Asymmetric imperfect
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| Asymmetric imperfect, acrylic on canvas, Lesley Beeton, 2012 |
This colourful abstract painting in acrylic represents the asymmetry of womens’ bodies. And the imperfections we all have.
The abstract nude in bold colours shows the artist has a confident approach to both colour and form. And this is reflected in her own choices, and endomorph body shape.
The round repeated themes represent the wholeness of women, whilst the flower motifs represents the biological function of women.
The gold dots represent the eggs stored in our bodies, waiting for that perfect moment of conception.
A jewel in the crown of the community
Farncombe Day Centre has been at the heart of the community in Farncombe for 25 years. Today, the centre celebrated its 25th anniversary, and the opening of the newly refurbished lounge. It was a jolly event, marked by Songs of Praise, followed by ribbon-cutting and tea and cake, and attended by the Mayors of Waverley and Godalming, as well as councillors, staff, volunteers, friends, family and many day centre users.
These are a few photos of the afternoon, described by the Mayor of Waverley Cllr Tony Gordon-Smith, as the 'jewel in the crown of Farncombe'.
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| Iced cake for the occasion |
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| Mayor of Godalming Cllr Liz Wheatley at Songs of Praise in the lounge |
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| Mayor of Waverley Cllr Tony Gordon-Smith praising the centre and its staff and volunteers |
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| Mayor of Godalming Cllr Liz Wheatley with centre manager Judith Corbett thanks the centre for the work it does in the community |
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| Surrey County Councillor Steve Cosser, who was thanked for making funds available for the lounge refurbishment |
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| Enjoying tea and cake |
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| Lovingly tended gardens at the day centre |
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| A pleasant spot at the window in the lounge The refurbishment project was funded by a Co-operatice Community Fund grant, Cllr Steve Cosser, Friends of Farncombe Day Centre through their numerous fund-raising activities, and a legacy |
Lovely Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
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| Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum), Lesley Beeton 2013 |
Sadly, not homegrown but in a bouquet delivered yesterday.
Photography by Lesley Beeton
Racing in Rotterdam
Well, Mr B did it! He completed the marathon in 3hr 21min 54 sec. And looked fresh as a daisy. Rotterdam welcomed the marathon runners and the weather was perfect. We stayed at the NH Atlanta hotel situated on Coolsingel at the start/finish line. Great location, average hotel, but a very comfy bed.
We shopped, ate, ran and slept, then shopped and ate some more. I will put my restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor.
We got a fix of Boxer dog.
We got photos of Erasmus Bridge from every angle. Top tip: take the tram over the bridge.
Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port, a constant stream of container traffic parading by the city centre. It also has excellent shops, imagine my delight at discovering a huge Desigual shop near to the hotel.
We loved the quirky artwork.
We loved the colour of Rotterdam.
The Dutch people were very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble, to make our stay more enjoyable. From the hotel reception staff, to the airport cafe, everyone had a smile on their face. And so did we.
* Our thoughts are with those caught up in the Boston marathon bombings, and we pray for a happy, safe London marathon for all runners and spectators.
Don't forget to register for the Godalming Run on 19 May.
Death in a care home
I am an advocate for Dying Matters. I believe that when your loved one is nearing the end of their life, you and your family should be told about the choices for their care. It is not an easy conversation to have.
I recently heard about a family who were mourning the loss of their mother, just before Mothering Sunday. She was an old lady with dementia, living in a care home, with serious underlying medical problems. But she was well cared for and her family loved her and visited her several times a week.
When the family received a phone call late one night, they were understandably concerned. The GP had been called to the care home. It was not her usual doctor, but there should have been a chart and notes on her condition. Apparently there was not. The old lady was transferred to a nearby hospital, where the consultant said there was nothing he could do for her, and returned her to the care home.
Twelve hours later, having never regained consciousness, she passed away, with her family at her side.
Her family are questioning the decision made by the hospital consultant, to return their mother to the care home to die. They are questioning whether treatment should have been started, to prolong their mother's life. No doubt these questions will be answered and the family will be able to continue their grieving.
But, what if the care home staff had had the confidence to talk to the family, to talk them through the options. If the care home staff weren't qualified to do so, what about the GP? If the family had been able to understand that their mother had already begun her final journey, for death sometimes comes slowly to the frail, surely they would have been better equipped to deal with her passing.
Another family, left in tears for a loved one, grieving for things not said or done.
I recently heard about a family who were mourning the loss of their mother, just before Mothering Sunday. She was an old lady with dementia, living in a care home, with serious underlying medical problems. But she was well cared for and her family loved her and visited her several times a week.
When the family received a phone call late one night, they were understandably concerned. The GP had been called to the care home. It was not her usual doctor, but there should have been a chart and notes on her condition. Apparently there was not. The old lady was transferred to a nearby hospital, where the consultant said there was nothing he could do for her, and returned her to the care home.
Twelve hours later, having never regained consciousness, she passed away, with her family at her side.
Her family are questioning the decision made by the hospital consultant, to return their mother to the care home to die. They are questioning whether treatment should have been started, to prolong their mother's life. No doubt these questions will be answered and the family will be able to continue their grieving.
But, what if the care home staff had had the confidence to talk to the family, to talk them through the options. If the care home staff weren't qualified to do so, what about the GP? If the family had been able to understand that their mother had already begun her final journey, for death sometimes comes slowly to the frail, surely they would have been better equipped to deal with her passing.
Another family, left in tears for a loved one, grieving for things not said or done.
Coming up for air
It's not that things have been bad, just busy.
Mr B is running a marathon on Sunday. It's a fast, flat course so he has trained hard. Which hasn't been much fun for me. Especially with a puppy in the house, a little bundle of energy who needs constant attention.
Add to that Dad's recurring chest infection, the tax year end for the practice, and a new invoicing system, and well, you can see how blogging took a back seat.
I've been twiddling my thumbs this afternoon. The weather is mild and the garden jobs are done. The practice work is up to date. Dad is well this week. The puppy hasn't poo'ed or wee'ed in the house for a few days and apart from wrestling on the bed with big dog, she is being quite good. We start obedience classes next week.
It seems that my outburst at the builders has resulted in them being fired. I can't be sure about that but they mysteriously disappeared before the Easter weekend, and haven't been back. The driveway is unfinished, so I suspect another company has been asked to complete the work. Of course, their parting shot was to inadvertently knock down the neighbour's wall.
Anyway, I can see life in the garden from my perch on the picnic table. Bumble bees abound, birds having a feeding frenzy, the pieris is in flower. The bulbs are quite cheerful. Mr B hasn't had to mow the lawn yet, but it won't be long. The rain was very warm this morning.
Talking of rain, January was wet, February was cold, March was cold and wet. But April is the cruellest month (TS Eliot, The Waste Land, 1922).
So I'm looking forward to a weekend away. The weather looks perfect in Rotterdam. I may even get my beloved camera out and snap away.
Mr B is running a marathon on Sunday. It's a fast, flat course so he has trained hard. Which hasn't been much fun for me. Especially with a puppy in the house, a little bundle of energy who needs constant attention.
Add to that Dad's recurring chest infection, the tax year end for the practice, and a new invoicing system, and well, you can see how blogging took a back seat.
I've been twiddling my thumbs this afternoon. The weather is mild and the garden jobs are done. The practice work is up to date. Dad is well this week. The puppy hasn't poo'ed or wee'ed in the house for a few days and apart from wrestling on the bed with big dog, she is being quite good. We start obedience classes next week.
It seems that my outburst at the builders has resulted in them being fired. I can't be sure about that but they mysteriously disappeared before the Easter weekend, and haven't been back. The driveway is unfinished, so I suspect another company has been asked to complete the work. Of course, their parting shot was to inadvertently knock down the neighbour's wall.
Anyway, I can see life in the garden from my perch on the picnic table. Bumble bees abound, birds having a feeding frenzy, the pieris is in flower. The bulbs are quite cheerful. Mr B hasn't had to mow the lawn yet, but it won't be long. The rain was very warm this morning.
Talking of rain, January was wet, February was cold, March was cold and wet. But April is the cruellest month (TS Eliot, The Waste Land, 1922).
So I'm looking forward to a weekend away. The weather looks perfect in Rotterdam. I may even get my beloved camera out and snap away.
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