They have a habit of doing that! My boys.
Black cats and border collies. Of a certain age and feeling good about it. 🏴 I will endevour to be inclusive and use ALT descriptions. If I miss it off, pls tell me.
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Mid morning mug of tea outside in the sunshine. Topping up my still deficient vitamin D. Much more civilised than popping the supplements.
As expected, no weight loss this week. Too many meals out enjoying the company of my daughter and others. Didnt put anything on though, so that's a plus. #nhsweightloss
4) wherever you are, whatever your finite disappontment may you find strength in your hope and the hope others have for you. The internet is full of good people. Dont carry your disappointment alone. My hope is that you will reach out to someone who can support you.
3) A reference to Barak Obama led me to this speech by Dr Martin Luther King. I am a humanist, but the words in this sermon are pwerful. accept the finite disappointment and yet cling to the infinite hope kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/...
2) I came across an arguement that Hope was the worst of all the evils in Pandoras' box. That Hope of a better tomorrow never realised was a unremitting cruelty, a form of torture. This usnt the sense I grew up with. But the evil of genocide & starvation in Gaza made me rethink. What is hope there?
1) i have been debating internally the meaning of Hope, partly prompted by my visits to Compton and this painting by GFWatts, and partly prompted by my growing sesnse of impotence agaisnt the the horror and wrong doings abroad and at home. #Gaza #Ukraine #Trump #freespeech #equality
2) *That rumored client has the power to exchange a belated favourable interview for a softer facility *that rumored client has the power to pardon the conviction entirely Your judgement. Is this an interview without motive?
1) Let me simplify: *convicted by a Court of Law where evidence was provided by both prosecutor and defence * resident in an appropriate facility * one of the rumored clients sends some to conduct the interview.
Underselling yourself. Aim for a billionaire instead.
Still in chaos, but at least i feel stronger persevering.
Sending you a virtual hug and a gentle whisper of "hang on in there" I used to say in my chaos that my contingency plan was "muddle through" Too often the muddling became a chaotic and corrosive norm. Words affect us. So i now persevere; a strong active word which gives me the sense of control.
Well said. Thats a powerful statement from your President and I can only hope that its blunt honesty shames other leaders into action. I feel totally ashamed that the UK government is supporting arms sales to Isreal, while we watch a genocide take place.
A quck stop at the Watts Chapel before heading into Guildford for a Korean meal.
The gardens are passed the height of their flower season, but there are still some blooms and grapes on the vine
Another lovely afternoon at Compton to see Scented Visions, an exhibition of pre-raphelite paintings. The focus is on the importance of scent and how it was portrayed.
As a lay person the BSG article was an easy and informative read and perfectly understandable. Kudos to BSG. Tempted to read more from them. Personally, Im not sure how it got lost in translation other than through lazy journalism.
A female common blue who joined me for my coffee in the morning sunshine. (reposted from this morning with #ALT Information on the picture)
You would be more than welcome to come back (except for the orange man), but do we do any better with cauliflower in our top 10?
I've always thought of Cromwell as a dictator: his treatment of the egalitarian Levellers; treatment of Scots and Irish and indeed anyone who he saw as a challenge; and his rule as Protector refer. The celebration of him as a liberator is odd to me. And he that he has a statue in Parliament is odd.
3) I am convinced my £££s make a difference, however small, but would love to take part in something more concerted. Does anyone know of any economic blackout schemes out there?
2)I have often wondered what impact my consumer choices make. I try to be ethical: shopping locally at independents or charity shops. Its not always possible to food shop locally - farm shops here are costly - but I do look at origin, seasonality, ethics of the manufacturer and environmental impact.
1) This here is about the impact of consumer choice and boycotts. Stateside boycotting of companies who are pulling back from equality and diversity. I wish there was more of this in the UK. Am I missing news on UK activities? #economy #Gaza #freedom #rights www.newsweek.com/nationwide-b...
I am not naive to the UK govts enablement of Isreal or the erosion of our free speech or the demonisation of people like trans women, but if Labour really want to challenge the right, they must start to show some international grit when meeting such players.
Where is our moral backbone in challenging back? Lammy accepting freedom of speech lectures when Americans are being detained without due process, gerrymandering is happening, women's rights over their own bodies are being removed......
They are pandering to egos, for what? Tarrifs? On Gaza Trump/Vance are complicit in the policy of starvation through a cruel and unworkable aid delivery system. They are promoting the take over of Gaza - remember the Trump circulated Gaza resort video?
I'm really troubled by this bbc headline and write up. Why is Vance in the UK questioning UK policies? Much like Starmers meeting with Trump in Scotland, our politicians are not being assertive on home ground. BBC News - JD Vance questions UK's Palestinian statehood plan www.bbc.com/news/article...
Ha! That's my boy. Herds the cat, rabbits, my feet, birds in the garden, cars and even planes in the sky. As clever as border collies are, they also have a manic foolish streak. #bordercollies
A lovely part of the world.
A regular visitor to both Bangor and Ayr. Robbie's Drams next to Ayr town Hall is the best whisky stop in Scotland. Vast knowledge and selection. Don't miss Ghandi's statue in the Town Hall lobby. Domu on Bangor High Street is five star. Brilliant hosts, ethical food - cakes and cabbage pie yum!
Same here, although it was the general increase in hate that i found difficult. Too many vile posts. So far Bluesky feels a safer place to be. I enjoy reading your posts especiallyon art. And love your own joyous creations. I thought liked your birds the most, but Ferdinand is fab.
I find that I am more risk aware too. I wonder if its learned experience at play or the knowledge that a broken bone at my age will take so much longer to heal. Still like adventures and splashing in puddles!
A fish rots from the head down. The policing priority is unlikely to address sex crimes, slavery and trafficking while those in charge are unchecked in their attitudes of "grab them by the p*ss*y". I accept hes not the only problem, but worry about the current sense of impunity.
I mended my daughter's rabbit hutch. Happy daughter, happy 🐇. Does that count?
A lovely day here. My favourite tree in the garden, a rowan. I love watching it change with the seasons. Currently full of red berries.
Bluesky above the rose canopy
Is it a genuine text? Sorry, but beware of scammers. There are a couple i have had of late on PIP and Winter Fuel. And I don't qualify for either! If it is genuine, may it go in your favour.
I empathise with the family BUT this is about the Israeli politicians. They are the ones following a policy of starvation that is affecting everyone in Gaza, especially infants. BBC News - He is a human skeleton, Gaza hostage's brother tells BBC www.bbc.com/news/article...
Will they also apply this to the political advisers they appoint to the civil service or will that still be jobs for the boys.
My ex would deny that his memory was going. Whether it was his brain aneurism or dementia, his personality changed. He became angry and accusatory. He refused to seek any medical help which left me in a downward spiral of the focus of his anger and paranoia.
Bery changeable weather today.Sitting out in the warming sunshine in-between heavy showers.
My old boy sleeps with me every night, but on his soft blue pillow. Lots of cuddles and purrs before he retreats to his place at the side of my head.
Aren't you glad he never read a patenting book! Best Dad ever just by being himself ❤️
Sorry, that probably doesnt help your feelings on the use ofvthe term. As a mum I agree. My mum used the term babysitting but that was in the 70s. Never used the term with my own kids and disappointed to learn its still a thing.
Oh I loved it when Dad was left to babysit me. He had no clue about age or gender appropriate activities. He got on with his own thing and I just tagged along. As a result I can mend a car, paint a house, mend electricals... No idea about bed times so stayed up late and meal times were cream buns.
2. Soviet Russia was robust on domestic violence and this initially continued with Putin. As his dictatorship continued laws were amended - that heady mix of church and family values favoured by the right. Domestic abuse is now a private marital matter. I fear that we are also regressing.
Very sadcstate of affairs, but not surprising 1. Old firm matches in Glasgow see a noticable rise in domestic violence especially for the losing side- heady mix of alcohol, machismo, rivalry and anger.
Another really informative thread. Thank you. The Triumph of Aurelian is curious. Id love to know more about the woman slightly right of centre. Its unusual to have a figure gaze so intently at her audience (think Rookby Venus). Cant see this device used in the other works shared here.
Out of the frying pan, into the fire. He wont evade the public outcry in Scotland. We dont like him. Not least because his golf courses are environmental nightmares. The police cost of keeping the protesters at bay is astronomical. We've also heard of Epstein, ICE, tarrifs, felonies .....
You may not be in his age group, but keep yourself safe. Make sure you have someone with you at all times. If you have any concerns while meeting this convicted felon, Scottish Police can be called using 999.
Bravo to whoever installed the replica car in Bradford in memory of the young girl from Gaza, Hind Rajab. Hard to witness the 335 bullet holes, that killed Hind, her family and led to the deaths of the Red Cross volunteers who answered her call for help. Shame on @ukparliament.parliament.uk
And what of their unspoken covenant with the people they serve? Civil Servants serve the public and should be representative of the communities they serve. Visible attendance at PRIDE, and other community events, breaks down the many barriers that prevent minority individuals accessing services.
In days gone by people shared ideas in the pub over a glass or two. You could read tone, context and clarify as ideas were formulated. It takes a different effort to condense big topic thoughts in a way that is still a conversation and an element of bravery to then put it out there. Keep going.
Another splendid thread. Thank you.
Sorry. I still hold you in high regard and id happily stand at your side when the barricades go up! Just dont tell me what I should look like....:)
And this is the crux of my thinking. We need to reestablish the common ground. The right wins by dividing, setting groups against each other. Using fear to remove empathy and compassion. Slinging mud back helps them. Much better to be Michelle Obama - when they go low, we go high.
I am an advocate of safe space for women and girls because it is my experience that these are needed. Given the persecution of transgender folk, I would happily share these spaces. We share the same sources of threat: an overly machismo society. We have more in common than our gender.
Is the argument any different to that of Weiningers "plasma" theory? I dont for one minute think thats what you meant, but in making these references you confirm the fear that i think is the driving force in this debate.
Is again in the control of others. I think this is why the description used in the thread is troublesome. Why cant we have short hair? why do we need to dress to impress? Is it surprising thatcwe dont feel comfortable with our looks or appearance given the constant expectations set for us?
There is experience in the feminist arguments and in those of lesbians who challenged transgender in the supreme court. You're right in that it is not empathetic or compassionate. Having worked through my own thoughts its fear. Not fear of transgenders, fear that the identity defined for us is....
It isnt easy being a female. I wont relay the countless times when i have been treated poorly because of gender or the tiresome occassions when i have had to challenge unfair treatment for myself or others because assumptions or prejudices prevail about my gender.
Cards on the table. I'm female. 58. Of the class in question. Im not happy with my appearance. I have short hair. I dont dress to impress. I am a feminist. I have struggled with reappraising my position on the transgender debate.
I am struggling with this. Not your starting point. I wholehearyedly agree with the principle of equality and safeguarding the rights of others. But perhaps the approach taken is one that feeds the feminist arguments around transgender. May I share me experience.
Nice to come across a new artist, especially a female one. I have a particular interest in women artists -far too few of them, or rather too few who were acknowledged by male dominated establishments in their day (and to a greater extent in todays world).
5. The graveyard includes a number of terracotta headstones and decorations reflecting Mary's style. This is the well near the entrance.
Beyond the chapel is an Italianate cloister containing a plaque to Watts. The grave of George and Mary sits just outside the entrance.
3. Inside is a treasure. Every corner is decorated and ornate.
Took a wee stop at the Watts Chapel while out at Compton this morning. Driven past so many times and today is the first time in a long time since I stopped. This time Mary Watts takes credit.
5. And finally the gardens. Always well a pleasure to see.
4.I'm told that this is the door used by the apprentices working with Watts. It leads down to the sculpture room. It is decorated around "The utmost for the highest"
3. Clytie - in the sunken garden. There is a bronze in the gallery. She was a nymph in love with Helios, the sun god. She strained her neck every day to watch is movement across the sky.
2. The powerful Physical Energy inside Watts studio. Not sure the picture does justice to the scale. The statue is on wheels on a short train line so that Watts could move it out into the open and work outside (roughly where the scented flowers are). The link to Rhodes is confronted by the museum.
Sunday morning at The Artists Village, Compton. Celebrating a memorable week for me in a place that is both peaceful and restorative.
I started using the NHS app four weeks ago. 13lbs lost so far. More exercise and more good food. I still treat myself with chocolate, but in a way that is measured and mindful. Funnily enough, I find I enjoy it more. A little enjoyed and savoured goes a long way!
Just to be clear this is not "institutional" nor is it about bureaucratic inertia. Civil Servants are bound by law and professional ethics of integrity which underpin their employment contracts and behaviours. This is about politicians and their advisors who decide how to spin things.
Finally, I love this one. Not in the exhibition, but found when reading up on the artist. The actress Ellen Terry.
The blurb at the side of the painting explains that Heliogabalus was said to be transgender, but the pronouns used are he/him. It seems only one publically owned image of Heliogabalus in the UK is presented with she/her. I understand the academic debate on accuracy, but they/them is surely better.
Also on view is his Heliogabalus, High Priest of Sun and Emperor of Rome. Another stunningly painted watercolour full of symbolism and purportedly reflective of one of Solomon's admirers.
Saint of the Eastern Church is currently on display at the Watts Gallery, Compton where the symbolism of the incense and myrtle are explored. The detail, texture of the clothing and decor behind are remarkable.
Check yourself. An infant dying of grievous war wounds or starvation is an innocent. It is not political, a terrorist or a threat. Providing humanitarian aid to those under an onslaught of inhumane cruelty is exactly what it says - humanatarian.
Also, it introduced me to a new artist - Simeon Solomon. His art reflects that religious theme you touch on but with a message. Triggered a (positive) conversation with my daughter around pronouns and what words should sit with paintings.
Im relatively new to this platform so not sure how this offer would work in terms of privacy. If you can find a way to send me your address, I'll pop one in the post.
Beautifully curated. There is a wonderful little exhibition at the Watts Gallery in Surrey which looks at the use and influence of "scent" in PRB paintings. The related book is very informative and opens new meaning to the art. Would you like a copy?
Edinburgh 💚 Despite the "blue" Dad was a lifelong Hibee (thanks to the brilliance of the famous five). I followed his lead. Very awkward when everyone else followed the Gers. I saw him go to matches early 70s with his scarf tucked securely under his coat. It did get better.
I grew up as a protestant in the west coast of Scotland witnessing the "blue" side of sectarianism first hand. It was vile. Hatefilled. Threatening. Abusive. These marches are not tradition or culture. They are a brash, open display of hate. Lets do the right thing and ban them.
Joyous needlework dedicated to nature.
Ha! True. But that's possibly a different debate.
Thank you. Ive had a read up on this as a result of your comment and apologise. I can see now the offence in the terminology. Its a little odd - I hate being called British, so not sure why i was so ignorant of its impact. Consigned to the bin!
I think its a geographical thing. To be honest Id take satisfaction in your knowledge - most English folk dont know the difference between Isles, GB and UK. Perhaps that's how colonisers' arogance works. Only those with scars remember. Your only answer - rebel and defy convention.
Oh, we have our own brand of political udiots over here. But it is good to escape. Here you go. This is my local woods.
Race is important here because of the impact on the individual. They make that clear in their comments to the paper. And its not a technicality. Its an important point of law and one that all of us defending freedom of speech and the right to protest should be cheering about.
Wilful? I think the Guardian is clear on its stance on the atrocities in Gaza - eg this editorial. The original headline, read properly, was for me correct and reflected the nature of the arrest and the Judge's ruling www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My Mam always said, there is a difference between those who follow a religion and those who hold faith.
Ive not seen this clarity on genocide from any other paper. And i like their choice of ending which perhaps us the point we agree on - “Genocide prevention is a responsibility,”
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
Its the difference between a headline (which summarises the news and attracts our attention) and the news article which provides the detail.
In fairness to The Guardian, im not sure thats how the headline should be read. The subject is the arrest and the arrest, as it stood, was for antisemitic chanting. The fact that there was no investigation or proof of chanting that could be deemed antisemitic is why the arrest was unlawful.
