33 Comments
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Hilary's avatar

Thanks, Jane, I enjoyed it. Simon Reeves in Scandinavia is well worth watching. Episode 3 features a Danish economics professor specialising in wellness and happiness. He has a tattoo "70" which, if I've understood correctly, is that 70% effort/achievement is "good enough" and results in happiness. He also counsels to wait 8 seconds before reacting. Nice advice.

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Vicky Hawkins's avatar

I really enjoyed this! Thank you

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Louise's avatar

My mother describes things she doesn’t like as “not nice”, still infuriates me: is it downright nasty? slightly unpleasant? or just not your thing?

I have a deep appreciation of niceness, both in people and things. When life is frightening, niceness can’t be underestimated. Loved this account of it all!

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Alison Macaulay's avatar

The loss of art schools hits particularly hard here in Glasgow, where we've lost our magnificent Mack building not once but twice. Thankfully the GSA itself thrives, but what a loss. One of the jewels in our crown.

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Jane Brocket's avatar

Yes, I was so pleased I visited before the fires - what an amazing and inspirational building it was.

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Rhonda Strickland's avatar

Love the Teatles story! And your factory dress and vintage handkerchief cropped shirt! Extra Extra Nice ❤

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Caroline Donahue's avatar

Lovely as always. I’ve been contemplating that Factory Dress hack… a full skirt is nice indeed.

I adore the regular version too, and have been pondering making one out of needle cord before the summer heat arrives…

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Jane Brocket's avatar

Thank you! The full skirt version is great and very full (although it doesn't have to be as full as the hack says) and now I can't wait to wear the two I've made. A fine needlecord one would be lovely.

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Caroline Donahue's avatar

How exciting you've already made two. It is so fun to repeat patterns once one has the hang of them, I find. I'll likely do the original style for the needlecord, with slightly longer sleeves to slide into a cardigan more easily, but I think I have a linen that will be just the ticket for the gathered version. Enjoy swishing around in your full skirts!

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Emily Dening's avatar

PS Have you ever seen Alec Clifton Taylor on Stamford? I think it's on Youtube -- he is a great character and so knowledgable.

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Jane Brocket's avatar

No, but I've read his books on English towns incl the one with Stamford, so now I need to watch him! Thanks for the recommendation.

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Emily Dening's avatar

How unusual to mention Peterborough! My daughter lives there and says that the Cathedral and the Museum are the best things about it. I saw that exhibition and immediately felt at home. If you ever go back may I recommend the Napoleonic prisoner-of-war models carved from bone and various other found materials. They are exquisite.

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sally wileman's avatar

Truly a blast of niceness in an otherwise not very nice world. Thank you

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Mary-Ann Lovejoy's avatar

Oh oh oh such a NICE column and so many and varied links to explore. Thank you Jane ❤️🌹

And I too adore Tim Dunn and his railways and architecture - my favourite episode features his parents and a visit to their old home.

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Jane Brocket's avatar

Thank you! Yes, that's a nice one.

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Ann Burns's avatar

Really enjoyed your post. I tried to count the number of times the word nice appeared in Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Making of a Marchioness but sadly gave up.

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Jane Brocket's avatar

I just searched the text on Project Gutenberg and it says 84 (incl nicer and nicest)!

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Annie's avatar

Nice.

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Debra Reece's avatar

Nice.

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Matty's avatar

I so enjoy your “airings” and seeing all the wonderfully buildings and exhibits! I get to tag along without the hassle of customs, long flights, and jet lag! 💜

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India Flint's avatar

Nicely done.

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Sue Dove's avatar

Another interesting article…it is so sad about the loss of the beautiful art school buildings…they are currently trying to sell off the wonderful Art School building in Penzance..a place so beloved by many…life loses something every time this happens..🌺

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Jane Brocket's avatar

Really? I didn't know that. It's such a wonderful building - love walking past it when I'm in Penzance. (Would like to see inside!)

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