Top of the Pansy Pops 2015

It’s been a stonker of a year. In partnership with Summertime Publishing, I launched Springtime Books to provide a publishing platform for expat writers and in May, I wrapped up the saga of our emigrey days with the release of Turkey Street. The book birthing was particularly painful. Eighteen months later than planned, I fretted my comeback would be as welcome as another Spice Girls reunion, but the pain eased as the reviews dropped onto the mat. Against the blogging odds, Perking the Pansies continues to trip along nicely with a bevy of fans old and new. Somehow or other, I’ve just exceeded my 1,000th post and 10,000th comment. Not bad, I suppose, for some silly old nonsense. For all these things, I’m nothing if not grateful.

Here are the top of the pansy pops for 2015 – a fine diet of gay pride; righting an old wrong; butts of steel; relationship highs and Turkish lows; murderous intent and loose ends finally tied; the dreaded curse of middle England; bad tempered café society; and a little cottage industry to keep us out of the workhouse.

London Pride 2015

Pardon Me!

Catching Crabs

Istanbul Pride, Turkey Shame

Death Duties

Turkey Street Uncovered

Happy Anniversary, Liam

Whinging Brits

Give Us a Quiche

As for the most popular image of 2015? Typical!

Here’s looking ahead to more pansy adventures in 2016. Happy New Year to one and all.

A Hopeful Transmission

‘Tis almost the night before Christmas and the old Pansies have decamped to the Smoke for a leg of turkey, lots of stuffing and absolutely no sprouts. Meanwhile, I leave you with a random selection of favourite Yuletide quotes.

There ain’t no Sanity Clause!

Chico Marx

Christmas is the one time of year when people of all religions come together to worship Jesus Christ.

Bart Simpson

The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, DC. This wasn’t for any religious reasons. They couldn’t find three wise men and a virgin.

Jay Leno

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.

Shirley Temple

The one thing women don’t want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband.

Joan Rivers

Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.

Victor Borge

A good conscience is a continual Christmas.

Benjamin Franklin

Christmas to a child is the first terrible proof that to travel hopefully is better than to arrive.

Stephen Fry

Wherever you are and whatever you believe, Liam and I wish you a hopeful Christmas.

So This is Christmas and What Have You Done?

We all know Christmas is big for business so Christmas ads must be big too. John Lewis, that bellwether of the British high street, usually leads the pack. Its lavish TV offerings rarely fail to tug at the heart strings or loosen the purse, and this year is no different with a theme centred round the loneliness of old age. Like I need reminding that, childless as we are, our incontinent years might be a little bit crap. John Lewis has been criticised for spending so much on a TV campaign when they could have donated to charity instead. I’m all for bashing the corporate world for not paying their dues and not doing their bit. But in this case, the reproach is a tad misplaced. The campaign is supported by Age UK and has resulted in thousands of extra volunteers for the festive period. Besides, it’s our collective responsibility to care for the vulnerable, not a shop’s.

We also know Christmas is all about over-excited kids brainwashed into wanting bigger and better, faster and flashier. It’s all down to cynical marketing and playground peer pressure: pester-power is the biggest bang in the advertiser’s armoury. Or is it?

The moral of my story? Spend more time with your kids and spare a thought for the two old fairies at the bottom of the garden.

With thanks to John Lennon for the title of this post.

The Rainbow Awards 2015

Yesterday, I received an early Christmas present and very nice it was too. I awoke to the news that Turkey Street, Jack and Liam move to Bodrum was runner up for the prestigious Rainbow Book Awards 2015 (best LGBT Biography/Memoir). I’m stunned. I entered ages ago with rock bottom expectations and so the announcement has left me rather speechless (most unusual for me). All in all, not bad for a bit of camp old nonsense about a place few have heard of from an unknown ex-pretty boy with his best years way, way behind him. The judges were generous with their praise:

One of the best non-fiction books of the year.

Delightful…brimming with atmosphere, interesting characters, and wonderful central ones.

Fast and funny… sophisticated dialogue.

The characters practically leap off the page.

The language is beautiful.

Playful, witty and poignant.

Full marks. It’s that good.

I guess they liked it. Check it out here.

God Skies

A damp blanket of gloom has covered the big skies of Norfolk and Mother Nature has dimmed the lights to a flicker. All the memories of summer are gone. I’ve whacked up the heating to warm body and soul. It’s time to re-live the God skies of crisp October dusks to bring a little cheer to the micro-loft.