Summer fun 2010

Summer….WHAT SUMMER? North Shields doesn’t get much respite from the cold sea air, but even those of us who dwell  in this coastal spot, thought that perhaps July and August would be kind.   Vainly hoping that us Tynesiders would have the chance to strip off to our northern pants and frolick gaily in the surf.  We were denied even this small thing.

Sadly, the closest I have come so far, was a stab at sitting on the beach in my winter clothes – with a hot  flask. On the big day, the sky was only a little cloudy,  but in the time it took me to pin down the tartan blanket with shoes,  the heavens opened with torrential rain.  The shoes filled instantly with wet sand, our chips got  soaked and the coffee wasted.   Myself and my companion, who just happened to be on crutches (very hard work on sand)  had to make a run  for it along with all the other defeated fools off Tynemouth beach.   Bah.

Anyway, before I become too involved with this rant,  I must offer thanks to anyone who made the effort to visit me at Artique Galleries during July  (unfairly, it was really hot in the South East)  It’s always humbling to think I’m worth a couple of hours of your precious time and I appreciate it very much.

I’ve never been to Tunbridge Wells before  and thought it was extremely nice.  I stayed in a Wild West themed hotel in which my bedside lamp was a cowboy boot with a shade.  A total lack of air conditioning certainly gave the room an authentic Arizona Desert experience.  However, not wanting to seem un-grateful, I have to say that the complimentary string bag of boiled sweets on the pillow was a nice,  if very un- wild westish touch.

I am still working on various projects at the moment,  including the refurbishment of 3 dementia wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary.  It is a fascinating personal journey but also an insight into the patient/relative experience and how the NHS operates in this area.

As a carer for my own mother,  dementia is a huge part of my life and for the moment,  takes away most of my painting time, but I’ve got the rest of my days (hopefully) to scribble and daub, whereas life holds very little pleasure for my mother and other sufferers of this awful disease.  Though I do try and get in the studio as often as I can,  painting can wait for now.

Returning to the season, I hope that despite the wet and chilly,  everyone still manages a ’summer’ of some sort, and that the  kids don’t drive you crackers …. that the airlines stop striking and that you finally get to burn some stuff on a bbq.  I’ve bought my littlest pussy cat a paddling pool to float her ping pong balls in, so I’m keeping everything crossed for her.   Anyway,  September is always a good month….. Isn’t it?

reporting back soon.

SJ

ps. I have been ordered to tell you that there will be 10 copies of my recent painting ‘Helter Szkelter’  available through this website and if you are in our mailing list then you will be contacted shortly with details,  but I would be speedy if you want one.

http://www.sarah-janeszikora.com/products-page/latest-prints/new-helter-szkelter/

Also, there are  6 new greetings card designs including  ‘girl with a broken heart’,  so if you have never located a copy of this difficult to find limited edition print, here is a token alternative.

http://www.sarah-janeszikora.com/products-page/greetings-card/