It's definitely time for that long awaited holiday. Work finished. Last minute shopping accomplished. Bags packed. Washing up to date (almost). Neck totally seized up! So perhaps the next couple of weeks of sun, relaxing with good company, food and wine will help ease the aches away. I do hope so because lugging suitcases around airports today isn't going to be much fun. I am my usual mix of pre holiday excitement and nerves.
Red Writer on 07.24.04 @ 09:03 AM gmt [more..]
I for one would be delighted to see the trials of the new disenfectant Eco Tru start. Having lost one and possibly two relatives to this killer superbug, it's about time something was developed to help protect patients. Let's hope this is the beginning of a real breakthrough.
Red Writer on 07.19.04 @ 09:07 AM gmt [link]
Last week I offically became a student again. It was a great feeling. I went along to an introductory chat at the art college, met fellow students on my course and matriculated. Because of the nature of the course, I'll probably hardly see the others again but it was good to meet them all. I left with a folder of information and a head full of inspiration and eagerness to get started.
I'm doing a very basic introductory "learning to learn" module over the summer. It's mainly a self assessment type of module with a reflective practice element and then a development and critical practice section. I have to finish it by 23rd August. Aaaaarrrgh, my first deadline!
Red Writer on 07.17.04 @ 11:58 AM gmt [more..]
Last night SO and I climbed Arthur's Seat in the evening. I was anticipating a short hop around the block to try to make up my 10,000 steps per day but SO decided something a little more taxing was called for. I'm really glad we went. It was a beautiful evening and although we cheated and took the car to Dunsapie Loch it still seemed like a reasonable bit of after dinner exercise.
Red Writer on 07.16.04 @ 02:08 PM gmt [more..]
I'm whingeing so don't read if you're not up to it
Red Writer on 07.13.04 @ 09:05 AM gmt [more..]
I'm worried. I did this personality quiz. White House Staffer!!!! Which is probably the equivalent to a Civil Servant (very amusing for many reasons). Not only does it suggest I am weak and insecure but I am extremely boring too. Results here if you are interested...(I'm off to find a different quiz now)
Red Writer on 07.11.04 @ 08:58 PM gmt [more..]
I thought the following Degree was quite fitting for me....
Red Writer on 07.10.04 @ 03:36 PM gmt [more..]
| It's been such a damp horrible weekend so far. So I thought it fitting to be working on a small painting (18x24cm) I started after I got back from Orkney. It's the fireplace in the cottage we stayed in. It was all dark corners and warm glows. Very difficult to paint and is the first I've ever done on canvas but I think I've finished it now. The image was taken with my wee digicam so it's not brilliant but gives an idea of the finished painting. |  |
Anyone got a spare £19 million? I have a slight vested interest in keeping this castle in good condition 
Red Writer on 07.08.04 @ 03:54 PM gmt [link]
As I suspected, I am getting little or no exercise whilst working. Yesterday's grand total was just over 5,000 steps on the pedometer and only approx 2.5KM. It was a typical day - too much sitting at my desk, using the car when going out and doing little else. I'll persevere with it for a week or two but I think the results are a foregone conclusion. I am unfit! Shrek 2 was good though. Perhaps laughing is good for the stomach muscles???
Red Writer on 07.07.04 @ 08:39 AM gmt [link]
Alexander Galt was given the nick-name of the "human camera" in his time and artists like Jack Vettriano have been associated with his style. Now that his estate is being broken up, many of his paintings are for sale. A selection of Galt's work is here. I like it not just because of the style but because of the familiarity of the subjects I wish I had enough to consider bidding for some - might prove to be a sound investment.
Red Writer on 07.06.04 @ 09:20 AM gmt [link]
Something strange has happened. I can't explain it. It's a mood thing. That vortex of emotion I guess. It feels complicated. I feel totally and utterly detached from everything and everyone. If I figure it out, I'll let you know. Perhaps the dream of over a week ago is still praying on my mind. I might write more about it but all I can say at the moment is that it involved a presence or energy of some description. I am still a bit freaked out by it to be able to write coherently but I haven't forgotten about it.
Meanwhile, my Special K pedometer arrived yesterday - after a 3 week delay because they were out of stock...
Red Writer on 07.05.04 @ 10:35 PM gmt [more..]
We were meant to be climbing Ben Nevis this weekend. But I have persuaded SO that he's not really well enough to do it yet. Unfortunately we're tied up for most of the summer now, so it will have to wait until late summer or early autumn - or sometime before the cold weather decides to set in. But we are still going up north to chill out a bit and I'm really looking forward to a bit of time away from the city and catching up with friends and relatives. Fresh air, here I come. Might even get time to take a few photos - thanks to Pacarras for pointing out, Flickr, I might try it.
Red Writer on 07.01.04 @ 05:40 PM gmt [link]
