The aftermath of Christmas

Before I donned my warmest dressing gown and fluffiest slippers and decided to take leave of society to nurse my bad cold – and not spread more germs around than there are already – my flat resembled a painting by Hieronymus Bosch.  Boxes of Christmas cards on the breakfast table, half of them written and to be posted – and this after Christmas was over.  There was still wrapping paper, multi-coloured string, cellotape and three pairs of scissors lying here and there, The small Christmas tree which I had bought in a hurry, having thrown my huge one out, sheds ‘snow’ if you as much as look at it. Hoovering should be done everyday had I been a conscientious housewife. But I have more interesting things to do than stand with a hoover and feather duster in hand. Occasionally yes but not everyday.

Although my new flat-screen TV has finally been installed there is still the old Neolithic one sitting on two chairs as I have to devise a plan how I am going to get it carried down to my car to take to the bring-in site. Bulky Refuse tell me they cannot come upstairs and carry it down.

There were books and endless newspapers and magazines in piles. Yes. A scene worthy of Hieronymus Bosch. The only way is to put a stone on your heart and get rid of things. What will my daughters do with piles of old magazines, cuttings from newspapers, old Christmas cards? I took the plunge and threw many out. There are still plenty left. The rest will be thrown out when it is time for Phase II, which will take place once I have got over Phase I.

I only send proper, good old-fashioned Christmas cards to those who send me one otherwise I send an email. There just isn’t enough time. I don’t bake cakes, or make puddings or Bacio cake or Torta tal-marmurat as I had done in my old life. And yet I still get into a state into the run up of the festivities even if I haven’t produced Christmas lunch for some 25 years. Darling Suzy took charge for a good many years and now it is my eldest who takes it in hand, refusing any help from me. ‘Shall I at least bake the potatoes or make the first course?’ I ask. ‘No Ma, no need, I have it all in hand’. I am not one to persist. And yet although I am not in the thick of things I still get the occasional panic attack at all the things which have to be cleared up, written and organized.

Staying indoors has its pitfalls. I worked my way through a family-sized tin of Quality Street, and another of Cadbury’s chocolate biscuits and more. At least these merely bring with them spare tyres and some joy – at least momentarily – and leave no hangover in their wake. I saw quite a few throwing up in doorways this Season. I thanked my lucky stars I live in a flat as I would hate to have to clean up that sort of mess. I have now made a list of errands and tasks which have to be completed in the next three months. Most of them involve throwing things out, not my favourite past time.

Maurice Mizzi sings 10 Romantic Songs

Almost in the wake of Peter Calamatta’s launch of his Christmas CD, Maurice Mizzi came out with his Ten Romantic Songs. I had already heard a couple of these songs some months back when he had sent me a ‘sample’ CD. This is the final production and is now on sale. If you wish to have a copy please send a donation to the Spiro Mizzi Foundation c/o Continental Cars Ltd., Princess Margaret Street, Msida MSD 1330.  All proceeds will go to the Spiro Mizzi Foundation. Maurice has paid for the expenses of production himself so they will not be deducted from your donation.

You may recall that Mr Mizzi set up the Spiro Mizzi Foundation and donated Euros 150,000 towards it. The dividends and interests of these funds are all given to improve the life of the children of the Three Cities i.e. Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa. The Three Cities were chosen not only because the origins of his family lie there but also because in Maurice’s opinion that is the part of Malta where children need most help. The Foundation is not only providing computers but also teachers so that in the near future these children will be able to find good jobs in the IT sector.

Maurice is the founder and chairman of this Foundation while Dr John C. Grech and Fr Hilary Tagliaferro are trustees. Mr Mizzi would like to take this opportunity to also thank Fr Joe Mifsud, the Archpriest of Cospicua and the Archpriests of the two other cities who are helping with the organization of his Foundation.

Singing has always been Mr Mizzi’s hobby. Those who have been his guests in his beautiful home and gardens in Bidnija would have heard him sing sometime or another.  And he certainly has a voice and croons beautifully, in the tradition of Frank Sinatra.

I’ve been listening to this CD in my car, alternating it with Piaf and Lecuona. Maurice chose to sing lovely old-fashioned songs which those of a certain generation have always loved. My favourite is The Old Fashioned Way. Maurice sings it very well and with great feeling. Let’s Face the Music and Dance is another favourite. I have no idea who accompanied him but they are definitely a professional group.

I admire people like Peter and Maurice who share their fortune with those who are less fortunate but instead of simply giving the money away produce something which is worthwhile. Do get yourselves a copy of both CDs. Both causes they are backing are more than just merely worthwhile.

Richard England in ‘100 years of Architectural Drawing’

Professor England will later today be celebrating the inauguration of his latest project. The Conference Hall at Dar il-Hanin Samaritan in Santa Venera which he designed for the MUSEUM. He is unstoppable and is continually creating – whether it is another building, a book of poems, a work of art and so on. I am not surprised that one of his drawings is included in 100 Years of Architectural Drawing 1900-2000. This study, presented chronologically, is a world survey of architectural drawings of the 20th century.  It brings together 300 of the best architectural drawings from the last century  by the world’s most prestigious architects, creating both a history of the genre  and a survey of 20th century architecture.

Most are in pencil, pen and watercolour drawings. For Professor England to be included in such a work is not only a great honour for him but for Malta as well. His drawing in this book is of St James Cavalier, which I believe is Professor England’s chef d’oeuvre. Part of the caption reads: ‘In this concept drawing,  England radically transforms a circular water cistern, which lies within the thick masonry walls of a bastion built in the mid-sixteenth century by the Knights of Malta, into a lively circulation space for an arts centre where even a palm tree flourishes.’

The author of this dazzling visual feast is Neil Bingham who is a historian of architecture and design. He has numerous published works. He is also consulting curator of architectural drawings at the Royal Academy of Arts, London.