Buildings – again.

Because they are just so important. I am lucky enough to work in an exciting, vibrant, super-functional structure and I am truly grateful for this every day. I do believe that ugly – or even just uninspired and boring – surroundings eat your soul away, bit by bit, without your even noticing!

This building happens to be modern. Until relatively recently I had another, very different, exciting workplace.

Maybe tomorrow!

Bert still at it

Unfiltered photo taken about 2pm today. Talk about grey…. Rather surprised to see that the Giant Loo Roll Holder was apparently operating its ‘flights’ earlier. Definitely not up for that one, but I did venture outside briefly – quite hard to stay upright in the wind tunnels near the sea.

I was taking a break from today’s business of sorting out my daughter’s flat. We’ve put it off for so long, but has to be done. Short bursts at a time seem the best answer.

I deliberately included those cast iron shells in the photo above. They are protected structures! Apparently they once stretched the length of the terrace but now only half a dozen remain. (Usual stories of being grubbed up for the war effort etc – I’m never so sure). I have seen admirers of Victorian cast iron taking careful photographs from the steps. I can’t say I see great beauty in them myself – but I do really love the passion and enthusiasm of humans with special interests in almost anything!

Storm Bert

Images from the Argus. Not taken by me – I haven’t crossed the threshold all day. Definitely indoor time. I’m listening to Bert even now, though he has stopped the worst of his roaring. I’ve been keeping a sideways eye on the tree opposite – never seen it bend so low and would definitely reach us if it lost the battle…

The centre of the city was gridlocked earlier. Cars were taking over an hour to leave the car parks, just as people were trying to get home with their shopping. NOT fun. Apparently scaffolding had collapsed and the area was unsafe.

Much better to be in bed listening to the elements on the roof. Quite an improvement on noisy seagulls anyway- they are remarkably quiet..!

Importance of colour

Anyone who is aware of how much time I spend messing with the dye pots (let alone with all the natural roots, flowers and bark I use in France) would not be surprised to discover that I choose the colours I work with extremely carefully.

So the apparently random selections in those three items above came as something of a surprise. It all started with an ever growing basket of leftover sock yarn, much of it trendily variegated. I simply separated out the pinks and purples, then assembled most of the blues together, and finally collected the rest. All I had to do then was swap in and out a few strong contrast colours and knit it all up at random. Three very different items, but they all make a strong impact. I’m not at all sure which one I prefer!