The Poppies' Blog

I'm feeling a bit patriotic today so I thought I'd share about the Great that is Britain!

On Sunday we went to my Mother in Law's house. She wasn't there, but a ten minute walk from her house was the latest 'Banksy'. 

Below are MY photos of it, below those are ones that were taken prior to the shop covering it with perspex to protect it.

If only the people covering it had thought to protect it from the big screws they used to install the perspex.





When originally done, Banksy took the bunting that Poundland had hung around their shop to attach to his artwork. It didn't take long before someone had torn it down. This Poundland is in one of the areas of London that was attacked during last August's riots.

I am almost certain that the only reason the Mr. willingly agreed to take me to see this on Sunday was the fact it was painted on a Poundland lol! Yes, we did also go into the shop and yes, we did buy some things. Thankfully all totalled it was £3. Things I'm sure will last forever.
I am thinking that, given the area, it was likely pulled down roughly five minutes after the painting was finished...








The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is this year, with celebrations next week. For those who might not know what that is, the Diamond Jubilee is marking 60 years of The Queen's reign. We won't see another Diamond Jubilee in our lifetime (well, unless we live as long as Adam) so I guess that explains why everything is using either Jubilee packaging or Olympic. Nappies using Olympic themes and dishwasher powder using Jubilee themes.

Mr. Kipling's Diamond Jubilee edition fancies

My favourite, though, are the British fancies, such as what the Mr. bought for us a few weeks ago to have whilst we were packing boxes. We had a little break over boxes and cakes. They are scrummy but I can tell you this, if you eat too many in one sitting, you will not feel entirely well. But alas, if you are purchasing anything in the UK and it doesn't have the Union Flag on it, beware. It is probably past its sell-by date.

There are 8 in a box. Notice the poppies on the tray?

The Mr. quite enjoys these. The cake part is particularly lovely. No, I'm not being paid to say that but if Mr. Kipling would like to send the Mr. some complimentary fancies, I don't think he'd refuse.

The Mr. makes a perfect cuppa, as well. (For you non-Brits, that means cup of tea). We don't always have to have our cup labelled with what is in it, most days we can guess on our own.


Well, I guess I'll end this post with something very proudly British. Keep Calm and Carry On is one of three war time propaganda posters that the British Ministry made to boost morale. We are proud of our country and so the fact this particular one of the posters has become so marketed that people don't even realise it is British is quite sad. So, in honour of our Great Country, I'm sharing this and there is a very short video you can watch that gives the history for you! For Crown and Country...

I f you missed this post, here is a photo of the posters LIVE! How brilliant is that? I am so thrilled to have been able to do the work on these posters requested by the SDA! This photo is of the ones in the DAP, right when you walk in the main part. :) (see below to see other locations you can find them when you are in Ukraine)

photo by Yvonne Clanton

And, if you did miss the previous post, and so you know where these all are, I'll just copy paste it here too. :)

W ould you like to see something cool? I was so blessed to get to work on these. They are huge posters (A1 I think) that the SDA requested from us that are hanging in the offices of the DAP, Prosecutor General, and other official buildings in Ukraine. If you are an adoptive family going to Ukraine be sure to look for these! (If you want to take a photo of any of them you see I'd LOVE to see them!)

I'll include the translations below... but here they are!

So for those of you who sent us your photos for the Ukraine Project, these are what they were used for! Pretty cool, right?

The translations are:

The Blue AND Green poster both have these sayings:
Особливі потреби - це не вирок. (in English it is Special needs are not a verdict)
Кожна дитина заслуговує мати на сім'ю. (in English it is Every child deserves to have the family)
The green one also has the words describing children with Down syndrome as they are all children with DS, things like 'cherished, capable, loving, smart, and so on'. I think it also says Every family deserves the blessing of a child with DS.

The Purple Poster text (translation by Google...so not the BEST)
"I - a child!

I - a child who can not speak.
You often grieved me. I see it in your eyes. You wonder how many of my understanding
- I see it too. I really understand a lot - you happy or sad, or you
scary, you patient or impatient, full of love, or simply carry out their
obligation to me. I watch on your sorrow, knowing that my - much
greater bo I can not express themselves and express their needs as you. You
not understand all the fullness of my loneliness. I do not entertain you smart
conversations and witty sayings. I do not give you answers to everyday
questions, not telling about his health, not sharing their views on
the world. I bring you rewards for success in my development, which
you could write to your account. What I give you - much more valuable: I give
you opportunities. Ability to learn the depth of your character, not my, depth
your love, devotion, patience, your abilities, the ability to explore your spirit
much deeper than you thought possible. I am more you than you could reach
himself, seeking answers to their many questions without answers.
I - a child who can not walk.
It seems that the world passes by me. You see in my eyes the desire to get up, run
and play like other children. There are many things you take for granted. I want
toy lying on the shelf, I need the toilet, oh, I again failed to keep
fork. In all these things I am dependent on you. But I give you an understanding of
your beautiful future, your healthy back and legs, your ability
a service. Sometimes people do not notice me. But I always notice them. I
I feel not so much envy as desire to get up, make one step, then
another, to be independent. I give you awareness
I - a child with mental retardation.
I am not easy to learn if I am judged by conventional standards,
but I can infinitely enjoy simple things. I am not burdened as you are, difficulties
and conflict more complex life. I give you the ability to enjoy
life as a child, I want you to understand what it means for me your arms,
I give you my love. I give you ease.
I - your teacher.
If you're me you do, I will teach you that in fact is important in life.
I will teach you infinite love. I give you my innocent trust, my
dependent on you. I will teach you to appreciate life and not take it for granted.
I will teach you to forget your own needs, desires and dreams. I will teach you
give. But first of all I teach you hope and faith.
I - a child with disabilities."

W ould you like to see something cool? I was so blessed to get to work on these. They are huge posters (A1 I think) that the SDA requested from us that are hanging in the offices of the DAP, Prosecutor General, and other official buildings in Ukraine. If you are an adoptive family going to Ukraine be sure to look for these! (If you want to take a photo of any of them you see I'd LOVE to see them!)

I'll include the translations below... but here they are!

So for those of you who sent us your photos for the Ukraine Project, these are what they were used for! Pretty cool, right?

The translations are:

The Blue AND Green poster both have these sayings:
Особливі потреби - це не вирок. (in English it is Special needs are not a verdict)
Кожна дитина заслуговує мати на сім'ю. (in English it is Every child deserves to have the family)
The green one also has the words describing children with Down syndrome as they are all children with DS, things like 'cherished, capable, loving, smart, and so on'. I think it also says Every family deserves the blessing of a child with DS.

The Purple Poster text (translation by Google...so not the BEST)
"I - a child!

I - a child who can not speak.
You often grieved me. I see it in your eyes. You wonder how many of my understanding
- I see it too. I really understand a lot - you happy or sad, or you
scary, you patient or impatient, full of love, or simply carry out their
obligation to me. I watch on your sorrow, knowing that my - much
greater bo I can not express themselves and express their needs as you. You
not understand all the fullness of my loneliness. I do not entertain you smart
conversations and witty sayings. I do not give you answers to everyday
questions, not telling about his health, not sharing their views on
the world. I bring you rewards for success in my development, which
you could write to your account. What I give you - much more valuable: I give
you opportunities. Ability to learn the depth of your character, not my, depth
your love, devotion, patience, your abilities, the ability to explore your spirit
much deeper than you thought possible. I am more you than you could reach
himself, seeking answers to their many questions without answers.
I - a child who can not walk.
It seems that the world passes by me. You see in my eyes the desire to get up, run
and play like other children. There are many things you take for granted. I want
toy lying on the shelf, I need the toilet, oh, I again failed to keep
fork. In all these things I am dependent on you. But I give you an understanding of
your beautiful future, your healthy back and legs, your ability
a service. Sometimes people do not notice me. But I always notice them. I
I feel not so much envy as desire to get up, make one step, then
another, to be independent. I give you awareness
I - a child with mental retardation.
I am not easy to learn if I am judged by conventional standards,
but I can infinitely enjoy simple things. I am not burdened as you are, difficulties
and conflict more complex life. I give you the ability to enjoy
life as a child, I want you to understand what it means for me your arms,
I give you my love. I give you ease.
I - your teacher.
If you're me you do, I will teach you that in fact is important in life.
I will teach you infinite love. I give you my innocent trust, my
dependent on you. I will teach you to appreciate life and not take it for granted.
I will teach you to forget your own needs, desires and dreams. I will teach you
give. But first of all I teach you hope and faith.
I - a child with disabilities."