SmileyRose Ramblings by Frances Rose Agnes Napper (She/Her)

Good Friday – Let Us Pray 🙏

Apr 3rd, 2026

Today is Good Friday. It is not a day of celebration, not in the traditional sense but a crucial, sombre remembrance within Holy Week. Good Friday is a solemn Christian observance honouring the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Today, I plan to eat some Hot Cross Buns, with my daughter Catherine. Hot cross buns are an age-old tradition, traditionally baked to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. My entire family was brought up as Roman Catholics. My background is Christian. Both of my parents were both Roman Catholics.

A Good Friday, Prayer 🙏

Lord Jesus Christ,
on this sacred day, we remember Your great sacrifice.
You bore the weight of our sins
and gave Your life out of love for the world.
Help us to stand at the foot of the cross
with humble and grateful hearts.
Teach us to understand the depth of Your mercy
and to live in the light of Your forgiveness.
As we reflect on Your suffering,
strengthen us to carry our own crosses with faith,
to love others as You have loved us,
and to walk in obedience to Your will.
May this day of sorrow lead us to hope,
and prepare our hearts for the joy of Your resurrection.
We thank You, Lord,
for Your endless grace and redeeming love.
Amen.🙏

I chose this hymn because my Father’s funeral was at Easter weekend, 9 years ago. He was a choir boy at church in his youth. This is one of my favourite Easter hymns as a young girl.

There is a green hill far away….
My Favourite Film Directors

Apr 2nd, 2026

Q. Who are your favourite film directors, Frances?

A. 1. Without a doubt, Steven Spielberg

2. James Cameron

3. Ron Howard
When Someone Keeps Comparing You With Others….

Apr 2nd, 2026

When someone keeps comparing you with other women and he makes you feel measured, then maybe he’s not the man for you. You need to be with someone who values you as a person. Someone who makes you feel special always. .
Jarassic Frances ;)

Apr 1st, 2026

I absolutely love the Jarassic World films. 🙂

Me.

I captured this photograph at Springfields Spalding a few years ago

Springfields – me Dancing

I captured this photograph at Flag Fen during one of my photography days.

This was. Captured during a day at Shepreth Wildlife Park.

I captured this photograph at The National History Museum, London

This photograph was captured at the Peterborough Cathedral.

When dawn was young and wild and wide,
And silence held a roar,
The earth awoke in ancient breath
Unlike all days before.
Through tangled green and shadowed light,
Where mist and sunlight blend,
Great creatures moved like living hills
From forest’s edge to end.
Their voices rolled like distant storms,
Low thunder through the ground,
A language lost to passing time,
Yet once the only sound.
The hunter’s gaze, the grazer’s grace,
A dance of tooth and leaf,
Where life was fierce and fleeting still,
And death was never brief.
No footprints led to where we stand,
No trace of humankind—
Just echoes pressed in stone and dust,
A world we cannot find.
Yet close your eyes… you’ll feel it stir,
That ancient pulse, that glow—
A Jurassic whisper in your bones
From long, long ago.
Evergreen :)

Mar 31st, 2026

I am Blue and White. (One parent)😀

I am also white with a little black skin colouring, (Other parent).

My father died 9 years ago. Both of my parents were British.
SmileyRose

Mar 31st, 2026

This is one of my very first social media photographs, just over 20 years ago. 🙂
Pistachio Gelato Ice Cream Cups

Mar 30th, 2026

I bought these from Aldi.

They get the big thumbs up. 👌👍
Majestic Looking Tiger

Mar 30th, 2026

Woburn Zoo

I photographed this Tiger at Woburn Zoo.

There is something very majestic about this Tiger.

Another film I absolutely loved was “Life of Pi.”
A Love So Great, A Love Like No Other – To Make You Feel My Love

Mar 30th, 2026

A Love So Great

A love so great, it fills the sky,
Soft as dawn, yet fierce as fire,
It lives in every whispered sigh,
In every hope, in each desire.
It bends but never breaks apart,
A steady light through darkest days,
It wraps itself around the heart,
In quiet, everlasting ways.
No distance dims, no time can fade
The warmth it leaves, the truth it knows,
For even shadows cannot shade
A love so great—it only grows.

——‐————————–

A Love Like No Other

A love like no other, quiet yet strong,
A place in the heart where you’ve always belonged.
Not loud in its presence, yet deep in its stay,
A light that still guides you when skies turn to grey.
It asks for no glory, no grand display,
Just truth in the moments we give it each day.
In laughter, in silence, in all that we share,
It lives in the knowing that someone is there.
No measure can hold it. No words can define,
It’s gentle, enduring—both yours and mine.
A love like no other, steady and true,
A rare kind of magic… found only in you.

—‐——————————
The Notebook

Mar 30th, 2026

This evening, I watched the film “The Notebook,” which starred Ryan Gosling, Rachel Mcadam, and James Garner. It has been a long time since I cried watching a film. However, this film was able to profoundly evoke an emotional response. It managed to tug on every heart string.

My favourite quote from the film is:

“I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life.” 😭

The Notebook ❤️‍🩹

It was such a beautiful film from start to finish. I loved it all.

Watching a film like this reminded me of the reasons why I truly enjoy visiting the cinema. It gets Top Marks.

The most beautiful scene in the film is when: Allie and Noah are in a rowing boat together, surrounded by the lovely white swans.

The film depicted the story of two individuals whose love was so profound that it remained unbreakable, right to the very end.

My version of the same song. 🙂

https://www.smule.com/sing-recording/1127383980_4729251053
The School of Rock

Mar 29th, 2026

I am currently watching the comedy film “The School of Rock”. It is thoroughly entertaining, featuring Jack Black, whose performance is particularly amusing. This film has been a welcomed distraction today and is greatly lifting my spirits. 😃

This film reminds me a little of the film “Kindergarten Cop,” but without the policing. It starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Another good actor.

It also reminds me of the film “About A Boy,” which starred Hugh Grant. 🙂
“All About You”

Mar 29th, 2026

I ❤️ this song. 😀
About Me

Mar 29th, 2026

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher or an air hostess. When I was 10 yrs old, I loved photography, maybe even a photographer. I always had a good eye. I did not become any of those things. However, I quite like the thought of doing all three.
A Delicious Lamb Giro

Mar 28th, 2026

This evening, I visited Tesco and I noticed a van parked outside. It was named, “Shah’s Halal Food.” There was a queue of people waiting for food, so I decided to try something myself. I opted for the Lamb Gyro. I genuinely mean this — it was exceptionally tasty. It was not greasy and was cooked to a high standard. I observed the preparation process and can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable takeaway meals I have eaten in quite some time. I thoroughly recommend it. Thank you also for the tropical iced drink; it was greatly appreciated.
Samosas

Mar 28th, 2026

Yum! I bought lamb and chicken Samosas the other day. They were delicious. I bought them from our small M&S outlet. I gave them the big thumbs up! 🙂

I took one into work with me for my lunch. They were quite filling.
Don’t Forget The Clocks…

Mar 28th, 2026
Michael McIntyre…

Mar 28th, 2026

I find my spirits lifted every time I listen to him. He’s so funny. 😀
Misheard Lyrics – Peter Kay

Mar 28th, 2026

Hilarious. 🤣 Every time I watch this, I chuckle to myself. 🤣

This reminds me of when I thought the band The Police were singing about Sue Lawley, the Broadcaster and TV presenter. The song was “So Lonley,” and I kept wondering why Sue Lawley. 🤣
The Visitor

Mar 28th, 2026

I really love this song. 🩷
Twin Flames

Mar 28th, 2026

Two souls once whole, then torn apart,
Sent wandering worlds with the same soft heart,
Through time and lives, through joy and ache,
Each step a path the other would take.
A glance, a spark—no need for name,
For deep within, you feel the same,
A knowing older than the stars,
A pull that heals the hidden scars.
You are my mirror, fierce and true,
Reflecting all I hide from view,
In you I find both storm and peace,
A wild unrest, a sweet release.
We meet, we part, we rise, we fall,
Yet fate still answers when we call,
For love like this won’t fade or end—
It bends, it breaks, but learns to mend.
Not just a flame, but fire divine,
A sacred thread through space and time,
Two halves that wander yet remain
Forever bound… one soul, one flame.
Beautiful Flowers – Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran – Remembering Dad.

Mar 27th, 2026

Honouring a father who has passed involves treasuring his enduring legacy of love, resilience, and the lessons that continue to influence our daily lives. Although he is no longer with us, his presence endures in heartfelt memories, shaping our values and offering comfort through the enduring, meaningful moments we shared.

It has been 9 years. I miss you, dad. My dad was F de.

I was named after him. I am F de aNa
Rose Pearl Strawberries

Mar 26th, 2026

They are a very distinctive variety characterised by their pale pink to white skin and red seeds. They taste so delicious. 😊
Childhood Memories

Mar 26th, 2026

I don’t think I have changed much 😄

I cherish my childhood memories. This is an old photograph of me at the age of seven, wearing a pink dress, alongside my younger sister wearing an orange dress. I can not recall the names of our friends, although I seem to remember the names Michael and Gary; however, I am uncertain. The photograph was taken in Penang, Malaysia, during my father’s military service with the Royal Air Force. He was stationed at RAF Butterworth, and we frequently went to see him as he crossed the ferry to and from the base. I recall an occasion when my father was late arriving at the ferry terminal; he attempted a daring “Mission Impossible” stunt by running and jumping onto the departing ferry. Unfortunately, he missed and was left hanging onto the side of the deck until assistance was provided. He subsequently injured his ribs and received several bruises. Fortunately, he avoided falling into the sea, which was known to be populated with jellyfish. 😱

Lol, goodness, the things I can remember. 😀

Photograph captured by my late Father Frank.
No More The Night Owl

Mar 26th, 2026

Since returning from my break away, I have been sleeping at regular times. My eyes look so much better. I need to be in bed by 10 pm, these days. No more late nights. I wake up feeling a lot better.

“No More The Night Owl”
Is Apologising A Sign Of Weakness?

Mar 26th, 2026

Q. Is apologising considered a sign of weakness?

A. Apologising is appropriate when an individual acknowledges that they have made a mistake. One cannot apologise for something they are unaware of. Open communication about the matter is therefore beneficial.

You may sometimes accept differing opinions if the matter is minor or if the individual is at fault; in such cases, an appropriate apology should be offered.

If you don’t talk, then nobody ever knows that they have done something wrong.
My Bee Photograph

Mar 25th, 2026

I love this photograph. I captured this at the Sue Ryder garden a few years ago.
A Rose

Mar 25th, 2026

This exquisite pink rose was presented to me a few years ago at the George Hotel in Stamford, during an afternoon whilst I was dining there after shopping in the town. I had completely forgotten that it was Valentine’s Day. 🙂
As Time Goes By

Mar 24th, 2026

Love From Years Gone By

Have you ever thought and wondered about a past love?

Often called a “First Love” or a “Significant Past Romance,” it can leave a lasting mark.

Sometimes, emotions can stay bright and fresh in our memory, even after decades. These memories serve as a touchstone of youth.

Many people find that, even when relationships end, the strong feelings connected to them may not completely fade. Sometimes, they lead to a lifelong sentiment that stays with us forever.
Oops-A-Daisy

Mar 24th, 2026

Recently, a work colleague kindly came to pick me up for work. I truly appreciated it. While she was waiting outside the front of my home, a random woman unexpectedly entered the back of her car. My colleague was quite startled and exclaimed, “Oh Jesus, what are you doing in my car?” She noticed that the woman appeared to be alarmed also. The woman apologised, explaining, “I thought this was the taxi I ordered.” At this point, the taxi driver behind them began to laugh. It was quite an amusing situation. 😁

I am unsure what my reaction would have been if someone did this to me.

F x

😄
A Visit To Wansford

Mar 24th, 2026

I love to eat good food that is nicely presented.

This was a lovely baguette served with some salad and crisps at the Haycock Hotel, Wansford.

I have some lovely photographs of the Wansford bridge to add to this post soon. 🙂
Full English Breakfast

Mar 22nd, 2026

Here’s one English breakfast I enjoyed when I went to stay at Bacton.

Cooked Breakfast

A traditional cooked breakfast—often called a full English breakfast—is a hearty, comforting start to the day, especially loved across the UK.
Here’s what you’ll typically find on the plate:
Eggs – fried, scrambled, or poached
Bacon – usually back bacon (thicker and meatier than streaky)
Sausages – pork sausages, often called “bangers.” The one above was a bit long and skinny. 🤣

🙂
The Last Waltz

Mar 22nd, 2026

This song reminds me of my mother and father. My parents were great ballroom dancers. My father loved the Waltz. It was his favourite.

🙂
“One Last Love Song” by The Beautiful South

Mar 22nd, 2026

It’s such a lovely song. 🙂
Sadly Missed – Bradley Bunny

Mar 22nd, 2026

It has been a few years since my beloved pet bunny passed away. I miss him so much.

Bradley

Soft Little Goodbye

In a corner where you used to rest,
A hush has fallen, soft and blessed.
No tiny paws, no gentle thump,
No curious nose, no playful jump.
You nibbled days like clover sweet,
With velvet ears and heartbeat neat,
A fragile soul, so small, so bright,
A flicker of love, a whisper of light.
The hay lies still, the bowl untouched,
But oh, how deeply you were loved.
In every hop, in every stare,
You left your quiet magic there.
Run now where the grasses grow,
Where soft winds wander, kind and slow,
Where endless fields in sunlight gleam,
And life is one long, peaceful dream.
Though you have gone, you’re not apart—
You’ve burrowed deep inside my heart.
A tiny life, yet love so wide…
My gentle friend, my soft goodbye.

Bradley kisses

He was so sweet, right to the very end. He lived to be 8 years old. He was such a cute character. He loved me singing to him, which is another reason I joined Smile.

He was my best friend during covid and lockdown and also after my father passed away. I will never forget him. 🙂🩷
“Save The Best For Last”

Mar 22nd, 2026

I’m listening to “Save the Best for Last” by Vanessa Williams ‧ 1991

It is such a lovely song. I like to save the best for last. 🙂
City of Stars – LaLa Land

Mar 22nd, 2026

I’m listening to “City Of Stars”, which is from the film “LaLa Land.” I loved the film. I can remember watching the film 9 years ago, the same year my father passed away. The film starred Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
When Someone Loved Me

Mar 22nd, 2026

I was listening to this beautiful song, “When Someone Loved Me” 🙂

I love the song so much. 🩷🙂

The song is from one of my favourite animated films, “Toy Story,” which starred Tom Hanks and a host of other stars. 🙂
School In Cyprus

Mar 22nd, 2026

Q. What school did you attend, Frances, when you resided in Cyprus?

A. I attended two British schools during my years living in Cyprus. My father was posted to Cyprus in the 1970’s. He was in the British Royal Air Force. Before my father retirement, he worked in the Education Department.

My educational journey included time at Campbell Junior School and subsequently at St John’s Secondary School. Both schools provided excellent education.

They were exclusively British schools, staffed solely by British teachers. Someone assumed that, having lived in Cyprus as a child, I attended a Cypriot school. However, this was not the case. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cyprus and had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I was honoured to serve as a bridesmaid at a Cypriot wedding.

I have a great appreciation for Greek culture; however, this does not make me Cypriot. I only resided there for a brief period. During that time, I had some of the most memorable experiences of my life. I also maintain friendships with a few individuals from Cyprus (Greek Cypriots), and we have been in touch and visited each other since our childhood.

I sometimes think about all of those lovely friends I made during my school years and the locals i made friends with. They were special days. 🙂

You may reside in a different country and hold a deep appreciation for its culture without necessarily being from that cultural background. I only lived there during my childhood and still speak only English. Neither of my parents was Greek Cypriot; however, like myself, they enjoyed living in Cyprus.

I returned to England with a notable tan. Residing in warm countries can lead to skin tanning over an extended period. I had a healthy glow upon my return to England, which was quite pleasant.

Aww, I have such a lot of lovely memories.

F x
“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” “Hold Me”

Mar 22nd, 2026

I simply love this Neil Sadaka song. It is so sad that we recently lost Neil Sadaka RIP.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”

I love this cover version by Gloria Estevan.

I have always been a fan of Gloria Estafan.
YOU’RE A SUPERSTAR

Mar 22nd, 2026

I love it 🩷🩷🩷🩷 Take That has released a new single titled “You’re A Superstar,” It is fantastic!😀

Aww, I love listening to Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour. It reminds me of the good old days when I used to listen to him on the breakfast show. 😃
“California”

Mar 22nd, 2026

I travelled to California for a holiday a few years ago. I really love the song “CALIFORNIA” by British singer Jessie J
New Scotland Yard – 2010

Mar 22nd, 2026

This photograph was taken in 2010. It shows me during a visit to London, standing outside New Scotland Yard. A few years prior to this, I was employed at our local police station. A small group of us had the opportunity to visit Scotland Yard, and we were privileged to have lunch at the on-site restaurant after the tour. It was a memorable day, one I believe few colleagues working in law enforcement have the chance to experience. I remain grateful for the occasion.🙂

I am standing outside Scotland Yard.
“The Capture”

Mar 22nd, 2026

I have really been enjoying watching this Police Thriller, “The Capture.” The character Rachel Carey is so me. She even talks like me.🙂 👍

It has been a long time since I enjoyed watching something good on the TV.

Rachel Carey
A Walk In The Park

Mar 22nd, 2026

Today, I went for a lovely walk in the park. I popped to the cafe to have a pot of tea and a slice of cake prior to setting off for another walk. I stopped to sit for a while as I watched the tennis, I reminisced about the days I used to play tennis at this very same place, with a friend.

I truly appreciate this time of year. Spring is one of my favourite seasons, marking the end of a cold winter. It is when the bulbs begin to bloom, and the parks become filled with more cheerful visitors.😊
Sunflowers

Mar 21st, 2026

I love sunflowers.

My sunflowers.

These were a birthday gift from my daughter a few years ago.

Stamford
Night Out

Mar 21st, 2026

Fabulous! This evening, I went out with a friend Julie B. We enjoyed a meal at Bella Italia. The restaurant was bustling, and the food was very good. The staff were very friendly. My pasta meal was delicious.

Sometimes, you can chat with people in a friendly manner, but you don’t really get to know them. It is not until you go out and socialise together and you spend time in their company, that you really get to know and like them. I have done just that on a few occasions recently.

F x
It’s Almost The Weekend!

Mar 20th, 2026

Friday Morning – The alarm has just gone off, and I am currently lying in silence, endeavouring to find some motivation. I am feeling quite exhausted. Fortunately, the weekend is approaching. Yay!

I hope the weather remains pleasant.

It is a pleasure to open my blinds and to see my cherry tree adorned with an abundance of delicate pink blossoms. Then, in the field across the road from me, there are rows of daffodils gently swaying in the breeze. I love springtime. ❤️

Aww. I have just seen a little squirrel scurry past me.
Baby Love

Mar 18th, 2026

My neice and I 💞
Big Cat and Born Free

Mar 15th, 2026

I was watching Big Cat 24/7 on the TV this evening.

Wow! I had tears in my eyes when the lion prides reunited following a period of separation. The process is marked by vigorous social bonding behaviours, including head rubbing and vocalisations. It is absolutely wonderful to see.

I was a fan of “Born Free” as a child.

Me on action with my camera 🙂

The Born Free television series ran on NBC from September 1974 to December 1974. It was a short-lived, 13-episode series, following the 1966 film and the true story of rearing a lioness. I loved the series. 🙂
Stamford With My daughters

Jan 20th, 2026

I had a most pleasant afternoon with my two daughters, shopping in my hometown of Stamford. It had been quite some time since my last visit. Since the passing of Dad and Marion, I have not had many opportunities to return. As a result, we thoroughly enjoyed our walk around the town. We also shared a lovely lunch at the Cosy Club.