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
149. Mina Road Park
In September 2014, Bristol was lucky enough to be visited by Colombian street artist Stinkfish. This beautiful and unmistakable portrait can be found in St Werburghs, one of several bohemian districts in Bristol.
His other iconic Bristol work is the centrepiece of Stokes Croft, which I have featured previously.
This piece is still looking very fresh and brightens up this small urban park just north of the M32. It really is a stunning image.
8.5/10
Change
Noah built his ark
when he saw the floods coming;
I’m in the boatyard.
by Scooj
148. Midland Street (2)
I think that this street and its immediate surroundings are my favourite places for viewing great street art. It is a quiet backwater, and the walls are perfect to spray and easy to photograph.
This new piece by Deamze is just so good. A wildstyle burner and so much more, just beautifully executed. Deamze manages to get fantastically clean lines and his choice of colours seems to be never ending.
The crocodile and robot characters just add that little bit extra to this great piece. There is another wonderful burner right next to this one, and once I am certain I know who it is by, I will feature it too.
8/10
Digital
Getting to grips with
Instagram is quite a lot
easier than feared.
by Scooj
- To understand my late adoption is widespread, one could substitute the word Instagram for Pinterest.
147. Stokes Croft, the Carriageworks (4)
So Tom Miller has been busy once again, as have many other street artists. Quite a few new works are appearing around Bristol at the moment, and I think that the better weather combined with weekends is seeing a lot of popular walls getting a refresh.
This is another wild and wonderful piece from Miller and beautifully combines the material world with dream like unreality. As I have said before, I am a fan. This work replaces one by Silent Hobo that I wrote about back in December 2015. It is a worthy replacement, but I am very pleased to have captured its predecessor.
8/10
Natural adventures 