Susan Harle

Susan Harle

Hi, I am a retired, still thirsting for knowledge, in my late 60's female. Looking forward to participating on many of the courses on offer. Heres to a long and enjoyable association with FutureLearn.

Location Cambridgeshire

Achievements

Activity

  • Certainly one of the most enjoyable courses I have participated in. Many thanks to all who created and took part in this excellent MOOC. a special thanks also to my fellow learners and their comments. I wish all Peace, Salaam and Shalom.

  • I am sorry, I cannot choose as each era has much that pleases me. I must say in real life I am a corned beef hash/Shepherds pie gourmet!

  • Without a doubt this was a period of rapid change in many spheres. I think we all have benefited from the scientific, technological and medical advances. In particular anaesthesia and antiseptics were life savers. Indeed the Queen herself had used Chloroform in child birth.

  • I think I prefer the french style. This way there is choice of both food and amount.

  • There appears to be two major differences, the first being the manner of which they are written, epistolatory and free indirect discourse. The former wriiten in the first person and the latter in the third person.

  • What an apt name for the 18th century new wave of books. Novel, something new and not resembling something formerly known or used.
    How exciting to have a story, complete, using creative language and situations . What a marvellous portable vehicle to be transported to another world.
    I think the main difference between reading in the 18th Century and reading...

  • Sir William is a dedicated member of the ton. To him nothing is indecent.
    He is a proud man, a slave to fashion.
    He claims all that belongs to him ( including his wife) should be admired, consequently all that belong to him must fit into his ideals.
    His wife is a chattel to whom he no longer needs to show affection, as he has won her by superficial,...

  • Maybe frugal in being careful, none wasteful, economical rather than penny pinching,profligate and extravagant.
    Not being given to sharing his mealtimes, with all and sundry, as in the past, an air of mystery may have given cause for the lampooning.
    Taking into account the number in his family each meal must have seemed like a ceremonious dinner!

  • Agree! Akin to the 'Hooray Henrys' of the 30's, boisterous, loud mouthed and arrogant.

  • Horses for courses. I am sure coffee houses are as diverse now, perhaps more so than in the 18th-Century. Addison's dream and Pope's satire can be found today. Personally my choice of emporium depends on whether I want a reviving quick 'fix' whilst doing the weekly shop or 'putting the world to rights' with a group of friends, leisurely and without time...

  • Absolutely correct, Bridget, the best ingredients from all over the world are used. I used to order monthly, but felt a little too decadent, I now get three monthly deliveries. My virtue may have improved by reducing the amount, but I now find I have turned into a dastardly sneak at times as I hide the box beneath a pile of magazines in the snug!

  • I concur, never have my Opilations and Obstructions felt better than when my three monthly box arrives from the chocolate tasting club.

  • I agree with many of my fellow learners that today much of advertising the product is aimed at women. There also seems to be a chocolate hierarchy. White chocolate predominantly for children, dark chocolate reigning as 'the best'.
    I recently watched a Nigel Slater documentary and he noted that his father brought his beloved wife gifts of Black Magic, after...

  • I am afraid I looked at the 'check your transcription page' prior to actually deciphering the text. Didn't mean to cheat! Sorry.

  • I read this as a satirical parable, written with comic overtones. The second anecdote did make me chuckle as all hell was let loose. I saw through the rich writing guests in various humours looking on as their hosts came to fisticuffs. The only serene piece in the scenario was the maligned roast beef.
    The first part of the letter was a little duplicitous. I...

  • I certainly think letters are akin to diaries in their contribution to literature. They are representative of the period in which they are written, painting us a jigsaw piece to a fuller picture of that time.
    Letters are written, mainly with the receiver in mind, consequently subjects are varied and often expanded upon. Whereas plays and poems are written to...

  • We are acknowledging three males named Thomas The first being the author/poet, the second a two year old and thirdly the great grandfather of the said toddler.
    The poem reminded me of the gifts bestowed on sleeping beauty by the fairies. All wishes for a long life, wealth, wisdom and a respected place in society.
    Probably the few illegible lines would throw...

  • Succinctly put, both Lesley's.

  • I think Hamlet used this phrase to endorse the swiftness of his mothers marriage to his uncle. Indeed the shoes she wore at her husbands funeral were not worn out before she married Claudius.

  • The praise continues, from the house we now meet the family. A Christian family, living the Christian commandments. Their generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness to mankind, be it to King or those below stairs.
    'Here no man tells my cups; nor, standing by,
    A waiter doth my gluttony envy,
    But gives me what I call, and lets me eat;
    He knows below he shall...

  • What an idyll! A veritable land of abundance, a well ordered and architectural garden of Eden. Even the inhabitants live in harmony. Does such a place exist?

  • Sir Walter probably has the privilege of choosing whatsoever he wishes. I cannot, however, imagine the fleet of sugar ship subtleties to be high on the menu, however beautifully crafted.

  • I think they may have made a come back, Mark. Looking on Amazon there are several titles. Maybe I will succumb to I spy Wild flowers, for old times sake! ;-)

  • I remember Big Chief I Spy ( I Spy books) giving his tribe missions of writing thus in the 1950's and 60's. We then rolled our paper and inserted it in a hollow pen. What a great secret for a young child!

  • History repeats itself! The words of a compassionate Christian wanting a fairer distribution of wealth. A colourful description of the cormorants of society. I particularly liked the 'fair pay for fair days work' as idle hands can cause chaos in society.

  • Could this be a poem of political spin. Crisply written in a time that had known such violence and instability. The affirmation of the fealty of the Duke to the crown for all to see. The subtle reminder that what was once (total loyalty To Charles I) can be again in Cavendish's devotion to his once pupil, Charles II?

  • Ah! I was perplexed with the last line, thinking that to keep his rank and status the Duke dug deeply into his wealth to entertain his King and General. No matter what he gave, the ultimate sacrifice of his life was an expectation of the King rather than the fealty of the Duke. Oops gave the end a rather twisted speculation!

  • The narrator tells us the stature and status of Welbeck, succinctly. He invites us to share in awe the 'vastness of it's owners magnificence'. I am perplexed by the last line.
    'Not spare all his purse, that would not spare his blood.'

  • As a child in the 50's my maternal grandmother used to take me to many houses open to the public. Chatsworth House and Bowes museum were amongst the first houses I visited. This has led to a love of such buildings and their history. The last places I visited were Hatfield House, Audley End and Anglesey Abbey. Look forward to this course and my fellow learners...

  • Susan Harle made a comment

    Super course, enjoyed both input from the course leaders, the mentors and my fellow learners. Looking forward to Elizabethan times tomorrow.

  • My mind goes to last year's party and a pinata cake. Smarties streaming out when cut, much to the children's delight.

  • Thank you for your likes and comments and I forthwith promise that IF I ever create my menu you will be my guests of honour :-)

  • Roasted and boiled meats. Chicken, Venison, suckling pig, boar, Think we will have the fowl stuffed in to each other : duck, chicken, grouse, pheasant, partridge, Fashioned as a mythical creature ( a cockatrice). Perhaps a peacock and a swan, feathers reassembled after cooking.
    A course of the fruits of the sea from lampreys and eels to lobsters and...

  • I have a lifelong love affair with the Monarchs of our land. It will be interesting to learn about their diets, and indeed the added pleasure of (maybe, not a great cook!) trying out recipes which were popular at that time.

  • To have no restriction on cost or variety. Banquets come to mind. As does the one time tradition of watching the King eat. The weighing scales at Sandringham House, used to weigh people after an opulent weekend. There again the Queens cornflakes in a tupperware container has been news!

  • Wishing you well, David

  • Had beans on toast for breakfast at 8.30am. Now just after 9am . Feel replete so I chose a kiwi and a bottle of water.

  • Certainly lemon and honey for colds, in fact my sister swears by this drink, taking it first thing in the morning before any other foods.
    Chicken soup also a traditional medicine for as well as being comforting for building ones strength after illness.
    Cinnamon to help the symptoms of diabetes.
    Ginger for nausea and indigestion.
    Turmeric I have heard...

  • Hi, I live in Suffolk, UK. I was drawn to the course by the remit and have not been disappointed by the topics up for learning and discussion in week one.

  • I have various spellings and pronunciations of Amos. Ames and Amies are the more popular.

  • I would like more Parish records on line.

  • Enjoyed the course, hope that this introduction will be built upon in the near future. Thank you to our Educators and Mentors for their input. Also to those taking part in the videos. My thanks also to my fellow learners who brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the comments section. Peace, Salaam and Shalom and look forward to catching up in...

  • There is no template to define a British Muslim. So I will take the simplistic way and say that fundamentally they are people who have loyalties and affiliations with Britain and they worship and follow the religion of Islam. I cannot think why the two should go hand in hand, for alone or together a person cannot be defined by just this criteria. The deeper I...

  • Integration with integrity. I think the sisters in 'The right attitude', succinctly said what the superb images portrayed.

  • Hi, I'm Sue, living in an idyllic little village outside Cambridge, UK. I became interested in genealogy about a decade ago and have had reasonable success with the paternal part of my family tree. Alas when I tell you my mothers name was Brown, you can imagine the headache from that side. Need all the help and direction I can get, also looking forward to ways...

  • I personally think that the work of a Chaplain must be very challenging in any of the religions. Working in the wider community and often in hospitals and prisons cannot be easy. I like the fact that those who answer the call to this vocation will do their best to be empathetic, supportive, comforting and helpful, as and when needed, to all members of society....

  • Totally in agreement Andrew. Rehanah is an engaging lady who exudes serenity, humility and compassion.

  • What an amazing course, I will miss it next week. Jonathan and Paula have 'done us proud', Their delivery and sheer professionality in directing us through the topics each week has been an inspiration. As indeed were the interviews with all who shared their personal experiences with us. Thank you so much.
    I also have taken so much from the sharing of my...

  • 'Daffodils' evokes freedom and exhilaration in the first three verses. Surrounds us with the vibrant colour, thrills us with the spring wind which causes them to dance. Such beauty, such a oneness with the natural world, such a precious picture that even when we are in a pensive frame, ruminating on the couch the picture of Spring blooms and the seasons...

  • I read the pieces through in my head about 4 times each. I visualised the scene the words portrayed. I found the poems easier to remember than the text. I must admit to being a little nervous when I pressed the button to actually do the exercise. I had not been familiar with any of the writings. I made one mistake using the word loud instead of significant....

  • What do you see, nurse, what do you see,
    what are you thinking when you're looking at me?
    A crabbit old woman, not very wise,
    uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes.
    Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
    when you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try?"
    Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
    and forever is losing a stocking or shoe.
    Who,...

  • I think both actors have thoroughly researched the character of King Lear, both give credence to their personal interpretations. I reserve judgement as it is many years since I read the tragedy. I shall remedy this!
    The King had been an all powerful, proud, stubborn man, and had probably relied on his supporters to maintain his supremacy all his life. Without...

  • Add my name to the above comments. My eyes have certainly been opened to other trains of thought and interpretation. Our course leaders have been diligent in providing us with useful, enjoyable and complex subjects. Our fellow learners have also contributed with enthusiasm and their excellent views. Look forward to week two. Have a good weekend all.

  • Actual Church going, taking part in regular services is certainly on the decline in the UK. When I was a child, Sunday School was paramount and one journeyed towards Confirmation. I am talking about the late 40's and early 50's, when the world was a radically different place. There was not the same diversity of religions to choose from, in fact there were not...

  • Close to home I think of the conflict of Scotland wishing to be self governing. The people I believe wanting to stay in the present situation were 55% of those who voted and 45% who wanted change.
    I do not believe there was any physical violence involved, certainly not in the main despite heated exchanges. Both sides were able to give their messages through...

  • I interviewed my sister (in her 50's, a committed Muslim, who observes the five pillars of Islam), my niece in law ( in her 30's a Christian, who goes to church intermittently) and my husband (in his 60's and could probably come under the banner of agnosticism.)
    Their answers were similar:
    It is personal to the follower.
    A belief system based on a higher...

  • I, too believe religion to be a wayof life. For me it goes beyond the mundane and revolves around faith and belief in a higher being/concept. Living by a set of guidelines for the greater good of oneself/society/community/world.
    I would place my definition of religion between being functional and substantive.
    I understand democracy, communism and...

  • These are exactly my thoughts too, Trijnie.
    I never had the word Conflict as anything but a negative one.
    Succinctly written, thank you.

  • The common points in these videos include community, ritual, praise, rhythm and oneness.
    To me religious diversity is a society where a multiplicity of religions exist together. Acknowledging the differences and accepting the rich tapestry their cultures and rituals bring to that society

  • Hi, my name is Sue. I live in a small village near Cambridge UK. Ever since I was introduced by my niece to Future Learn MOOCS I have never failed to find a subject of interest to learn more about. I have always found world religion fascinating and during the present course relating to Muslims in the United Kingdom, one of my fellow learners extolled the whole...

  • I chose 'Storm'.
    I had to decide whether I was indoors, safe and reflective, outdoors on top of Wasdale in the darkest night and agonising about reaching safety. Not so much reflective as desperate, afraid at each thunderclap.
    The latter won, purely through the choice of words and melodrama!
    I did not recognise the poem, but can see how the mood of the...

  • I tend to look for a new novel and rarely read anything twice. My book shelves and Kindle are full of new worlds to explore.
    When I am troubled, afraid or in trepidation, I get a lot of comfort from Ecclesiastes 3:1
    'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven'
    Helps me from the visit to the dentist to the depth of...

  • I too was spell bound, Shirley.

  • Having a religion is having a prescribed way of life. The Holy books direct the followers to a set of rules/laws which are believed to be for the common good. Each of the three monotheistic religions were born at very different times, each is at a different evolutionary point. Each appears to me that individuals and pockets of their societies take from the...

  • The film was certainly on the optimistic scale of life and was very one sided. Given it was to attract workers to the joys of living, working and becoming a citizen of Cardiff it served the goal well. I was particularly taken with Olive Salaman, in this film, she positively glowed, despite her work load and her family of husband and ten children.
    I very much...

  • Wonderfully outstanding combination Lord Bragg and William Wordsworth, sons of the North. For me the poem 'Michael' is so moving, a richness of emotion. Michael took Luke to show him the sheepfold he was building, just before Luke left. Showed him what was described as an anchor, it represented home, solidarity of family, the future and hope. How soon it came...

  • One famous Muslim was Queen Victoria's friend, she called him her Munshi, meaning teacher/clerk she even showered him with honours over the fifteen years he was her loyal servant.
    www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Karim_(the_Munshi)

  • A great resource, thoroughly enjoyed my first visit there. Lots of history, I began with Florence Nightingale as I was intrigued with any connection here with Islam. However I choose to share the 'Thousand and one Arabian nights'. My father used to read these tales to me from a book he had as a boy. Little did I realise it was my first introduction to such a...

  • Susan Harle made a comment

    Many thanks to the Educators and Leaders of this course for an enlightening and user friendly introduction to Islam. Also for the input of my fellow Learners I have found in equal parts both interesting and inspirational. Have a great weekend, see you next week.
    Peace, Salaam and Shalom.

  • Continued
    The long summer days must also play a part in the month of Ramadan. This year it will incorporate the summer solstice. It is good to know that after such rigorous a regime of fasting and prayer and contemplation, Eid in our country can be fully celebrated thanks to understanding employers and schools.

  • I imagine that being part of a country who recognises Islam as a minority community can have its difficulties. Although I must say the United Kingdom is in the main accepting, accommodating and supportive of her many multi cultures.

    Perhaps lack of knowledge about the religion can be a stumbling block, particularly given such negative media coverage of the...

  • The sixth age shifts
    Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
    With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
    His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
    For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
    Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
    And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
    That ends this strange eventful history,
    Is second childishness...

  • Many poems speak to us from ages past. There are still, even in this fast technological age, things we have in common with our ancestors, mentally, emotionally and physically.

    All the World's a Stage by William Shakespeare

    All the world's a stage,
    And all the men and women merely players;
    They have their exits and their entrances,
    And one man in his...

  • I agree there are similarities in all three monotheistic religions. After all the people in the holy books are the same. My sister is Muslim, I am Christian and we discuss the paths we have chosen regularly. I want to learn as much as I can. Peace, Salaam and Shalom to my fellow learners. So looking forward to course and reading my fellow students comments.

  • Hi. I am a young aged pensioner, living in an outlying village of Cambridge.
    Many of my family are Muslim, I am Christian. I see a lot of similarities in the monotheistic religions and I want to learn as much as possible. Looking forward to the course and the comments of my fellow learners.

  • The latter part of the poem then is concerned about the welfare of the one left behind.
    The command is softened and becomes a request, the writer realising what she has asked for and shows her unconditional love by wanting her beloved to be happy. If this means forgetting her with a smile so be it because she would rather that than he remained sad for the...

  • REMEMBER
    Remember me when I am gone away,
    Gone far away into the silent land;
    When you can no more hold me by the hand,
    Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
    Remember me when no more day by day
    You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
    Only remember me; you understand
    It will be late to counsel then or pray.
    Yet...

  • To be honest reading in the first days of bereavement was the farthest from my mind. Prayer and stoicism to deal with practicalities were uppermost. Perhaps this is a throwback from my nursing days. Ensure the dignity of the dear departed, console the nearest and dearest, make sure the staff are okay, then it was your turn for reflection.
    Although I must...

  • My favourite poem of the three was 'She dwelt among the untrodden ways'. I loved the simplicity and lived in the frame the poet painted with his words.
    Particularly I liked .
    'A violet by a mossy stone'. Folklore says the violet symbolizes a love that is delicate.
    It is such a diminutive flower, gentle in size and appearance. Frail beside the solid ancient...

  • These poems are radically different.
    In 'She dwelt among the untrodden ways', I felt a gentle acceptance of the death of 'Lucy', truth to tell my mind travelled to the death of a hard working young milkmaid, ' a maid whom there were none to praise and very few to love' BUT someone knew her worth and her demise made such a difference to their...

  • I do think the model is useful, if only as an indication that these feelings are a normal reaction to loss. As many of my fellow learners have said Guilt and Relief can also be added.
    I can identify with all these stages, particularly with the death of my husband and my parents.
    I can still after many years still have the odd time of anger, feeling low...

  • My perception has not changed, but my knowledge of this amazing man and his accomplishments has grown tenfold plus! The course has added to my appreciation and awe of him.
    Thanks to University of Glasgow, our dedicated course leaders and my fellow learners for their thought provoking comments and enthusiasm.
    For Auld Lang Syne
    Peace, Salaam and Shalom.

  • Another well delivered week from our course leaders, thank you, Jonathan and Paula.
    So many opinions and interesting facts from fellow learners.
    Lots of food for thought and cogitation.
    See you next week.

  • I cannot choose betwixt the two heroines, I think Jane Austen gives such a comprehensive overview of both that one finds both worthy of sympathy.
    How would I react? Well I guess we have friends whom we confide in and are a lot less guarded with. Plus the situations our confidantes find themselves in must make a difference between sense and sensibility and all...

  • Cannot think of a better way to celebrate midnight as we enter a New Year. My family has done this since I was a baby. Equally ritualistic is singing the Twelve days of Christmas at our Christmas Eve party, each having a day, the best and worse being day five. Good for the listeners but a challenge if you are a young laddie with a deep voice!

  • Thought I had struck gold when I found ( in the sub text) a scholar from Trinity College, Cambridge! Rabbie may have visited for a term! Found a super photo of the great court of trinity. Thought...... maybe I should read the whole article, which had in grand italics at the top: 'Not to be confused with Robert Burns, poet.' Oops!
    PLAN B: The serviettes with...

  • Continued.
    The fourth verse deals beautifully with the roller coaster feelings of heart break.
    The lightness and darkness of the written image conveys the writers mood.
    I am also a push over for a happy ending. Although this is a final farewell leaving the swain in tears and sighing and groaning, he could still wish his 'Nancy' future happiness in verse five.

  • I am in the final week of a Future Learn MOOC about Robert Burns.
    Hence I chose 'Ae Fond Kiss' as my poem

    Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
    Ae fareweel, alas, for ever!
    Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
    Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!

    Who shall say that Fortune grieves him
    While the star of hope she leaves him?
    Me, nae cheerfu'...

  • Susan Harle made a comment

    I would say the haggis is centre-piece for a few reasons, not least because it is quintessentially a Scottish dish and Burns wrote an ode to it! Also the ingredients are very rustic and cheap making it available to all manner of folk.
    Why NOT give a substantial role to the lasses, they played a huge part in the bards life both personally and as muses and...

  • When excellence is obvious in all the arts, the written word, great paintings and inspired music it will achieve recognition whether immediately or in the fullness of time. My yardstick of greatness is if one can recognise the style by the words, the colours, the strokes or the sounds.
    I guess as the world has become a global village due to technology our...

  • Yes the symptoms are still common today in some circumstances. Reacting to heartbreak differs with each of us. Alas, some of us did not remain lean of limb after taking up comfort eating!!

  • A poet, a lyricist, a scholar, a bit of a rebel, a bard........ for me, all are acceptable on his CV.

  • I believe Burns version to have universal appeal. It is full of nostalgia and the hope of bright futures. Aytoun's version was full of angst, unrequited love and desperation. If you can't love me, at least show me some pity. Ramsay told of the soldiers return, despite his scars, he carried on with his life's journey by wedding his beloved. I enjoyed all three...

  • I reckon the mouse is the unassuming instigator of a far deeper message. Possibly highly relevant to the farming community of the day but still resonating centuries later.
    Likely to be a poem which has been reworked and honed to carry its meaning.

  • Susan Harle made a comment

    What a task for transcribers to accurately bring the correct words to the world.
    I enjoyed looking at the original 'parcel of washed old rags' and on the whole got most words correct.
    The biggest drawback was the bleeding from the reverse side.
    I am afraid I was so intent deciphering the words that I paid no attention to the punctuation. Looking back there...

  • I cannot pinpoint a particular influence on Burns as a poet. His subjects were many and varied, animate and inanimate, to educate and for fun. He seems also to be interested in other peoples work to the extent of following their examples. The eclecticism of Burns work means there is something for everyone.
    As a bard he not only upheld culture and tradition in...

  • You are welcome, Mary.

  • Thank you for an interesting and informative first week. Such a lot of thought has been put into this course by the University and its presenters. Have also enjoyed reading messages from my fellow learners. Have a good weekend ........ see you Monday.

  • I try to keep busy with hobbies, I have recently taken up art therapy and mindfulness. I am blessed with having an amazing sister and we find it beneficial if either is stressed to discuss the reason and generally we manage to put things into perspective.

    I also like this piece of advice
    "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot...

  • Susan Harle made a comment

    I do enjoy poems about nature and I think in the majority of circumstances they can help with stress management. Nature has soul and the environment is continually evolving. The colours of each season and the rhymes and reasons for them is awesome. Who cannot be uplifted by the first signs of Spring after a cold icy winter. Who cannot be uplifted by the cosy...