Can you ever have too much art?

It’s been quite a busy few weeks.

I hosted my ex-mother-in-law’s 90th birthday afternoon tea on 23 August. It went well. Although the sun didn’t really shine, it was warm enough to sit outside in my garden with friends and family. The birthday girl enjoyed it and blew out the candles on the impressive cake my daughter (C) made for her. C had brought with her Tarka - 5 month old black labrador. I want him! I’ve never seen a puppy so well behaved, adorable and calm before!

The next day I went to Art in Penallt. In previous years it’s been at Kate Humble’s farm, but this year it was in the village hall and the grounds of the pub. Same village, but quite a walk between the 2 venues. Emma Rhydderch Price was selling her paintings. She’s taught me art over the years, including getting me through my GCSE mixed media about 17 years ago! She’d painted a beautiful horse’s head which I fell in love with. That’s now up on my hall wall - along with a painting of 3 views of local welsh mountains by Louise Collis, and another set of 3 Gower beaches by Janet Chaplin. Along with a great lunch at the pub it was a successful morning!

I bought another original from the Hereford Art week. There was a wonderful exhibition in Ross church and one quite large picture caught my eye from wherever I was in the venue. I thought about it for a few days and returned to the exhibition to see if it was still available. It was! That’s up in the hall too now - a beautiful sea painting by Sharon Yorke.

And if that’s not enough art for one month, I ordered prints by Anthony Eyton. I love this man. I follow him on instagram. He’s 102 and currently has a wonderful exhibition in London. He produces so much work! I knew I wouldn’t get there, so I contacted the venue and they sent me a catalogue which in itself is lovely. He rarely has prints for sale. I did get one at the Royal Academy summer exhibition this year, and his daughter Sarah arranged a limited time sale of 2 prints, signed, and I managed to get both!

I’ve been busy with the locals I’m becoming friends with. I even organised a couple of events! 11 of us had a fab lunch at Tweet Restaurant and Bar one Saturday - everyone had a great time, and they urged me to organise another which will be at the end of next month. In the meantime I had also organised a curry night at the Minthouse, with a few of the Ross Party Planners group which again, was really fun. I also met some of the Not the WI group of ladies for some prosecco at The Royal Hotel. Again, very pleasant. We’d also been to a quiz night together and had such a laugh.

I’ve spent quite some time with my ex husband (and O) - including one afternoon sitting in the garden of the Walwyn Arms watching an air show - they were really large model aeroplanes. Didn’t even know it was a thing! We also saw Ed Byrne in Monmouth - seen him before. He’s consistently good.

I’ve been to the cinema (Life of Chuck - 3 acts, starting with Act 3, but that act seemed to have nothing to do with the following 2! And the National Theatre showing of Interalia which was amazing. Rosamunde Pike was on stage the whole time, talking most of the time, changing into different clothes, and putting different things in drawers, cupboards, and even did some ironing! Impressive!).I’ve been to 5 quiz nights - most with my son (O) - mixed bag of success: last, 4th, 5th, and first!

On a more sombre note, I sorted out the lasting power of attorneys for my finances and my health, and I put together a document stating that I want to die at home with family and friends (hopefully; otherwise it’s a trip to Dignitas) if I’m diagnosed with dementia, or am in a condition where life isn’t really life. I refuse to let my children have to go through seeing me like that, feeling they have to give up their life to look after me, or seeing their inheritance drained away because of extortionate care costs.

I may be going senile already to be honest. In one day, I’ve felt really stupid 3 times:
Saw the optician because I was worried that I wasn’t seeing as well as I’d like when night driving.
Optician: your eyes are actually better than in the summer of 24 when you bought new glasses - but the one’s you’re wearing are from 2022! Not only that, they’re very scratched!!
Me. erm….
Left my phone where I was being tested, and only remembered after looking for it for a while in my bag after I’d placed an order for new glasses.
Went to Morrisons because I’d been sent 2 £10 off vouchers to use by 28/9 (tomorrow). I’d given one to my ex husband because I couldn’t use 2 in a few days. Hand over my voucher to the member of staff and am asked ‘did you buy anything from the bakery?’
Nope. The voucher was for £1 off the bakery - it was not £10 off my shopping!
What am I like?!

Perhaps I’m tired. I’ve been working long days, slogging my guts out, building a new intranet. It went live on Wednesday. I’d started working on it in May, on top of my day job, with no extra resource or budget! Talk about an anti-climax though. Our chief executive for some unknown reason decided not to mention it in his monthly webinar or his fortnightly email to staff! Unbelievable. Why do I bother always taking on more responsibility in whatever job I do and working my socks off!?! Oh well, it’s typical me. I’m pleased with what I’ve done, as are my colleagues, and I’ll be retiring soon anyway. Well, perhaps not, but I might one day!! I need to; I’m not finding the time to do all my hobbies. Perhaps I’m out too much! Moi? Out too much? Never!!!