The Bluestocking, where the short days shorten and the oaks are brown

[MarieDeGournay]

Welcome all, regulars and newcomers, to the Bluestocking Women's Pub, a place of refuge and inspiration and camaraderie and silliness, where all alcoholic drinks are non-intoxicating, cakes contain no gluten, sugar or calories, but still taste yummy, and the attentive staff are small but very professional rodents wearing snazzy little outfits.

Other roles - such as acting as foot stools, looking decorative in the garden, or just being impossibly cute when you need something impossibly cute to go awwww at - are filled by a team of miniature pigs, quokkas, wombats, etc etc.

If real life is difficult, you can bring your troubles to the Bluestocking and a comfy chair will be found for you at a roaring fire, a miniature pig will settle down happily to support your tired feet, and a gerbil will serve you promptly with a comforting drink - very large G&Ts or massive mugs of hot chocolate with extra cream and marshmallows are popular choices [don't forget: no calories in the Bluestocking].

I’ve just binged the whole of the Riot Women. Beth’s experience with her boss really resonated. It was really refreshing to watch something where the female characters were properly written and the male characters were the 2D side ones, although there was one development towards the end that was disappointing (won’t say more for those watching in slower time). Can’t wait for the next series.

Hope Myrtle has a glorious day of Being Allowed To Eat today and that surgery happens on time tomorrow.

DH and I binged watched the lot of Riot Women this weekend ( well, it was raining) and we both enjoyed it.
Some clunky bits, bit generally a thumbs up from us.

I’m saving Riot Women for this coming weekend; going to watch it with Dr Swash. Glad it’s gone down well 🙂

It was Tofu Vegan on the Gloucester Road, I think it has some other sites in London too.

Sorry you're still waiting @MyrtleLion

I've been out a lot over the weekend. So not been able to catch up and post much. I really hope stuff gets done on Tuesday.

I'll have to look into Bella Coco. Is it YouTube?

Eta hello Stars, love the frock!

Why thank you, @lcakethereforeIam it's just something I threw on.

I'd say it was very typically Sally Wainwright, which is no bad thing.

I'm afraid I criticised the songs though, which I thought were rather weak, but that's picky ol' me!

I want a frock like Stars. I think it would be excellent Christmas-wear.

I love Sally Wainwright’s work. In ‘Happy Valley’ she gets you to understand and sympathise with every character, even the absolutely dreadful one James Norton played. I admire the way the final series was delayed so the boy who played his son was old enough to have some independence, necessary to the plot.

The actresses in ‘Riot Women’ are all great. I’ll keep watching, but I’m not enjoying it yet.

I like the way she weaves some dark themes into what could otherwise be rather saccharine fare.

I didn't realise The Bluestocking was a real place.

https://www.curbed.com/2023/12/bluestockings-bookstore-eviction-narcan-overdose-free-food.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Well that's clearly not our Bluestocking.
No gerbils.

Is Riot Women streaming anywhere or just on the BBC at the moment?

Just the BBC I think as it is new. I am also saving it for a weekend binge watch!

OK Stockingers, 'fess up, which of you is the Bluestockings staffer in glasses and a faded teal ponytail 😄

As Fuzzy said, if it ain't got gerbils, it ain't THE Bluestocking!
But thank you for sharing the article lechiffre55, it was interesting in general, as well as the name.

It originally carried titles “for, about, and by women,” a purview that has since expanded to include books by queer, trans, BIPOC, and sex-worker authors
Typical🙁

I liked the use of the word 'purview', not a common word.

Hmm. You look very nice, but wouldn't it be embarassing, wearing the same dress as - oh no, it's alright, she's got changed. Ooh, matching shoes! Nice. I suppose you've got the usual orange wellies on under that dress, haven't you, Fuzzy?

Bella Coco

https://bellacococrochet.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooJhfnb6qlqlyACxeSf7GtrRUOYk8RemD58aF5Sik6ZnzjlYu3j

or search YouTube. Her videos are really clear.

Apologies for introducing Christmas to the Bluestocking far too early. Avert your eyes, patrons who don't want to see anything festive yet.

The word 'purview' always makes me think of that scene with Malcolm Tucker in 'In the Loop'.

(If you google that sentence, the full scene is on TikTok. But it might be too much for your delicate sensibilities, Marie.)

@MarieDeGournay
It originally carried titles “for, about, and by women,” a purview that has since expanded to include books by queer, trans, BIPOC, and sex-worker authors
Typical🙁

That part caught my eye too. Some things never change.

@ifIwerenotanandroid
The word 'purview' always makes me think of that scene with Malcolm Tucker in 'In the Loop'.

:) Malcom Tucker :) Purview! swear swear 'bonnety' swear swear :)

That's the one. Although for me the word 'purview' has been inextricably linked with 'lubricated horse ^&£%' ever since I first saw the film. I'll never be able to undo that connection now.

Oh man...I look top bird in this. Yes, the orange wellies stay. I'm not daft!

Might sound like a stupid question, but you've seen the TV series too right? Not just the movie.

Well I have a one word riposte for that....bollocks!