day you can.
To those near you, or when possible, to those far away.

To your lover, partner, but also your to your pal.

We all bloom when we know, when we feel, when we know that we are loved.

Do not restrict it to one day! But begin today, if not yet do it day by day!

Photographer in Underground

2012-02-13T07:44:00.002Z

He is a tourist in London, and of course, with a camera, so he can take his pals and wife (or sister) with London.

They just arrived two days ago from Paris's Disnayland, but they have been very cold there. Of course, February is not the best month to visit Disnayland in Paris!

Soon, they will go to Barcelona.

I spoke more with her then him, but she sit near me too near to take her in photo.

It is so great to have even a fleeting contact with "other" people!

2 cups, 2 memories, 2 children

2012-02-11T08:24:00.001Z

I alternate, using cups that bring nearer me my children.

The cup with an apple, received from my daughter. It sais:

I will not get angry in the class, I will not hit someone in the class, I will not make a tantrum in the class room - I am the teacher.

She is a teacher.

Every time I take that cup to drink coffee or tea, I smile again and remember her kitchen and her warmth.

The other cup, is a new one, received recently from my familly living in London. My son and my daughter in love contributed both to it, so each time I take the cup, my heart warmth as I think of their attention.

I found it on this rack, in my kitchen, one day. Suddenly, it was there!

A joy to have such wonderful children, such great people caring about me.

It does not have to be St Valentine for it!

Snow in the courtyard and on the beds

2012-02-10T09:09:00.002Z

I should have gone to Ivor's comedy show yesterday evening, but my ancle told me "no", not today.

Probably, it sensed the snow before me.

As some through out beds even in the winter, of course, here it is what I found more interesting, covered with snow.

This morning, snow all around me.

There is life after 70 and even after 77, but one to be more careful, of course.

1, More London Place, Training

2012-02-09T11:34:00.003Z

Been there, seen that.

Many interesting news learned, lots of enthusiasm witnessed, but even more, met old pals! Toastmasters International officers training, for London's "Division B" Toastmasters.

Of course, big problem will come in July, if we split "London" what will be the new name, new identity, new areas!

Happy it is not my head ache, and that I agree with my VP Education: we should be part of it.

More London Place yesterday

2012-02-08T18:40:00.001Z

Going to Officer Training in Toastmasters, great lights near London Bridge.

It was like a tourism for me, but I froze. It was outside, walking and even more when waiting for bus, really cold!

Tonight, I will put a lot more on me!

Regrets of the dying - from The Guardian

2012-02-07T08:31:00.001Z

she also lives the fullest she can!

Here are the top five regrets of the dying, (the Guardian) :

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. I try to realise the dreams I had, and even discover new ones.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard and had more time for family.
As many women, I was close to children, and as close to husbands as they let me..

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. I express my feelings, even if too much sometimes.

Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness carried as a result.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. As much as possible, till their death part us.

Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. The life did not give me much choice, but whenever possible I did go out of my 'confort zone' and still doing it, every month.

Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

What's your greatest regret so far, and what will you set out to achieve or change before you die?

None of above for me.

I do work every day to « do » and « live it fully »! Perhaps, exactly so that all these do not come up, when my time will arrive.

But I need a bit more time!

Reflections

2012-02-06T08:53:00.002Z

This was taken in Canterbury, the house and its reflection, the winter trees and theirs.

Comedy is a bit like the reflection.

I take the real story, what has happened, and in some sort, a bit distorted way, I show its "reflection".

It has to be short and to the point, show truth and the same time surprise by its truth that come from it.

That canal has also come by surprise to me as I crossed the old prison gate in Canterbury.

It also gave me a fresh view of my comedy and of my life, of what I want to be the next step, too.

I do not make now huge dreams,I take one step at a time. One more out of my confort zone or ordinary ways, is a huge enough path already for me. .

This morning, snow covered Canterbury

2012-02-04T21:23:00.001Z

That is what I found this morning, stepping out of the bed and breackfast place.

Yesterday, good 13th gig, 9 minutes. This morning visite of the Cathedral, Cloister, main street in center and some small ones.

Here only a few of this morning pictures. I am off again, to sleep.

2012-02-03T06:48:00.000Z

For the first time, outside London to go to a Comedy Club! For the first time I was given the ten minutes I asked for.

How to make laugh for ten minutes?

I hope, I will be able to do it and not fade between the other, more experimented comedians.

I will not be paid, but if I succeed, it will be payment enough.

"Stage time, stage time, stage time." as Darren Lecroix sais. New experiment, in one way or the other. New lessons, new discoveries. In all, I wish to Chris, my pal from the last Comedy Workshop good luck (merde!) for his new endeavour. Not only he organizes it but also compères it. For him, it will be even more important the outcome then to me.

And also, I will learn more about "out of London" audience.

Different Audience

2012-02-02T13:31:00.001Z

Last month I was with audience of Silver haired retired citizens, this morning, I told a story and then we played it out, to 4 to 5 years old from a school.

28 in one class! Plus 8 mothers and the teacher! Small library, small room, sitting one near other on the carpet for the children, and some chairs around for the parents.

The story went well, even if I think they did not understand all. What is a barrel? What is a feather duvet? And so on.

Not only the age is important but the cultural differences too. For some things, having some pictures would have been better, but as soon as we started to act it out, they were delighted.

How you hide and were?
How you make chicken and collect feathers?
Do you like honey in your tea?
Tell all together "come back tommorow"
Play in two, one rises from the bed (floor) and the other, knocks, comes in then afraid runs away.

And so on.

Everyone left satisfied, after 40 minutes.

It took me almost two hours to come home, but I was happy to have had that experience.

Winter at Embarkment

2012-02-01T08:04:00.003Z

Silver comedy and in general comedy.

For me, it is to show we, Silver haired women and man, are young in soul and heart. We are not so different from young people, as they do believe.

It is also to bring old, silver haired (or colored hair) people the comedy to them, those who do not go to pubs in the evening, and show how much laughing about life's frustrations can make them more easy to go through.

Coming home from my rdv, I bought my ticket for Cantenbury, for Friday, and even for Leichester, middle of the month.

It will be the first time to gig outside London, 10 minutes in Cantembury, Friday.

And hopefully at least as much in Leichester (where I begin with 3 minutes plus 2 for filming) and if I pass the heat then 5 more in the evening. Even more important, the next day, time to analyse all what happened. Draw conclusions, lessons. Learn from them.

Anniversary

2012-01-31T07:49:00.001Z

My son joking

I got to tell my grand children, and repeat to my son, his birth, 46 years ago.

My grand daughter and daughter in law prepared a wonderful cake, with nuts and banana inside, for the occasion, and we did taste it at my place.

It is stunning how much my 13 year grand daughter grew up, and how fast she is now changing from small child to adolescent!

In my time, I have developed a lot slower, I think even at 16 was not up to how she is now, perhaps because the war and its deprivations but it could be it is also how the nature is, some develop faster, others slower.

Julie 15 year old

Such a pleasure to look to my two grand children and see them growing and developing!

Speaking two languages with ease, and having them not far, even if now they are no more "next door"..

Today, I still have a slice of the cake she left me, yesterday I ate the second one, or is it the other way around?

I can not publish pictures from my grand children, so here is one from my son and me, when I was adolescent.

Speak outside Toastmasters

2012-01-30T09:39:00.001Z

Of course, no one goes to Toastmasters - or not many - to speak at the end he or she learned to speak in public, inside the club.

The club is great to learn, to experiment, to screw up, to have feedback, and make pals.

Recently we had a Webinar about "speak outside toastmasters".

I begun in fact to speak outside my club, three years ago, as my Icebreaker was as Mystery speaker in an unknown club at an Evaluation Contest.

After speaking in different clubs and audiences, I have discovered Spark London True Tales event held once a month at the Canal Cafee Theatre, near Little Venice, a great venue and paid audience of about 60, each time full.

Johanna, its organizer took me after that to different other venues, one more intriguing then the other, which culminated with a "pro" storytelling event at the Manchester Townhall before 400+ audience.

Brixton's Ritch True Tales gave me other venue, an open mic event, for telling my tales in a more noisy environment. New skills to learn each time.

After my Comedy Workshops, I am now after my 12 or so Stand Up comedy event and booked for more. The stand up gives new challenges and great responding audiences.

Creating Workshop, yet another challenge.

Yes, I did get out and now I will have to teach also others to do so.

Dancing in the rain

2012-01-28T07:07:00.000Z

Dancing in the rain.

She is not Kelly, dancing of joy of love. She danced French Can Can, near Paris, in her heart and body the love of dancing.

Then the rain begun, more and more strong. All around people went to hide or put on umbrellas to continue looking.

The girls did not stop their dance.

Some dances with more care, not to slip on the humid surface. Others continued as if nothing has happened.

This girl spine went even higher, her head prouder, her steps more determined.

It was an fantastic memory, and I asked a lady to permit me to take a picture from under her umbrella (I did not bring one) and she let me.

This is a detail of the original picture, suggested by one of the 2500 who had looked at it on Flickr. What a joy is that we can show our pictures and have a permanent expo. This picture taken in 2005 May, come out yesterday, as yet another favorited, chosen, the original picture. Each time, it is a great joy and pleasure for me to remember. Bad weather, tough times, always offer a "good story", in storytelling, stand up comedy or photography!

Comedy in Tooting Blue hour

2012-01-27T12:10:00.001Z

Great evening at Prince of Wales pub (this is accross) yesterday!

We arrived early, had a great simple dinner. Me, fish and chips and great green peas, and yeah, even a pudding with custard and a small cup of Irish bear, Helen a chilli con carne.

Great Compère! He did make a great atmosphere! and choose well who comes after whom.

I opened!

When you are great, and the audience great, it is not difficult, finally.

About 50 in all listened, the audience was warm and responsive, and I got laud and long laughs!

Diary received the 25 Dec 1944

2012-01-26T06:03:00.001Z

This is how it started, me documenting my life, and telling what happened around me.

In the middle of the war, among the snippers falling on our house, writing in the basement where we were hidden.

My mother offering me a diary that probably she baught a long way back, to incite me to write and speak less to those around us, from whom we had secrets we could not tell.

A few lines from time to time, speaking of what went on around me.

I never stopped writing. Now, 67 years of diaries, more or less distance between each time I wrote, in some beautiful notebooks or small very modest ones. I kept on writing, I keep on writing.

Nowadays, more and more in my blogs, in my stories, my gigs, but still, some still goes in the last diary.

I discovered Phil Kaye and "Teeth" this morning

2012-01-25T06:55:00.000Z

Phil Kaye, "Teeth"
Japonaise mother, Jewish American father, poet, storyteller, listen to him telling it in such a touching way, my eyes were wet after I listened the second time around

He told a story in Middebury Ted conference "why we tell stories" - one of his answer is "to feel alive" but of course, there is so much more in it!

Cavendish Arms 2012

2012-01-24T12:53:00.002Z

Good begining, after one month absence, because operation.

Not only I succeeded again to make the audience laugh and have good contact with them, but I did that, after having cut my shoking beginning.

No more swear words and still laugh from the begining.

It is so strange how different audience laugh more (or less) at different parts!

We had good numeros, gigs and great audience yesterday at Cavendish Arms, and I was invited to come back soon!

Walking

2012-01-23T08:41:00.001Z

Walking is also a way to annonce who you are.

How you view yourself in the world.

The way you move, how you occupy a space, tells other people a good deal aout you, tells them how they should think about you.

It is important.

So think about that before you enter on a stage too.

30 hours in Limerick

2012-01-22T07:20:00.000Z

180 photos probably too much to look at, click choose, enjoy.

A few years ago, my dream to go to Irealand was realized and we landed near Limerick. Rented a car for ten days and went to our little Bread and Breakfast house, where we stayed two nights. But we went out to discovery as soon as we landed.

The first walk, the first pub, the first friendly people!

Next day, we went to discover Limerick and we spend an eventtful day there, too.

After Limerick, we went on to discover Clare County of which I have read so much. But it is only ten days later, going back, that we discovered a small village and pub very like that on my book from Nora Roberts.

We did not get well with each other, the lady from New York with more money to spend and me, with more dare to speak with people around us, but what a wonderful journey up the coast to Galloway, and later towards the lakes.

I came home, not liking any more my trip compagnion but loving Ireland, its diversity and its people. A bit less, its narrow and rainy roads.

Two weeks passed

2012-01-20T17:14:00.001Z

Two weeks passed now, I was operated for cataract, just two weeks ago.

Long two weeks!

For me at seamed long, the road to heal seems long, from where I am now, even if I do believe that "all goes well".

I am on the road to light (for the moment too much light) and the road of clearer vision too.

I can read! I can from tonight, sleep without something on my right eye.

"It is only two weeks" told me the GP yesterday, it is normal you still feel it. It is normal... it has been only two weeks!

Sometimes, two weeks seem long.

Life goes on

2012-01-19T06:59:00.004Z

One can not "win" every time, but life goes on, and on, whatever happens, is for some reasons.

Oxford Street

2012-01-18T17:31:00.002Z

Soho is near Oxford street, so I was there today.

No one came at our meeting, but I did wait, three hours almost.

Came back, with some images and decided not to go far for a Heat organised by someone who did not even cancel.

So, something good came out of it. The glass is not half empty but half full.

Petit dej française

2012-01-17T09:26:00.001Z

Oberkamp café in Paris, great fresh croissants and a very good expresso,

even if it was 5 years ago!

when it is good and fresh, there are great!

And so different breakfast then the one with tea in England. Tea with milk, was absurdity for me, before I tasted it here, now I like it, even if the good expresso and frech croissant is still...

Best of "London" tagged pic tures ?

2012-01-16T10:30:00.002Z

I am not sure if those 20 are the best, but they are the "most interesting" according to Flickr standard between my pictures taken in London.

Very English Tea!

2012-01-15T12:48:00.002Z

One English countryside with Rachel and Andy, and their warm welcoming.

I felt so much in three days!

One morning, they took me to a small shop, where we had tea, and that was at the table next to us. It was the first time I have seen a cattle covered so it keeps warm.

Thanks Andy and Rachel to warm my heart even after so many month!

A cup of café

2012-01-14T06:49:00.001Z

I do not understand myself the interest in a photo I have taken, this one is one exemple.

Yesterday, 54 people looked at it, in all already more then 6000 and it was "favorited" by 42 already.

Why this and not others?

I remember so well the day, near the St Lazar train station, waiting outside a coffee house, drinking it, experimenting for almost the first time with "point focus" and "point exposure".

Suddenly the street that my eyes had before it disapeared and only this cup remained. I was thinking of a photo by Andre Kertesz, with a knife and said myself, why not?

And my friend's daughter arrived late, I had time to experiment.

Dawn

2012-01-11T07:37:00.001Z

Another beautiful dawn this morning, at seven thirty , just now, outside.

I begin to see again!

Well, not complectly "open" yet, still some fog on one eye, but it is getting a lot better.

Plus, yesterday I was quite happy with my speech, even if I had to rush the ending. So much to say, and seven minutes is so short. But the idea of Joke / Real story behind the joke / Yes, wisdom is to use past and by doing it it becomes less oppressive, is a great idea to use to other exemples too.

Self portrait mid december

2012-01-09T08:38:00.001Z

of course, the photographer's pictrure is a "beautiful" one, and this looks a lot more "nature" but I feel it is even more "me"

I both, I open big eyes

I cannot do it for the moment, as it is only three days after cataract operation, and even if it is an "easy" one relatively, it is still an operation and has to heal

it will, soon, I know, even if it seems long hours, I already see better then yesterday and it hurts a lot less, only sometimes do I "feel" I have an eye

Brick lane and market

2012-01-08T09:04:00.000Z

that was taken three years ago, today it is too early for me to return yet, but the Meetup group "we shood people" is going and shooting, street photography is great!

After the operation, still here

2012-01-07T10:27:00.000Z

Jane Fonda talk on Ted about the new "third age" and how she feels now that she is "in" it,
how all changed but not yet the perception of the "old" that are thought still "decrepit" and in fact, one feels happier, more free and the third, "act" can also bring closure.

And yes, we can always have the power "how we take" what happens to us, how we repond to a situation

Everybody can...

2012-01-04T07:42:00.001Z

Everybody can who speaks can sing!

A great TedX speech by Naomi Susan Isaacs, and it applies to me as in my young ages I was told I cannot. .

Everybody can tell stories!

Even more, then singing, in my opinion, ar as much, the stories are in us and we all tell stories. To ourself, to others one to one or in group.

Telling a story in face of a big group is even more energizing. Sharing our stories, offering them to become others experience. To use them in their life. Begin to tell stories!

Different "faces" and expressions

2012-01-03T12:42:00.000Z

Just a few here for this blog, while waiting that my Cataract operation go through, Friday morning.

My thoughts are wondering to it and back again to everyday and to which of those would be better to be used next time.

It is a pity, I can not have someone, take a few good shots at one of my Stand Ups!

Similar but different

2012-01-02T07:44:00.001Z

The reflet in the water ressembles the original, but it will become different, depending of the wind, the light, the sun.

The story about what happened changes also, "the past changes" depending on our mood, the audience and the place we tell it.

One photo, can also tell different things to different people, but even to me, in different times!

Journal 25 Dec 1944

2012-01-01T15:27:00.001Z

A new year begins, and I wish all of you a very happy New Year 2012!

This is how it all begun for me.

The story of my "recorded" life, begun some years ago, in Budapest, Hungary, with my first recordings at age ten, the first Christmas, a war time, in my first diary.

From then on, I never stopped long time, to record, document, how I felt, what happened, to be able to discover later how I changed. To express myself.

Now, it would be 67 years already that I continue to do it. Writing in diary, writing short stories, writing in the blog, telling short stories, or even Stand Up and telling one line or one paragraphe stories all flows from one to the other.

We have to begin and persist only. And if something changes, go with the flow.

Best picture of the year?

2011-12-31T09:41:00.002Z

Those are perhaps the best images from 2011, that day of 29 April on Trafalger Square, all my set, taken that day, in less then two hours.

Participating, photgraphing, coming back with "documentary" images. All together, make up the mood of that day, there. The joy, the proudness, the participation of so many different people.

That is what this set does show.

Perhaps this image is the best from them, but I do like a lot also the one I put in front of this post.

And here is a link to the set.

This last day of the month and year, is the time for thinking what did I do, and all I did not do. And yes, in general, it was not a rich year for my photography, as the Stand Up and Toastmasters took so much of my energy. And of course, also my trips, skin treatment. and my eye operation,

But all in all, we all do what we can, what the "fate" lets us do too. I have no idea, at all what next year will bring, but perhaps, tomorrow, something will come up. In any way, there is a lot place to improvements on many activities I have undertaken.

3000 visites!

2011-12-30T09:47:00.000Z

Today, our Lewisham speakers blog arrived at 3000 visites! The blog opened in June, for the public, and since then in Six Month, had 3000 visits! Not too bad. We try to put only names, and not Family names in it, as it is open for all. It is for Guests, future Guests, New Members and Advanced Toastmasters alike.

Every meeting is shortly described, but also achievements of our members, videos of Toastmasters and Contests, fun and serious stuff, to make those who come, want to come back again. One can subsribe to the blog, so when there is a new post, it arrives as an email, directly to you. We are curently five to write in it, but open to all Members to send posts for the blog. We hope, it will be used more also as a forum.

Cyclamen for my mother 2011

2011-12-29T14:18:00.002Z

As each year, for more then 50 now, I buy this flowers, to remember my mother's birthday, and her and tell her all I achieved the past year.

Mother, I have discovered I have comedy bones!

Mother, I made people laugh!

Mother, I see now everything a bit different, with a "comic's eye" and life becomes easier like this.

Looking what good can come from everything bad that happened to me, have been my practice for long time, but looking at its comic angle is new.. I try to do it as much as possible from now on, too.

Cyclamens in window

2011-12-28T08:41:00.001Z

Happy birthday mother!

Boldog születésnapot, anyuka!

The 26 Decembre come and went, and the new cyclamens for the 2011 are there in my window, - even if this photo is for last year.

Almost 50 times, every year I did buy her flowers for her birthday, I did speak to her about what I did accomplish the year that just passed.

She always wanted to know "all" about me.

Perhaps, she can not listen any more to it "personally" as she passed away at early age of 53, about 53 years ago, but I feel as if she is still listening, still caring.

I do not think as much as I used of my mother, but every end of the year, yes.

Nowadays, I also think more about my father, who was a humorous master storyteller. Jokes, tall tales of his life, and that of others too. Uplifting the mood in any hard bargaining between countries, people, he succeeded to make all like him.

My mother was too much puritan minded. She read lots of literature, listened to many tell their problems, and spoke but only one to one, usually. "A lady does not stand out"!

So, probably, I am not a lady. Even if sometimes I was looked at like it, because some things from education stick.

Mother and father would be delighted to know all I did this year, that thought reassures me when I read that I talk about "indignities" of old age.

Not true! I talk about how one can deal with dignity about what arrives us at that age!

Gift to offer - to oneself

2011-12-27T11:06:00.001Z

I found, and here my son too, that the best gifts one can offer to oneself.

I offered myself Kindle,

I offered myself Photoshop Elements 10

And books that I took for Kindle,

I am very happy with all my Christmas gifts!

Noël 2011

2011-12-25T11:00:00.000Z

That begun all with the two mamies Santa hat on their head.

That was very British.

But it continued with French traditional Chirsmas lunch. The "real" French in fact go to midnight mess and then only the dinner begins, but we had it the next day.

The only one who did not touch the "foi gras" that arrived directly from France, was my grand daughter. "They oblige them to eat." I did not tell her, that with chicken and other foods is not much better.

And the goat liver was faboulous, on toasted bagette slice and with spinach salad. And champagne!

We had freshly prepared chocolate at the end, the huge turkey was almost too much at the middle.

Before lunch, the gifts "Santa" brought were distributed by the youngest child, then we all opened them one by one. Three years ago, they still believed, now, each told from whom they came in fact.

Children grow up.

One of the biggest joys where with toys or coat that were nice to touch.

and also

Good mood, family fun, it was a great Christmas day!

We will remember it for long long time!

Christmas from 2004 to 2011 through my photos

2011-12-24T08:07:00.001Z

Just a little taste of the different end of year days, from 2004 in less then 36 images.

'Fake reaction" comedy prep at Westfield

2011-12-23T10:31:00.003Z

One of the Comedy writers and two of the comedians before it all begun...

A very interesting afternoon in a studio at the Westfield shopping centre, near the BBC studios of London. I was invited, by the Comedy School director to assist, as audience.

I met at least three writers, it was produced together, and the original idea was not even theirs, came from someone I did not met there, just as in books about writing together, for the television.

Here are two of them. and also I think, the one from the back.

There were script girls and director and so many more to prepare the show!

Many comedians too! And the audience was also very interesting. Mr Cee was present too and another guy I met at the Comedy School, who had more then 600 gigs already behind him.

I also got the 'marketing' point, about all good food and one shitty for dogs... even if it did not register on the spot, it is not too apparent, the game "catches us"

Lewisham TM 21 Dec

2011-12-22T08:09:00.002Z

Great meeting yesterday, in our Toasmaster's Speakers group, in centre Lewisham.

Our visitor, Division Governor Richard Murray, also liked our new place and how we develop well.

We had many members present, and also three guests, whom we hope to see again in January, and join us.

Three of us spoke, and I made a speech, which was better at its beginning and end, but how could I have spoken about humour without making laugh?

Alas, I did.

Anyway, I was enchanted how much what we did was a team work, and each of our "committee" contributing to it, in its way, to make it well and going smooth.

Great year 2011, so many happened on the way! And I have to learn to take more smoothly adversity when it comes my way.

Will do, perhaps next year?

All is well, if finishes well

2011-12-21T14:09:00.000Z

The Kindle, once I succeeded making it work and connect and open, is wonderful!

So, all is well in the world.

As it is, the end of this year for me. Even with two skin interventions and one cataract removed, some ups and downs, and a lot of work (and some money) spend on Comedy Workshops, the final result, brings me "fruits" and showing yes, I do have a comedy bone! The comic bone was deeply buried inside me, so it had to be unearthed.

Now, next year, I have to learn a bit more "improvisation"... and cultivate my comic...

How to make it work?

2011-12-20T08:24:00.001Z

I caved in. I did order one. I got one.

I do not know how to use it.

It does not obey to my commands!

No idea, why, the buttons do not work, it is stuck at "choose language" - I have chosen, but it does not go any further. Why are "modern things" so more difficult to use? Yes, a book is a book, but you just open it and read!

Hampstead Comedy Club Walkin

2011-12-18T08:30:00.003Z

In fact, all of us were already signed up to Ivor's workshop of six hours, we did not just "walked in".

Ivor does a great job, and has great methods.

The group, very diverse, from complete new to the field and stage, and public, to experienced actress of many years.

Very interesting personalities, all, and Ivor succeeded to "show" us by our own example, how much more interesting it is when someone on stage opens up, tells it as it is, describes what makes her (him) tick.

My most complain it would have been, it went to fast, and it was finished. One day, a few hours with Ivor and all those present was not enough! They were all wonderful, and Ivor is a great teacher, indeed. Inspired us all.

Julie "Faces"

2011-12-17T07:47:00.004Z

All our experiences are "good" for something. At least, almost.

Our joys but even more our frustrations.

Once they passed, we can tell stories about them or even see them in a comic angle.

But why wait?

I learned that in the middle of frustration, I can think "I can make fun of this" and that can lower a lot the anxiety of what happens! It worked already twice, perhaps it will be from now on.

Friday's South London Press page 3 speaks about me - I think.

They publish about some of my experiences of Stand Up comedian at age 77, with a strongly misspelled name.but my photos; but also misquoting some of the things I have said, changing it. But whatever, they at least talk about me.

Oh, well, people will not find me if they look, perhaps for the best?

Faces of Julie, stand up comedian at 77 by Simon

2011-12-16T09:48:00.001Z

And yesterday, I was voted first at the "Comedy in Tooting" at Prince of Wales

Good end for my "stand up comedy discovery year!"

Full day, with Silver Comedy, then Storytelling Workshop

2011-12-15T10:47:00.001Z

In south of London, but one hour distance from my place, a nice Comunity centre, Kennington Park near Oval Station, bus and underground.

The Silver Comedy "troup" arrived early, and I was not too much late either, and the "public", with silver hair, (or painted) arrived also a bit later.

Many of them, from Portugeze or Spanish speeking countries originally, arrived in London a long time before me, most.

This lady, come in our RomCom, telling she is the real wife, the real mother, and leaving me, alone... till Cee did not tell all "even if I was not the real one" he will love me always. It was fun to improvise, even if I have still much to learn.

Great comedians, Mr Cee as well as Kathy, I will never arrive at their level, but called in later for a RomCom, that turned out finally more impro suspense comedy, I did play my part not to bad finally. With help with two other elder from the audience.

At first, we danced with this old gentlemen from Brazil, who did not speak one word of English, but was funny and had fun too, cheek to cheek as he suggested, then I showed the young ones how they should dance, and imitated modern dance, showed we can do it too, but it is less "interesting".

With the games, animation, comedy, we made all enjoy themselves, all participate in a way or the other.

It was also a great lesson to me how to take out chairs, too many at the beginning, and make a smaller semi circle, and then as more came make the circle bigger! Each time, I do learn more then one lesson.

Even if I was the one moderating the Storytelling Workshop in the evening, I learned also there, not only from my to colleague animators, but also from all participants, their questions, and scenes they played, one by one.

today, again Silver Comedy

2011-12-14T03:37:00.001Z

I am happy.to have discovered
Silver comedy, looking for mr
Cee, on the web!

I do hope
I will be able to transmit with them, joy, fun, and perhaps later even some more from my relatively new knowledge.

Through comedy, I learned this year to look at the life lighter, more humor, less tragic.

"How the comedian would look at it?" asked us always Logan at the May workshop. "You can make a joke from it" told me Steve, as I told him my latest frustrations.

as all is material for a photo, all is also or could be, for something funny, if one learns how to look at it!

Lille, France

2011-12-13T16:38:00.002Z

Conference in Lille, just before I got to live in London!

I did finally got into my computer, and into my flickr and blogs "normally", let us just hope, it does stay this way a bit at least!

I did it miss it a lot!
I

I feel a dum monkey

2011-12-13T12:27:00.001Z

Lost today morning, most recent docs,all those I did not save to my D partition

My computer opens again,

No way for the moment to make it connect
To the web...

I did not realise, how much "on the web"
I live day by day ,

Fog on the Heath

2011-12-12T09:48:00.001Z

Nor mac nor pc work any more and the I pad I was leaded is a pain, I can not even add here a bigger image of the fog I feel I am in for the moment

Tempted

2011-12-11T08:36:00.001Z

difficult to resist the mountain of grapes, before her, at this Parisian market of the 18e arrondissement, rue poteau.

I was drinking my coffee before the pub, outside, and watching her taste yet another grain, and then yet another

2004 September, it was after my first photo walk with my photo class, after our meetin and assignments of "documentary" photos of paris, now, we all went our way

At noon, we met again, then part till next week

That is when I could not resist to take her yet again eating, "tasting" another grape

At the end, a few minutes after the photo, the shopkeeper or worker, came out and decided her to buy, at least a minimum amount...

Looking at this photo, taken at my beginning of "documentary, portraits" photography - I was barely 70 - a young 70, not yet 77 as now, I feel, as if I was there.

Photos Angel Comedy Dec 4 mozaic

2011-12-10T09:31:00.001Z

This night after I had a bit of fever, and took an aspirin, I had horrible dreams.

Too long and I did remember them in detail after - I fell from the bad in fight from my dream !

I do not remember falling from bed, from my childhood on, then it was a dream of flying. So long ago!

this night it was as I fought to free myself. from someone I only felt but not seen.

What a relief it was to wake on the floor, in the quiet flat, and realising that all the rest was just a dream!

At least it works in English

2011-12-09T20:19:00.001Z

In French, the I pad corrects all my French text, putting some strange and more English words, oh, we'll,

Bric by bric,

Something will work...

My computer let me down

2011-12-08T10:34:00.003Z

it does not open any more
probably the system...

Stand up Julie 4th Decembre at Angel

2011-12-07T05:45:00.002Z

Julie Kertesz stand-up, Barry compère,
2, Camden Passage, near Angel underground, London
4th December 2011

Nova at Canal Coffee Theatre

2011-12-06T09:19:00.000Z

Yesterday I told a story at the Canal Coffee theatre.

Not so bad and not extra either.

But yesterday, it was not me, it was about four people having arrived in London, from various countries and continents of the world, to which we have succeeded 'finding their voice'.

Iris, a refugee from Chile, now Director of Nova, charitable organization helping people motivated "to obtain their goals."

Iris told us of her early difficulties, with authorities and with the language and last night she even showed me an album as "the Queen could not give me the medal of honor of British Empire, because I was from Chilli, but I was invited the Prime Minister's residence, and given it by... look, by him, the son of one of the PMs. "

An old gentleman of 83, Alex, arrived from Uganda, he has full of interesting stories about his country of origin, and even the energy falling on the stage to show us how he fell, when he was a little boy and had cut the feet, using the traditional "knife" inherited from fathers to oldest son, and bleeding even thought dying.

He told me "you telling the story that first day of workshop gave me confidence" to tell mine's.

Jacinta arriving from India, told us the story of how she put two more years to her passport to be able to come and how the family she worked for in London, used her day and night to work for 16 children and even confiscated her passport. The dentist hearing it helped her (and the police) so she was finally "released" after two years! Now she is married, three children of her own and in London for around 20 years.

She told her story with such a brillance!

Tseghe, Etrusquaine d'origine, told to me her story first during the workshop task "how you got your name". She hesitated, how to tell it, and finally she did it brillantly!

Her sister was married at age 11, and she was the only child of her father to be send to school, and she told us a story how 11 year old, she fled from familly and village to a city, there was taken in by a nice but strong woman "do you know work?", met by change her father who finaly let her stay, that helped by the woman's daughter when 14 years to go to Saudi Arabia where she found a job well paid.

She also has many more stories to tell!

All, had no "voice" until Joanna Yates, producer of Spark London did not offer free the workshop of "Personal Storytelling," for Nova Portobello.

She accepted me the help since September. My own example gave them courage, but it is Joanna's work that got them to the stage finally.

Yesterday they told their stories, one of their many stories, for a public of more then 40 at the theater!

I was amazed, how well they all did, without reading, great scenes and with good movements and varied voices. It was fantastic. What a joy!

We were two storyteller to speak too, to open it was my story of changing profession when back from US to France, to close, Tony, a funny storyteller, who has decided to work for a circus, after his girlfriend left him.

But the real heroes were them, to whom Joanna has given voice by her True Tales Workshop at Nova.

PS Excuses for all those storytellers whom story I resumed shortly and only as I remembered. There would be so much more to tell! The most important is: they were wonderful and they are great people that I was happy to meet.

It is always nice

2011-12-05T10:52:00.005Z

It is always nice to read a good review of your performance, and this morning I had the pleasure of one.

"If I had to choose 3 they would be the wonderfully droll and cheeky 70 something: Julie Kertesz, the fresh faced bemused Manchurian: Jimmy Mills and the bizarre quintessential Frenchman who loves the English: Pierre La Poule."

In the blog "Max your voice" and no less then written by a Voice and Speech Coach Frances Parkes!

Read the whole article of the Showcase of Toastmasters after David T Jones Stand up Comedy Workshop in Standup at the dogstar

I put here the picture that he did not put on me, on the article, this is more or less how I see myself these days.

A squirrel passes

2011-12-04T07:19:00.001Z

Life passes so fast as this squirrel that I tried to follow with my camera.

One has to follow as the occasion arrives, and not let go crossing the hands - or, in my case, staying home.

Yes, it is warm and quiet at home, but it will be quiet also after I die. So the time we have, let us use it!

Tonight, Stand Up at Angel and tomorrow Storytelling at Canal Cafe Theatre.

Adam Bloom, comedian

2011-12-03T15:33:00.001Z

Is it a difference between Comedian and Stand Up Comedian?

Adam lights up as soon as he begins to speak, whether he stands on his feet or sits.

He will be performing at Comedy Store, perhaps equivalent to the Royal Opera House for a singer. "You have to be good for that not only once in a while, but all the time." he explained to us last Sunday at the Comedy School Festival.

I was not able to do any good pictures of him that time so I am happy to have found this one, taken by whom I do not know.

Hope he does not mind that I put it on flickr so I can blog it here. I will be there at the Comedy Store listening to him!

Every step is worth taking

2011-12-02T09:42:00.003Z

The comedy circuit is varied, and I just started it. A few steps so far, 7 in all till now, even fewer "alone" - I also learned we are never "alone".

First, there is the "compère" introducing us, here it is from yesterday, he has 15 years of experience behind him! And what a wonderful smile and presence!

Then I begun to learn the diversity of experience of comedy clubs. Not only where I performed (and made the present audience laugh, indeed) but also going to other club where a pal performed and seeing the difference between them.

Looking forward to difference experiences, it is fascinating and I now know also that I can stay awake late and come home even later.

So what? I begun to sleep one hour afternoons. I can do it! I can do it!

And at age 77 I am ready for new experiences.

Warning, or the Red hat

2011-12-01T13:39:00.003Z

Warning, Jenny Joseph,

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I just bought my red hat, at age of 77

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

===========

I just did buy my red hat now, at age of 77

On my wall in living room

2011-11-29T06:53:00.005Z

On one wall there are my children, two photos taken a long time ago, by then my husband, their father.

Yes, he was a good photographer.

He has taken both, with a very old kind of lightening, like the very old painters did. Candle light.

Oh, yes, some 40 years ago!

On the other wall, I have a photography, that I inherited from my best friend, Stephanie who did buy it from the photographer, that also was made long time ago, perhaps 20 years? Or more. It speaks to me.

There is also a photo of a painting with a few other images put on it, that are "me" at different ages. Reminding me, stand I was already "stand up" at three, and "woman from 25 to 70"!

And of course, that I loved to read, at 14, when the painting was made till now.

The painting also remind me of my friend from Romania, who gave it back to me, at my first visit in Bucarest. Because, when I left, the authorities would not let me take with me, she did put it on her wall for 30 years. Our friendship lasted through frontiers and time. Each photography, make me remember what happened around the time they were taken.

I was a young woman just married, just well loved, when my young husband told me "stay and look at the window". It is a tiny photo, developed and printed by us at home. The older "still woman" is a self portrait taken when I was enchanted "still a woman" and I was, yes, past 70.

I have nothing else? Yes I have! The painting of an old house by the same painter, who did me at 14 years old, the same colours, same kind of brush.

The rest of walls? Books, books, books I cherish. There are so many and so many kind! I will take one day time to arrange them better. And from time to time, I read them again. But they also are part of my memories.

Old books, new books, these one are the latests. But I have many others, too.

This thick book I read when it was so hot outside I could not go out for ten days! This one, I did buy in America. This helped me find out the things I like and find more easy a job. Each has a special tale and meaning to me as have the pictures on the walls and the divers small objects around.

Back to the Comedy School

2011-11-28T06:48:00.003Z

It was a very interesting 8 hours back to the Comedy School, where I begun this year in February.

Great choice and program!

I went for the Stand Up discussion and workshops mostly. But as many different experimented comics and almost as many points of view.

They perhaps do not "look" so much till they begin to speak and become passionate, then an internal flame lights them up from inside and they become fascinating. Probably, we all do when we are believe in something, when it is important for us, when it comes from deep inside.

Perhaps, between all I learned, and I have yet to filter it, re-read, rethink it, that is what comes out the most.

But also that I did learn more at that school's workshop in February till end March, then only to use 4 letter words, as I told with humour in my set.

He works with children.

There were a bunch of helpers! And those are not even yet those who gave us the seminars or workshops.

Here is an attendee like me.

And them, gave us very interesting hour, each, they have many many years of experience behind them, the confidence comes out of all their movements, as soon as they speaks.

He was not only fantastic! He even told me I have charisma...

At the end of the day, after yet another really interactive session, (I have no good photos of him) we assisted to an Interview and questions and answers with the actor Stephen Mangan, telling us about his choices "mostly it is what you do not choose".

I did not "do" many pictures and those I did are not good, All afternoon, I was too much "in" to be "out".

To make people enjoy themselves

2011-11-27T06:23:00.001Z

I did not realise until last week, how strong it is the "comedy" and how one can by playing, make all kind of different people enjoy themselves. Have a good time.

Make good memories.

Some can answer questions, others can play and speak, others can sing, or make others sing and dance. Suddenly, they feel more powerful, more confident. Happier.

I do believe, when we went away, Wednesday, many were happier for that day then when we arrived. Many felt better.

The Silver Comedians had passed.

Storytelling Workshop for Lewisham Speakers

2011-11-26T11:11:00.000Z

The intentions are one thing, what happens will be another. Here are some pictures from the Green Park's Laghing Horse "heat", with microphone in the hand and just the right light. At those times, it does pay to be dressed in black.

Storytelling, speaking of one's personal experience, but transformed "re-storied" is important in any kind of speaking. It makes a special connection to those listening and looking. After telling many stories - me, in English! - I decided to create inside or along my Toastmasters Club in Lewisham an ongoing workshop, about "personal storytelling", to run for the moment from November to March, and culminating by some of the participants (or all) telling stories at the Canal Cafe Theatre on one theme.

We did found those wanting to participate, and decided our theme "Change" broad enough to find each our own stories. We did decide to begin the 30 November, long time ago, not knowing about the general strike.

I am of course worried, what will happen, who can or not come that night, so we could begin. But I already bought today some mince pie, to offer those who will be there. And begun also thinking, how can we "make up" for those who will not able to make it.

Silver Comedy Award for 55+ Stand Up

2011-11-25T07:35:00.001Z

The Silver Comedy Award at the Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival the 17th of February 2012, after the heats for choosing them the same day and place. Inscriptions for everyone over 55 years, would be or experienced Stand Up Comedian, to George Baddeley, at the Silver Comedy (here is their Facebook page).

Is not it interesting?

I was looking for mr Cee, stand up comedian and my first stand-up mentor encouraging me to give it a go, telling me that my stand up is fascinating and good. I find him at the Silver Comedy Facebook site. Through it, I found out about the Silver Comedy Award, and decided this morning to give it a go.

Not only it will be an occasion for me to go out there, but also meet other elder comedians, younger and, hopefully, even older then me. And plus, who knows where else this first step can lead, as I did not know in February this year, where my inscription to the School of Comedy will lead me. We were 12 in the class, 11 young boys - and me, at 77! In itself, this is already a comedy sketch! And so many funny (and embarrassing situation that can be used for humour too) things happened in those first 8 weeks!

I will begin now creating a story, to relate those moments and my year to get to Leicester Comedy Festival and the Silver Comedy group.

New places, new discoveries

2011-11-24T06:38:00.001Z

Most of all, I was touched yesterday, and also understood what "compassion" means from one small action to another. Also, how many ways one can bring joy in other's life.

Something playful and different.

And at the end, all want to participate in some ways.

And in one way or other, they enjoy themselves and those hours.

Those were hours very full of emotions and memories for me.

I have found also a way to "communicate" in my own way.

Spectacle in Paris

2011-11-22T06:25:00.002Z

I did not know I wanted to do a comic number, until I learned that Pierre and Giselle will come to Paris with their "orgue de barbarie", barrel organ.

I knew I will come to London soon, from Paris and I organized a meeting of bloggers and photographers who could come in the back room of a bar. We all had only to buy a "crèpe" pancake.

They played and song, another recited a poem she wrote, and I told the story of "my nose".

I did prepare it a lot, but it did not give so much laughter I hoped, so much I had when I told it once in the dark night in the court of a grange, filled with people.

I did not know yet, that laughter need many people and if possible darkness so they "dare" to laugh. I did not know yet, that three years later, I will succeed to make people laugh. I did not know yet how to surprise.

Fog, rain "bad weleather"

2011-11-21T06:49:00.003Z

The so called bad weather can be marvellous too, as can be the old age.

Different, from sunny days, different from spring but very interesting, indeed.

It all depends.

Yesterday, I went out and signs of the rain were still on leaves and the roses.

Here is one rose after rain, in our garden.

And the leaves, who can be marvellous too retaining even longer the drops of water.

And the fog can give dreamlike panorama.

This is while looking at the thick fog on the Heath, at Blackheath.

Or, one can combine fog and fall leaves, and so on.

I had a very rich harvest of photos and "fresh air" yesterday as !i went out to have a taste of the fog... as I do have a rich life full of activities at 77.

Better to show from afar

2011-11-20T13:54:00.001Z

A new series of auto portraits with shaving cream, as is and cropped, and deformed, and coutout.

One of them, perhaps this, will be better to show from distance. I think this is it, because I look on it more "ok" with the showing cream.

In fact, I did put it for photo reasons this time, to make a new picture to print.

Ola wins again

2011-11-19T00:11:00.003Z

Huge success for Ola's Stand Up comedy, Friday night at Laughing Horse Green Park Comedy club.

He won again. First again. And huge laughs.

I did also give my number, not so bad but still very far away from his mastery. Here is the frist half of my delivery. Video on Vimeo.

There was even more laughter when he told his number, then at the Humorous Contest, 45 people laughing high at the same time. It was a pleasure to listen to him. Each time he seems even better!

Tonight, tonight

2011-11-18T09:43:00.002Z

I begun my comedy workshops in February this year, at the School of Comedy. Even if it was not a friendly environment for me, I did learn a lot till end of March, week by week.

The second was Logan Murray Stand Up and Deliver workshop, and in May we learned a lot during very intense weekends of 14 hour, each. He continued to teach us even when his back was injured.

The third Workshop was David Jones, who got a cold, and did not stop from September to end of October who went away so fast, but then he did suggest us places to book, and took us to a "real" comedy club for our showcase.

Tonight, my first 'Heat' that is how the comedy competitions are called, I think. But real 5 minutes and real audience at Laughing Horse's Green Park club. Even in the middle of night I was telling my text for the gig.

Ola will be also at Laughing Horse

2011-11-17T08:11:00.002Z

Ha ha, not only I will give a "gag" go to a "gig" at Green Park's Laughing Horse, in a Comedy Pub called The Goat Tavern, tomorrow, but Ola, who had the first price of Humorous Speech will too.

Another occasion to see what he does, and also try out my old gags a bit changed in a new environment. And meet others.

Flavia gave us yesterday, at our 3rd anniversary meeting, a stunning Table Topic answer. She made such a progress so fast!

Steve was funny and excellent, even more then usual, very much in "his element" and a guest, gave us a great impersonation of D. Cameron! Hope soon the guest of yesterday will join also our club who grows all the time. Yesterday, too, we have now a new member.

Son et lumières Glasgow

2011-11-16T07:22:00.015Z

Sounds an lights in Glasgow. Even when having very busy days and night while travelling afar, one has to stop to smell the roses - or look at the lights and colours of the river before you and absorb the beauty of moving colours.

First my eyes were attracted to the colours, then to the building from which the lights arrived, the BBC Scotland at night.

Travel for work, for learning, but stop also for pleasure.

D71 toastmasters in Glasgow Workshops

2011-11-15T08:59:00.005Z

Full three days for me.

Because the delay in London, it seems because a traveller's panic who had to be evacuated, as well from the thick fog,

I missed Andrew Brammer's Workshop on Storytelling.

But my college Flavia was there and will fill me in tomorrow with the details, and I did assist in London to one of his Seminar and one show. Adrew tells Tall Tales, I tell True Tales, each of us in our style. He has also great actor's skills and is an active Toastmasters too.

I did not miss Barbara Moynihan's inspired by Dale Carnagie. How to hold audience, in fact more then how to alienate them.

I loved it and learned from her not only by what she told but her mere presence presenting it too.

Then we had a Workshop about Workshops, by Sheila Fraser.

It was just what I needed as I am beginning mine, True Storytelling Workshop will begin end of November with a group from Lewisham Speakers Toastmasters and will last till beginning of March. Just in time... at the conference I heard Freddie Daniels, our Educational Governor telling us that he hopes more Workshops will be made in our district from now on.

In this Glasgow workshop 'Wow Workshops' some of us were the test's showing how to do a very interactive one (others the audience looked) How to begin, for example, by ranging after different kind of experiences. I have seen this in action at Johanna's workshop at Nova Portibello, but only Friday I had understood how a strong technique it is.

Also learned many other ways, "on hand" by experimenting it. Now I will be up to me to use them in my own workshop.

And that was only Friday. The night come and many put on their clown or funny costume.

I was too tired to stay Friday, but stayed longer Saturday evening after another stunning day, about which, tomorrow. But Saturday morning I was there in time for all the workshops. Even at noon.

I lunched during a great one, hold by Simon Buchnall "Inspiration Masterclass", and learned how to explain more clearly to my future attendees, how to gain the inspiration needed, to be able to give it to others.

What made you feel strongly? Go deep down to figure out why and what experience of your own triggered it. Then you will be able to tell a true tale and with passion reach others having if not the same experience, the same deep feeling.

Hello from Glasgow

2011-11-13T15:43:00.000Z

Friday, at the Toastmasters Conference begun with fun,
but the computer link is too slow now to add images, tomorrow!

Two years ago, and now

2011-11-12T08:43:00.001Z

2 years ago in York, I presented Luanna's workshop.

This year I will be at the door, Serg of Arms, at the Glasgow conference and contest.

In this two years I learned so much about Toastmasters and met so many!

Last year, I was in Dublin. This summer, in Las Vegas.

But I think, this will be my last one in Glasgow, they do cost to much for a retired.

Well, I can then remember the fun. And do other things instead. But this fall still there, still enjoy, I hope, all I can, all I could, and help out also a bit.

York 2009 My first English Irish Toastmasters Conference

2011-11-11T08:34:00.004Z

I learned a lot, going there. Alas, in weekend almost no bus circulating in York.

My fall branch in 2011

2011-11-10T07:40:00.004Z

Year after year, for 7 long years, living in Argenteuil, near Paris, I had this tree, before my window.

Those were the only sign of "real fall" for me.

Here, in London, now for the 4th fall, all the street takes wonderful fall colours, but this branch which is like the one I had is specially speaking to me, year after year.

Here it is a memory of what was.

Some reminder, from afar. Reminder of those days I stayed home and sometimes my only "fall" tree were those branches in my garden.

Till, one day, furious on me, my grandson chopped it down, "to put it on the grave of the dead cat, where my mom told me it was buried."

It never really grew back. Before leaving, it begun, timidly.

At least not until I left, that was all.

the set of my "old" fall branch

"It is not a good tree" the neighbour told me, but it was my tree, my fall branch, year after year. Good for me, beautiful to look at from the window. And interesting to see as it changed colours and become more and more dark red towards the end, before the leaves fell.

"My branch" the only one I remember.

Going out there

2011-11-09T08:18:00.001Z

Going out there, gives a lot of experience.

So far, for me all was worthwhile. And the Stand Up Comedy audience, usually is very reactive. That is almost addictive.

We almost expect, and do not get, the same kind of "oh, ah, haha" and so on from all, as we go along, in other environments. Having a noisy reaction gives some kind of power feeling.

When there are only or almost only comedians present, the reaction can be diluted, and that is also a learning experience. And connecting to other stand-up comedians too.

Three outings, so far. Two more already booked. And the two at the beginning of the year. in all it will be 7 for me. Each, different, even if I gave more or less the same material - also I added to it now, changing half of it after the last workshop I took. And if I counted the two Humorous "contests", in fact three, it would be 10 times telling almost the same.

So at least ten more times to go, if not more. I am sure I will "die" a few times, I was told that is part of learning, but so far I did not.

And when I will, if it is only by silence, not in real, I will go up again, as I did so many times already in my life. "By the blade of grass" pick myself up.

In the Plum Tree pub, Jester night

2011-11-08T08:44:00.006Z

Stand Up Comedy night, yesterday in the Plum Tree pub, Farindon Street. Signed up, connected with others, waiting as me.

Set with Anna, who arrived from Amsterdam five years ago, and was already on the "circuit" for a year. Very nice girl.

Nice jokes too.

Anna, was repeating for tonight's contest of the "Laughing Horse" chain of cabarets. It seems, the cabaret David found us, is a chain of cabarets in fact and one well known. So, we were lucky to be there and lucky when they liked what we did. I will be on the same contest, beginning (probably ending) next week.

At Jester Jester, nice welcome. I was put on the list as 13 others. Finally 15 performed. Other then us, the barman, the compères, there were not many others present, but there were a few in audience.

It is also an easy place to go, with two bus, or two bus and underground between them, and a nice place to try out material, perhaps some day there are more public present. More present, more laughter. Or only higher?

She was towards the end, one who got most of the laughter. Was very good, indeed.
Some of my usual 'sure" lines fall without notice, but others did get good reaction. Nothing to complain. I did not "die" yesterday.

Some others did. No reaction can be embarrassing, if it lasts for five whole minutes. But all got applause, anyway.

Open Mic night at The Plum Tree pub, 54, Farindon Str, London, called "Jester Jesters" and this video taken by Anna (see photo above, with my camera.

Fall in Context

2011-11-06T08:16:00.000Z

Fall colours finally arrived on my street.

While I did not decide to go and take photos in a forest, wonderful colours did dress the trees on my street.

So, I did not have to go far away (as I first intended).

The books I waited for did not arrive, but I had my full of fall leaves "in context", in an urban context.

Here are only some of them, but I have taken in short time 110 photos. It was raining in the morning, so the flowers had still drops of water on them, and all smelled fresh.

Young couple, "spring" walking, surrounded by the fall, as a black car with fall leaves on it and tree reflected on it. So much to absorb just in a few minutes.

Because of my camera, ! do see so much more, so much better. It is also the same with my comedy; I see now life's frustrations lighter, as material for future gags.

My prefered storytelling books

2011-11-05T09:08:00.005Z

Doug Stevenson's book is the third book I consider as the "bible" of Personal Storytelling. And yes, it is one book even if it did appear under different titles and covers.

Subtitle in the second edition, "Strategic Storytelling in Business" and it is that, as it is also "never be boring again".

The "Story Theater" is Stevensons coaching company, but not the best title, but he was actor for 20 years before beginning his Professional speaker and Coach career.

What is important, he does treat of many different issues and techniques that the other two books do not or go through to fast.

The first book I think anyone wanting to speak in public and tell stories to remember should read is "The power of personal storytelling" by Steve Maguire.

The second is "Improving your Storytelling" by Doug Lipman, and yes, now I have a third one.

I am not sure I was ready for Lipman's book till I did not study (not only read) the Maguire's book.

And not sure if Stevenson's would be enough in itself either.

Each add to the other, each develop and train for something plus we do need to be able to Craft our Personal Experience into interesting stories, that convey the "most important message" for that telling, and then deliver it the best possible way.

The Power of Personal storytelling, helps you find your stories.
Gives a great method to remember it.
Explains the difference between an experience and a crafted story.

The Improving your Storytelling explains a lot about how knowledge is learned and how audience react differently and how to adopt to them and transmit them your "most important message" through a story and being at the service of the listener.

Stevenson, in "Story Theater Method" explains the acting part better and being on stage, but also gives more examples of storytelling in business environment. And why audience react not well when feeling fear, and how to get rid of it.

But those are only the "most important points" I took from each book, they do contain a lot more useful informations and they all contain exercises too.

The three will form the base of my new Personal Storytelling Workshop.

Passage St Paul, Paris

2011-11-04T07:12:00.002Z

I begin to feel nostalgia for the streets and passages of Paris. Not as before, for the Champs Elysée, I thought when I lived for three years in Washington DC without being able to go back.

I can go back now. It is not so far.

Of course, if I did buy less books, I would have also the money to travel there or back, for a few days. And I have a place to stay, to sleep at least.

But for the moment, so much to do in London!

I am a serious woman.

And I am not serious about Stand Up comedy clubs and Humour. Committed to do my share of clubs, go wherever I can, as I did with my storytelling. After 20, I will see, if I stop, go back to storytelling or into my next project, the Storytelling Workshop. Teaching, this time, or let us say better, coaching through workshop.

I take even my comedy seriously.

Dublin to Glasgow

2011-11-03T08:30:00.004Z

Last conference I attended was in Dublin, a year ago. Two years ago it was York.

I am looking forward to discover Glasgow in two weeks time. I made a mistake booking airline ticket and my hotel b&b is near the main station centre city.

Did not found yet out, how to go in a reasonable paid way, from one to the other.
Must be other locomotion then car or taxi!

Dublin colours

I hope.

Cavendish Arms Stand Up

2011-11-02T08:49:00.003Z

Monday and Tuesday are the nights for "Comedy Virgins" at Cavendish Arms pub and comedy club in Stockwell, but each has to bring someone with her or him.

Almost all young, of course, but friendly audience and I enjoyed the contact with them.

I made them laugh, strong and long.

So I was happy with my "Stand Up Comedy Icebreaker" as it was the first place where I was not with my Workshop colleges.

See the video on the Competent Communicator blog.

At any way, we did go four from the class yesterday, two performing and the other two encouraging and to see how it is for another time. I did well; considering... and have to learn not to stumble on some words and give them as written. But of course, only me and my colleagues who heard my material realized that.

Surprise is a great factor to keep audience on their toes, so put more in my storytelling from now on.

Laughing Horse Video

2011-11-01T03:50:00.001Z

Transformd by Vimeo, this time, the Stand Up at Lauging Horse with Julie

Laughing Horse

2011-10-31T18:17:00.000Z

Here is one picture from the Stand Up Comedy show from Laughing Horse, Brixton (London)

I took them from the Video, and for some reason, Flickr does not want them, does not show them.

Are they too small for it?

Picassa and Windows Explorer and Piknic have no problem with them. Oh, the life is complicated! If just things could go ok for a while.

Here is a picture from the begining and one from end, and I would like to add a third if I may.

If the blogger does nicely want to cooperate.

Here is the second picture I showed, in my opinion, better then the first one with the shaving cream.

indeed, the photo I disliked, now I begin to like. "life works in mysterious ways."

This is my prefered one.

It shows me leaning towards the audience.

I did have a great contact with them during the Stand Up, as good as usual when I tell a story at the Canal Cafe Theatre, or perhaps even more.

There were so many Toastmasters present, pals that will remember what I told and perhaps even tell about it to others.

So, will this note remain with pictures when I publish it? I hope.