Im not one to namedrop but...

As everyone who knows me will affirm, I'm not one to namedrop.
I mean, have I even mentioned my letter from the Archbishop
of Canterbury, which is framed and on display in my print room?*

However, I had to share this -
in the photo above you will recognise David Whittaker, a guest
here but lately when he was researching my father, the
much-missed Stafford Beer; here he is with Brian Eno
whom I'm sure needs no introduction from me.

Eno is a fan of Stafford so when Arena, a British TV show,
asked to do a programme on Eno he asked that a Stafford
expert be in debate with him.

The photo shows David and Eno after filming a 2 hour
natter - I hope we get to see the out-cuts, David, can we get
hold of them??



*Viewable during work hours; it confirms that my thesis,
The Order of Signs: Esotericism in the Work of David Jones,
(1895-1974) is jolly good. As I'm sure you know, the A of C
is an admirer of Jones' work.

Holidays commence...

Yesterday afternoons apero at Stephens with Claudio and Lizzie,
Leigh, Lorraine and Kat... and the dogs

drawing group of Tilling

Marcus and Corella hosted an expo of the
Tilling group last night - lots of the artists are away so those
that were there had to work really hard to help dispose of the
excellent blanquette.
Poo has gone, Annie and Pete are gone, Jim is away, many
others are swanning about elsewhere.
But other friends were there to help - it was a smashing night!


The fact that one of my images made it to the window
has in no way clouded my judgement.
I share it with Barbara Jacksons drawing of three nudes -
looks excellent - trust me, Im an expert.

Ursula expo

Ursula is showing her work at Carmens, Campagne-sur-Aude:
her lovely calligraphically-based works hang well in the big
light space.
Great party too -

party, its my birthday again

Either by ill luck or superb planning, not sure which, I had a
nasty dose of what the french call le gastro on my birthday.
I had to spend the day in bed. Captain H and Poo were left
to get the party ready.


Above is Poo preparing hedgehogs for the feast.
And here am I, pale but soldiering on, in new blue shoes - next
to a very glamorous and healthy Aileen.





The party was very frisky, though I saw it as if through a
kaleidoscope what with being both ill and sober; folk seemed
jolly cheerful and drank and ate copiously. Pablo and Theo performed...

...and it was still proceeding in a disorderly direction when
I followed the already retired Captain to bed.



There was a deal of singing lead by either Debs or Mavis and
Ive ducked the neighbours today.

Thanks to Kate for the photos - I was too weak to point the
camera. And thanks to everyone who came - gastro aside, not
a birthday I'II forget.

Poo and I have a day off...

Poo and I had a day at Rennes-les-Bains lying about doing very
little indeed, punctuated by lunch and a different pool occasionally.
Above is Poo basking with the lizards and below is Poo talking to
a yogic person under a hot spring.

general joy in Tilling

Here are champions of France getting their gongs at the town hall, to much rejoicing






Co'e'ez'* allez allez allez, to the unfortunate tune of
yellow submarine, was much sung again that night. Forgotten
which night -Tues? - on account of much activity here.