Finally, after what seems like an eternity (and includes several failed attempts), we saw James Hollingworth in concert this afternoon. We all agreed (well, maybe not Freya, who either did not understand the significance of the occasion or was completely phased) that it was so very much worth the wait.

James Hollingworth sang children’s songs in the 70s. Not songs like “Clap your hands, the Sun is shining.”, but meaningful songs like “The Elk are Demonstrating” and “I’m a slow animal.”
It’s difficult to do justice to the songs (especially when translated from Swedish) without hearing them: only then would one be able to appreciate this man’s talent.

There were about 100 people at today’s concert, and Mr Hollingworth has obviously had an effect on the generation that grew up with him. Many of the adults were participating in his calls to the audience to sing certain parts in a funny voice, or whisper the odd word of text to a neighbour. It was a cosy, intimate concert, and the quality was at its best.

He’ll doubtless be gigging a bit more frequently in the near future, with the release of a new CD, written in collaboration with another well-known artist, Jojje Wadenius. In fact, they are playing in Stockholm in a few weeks time. Thank you, James!

Freya And Miffy

There is an Expo this weekend. Now normally that simple word conjures up huge videogaming events, with all the pomp and circumstance it should entail; however this expo was entitled “Wonderful Children”, and had very little nothing to do with gaming. Except that there was another, smaller, expo on in another part of the hall, for Sci-fi and videogames. Oh, well.

I hadn’t, therefor, expected too much from it, but knew from the website that there would be a few things to keep Freya occupied, and with Christmas coming up it gave us the opportunity to scour for presents.

As it happened, it was a fantastic event. Not only was there ample space for parents, children and a fair number of prams, with a “picnic” area and free push-chair parking, but the amount and variation of stalls within the hall kept us occupied for a fair few hours.

Freya had the time of her life. She met Bamse, Skalman and Miffy (along with other unknown characters and animals), drove cars, made a stone troll, finger hand-painted, drew a tiger, and “bought” lots of give-aways.

I’d expected the whole thing to be child-friendly, but some of the stalls had their wares available for playing with, which meant she never became bored of walking around. I’m surprised her head didn’t pop with all the input.

Esther And Freya

Although a few days late, we were at a Halloween party this evening at Freya’s nursery school. Jo had spent a fair few hours on the floor and in front of the sewing machine making Freya’s Yoda costume. I must say I was impressed at just how good a costume it was, considering the time/money spent on it.

All week Freya had been reluctant to try on the costume, but when we arrived, she had no problem with it, and must have relaxed even more when she saw all the other children (and many of the parents) wearing their fancy-dress.

Sadly, Freya did not win the best-dressed competition, nor did we the Halloween quiz. She did get to eat sweets, though, and was over the moon when Emily, a younger girl who has now left the school, showed up.

A big thumbs up, then, to the school for arranging the event, and everyone (excluding us and a few others) for taking the time to dress up.