Under Parr

I have been hit with a horrible virus and haven't bee able to focus on much. I now have a dental issue which hopefully will be resolved next week as I am getting fed up of feeling rough.

I have managed to paint more rocks which are quick projects and don't require alot of concentration.
I have also finished my circus entry in my journal.
When I visit my grandaughter she always wants to revisit a "made up out of my head" story as she calls it about an intrepid tightrope walker. She acts out the performance wearing a tutu and using the parasol I bought her to balance on a ribbon , which is carefully arranged on the floor.
I introduce her with a string of adjectives describing her prowess.  This has been a feature of my visits for two years. This summer she has made some modifications to the piece. I have been instructed that I am Simon Cowell and have to ask her a series of questions - I prefer the older version.

When I returned from a holiday I caught sight of a group , well three mature ladies returning from a protest that they were holding about a visiting circus , which has animals as part of the entertainment.
Having reached sixty I feel that I should be attending demos as this is something that I haven't done for no good reason really. Sadly I wasn't able to join this demo as the circus left town that day.
I will have to fight another cause when I have won this battle against the bug I have been afflicted with.

This is the "tipin " of two of the ladies with their placards. The llama and zebra I believe were part of this circus. 

I have used acrylics to portray my grandaughter and a couple of other circus girls. lots of writing to explain the pictures.  

Evie went on a trip to the local Arboretum and met the Gruffolo as there is a trail there.
She was very excited and talked about it quite clearly. It was in the day time and the weather was warm and so I have taken some licence with my interpretation of it. 

More rocks to hide when I venture out. They are all discovered but only a couple have resurfaced on the Mesingham Rocks site. Someone has a collection , which is fine. 

Joined a rock group

Not a band sadly! The rocks I painted have been found but not appeared on the local group which is ok as someone must have decided to keep them. I have painted a few more and have varnished them ready to hide.

I have been reading some negative press about this new trend but feel that as I am not taking rocks from the environment, using harmful paints and not adding collage which could could cause wildlife injury and I am leaving them in urban places and not littering the country side that I am being responsible.

My health has been compromised by use of solvents and so have substituted all nasty products and so hopefully I wont encounter any further health hazards whilst painting.
I have chosen to paint a few characters from my childhood which has offered me the opportunity to revisit the stories of my youth . Ive just reread Emil and the detective as well as the family from one end street and just william.

You can see the cardigan that I have been knitting for one of the younger members of our family in the background. 

This rabbit took only a short time to complete 

Milly Molly Mandy -yes I'm that old !

A few sketches before I committed to the rock painting 

Progress with journal entry - still not finished this page 

Rocks!

I have been busy playing with paints and other mediums but alot that I have made has gone into the "to be used as background paper" pile. I still have lots of ideas and a list of sewing projects to make before xmas.

I have been working on my journal and inspired by a journaling book I purchased I have been using mixed media to get my ideas down. I will add the book to my book list as it is an interesting book full of inspiration.

Mixed media lady with alot on her mind. Will post further pics when I have finished her

I have made a whimsical lady and have started to use her to express my latest project. I have included a photo of the journal page under construction.

On a morning walk to take photographs after the rain, I found a painted rock , which had clearly been painted by a child. I have read that this is a new craze that originated in the states and has caught on here.
Bascally you paint rocks and hide them around the locality or further afield and who ever finds it can keep it or relocate it. There is a fb page to upload pictures of the treasure and share ideas for painting.
I have made three and plan to make a few more.

Afox, a mermaid and a beatrix potter inspired mouse. I painted them in acrylics and mod podged for protection.