I dragged the biggest boy into the city to take some colourful photos. Honestly, GCSE photography is an effort. I shall want a certificate as well by the end of it all. Bristol is known for its street art, particularly around the Stokes Croft area. Banksy got his start here, and the first image is one of his earlier pictures. The Mild Mild West is one of his as well. There's always the argument is it art or is it grafitti? but it's well and truly taken root now and has become part of the scene in some areas of town. Anyway, it's on to flowers today, which is more my thing. My prize dahlia has been sacrified, along with my one and only zinnia. It turns out zinnias are one of slugs' favourite things, so my image of wandering dreamily through the garden with armfuls of them in the manner of a low-budget Sarah Raven has been shattered, but I was very proud of the single flower, which will now be preserved via GCSE photography for all to marvel at.
In an effort to spread myself between all three children I took the middle boy to the building shop to buy wood to make a ramp for biking up and down. He was supposed to have all the measurements ready and know exactly what he wanted, but he was typically vague and we ended up spending about 45 minutes with the chap there, with me doing mad sketches in my second-best handbag notebook and trying to explain the whole concept despite only having a very faint grasp of it myself. I happened to mention that the middle boy had seen a video of how it was all done. The chap in the shop suggested perhaps I should have watched it too. We left in the end with three pieces of wood. I could see a faint shimmer of hysteria in the man's eye after I told him we'd be back when we'd completed phase one. To his credit he smiled and said, 'I'll look forward to it.'
Next week promises to be hairy, with all of the people wanting to do all of the things and work simmering away in the background. I am breathing deeply as usual, although it's starting to make me feel a bit dizzy. Hope all is well with all. CJ xx
Well... I usually really detest graffiti but some of those you showed us are actually pretty. I actually like the nice clean look of the world before it became a thing. You're a good mom. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteFabulous street art. It’s great how we get to study along with our offspring. Photography is such a great subject particularly for teens. It’s gets them out and about. Good luck with the week, hope you manage all the juggling and creating. B x
ReplyDeleteDear CJ, normally I don't like graffiti, but I did find the photos quite interesting and arty. I really enjoyed the second one, as well as the bird on the branch with blossom flowers. Just imagine one day when you will be able to say, the biggest boy is my son, and he took that famous photo...... I laughed at the wood buying incident. I'd love to see the salesman's face when you turn up again to purchase the remainder of the timber. I meant to say in your last post how much I loved the photo of Bertie. Keep breathing CJ and I hope the week goes well. Regards, Robyn
ReplyDeleteInteresting pictures. I suppose that what is street art for some people is graffiti to others, and depends on where it's painted. Your bit about buying wood had me smiling, and sympathising with the chap dealing with you. Have a good, and not to hairy, week. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting on the fence re street art/graffiti, but your photos are great. Hope the week ahead is not too manic for you.
ReplyDeleteSome great graffiti here! I love walking round Tel Aviv and seeing the graffiti there. Gives the area character. Love the wood buying tale.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea for your son's GCSE photography. I normally dislike graffiti with a passion, but I do have rather a soft spot for Banksy and I suppose if you allow one you have to put up with the rest. I'm also impressed with your wood buying expedition. Good luck with the ramp building! I lovingly grew some zinnias from seed. They were doing really well in the greenhouse but I may as well have banged a dinner gong when I planted them outside - they all disappeared overnight. I have some very happy molluscs in my garden! xx
ReplyDeleteArt (just like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder. I really enjoyed seeing the street art in Bristol, would love to see it in person actually. Good luck with the ramp building. I am not a builder kind of person.... We have builders in the house, ripping out our shower room. The man chap explained something to me about flooring but my eyes glazed over and he suggested that he may have a chat with Richard instead. Fine by me. I rather like the idea of you wandering around your garden with armfuls of beautiful flowers, dressed no doubt in a dashing Sarah Raven apron, looking all serene. I hope your oldest leaves a few flowers for you to enjoy. Good luck with your week. One more week of holidays here... work is suffering and my sanity is threadbare. I even asked our dog walker if he would take one child with him as dog walker apprentice. Imagine my delight when he agreed! I shall reward him with everlasting gratitude xx
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Bristol, and it's street art. Really don't spend enough time there really.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog: I used to live in Gloucestershire, so it's nice to see the landscape posted here.
Good luck with the ramp!
You do make me smile, this, though had me laughing out loud....a faint shimmer of hysteria in the man's eye...
ReplyDeleteJust loved the street art and all your antics!xxx
I hope the work from home/holiday childcare juggle hasn't left you too fraught. I find that street art very uplifting. I wish someone would do similar round here, it would brighten the place up. x
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