New Pillows

New Pillows? The Monk has obviously lost his marbles. Writing about new pillows. Well, we've been moving bedrooms, giving the 2 kids their own rooms rather than sharing, buying 2 new single beds for them, and while we were at it, we decided to get some new pillows too. Plenty of choice at Tescos, ranging from the own brand cheapies to some serious money pillows.

We got some "Lotus" brand, vacuum packed. My daughter struggled to believe these could be pillows. They're too thin, daddy!



(above) The wrapping for the vacuum packed pillows seemed to show a gay pillow fight... Looking closer, the wrapping claims a 3 minute miracle.



What is this miracle, oh great one? Well, just follow the instructions:



After opening the packet (using scissors, the instructions advised), it states "Pillow will regrain its full form and puff up within 3 minutes", but take note of the added note "With a little slapping on pillow, it will recover to 100%".

But what to do with the pillow once it has puffed up? I had not been sleeping too well with my old pillow (not just coz it was a bit stinky). Maybe I needed some extra instruction..? How should the pillow be used (aside from pillow fights)?



For the hard of reading, let me translate - the instructions above say "Position your head and upper shoulder on pillow". I vowed to try following these instructions that very night! the instructions continue (below) "and be ready for a long, sweet dream".



Indeed (see below) the Lotus Bedding Group claims to sell dreams:



(above) "We sell long sweet dream"

Unfortunately, I don't think I dreamt. Had been out at a friend's house watching Chelsea v Manchester United and had downed a few beers. I slept well, though, that's for sure. I can recommend a Lotus vacuum packed dream pillow (look for the gay pillow fight in a supermarket near you). Hoping for a long sweet (alcohol free) dream tonight!

Boots of Spanish Leather

Boots of Spanish Leather has long been one of my favourite Bob Dylan songs, originally from the 1964 album The Times They Are A-Changin'. I had the album on vinyl, in fact it's probably still in England gathering dust. I had a crate of stuff sent over some years ago but decided to leave my old records - Mum said she'd sell them on EBay one day.

Anyways, was reminded of the song by a poetry blog (Poem of the Week). While browsing this blog was surprised to find Bob Dylan. Apparently "Boots of Spanish Leather not only works well as a poem, it boasts the rhythm, rhyme scheme, refrain and narrative movement of a traditional ballad". Well, I like it.

Here's an audio version on YouTube, click on Play and see lyrics below...



Boots of Spanish Leather

Oh, I'm sailin' away my own true love,
I'm sailin' away in the morning.
Is there something I can send you from across the sea,
From the place that I'll be landing?

No, there's nothin' you can send me, my own true love,
There's nothin' I wish to be ownin'.
Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled,
From across that lonesome ocean.

Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine
Made of silver or of golden,
Either from the mountains of Madrid
Or from the coast of Barcelona.

Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night
And the diamonds from the deepest ocean,
I'd forsake them all for your sweet kiss,
For that's all I'm wishin' to be ownin'.

That I might be gone a long time
And it's only that I'm askin',
Is there something I can send you to remember me by,
To make your time more easy passin'.

Oh, how can, how can you ask me again,
It only brings me sorrow.
The same thing I want from you today,
I would want again tomorrow.

I got a letter on a lonesome day,
It was from her ship a-sailin',
Saying I don't know when I'll be comin' back again,
It depends on how I'm a-feelin'.

Well, if you, my love, must think that-a-way,
I'm sure your mind is roamin'.
I'm sure your heart is not with me,
But with the country to where you're goin'.

So take heed, take heed of the western wind,
Take heed of the stormy weather.
And yes, there's something you can send back to me,
Spanish boots of Spanish leather.