River Wandle Trail

Went for a long walk by the river wandle yesterday. Along the way I passed Abbey Mills, Deen City Farm and the magical Morden Wetlands. For anyone who lives in London (or elsewhere), if you get the chance definitely follow the wandle trail. I've done this walk countless times and it never fails to inspire!

From my last visit:

Stag Beetle

I found the most beautiful stag beetle in my garden this morning! I think my log pile and pond are finally beginning to attract visitors. Sadly I don't think this little critter has much life left in him- he seemed a little wobbly. 

Squeaky Soaps

I completed a course in soap-making and business enterprise last year and came up with this idea for a novelty soap company- Squeaky! I was hoping to set up a small business selling quirky handmade and organic soaps in local markets but at the time had too much other stuff on. Now that I've finished uni and am only working part-time I'm thinking about giving it a go. What do you think? Worth giving it a go? This is one I made earlier. 

Dream of Sheep

Them Magic Boots

London Rain

Chislehurst Caves

I went to Chislehurst Caves with my mate Emer yesterday. It was insane! Every time I visit the caves I come out feeling creeped out to the max! The druid alters used for human sacrifices, the haunted pool, the pitch black, cold, underground tunnels! There's something so unearthly about caves, almost ethereal. 

 

Photo of Emer from our recent visit, on the right a W800i photo of my friend Chan taken in 2008.

Twilight

 

“The dream crossed twilight between birth and dying.”

T. S. Eliot

Wayfaring Stranger

I know dark clouds will gather ‘round me,
I know my way is hard and steep
But beauteous fields arise before me
Where God’s redeemed their vigils keep

Wayfaring Stranger- Johnny Cash

Silhouettes

Little Monsters

  

        

Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.  

Salvador Dali

Attracting Wildlife: Ponds

After watching Springwatch last night, I thought it might be a cool idea to make my own pond. Last time I attempted to make one was when I was about 12. I dug this massive hole in the garden and lined it with bricks and plastic before filling it with water. Unfortunately it didn't work out. The water kept seeping out and the frogs kept getting stuck. This time I went for a more minimalist approach!  

Update 14/06/11

I've been monitoring the pond for a few days and alas have found nothing! So today I decided to try making another pond. It took a lot of work! First I had to clear an area with sufficient shelter, then I lined the edges with bricks and layered the inside with cement. After it dries I'm hoping to line it with plastic and cover the bottom in sand, rocks and maybe a few plants. Here's how its looking right now:

Walk the Path

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
Buddha

Misery's Shadow

 

“Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery's shadow or reflection: the fact that you don't merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer. I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief.”
C.S Lewis

Haiku's: Ode to Medication

 

Sweet Ventolin

You never fail to comfort, 

When my breathe falls short.

Oh Atenolol

Please calm this restless old heart,

It's beatings do tire.

Dear Citalopram 

Please rid me of this sadness, 

Before I go mad.

Finasteride love 

Alas I'm losing my hair, 

Ever will it grow?

Paracetamol 

This wretched body doth pain,

Work your sweet magic.

Chris the Maskmaker

I took these photos of my friend Chris Vervain today! I met Chris nearly 4 years ago at a Pottery class and we've been good mates ever since. Chris is a mask maker/ artist/ theater practitioner, she finished her PhD in Greek Tragedy a few years back. I love Chris's work, check out her website here: http://www.chrisvervain.co.uk/index.html

Burst of Colour

My sister Noreen took these following photographs, I really love them!! You can check out more of her work on her blog: http://scarfgirl1.blogspot.com/