The year has started off at full pelt, not quite sure how that happened. What happened to the lull after Christmas? I’ve had a gazillion things to do from setting up the Amazon store to the constant posting on Instagram. My PA needs a PA. Whilst lolling about in the bath reading a magazine (OK, perhaps there has been a little leisure time……), I started thinking about the way one creative art evolves into another. I came across Aimee Betts’ needlework and some if it really reminded me of Nigerian artwork. I hope you can see how the traditional Aso-Oke fabrics and Kente cloth are linked to the artwork El-Anatsui produces, which links to the the cord-work that used to be produced by artisans and which is now reflected in Betts’ work. A thing of beauty isn’t it, tracing that creative line across such different cultures. I love Aso-Oke; I’m determined to make some products with it when I have some spare time (Hah!)

So, what else have I been doing? Apart from following the saga of the drone that wasn’t there (or was it?), and marvelling at human dopiness, I re-watched the entire Matrix series. Those films are so good! I can’t believe they’re from 20 years ago. The Wachowskis are geniuses; they managed to get a totally original spin on what is essentially the biblical story of the coming of Jesus and the redemption of humanity, without being heavy-handed about it. Even the CGI and action scenes still look current. A masterpiece for any sci-fi lover. Plus, I’ve been reading some really good old fiction from the British Library Crime Series- ECR Lorac and Alan Melville. However, what made me laugh the hardest was reading the hate-letter sent by Lord Alfred Douglas to his father, the Marquess of Queensberry. I quote- ‘I hated you then I hate you a thousand times more now & will be even with you some day wishing you every curse & misery & speedy death with eternal damnation.’ The best part was that he went to the trouble of purchasing a christmas card to write it in. Merry Christmas, Dad! Bosie, mate, don’t hold back. Say what you really think! And before you start feeling sorry for his dear old Papa, believe me, he gave as good as he got. Bosie was a regular little chip off the old block. That’s a family that knows how to feud- maximum respect 🙂 Obviously I deplore the sending of such an uncharitable, unchristian missive but even at a remove of 120 years, the ire still sets the paper ablaze. Talk about a talent for invective. To counteract this, I leave you with Dorothy Parker: “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.” Have a bile-free week. Pip pip.