Weekly photo challenge … Admiration
Who do I admire? This is a difficult question to answer as the list is endless. So if pushed I would consider someone like Patti Smith, the singer songwriter and godmother of punk. Her positive attributes to the arts and human right issues is well documented; I cannot do them or her justice … suffice to say I admire Patti Smith.
Trying something new !
As I promised myself, my husband and I hit Reading to shop on Saturday in a celebratory mood as it is May Day weekend. In the fish shop with gentle banter we went away with all we required and feeling valued.Less so in the cheese shop where yet again they didn’t have much in the way of goat’s cheese, this is disappointing as this story has continued for several weeks … ‘we will have some in next week’ so they say. I am sad as there is always plenty of cow’s milk cheese for those who can tolerate it. I did buy goats cheese, but not all that I hoped I am not sure I will return which is a shame as we should be using the independent shops all we can.
I was not disappointed in the record shop after some chat with the owner we found the very one I wanted; a long player by Patti Smith, I had seen a couple of weeks back when it was out of my price range.
Having a good customer experience is not all about buying and selling it is more about good interpersonal skills.
The next part of my journey at the Art centre was just that. The art centre is run buy a couple of paid people but the rest are volunteers and the services are mostly free but as customers we still expect a good experience. Arriving a little early for the Vinyl Club we were welcomed warmly and felt at ease while some artists were making a giant for some other event. Others were moving tables, opening the bar or preparing snacks, there was a happy buzz of expectation and we were not disappointed. The music was a lovely selection brought in by ourselves a bunch of strangers with a common interest and it worked!
We went away not with an empty purse and full shopper but a happy heart!
So in good mood we walked to a pub a little out of the town centre, a beautiful building in a nice part of town. Not unlike the area where we had just visited the art centre. We had discovered that the pub recently taken over by new owners was now serving a selection of good ales and a cheese platter. While I am allergic to lactose I can tolerate a little goat’s cheese and I am am not adverse to beer. But since my husband enjoys all of the above it was an opportunity to do something new!
Sadly, we did not have the welcome we hoped for, the bar person was not even behind the bar; and did take several minutes to appear. Had she given us a reason for her tardiness with a smile we might have forgiven her and then we discovered that the cheese platter didn’t include goat’s cheese we did feel a bit hard done by. She did allow me to have the cheese I happened to have bought earlier.
We soon were the only people in the bar and we noticed that there were some pieces of art hung rather oddly and some books displayed and rather dreary background music. We imagined how such a beautiful building, with the management we had previously experienced could be a super art centre or exhibition space or music venue offering delicious simple food and good beer, what a wonderful combination or a silly dream. And then as the second beer warmed our hearts we wondered about a juke box … oh dear all this vinyl has made me daft. Oh yes and piano ?
Silent Sunday …
Bus or not?
I have a driving licence and driven for almost 50 years. I don’t own my own car; preferring my bike or buses for local journeys and happy to go by train on longer trips.
My husband needs a car for work and uses it at weekends, for heavy shopping, and holidays etc. I, of course enjoy that convenience but he is reliant on the car even for short journeys when parking is inconvenient and very expensive; so much so that he will often think that a journey is not worth taking is the above mentioned difficulties are hard to overcome. He also considers public transport overpriced and inconvenient. Until now this argument has been one not to enter … but as retirement looms and funds will be curtailed considerably, the battle must begin I believe !
I will continue to cycle while I am fit and maintenance at present affordable and take the bus as it is free; he will have to make some decisions.
Today, for instance, we plan to spend most of the day in and around the town centre; meeting friends, lunching, shopping and taking in some cultural stuff, before having tea at a cafe later and returning homing. There is no convenient place to park, and wine and beer will be an option at some point during the day, so already there are some bones of contention. Taking the bus is the only option … while we may have to carry an umbrella and some shopping bags there is little to argue about is there?
Abstract … Weekly photo Challenge
No great shakes at photography particularly, but love the negative shapes in this; it might stand up well as linocut!
Thank You Badger Press …
Its Monday after a successful weekend at Badger Press doing a wood engraving workshop. None of my previous doubts and fears were founded. I will not make any great shakes as a wood engraver but that was never in doubt; hand on heart I have no regrets.
However, I will continue to enjoy all the other aspects of being an artist … those that not only bolster fear but weigh it out 100% … the joy of learning, relief of completion, companionship, like-mindedness, diversity, womanly warmth, laughter, connection, energy and beautiful exhaustion. Need I say more? … Oh yes, in between the enforced tea drinking we enjoyed some glorious work breaks!
For today I wish …
Today, I am off to a wood engraving weekend workshop. I am as usual a little anxious; no matter how much I want to do the session and anticipate the delight at the end; I always have doubt about my ability, credibility and place in the world of printmakers.
Then, there’s the further fear and I wonder if other relief printmakers feel this or at least understand. When we begin engraving our image on the black blank surface, we let in light, add texture, depth and colour. We know that we cannot go back; yet why is it I keep thinking about a finishing touch … and find myself overdoing it?
My prayer for today and for all beings is ; may I be aware that ‘it is just right’ sooner rather than later.
to the library @ Yellow Teapot Cafe …
In the Yellow Teapot Cafe we hope to start a library. It will be small as we have no resources and less space. The subject matter too is vague.
So far we suggest the books should appeal to all ages, be light on words and be colourful …
I begin with this …
How about this cafe malarkey?
You know how much I enjoy to drink tea and how that a biscuit is to dry without it. However, the cafe culture for me is still an extravagant step too far; I am inclined to go into a heated conversation with myself about the pros and cons. The debate is complicated and for me can become a serious issue.
However, I am becoming aware of the triggers as they bubble up and thwart them and even laugh.
So today my mantra …
Going to the cafe is not a side-step, quick step or a dance with time and hard earned cash
But a waltz with refreshment, shelter and opportunity.
Even a cake may not be over indulgent but an investment in the local economy.
The perfect place to spend time …
Downsize … upsize?
I am beginning to consider retiring from full time employment after almost 50 years. Financially is is going to be a painful downsizing exercise and the empty space looks grim …
Yet, as the time gets closer I am seeing something different …
Coat Hanger Doll's House 