sea carry me

Life takes us on the craziest journeys and mine took me to the Isle of Wight yesterday.

All this sea and me afraid of the water.

But I did cross the Solent and stood on the deck as the sun shone and the wind blew in my hair and the blue sea kept us afloat.

Then back again that same day.

my name is chocolategirl and I'm a collector....

.... of other people's shopping lists.

It all began with this one
I found it under the floorboards of my old house, all crinkled and dusty and yellowed.

Written in blue and purple fountain pen and titled 'Weekend 22 + 23rd Aug; '53, George and Joan down for weekend (M,D + Mg, V at Butlins, Clacton).

Not only does it list everything they bought for their eating pleasures, it also chronicles the weekend events along with prices for train fares and treats ~

'8/- knickerbocker glories at Crescent'.

It's a beautiful snapshot of the times and a little bit of local history ~

'Sunday. NeverNeverland (walk along the front to Chalkwell in the morning)'.

The total cost *38/10* split down the middle ~

'we paid 19/2, George & Joan paid 19/8'.

This treasure switched on something in my brain.

The next time I was at the supermarket, I saw a piece of paper in the trolley.

And it started ....

.... my collection and compulsion to keep these discarded pieces of someone's life.

Little clues are left on an anonymous list ~ the handwriting, type of paper, things to buy, methodically scribbled out as they walked around the aisles, folded or scrunched, spelling mistakes, junk food, items underlined, extra instructions.

I make up images in my head of the person that wrote the list ~ older lady, widowed, careful about her diet, likes to keep herself youthful.

What sort of paper are you?

Pretty floral purpose made from a pad, with the heading 'shopping'.

A square of card cut from a teabag box.

An old birthday card or unused postcard.

Recycled envelopes or office a4 paper.

Torn.

Cut.

Do you write the list in a virtual tour of the aisles?

Fresh on one side ~ the rest on the other?

Long hand or block caps?

Most misspelled words are yoghurt and broccoli.

My boxful of paper lists has grown and I really should curb my habit. But it's not easy when I see that little piece of paper fluttering in the breeze at the outside trolley park of the supermarket ....

truman trawl

Last night I went up to Brick Lane to see the graduate photography exhibitions & to meet up with some friends + their friends.

There were many spaces filled with interesting work and even more interesting looking people.

The Truman Brewery was by far the largest space ~ an aircraft hangar sized gallery choc-full of art.

The buzz was good even without Cuba Libre appetisers in the Light Bar beforehand or the free energy drinks handed out at the show.

A real mix of styles and effects and not enough time to take it all in.

I loved the night tree scapes of Bernard Hunt.

These dark images seem like negatives at first, but on closer

inspection their beauty and detail is revealed. Web doesn't do them justice sadly.

Top marks for interaction and great shots to Jayne Taylor for her Wallpaper/Interior inspired shots seen by peering through viewmasters that were fixed into a white pillar.

Fab.

This alphabet, by an unknown artist was sited in a corner spot and accompanied by two windowsills of black and white folded tissue paper boats.

It appealed to my text fascination and origami ocd.
The night was rounded off with havana rums at Cafe 1001.

Good conversation, tunes and dancing as we grabbed a comfy spot upstairs.

Bliss.

shutters come down, safety inside, exile at home

We have a new front door at La Martini.

Now comes the dilemma of what colour to paint it.

Perhaps I should pick a colour from the Art Deco revival stained glass from our bay windows.

I'm drawn to the blue even though green is my favourite colour.

Red is beautiful but what does that say?

Colour psychology?

Red = danger, passion, energy and warmth.

It is said to bring lively feelings and stimulate the appetite.

Green = the symbols of nature, it is calming and restful.

It brings feelings of balance, security and stability.

Yellow = sunshine and energy.

It is thought to enhance emotional feelings.

Blue = is supposed to promote intellectual thought

It indicates loyalty, serenity and protection.

Blue it will be then.

tap tap tap ding

ps a little observation ....

the letters for the word 'typewriter' are all on the top row of a qwerty keyboard

sssh!

This morning I found that something was missing ~ that something was my voice.

It has been frustrating not being able to respond to someone, have a proper conversation or laugh. Ordering a coffee in Pret made me smile but I opted for tea. The international hand signal that everyone understands. No vocal needed.

But there are also advantages.

The outer silence creates an interior silence. I took advantage of my personal silent retreat by driving to the shopping centre. This was better than a retreat since I learned to have interior silence amid the loud, crazy, hectic world that goes on around me. Spas or retreats allow people to step out of their environments to find something, but I have found that something in my every day environment. That something is slowing down, taking time and appreciating the human body which *usually* does what you expect it to do, without question, no matter how much you abuse it.

Every day.

I am hoping my voice returns soon so I can teach on Thursday. In the meantime, I am embracing and savouring my forced silence. I know I will miss the quiet once it is gone.

Sshhh!