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I can't believe we have got ourselves into this mess. I know 'feelings' upset a lot of people on these forums which is quite ironic but blimey , why are we doing this?  To extricate ourselves is going to be painful, expensive, chaotic and probably futile. It is like dissembling a jigsaw, scattering the pieces all over the floor of a huge warehouse and then scrambling about trying to put the pieces together again to create a pretty picture. We are where we are in the world. A dangerous world that none of us expected to be in, whatever our age. We are a member of the European Union, a union (as we have sadly seen) that stands together in the face of adversity. A union that brings us together, teaches our children to share, to enjoy the foibles that being a little bit different but mainly the same bring. To share culture, history and solidarity. To move forward together knowing that someone has your back. Our leaving is going to be expensive and nast

It's interesting and amusing how the referendum has introduced a new form of stereotyping. Remain voters are portrayed as young to early middle-aged, quite well off and supremely intelligent, probably slim, fit and good looking . Those who voted to leave are portrayed as being as old as Methuselah, a bit on the poor side, lacking in intelligence /decidedly thick, probably a bit tubby, unfit and frankly, ugly.  But here in Great Britain (soon to be re-named The Isle of May) we are a diverse community, no size fits all. I voted to remain. I am in my late forties (so I tell myself) not well off at all, quite clever in some areas but quite thick in others, slim, fit and good looking.  I did have a bit of a spend up this week but not on a new car like a few other posters here today but on a new pair of jeans from Primark. I think it is reasonable to forecast some very tough times ahead and after reading the interview with David Davis in the Independent earlie

Henry Valentine Miller. 26 December 1891 - 7 June 1980 Writer and Artist An artist's life involves great swathes of attention. Attention is our way of connecting and surviving. Paying attention to the small details in our lives makes our lives extraordinarily large. Henry Miller championed this attention and his artistic and literary career stand as a legacy to his vast vision and close scrutiny. 'The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.'  Henry Miller. 'The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.' Henry Miller. 'Develop interest in life as you see it; people, things, literature, music- the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.' Henry Miller. Miller's daughter, Valentine,  describes her father as &

Ferragudo, Portugal. Oil on paper by Celia Turner. This is one of my earliest paintings. I visited Ferragudo in Portugal for the first time back in 2002. This area of Portugal is absolutely stunningly beautiful. Ferragudo town seemed untouched by time with fishermen bringing in their catch, widows in their weeds strolling quietly by, dogs chasing each other and impeccably dressed babies being taken out for a stroll. The air was fresh with salty sea air and barbecued fish. The lovely yellow houses seemed to lend an air of sunshine even on a rare gloomy day. I felt a sense of freedom in Ferragudo, that strange feeling that I had been there before and feeling totally at home even though I had never visited before in my life. Around the corner from this scene is the Fort of Sao- Joao do Arade, I think it has been modernised now but then was a stately old fort proudly protecting the coastline. I have many paintings of this fort /castle. The coastline itself is very much like our rugge

Fashion itself is a reliable reflection of social, cultural, economic, and political change. And boy 'The Times They-Are-A-Changin''. I wonder what effect the Trump era will have on fashion. I think the first noticeable change will be in the boob department. I predict that boobs will be taking a back seat. I reckon we (well, us girls) will be buttoning up our blouses quickly. When women want to be taken seriously, they need to look serious. In the US, the women will be feeling thwarted, frantic, and afraid of what their futures hold for them and their daughters. It is time for them to re-group, show solidarity, button up and go to war to reassert themselves and their power. Already the disappearance of the bosom can be noticed on the red carpet with high-necked gowns overtaking the plunging necklines which already seem embarrassing and naff. The sales of plunge bras have plummeted while the sales of t-shirt bras, un-padded bras and bra-lets have increased. Women want

It is thought the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder affects around 2 million people in the UK. It can affect people of any age including children. So, as it's a gloomy start to November, cold, grey and damp, here are some tips to beat the blues. And a happy picture to remind you of more colourful days to come. As soon as you wake up, open all curtains and blinds- any light is good light. Maintain your routine- don't neglect your hobbies. Get outside- dog walkers have to do it. Ditch the sugar-  sugar feeds depression. Develop wintertime interests- become a super-chef, a knitter, a blogger, a singer, a dancer. Practice relaxation- breathing exercises, yoga, mindfulness. Watch a funny film- it is hard not to laugh. Keep warm- hot water bottles are great, hot drinks, warm socks. Keep working out- you will feel better even if it's a struggle. See friends and family- they might need cheering up too. Book a massage- a study shows massage