Operatic farce;
love lost and gained; Jealousy
vanquished in the end.
by Scooj
- We went to see a fabulous Welsh National Opera production of The Marriage of Figaro last night. Perfect Christmas present from Mrs Scooj.
Variation on a theme
With limited skill
I take my daughter’s tune and,
with love, embellish.
by Scooj
152. Jamaica Street
I surprise myself that this is the first post from Jamaica Street…it won’t be the last. I spotted this tiny wheatpaste a few weeks ago. It is by the fabulous 23 Magpies from Gloucester, and is so different from most of the street art I see. I love her work, and featured a piece from Dean Lane back in September 2015.
23 Magpies currently has an exhibition of her work in Gloucester Guildhall. I think it unlikely that I shall be able to go, but I will keep an eye out for more of her works in Bristol.
This flying squirrel is certainly one of the more unusual pieces I have seen.
7/10
Bloody freezing
Jack came back last night,
his ice grip suffocating
Eostre’s late tenure.
by Scooj
Bugger – original version had a goofy syllable count. I have edited it now, but it doesn’t flow as well.
151. Ashley Road (2)
This hoarding, on the corner of Ashley Road and Picton Street is a favourite of mine; the pieces here never last long, but they command attention due to the great location. The first time I ever saw one of Tom Miller’s works was here. Regrettably I didn’t photograph it and then it was gone. Right now the hoarding belongs to Aspire.
This piece appeared earlier this week, and in my view, is one of Aspire’s best so far. I am not sure what species the bird is, but it doesn’t look like a British one.
With the improving weather, the turnover of street art is on the up, and I really look forward to Monday mornings to see what has changed.
8/10
Classy birds
Collared doves in love;
modest country cousins to
the streetwise pigeon.
by Scooj
Aye-aye
23. Marking time
For those reading this blog for the first time, please read the first entry called ‘An ill wind‘ which sets the context for an adventure I had as a 24 year old in 1988. I am taking the time to digitise my journal from 1988 in the Falkland Islands and am remaining faithful to my original text – this post ‘Marking time’ is a particularly drab entry, recording what was a rather boring few days. My apologies.
Sunday 22 May 1988, Port Stanley, Emma’s Guest House
The KSJ dinner/buffet was a complete success for me.
Squid and tuna sushi, cold beef, rice, squid, chicken and free drinks – it was brilliant.
Today was a lovely day although we had a couple of rain showers. Jim and Pete L and I went went to Penguin Walk and the lighthouse. I took loads of slides of penguins etc. I was happy, as I listened to ‘Smells of Summer’ on my Walkman. Sometimes this place can be such a joy – getting away from pressures. But it doesn’t last. The loneliness and tedium get get to one eventually. I want to go home so badly, to see Deb and my family. I will never be the same after this experience. I’m sure they will see a certain change in me. I feel so remote.
Monday 23 May 1988, Port Stanley, Emma’s Guest House
I spent most of the day pretending (once again) to work at FIPASS. Not much has really happened. I felt really good having had an early and sensible night last night, but disgusted that I smoked again today. Got a letter from Pat and Roy – quite why I got it today I don’t know.
Pete and Steve left for volunteer point, in this weather I didn’t envy them. Roll on Summer time.
Went to have a meal at John’s (John and Alison went out) with Jim and Sean. Later Anna came round and we watched ‘La Bamba’ on video. Shitty film but with good music.
Tuesday 24 May 1988, Port Stanley, Emma’s Guest House
Worked again on my drawings.
The Koei Maru 30 came in. I saw the crew and all they could say was “girls, girls – jiggy-jiggy” it is very sad and depressing. I went into the galley to say hello to Nananuma. It was awful, like rekindling the flames of awful memories. Quite terrible.
In the evening Drin, Jim, Phil, Liz and I went to Monty’s and for some reason I ended up paying for the lot. We then went to the Goose and I got pretty merry. Ended up writing a drunken letter to Deb.
Wednesday 25 May 1988, Port Stanley, Emma’s Guest House
Today I have a lot of work to do. I must also buy supplies, since I expect to leave for Montevideo tomorrow.
Lost at cards. Phil won and is the champion.
Phoned Deb – it was great. She was in Edinburgh with her granny. She is revising for her exams on Wednesday.
Melanie was at the Cable & Wireless office – she is so sweet and I think it is fitting that when I telephone Deb, she is there.
I don’t want to go to sea, despite the fact that Jim is able to come. Went to the fish and chip shop with Phil and then the Globe – became a little merry. Power cut at midnight.
150. Armada Place (2)
It seems hard to believe that I have notched up 150 posts of Bristol street art already. It wasn’t meant to become a ‘thing’ but it has somehow crept under my skin. Mrs Scooj is underwhelmed by my interest in urban art, but I have the bug, and it gives me great pleasure.
This is one of two new pieces by Bristol artist Aspire. His works, mostly of birds, are truly beautiful and at this time of year entirely appropriate and the Spring gets a foothold and lightens out hearts. This is a ‘tui bird‘ an endemic bird of New Zealand – not something we usually see in the Stokes Croft area.
I have featured two other Aspire works previously, a robin (and who doesn’t love robins?) and another bird (I’m not sure what species).
Just wonderful. 8/10
Alarm
Unmistakable
smell of burning toast; wait now
for the deafening.
by Scooj
Natural adventures 