He was purring happily
When he heard something
That caught his attention
His purr switched off
And after a long stare
He jumped down
Off my lap
Disappearing
Into the kitchen
To say hi
To his sister x
His purr switched off
Author: artbychristinemallabandbrown
I'm an artist based at the Spode factory site in Stoke on Trent. I paint, draw and create digital art. Contact me at mallabandbrown@aol.com
On WhatsApp
Having photos appear on WhatsApp can be odd. I get the pictures loaded into my gallery. I appreciate them all but I don’t always remember who sent them, that means I don’t always remember to reply!
So.. If you sent me this santa Christmas card, thank you! I’ll try and remember to send my cards out before it’s too late! X
Singing
For health….
My Parkinsons is getting worse so I’m getting some therapy to help keep my voice strong and help my throat muscles.
I’ve joined a few choirs over the years and found out singing is great for lung health, breath control, and keeping your throat clear.
So this week I’m actually going to 4 rehearsals and will be singing with friends at a Christmas show on Friday. My main concern is my poor balance and weakening muscles. Shaking and stuttering isn’t helping either, I need to keep trying to improve. Maybe I need physiotherapy. Thanks for hearing my moaning!
Nostalgia
25 years ago I treated myself to the BBC radio version of the Lord of the Rings. I had heard it weekly on a Sunday afternoon and there were 13 episodes.
I loved it, it starred Ian Holme as Frodo, Michael Horden as Gandalf, and Bill Nye as Sam Gamgee. The production was magical and the backing music was so evocative. You could see the tale unfold in your minds eye without needing pictures. Elves and Dwarfs and Hobbits and Wizards in a great battling adventure with a bit of humour added.
We decided to listen to it in a marathon playing over one weekend. 6 hours on the first day, and 7 on the second. With gaps for meals and coffee breaks. I think it was my favourite ever purchase. My cassette player no longer works, but I want to hear it again.
Two years (almost)
If I wait a day or two
My tears will flow
Again
Two times around the sun.
Millions of miles away from me.
Energy evaporated
Thoughts dissipated
My memory is all
That holds you
A ghostly shape
3d nothingness
Grasping for you
In my sleep.
Such a robust person,
Lost and gone.
No more conversations…
Gone.
Gon
Go
G
….
Old self portrait
Painted in 1991? that was when I flirted with getting my first studio, but one of the three people sharing it enjoyed playing loud music too much. Eventually it drove me out. I just wanted to paint in quiet and peace.
The cat was one of the first cats I had when I came to live in Stoke on Trent. She was extremely intelligent and followed me everywhere or rode on my shoulder. I was in my early thirties when I painted this. It was acrylic on canvas. Called familiar friends.
Sky view
It’s almost a couple of years since I left the Acava art studios at the Spode factory site in Stoke on Trent. I had some good times there painting and getting to know some lovely people.
I won’t miss the freezing cold corridors in winter. I was cosy in my studio, but open the door and the temperature dropped. If you went and made a coffee in the kitchen it would be tepid by the time you got back to your room!
The building had a large mass, which didn’t matter when the kilns were lit, it would hold heat really well, but as a result of the pottery closing and being emptied the building no longer stays warm.
I miss being there. I’m sad I had to leave. But I could no longer afford it. At least I got some good photos while I was there.
Green man
Outside my back door, a twenty year old wall plaque from Yorkshire still resides. Held in place by a nail through its forehead. Brown oak leaves surround his face. Sometimes these ancient masks have leaves or vines growing out of their mouths. They are symbolic of life and death, new growth, or fertility? They are found in connection with old religions like Wikka? They are certainly pre Christian.
If you are interested in these ancient symbols then take a look at corn dollies too. These are made of tightly plaited straw with the heads of wheat left in place. There is a lot more information avaliable online.
Reindeer
Yesterday in Newcastle under Lyme for the Christmas lights opening. A large reindeer puppet strolled round the town centre. It’s movements steered by three puppeteers, directing it’s head downwards so that young children could stroke it’s nose. The head was lit up and you could see it’s eyes blink.
It was a lovely and beautiful sight. I think it was made by BArts.
Treats don’t last
Yummy chocolate cherry treats don’t last long and if I keep buying them, then they are no longer treats!
Only eight in the box, everyone tasty and sweet. With that sharp cherry tang.
I’d buy them every week, but they are not good for me. I swore not to eat as much sugar, but I think I’m addicted to it!
Only savoury treats now? I don’t know, the temptation is too great. Definitely wrapped in red for danger.
If you get to have a treat, enjoy.
Mallaband-Brown 