Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Three Mad Waiters 26.05.11

Beautiful weather made the Food and Drink Fair at Hardwick a delight to visit.

May 30th 2012
Help!
Just a little concerned by email received from blogger regard 'unmigrated legacy Blogger account'.I'm not sure whether this is directed at me or everyone with a blogspot.com address. I don't seem to be able to access the link with my password even though I can sign into my blog. Just in case I am changing the design on my blog and have my fingers crossed it will still be here tomorrow...

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Olympic Colours...

Olympic Colours... by Geraldine Curtis
Olympic Colours..., a photo by Geraldine Curtis on Flickr.

29.06.11. Just off the train at St Pancras and was lucky enough to see these lads with jackets matching the colours of the Olympic rings.

Birmingham School Of Jewellery Degree Show, 18.06.11

18.06.11. Lots of Degree Shows on this week and last. Really nice to have an invitation to go and view the work of the students at the Birmingham School Of Jewellery.

Poppy Night...

Poppy Night... by Geraldine Curtis
Poppy Night..., a photo by Geraldine Curtis on Flickr.

06.06.11. Trying to take a different type of photo of a favourite subject.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

From Start To Finish...

04.06.11. Theresa Nguyen is 'artist in residence' at Kedleston Hall until October 2011. Her work is truly inspirational - what was a sheet of metal has been fashioned into something all together organic...

June 2010

01.06.11. Always a busy time at the beginning of the month. Invoices to prepare, stats to calculate and today my next acupuncture appointment at the hospital. –Usually a calm affair, but today my nurse practioner was anything but calm as acupuncture sessions may be shelved as part of the NHS cuts.

02.06.11. Busy day leading up to a meal at Darley’s. Graham’s new boss was staying over and I was invited along. Lovely meal, great company.

03.06.11. Attended first of four free weekly concerts in Derby Cathedral. Was so please I made the effort. All had won their section at the Derby Art’s Festival. Also met up with a tutor I used to see regularly, but has since retired – nice coincidence.

04.06.11. Blustery and overcast day. Had lunch at Denby Pottery, then a trip to Kedleston Hall to see silversmith artist in residence – Theresa Nguyen. Breathtaking work and such a lovely person to talk to – Graham was quite smitten…

05.06.11. Went to see my parents and spent the day with them. Saddening to see that my mother’s condition has deteriorated so much that she feels unable to play the piano any more. Home 8.15pm

06.06.11. Teaching Button jewellery at a centre in Mackworth which runs a Monday morning get together for young mums. Unfortunately making their own jewellery didn’t hold an attraction for them and only one came. Luckily she had brought her sister and there were two helpers, so we had a good time – very bijoux.

08.06.11. Graham in Plymouth. Went to talk at the Quad given by picture editor at Derby Evening Telegraph, Victoria Wilcox. Victoria has a very engaging personality and gave a very informative and entertaining talk. The idea was to send in photos she could talk about, so I sent in my one from Cambridge with the student playing a guitar in a litter bin. It ‘went down’ very well, but unfortunately it was the only one submitted. One girl had travelled up from Brighton to attend the talk and spent much of the 2 hours questioning Victoria – all interesting stuff. Other photographers from the paper; Kate and Matt, and Michelle who has just completed an HND at South Derbyshire College. She gets commissioned to take photos when everyone else is busy.

09.06.11. Third Recycled jewellery class at Mickleover Library. Over half term one of the learners had been very busy making crocheted plarn bracelets – so pleased she has been inspired through attending my class.

10.06.11. Was asked to help promote classes at AgeUK in Eagle Centre from 10.30am. Was good fun to take part and not have to worry about ‘agenda’. Other people there, Quad, Coach Tours and advice about sexual health for the over 50s… Dashed back to car, picked up camera and headed to Cathedral to see second concert. – Derby Piano Quartet. Eight hands, two pianos, great fun.

11.06.11. Was due to be teaching a book and calligraphy course at the Eco Centre this weekend, but it was cancelled due to low numbers. Good that a couple of people had booked. Instead spent the day trying to get hold of a webdesigner to redesign the website. Thought I'd found a possible contender, sounded like a really competent chappy, estimate £6-9000…
13.06.11. Piano lessons all morning, went to Eco Centre in afternoon and met with manager to discuss possible Eco sessions/days connected with Campaign For Wool. The idea is OK, but not sure how to make it happen.
14.06.11. Dentist first thing to have crown fitted (£204) then quick trip to check out a possible workshop venue, has good points and bad
15.06.11. Had approach from someone at Topshop wanting team of knitters. Said could post request now not so sure.
16.06.11. Recycled Jewellery at Mickleover, was tired, late and when I got there found I was to be observed. We had to make do with tiny room, two learners were really late, couldn’t do project as learner had not brought material, learner left early, had to get out early as room booked for someone else. All in all not the best morning… However, my photo published in Derby Evening Telegraph to help promote the concerts in the Cathedral – looked great! Had visit from Les at 5.30pm on way home from a funeral. Great to see him again! Went for meal at Spotted Cow, Holbrook – very civilised, lovely meal.
17.06.11. Went to third concert in the Cathedral. Attenborough Quartet. Piano, Violin, viola, cello. Some lovely chamber music and finished with ‘Pennies From Heaven’, what a wonderful arrangement. Rained from 4pm. Did shopping then set off at 10 past 6 for Southall to go to another concert. Amazing place – absolutely beautiful! The Great Hall was the venue and it was round the back on the minster. Didn’t matter what the music was like…the music was in the same vein as the earlier concert, but with more accomplished musicians. Lovely that my photos were exchanged for tickets.
18.06.11. What better way to spend a Saturday morning than at a tutor meeting and strangely covering the ‘same old same old’. Came home very upset. Caught train to Birmingham at 5pm and had a relaxing ride. Taxi from station to School of Jewellery and a look at the student’s degree show in company of Les and Sandra.
19.06.11. Sold a bag on Etsy this week, so ended up spending the day making some more bags, I’d forgotten how long they take to make and how much fun it is making things.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Botanical Gardens, Cambridge

07.05.11. These gardens are beautifully laid out and well worth a visit.

Wish You Were Here...

02.05.11. My picture postcard.

Masson Mills, Matlock Bath

02.05.11. Went to Cromford Mill to help give out information about The Eco Centre and then had a lovely walk to Matlock Bath. Masson Mills looked so photogenic in the sunshine against the blue sky.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Radcliffe Camera

01.05.11. Oxford is awash with beautiful buildings to photograph. Looking at the photos I've put on Flickr, it's clear I need to plan my next visit and pay more attention to time of day and interesting angles...

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May 2011
01.05.11. Began the month by taking Lucy back to Oxford and spending a great day out there. First we took her things back to her bedsit (converted attic at the top of a house in the centre of Oxford) and parked the car - no restrictions as it was a Sunday. Lovely warm day, so changed into my Oxford outfit, white skirt and matching top and then walked into Oxford. The walk 'in' was just delightful. Down one residential road, across rolling fields with a river meandering through them. There were people boating, ducks with their newly hatched duckling, all quite idyllic. Eventually we arrived at the cafe Lucy had selected, not my ideal choice, but filling in a special way. Afterwards we made our way to the castle and climbed up the castle mound having handed over £1 each for the privilege. By then we'd earned a cup of tea, Lucy insisted we had a chocolate brownie as well, naughty but very nice! A quick tour of the shops was followed by the scenic way 'home' via the punting station - we got lost in the meadow (my fault), then needed another cup of tea and all too soon it was time to head home.
02.05.11.
May Day Bank holiday, so no piano lessons, but a whole day spent on the website.
03.05.11. Another trip to the dentist. I think my tooth has cracked and split although the dentist was unable to find any evidence - it hurts if I breath on it... Has arranged for me to have a crown (only £200) not convinced that this will solve the problem - we can but hope... Came home via Croots and bought two ham joints.
03.05.11. Had to make trips out to two different centres to collect registers for two new classes starting this week..
04.05.11. Arrived at library to take class only to find all they knew was that the room had been booked, but had overlooked publicising the session for their users. Plan B is to re-start during Adult learner's week. Spoke to Line Manager who felt that the people who had liaised with the Library Service had let us down - couldn't agree more...
05.05.11. After yesterday's 'let down', didn't expect anyone to know I was even coming. The library staff were much more accommodating and apologetic, but there were no learners. Took a few flyer to neighbouring shops and went back to centre to talk things through with my Line Manager. Retailer therapy required after that!
06.05.11. As Graham was still away spent the day in Cambridge with Robert. Arrived just after 12 - took over 2 hours to get there. Very warm, had lunch outside - took ages, but we had the opportunity for a chat. When we'd finished, we had a walk round the Botanical Gardens (£4 entrance each) by this time the sky had become very overcast, although having now looked at my photos, it was ideal light for taking photos of flowers. This was followed by a drink/ice cream which fuelled us for a walk around town and to a gallery which closed as we arrived. Back into town and then a rush to the nearest tea shop during a shower of rain. Back at Robert's house he showed me his photos from his holiday last week in Norway/Sweden - amazing pics, especially those of a fiord. On the way back there was a long detour as the M1 was shut - should have paid more attention on the way there!
09.05.11. Thought I was teaching, so had cancelled my piano lessons for this morning and then found the dates had changed - (pulls face)
10.05.11. Spent whole of afternoon ringing round getting logos for banner being made. Tap class was a welcome break.
12.05.11. When we were away to Italy for my birthday, I found out that Lang Lang was coming to Nottingham in May and we booked tickets over the internet. At last, the great day had arrived. Lang Lang's playing was amazing - it brought a whole new meaning the the words 'touch sensitive', however, the choice of pieces was a little disappointing, coupled with a chap in front of us having a heart attack 20 minutes into the performance didn't make for the best evening's entertainment. Luckily Lang Lang was persuaded to play two encores - still he chose two more pieces I didn't recognise, Chopin (how could I not know one of Chopin's pieces?) and Dedication, a song by Schumann, arranged by Liszt - honey to your ears...
13.05.11. Had hair cut and spoke to a few people asking advice about what to charge for some photos that have been published.
15.05.11. Up early and on my way for 8am. Today I was heading for Stoneleigh Park to help at a Trade Show. It was very nostalgic driving up the lanes inside the park which I previously knew from my annual visit to The Royal Show. Another victim of the recession/change in people's values. The buildings are already beginning to look very tired, although every effort has been made to make a go in park now being a conference centre. I had to smile when the other signs were for a 'Grassland and Muck Event'. By 10am the place was buzzing and although we came up for air at 2pm for lunch, I didn't see the light of day again until it was time to go home. I say 'home', we were all booked into a very nice Village Hotel in Coventry, although it took so long to get there, I could easily have been half way home in the same time. However, as I said it was a lovely hotel, I had a very quiet room with a double bed and as many soft pillows as I could balance on top of each other. It did take me 20 minutes to realise that I hadn't pushed the card right down to get any electric, but it was all a learning curve. I had a three course dinner with Ann and Chris, where most of the talk was related to the weekend. All the reps were also having dinner in the hotel, so when a big 'whoop' and clattered went up we were sure what was happening until someone mentioned that on comparing who had made the biggest sale of the day, one of the girls had managed to sell 3.5kilos, a record even I could understand.
16.05.11. The second day being a Monday was a little quieter especially after lunch, which was good as it left me time to take some photos. Then it was 5pm and time for the whole place to be taken apart and loaded into awaiting vans. Luckily there was enough to do in our room so that no one noticed that I can't carry anything. Home to an empty house (Graham in Plymouth until tomorrow) arriving 7.45pm
17.05.11. Lots to do on the website and 5 piano pupils to teach. A phone call from a new adult learner to cancel until after Christmas (?) was not unexpected. Escape to tap class, most welcome.
19.05.11. New Recycled Jewellery Class at Mickleover Library started today. My Line Manager came to collect fees and was very good at mixing with the learners with telling anecdotes of her daughter. I had 5 learners which normally wouldn't be enough, but because of the recession/mix up etc, it will be allowed to run - phew...
20.05.11. New Recycled Jewellery Class at Alvaston Library, no one turned up, this was not unexpected, but disappointing never the less. Librarian has suggested a taster session. Emails duly sent.
22.05.11. Woke up fine, but as the morning progressed realised I had a real problem with Hermione to the point where I was unable to bend forward or lift anything all day. Went for a long walk after lunch hoping it would free things up, but had little or no effect. After thinking that I had no need for any further acupuncture sessions I am so thankful that I am due for my next session this Wednesday.
23.05.11. Phonecall from Eco Centre to say class cancelled, but managed to persuade a turn around - as I explained they would be paying me anyway...
24.05.11. Took class at Eco Centre, great to see previous students, one of which had brought her daughter along, but as there were no others, this class will not be running. Saw another Line Manager there, the upshot being, she has offered me a class in Somercotes, so being in the right place at the right time has paid off. I feel elated that somebody wants me! Tap class - the last session for a German girl who has been coning this half term. She enters competitions in Germany and spent the last 20 minutes teaching us one of her style tap routines. It was great - built on rhythm and learnt 'step by step', very different from our type of tap!
25.05.11. One piano pupil, then off to the Derby Royal for 12pm. My nurse who is usually difficult to engage in conversation went on and on about how no one's job is safe. A sad but true statement. Apparently there is an important meeting on Friday when it is rumoured that the axe will fall on all acupuncture sessions. I know I have been very lucky to have had them free up till now... Back home for lunch and then off to the dentist for the preparation for a new crown. Unfortunately, I do not think that having a crown will sort my tooth out. Next appointment is on 14th June, so will have to wait and see - crossing my fingers may help in the circumstances...
26.05.11. Second session at Mickleover Library. One of the students has just been voted out of being a local councillor, which she has held for the last 9 years, so is understandably at a bit of a lose end. She came with reels of plarn and four bracelets she had made since last week - great to know that my class - running by the skin of it's teeth has managed to make a small difference in her life...Robert had appointment with dentist at 3.30pm and came home very happy, all sorted. We two went and collected Lucy from the train station at 7pm.
27.05.11. Took Lucy to a dentist appointment for 9.40am and then she spent the rest of the morning at the Oxfam shop. Met up at 2.00pm and went shopping.
28.05.11.Lucy went off to spend the day with Steven. Graham stayed at home and worked on his bikes. Robert and I went first to Harley Gallery to see the Smile Exhibition there and have a nice lunch, then off up to Wakefield to see The Hepworth Gallery. Really frustrating as there was a brand new car park opposite the Gallery, but you weren't allowed to use it. Instead there were two blokes letting busses in from the Park and Ride which everyone was directed to. Not being good at taking 'stupid instructions' we followed the bus, but parked in a shop car park and made sure we were back in the allotted 1 and a half hours. Then we re-parked in a car park which was near to the gallery and went back for a cup of tea and piece of very enjoyable chocolate brownie. The Gallery? Sure, it was interesting and had some thought provoking items to view. You weren't allowed to take photos inside, although I did take some from the windows out. We also walked to the church on the bridge and had a look inside as a paintings exhibition was just packing up. Then we walked into town and up to the older part of town where we found some magical architecture. If it hadn't have been so windy it would have been a great day! Home 7.15pm.

Sunset At Challaborough Bay...

17.04.11. One last photo from our holiday near Plymouth. Hope to visit again soon.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Colourful Beach Huts

Play Ball... by Geraldine Curtis
Play Ball..., a photo by Geraldine Curtis on Flickr.

17.04.11. I've always wanted to photograph some beach huts and here they were, lots and lots, newly painted and in beautiful bright colours.

Torquay Quayside Reflection

17.04.11. First of the warm days was spent in Torquay.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Killerton, National Trust

15.04.11. Fancy painting your house to match your favourite shrub!

Tyntesfield, New For 2011

15.04.11. Even on a dull day, Tyntesfield is stunning.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Spring Has Sprung...

06.04.11. Amazing sky this afternoon making the Blackthorn blossom appear even whiter

April 2011
01.04.11. Another new month and another invoice to be sent off. Busy day trying to organise a room to take a class in (doesn't look as thought it will happen) and buying materials for next week's teaching. Went to the local wholesaler for buttons only to find that they didn't have any suitable. Thought my luck had reached an all time low, but when I made enquiries, it turned out the rep was there and he assured me that new tubs would be there waiting for me in all the colours I wanted by Monday lunchtime.
02.04.11. Saturday lunch at Denby Pottery. Another nice meal (two in a row) of Chinese Pork Pie (think the order of words needs altering!)
03.04.11. Mother's Day today. Was very disappointed that neither offspring managed to send me a card, let alone flowers...Spent the day with my parents. My sister and her husband were there and two of her children came for Sunday dinner, complete with Mother's Day cards...
04.04.11. Spoke at length with a lady who is coming to observe me at the Fun Day on Saturday (will be less of a 'Fun' Day). Collected buttons after lunch - had so many colours to choose from had difficulty making up my mind. Contacted class to say there would be no class as I couldn't find a room and then had a phone call from the local library to say we meet there at minimal cost - isn't life depressing sometimes. Hadn't the heart to start trying to ring everyone back.
05.04.11. Spent much of today writing a lesson plan for Saturday and checking that I know exactly what I am doing and why. Tap class was a welcome relief.
07.04.11. Took my camera in to have sensor cleaned (just out of warrantee, but they did it for free or would have cost £80) Collected it at 4.00pm. On reflection, feel I have made a big mistake...
08.04.11. REceived email late in the evening to say that my adult pupil has passed Grade 2 with 112 - excellent result!
09.04.11. Fun Day at local school. Beautifully sunny and warm day. Less children seen than last year, may be the good weather kept them away. Was observed and everything went smoothly, observer helped out at busy times which was good of her. Was happy with what she saw and awarded me a Grade 2, which I'm happy with. She made the suggestion that perhaps I could have had some instructions written down for busy times when I can't get to the people quick enough. Arrived home 1.30pm and had lunch outside. Jumped back in the car and sped off to Oxford and picked up Lucy and went to view a house (first floor flat) in Wheatley. The village is wonderful, the amenities are wonderful, everything is wonderful except the flat has a flat roof, night storage heaters and the price... Lucy has set her heart in it, we'll just have to see...
10.04.11. Breathed a sigh of relief that the weather was again hot and sunny and we could spend all day outside pottering in the garden. Planted sweet corn, beans and sunflowers for Lucy's new patio.
15.04.11. Rest of week has just flown getting things ready in preparation for our first holiday of the year. Graham's work is now based in Plymouth (from February 2010), but I hadn't visited the area. So we have rented a house and set off today in my car, so I can have something to run around in while Graham is at work. Very overcast day, but felt warm as the air was so still. Set off around 11.00am and stopped for lunch at Tyntesfield, newly opened National Trust place. The restaurant is in the stables, all the walls are newly whitewashed and you sit at tables with a manger in the corner - great! Food was divine, even though my tooth is playing up big time. The house wasn't opened today, but we had a lovely stroll round. The family made its fortune from guano (like many others) and the buildings were breathtakingly beautifully - can't wait to visit again. Of we went again, stopping for tea and cake, this time at Killerton another National Trust estate (you'll see a theme emerging). Amazingly, the house is painted orange - all because it has a magnificent wisteria which was just coming into bloom. Other flowers in the extensive garden were equally stunning, so the fact that the light was dull and flat was a little frustrating.
We eventually arrived at our 'new home' around 7.30pm, collected some milk from the local Tesco threw our bags in and made for the nearest beach. We ate a picnic tea in the car and went for a short walk to the headland. Across the bay was a small island and we were intrigued to see a huge illuminated hotel - the only building visible. Time to make tracks and 'google' our find.
16.04.11. Because we came down on a Friday, we decided that a Saturday would be the quiestest day to spend at The Eden Project. Again it was a very mild dull cloudy day. I'm not sure what I expected from The Eden Project. I thought it would be bigger and more eco-friendly. It is an amazing place with lots to see/do/experience, but it is run to entertain rather than educate. However, it was a good day out and I'd love to go again. We left about 5pm and then stopped off at Plymouth and were treated to a spectacular sunset. The grey clouds parted and let in the most amazing light.
17.04.11. Today was Graham's choice to go to the seaside. It was really sunny, quite warm if a little windy. We drove first to Torquay and had a lovely walk round watching boats in the harbour and hardy holiday makers going for boat trips (brrrr!) I had half expected to see tall men thrashing small cars, but we didn't spot any on our way in (Flowery Tarts?) Next we saw the delights of Paignton, memorable only for its colourful beach huts. A small detour on the way home led us to Burgh Island, to see the hotel we had spotted on our first evening. Graham had found out that the hotel rates start at £385 a night and was already planning his stay. What we hadn't planned for was our next meal and we managed to arrive just as everything was shutting up. Not wanting to forego an interesting walk, I persuaded him to come with me along a sandy path which seemed quite popular with everyone else and seemed to lead to the next cove. As with many situations, as one door closes, another one opens, the path led to a caravan site complete with pub and restaurant where we ordered a pleasant meal and watched the sun go down.
18.04.11. Monday was an early morning as I needed to get up and take Graham to the car hire place on his way to work. By 9o'clock I was parked up at the Hoe, watching the inhabitants of Plymouth running, dog walking, cycling etc along the sea front. We all departed at precisely at 10.00am when the car parking charges came into force. Then I made my way to Drake Circus shopping centre, credit card in hand, convinced that the clothes I had brought were not suitable for the unseasonal summer weather. I was much happier once I had found the local Primark and purchased two tops, a skirt and a pair of Capri trousers for £25. Next I found Saltram House (the nearest National Trust place) and ate my sandwiches, answered emails and made some phone calls while watching a set of twins playing in the long grass together. Being alone in a beautiful place was not so bad after all. Saltram House is lovely, but very similar in many ways to Kedleston Hall - both have rooms designed by Robert Adams. I arrived home at 5.15 and Graham not long after. I cooked us some simple tea and then I persuaded Graham to go for a walk around Aveton Gafford, a mile or two down the road where the road disappears under water at high tide, very odd...
19.04.11. Today, Graham went off to work and I went to Exeter for the day to meet up with two college friends. Kimberley, who lives and teaches in Weymouth and Julie who lives in nearby Crediton. I hadn't seen Julie in 30 years, but once we three were back together, it was as though all those years had melted away - we have resolved to try and meet up again soon, especially as I now have a reason to be 'down there'. I arrived back around 5 and with a 'quick' turn around we were out of the house for 7 and on our way back to Plymouth to have dinner with Graham's boss. By now, (Tuesday) - it was warm enough to wear skirt and light jacket, appropriate too for the poshest restaurant in Plymouth. Called Tanners Restaurant, it was launched by Chris and James Tanner (one of whom regularly cooks on TV - no, I've not seen him either) If the place was anything to go by (originally the Treasury) then the food was going to be marvellous - and it was. I was going to describe the food, but perhaps best to read the menu - when can I go again?! Even my constant toothache couldn't spoil it for me.
20.04.11. Wednesday dawned bright and warm. A whole day in front of me - the world was my oyster. First I washed my hair then jumped in the car and set off for Buckland Abbey which Kimberley had recommended to me yesterday. It seemed to take ages to get past Plymouth, but just before I turned off I saw my first glimpse of Dartmoor - and I was smitten.
Buckland Abbey is a wonderful place, built by the Cistern Monks in the 1400s, it is steeped in history and entwined with the fortunes of Sir Francis Drake. It nestles in a hollow which captures the sun and at this time of year plays host to a myriad of tulips, rhododendrons and wisteria. I left at half 4 and made my way back to Plymouth to meet Graham at the car hire place. We then back-tracked and headed for Dartmoor, stopping off at Two Bridges for a steak meal al fresco and a long walk up the hill and into the sunset...
21.04.11. Today I felt guilty about being away from home-all I could think about was the work piling up on the website. Graham was very amenable and agreed that we should go home a day early and besides, the traffic would probably be lighter if we travelled today. So, we packed up, cleaned the house and set the Sat Nav for Castle Drogo for our National Trust lunch stop. The weather was still lovely and warm, so we had an enjoyable time at Castle Drogo and lunch outside. I have to say I was surprised at the starkness of the building, but loved the contents inside. The guides were happy to let visitors play the numerous pianos, so although I didn't have a go there was an 10/11(?) year old girl who delighted at playing her Grade 4 pieces to everyone - she was very good! All too soon it was time to head back to the car and set off in the direction of Derby. We arrived just in time to go and collect Lucy from the station. She has a whole 10 days off work what with Bank Holidays/Easter/Royal Wedding etc
22.04.11. First catch up day with the website.
25.04.11. Did some bike riding up and down the lane, managed to hurt foot.
26.04.11. Today was the first of two days spent at The Quad on a free photographic course. Arrived early to find the doors firmly locked, so sought refuge in the covered market until nearer 9.30am (difficult as foot still very painful). Also had to change seats as the air conditioning was so fierce, but besides those minor details everything went very smoothly. There were 12 all together age range 20-60 and wide range of ability too. Two sets of partners (one girl was deaf and whose partner signed relentlessly for her - such dedication) girl who made headdresses and partner who painted watercolours. Lad still at Uni and into time lapse movie making, girl who works at Deda (arranged to contact her to take photos of dancers), newly retired now hopes to set up in consultancy (can't remember what type of work), henna painter who specialises in weddings (has since been in the paper), girl who works at The Quad. First we were sent out to take some photos and come back, download them and show to others - freezing outside. Took so long, coffee break, allowed up to £10 per day free refreshments. Brief chat about 'Rule of Thirds' sent out again to take photos to demonstrate this rule. Lunch. Looked at each others photos and discussed what we'd like to do tomorrow.
27.04.11. Began with introduction of how to use certain things in Photoshop CS3. Chose a photo from yesterday, moved part of it into another photo and cloned out excess. Coffee break. Further work in photoshop. Lunch. Took some photos using studio lighting - so hot 2 x 500w bulbs. The difference was obvious what you can do with strong lighting. Tea break. Showed selection of photos that we'd altered using Photoshop, exchanged contact details, said our 'goodbyes' and went home.
28.04.11. Had phone interview with Katrina my acupuncturist at the hospital. I am booked in for one more session, but have been warned that due to cuts this may be the last time. Went to town in afternoon with Lucy - to take posters to visitor's centre, library etc. Dress rehearsal for Tap Dance at Derby Arts Festival. Didn't go brilliantly, but felt a bit more confident for tomorrow, just hope foot bares up.
29.04.11. Graham flew off to Chicago, Emma came and collected Lucy to watch The Royal wedding with Steven's family and I watched the whole event on my own, mostly with tears streaming down my face. Loved everything except the tree in Westminster Abbey...'why?'... Took photos from the television! Lucy home about 3pm. Went down and had a quick chat to people at our Royal Wedding party, took a few photos and came home. Emailed a photo to the paper and then packed up and went to The Guildhall. Performance went very well - one of the other dancers commented that I looked like I was enjoying it - what a complement. We came joint third (85) - can't win 'em all!
30.04.11. Lucy wanted to go shopping in Meadowhall and I wanted to visit The Harley Gallery. So we compromised and went to both, lovely lunch at the Gallery - bought a dress from Oasis. Glad to get home.

A Face For Tomorrow

25.03.11. Took my DSLR with me to the NEC (Sewing For Pleasure) to take some pictures of our stand and anything else 'photogenic'. Was really pleased with the results from the Fashion Show "Creativity On The Catwalk". All the clothes were made by the students and modelled by them as well.