One weekend saw me and Mr Cooper heading, with enthusiasm, towards Bristol, where we were looking forward to seeing Bristol Rovers defeat Rochdale. (One of us was more excited than the other, I leave you to decide which one. And the same one was much more confident of a victory too!)
Let's just say that they were lucky to draw. In the first half the defence was pitiful, but also the referee was indeed what the crowd said he was. They must have had a good pep talk at half-time, and the ref emerged far less biaised, the final score being 2-2. A very draining match to watch!
Leaving Mr Cooper's world now, and returning to my part of our shared life.
A while ago, I showed some pictures that needed a good home, and this was one of them.
A kind and caring home was offered, and it was duly delivered, and received with much excitement.
It also travelled with a studio-companion, one that has been much admired in the past.
'Naked, But Surrounded by Cake', minus frame,** was also happily accepted by Diane.
I did check the house and garden to make sure they fitted the painting's requirements, as you have to do when re-homing an artwork. Luckily the garden is secure, and the house is usually full of Di and Keith's friends and family, so they should settle in well, and not feel neglected.
In fact, they should blossom after being rarely seen.
I should be re-homing another artwork next week, then I will see if there are some more who would benefit from a second home.
All donations gratefully received, then I get to buy more paints to paint even more!
Here is a photo of the painting and its creator, both settling in very well! I do find that, if handed a glass of fizz, I settle pretty well.
After a busy weekend, Monday can seem a little flat. But not in this household!
Since becoming a volunteer for Trinity, in Winchester, I have enjoyed working with the Monday afternoon art group. http://trinitywinchester.org.uk/
We have been making a coat of arms to depict ourselves and our interests, and here is the first completed section of mine. It has been inspired by my walk of the South Downs Way, and hopefully is showing my love of the countryside, and walking in it.
Life is not always easy, and sometimes it can feel as if 'difficult' has got the upper hand.
Having an interlude where you are creating something in the company of others is so beneficial.
Time marches on, or, in the case of September, surges on. Nearly time for Mum's birthday, so three of us set off for Eye, one sunny Saturday morning. (Sam was not able to join us, for, as he said, 'When am I ever going to get a weekend off work?')
As usual, we broke our journey in Turweston, near Brackley, where I had a beautiful blast from the past. Directors, and a packet of honey roasted! https://www.facebook.com/strattonarms/
When I lived next door to The Greyhound, in Stockbridge (1986-1996), it was a Courage pub.
Now I work there 2 days a week, and like most places, it is not really a pub anymore, it has become an eating establishment. How can a pub survive now without being so?
On a positive note, the food there is really good! (And you can have just a drink there too)
http://thegreyhoundonthetest.co.uk/
When we visit Mum, me and my brothers always bring flowers. Mum loves getting flowers.***
Over the years, the number of vases she possesses has declined, and when the three of us descend, it is difficult to find enough receptacles for the blooms.
So I set out to search for a large vase as a present from the 3 of us. Have you tried to do this lately? Look for a specific object, with a firm idea in your head of what you would like?
I went to one shop which sold flowers. I was shown the vase selection and I chose the largest ceramic vase, only to be told that it wouldn't hold water! Well, that's handy in a vase! And yes, I also spent a long time looking at a vast selection on the computer, and none fitted the bill.
But then Mr Cooper stepped in, and said, 'What about Malcolm?'
So I walked down the lane to ask my friend and work colleague (Malcolm runs the Chichester Art Trail, and I am a committee member) if he had a large, fit for purpose vase, preferably with a handle.
Here it is, sitting on the table at Mum's, full of Mark's flowers. Mum was delighted by the vase.
Malcolm is a very talented potter, and a painter and photographer too and runs pottery courses from his studio in Nutbourne. http://www.dobbies.net/
So we have had football and art, beer and ceramics. Now it is time for tattoos.
One of the chefs at work, in an interlude from producing some amazing food, was sketching away.
He was putting together ideas for a tattoo. He knew what he wanted, it was just how to do it.
I did a working drawing for him, of his ideas, and here it is.
I have got another to do now for him. Any more offers, out there?
I have always loved working with someone to give them a visual image of the ideas in their head,
but it stops there, I won't be reaching for the needle and the inks!
Perhaps next time there will be design number two on view.
Just off now to get ready to meet someone I have worked with on several occasions, to put together an image of a working mission tent. Life is certainly not dull, and they are buying me lunch too!
If you feel your week is a little dull, just reach for a new recipe to add a little more spice.
And in this transition between summer and autumn, why not wear a different combination of garments to add variety. Just stop when your friends start laughing. And talking of friends, it is always good to actually meet, and chat, and end up laughing...... even if you have to cry first.
* This is a recipe I enjoy greatly, courtesy of Nigella. it is called 'Za'atar Chicken with Fattoush',
Za'atar being a Middle-eastern spice blend which contains sumach.
Fattoush is also up there in my top 10 salads.
Cling on to summer for a week longer and try this. Or cling on anyway, and eat something else.
The choice, as always, is yours.
** I needed the frame for this year's significant drawing, 'Naked And Surrounded By life.'
Next week I will know whether is has been accepted or rejected for it's third competition this year.
*** I take flowers when I stay with friend and family, and love receiving them myself.
Luckily Mr Cooper buys me flowers, or my vases would be a little empty (apart from when my brothers and close friends descend!)
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