BLESSING THE NHS

May all heavenly and earthly blessings rain down upon the blessed NHS and drench it in every kind of goodness, both material and immaterial. That's what I'm saying.

The NHS is not perfect - no human institution is perfect - but the quality of its mercy, the depth of its dedication, skill snd humanity are wondrous to behold. And humour, don't forget humour. I

n a pre-op meeting the other day when I mentioned my age they fell about laughing. In a good way, a great way. They couldn't believe how ancient I am because I only look about nine years old. Well not exactly nine but you know what I mean.

I love the NHS and all who walk, trudge and run down its long, long corridors every minute of the day and night.

BIONIC DATE

I've got a thrilling date on the 20th of March. It won't involve wining, dining, dancing or other forms of seductive entertainment associated with the word "dating".

However it will most definitely include expert inspection of and fooling around with intimate body parts as well as the consumption of mind-altering drugs.

In other words: I'm having a hip replacement operation on that date. Wish me a good time and happiness ever after.

HIP REPLACING AND RETRO BOASTING

I'm being harassed by my right hip which is now the wrong hip as far as I'm concerned. Not quite disabled but am getting on a waiting list for the hip-replacement op. Hard to be thrilled at the prospect of having an erzatz ball & socket joint inserted where my home-grown, long-standing mechanism has inexcusably decided to misbehave. Confidently declaring "I am an arttist and don't have time for this shit" doesn't seem to work.

So I'm going to post some retro self-promotion to prove to myself and anybody else who happens to pass by that I am indeed a lifelong artist-person with a lot of serious artstuff behind me and if my bodymindspirit as well as Whoever Is In Charge of it are willing, there's going to be a lot more artstuff from me still to come.

By the way, if any of you passing by over here can read Dutch please let me know. I'd like help to translate a couple of reviews that were in Dutch press at the time of this exhibition.

For A Song among British Library Treasures

To the British Library yesterday to sloat (see and gloat) at my For A Song displayed among their Treasures. Coincidentally my mother, Blanche, used to call me mon trésor. If that isn't foresight I don't know what is.

There it sits surrounded by other treasures in the contemporary Art of the Book display case. There are many magnificent objects in the whole room but the lighting is very dim, no doubt to protect fragile ancient volumes, and it was nearly closing time hence only a couple of photos. I will go back.

Dear Christine exhibition opens at ARTHOUSE1 in London

The Private View of the Dear Christine exhibition at ARTHOUSE1 was packed to the rafters last night, no room to move but I managed to snap a few shots.  Many thanks to Fionn Wilson and to everyone who made this event such a great success.

LEAVING EU

Nothing to say about the event on 31st January, the headlines, the talking heads, the yelling, the boasting. Another sad day in history.

But this by John Crace is worth reading.