
Just playing with filters
Cats almost fade
Like lighting for a play
A theatrical act.
Or are they going to play games
Chase each other
Into the shadows
Curl up and sleep
Settle down?
Blue for calm
Blue for peace.
New paintings and regular art updates.

Just playing with filters
Cats almost fade
Like lighting for a play
A theatrical act.
Or are they going to play games
Chase each other
Into the shadows
Curl up and sleep
Settle down?
Blue for calm
Blue for peace.

The world watches
ICE tendrils grip my heart
I could never visit this place
Antipathy to dictatorship
Not allowed now.
Colour matters
And causes fear and loathing.
Even the first settlers are abused.
Arrived before Europeans
And yet told to leave?
How many generations
Before you are allowed to stay?
All Glory to the Presiclown…?
No way.
If humans had taglines, what would yours be?
Artistic Cat lover?

First I had to ask Google what a tagine was!
A tagline is a short, catchy phrase or memorable sentence that encapsulates the essence of a brand or product. It’s often used in advertising and marketing to convey the key benefits or message associated with the brand, helping to create brand awareness and recognition. Think of it as the brand’s verbal logo, simple, memorable, and impactful.
Key features of a tagline:
Well I’m not a commercial business. I don’t think I’d personally like a tagline. But Artistic Cat lover sort of fits the bill. Both of these things have been part of my life for almost all of my existence. I’m not promising anything, I’m not selling anything, and I hope what I’m saying makes sense. X

I saw this again today and I really do like it. I might buy some scraper board to do my own creations. Then if I was to photograph the I could make original artwork to turn into cards and prints. I just wish I had more energy to do it.

Photo by a friend of a tile found in the basement of the old Stoke Library. I think he said it was by Minton tiles. This is also similar to the green imp badge that the brownies have on their uniform. (Brownies are younger members of the Girl Guides movement.)

The University fine art department is squeezed in behind terraced houses. I would find this interesting and attempt to paint it as the year progresses. To have a time lapse style series of paintings. I like the architecture and the jumble of gardens that are hemmed in by buildings. It would also be interesting to take drone pictures from above. Maybe they’ll let me in as an alumni if I ask nicely?

Wish I’d taken a “before” photo. In the past my back yard would have already been a riot of colour. But age and infirmity have made it difficult to get out there and garden.
But my kind friends Lin and Twiggy came round and gave me a couple of hours of their time. Weeds removed, pots emptied ivy cut back, apple tree tied onto the fence. It’s still in need of sorting but it’s getting there!
Might be done in a couple of weeks all being well. Me? I’m knackered!

On the 5th of June 1925 City status was bestowed on Stoke-on-Trent. So today we celebrated it’s Centenary.
A few years before on 31st of March 1910 it’s six towns of Longton, Burslem, Hanley, Fenton, Tunstall and Stoke-upon-Trent joined to gather to become the County Borough of Stoke-on-Trent.
Notable for living in the city were Oliver Lodge, inventor of the spark plug. Josiah Wedgwood inventor of different types of fine pottery. HG Wells lived here for a while in 1888. And Arnold Bennett, the author of the five towns novels wrote many books about the area.
On 5th July 2025 our area of Penkhull will be putting on a Mystery Play about a reimagined story of how the six towns were named.
Happy anniversary Stoke-on-Trent.

I say hello to him every day
His eyes twinkle and smile
He was my green man
Now sadly gone.

Reading someone’s post on Facebook about her losing a wheel cover bought back not so fond memories.
I took my tyre out of the boot once. Leaned it against the side of the car.. Only to see it roll down our hill…. Luckily it bounced off the side of a bus and rolled into the side of the road instead of down the hill onto the main road! The bus driver just laughed as I stood there open mouthed!