I have blisters and the muscles in my hands feel the work they have done today. I have pushed, pulled, coaxed and stitched two rolls into the arms of my little armchair. It is surprisingly tough work but it is very satisfying spending the day slowing down to traditional craft pace, learning new skills and proudly bringing the chair back to form.
Category Archives: Documentary
~ documentation of events and activities from daily life ~
Favourite Boots
A lovely day spent wandering in London, meandering through lanes and streets, visiting favourite places and discovering new ones. I started my day in my favourite old boots but ended it in a stylish and bargain priced pair of Sanita sandals. A delightful development. The photo above is a picture of my old boots on mosaic floor of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
Observation
I am delighted this week by the arrival of my new digital camera. Its a beautiful thing and I am having a lovely time with it hanging around my neck. I am snapping enthusiastically as I move through my days. There are so many lovely things to see. And the new camera makes the process of observation all the more enjoyable. I am looking forward to spending summer improving my technique.
100,000 Things in the Lounge Room
Last weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the first gig on the current Suzy Almond tour schedule (thanks Clare & Jenny). The Lounge Room Tour is a low-key small format tour occurring in sitting rooms throughout Greater London. It was a delightful evening in a cosy Sydenham flat, with an intimate audience of 12 and Suzy’s alternative pop folk to keep us entertained. The evening culminated with a rousing sing-a-long which saw the crowd belting out a few old favourites such as Blue Moon and American Pie. We all left with happy hearts. Inspired by the sound of Suzy’s beautiful guitar, I have at long last re-tuned my cello.
97-120
I heard on the radio this morning that it is two months since the earthquake hit Japan, time seems to be flying by at the moment. I have spent an hour this afternoon collating daily portraits. Here are the next 24. It is pleasing to take stock, think about where I have been during those passing days and acknowledge all that has happened. Each image acts as a reminder of a particular day or series of events, evidence of those passing moments that add together to make a life.
Action
So much happening this week, French & Godbold is officially launched and our greetings cards have already begun shipping. We are excited, it feels like a delightful adventure. I am also assisting in film selection for the University of Hertfordshire Digital Animation Film Day on 23rd May. Still taking daily portraits but no chance to upload this week. I did manage a hour of weeding yesterday in my slightly disheveled vegetables beds. Sometimes life is fun when its busy with many things.
Croquet
On the afternoon of Sunday May 1st 2011, Victor and Sarah Crew hosted the first annual Folks & Crows Croquet Tournament at their house in Essex. The guests wore white, many a cravat was spotted, the lawn was mowed and the bar well-stocked beside it. Play began about 3.00pm and after a number of friendly encounters high tea was served. Play resumed after tea and the Wood family swung their mallets to victory, taking home the trophy after the formalities were complete. Congratulations to the winners and to Sarah and Victor for such a delightful afternoon. We will be practicing our croquet strategy and technique in preparation for next year’s competition.
73-96
Another twenty-four days, another twenty-four portraits. We are currently up to the 104th day of 2011 and I haven’t yet missed a picture. The longer the project goes the more embedded it gets in my daily process. My enthusiasm for the project has also recently been boosted by my lovely friend and photographer Sue Venables who wants to include my 365 Project in a book she is writing called 99 Photo Projects. I am delighted to be included.
Axis
The tilt of the world is changing and the beautiful late afternoon sun has made its way around to the back of our house, making lovely evening compositions with my painting “Woolen Blanket [the colour of the sea] with Apples and an Intermittent Lighthouse Beam”.
10 Signs of Spring
A list of evidence suggesting that spring is truly and finally in the air in Hertfordshire, I feel much cause for celebration:
1. The magnolia tree across the road is in full bloom
2. I have dug the compost pile and spread its bounty over our vegetable beds
3. The plum tree is blooming after a somewhat brutal winter pruning.
4. The daffodils are everywhere.
5. Our peony has bravely shot up two new, very bold shoots.
6. Our pond is alive is with the annual frog breeding extravaganza.
7. My hair and fingernails are growing fast.
8. I wore shorts and a singlet in the garden all day on Friday.
9. The sun is shinning and the air is warm(ish).
10. It is 6.15pm and it is still broad daylight outside.