
Afternoon tea
Relaxing after the play
Could hardly move
Sister drove us to it
Garden centre
Beautiful summer flowers.
Yes I was tired
But I was tempted
So after tea?
Bought more flowers.
New paintings and regular art updates.

Afternoon tea
Relaxing after the play
Could hardly move
Sister drove us to it
Garden centre
Beautiful summer flowers.
Yes I was tired
But I was tempted
So after tea?
Bought more flowers.

So many people did this, cast, crew, stall holders, hula hoop lady, helpers, Ukelele band, Titchy Theatre, red cross, church people.
We had fun, and when I got home I was too tired to puty slippers on!
Well done Penkhull, Stoke on Trent
We had a blast didn’t we?
20th Anniversary of our Mystery Plays!

How do you know it’s creepy? It’s written on it…
Mystery Play set. In the past I would paint 2 or 3 8x8ft panels for the Mystery Plays. The last time was 5 years ago just before Covid struck. Then a year ago I was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Now it’s taken me all my time to do this and a cottage scene on the back of it. Luckily we have old bits of scenery to fill the gaps. I wish I could do more….

When you try to go to bed and the cat has decided to sleep there…. Softly purring.
It’s a hot night, I don’t need a hot water bottle. But the cat had other ideas. I gingerly got onto the bed, he didn’t wake. Gently shuffling across, I felt the cat get up. He yawned and stretched… Sauntered past me and off through the door…I was left in an insomniacal state, it took ages to fall asleep.
Tonight, if he’s there I’ll pick him up and move him even if he does look cute.

Borrowed July for today.
The last few weeks have been busy leading up to ur Mystery Play on Saturday the 5th of July. Then I’m getting involved in an opera about Molly Leigh the Burslem witch. That’s at the end of July. Between now and then I’m waiting for the results of my CT scan. Whatever happens I’ll keep going…..

I once saw a pig so square
And it’s body was very bare
Not a hair on its chin
It was a real sin!
But clearly it didn’t really care!

Loose copy of a “square” cow. Farmers didn’t have photographs of their animals so they often had portraits painted to show how much flesh the animals had. This led to distorted images with massive, square bodies and small heads and legs! I’ve seen paintings like this in old pubs in the countryside.
It’s a small acrylic on canvas covered board. I’m helping a group create some paintings about the witch Molly Leigh and they wanted pictures linked with the countryside and farming. I’m doing more. I’ve also done a square pig!
What are you most worried about for the future?

I’m on the roundabout of life
Four horses gallop
Over the horizon
Middle aged men ride them
Chase my mind sideways
Illness is first
Hunger comes close second
But War will encompass all
Until one by one
A dark shadow stills them.
Money piles up around them
If we could part them from it?
We may have a better life.

I hate hot weather, I eat too many ice creams! Sweet and sugary, tempting me, cooling me. But also not good for my body. I used to have a lolly maker you filled with cordial and water. Pop sticks in each deep, round cylinder and freeze. The sticks act as handles. Bobs your uncle.. Low calorie water ice lollies.
What makes a teacher great?

I think compassion and understanding would be great traits for teachers.
To see and understand how difficult things can be for both parents and children. I have heard of some teachers spending their own money to buy pencils and paper and equipment for their pupils.
They care far more than some teachers do. But they also understand that extra support gives children a better chance to learn. And after all that encouragement will help create a stronger, more well rounded individual in the long run.
The world needs more trust and love and less hate. I had a compassionate teacher that supported me through the loss of a relative when I tried to bottle up my feelings. That helped me to cope and I think it made me a better adult.