London with Tamara

When I feel inspired to write a post here I find myself swerving toward the positive. I guess I keep my sad times to myself. They still happen and they usually take the form of NOT writing on the blog. Conspicuous by my absence I guess.
I also find that I often use this platform as a method of giving thanks, usually for great friends helping me out in various ways.
One of those helping me out at the moment is the wonderful Tamara. I met Tamara recently when I found myself talking nervously to her husband in a Ryanair queue on my recent visit to Rome. He tucked me under his wing and took me home to meet his wife Tamara and their kids. We got on famously. We are the same age and both have a creative streak. It's amazing to have a partner in crime of exactly the same age to compare all sorts of things from hair removal tips to musical taste.
Tamara rang a week or so ago and asked if I'd like to accompany her to the Paris Open! I must admit I was at a very low ebb and saw nothing but fear in going so far from home. She coaxed and cajoled and I tried my best to get her to come closer to me this time. I finally wore her down and even got her to come to East Harling on the promise of that most English of experiences...the inauguration of a new village vicar, complete with 40 strong robed choir, Bishops, bell ringing and a fabulous supper. She was a very gracious and enthusiastic guest.
After I'd fed her a few meals and felt I'd evened up the score of hospitality a bit, I let her take me to London for an all expenses paid birthday treat. Phew. Just in the nick of time as my confidence in my abilities and my creativity was waning. We walked and walked and I felt I earned a small amount of kudos by being the map reader and guide. Tamara has a keen interest in street art and seeing it through her eyes I became a huge fan too of this most optimistic of creative pursuits. The first piece we saw was this incredible and huge heron on the side of a wall in Bricklane It must have been 30 feet high and when we came around the corner it made me catch my breath and brought tears to my eyes. How on earth did they get it here?
Walking around this East London area was amazing; another planet compared to what I see normally here in Norfolk. The artwork seemed so cheeky and easy, painted on scraps of newspaper or chiseled out of the fabric of the wall itself.
Most of my time is spent franticly trying to make money out of my creativity and to see it thrown onto a wall for everyone to see and enjoy was such a breath of fresh air. No tickets to buy, no strings attached, just Art for Arts sake.
Kooky and beautifully vibrant.
Sad and political.



Exuberant and full of colour.

Pretty
and textured.
Hilarious
and downright clever

So thanks Tamara for a truly amazing few days in one of the most amazing cities in the world. No need to be scared of weazels any more!