There is something oddly satisfying and entertaining about talking rocket science over drinks on a Friday evening with colleagues, discussing everyone's projects and the conversation drifting towards the places the various people have lived in or where they would like to live in the future. My colleagues are a funny lot and I am now participating in the social evenings and weekends.
Saturday, a week ago dawned bright and sunny. The clear day was a direct sign from up above that I go get art supplies for my stay in London. As I made my way towards the art shop near the National Art Gallery, I came across the little lawn/garden/call it what you will at Leicester Square. Tunes of a very strange English country song filled the air drowning the loud buzz created by tourists and Londoners in the area. I couldn't help laughing out loud when I saw a few women and many five to seven year old kids (boys and girls) dressed up in elaborate satin dresses and dancing in the way the English country folk do and twirling around appreciating the warm summer day and spreading a cheerful vibe all around. That is something very London - using every patch of green grass available on sunny weekends for entertainment purposes. I didn't stay very long for I had places to go to.
The wonder and delight that fills me when I walk into an Art Shop is similar to that I feel when I stroll off the street into a bookshop. This is one of the few places where I want to touch the little bottles and tubes on the shelves, stroke the brushes, feel the different types of art paper available. Lock me in an art shop for a few days and I won't even notice that days would have flown by. Buying art supplies is serious business and must not be taken lightly. There are big decisions to be made about the type of paints and crayons and pencils you want. Buying watercolours is far from simple. Do I want them in little bottles or tubes? Or the little square pellets? Should I stick to what I am familiar with or try something new this time? Should I get the box of 12, 24 or 48? The biggest joy ofcourse was the fact that almost everything I wanted was less than half price!! Loaded with my art gear and a smile so sunny that the sun suffered an inferiority complex, I headed towards the Royal Festival Hall.
The Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre is a big deal here. For the last few months, renovations were going on and it was finally ready again to greet people with a love for music and art in all forms. As a special treat, there were free events on for everyone all weekend - from choirs, gospel singers, one of Aakanksha's favourite artists, and also performers from all walks of entertainment, or jumps if you will. Ever seen Cirque du Soleil on tv of for real? There were two dancers on the pavement in front of the Southbank Centre who were dancing so beautifully and romantically, I was more than absolutely smittened. With perfect precision and coordination, the woman was raised into the air by the cable around her waist and swung with such grace and perfection that the world's royals would appear inelegant. But the real treat waited me on the Riverside Terrace.
Dave is very jealous that I was able to see Billy Bragg perform live. I had to pinch myself to confirm I was infact there and seeing him play. His music is something I will leave you to explore. But I couldn't help chuckling when he sang Ringo and was so delighted when he did sing Milkman of Human Kindness. He also sang quite a few songs from his busking days on the streets of London back in the 70s. What struck me most is his aura. He is just a good man. A very distinguished, funny, frank, kind, just nice gentleman. He even asked his mum to join him on stage and sing along with him. The man is 50, so his mum must be around 70 at least and used to be a teller at the Royal Festival Hall back in the 50s so it was a very special day for her. He played for an hour but it was enough to fill my heart with happiness as well as sorrow. I miss Dave. Lots. And standing there knowing how much Dave would have enjoyed the performance, my heart ached and missed the friend I love so very much. I am glad Billy didn't see my face for he would have been confused by the pursed lips, sad eyes that were fighting tears and nose that looked like it was trying to keep the tears from flowing (refer: Lorelei Gilmore's stereotypical I am about to burst into tears look).
On my way back, a surprise awaited me at Trafalgar Square. As I neared the place, I noticed a significant number of police vans and policemen and policewomen on the streets. I was a little worried when all of a sudden the police brought the traffic to a halt everywhere, all around the square and also blocked the way for pedestrians. A few seconds later I heard bells tinkling....cycle bells. It was the World Naked Bike Ride in London. The crowd went wild, whistling, laughing and chuckling. Aakanksha? She was just very surprised and tried to squint and figure out what the flags on the bike read. The idea folks is to commute on bicycles, rollerblades or skateboards as much as possible and not drive! Curb your urge to drive cars!
When I finally got home, I sat down for a date with my water colour pad and paints. I wish I had a camera to show you what the eyes saw and the heart felt that day.
Saturday, a week ago dawned bright and sunny. The clear day was a direct sign from up above that I go get art supplies for my stay in London. As I made my way towards the art shop near the National Art Gallery, I came across the little lawn/garden/call it what you will at Leicester Square. Tunes of a very strange English country song filled the air drowning the loud buzz created by tourists and Londoners in the area. I couldn't help laughing out loud when I saw a few women and many five to seven year old kids (boys and girls) dressed up in elaborate satin dresses and dancing in the way the English country folk do and twirling around appreciating the warm summer day and spreading a cheerful vibe all around. That is something very London - using every patch of green grass available on sunny weekends for entertainment purposes. I didn't stay very long for I had places to go to.
The wonder and delight that fills me when I walk into an Art Shop is similar to that I feel when I stroll off the street into a bookshop. This is one of the few places where I want to touch the little bottles and tubes on the shelves, stroke the brushes, feel the different types of art paper available. Lock me in an art shop for a few days and I won't even notice that days would have flown by. Buying art supplies is serious business and must not be taken lightly. There are big decisions to be made about the type of paints and crayons and pencils you want. Buying watercolours is far from simple. Do I want them in little bottles or tubes? Or the little square pellets? Should I stick to what I am familiar with or try something new this time? Should I get the box of 12, 24 or 48? The biggest joy ofcourse was the fact that almost everything I wanted was less than half price!! Loaded with my art gear and a smile so sunny that the sun suffered an inferiority complex, I headed towards the Royal Festival Hall.
The Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre is a big deal here. For the last few months, renovations were going on and it was finally ready again to greet people with a love for music and art in all forms. As a special treat, there were free events on for everyone all weekend - from choirs, gospel singers, one of Aakanksha's favourite artists, and also performers from all walks of entertainment, or jumps if you will. Ever seen Cirque du Soleil on tv of for real? There were two dancers on the pavement in front of the Southbank Centre who were dancing so beautifully and romantically, I was more than absolutely smittened. With perfect precision and coordination, the woman was raised into the air by the cable around her waist and swung with such grace and perfection that the world's royals would appear inelegant. But the real treat waited me on the Riverside Terrace.
Dave is very jealous that I was able to see Billy Bragg perform live. I had to pinch myself to confirm I was infact there and seeing him play. His music is something I will leave you to explore. But I couldn't help chuckling when he sang Ringo and was so delighted when he did sing Milkman of Human Kindness. He also sang quite a few songs from his busking days on the streets of London back in the 70s. What struck me most is his aura. He is just a good man. A very distinguished, funny, frank, kind, just nice gentleman. He even asked his mum to join him on stage and sing along with him. The man is 50, so his mum must be around 70 at least and used to be a teller at the Royal Festival Hall back in the 50s so it was a very special day for her. He played for an hour but it was enough to fill my heart with happiness as well as sorrow. I miss Dave. Lots. And standing there knowing how much Dave would have enjoyed the performance, my heart ached and missed the friend I love so very much. I am glad Billy didn't see my face for he would have been confused by the pursed lips, sad eyes that were fighting tears and nose that looked like it was trying to keep the tears from flowing (refer: Lorelei Gilmore's stereotypical I am about to burst into tears look).
On my way back, a surprise awaited me at Trafalgar Square. As I neared the place, I noticed a significant number of police vans and policemen and policewomen on the streets. I was a little worried when all of a sudden the police brought the traffic to a halt everywhere, all around the square and also blocked the way for pedestrians. A few seconds later I heard bells tinkling....cycle bells. It was the World Naked Bike Ride in London. The crowd went wild, whistling, laughing and chuckling. Aakanksha? She was just very surprised and tried to squint and figure out what the flags on the bike read. The idea folks is to commute on bicycles, rollerblades or skateboards as much as possible and not drive! Curb your urge to drive cars!
When I finally got home, I sat down for a date with my water colour pad and paints. I wish I had a camera to show you what the eyes saw and the heart felt that day.
5 comments:
No Way! I used to love Billy Bragg! I didn't know he was still around.
Oh he is still around, and so is his mother! And his voice is so powerful and striking! I loved every minute of his singing. Especially when he sang The Milkman of Human Kindness.
Hi Kelly!
Hello! i see you have a lovely template! it looks great!
Hiya! Yeah, I stumbled across it this evening and felt it was 'just right'!! It took me months to find this!
Thanks for stopping by though! :)
Every time i read your blogs i try to demystify you a bit more but end up puzzled . i do that every month and then i read all that you written in the past weeks since i read the last one it seems like taking a peek in your private diary. I feel happy when you are happy and sad when you are sad . Let me tell you are a very brave girl taking all the adversities in your stride I wish I could do some thing to make you happy i especially like what you wrote about pain "pain is invevitable suffering is optional" Similiarly what is being dished out to you by life is inveitable the suffering is optional. Go out and enjoy yourself do what ever makes you feel good as long as it doesnot hurt others. I donot wish to sound as if i am preaching but some times a good advice is neccessary. I think all your friends wish that you be happy and enjoy yourself.
P.s.
All thos who agree with me send in your happiness recipes to Ace
Next week gift your self a camera so that we can see all the beautifull pictures of london through your skewed glasses
Luv
papa
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